Two more commissioners quit Fubara’s cabinet as Rivers political crisis worsens

Two commissioners have resigned from the cabinet of Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers state.

The officials who resigned are George-Kelly Alabo, commissioner for works, and Inime Aguma, commissioner for social welfare and rehabilitation.

The development comes some hours after Zacchaeus Adangor tendered his resignation as the Rivers state attorney-general and commissioner for justice.

In a letter addressed to Fubara, Alabo said his decision to resign was based on his “conscience, personal philosophy, and professional ethics”.

“I hereby resign my appointment as the commissioner for works, Rivers State, effective immediately. My decision to resign is anchored on my conscience, personal philosophy, and professional ethics,” the resignation letter reads.

“This decision was taken after deep introspection. I appreciate Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve my beloved Rivers state as commissioner for works.”

‘MY DECISION IS PERSONAL’

In his resignation letter, Aguma said his decision is “personal and based on other pressing commitments”.

“I hereby tender my resignation as the Honourable Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Rivers State on this day 14th of December 2023,” the letter reads.

“I wish Your Excellency a successful tenure and pray for best wishes in all your endeavours.”

POLITICAL CRISIS IN RIVERS

Fubara and Wike, former Rivers governor and minister of federal capital territory (FCT), are at loggerheads over the control of the political structure in Rivers.

The Rivers state assembly is currently enmeshed in a political crisis, which has led to the division of the state legislature.

The faction loyal to the state governor has five members and is led by Edison Ehie, while the other one led by Martin Amaewhule, has 26 members.

On Wednesday, Fubara presented the 2024 budget to the Ehie-led faction of the assembly.

Ehie had earlier declared the seats of 27 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmakers, who defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), vacant.

During the budget presentation by the governor, the state government demolished the assembly complex, citing that there were cracks in the building following the October fire incident.