A fresh wave of political tension is unfolding in Rivers State as the House of Assembly has queried Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s prolonged delay in forwarding a list of commissioner nominees for legislative screening, a development lawmakers warn could impede the state’s governance architecture.
During Friday’s plenary, legislators adopted a measured yet firm stance, signalling growing unease over the governor’s silence despite earlier resolutions urging him to expedite the process. The Assembly had, at its first sitting after the suspension of emergency rule in September, underscored the need for a full executive council to restore operational efficiency in government.
The situation has become more complex since Governor Fubara relieved all commissioners appointed at the height of the state’s political crisis, insisting that their nominations were not validated by the constitutionally recognised Assembly, in line with a Supreme Court ruling. Only commissioners previously screened and confirmed before the crisis were retained and subsequently redeployed.
As it stands, the state is operating with a skeletal executive council. Several ministries—including Education and Communication—remain without substantive commissioners, leaving permanent secretaries to steer affairs at a time stakeholders argue requires deeper political stewardship.
The governor has not offered any explanation for the delay, a silence that has further fuelled speculation and raised anxiety across the political class. While the Assembly maintains that its concern is anchored on strengthening governance processes, there are fears that the impasse may reopen old fissures within the state’s lingering political realignments.
For many observers, the unfolding scenario underscores the delicate balance of power in Rivers State’s political landscape, where institutional cooperation continues to be tested amid persistent leadership tensions.
