Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, on Wednesday inaugurated five new commissioners and urged them to serve the state with dedication and commitment. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Those inaugurated were Tonye Bellgam, Temple Nwofor, Peters Nwagor, Lekue Kenneth, and Amairigha Edward Hart, who had earlier been cleared by the Rivers State House of Assembly after undergoing a screening exercise on Monday.
Speaking at the event, the governor said the rigorous nature of the screening conducted by lawmakers showed that the appointees were qualified and prepared to contribute effectively to the administration as members of the State Executive Council.
Fubara noted that the Assembly had already highlighted the responsibilities attached to their offices during the screening, stressing that he expected them to justify the confidence reposed in them.
According to him, successfully passing through such a detailed process was itself proof that the commissioners were capable of delivering on their mandates.
News: Rivers State Assembly Approves 5 Commissioner Nominees
The Oath of Allegiance and Oath of Office were administered by David Ihua-Maduenyi, Chief Registrar of the High Court of Rivers State.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, said during plenary that the nominees confirmed by the House met the criteria set by lawmakers during the screening process.
He explained that four other nominees did not receive legislative approval after members voted against their confirmation during the exercise held on 9 March.
Amaewhule added that the Assembly would formally communicate its decision to the governor, including the reasons for declining the nominations of Datonye Alasia, Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, and Otonye TKD Amachree.
According to lawmakers, concerns raised during the process included unsatisfactory responses to questions, issues relating to tax clearance, and petitions submitted against some of the nominees.
The screening session lasted more than two hours and took place at the Assembly complex in Port Harcourt.
