Wike-Fubara Feud: 5 Rivers Commissioners Resign

Fiive commissioners overseeing various ministries in River State resigned tendered their resignation on Wednesday.

The former commissioners said to be loyalists of Wike include Prof. Chinedu Mom for Education, Hon. Gift Worlu for Housing, Dr. Jacobson Nbina for Transport, Inime Chinwenwo Aguma, for Social Welfare, and Austin Ben-Chioma, Commissioner for Environment.

This was confirmed in their letters dated 15 May 2024, routed through the Office of the Secretary to State Government (SSG).

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This is the latest development in the lingering feud between the incumbent Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who is also the Minister of the Federal capital Territory (FCT) Abuja.

Aside from the Commissioner of Transport, the other four, said the the work environment has become very “toxic” making it unconducive for them to operate hence their decision to resign.

However, the Commissioner for Transport, Jacobson Nbina said his reason for resignation was “due to the unresolved political crisis in our dear state leading to lack of trust and apathy.”

The Commissioner for Education wrote: “I 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 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 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.”

Prime Business Africa recalls that two Commissioners in the Rivers Stat Executive Council had earlier resigned following their redeployment by Governor Sim Fubara to other ministries.

They were Isaac Kamalu, who was redeployed as the Commissioner of Finance to Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment; and Professor Zacchaeus Adangor, who was Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of Rivers State but redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office).

Earlier, two commissioners had resigned to take up federal appointments. They are Emeka Woke, former chief of staff to Wike, who resigned as Commissioner for Special Projects and was appointed as the CEO of Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority; and Dax George-Kelly, who resigned as commissioner for Works to take up the up appointment as the Director-General of the Border Communities Development Agency (BCDA).