Pro-Wike commissioners face fresh screening to rejoin Fubara’s cabinet

Nine former commissioners who left Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cabinet on Monday were asked by the Rivers State House of Assembly to reapply for the position of commissioner.

In the midst of the dispute between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the estranged political godfather, the commissioners tendered their resignations.

Many of them continued to hold the same roles or responsibilities in Fubara’s cabinet after serving in Wike’s cabinet.

A public statement issued by Assemblyman Emeka Amadi, the Clark, contained their invitation for a new screening, which our correspondent was able to see on Monday.

President Bola Tinubu led a mediation meeting in Abuja where an eight-point resolution was reached, including the recall of the commissioners.

Fubara was instructed to reappoint the pro-Wike commissioners who had resigned from his government as part of peace initiatives.

Of the nine nominees, seven worked as commissioners under Wike, and Emeka Woke, Wike’s chief of staff, initially served as Fubara’s commissioner for special duties until resigning.

Despite being a devoted follower of Wike, Dr. Gift Worlu did not hold any official position under his administration. Instead, Fubara named him Commissioner for Housing, and he resigned along with the other Wike supporters.

The Assembly’s letter “The following commissioner-nominees are hereby invited for screening and confirmation as members of the Rivers State Executive Council,” Clark said.

“Dr. George Des-Kelly, Hon. Isaac Kamalu, Prof. Prince Chinedu Mmom, Engr. Chukwuemeka Woke, Mrs. Inime Chinwenwo-Aguma, Dr. Jacobson Mbina, Dr. Gift Worlu, and Engr. Austin Chioma.”

They were requested to appear in front of the Assembly on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

The public announcement further stated, “Nominees are to come along with 40 sets of curriculum vitae, photocopies of their credentials, and their originals.”

The governor was informed of the Assembly’s invitation to the former commissioners, according to Joseph Johnson, the state commissioner for information and communications, who was called.

“We had a meeting with Mr. President,” Johnson stated. We are attempting to fulfill our portion of the eight-point agenda. Who wrote or who didn’t write is irrelevant.