A tense exchange occurred during the screening of commissioner nominees submitted by Siminalayi Fubara to the Rivers State House of Assembly.
The moment, captured in a video circulating online, shows the Speaker of the Assembly, Martin Amaewhule, questioning nominee Charity Deemua about her tax clearance status.
During the screening session, Amaewhule pointed out that the tax clearance certificate submitted by the nominee appeared outdated.
The Speaker asked whether she had been exempted from paying taxes after noting that there was no recent evidence of tax payments.
Responding to the lawmakers, Deemua explained that she had not maintained a stable source of income in recent years.
According to her, she had mainly been involved in politics and did not hold a regular job during that period.
However, the Speaker continued questioning her employment history and asked about her past role in a local government caretaker committee.
Deemua acknowledged that she served briefly in that role and confirmed that members of the committee were paid.
Amaewhule then pointed out that such payments could be considered income and questioned why there was no corresponding tax documentation.
The nominee later apologised to the lawmakers during the session and suggested she could address the issue.
The exchange has since generated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians debating the responsibilities of public office holders and the importance of tax compliance.
