A potential governance crisis is emerging in Rivers State as the House of Assembly voices growing concern over Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s continued delay in submitting names of commissioner nominees for screening.
Lawmakers raised the issue during Friday’s plenary session, highlighting the urgency for functional leadership across key ministries.
Following the suspension of emergency rule in September 2025, the Assembly had previously urged the governor to present a list of commissioner nominees to ensure effective administration.
Since the political crisis, Fubara has dismissed all commissioners appointed during the period, citing their lack of approval by the constitutionally recognized Assembly, as affirmed by a Supreme Court ruling.
However, he retained previously screened and approved commissioners, with some reassigned to other ministries.
Currently, several critical ministries, including Education and Communication, operate without appointed commissioners, leaving permanent secretaries to manage essential functions.
The governor has yet to provide any explanation for the delay.
The Assembly has adjourned plenary to Monday, January 26, 2026, signaling possible delays in the presentation of the 2026 budget, originally expected in December 2025.
Recent developments suggest that the fragile peace between Governor Fubara and the House may be unraveling.
The Speaker of the House, Hon. Ikuinyi O. Amaewhule, criticized the deteriorating state of public schools, blaming the governor for neglecting the sector despite repeated warnings from the Assembly.
He described the situation as “a sad commentary” on the state of education in Rivers, calling for urgent intervention.
Amaewhule highlighted the severe shortage of teachers in public schools and accused the government of abandoning the 10,000-job recruitment initiative started under the administration of former Governor Nyesom Wike.
“When it is time for protest, funds are available, but when it is time to employ teachers, there is nothing,” he lamented.
He added, “How can anyone believe that in 2025, a teacher will manage two classrooms under one roof?” He stressed that the House would not allow such indifference to continue.
The Speaker also raised questions about the alleged over N600 billion left in state coffers by the former Sole Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, questioning why these funds have not been deployed to improve public education.
In response, Governor Fubara stated that employment in the state would be based on actual needs rather than political considerations.
During a meeting with the Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council on Monday, he noted that the public school system was already in poor condition before he took office and assured that the 2026 budget would prioritize education.
Fubara further approved the formal employment of 1,000 teachers who completed the recruitment process in 2023 but had yet to receive appointment letters.
However, he did not comment on the status of funds reportedly left by Ibas.
