Rivers Assembly Screens, Confirms Five Commissioner-Nominees

The Rivers State House of Assembly, yesterday, at its 82nd Sitting, screened and confirmed the nomination of Mr. Ben Chioma, Dr. Gift Worlu, Mr. Victor Kii, Mr. Joseph Johnson, and Mr. Prince Isaac Umejuru as commissioners and members of the Rivers State Executive Council.
This is sequel to a letter read on the Floor of the House, which was forwarded to the House by the Governor of the State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, praying the House to screen and confirm the nominees, pursuant to Section 192 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.
Screening the nominees, the House grilled them on what and how they intend to contribute to the development of state.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, advised the nominees to commit and dedicate themselves to the service of the state; adding that it is a huge privilege given to them at this time to contribute their quota in the development of the state.
In his remarks, the Chairman, House Committee on Youth Development, Empowerment and Employment, and member representing Ahoada West Constituency in the Assembly, Hon. Sokari Goodboy Sokari, congratulated Prince Isaac Umejuru on his successful screening and confirmation as a commissioner- designate by the 10th Assembly.
The lawmaker expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for finding Prince Umejuru worthy to serve in the State Executive Council as a commissioner.
He further noted that as a loyal and committed party man who has previously served as a Caretaker Committee (CTC) chairman of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, and in several other capacities, Umejuru was eminently qualified to function as a commissioner and confident that he would do well in his assignment.
“To my dear brother and friend, I wish to congratulate you on behalf of my family on your successful screening and confirmation by the state House of Assembly.
“This nomination is no doubt a testament of your loyalty, respect and commitment to the growth and development of our great party PDP,” he stated.
Also, the member representing the people of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Constituency 2, Hon. Nkemjika Ijeoma Ezekwe, felicitated with Umejuru on his nomination and successful screening as a member of the State Executive Council, urging him to give his best in providing leadership for the people.
The lawmaker, who is the chairperson, House Committee on Social Welfare and Rehabilitations, expressed joy at the maturity and stability of mind displayed by members, especially during the screening and confirmation of the nominees.
She expressed belief that Umejuru would strengthen synergy among the ministries to actualise public policies designed to provide opportunities for development and growth among other ministries and local government areas, considering his antecedents in politics, business and experience.
The Assembly member wished Umejuru and other confirmed commissioners- designate the very best on their new assignments for better and prosperous River State.
Similarly, the member representing Khana Constituency 1 in the Assembly, Hon. Barile Austine Nwakoh, also expressed satisfaction that Governor Fubara chose Mr. Victor Barikpoamene Kii, as a commissioner-designate from her constituency.
She commended the governor for considering Kii for the appointment, and hailed him for his contributions to the development of the constituency in particular and Rivers State as a whole.
In a statement, yesterday, Nwakoh expressed optimism that Kii’s appointment would be a veritable opportunity for him to bring his wealth of experience and expertise to bear in the discharge of his duties as a commissioner in the state.
She stated that: “Mr. Kii is a seasoned technocrat whose pedigree and achievements in the private sector are well-known within and outside the state. His appointment is not only well-deserved but a testimony to the commitment of the government to ensuring that only those with the requisite skills, knowledge and experience are appointed into positions of trust.”
Nwakoh, while congratulating Kii on his appointment, called on the people of Khana Constituency 1 to support him in his new role as a commissioner-designate.
She also reassured the people of her constituency of her continued commitment to attracting development projects and programmes that would enhance the standard of living of the people.
The lawmaker wished Kii a successful tenure as a commissioner, urging him to work hard to contribute positively to the development of Rivers State.

By: Nelson Chukwudi