Rift between the current Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, has been revealed. It has come to light that Fubara had no say in the appointment of commissioners, special advisers, and other key aides, as Wike had sole control over their selection and appointment. This revelation follows the recent resignation of several commissioners, further indicating that they were not Fubara’s choices but were instead imposed by Wike, who installed Fubara as his successor.
Sources close to the governor have confirmed that the commissioners’ resignations have exposed the fact that they were not appointed by Fubara himself. The list of commissioners and advisers, along with their portfolios, was handed over to Fubara by Wike, who also provided clear instructions on where to post security agents. The sudden departure of these commissioners, within just seven months of Fubara’s administration, has raised questions about their allegiance and loyalty.
Responding to claims made by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister that Fubara and other elected officials did not purchase nomination forms with their own funds, a source close to the governor revealed that while Wike did indeed buy the forms for everyone, the question remains as to where the funds came from. The source pointed out the vast difference between a governor’s salary and the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). This has led to speculation that those resigning may be planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The wave of resignations from the Rivers State Executive Council continued with three more commissioners stepping down. Dr. Jacobson Nbina (Transport), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), and Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment) submitted their resignation letters to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government. It is worth noting that both Nbina and Ben-Chioma were commissioners under Wike’s administration.
With the addition of these three commissioners, the total number of resignations now stands at nine. The previous resignations include Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, SAN (Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice), Dr. Des George-Kelly (Works), Emeka Woke (Special Duties), Mrs. Inime Aguma (Social Welfare and Rehabilitation), Isaac Kamalu (Finance), and Prof Chinedu Mmom (Education). It is noteworthy that Mmom, Adangor, Aguma, George-Kelly, Nbina, and Kamalu all served as commissioners under Wike’s administration and were reappointed by Fubara.
In addition to the political upheaval caused by the resignations, the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly complex continues. The hallowed chambers were completely pulled down, and four bulldozers were seen inside the complex, demolishing other adjoining buildings. The decision to demolish the complex, which was built during the administration of Dr. Peter Odili, was made after Governor Fubara assessed the damage caused by an explosion on October 29, 2023. A firm hired by the government reported that the building had integrity issues and was unfit for legislative business. The state government has assured that a new complex will be built, and in the meantime, a temporary location has been provided for the lawmakers.
