Five commissioners resign from Fubara’s cabinet

Five commissioners resign from Fubara’s cabinet

Resignations have rocked the Rivers State Executive Council as five commissioners have opted to step down from Governor Si

Wike distances self from suit seeking removal of Atiku as PDP’s presidential candidate
Currency printing: Wike backs Obaseki, says claim didn’t ‘come out of the blue’
How I was poisoned at PDP event – Wike

Resignations have rocked the Rivers State Executive Council as five commissioners have opted to step down from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration.

The commissioners include Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner for Education; Ben-Golden Chioma, Commissioner for Environment; Dr. Gift Worlu, Commissioner for Housing; Dr. Jacobs Nbina, Commissioner for Transportation and Inime Chinwenwo Aguma, the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation; tendered their resignations on Wednesday, May 15th.

Their resignations were contained in different letters dated Wednesday, May 15, and directed to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, through the secretary’s office to the Rivers State government.

Although each provided different reasons, the development followed the unresolved crisis between the governor and his predecessor, Wike.

Professor Mmom cited what he called a toxic work environment as the primary reason for his departure. He expressed concern that such an environment would hinder the attainment of his objectives for the education sector in the state.

In his letter, he extended gratitude to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the chance to serve in his administration and conveyed his best wishes for the governor’s future endeavors.

It read: “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 realize 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.

“Kindly accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

Worlu’s resignation letter also read: “I write to formally resign my appointment as the Honourable Commissioner of Housing. One of the most difficult decision in my life yet, it is precipitated by the toxic atmosphere that has characterized 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 assurances of my esteemed regards.”

Professor Mmom’s resignation marks another turn in his complex political trajectory within Rivers State. In 2023, amidst heightened political tensions in the state, he was one of the commissioners who resigned from the Fubara cabinet. This move occurred during a period of intense political turmoil before the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.

Despite his previous departure, Professor Mmom re-entered the Fubara administration as the Commissioner for Education. However, his actions and allegiances have indicated a continued loyalty to the former Governor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.

Aguma who also resigned addressed her letter to Fubara through the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, citing what she described as a current unconducive working environment.