- Cites Toxicity In Fubara’s Cabinet
By Abiola Olawale
Another commissioner in Rivers State, the Commissioner for Education, Professor Chinedu Mmon, has announced his decision to resign from the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Mmon who is believed to be a loyalist of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, becomes the third commissioner to pull out of Fubara’s administration amidst a political crisis that has been clouding the oil-rich state in recent months.
The New Diplomat recalls that the former attorney general and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, resigned from their appointments a few weeks ago.
Both Adangor and Kamalu resigned after Fubara directed that they should be redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office) and Ministry for Employment Generation and Empowerment, respectively.
Following the footsteps of Adangor and Kamalu, Mmon, in a letter dated May 15, 2024, addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government said he was resigning because his current workspace had become toxic.
The letter reads in part: “I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council as the Honourable Commissioner for Education with effect from today, May 15, 2024.
“It is a truism that a calm 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 realize my set targets for the education sector in the state.
“There is a 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 you well in your administration.
“My decision might not go down well with most of you, but it is best given the prevailing circumstances. Many thanks for your understanding.”
The New Diplomat reports that Rivers State has been in the news for over six months following the open hostilities between Fubara and Wike. While the reasons for the acrimony between the duo remain top secret, some inside sources say Wike and Fubara are purportedly battling for control of the oil-rich state’s resources and political machinery.
