Senate confirms Tinubu’s 33 appointees
The Senate has approved the appointments of chairpersons and board members for four key agencies in Rivers State after President Bola Tinubu submitted their names for confirmation.
The approval followed the submission of a screening report by the Senate Committee on Emergency Rule in Rivers during a plenary session in Abuja.
The committee, led by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, reviewed the nominees’ qualifications and performance during the screening process.
Dr Barikor Livinus Baribuma was confirmed as chairman of the Rivers Civil Service Commission.
Members confirmed alongside him include Amb. Lot Peter Egopija, Ms Maeve Ere-Bestman, Mrs Joy Obiaju, and Mrs Charity Lloyd Harry.
For the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Dr Michael Ekpai Odey was confirmed as chairman.
Other members confirmed were Mr Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Prof. Joyce Akaniwor, Dr Olive A. Bruce, and Prof. Chidi Halliday.
In the Local Government Service Commission, Mr Israel Amadi was approved as chairman, with Mr Linus Nwandem, Christabel George-Didia, Dr Tonye D. Willie Pepple, Mr Richard U. Ewoh, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd), and Mr Sammy Apiafi also confirmed as members.
The Senate also confirmed Dr Dawari George as chairman of the Rivers Primary Health Care Management Board.
Dr Chituru Adiele was named Executive Director, while Prof. Kaladada Korubp, Dr Benjamin Osarolaka Osaro, Mrs Anne Obomanu, Prof. Grace Robinson Bassey, Dr Mike Alagala, and Mr Sunday Asetubobe were confirmed as members.
Additional confirmations included Mr Dagogo Alabo for the Ministry of Health, Ms Carmelita Ekenyi Agborubere for the Ministry of Women Affairs, and Mr James Ngochindo Epobari, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Finance.
Mr Clifford Paul was approved to represent the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Mr Luke Usang for the Local Government Civil Service Commission, and Mr Romeo Osima Isokariari for the Ministry of Justice.
One nominee, Victoria Poma Samuel, who was expected to serve on the Primary Health Care Board representing the Ministry of Local Government Affairs, was not screened due to her absence.
While most nominees were accepted without dispute, some lawmakers raised concerns about the choice of Dr Michael Ekpai Odey as RSIEC chairman, noting he is from Cross River State.
They argued that the position should be held by a Rivers native.
Other senators defended the appointment, stating it did not violate existing laws.
The Senate eventually proceeded with the confirmation of all nominees, except the one absent from screening.
