Two Pro-Wike Commissioners Resign From Gov. Fubara’s Cabinet

The Rivers State Commissioners for Education and Housing, Professor Chinedu Mmon and Gift Worlu, have resigned from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cabinet, citing toxicity for their actions.

Both Mmon and Worlu are loyalists to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and they are now the fourth reappointed Commissioners to tender their resignation.

In a letter dated May 25, 2024, and addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo, 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.”

The commission, however, pleaded to his supporters and well-wishers to accept his decision to resign from the governor’s cabinet in good faith.

“My decision might not go down well with most of you, but it is best given the prevailing circumstances. Many thanks for your understanding,” he wrote on his Facebook.

In his resignation, the former Commission for Housing, who resigned almost immediately after Mmon, said Fubara’s decision and actions, especially his attempt to fuse the executive and legislative arms of the state government, were intolerable.

His letter read, “I write to resign my appointment as the Honourable Commissioner of 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.”

Before the duo of Mmom and Worlu were the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, who resigned from their appointments a few weeks ago.

Adangor and Kamalu resigned after Fubara directed that they should be redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office) and Ministry for Employment Generation and Empowerment, respectively.