Senate Screens Tinubu’s 17 Nominees for Key Commissions in Rivers State

The Nigerian Senate has commenced the screening of 17 nominees submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to head three critical commissions in Rivers State, including the Independent Electoral Commission, Civil Service Commission, and Local Government Service Commission.

The nominees were presented before the Senate ad hoc committee overseeing activities related to the Rivers Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), during a session held on Tuesday.

According to Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, who also chairs the committee, all 17 nominees have been cleared by the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police, and have declared their assets in compliance with the Code of Conduct Bureau regulations.

“None of the nominees had any issues with their security clearance, and they have all fulfilled the constitutional requirement of declaring their assets,” Bamidele told fellow lawmakers.

List of Nominees by Commission

Rivers State Civil Service Commission

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

Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission

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

Rivers State Local Government Service Commission

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

The nominees were introduced by Basheer Lado, Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, who categorized the candidates accordingly. He also announced that a separate screening for nominees to the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board would be held on Wednesday.

No Petitions Filed

Senator Bamidele confirmed that the committee received no petitions or objections against any of the nominees, affirming a smooth vetting process.

“There is no inhibiting factor that would prevent us from proceeding. Once we conclude today’s exercise, our recommendations will be forwarded to the Senate plenary for final confirmation,” he added.

The screening process reflects the Senate’s commitment to upholding democratic governance and stabilizing administrative structures in oil-rich Rivers State, which has witnessed ongoing political tension in recent months.