Rivers State, Nigeria, finds itself entrenched in political upheaval as Governor Siminalayi Fubara grapples with the departure of four key members of his cabinet. This recent wave of resignations has exposed an intensifying feud with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now Minister of the Federal Territory (FCT), Abuja, further destabilizing the region's political landscape.
The exodus began with George Kelly, Commissioner for Works, and Henry Ogiri, Commissioner of Power, both of whom resigned due to new appointments under the federal government, a move believed to be orchestrated by Wike. This significant shift highlights the tug of power influencing regional and federal levels.
Compounding the crisis, both the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adango, and the Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, have also stepped down. Their resignations, initially triggered by a reshuffling that relocated them to less influential roles, reflect deep dissatisfaction with the administration's direction and internal discord.
The rift was briefly addressed by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, who intervened in hopes of quelling the tensions. However, the peace was short-lived as both factions within the state's leadership continued to struggle for influence, disregarding the brief presidential mediation.
In his resignation letter, Adango explicitly criticized Governor Fubara for interference with his duties and a lack of consultation about his new role, stating, "I am no longer willing to continue to serve in the administration of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, in any capacity whatsoever." This statement underscores the ongoing challenges within the state's executive council and a broader context of political instability.
Kamalu echoed these sentiments, lamenting the persistent discord that hampers effective governance and stating, "Regrettably, the peace in government and governance that we all desire has remained out of reach despite our consistent efforts." His resignation highlights the failures in achieving a harmonious political environment necessary for progressing state initiatives and serving the public effectively.
These developments signal a troubling trend for Rivers State, where political strife has overshadowed governance, with key figures withdrawing support from an administration increasingly seen as divisive and ineffective. As the state moves forward, the focus remains on how new leadership adjustments will address the underlying issues of governance and whether any semblance of stability can be restored.
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