Five commissioners in Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration have resigned from the Rivers State Executive Council. The commissioners are Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment), Inime Aguma (Social Welfare), and Jacobson Nbina (Transport), all of whom are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
These resignations follow an earlier mass resignation of nine commissioners amidst a political crisis in the state, which saw temporary intervention from President Bola Tinubu.
The latest resignations come just 24 hours after Governor Fubara accused his predecessor, Wike, of leaving a significant debt burden for the state.
Each commissioner submitted their resignation letter through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo.
Prof. Chinedu Mmom’s resignation 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. Unfortunately, my current workspace has become toxic, and no longer guarantees a favorable environment for achieving my set targets for the education sector in the state. There is loss of trust, animosity, and sharp division among colleagues in the cabinet, which is unhealthy and very unfortunate. I want to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve and wish your administration well.”
Austen Ben-Chioma, in his resignation letter, noted: “I hereby tender my resignation as the Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, on this day, May 15, 2024. I appreciate Your Excellency for allowing me to be 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 serve in your administration, and I wish you all the best in your tenure.”
Dr. Gift Worlu’s resignation letter stated: “I write to resign my appointment as the Commissioner for Housing. This difficult decision is due to the toxic atmosphere characterizing our working relationship, especially the arbitrary 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 and wish you the best in steering the ship of state.”
Jacobson Nbina’s letter read: “I write to formally tender my resignation as Commissioner for Transport and member of Rivers State Executive Council with effect from May 15, 2024. It has been a privilege to serve, and I thank Your Excellency for the opportunity. I also thank President Tinubu for his interventions in the political crisis leading to a lack of trust and apathy.”
Previously, former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, resigned after being reassigned by Fubara to less prominent positions.
