In what can be regarded as a rare development and complete loyalty to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Bar Nyesom Wike, five commissioners have resigned from the cabinet of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The five commissioners who tendered their resignation letters on Wednesday were Commissioners for Housing Dr. Gift Worlu; Environment, Austin Ben Chioma; Education Prof. Chinedu Mmom; Transportation, Mr. Jacobson Nbina and Social Welfare, Mrs. Inime Aguma.
It is instructive to note that the five commissioners dated their resignation letters May 15, 2024 and addressed them to the Governor through the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo.
Mmom said he could no longer cope with his current work environment and described the situation as toxic and unfavourable.
He said: “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 the 15th day of May, 2024.
“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 work space has become toxic and no longer guarantees a favourable environment to enable me realise 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.”
Ben-chioma also cited the political crisis as the reason for his resignation.
He said: “I hereby tender my resignation as the Hon. Commission for Environment, Rivers State on this day the 15th May, 2024.
“I want to sincerely appreciate your Excellency for giving me the opportunity 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 his own letter, Worlu also hinged his decision on the toxic working environment, saying there was an attempt to fuse the the executive with legislature.
He said: “One of the most difficult decisions 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 the legislative in Rivers State.
“I thank you for the opportunity to serve in your government and I wish you the best as you continue to steer the ship of state. Kindly accept the assurance of my esteemed regards. “
On her part, Mrs. Aguma said it has become imperative to tender her resignation following the current toxic working environment.
She said, “I resign with all sense of responsibility as there is no room for progressional development in the workplace.”
For Nbina, he thanked President Bola Tinubu for his intervention to restore peace in Rivers but said he decided to leave due to the unresolved crisis.
The latest development also showed that the crisis of confidence between Fubara and his estranged benefactor, Wike, has taken a new dimension
It is instructive to note that Governor Fubara recently said that he would launch a probe into the administration of his immediate predecessor and accused Wike of overburdening his administration with unpaid contractual debts.
He also claimed that most the commissioned projects during Wike’s tenure were not fully paid for.
