The political landscape in Rivers state is witnessing a significant upheaval as a total of nine commissioners have now submitted their resignations, marking a deepening crisis that has ties to the power struggle between Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The commissioners, perceived to have strong affiliations with Nyesom Wike, who currently serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), are believed to be pivotal players in the ongoing political tussle.
The wave of resignations began with the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, setting the precedent. Subsequently, Commissioner for Works, Dr George-Kelly Alabo, Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs Inime Chinwenwo-Aguma, and Commissioner for Housing, Dr Gift Worlu, tendered their resignations. The latest addition to this list is Chief Dr Jacobson Nbina, who served as the Commissioner for Transport.
The political crisis has not only affected the executive branch but has also taken a toll on the state’s legislature. Twenty-seven lawmakers who defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) had their seats declared vacant by a factional speaker aligned with the governor. Currently, the House of Assembly is run by only four out of 31 members, with the four lawmakers supporting Governor Fubara while the remaining 27 are aligned with Nyesom Wike.
The commissioners who have tendered their resignations so far are:
1. Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN).
2. Commissioner for Works, Dr Des George-Kelly
3. Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Woke.
4. Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs Inime Aguma.
5. Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu.
6. Commissioner for Education, Prof. Chinedu Mmom.
7. Commissioner for Housing, Dr Gift Worlu.
8. Commissioner for Transport, Dr Jacobson Nbina.
9.Commissioner for Environment, Austen Ben-Chioma.