Running Rivers State with 5 Commissioners Is unacceptable — Youth Group

…urges Rivers Assembly to approve Fubara’s Commissioners list

By Barth Ndubuwah

A youth group known as the South-South Youths Initiative (SSYI) has criticized the practice of running the Rivers State Government with only five commissioners, describing it as unacceptable.

The group called on the Rivers State House of Assembly to expeditiously screen and approve the list of commissioner-nominees already submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The condemnation was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by the National President of SSYI, Comrade Oscar Imeabe, and made available to journalists.

“The South-South Youths Initiative has watched with keen interest the recent declarations by all political parties and stakeholders that ‘there is peace’ in Rivers State.”

“While we welcome this claim and pray that it is genuine and lasting, we are concerned that governance in the state is still being run with only five commissioners.”

“Peace that does not translate to functional government is peace in name only. Who will implement the 2026 budget?” Imeabe queried.

The group noted that with the passing of the budget underway, it is unrealistic to expect five commissioners to supervise ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), drive policy, and ensure effective implementation across the 23 local government areas of the state.

“A full cabinet is required for accountability, sectoral oversight, and the timely delivery of projects to the people.”

“Test the claim of peace with action. If truly there is peace as all parties now claim, then the Rivers State House of Assembly should, without delay, screen and approve the list of commissioner-nominees already submitted by His Excellency, the Governor.:

“Delaying the confirmation process while claiming peace sends mixed signals to the people of Rivers State and potential investors.”

“Governance cannot be run on autopilot. Critical sectors like Health, Education, Works, Agriculture, Youth, and Women Affairs need political leadership and direction. Relying on a skeletal cabinet places an unnecessary burden on the governor and civil servants, and it slows down service delivery,” SSYI stated.

The group urged all political stakeholders to match their declarations of peace with actions that strengthen institutions and deepen democracy, while appealing to the governor to remain committed to inclusive governance that prioritizes the people.

“Rivers State deserves a government that is both peaceful and functional. Let us not celebrate peace on the pages of newspapers while governance suffers in practice.”

“A full cabinet is not a luxury; it is a constitutional and administrative necessity,” the SSYI President added.