More details have emerged as to why the Rivers State House of Assembly dropped four of the nine candidates sent to them by Governor Siminilayi Fubara for confirmation and appointment as commissioners in his cabinet.
The lawmakers revealed that they found discrepancies in the submission of some of the candidates, hence they could not confirm them for the positions sought.
Those cleared by the lawmakers are Tonye Belgam, Prof Temple Nwafor, Dr Peters Nwagor, Lekue Kenneth, and Amarigha Edward-Hart.
While those rejected included Prof Datonye Alasia, Tamuno Williams, Otonye Amachree, and Charity Deemua.
One of the rejected nominees, Deemua, while responding to a question from a lawmaker, Burabari Loolo concerning inconsistencies in her tax clearance, said the document did not show any update of tax payment since December 31, 2018, and asked if she was exempted from paying tax within the period, explaining she is a politician and had no formal job.
Amaewhule interjected: “Madam, you have not been paying tax since 2018?”
Responding, Deemua said, “As I said before, I’m a politician. We don’t have an office. I don’t have work. Mr Speaker, I think tax is generated from your income.”
READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly reject Gov Fubara’s commissioner nominees
Amaewhule pressed further: “So politicians don’t pay tax? Have you not had any income since 2018 to date? Madam, you’re under oath; you’ve not had any income from 2018 to 2026. That is what you’re telling Rivers people?”
Deemua explained she was a commissioner in the Rivers State House of Assembly Service Commission and had served briefly as a local government caretaker committee member in 2025 for three months.
The Speaker challenged her: “Were you not paid a salary when you were a caretaker committee member?”
Deemua responded: “We were paid, but I protest, Mr Speaker, the payment was not an income.”
Amaewhule countered: “But you said you have not had any income from 2018 till date, so no tax clearance. That is what you’re telling Rivers people? Madam, that is not nice. You’re misleading the 10th Rivers State House of Assembly.”
Although the nominee apologised, it was not enough to save her.
In another instance, House Leader, Major Jack, ask commissioner-nominee, Williams, to recite the second stanza of the national anthem, which he could not, only reciting the first stanza.
Similarly, the House Committee Chairman on Information, Complaints, and Petitions, Dr Enemi George, informed the House of over 10 petitions against nominee Amachree, adding that he received another electronic petition during the screening.
The Speaker said: “Distinguished colleagues, let me thank all of you for your participation in this screening session. You were elected to do this job. It is our duty to get the best for Rivers people, which is why questions were asked and the nominees answered.”
Jack moved a motion for the nominees to take leave of the chamber, seconded by Deputy Majority Leader, Linda Stewart.
The House then adjourned plenary to Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
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