State assembly rejects former Commissioner as nominee

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly has rejected the nomination of a former Commissioner for Transport, Grace Ekiotenne, by Governor Douye Diri to serve as a commissioner at the State Local Government Service Commission.

Ekiotenne was among three nominees on a list forwarded by the governor to the assembly for screening and confirmation to serve as commissioners and members of the commission.

The governor also sent the name of one Eyororokumo Ben for screening and confirmation as the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the Board of Internal Revenue. He scaled the hurdle and was confirmed.

But the legislators declined to screen and confirm Ekiotenne over allegations bordering on disrespect for the legislature, resulting in a mild drama on the floor of the House during plenary.