Akinlabi Emmanuel
Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Professor Prince Chinedu Mmom, has resigned from the State Executive Council, citing a “toxic” working environment as his reason.
In his resignation letter dated May 15, 2024, Professor Mmom, a known loyalist of former governor Nyesom Wike, stated that the adverse work conditions made it impossible for him to achieve his goals for the education sector in the state.
He highlighted issues such as a loss of trust, animosity, and sharp division among colleagues in the cabinet, which he described as unhealthy and unfortunate. Despite these challenges, Professor Mmom expressed gratitude to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the opportunity to serve and extended his best wishes to the administration.
The letter read in part, “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 realize my set targets for the Education sector in the State.”
Professor Mmom had previously resigned from the Fubara cabinet during a political crisis last year but returned to his post following President Bola Tinubu’s intervention. His loyalty to former Governor Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has been publicly evident.
The letter read, “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 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 your administration well.
“Kindly accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”
Professor Mmom was among the Commissioners who resigned from the Fubara cabinet last year, during the heat of the political crisis in the state, before the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
He returned to the Fubara administration as Commissioner for Education but has publicly shown that his loyalty lies with the former Governor, now Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike.
