The political turbulence in Rivers State is assuming more controversial dimension as more commissioners have resigned from the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
The commissioners who tendered their resignation letters and are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, are Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner for Education and Ben-Golden Chioma, Community for Environment.
It was reported Gift Worlu, Commissioner of Housing and has also tendered his resignation.
The trio are among those who rejoined the cabinet after President Bola Tinubu brokered a peace deal that eventually collapsed.
Mmom had earlier today submitted his resignation to the governor through the office of the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, citing toxicity in the administration of Fubara.
The letter read: “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 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.”
In close succession, Chioma forwarded his letter, dated same 15th May, where he noted that his reason for resigning is because of the political crisis in the state.
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.”
Earlier, four Commissioner serving in the administration of Fubara, had since resigned their appointment into the State Executive Council.
The cabinet members who resigned earlier were the former Commissioner for Works, George Kelly; the former Commissioner for Power, Henry Ogiri; the former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adango, and the former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu.
Kelly and Ogiri had resigned following their appointment by the Federal Government, while Kamalu and Adango, resigned following their redeployment out of their Ministries to another.