In a plenary session on Monday, March 9, 2026, presided over by Speaker Martin Amaewhule, the lawmakers conducted an intensive screening that exceeded two hours. After deliberations and motions from members, the House confirmed five nominees as commissioners-designate and declined to approve the remaining four.
Speaker Amaewhule announced the decision, citing poor performance during the screening, unresolved petitions, issues with documentation, and concerns that the rejected nominees were not sufficiently prepared or suitable for their intended roles in the state executive council.
He described the approved ones as fitting ("square pegs in square holes") and noted that the others fell short in demonstrating readiness to serve Rivers State effectively.
He stated: “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 either their documents.
"We feel that they are not square pegs in square holes for the offices that they intend to occupy in the Rivers State Executive Council.”
The Speaker confirmed that a formal letter would be sent to Governor Fubara, urging him to swear in the approved nominees as soon as possible.
The five cleared nominees are:
Tonye Belgam (also referred to as Tonye Bellgam)
Prof. Temple Nwafor (also listed as Temple Nwofor or Nwofer)
Dr. Peters Nwagor
Lekue Kenneth
Amarigha Edward-Hart (also Sir Amairigha Edward Hart)
The four rejected nominees are:
Prof. Datonye Alasia
Barr. Tamuno Williams
Otonye Amachree (also Otonye TKD Amachree)
Charity Deemua (also Mrs. Charity Deemua)
This outcome marks a key step in reconstituting the state's cabinet after Governor Fubara submitted the list of nine professionals and technocrats for legislative approval. The House has adjourned until Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
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