In a dramatic turn of events, the Rivers State Government, under the leadership of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is grappling with a wave of resignations as five commissioners, known for their allegiance to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, tender their resignations from the governor’s cabinet.
The list of resignations includes prominent figures such as Chinedu Mmom from the Ministry of Education, Gift Worlu from the Ministry of Housing, Jacobson Nbina from the Ministry of Transport, Inime Aguma as the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, and Austin Ben-Chioma as the Commissioner for Environment.
While Aguma cited the absence of room for professional development in the workplace as his reason for departure, Ben-Chioma attributed his resignation to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, along with personal reasons. Mmom and Worlu, on the other hand, pointed to a toxic working environment as the primary driver behind their exits, while Nbina highlighted the unresolved political crisis in the state.
These resignations mark the second exodus of commissioners from Fubara’s cabinet, following a similar wave last December amidst escalating political tensions. Despite their initial departures, these officials were readmitted into Fubara’s administration following intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
Governor Fubara, in response to the crisis, recently announced plans to launch a panel of inquiry aimed at investigating the governance of the state during the tenure of Nyesom Wike.
Fubara accuses his opponents of actively sabotaging his administration, while expressing hope for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing strife.
However, the political landscape in Rivers State continues to be marred by turmoil, with tensions escalating between Fubara and the state House of Assembly.
Recent developments include the election of a new speaker by lawmakers loyal to the governor, as well as Fubara’s executive order relocating the sitting venue of the Rivers State House of Assembly to the Government House, citing safety concerns.
At the heart of the conflict lies the rift between Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the FCT.
Despite President Tinubu’s previous intervention, the feud shows no signs of abating, casting a shadow over the political stability of the oil-rich state.