The Rivers State Government, on Wednesday, debunked the claim that commissioners working with Governor Siminalayi Fubara are operating in a toxic environment.
The claim of toxicity was made by five commissioners loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, who announced their resignation from Fubara’s cabinet on Wednesday.
The commissioners are Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education) and Dr Gift Worlu (Housing), Auten Ben-Chioma (Environment), Mrs. Inime Aguma (Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Dr Jacobson Nbina (Transport) and Dr Gift Worlu (Housing).
The resignation of the five brings to nine the number of pro-Wike commissioners who had resigned from Fubara’s cabinet amid the deepening crisis between the two party leaders.
Fubara and Wike’s crisis began in October last year and has seen stakeholders taking sides.
An intervention by President Bola Tinubu failed to resolve the crisis.
In a new twist on Wednesday, five pro-Wike commissioners dumped the government.
Their resignation came 24 hours after Fubara slammed his predecessor and estranged political godfather, Wike, accusing him of leaving a huge debt burden for him.
Earlier on Monday, Fubara had hinted at a plan to probe Wike’s administration.
The pro-Wike commissioners’ resignations were contained in separate letters dated 15th May and addressed to Fubara through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo.
Mmom’s 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 workspace has become toxic and no longer guarantees a favourable environment to enable me to realise my set targets for the education sector in the state.
“There is a 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.”
Moments later, Ben-Chioma also forwarded his letter, dated 15th May, citing the political crisis in the state for his decision.
Ben-Chioma wrote: “I hereby tender my resignation as the Honourable 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.”
Similarly, Dr Worlu, in his letter dated 15th May, said, “I write to formally resign my appointment as as Honourable Commissioner for Housing.
“One of the most difficult decisions in my life, yet it is precipitated by the toxic atmosphere that has characterised our working relationship, especially the smoldering arbitrariness of decisions and actions, including the attempt to fuse the executive and the legislative in Rivers State.
“I thank you for the opportunity to serve in your government and I wish you the best as you continue to steer the ship of state.”
In the same vein, the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Aguma, and her counterpart in the transport ministry, Dr Jacobson Nbina, followed afterwards to tender their resignations.
While Aguma cited unconducive working environment as a reason for her resignation, Nbina blamed the prolonged unresolved political differences for his action.
