Tinubu’s Nominees from Rivers Face Senate Screening for Key Institutional Roles

By Iyojo Ameh

Presidential nominees from Rivers State have appeared before Senate Ad-hoc Committees for screening and confirmation into key state institutions, in a process led by the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Garba Lado.

The nominees, appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, are being considered for leadership and membership roles in four strategic institutions: the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Independent Electoral Commission, Local Government Service Commission, and the Primary Health Care Management Board.

The screening, held at the National Assembly complex, marks a significant step in President Tinubu’s effort to drive institutional reform and deepen democratic governance in the states, especially under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Nominees for the Rivers State Civil Service Commission include Dr. Barikor Livinus Baribuma as Chairman, alongside Ambassador Lot Peter Egopija, Ms. Maeve Ere-Bestman, Mrs. Joy Obiaju, and Mrs. Charity Lloyd Harry as members.

For the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), the nominees are Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey (Chairman), Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira, Professor (Dr.) Arthur Nwafor, Professor Godfrey Woke Mbudiogha, Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaniwor, Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce, and Professor Chidi Halliday.

Nominated to the Rivers State Local Government Service Commission are Mr. Israel N. Amadi as Chairman, and Mr. Linus Nwandem, Lady Christabel Ego George-Didia, Dr. Tonye D. Willie Pepple, Barr. Richard U. Ewoh, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (Rtd), and Barrister Sammy Apiafi as members.

The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board will be chaired by Dr. Dawari George, with Dr. Chituru Adiele as Executive Director. Other nominees include Professor Kaladada Korubp, Dr. Benjamin Osarolaka Osaro, Mrs. Anne Obomanu, Professor Grace Robinson Bassey, Dr. Mike Alagala, and Mr. Sunday Asetubobe. Several representatives from relevant ministries and agencies were also nominated to the board.

Speaking after the screening session, Senator Lado stressed the significance of the nominations in strengthening state institutions and enhancing service delivery.

“These nominees represent a strong blend of experience, integrity, and professional excellence. Their appointment is a testament to Mr. President’s commitment to inclusive governance and institutional reform,” he said.

The Senate committees assured that the screening would be rigorous and guided by constitutional provisions, competence, and public interest.

The confirmation process is expected to conclude in the coming days, paving the way for the appointees to assume their roles in advancing development and good governance in Rivers State.