Five commissioners serving in the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who are loyal to FCT minister Nyesom Wike, have resigned from the Rivers State Executive Council.
The commissioners, who are the remnants of Wike loyalists in Fubara’s cabinet, are Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner for Education and Ben-Golden Chioma, Commissioner for Environment Dr Gift Worlu, Commissioner for Housing, Dr. Jacobs Nbina, Commissioner for Transportation and Mrs. Inime Chinwenwo Aguma, the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation.
They were among the nine commissioners who had previously resigned in the heat of the political crisis in the state before the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
This comes as the rift between Mr Wike and Fubara worsens, with the peace accord. brokered by President Bola Tinubu collapsing.
Recall that Governor Fubara just announced his intention to probe his predecessor, whom he accused publicly of leaving Rivers State heavily indebted.
The five commissioners tendered their resignations in separate letters addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo. They said their resignation is with immediate effect.
Mmom’s letter read, “I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council as the Commissioner for Education with effect from today, May 15, 2024.
“It is a truism that a calm, safe, and friendly environment would stimulate efficient service delivery and enhanced productivity. It is, however, unfortunate to note that my current workspace has become toxic and no longer guarantees a favourable environment to enable me to realise my set targets for the education sector in the state.
“There is loss of trust, animosity and sharp division among colleagues in the same cabinet which is unhealthy and very unfortunate. I want to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve in your cabinet and wish your administration well.”
Moments later, Ben-Chioma forwarded his letter dated same May 15. He cited the political crisis in the state as his reason for quitting.
His letter read, “I hereby tender my resignation as the Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, on this day, May 15, 2024.
“I want to sincerely appreciate Your Excellency for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the State Executive Council. My decision to resign is due to the political crisis befalling our dear Rivers State and other personal reasons.
“It was a privilege to have been of service to you in your administration and wish you all the best in your tenure.”
Similarly, Worlu in his letter dated May 15, said, “I write to resign my appointment as the Commissioner for Housing formally. One of the most difficult decisions in my life yet, it is precipitated by the toxic atmosphere that has characterised our working relationship, especially the smouldering arbitrariness of decisions and actions, including the attempt to fuse the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State.
“I thank you for the opportunity to serve in your government and wish you the best as you continue to steer the ship of state. Kindly accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”
Nbina in his letter noted that his decision to leave his office is because of the political crisis in the state which has remained unresolved.
He said, “I write to formally tender my resignation as Honourable Commissioner for Transportation and member Rivers State Executive council with effect from 15 May, 2024. It has been a privilege to serve in this capacity and I thank Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve our State which I served dutifully and meritoriously.
“I also thank His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for his Intervention in the events of the last few months in our dear State and hope that peace shall continue to reign in Rivers State.
“My decision to resign is due to the unresolved political crisis in our dear State leading to tack of trust and apathy.”
Also, the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Aguma, claimed working under an unconducive environment was the reason behind her resignation.
She said, “Pursuant to the current unconducive working environment, it is imperative to tender my resignation as Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Rivers State.
“I resign with all sense of responsibility especially as there is no room for progression development in the work place.”
Before these resignations, other Wike allies, who resigned were the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu.
Adangor and Kamalu resigned after Fubara demoted them by redeploying them to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office) and Ministry for Employment Generation and Empowerment, respectively.
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