Rivers: Senate confirms Tinubu’s nominees

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointments of chairpersons and board members for four major commissions in Rivers State, following nominations by President Bola Tinubu.

The approvals were granted during plenary in Abuja after the Senate Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers State, chaired by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, presented its screening report on the nominees.

Among the key appointments, Dr. Barikor Livinus Baribuma was confirmed as Chairman of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission. He will be joined by Amb. Lot Peter Egopija, Ms Maeve Ere-Bestman, Mrs Joy Obiaju, and Mrs Charity Lloyd Harry as board members.

For the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the Senate confirmed Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey as chairman. Other members cleared to serve include Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Prof. Joyce Akaniwor, Dr Olive A. Bruce, and Prof. Chidi Halliday.

At the Local Government Service Commission, Mr Israel Amadi was named chairman, while Mr Linus Nwandem, Christabel George-Didia, Dr Tonye D. Willie Pepple, Mr Richard U. Ewoh, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd), and Mr Sammy Apiafi were confirmed as members.

The Senate also approved the appointment of Dr Dawari George as Chairman of the Rivers Primary Health Care Management Board, with Dr Chituru Adiele as Executive Director. Other members confirmed include Prof. Kaladada Korubp, Dr Benjamin Osarolaka Osaro, Mrs Anne Obomanu, Prof. Grace Robinson Bassey, Dr Mike Alagala, and Mr Sunday Asetubobe.

Additional confirmations were made for:

Mr Dagogo Alabo – Ministry of Health

Ms Carmelita Ekenyi Agborubere – Ministry of Women Affairs

Mr James Ngochindo Epobari – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance

Mr Clifford Paul – Representative of ALGON

Mr Luke Usang – Local Government Civil Service Commission

Mr Romeo Osima Isokariari – Ministry of Justice

One nominee, Victoria Poma Samuel, slated to represent the Ministry of Local Government Affairs on the Primary Health Care Board, was not screened due to her absence and was consequently not confirmed.