The Rivers State House of Assembly has summoned nine former commissioners, who had previously resigned amidst the political rift between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, for a fresh screening as commissioners. This development follows the mediation meeting in Abuja, chaired by President Bola Tinubu, which resulted in an eight-point resolution aimed at resolving the ongoing crisis.
The former commissioners, many of whom had served in Wike’s cabinet, retained their positions or portfolios in Fubara’s cabinet. President Tinubu directed Fubara to reappoint these pro-Wike commissioners who had resigned during the political turmoil.
Of the nine nominees, seven had previously served under Wike as commissioners, while one, Emeka Woke, formerly Chief of Staff to Wike, had been Commissioner for Special Duties to Fubara before resigning. Dr. Gift Worlu, despite being a staunch supporter of Wike, had not held a position during Wike’s tenure but was appointed Commissioner for Housing by Fubara before resigning along with others loyal to Wike.
The Rivers State House of Assembly’s invitation, communicated through the Assembly Clerk, called for the nominees to undergo screening and confirmation as members of the Rivers State Executive Council. The nominees were instructed to appear before the Assembly at 10 am on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, bringing along 40 sets of curriculum vitae, photocopies of credentials, and their originals.
The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, confirmed that Governor Fubara was aware of the Assembly’s invitation to the ex-commissioners. He indicated that the governor was committed to fulfilling the resolutions reached during the mediation meeting with President Tinubu. Regarding presenting the 2024 budget afresh to the lawmakers, Johnson stated that they would take it “one step at a time.” Previously, the governor had presented the budget to the faction of the Assembly loyal to him, but Tinubu’s intervention necessitated a re-presentation of the budget for legislative approval.
