Rivers Saga: Two Wike Loyalists Resign As Commissioners

Two loyalists of Nysom Wike, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Professor Chinedu Mmon and Ben-Golden Chioma, have resigned as the Rivers State Commissioner for Education and Commissioner for Environment respectively.

Mmon resigned from the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Wednesday, making him the third reappointed Commissioner to tender his resignation.

Osun Defender reported that the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, resigned their appointments a few weeks ago after they were redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office) and Ministry for Employment Generation and Empowerment, respectively.

In a letter addressed
to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government, the former Commissioner of Education, said he was resigning because his current workspace had become toxic.

The letter reads in part, “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, May 15, 2024.

“It is a truism that a calm 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 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 you well in your administration.”

Moments later, Chioma forwarded his matter, dated same 15th May, saying the political crisis in the state was behind his resignation.

He said: “I hereby tender my resignation as the Hon. 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.”