Abuja, Nigeria – June 18, 2025 — The 17 individuals nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to oversee key commissions in Rivers State have declared their assets before the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), meeting constitutional requirements as part of the Senate confirmation process.

This disclosure was made by Senate Leader and Chairman of the Senate ad hoc committee on Rivers affairs, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, during a screening exercise held in Abuja. The nominees, who are set to serve in the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, the Civil Service Commission, and the Local Government Service Commission, also received security clearance from both the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Police Force.

According to Senator Bamidele, none of the nominees had any issues with security agencies, which is a key component of the vetting process. He confirmed that the nominees had also complied with the requirement to declare their assets, in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.

The list includes appointees to the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, with Dr. Barikor Baribuma nominated as Chairman, alongside Lot Egopija, Ms. Maeve Ere-Bestman, Mrs. Joy Obiaju, and Mrs. Charity Lloyd Harry.

For the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, the nominees are Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey as Chairman, with Mr. Lezaasi Torbira, Prof. Arthur Nwafor, Prof. Godfrey Mbudiogha, Prof. Joyce Akaniwor, Dr. Olive A. Bruce, and Prof. Chidi Halliday also listed for confirmation.

In the category of the Local Government Service Commission, President Tinubu nominated Israel N. Amadi as Chairman, along with Linus Nwandem, Lady Christabel George-Didia, Dr. Tonye Willie Pepple, Richard Ewoh, Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik (retd), and Sammy Apiafi.

All 17 nominees were presented to the committee by Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, who categorized the appointees based on the commissions they are expected to serve.

Senator Bamidele emphasized that the committee had received no petitions against any of the nominees and stated that the process had been transparent and in line with due legislative procedure. He also assured that once the screening is concluded, the committee will present its findings and recommendations to the Senate in plenary for final approval.

Additionally, the Senate is scheduled to screen nominees for the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board on Wednesday.

This development marks a critical step in President Tinubu’s efforts to restore full administrative functionality in Rivers State, following recent political turbulence. The confirmation process reinforces the Senate’s role in upholding democratic principles and ensuring that only qualified individuals serve in key state institutions.