Senate Confirms Tinubu’s Nominees for Key Federal Agencies in Rivers State

The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday confirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nominees for key leadership positions across four federal agencies operating in Rivers State.

The confirmations come at a politically sensitive time, as the state remains under heightened federal attention following protracted political tensions and administrative restructuring.

During the plenary session, the Senate approved nominees appointed by the president to represent Rivers State in the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), the National Population Commission (NPC), the Police Service Commission (PSC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Among those confirmed was Ambassador Desmond Akawor, who was appointed to represent Rivers State on the RMAFC. Akawor, a former Nigerian ambassador and one-time administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, replaces the late Asondu Temple Ntekim. His appointment is expected to enhance Rivers State’s voice in national revenue allocation decisions.

Also confirmed was Anugbum Onuoha as the new Rivers representative on the National Population Commission. Onuoha, a respected former lawmaker and public servant, will play a critical role in the ongoing efforts to update Nigeria’s demographic data ahead of the next national census.

In addition, the Senate approved nominees for the Police Service Commission and a new Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) designated for Rivers, although specific names for these roles were not immediately made public during the session.

The confirmations were made swiftly and without significant opposition, reflecting what many observers view as the Senate’s support for President Tinubu’s broader political and administrative strategy in Rivers State.

The appointments come as federal attention intensifies on the oil-rich state, which has been embroiled in political friction between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and elements loyal to his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.

Though these appointments are standard federal procedures, their timing has drawn attention. With Rivers State experiencing significant political uncertainty and divisions within the ruling party, some analysts interpret the move as part of the president’s effort to maintain stability and ensure that federal institutions in the state continue to function effectively.

Supporters of the nominations argue that the new appointees are experienced figures who will enhance governance and federal representation for Rivers State. However, critics have raised concerns over the centralization of power and the growing influence of the presidency in what should be constitutionally decentralized functions—particularly as it relates to appointments in commissions that interface directly with state affairs, such as INEC and the NPC.

As the new appointees assume their duties, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how they navigate the politically charged atmosphere in Rivers. Their roles are expected to influence critical areas such as electoral preparation, revenue sharing, law enforcement oversight, and census activities.

The confirmation of these key figures underscores the Tinubu administration’s ongoing efforts to consolidate federal presence strategic states.