The political crisis in Rivers State took a different dimension yesterday as six commissioners who were ‘donated’ by the minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of the state, Mr Nyesom Wike to serve in the government of the incumbent governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, resigned their portfolios.
Those who resigned were the attorney general and commissioner for justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor; commissioner for works, Dr George-Kelly Alabo; commissioner for special duties, Emeka Woke; commissioner for social welfare and rehabilitation, Mrs Inime Aguma; commissioner for finance, Isaac Kamalu; and commissioner for education, Prof. Chinedu Mmom.
The resignation came as Fubara signed into law the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N800.4 billion following its presentation to a four-man house of assembly members led by the governor’s loyalist, Mr Edison Ehie.
Of the six commissioners, five served in Wike’s administration while Woke was Wike’s chief of staff for eight years.
Adangor, who also served in the same capacity Wike’s eight-year tenure, said he resigned based on principles.
However, he expressed appreciation to Fubara for the opportunity to serve the state under his administration and wished him a successful tenure.
Alabo, for his part, said in his letter addressed to the governor through the office of the secretary to the state government that his decision was based on conscience.
“My decision to resign is anchored on my conscience, personal philosophy and professional ethics. This decision was taken after deep introspect.”
He appreciated the governor for the opportunity to serve the state in his cabinet.
Mmom, in his resignation letter dated December 14, 2023 addressed to the governor through the secretary to the state government, said, said he resigned his appointment as the commissioner for education for personal reasons.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity given to me to serve in your administration and wish you the best as you carry on with the governance of the state,” he added.
Meanwhile, Fubara said during the signing of the budget that his administration will undertake critical road projects that will connect more communities across several local governments to meet age-long yearnings of Rivers people.
He emphasised that the budget will be driven in a manner that will make a positive impact on the lives of all residents in Rivers because they will see and feel development at their doorsteps.
“This budget shows that we have a plan for our dear state. One of the reasons why our budget is in the volume of N800bn is that we intend, not just by desiring, to ensure that one key request of our dear state is met. God being our helper, we will commence immediately, by next year, flagging off the actual and main Trans-Kalabari road project Phase 2.
“We have also, in our budget, provided to take care of the Elele-Omoku road project, a road that cuts through Ikwerre, Emohua and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas. We are also taking that project as one of our cardinal achievements of this administration. We are not going back on it.”
The governor said no efforts would be spared in implementing to the full the planned quality projects and services itemised in the 2024 budget.
“I want to assure you that this administration has the best interest of our people. It is an administration that wants everyone to have hope.
“We have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President Bola Tinubu to continue to assure our people of hope. The best of us will be seen by everyone.
“We will continue to protect the interest of our people, do the best for everyone, not minding your position or class.
“Our government is a responsive and inclusive government. Our eyes and ears are open to the needs of our people. We will not disappoint you,” he added.
Also yesterday, the 26 (27?) pro-Wike lawmakers led by Mr Martins Amaewhule held their plenary at the auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters.
The group also adopted the conversion of the auditorium as its chamber.
The legislators condemned the demolition of the house of assembly complex by the governor without their approval or knowledge.
They passed the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023 and the Rivers State Local Government Law, No. 5 of 2018 (Amendment) Bill, 2023 into law.
Meanwhile, a former governor of the state from 1992-1993, Mr Rufus Ada George, has called on politicians to embrace peace and cease using provocative comments in the interest of the state.
“I am deeply pained and worried over these embarrassing events and flagrant demonstration of impunity, power, and lawlessness because of the grave danger they portend to the peace and security of Rivers state and Nigeria as a whole.
“As the oldest former governor of Rivers, I call on all former governors and their deputies to close ranks, come together, and collectively and frankly speak to our younger colleagues in the best interest of the state.
“Remember, we are duty bound to intervene in times like this by prioritising Rivers first and above all other personal, sectional, and parochial interests,” The Guardian quoted the elder statesman to have said.
