Five Pro-Wike Commissioners Resign From Fubara’s Cabinet
Five commissioners in Rivers State submitted their resignation letters to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, stepping down from their positions. These commissioners are Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner for Education; Mrs. Inime Chinwenwo Aguma, Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation; Austen Ben-Chioma, Commissioner of Environment; Dr. Jacobson Nbina, Commissioner for Transport, and Dr. Gift World, Commissioner for Housing. The letters, dated Wednesday, May 15, 2024, and addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, cited a hostile work environment and increased political turmoil in the state as the reasons for their resignations.
The resignations follow previous departures by other pro-Wike commissioners, including Alabo Dax-Kelly (former Commissioner of Works), Emeka Woke (Commissioner for Special Projects), Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice), and Isaac Kamalu (former Commissioner for Finance). These earlier resignations stemmed from federal appointments, redeployments within the state, and related political dynamics.
Prof. Mmom's resignation letter highlights the deteriorating work environment, mentioning loss of trust and division among colleagues. Mrs. Aguma expressed resignation due to the lack of progression and development opportunities. Ben-Chioma attributed his decision to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State and personal reasons, while Nbina mentioned the unresolved political crisis leading to a lack of trust and enthusiasm.
The Rivers State Government refuted claims of a toxic work environment made by the resigning commissioners, stating that such resignations are not uncommon in a healthy organizational setup. The Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, emphasized that people have the right to resign, be appointed, or be dismissed, adding that the government operates in a liberal atmosphere where individuals can make choices regarding their roles.
Johnson acknowledged that the departure of nine commissioners would be felt during executive meetings but maintained that the government respects their decisions. He declined to comment on whether the resigning commissioners were acting as moles within the State Executive Council, noting that their reasons for resignation might stem from personal understandings or other factors.
