Rivers Crisis: 5 Wike Commissioners Dump Fubara
From Maureen, Port Harcourt
Five commissioners loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have resigned from the Governor Siminalayi Fubara-led government.
They were: Professor Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner for Education; Mr. Gift Worlu, Commissioner of Housing; Mr. Austen Ben-Chioma, Commissioner for Environment; Mr. Jacobson Nbina, Commissioner for Transport and Mrs. Inime Chinwenwo Aguma, Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation.
Professor Mmom, Messrs Worlu, Ben-Chioma and Nbina, as well as Mrs. Aguma tendered their resignation letters to Governor Siminalayi Fubara through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tammy Danagogo, on Wednesday.
In their respective resignation letters, they cited the unhealthy political environment and personal reasons, for dumping the Siminalayi Fubara-led administration.
Their resignation is coming as the political crisis between former governor Nyesom Wike and his successor, Siminalayi Fubara, is daily heightening tension in the state.
The Commissioner for Education, Professor Mmom, in particular, said the work environment became “toxic” and did not allow him to achieve set goals for the state.
He stated: “It is a truism that a calm, safe and friendly environment would stimulate efficient service delivery and enhance 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 cabinets which is unhealthy and very unfortunate.”
Worlu in his letter wrote: “I write to formally resign my appointment as the Honourable Commissioner of Housing. 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 legislative arms of government in Rivers State.”
Similarly, Mrs. Aguma stated: “Pursuant to the current inconducive working environment, it is imperative to tender my resignation as Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Rivers State.
“I resign with all sense of responsibility, especially as there is no room for progressional development in the work place.”
Ends.