Rivers Crisis: Pro-Fubara Assembly to Screen 8 Commissioner-Nominees to Replace Wike’s Allies

• There is a new twist regarding the political crisis in Rivers state, as it has now extended to the leadership of the state Assembly and the governor
• From emerging reports on Tuesday, some commissioners who dumped Governor Similanayi Fubara's cabinet last week are set to be replaced
• Lawmakers loyal to Fubara in Rivers Assembly have invited nominees for screening as commissioners to replace Wike's loyalists

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

Rivers state - On Tuesday, May 21, an emerging report disclosed that the faction of the Rivers state House of Assembly loyal to Governor Similanayi Fubara had invited some nominees for screening.

As reported by Daily Trust, the nominees were invited to appear before the assembly led by Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo.

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Legit.ng reported that five commissioners loyal to the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, resigned from Fubara's cabinet on Wednesday, May 15, citing various reasons.

It was gathered that the mass resignation was connected to the political crisis in the state, which was allegedly ignited by Wike's move to retain control of the political structure, even after handing over power to Fubara at the end of his tenure in 2023.

However, on Tuesday, a letter was reportedly sent out, and eight nominees were invited for screening as commissioners.

The Punch reported that the nominees were directed to bring 12 sets of their curriculum vitae and the original and photocopies of their credentials.

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Rivers crisis: Sources explain why Wike's allies resigned from Fubara's cabinet

G.M. Gillis-West, the clerk of the pro-Fubara House of Assembly, signed the letter of invitation, Vanguard reported.

List of the commissioners designate

According to the letter, the following persons will be screened as commissioners designate:

1. Hon. Prince Charles O. Bekee,
2. Mr. Collins N. Onunwo,
3. Hon. Solomon Eke,
4. Sir. Dr. Peter N. Medee,
5. Hon. Elloka Tasie Amadi,
6. Hon. Basoene Joshua Benibo,
7. Mr. Tambari Sydney Gbara, and
8. Dr. Ovy Orluideye Chinendum Chukwuma.

They are meant to fill the vacant positions in the cabinet following the resignation of five commissioners loyal to the minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Rivers crisis: Jonathan cautions Wike, Fubara

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that on Monday, May 20, ex-president Goodluck Jonathan had waded into the Rivers crisis, appealing to Wike and Fubara to sheathe their swords in the interest of peace.

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Jonathan insisted that Fubara and Wike must work together to advance the growth and development of Rivers state.

He observed that the political tension in the state was too much but said the crisis would not help the development of Rivers.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng