From Tony John, Port Harcourt

Five members of the Rivers State Executive Council, all loyalists of former governor Nyesom Wike, have resigned from their positions.

The resigning officials are:

  • Professor Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner for Education
  • Mr Gift Worlu, Commissioner for Housing
  • Mr Austen Ben-Chioma, Commissioner for Environment
  • Mr Jacobson Nbina, Commissioner for Transport
  • Mrs Inime Chinwenwo Aguma, Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation

They submitted their resignation letters to Governor Siminalayi Fubara through the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tammy Danagogo, on Wednesday.

In their letters, they cited an “unhealthy political environment” and “personal reasons” for their decision to leave the Siminalayi Fubara-led administration.

These resignations come amid escalating political tensions between Wike and his successor, Fubara.

Professor Mmom, the Commissioner for Education, specifically mentioned a “toxic” work environment that hindered his ability to achieve his goals for the state.

“It is a truism that a calm, safe, and friendly environment would stimulate efficient service delivery and enhance productivity,” he wrote. “It is, however, unfortunate to note that my current workspace has become toxic and no longer guarantees a favourable environment to enable me to realize 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 cabinets, which is unhealthy and very unfortunate.”

Mr Worlu, the Commissioner for Housing, echoed similar sentiments in his resignation letter.

“I write to formally resign my appointment as the Honourable Commissioner of Housing,” he wrote. “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.”

Mrs Aguma, the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, also cited a “non-conducive working environment” as a reason for her resignation.

“Pursuant to the current inconducive working environment, it is imperative to tender my resignation as Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Rivers State,” she wrote. “I resign with all sense of responsibility, especially as there is no room for professional development in the workplace.”