The Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday screened nine commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, confirming five and rejecting four after hours of deliberation in Port Harcourt.
The nominees appeared before lawmakers one after another to defend their credentials and respond to questions on their professional background and suitability for office.
Among the first to appear was Datonye Alasia, a professor of medicine and consultant nephrologist. Lawmakers raised concerns over discrepancies in his birth certificate and the absence of a tax clearance certificate.
Alasia attributed the alteration on the birth certificate to the doctor who issued it and apologised for failing to attach his tax clearance certificate during submission of documents. He also highlighted his contributions to the state through the training of medical professionals.
However, Peter Abbey, the lawmaker representing Degema Constituency, moved a motion for his rejection, citing unsatisfactory responses. The motion was seconded and the House voted against his confirmation.
Tonye Bellgam, who holds a master’s degree in Project Management and has extensive experience in the oil and gas sector, was subsequently confirmed after lawmakers reviewed his professional record.
Civil engineering professor Temple Nwofor from Igwuruta in Ikwerre Local Government Area also secured confirmation after assuring lawmakers that he would only execute projects approved in the state budget.
“I don’t think I will involve myself in any project that is not contained in the budget,” he told the House.
Similarly, Peters Nwagor, a mathematician and Associate Dean at Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, was confirmed after presenting his academic and administrative experience.
Proceedings became tense during the screening of Charity Deemua, a former member of the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission. Lawmakers questioned discrepancies in her birth records and the absence of tax clearance documents.
When asked about her work experience, she replied, “I’m a politician, I don’t have work,” prompting the Speaker to ask whether politicians were exempt from paying taxes. She was eventually rejected.
Tamuno Williams, a lawyer from Okrika and former local government chairman, faced questions over alleged past criticisms of the Assembly. Williams denied the claims, stating that his comments were strictly based on legal analysis. Nevertheless, the House declined to confirm his nomination.
Chartered accountant Lekue Kenneth, who serves as a senior project accountant on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, was confirmed after outlining his experience in financial management.
Senior lawyer and lecturer Otonye Amachree was also screened but faced scrutiny over petitions against him and his involvement in a Kalabari regency legal dispute. His nomination was ultimately rejected.
The final nominee, private sector executive Amairigha Edward Hart, was confirmed.
At the end of the exercise, the Assembly confirmed five nominees — Tonye Bellgam, Professor Temple Nwofor, Dr Peters Nwagor, Lekue Kenneth and Amairigha Edward Hart while rejecting Professor Datonye Alasia, Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams and Otonye Amachree.
The Speaker said the Assembly would formally communicate its decision to Governor Fubara and urged him to swear in the confirmed nominees as soon as possible.
