Tension flared at the Rivers State House of Assembly as lawmakers grilled commissioner nominee, Mrs Charity Deemua, over missing tax records dating back to 2018.
This happened during the screening of nominees submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, when legislators discovered that Deemua had not filed a tax clearance certificate for several years.
Pressed to explain the gap, the nominee gave a response that left the chamber stunned.
“I’m a politician, we don’t have work,” she said, implying she had no steady employment or income during the period under review.
Her statement immediately generated reactions from lawmakers, who pointed out that holding public appointments or political positions could still generate income subject to taxation.
During the tense exchange, Deemua, the only female Commissioner Nominee, admitted she had held government-related roles, including serving as a caretaker committee member in 2025, a position she confirmed came with payment.
Lawmakers quickly flagged inconsistencies in her responses, stressing that nominees appearing before the Assembly are under oath and expected to make full and accurate disclosures.
They warned that presenting conflicting information during the screening process could be interpreted as misleading the House.
