The Rivers State Government, led by Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has been struck by another series of resignations, as five more commissioners have left their posts.
These officials, reportedly loyal to Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have cited various reasons for their departure, highlighting the ongoing political turmoil in the state.
Among those who resigned are Chinedu Mmom from the Ministry of Education, Gift Worlu from the Ministry of Housing, and Jacobson Nbina from the Ministry of Transport.
Inime Aguma stepped down as Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, stating, “there is no room for professional development in the workplace.”
Austin Ben-Chioma resigned as Commissioner for Environment, citing “the political crisis befalling our dear Rivers State and other personal reasons.”
Mmom and Worlu pointed to a toxic working environment as their main reason for leaving, while Nbina attributed his resignation to the “unresolved political crisis” in the state.
These five officials were part of a group of commissioners who previously resigned from Governor Fubara’s cabinet last December amid the political crisis, only to be reappointed following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.
Earlier, three other commissioners Zacchaeus Adangor from the Ministry of Justice, Emeka Woke from the Ministry of Special Projects, and Alabo George-Kelly from the Ministry of Works had also resigned.
Governor Fubara has recently announced plans to establish a panel of inquiry to investigate the governance of the state during the Wike administration.
He has accused his opponents of deliberately undermining his administration, though he expressed hope for an amicable resolution to the ongoing issues.
This latest development marks another chapter in the deepening political crisis in Rivers State, which has seen a growing rift between Governor Fubara and the state House of Assembly.
Last week, lawmakers loyal to the governor elected a new speaker, and Governor Fubara issued an executive order relocating the Rivers State House of Assembly’s sitting venue to the Government House, citing safety concerns.
The feud stems from a fallout between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is now the Minister of the FCT.
Despite previous interventions by President Tinubu, the crisis appears to be far from over, leaving the oil-rich state in a state of political uncertainty.
