Three commissioners, known for their allegiance to Governor Nyesom Wike, have stepped down from their roles in the Rivers State Executive Council led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara. The trio includes Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), and Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment). Their resignations follow a period of political turmoil in the state, exacerbated by recent confrontations between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. These resignations come just 24 hours after Fubara publicly criticized Wike, accusing him of leaving behind significant financial liabilities.
In their individual resignation letters addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, the commissioners cited the toxic work environment within the executive council as their primary reason for stepping down. Prof. Mmom expressed his concerns about the loss of trust, animosity, and division among colleagues, highlighting the detrimental effect it has had on his ability to effectively carry out his duties in the education sector.
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Similarly, Ben-Chioma and Worlu emphasized the political crisis engulfing the state as a key factor in their decisions to resign. Ben-Chioma noted the privilege of serving in the state executive council but cited personal reasons and the ongoing political turbulence as grounds for his resignation. Worlu echoed similar sentiments, lamenting the toxic atmosphere and arbitrary decision-making processes that have marred their working relationship.
Before their resignations, other notable figures, including the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, had also stepped down from their roles in the state government. Their resignations came amidst directives from Fubara to reassign them to different ministries, a move that further underscored the discord within the state leadership.
