Four out of the Nine commissioner-nominees, including a professor, submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara for screening and confirmation has been rejected by the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Martin Amaewhule, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly made this disclosure after listening to motions moved by members of the assembly.
The Speaker explained that the rational behind the dropping of the nominees was due to poor performance during the screening and controversies, including petitions surrounding their nominations.
“Distinguished colleagues, we have nine nominees forwarded to this Assembly by the governor. At the end of the screening exercise, the House has confirmed five of them.
“And four of them, the House has chosen to take a deep breath, given their poor performance and controversies surrounding their documents.
“They have not been able to show this august assembly that they are prepared to serve Rivers State or that they are able.
“And we feel that they are not square pegs in square holes for the offices they intend to occupy in the Rivers State Executive Council.
“On that note, distinguished colleagues, I thank you for your contributions. With your leave and in line with our rules, I will forward the resolution of this august assembly to the governor so that he can take necessary steps in the interest of Rivers State,” he said.
After putting the question to the House to write a letter to the governor, the Speaker added:
“On that note, I’m going to forward a letter to the governor and ask him to swear in five of the nominees as soon as possible.”