Tinubu’s 17 Nominees for Rivers State Commissions Declare Assets, Undergo Senate Screening

Abuja, Nigeria – The 17 nominees appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to head three critical commissions in Rivers State have officially declared their assets before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), fulfilling a key constitutional requirement. The announcement was made by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during a Senate ad hoc committee screening session held to vet the candidates.

The nominees—who were selected to serve in the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, the Civil Service Commission, and the Local Government Service Commission—also received full security clearance from the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force prior to the screening.

Asset Declaration and Security Clearance Completed

Speaking during the committee’s proceedings, Senator Bamidele emphasized the thoroughness of the nomination process, noting that all individuals had cleared critical legal and ethical hurdles before their appearance in the Senate. “Let me quickly inform distinguished colleagues and members of the public that the nominees who are seated before us have gone through security screening by the various security agencies, including the Department of State Security as well as the Nigerian police,” Bamidele said.

He added, “We have also insisted that they comply with the constitutional requirement of declaring their assets before the Code of Conduct Bureau, which they have done.”

The screening process, he explained, would now focus on evaluating the candidates’ professional qualifications and competence as outlined in their Curriculum Vitae (CVs).

No Petitions, No Red Flags

Senator Bamidele, who also chairs the 18-member ad hoc committee overseeing the political transition and administrative oversight in Rivers State, confirmed that no petitions or public objections had been filed against any of the nominees. “As a committee, we did not receive any petition against any of the nominees who are here. So, there is no inhibiting factor that would prevent us from screening any of them,” he stated.

The absence of objections is seen as a green light for the Senate to proceed smoothly with the confirmation process, barring any unforeseen issues.

Bamidele assured the public that the committee would present its findings and recommendations to the full Senate at the next plenary session, paving the way for formal confirmation.

Who Are the Nominees?

The nominees were divided into three categories and presented to the committee by Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters.

Rivers State Civil Service Commission

• Dr. Barikor Baribuma – Chairman
• Lot Egopija – Member
• Ms. Maeve Ere-Bestman – Member
• Mrs. Joy Obiaju – Member
• Mrs. Charity Lloyd Harry – Member

Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission

• Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey – Chairman
• Mr. Lezaasi Torbira – Member
• Prof. (Dr.) Arthur Nwafor – Member
• Prof. Godfrey Mbudiogha – Member
• Prof. (Dame) Joyce Akaniwor – Member
• Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce – Member
• Prof. Chidi Halliday – Member

Rivers State Local Government Service Commission

• Israel N. Amadi – Chairman
• Linus Nwandem – Member
• Lady Christabel George-Didia – Member
• Dr. Tonye Willie Pepple – Member
• Richard Ewoh – Member
• Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (retd.) – Member
• Sammy Apiafi – Member

These commissions play key roles in state governance. The Civil Service Commission oversees personnel matters in the state civil service, the Independent Electoral Commission is responsible for local government elections, and the Local Government Service Commission handles staffing and development issues across the state’s local government areas.

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While the 17 nominees were successfully presented and screened without incident, attention now turns to the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, whose nominees are scheduled to appear before the Senate on Wednesday. This board plays a crucial role in managing public health policies and primary healthcare delivery across the state.

President Tinubu’s move to nominate and screen these officials is widely interpreted as part of broader efforts to stabilize the political environment in Rivers State, which has seen rising tensions and administrative gridlock in recent months.

Senator Bamidele reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to strengthening democracy and governance, particularly in oil-rich Rivers State, emphasizing that due process and transparency will continue to guide the Senate’s oversight responsibilities.