By Abiola Olawale
The cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has witnessed more resignations as five commissioners believed to be loyal to the immediate past Governor of the state, Nyesom Wike, have bowed out from their respective positions, on Wednesday.
It would be recalled that earlier on, the State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chinedu Mmon had announced his decision to bow out of Fubara’s cabinet.
Shortly after, Dr Gift Worlu (Housing), Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment), Inime Aguma (Social Welfare), and Jacobson Nbina (Transport), have also tendered their resignation letters.
The five commissioners tendered their resignations in separate letters addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo.
Ben-Chioma in a letter dated May 15, noted that his reason for resigning was because of the political crisis in the state.
His letter reads in part: “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 allowing me 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.”
In a similar vein, 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.”
Also, Nbina, in his letter dated May 15, wrote: “I write to formally tender my resignation as Honourable Commissioner for Transport and member of Rivers State Executive Council with effect from May 15, 2024.
Aguma’s letter of resignation reads in part:
“It has been a privilege to serve in this capacity and thank Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve our state, which I served dutifully and meritoriously.
“Under the current inconducive 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 workplace.
The New Diplomat recalls that before the resignation of five commissioners on Wednesday, the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, had also resigned their appointments.
This comes barely 48 hours after Fubara ordered the probe of his predecessor, Wike. The Governor, on Tuesday, again accused Wike of leaving huge debt in the state.
Fubara said the debt portfolio of the state increased significantly under the administration of Wike.
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.
