The Rivers State House of Assembly voiced its disapproval of recent appointments made by Governor Fubara.
The Assembly expressed concern over the appointment of Mr. Goodlife Ben as acting Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission, Dr. Mrs. Ine Briggs as acting Director-General of the Bureau for Public Procurement, and Mr. Tonte Davies as acting Administrator of the New Cities Development Authority.
The Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Major Jack, drew attention to a Government Special Announcement, leading to a discussion on the matter.
Members cited sections of relevant laws, emphasizing that the Governor had seemingly disregarded existing legislation in making these appointments.
Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, the Speaker of the House, criticized the appointment of an acting Administrator for the New Cities Development Authority, questioning its legitimacy as it lacks recognition in any existing state legislation.
He further contended that appointing an acting Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission and an acting Director-General of the Bureau for Public Procurement went against the provisions of the respective Establishment laws.
Expressing bewilderment at Governor Fubara’s actions, Rt. Hon. Amaewhule labeled the appointments as condemnable and inconsistent with the laws of the land. The Speaker highlighted that such actions amounted to misconduct, considering the violation of extant laws and the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Following a vote in the affirmative, the House resolved to address Governor Fubara directly, intending to draw his attention to Section 44(3) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018 and Section 5(1) of the Rivers State Public Procurement Law No. 4 of 2008.
The Assembly expressed displeasure at what they deemed questionable appointments, considering them an aberration and a violation of existing laws.
This was made public on his social media handle by Wachukwu Martins, the Special Assistant to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly on media and publicity.
Recall that Governor Fubara had last week reappointed the nine resigned commissioners who vacated their offices in support of former governor Wike during the leadership crisis that rocked the state before the intervention of President Tinubu.
Wike, the FCT minister had accused Governor Fubara of interfering with his political structure, a move which raised tension across the state following the notice of impeachment served to the governor by the state assembly members loyal to the former governor.
In a similar development, Governor Fubara today approved the appointment of RT. Hon. Edison Ehie as Chief of Staff to the Government House. Similarly, he also appointed four others as Special Advisers. Those appointed include Hon. Darlington Oji, Hon. Prince Ohia, Barr. Aminayasam Fiberesima, Engr. Deeya Bariene, and Hon. Prince Abel Eke
