The commissioners who resigned are Prof Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner for Education; Mrs Inime Chinwenwo Aguma, Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation; Austen Ben-Chioma, Commissioner of Environment, Dr. Gift Worlu, Commissioner of Housing, and Dr. Jacobson Nbina, Commissioner for Transport.

Their departures follow an earlier group of nine commissioners who resigned during a state political crisis, before President Bola Tinubu’s intervention.

The resignations occurred just a day after Governor Fubara publicly criticised his predecessor and former political mentor, Wike, accusing him of leaving behind substantial debts.

The three commissioners submitted their resignations through separate letters to Governor Fubara via the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo.

In his resignation letter dated May 15, 2024, Mmom expressed his concerns about the increasingly toxic work environment under the Fubara administration, stating, “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.

“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 to realise my set targets for the education sector in the state.

“There is 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.”

Ben-Chioma also cited the ongoing political crisis as his primary reason for stepping down in his letter, also dated May 15: “I hereby tender my resignation as the Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, on this day, May 15, 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.”

Worlu’s resignation letter from the same date highlighted the difficult working conditions, stating, “I write to resign my appointment as the Commissioner for Housing formally. One of the most difficult decisions in my life yet, it is precipitated by the toxic atmosphere that has characterised 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.

“I thank you for the opportunity to serve in your government and wish you the best as you continue to steer the ship of state. Kindly accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

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

Also, Nbina said: “My decision to resign is due to the unresolved political crisis in our dear State leading to lack of trust and apathy.”

This series of resignations from the administration of Governor Fubara began with the earlier departures of the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, and the former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, who were both reassigned to less significant ministries following a directive from Fubara.