Five Commissioners who were part of Governor Siminalayi Fubara‘s cabinet resigned from the Rivers State Executive Council on May 15, 2024. The commissioners, who are all supportive of Nyesom Wike, the minister of the Federal Capital Territory, are Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment), Inime Aguma (Social Welfare), and Jacobson Nbina (Transport).

They were among the nine commissioners who had earlier quit amid the intense political unrest in the state before President Bola Tinubu’s intervention. They resigned 24 hours after Fubara had attacked his predecessor, alienated his political godfather, and charged him with leaving a massive debt load for him.

The five Commissioners submitted their separate letters of resignation to the Governor through Dr. Tammy Danagogo, secretary to the State Government.

Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, the Rivers State Commissioner for Education, resigned from the State Executive Council., Citing his reasons, “I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council as the Commissioner for Education with effect from today, May 15, 2024,” Professor Mmom cited a “toxic” work atmosphere as the cause of his resignation, claiming that it would be challenging to meet his set targets in such an environment for the Education sector in the State. Nonetheless, the outgoing commissioner wished Governor Siminalayi Fubara well and expressed gratitude for the chance to work under his government. 

Gift Worlu, the River State Commissioner for Housing, who also resigned from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration, coincides with Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, the State Commissioner for Education, who also offered his resignation from the Fubara cabinet.

In a letter to Governor Fubara sent through Secretary to the State Government Tammy Danagogo, Worlu gave two reasons for his resignation: a “toxic” work climate and an alleged attempt to combine the legislative and executive branches of government. “I appreciate the chance to work for your government and wish you well in your ongoing leadership of the state. “Please take assurances of my sincere regards.”

Ben-Chioma, the Commissioner for Environment, issued his own resignation statement, citing the State’s political instability as the cause. He stated, “On this day, May 15, 2024, “I hereby tender my resignation as the Honorable Commission for Environment, Rivers State.” He also expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for intervening in the state’s political situation, which he claimed was causing apathy and a lack of trust.

Nbina, Transport Commissioner, and member of the River State Executive Council, also resigned. The former Transport Commissioner said, “It has been an honour to serve in this role, and I thank Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve our state, which I did dutifully and meritoriously.” He also expressed his gratitude to President Tinubu for intervening in the state’s political situation, which he claimed was causing apathy and a lack of trust.

Aguma, meanwhile, stated in her letter, which leaked a few hours ago, that she was leaving the governor’s office due to the unfavorable working environment at the moment. I am leaving the workplace as there is no opportunity for advancement or development. However, “I appreciate the chance to serve,” she said

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