Political Turmoil As Rivers Assembly Demands Removal Of Commissioners

Political Turmoil as Rivers Assembly Demands Removal of Commissioners

The Rivers State House of Assembly, primarily composed of loyalists to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has intensified efforts to challenge Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration. In a new development, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, has officially requested the dismissal of 19 commissioners and political appointees who, according to the Assembly, were not properly screened.

Amaewhule, in a letter addressed to the governor on Wednesday, asserted that these appointments violated the 1999 Constitution, as they were made without legislative approval. He further urged Governor Fubara to submit a new list of nominees for screening and proper vetting by the Assembly.

This demand marks an escalation in the ongoing rift between the state legislature and the executive branch, deepening the already intense political crisis in Rivers State. One of the critical issues raised in the letter was the governor’s failure to present Dagogo Iboroma for screening as the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, which, according to the Speaker, contravenes sections 192 (2) and (5) and section 195 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The Assembly further insisted that Governor Fubara submit a fresh list of nominees for various executive positions within 48 hours.

Commissioner for Environment Dismisses Lawmakers’ Demands

Reacting to the Assembly’s directive, Rivers State Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Sydney Tambari, strongly opposed the move, stating that the lawmakers were overstepping their constitutional bounds. He described their actions as baseless and politically motivated.

Tambari emphasized that all the commissioners had already been screened and confirmed by the former Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, who was legally recognized by the courts as the legitimate Speaker at the time. He further argued that following Ehie’s resignation, his successor, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, continued the screening process, making the Assembly’s request redundant.

“There is no need for Governor Fubara to submit a fresh list. The commissioners were duly screened, and the demand for their removal is irrelevant,” Tambari stated.

He also took a swipe at the lawmakers, pointing out that their actions were inconsistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling, which focused on the 2024 budget rather than the removal of commissioners and political appointees. According to him, the budget presentation falls solely under the governor’s discretion and has already been addressed.

Escalating Political Crisis in Rivers State

This latest confrontation between the Rivers State executive and legislature further underscores the deep-seated political tensions affecting governance in the state. With both factions standing their ground, the political atmosphere remains uncertain, raising concerns over the stability of governance in Rivers State.

For further reading on constitutional provisions regarding political appointments, visit Nigeria’s Constitution