The Rivers State House of Assembly has issued a directive to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, granting a 48-hour ultimatum for the submission of a revised list of commissioner nominees.
In a communication dated March 5, the assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, accused Fubara of inaugurating 19 commissioners without the required legislative screening and confirmation, alleging a breach of the Constitution.
The lawmakers further alleged that the governor made various appointments to positions necessitating assembly approval before assuming responsibilities. One instance cited was the appointment and swearing-in of Dagogo Iboroma as Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice without prior legislative confirmation.
The assembly highlighted additional instances of perceived violations, including the appointment and swearing-in of individuals to the Rivers State Bureau on Public Procurement and the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission without the mandated screening and confirmation processes.
The assembly’s letter emphasized the imperative need for adherence to the rule of law and urged Governor Fubara to present a new list of commissioner nominees and fill other vacant positions requiring assembly approval within the stipulated 48-hour timeframe.
Furthermore, the lawmakers stressed the importance of compliance with the constitutional provisions and state laws.
In a separate development, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Amaewhule-led assembly faction, directing them to resume legislative activities. The court also upheld a previous ruling that restrained the release of statutory allocations to Rivers State by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Accountant-General of the Federation. Additionally, the court invalidated the local government election held in Rivers State on October 5, 2024.