Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, is preparing to send a new list of commissioner nominees to the State House of Assembly as part of efforts to reconstitute his cabinet following the end of the emergency rule in the state.
This development comes as the governor has decided to retain eight commissioners who were unaffected by the recent Supreme Court judgment that recognised Martin Amaewhule as the authentic Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Governor Fubara had earlier announced the dissolution of his cabinet upon resumption of full executive functions, following the expiration of the six-month emergency rule imposed on the state by President Bola Tinubu.
A reliable source in the Government House, Port Harcourt, who pleaded anonymity for lack of authorisation to speak to the press, confirmed the names of the retained commissioners to The PUNCH on Sunday.
According to the source, the retained commissioners include: Dr Adaeze Oreh (Health); Charles Amadi (Chieftaincy Affairs); Christopher Green (Sports); Joe Johnson (Information and Communications); Chisom Gbali (Youth Development); Victor Kii (Agriculture); Dr Roseline Uranta (Women Affairs); and Nwafor Maximus (Energy and Natural Resources).
The source added that a minor reshuffle might be carried out, with some commissioners reassigned to other ministries.
“The governor told them himself that there will be a reshuffle and asked them to prepare,” the source said. “The only person whose portfolio is confirmed for now is the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, who has proven to be one of the best health commissioners so far.”
When asked when the new list of commissioner nominees would be sent to the Assembly for screening and confirmation, the source said the process would begin “very soon.”
“That will happen soon because the governor wants to fully constitute his cabinet,” he said. “Don’t forget that the governor has reconciled with the Assembly, and they are expecting his list of nominees.
“As part of the peace deal reached after the meeting between the governor and the Assembly, some loyalists of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, may be accommodated in the new cabinet to ensure inclusiveness and sustain the current peace in the state.”
Speaking on the recent meeting convened by Rivers elders, which had in attendance Wike, and members of the state legislature, the source said Governor Fubara acted within his prerogative and remains firmly in control of the state.
“Governor Fubara is the elected leader of Rivers State and knows what is best for the state,” the source added. “Nobody should complain about the meeting or his decisions. Even those affected by the Supreme Court judgment have accepted the reality on the ground and are now on the same page with him.
“What is important is that peace has returned to Rivers State. In the next couple of weeks, many positive developments will begin to unfold for the good of the state,” the source added.
