Nigeria, March 9 -- The Rivers State House of Assembly on Monday rejected four of the nine commissioner-nominees submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara after screening them for possible appointment into the state executive council.

The assembly members, however, confirmed five of the nominees as commissioners-designate following the screening exercise that lasted more than two hours, Punch newspaper reported.

Speaker of the House, Martin Amaewhule, announced the decision during plenary after lawmakers debated the nominations and considered motions moved and seconded by members who either supported or opposed the candidates.

Mr Amaewhule said the four nominees were rejected because of poor performance during the screening and controver...