Fresh Tension In Rivers As Lawmakers, Gov Fubara Ready For Another Battle

Tensions have emerged in Rivers State as members of the State House of Assembly have raised concerns regarding Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s delay in submitting a new list of commissioner nominees.

During a recent Friday session, lawmakers emphasized that the lack of substantive commissioners is hindering the governance of the state and creating unnecessary uncertainty.

The Assembly pointed out that the governor has not made any formal submissions since the legislative body resumed normal operations following the suspension of the emergency rule in September 2025. Previously, the House had urged the governor to promptly provide a list of nominees to ensure the effective functioning of the ministries. However, despite this appeal made several months ago, the situation has not improved.

The political atmosphere grew more complicated when Governor Fubara relieved several commissioners of their duties, arguing that they were appointed during the height of the crisis and were never screened by the Assembly recognized by the Supreme Court.

Only those who had undergone proper legislative confirmation before the conflict were allowed to stay, with some reassigned to new portfolios.

As a result, many ministries across the state are now being run by permanent secretaries in an acting capacity.

Key sectors such as Education, Information and Communications, and others still lack confirmed commissioners, leaving policy direction and administrative oversight in the hands of career civil servants rather than political appointees.

They insisted that the governor’s prolonged silence on the matter is worrying, especially at a time when Rivers State is trying to stabilise after months of political turmoil.

So far, the governor has not issued any explanation for the delay, nor has he hinted at when the nominee list will be ready.

For now, all eyes remain on Governor Fubara, as residents and political actors await his next move.