The Rivers State House of Assembly has extended invitations to nine former commissioners who resigned from Governor Siminalayi Fubara‘s cabinet for fresh screening.
The resignations occurred amid the crisis between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is the minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The invitation was made known through a public announcement signed by the Clerk of the Assembly, Emeka Amadi, on Monday.
“The Rivers State House of Assembly hereby invites the following commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation as members of the Rivers State Executive Council.
“Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), Dr. Jacobson Mbina, Dr. Gift Worlu, Mrs Inime Chinwenwo- Aguma, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom, Dr. George Des-Kelly, Hon. Isaac Kamalu, and Engr. Austin Chioma,” the announcement reads.
The recall of these commissioners is part of an eight-point resolution from a mediation meeting led by President Bola Tinubu in Abuja.
As part of peace efforts, Fubara has been directed to reappoint the pro-Wike commissioners who resigned.
Seven of the nine nominees previously served as commissioners under Wike.
The nominated individuals have been requested to appear before the Assembly on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 10 a.m., bringing along 40 sets of curriculum vitae, photocopies of their credentials, and their originals.
The state commissioner for information and communications, Joseph Johnson, confirmed the governor’s awareness of the assembly’s invitation, emphasising their commitment to the agreement reached with Tinubu.
Regarding the 2024 budget, Johnson suggested a step-by-step approach, stating, “Any bridge we get to, we cross.”
The lawmakers previously called on Fubara to present the 2024 budget afresh, aligning with the resolution following Tinubu’s intervention.
