Commissioner for Environment Responds to Amaewhule’s Impeachment Demands in Rivers State
The political scene in Rivers State is currently embroiled in a significant power struggle, with intense political maneuvering between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the State House of Assembly, now dominated by political allies of the former governor and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike. The recent developments signal an accelerating push towards the potential impeachment of Governor Fubara by the House of Assembly. This article will delve into the events unfolding in the state, particularly the demand made by the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, for the dismissal of 19 commissioners and political appointees appointed by Governor Fubara without proper screening, according to the Assembly’s interpretation of the law.
In response, Hon. Sydney Tambari, the Commissioner for Environment and a staunch ally of Governor Fubara, has strongly rejected the Assembly’s demands, asserting that the commissioners had been properly screened and that the Assembly’s move was politically motivated. Tambari has raised constitutional and legal issues while accusing the lawmakers of attempting to overstep their bounds, thus inflaming political tensions further in the state.
On March 5, 2025, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Martins Amaewhule, issued a formal letter to Governor Siminalayi Fubara demanding the removal of 19 commissioners and political appointees in the state government who were allegedly appointed without proper screening and confirmation. According to the letter, the Governor’s appointments were made in contravention of the provisions set forth in Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, which stipulates the need for legislative scrutiny and confirmation of certain political appointments.
Amaewhule emphasized that the governor’s actions, specifically the failure to submit the names of the appointed individuals for screening by the House of Assembly, violated the constitutional framework. In his letter, Amaewhule pointed directly to sections 192(2) and (5) as well as section 195(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which require that nominees for the position of commissioners must undergo a formal screening process before being appointed.
The letter also referenced the specific case of Dagogo Iboroma, who was appointed as the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice. Amaewhule pointed out that Iboroma’s appointment had been made without the proper constitutional process, as his name had not been forwarded to the House for screening.
In light of these issues, the Speaker demanded that Governor Fubara submit a new list of nominees within 48 hours, ensuring that all individuals nominated for positions in the Rivers State Executive Council, and other vacant political offices, would be properly screened and confirmed by the Assembly.
The constitutional and legal basis for the demand made by Amaewhule and the members of the Rivers State House of Assembly is founded on the belief that appointments of key government officials, such as commissioners and political appointees, must adhere to the formal process established by the Constitution. This process involves the governor presenting the names of appointees to the legislative body for a thorough screening before they can assume their roles.
Amaewhule’s position aligns with a broader interpretation of the Constitution, emphasizing the role of the legislature in checking the actions of the executive, ensuring accountability, and preventing abuse of power. The demand for a fresh list of nominees, according to Amaewhule and the lawmakers supporting him, is a matter of constitutional compliance and transparency.
However, the urgency of the demand—coupled with the timing of the letter—has raised questions about the motivations behind the Assembly’s actions. Some observers argue that the timing of the letter, amid growing political tensions in the state, could be part of a larger political strategy to challenge the authority of Governor Fubara, particularly given the perceived influence of former Governor Nyesom Wike over the Assembly.
In stark contrast to the demands made by Amaewhule and the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Sydney Tambari, the Commissioner for Environment, has vehemently rejected the accusations and legal arguments put forth by the Speaker. In an interview with media outlets, Tambari referred to the House of Assembly’s call for the sacking of the commissioners as an exercise in political posturing and a misinterpretation of constitutional principles.
Tambari asserted that the 19 commissioners and political appointees in question had, in fact, been properly screened and confirmed by the then-Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie. Tambari noted that Ehie had been recognized by the courts as the legitimate Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly during his tenure. He further argued that under Ehie’s leadership, the commissioners were thoroughly vetted, making any subsequent claims by Amaewhule and the Assembly “unfounded.”
Tambari elaborated on the legal process, explaining that after Ehie’s resignation, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo took over as Speaker of the House and continued the practice of screening and confirming commissioners and political appointees. He contended that the Assembly’s calls for a new list of nominees were based on political motivations and lacked legal foundation.
The ongoing political tensions in Rivers State are emblematic of broader power struggles between the executive and legislative branches of government in Nigeria. Rivers State, historically a politically charged battleground, is currently in the midst of a transition period following the tenure of former Governor Nyesom Wike, a figure known for his influence over the state’s political dynamics.
Governor Fubara, a former ally of Wike, now finds himself in a tense standoff with the Assembly, which is largely aligned with the former governor’s faction. The move by the Assembly to demand the removal of commissioners and political appointees is seen by many as a direct challenge to Fubara’s authority, particularly as it comes in the wake of growing tensions surrounding the Governor’s political independence.
Wike, now serving as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), is widely believed to be a key force behind the actions of the Assembly. His allies in the legislature have been vocal in challenging Fubara’s leadership, creating a volatile political environment in the state.
The dispute between the Governor and the State Assembly has raised important constitutional and legal questions that may ultimately require the intervention of the judiciary. The legal foundations for the actions of both the governor and the Assembly—particularly with regard to the screening and confirmation process for commissioners—are at the heart of the ongoing conflict.
Tambari’s defense of the governor, asserting that the commissioners had been duly screened under the previous Speaker’s leadership, is a critical component of the case. The question of whether the actions of the Assembly are legally sound, or whether the governor’s appointments were made in compliance with the constitutional requirements, will likely be tested in the courts.
Moreover, the dispute could lead to further legal battles surrounding the interpretation of the Constitution, particularly with regard to the separation of powers between the executive and legislative branches. Should the matter be brought before the courts, it could set important precedents for how such disputes are handled in the future, not only in Rivers State but across the country.
The political fallout from the ongoing dispute between Governor Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly is significant. The demands for the removal of the governor’s appointees, if upheld, could destabilize the executive branch of government in Rivers State, leaving critical positions vacant and hampering the state’s ability to function effectively.
For Governor Fubara, the challenge posed by the Assembly threatens his authority and could undermine his ability to govern with the necessary political support. The rapid escalation of the impeachment process, combined with the heightened political tensions, suggests that the Governor’s political future in the state is uncertain.
The broader implications for the people of Rivers State are also concerning. Prolonged political instability and power struggles can lead to delays in key governance initiatives, especially in sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, and education, which are crucial for the well-being of the population. The focus on political infighting rather than governance could further undermine the state’s development and leave the people of Rivers vulnerable to a lack of effective leadership.
The ongoing battle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the Rivers State House of Assembly, fueled by political ambitions and legal challenges, is far from over. As the Speaker of the House continues to demand the sacking of the governor’s appointees and the submission of a new list of nominees, tensions continue to rise. Hon. Sydney Tambari’s response, defending the legality of the appointments and accusing the Assembly of overstepping its bounds, only deepens the divide between the two factions.
Ultimately, the outcome of this dispute will depend on both the political maneuvering of key figures in Rivers State and the judicial interpretation of the Constitution. What is certain is that the battle for control of Rivers State’s political future is far from decided, and the stakes for both the governor and the Assembly could not be higher.
As the political drama unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the courts will step in to resolve the dispute or whether the political forces at play will continue to shape the future of the state. For now, Rivers State is caught in a moment of political uncertainty, with every action from both the executive and legislative branches closely scrutinized by citizens, political analysts, and the media.
