Rivers State government has denied claims that it created a ‘toxic environment’ for its cabinet members, thus, prompting them to resign.
This development comes amidst a deepening crisis between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, seeing five commissioners loyal to Wike resign from Fubara’s cabinet on Wednesday, citing a toxic work environment.
The resigning commissioners, Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr Gift Worlu (Housing), Auten Ben-Chioma (Environment), Mrs. Inime Aguma (Social Welfare and Rehabilitation), and Dr Jacobson Nbina (Transport), brought the total number of pro-Wike commissioners resigning to nine.
The rift between Fubara and Wike, which began in October the previous year, has seen stakeholders taking sides, and even a failed intervention by President Bola Tinubu.
In response to the resignation, Fubara accused Wike of leaving behind a massive debt burden and hinted at probing Wike’s administration. The resignations followed this accusation, with the pro-Wike commissioners submitting separate resignation letters to Fubara through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo.
Mmom expressed in his letter, “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 favorable environment to enable me to realize my set targets for the education sector in the state.”
Similarly, Ben-Chioma wrote, “My decision to resign is due to the political crisis befalling our dear Rivers State and other personal reasons.”
Dr Worlu cited the toxic atmosphere and “the attempt to fuse the executive and the legislative in Rivers State” as reasons for his resignation.
In response to the claims of toxicity, the state Commissioner for Information and Communications, Joseph Johnson, dismissed them, stating that the resignations were common and part of a healthy environment. He argued, “The governor allowed us the liberty to operate, and we’re enjoying his liberal nature.”
However, the Chairman of the Caretaker Committee of the opposition All Progressives Congress in Rivers State, Chief Tony Okocha, supported the resignations, stating, “The place has turned into a gymnastic for crisis and illegality. And that working under that environment they are not sure that they will be able to function properly in the manner and in the spirit and in their thought whilst they accepted to be commissioners and were sworn in.”
