The Rivers State House of Assembly has rejected four commissioner nominees submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The nominees were screened on Monday at the State Assembly in Port Harcourt.
Those confirmed include Mr. Tonye Bellgam, Professor Temple Nwofor, Dr. Peters Nwagor, Mr. Lekue Kenneth, and Sir Amairigha Edward Hart.
Those rejected are Professor Datonye Alasia, Mrs. Charity Deemua, Tamuno Williams, and Otonye TKD Amachree.
Meanwhile, the rejection of four commissioner nominees by the Rivers State House of Assembly has sparked reactions from stakeholders in the state.
Speaking with our correspondent, human rights lawyer Henry Ekine advised the Assembly not to hide behind its constitutional powers to carry out what he described as political victimisation. He said that although lawmakers have the constitutional responsibility to screen and confirm commissioner nominees, any rejection must be based on constitutional provisions and not frivolous allegations.
Also reacting, the President-General of the Initiative for Transparent Strategy and Good Governance, Chizy Enyi, said the rejection amounts to political victimisation that could undermine democratic governance in the state. Mr Enyi told our correspondent that while the Assembly has the duty to screen and confirm nominees, such powers should be exercised transparently and in the interest of the people. He added that many of the rejected nominees are believed to be loyalists of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
In his reaction, the Chairman of Civil Society Organisations in the state, Sunny Dada, said that given the current political climate, it is not surprising that the rejection is being interpreted politically. He added that in countries where democratic institutions function properly, lawmakers carrying out oversight responsibilities are commended when due process is followed.
