Five members of the Rivers State Executive Council, who are loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have submitted their resignations. The individuals in question held positions as commissioners for Education, Chinedu Mmom, Housing, Gift Worlu, Environment, Austen Ben-Chioma, Transport, Jacobson Nbina, and Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Inime Chinwenwo Aguma.
Mmom, Worlu, Ben-Chioma, Nbina, and Aguma presented their resignation letters to Governor Siminalayi Fubara through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tammy Danagogo, yesterday. In their respective letters of resignation, they pointed to the unfavorable political atmosphere and personal motives as reasons for stepping down from the Fubara-led administration.
Their resignations coincide with the escalating political tensions in the state due to the ongoing conflict between former governor Nyesom Wike and his successor. Mmom specifically referred to the work environment as “toxic,” hindering his ability to achieve the state’s educational objectives.
He stated: “It is widely acknowledged that a peaceful, secure, and amicable environment fosters effective service delivery and increases productivity. Regrettably, the current conditions in my workplace have become toxic, failing to provide a conducive setting to accomplish the educational goals set for the state. Distrust, animosity, and sharp divisions among colleagues in the same cabinet have created an unhealthy and regrettable situation.”
Likewise, Worlu expressed in his letter: “I formally resign from my position as the Commissioner of Housing. This decision, one of the most challenging in my life, was prompted by the toxic environment that characterized our working relationship, particularly the arbitrary nature of decisions and actions, including attempts to blend the executive and legislative branches of government in Rivers State.”
Similarly, Aguma stated: “Due to the current unsuitable work environment, it is necessary for me to tender my resignation as Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Rivers State. I resign with a sense of responsibility, especially considering the lack of opportunities for professional growth in the workplace.”
In other developments, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has addressed the controversy surrounding the status of the Rivers State House of Assembly members who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, during the second quarterly consultative meeting with media organizations in Abuja, clarified that the commission awaits court rulings before taking any action.
Yakubu emphasized that the commission is concerned with the 32 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly elected during the 2023 general election, urging resigning members to direct their letters to the Assembly’s Clerk, not INEC. He reiterated that INEC will act in accordance with court decisions.
Former lawmaker Magnus Abe, representing Rivers Southeast senatorial district and the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2023 general election in Rivers State, declared his support for the 27 lawmakers who defected to the APC. Abe explained his return to the APC and affirmed his significance in Rivers State politics. He also mentioned facilitating Nyesom Wike’s participation in Bola Tinubu’s 2023 presidential campaign.
Addressing an APC stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, Abe expressed his willingness to collaborate with Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike and APC’s caretaker Chairman in the state, Tony Okocha. He affirmed his commitment to defending the interests of the APC members in Rivers State, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and cooperation for the state’s benefit.
By: Nwakaji Peace Martins
