President Tinubu Submits Nominees for Rivers State Commissions to Senate for Confirmation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally transmitted a list of nominees to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation as members of four key commissions in Rivers State. The announcement was made on the floor of the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session on Thursday, June 12, 2025. The nominations have been referred to the Senate’s Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule for further review and confirmation.
The commissions for which appointments are to be confirmed include:
- Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC)
- Rivers State Primary Healthcare Board
- Rivers State Civil Service Commission
- Rivers State Local Government Civil Service Commission
The letter, signed by President Tinubu, did not disclose the names of the nominees, but the move is seen as a critical step in strengthening governance structures in Rivers State, particularly in light of the ongoing state of emergency declared on March 18, 2025. The emergency rule, instituted to address security and administrative challenges in the state, has placed additional scrutiny on the appointment of key officials to ensure stability and effective governance.
The referral of the nominations to the Ad-hoc Committee on Emergency Rule underscores the Senate’s commitment to a thorough vetting process, particularly given the sensitive political and security situation in Rivers State. The committee is expected to review the qualifications and suitability of the nominees before presenting its recommendations to the full Senate for a final vote.
The appointments are pivotal for the effective functioning of Rivers State’s electoral, healthcare, and civil service systems. The RSIEC, in particular, plays a crucial role in overseeing local government elections, while the Primary Healthcare Board is tasked with improving healthcare delivery at the grassroots level. The Civil Service Commission and Local Government Civil Service Commission are essential for maintaining administrative efficiency and accountability in the state’s public sector.
As the Senate’s Ad-hoc Committee begins its work, stakeholders in Rivers State and across Nigeria will be closely monitoring the confirmation process. The outcome is expected to have significant implications for governance and stability in the state, especially under the current emergency rule framework.
