The South-South Youths Initiative SSYI has frowned at Rivers State still being run with only five commissioners, calling on the state House of Assembly to approve the list of Commissioner-nominees already submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The group made the call in a statement signed by its National President,
Comr. Imeabe Saviour Oscar, on Thursday.
The statement read, “The South-South Youths Initiative SSYI 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?
“With the budget process underway, it is unrealistic to expect 5 Commissioners to supervise MDAs, drive policy, and ensure effective implementation across 23 LGAs. A full cabinet is required for accountability, sectoral oversight, and 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 Rivers people and investors.
“Governance cannot be autopilot. Critical sectors like Health, Education, Works, Agriculture, Youth and Women Affairs need political leadership and direction. Relying on a skeletal cabinet puts unnecessary burden on the Governor and civil servants, and slows down service delivery.
“We therefore call on:
The Rivers State House of Assembly* to immediately commence the screening and confirmation of Commissioner-nominees in the interest of good governance.
“All political stakeholders to match their declaration of peace with actions that strengthen institutions and deepen democracy.
“His Excellency, the Governor to remain committed to inclusive governance that puts Rivers people first.
“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”.
