In an unprecedented move, the Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Speaker Martin Amaewhule, has issued a stern ultimatum to Governor Simi Fubara, demanding the dismissal of all commissioners in the state within the next 48 hours.
It says it is addressing a serious constitutional infraction involving Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The Assembly emphasized that the Governor swore in several individuals as Commissioners without the required screening and confirmation.
As stated, “That we should remind you of another infraction of the Constitution in which you illegally swore in several other persons who are parading themselves as Commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council on Tuesday 21st May 2024, namely- Prince Charles O. Beke; Collins Onunwo; Solomon Eke; Peter Medee; Elloka Tasie-Amadi; Basoene Joshua Benibo; Tambari Sydney Gbara and Ovy Orluideye Chinedum Chukwuma without screening and confirmation by the Rivers State House of Assembly in full compliance with Section 192(2) & (6) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.”
Additionally, “The Governor swore in more individuals as Commissioners on Tuesday, 13th August 2024, including Illamu Arug, Rowland Obed Whyte, Samuel Anyan, Stanley Eke, and Austin Emeka Nnadozie. He also swore in Israel Ngbelu, Evans Bipi, Otarinij Ngubo, and Benibo Alabraba on Monday, 7th October 2024, and Emmanuel Frank-Fubara on 8th July 2024, bringing the total number of unconfirmed Commissioners to 19.”
This development comes after the Supreme Court’s judgment, ordering the 27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to resume functions immediately.