The political landscape in Rivers State is in disarray as the resignations from Governor Siminalayi Fubara's cabinet have surged to nine. Following the departure of seven colleagues, Commissioners Emeka Woke and Austen Ben-Chioma have added their names to the growing list of those relinquishing their roles in the Rivers State Executive Council.
Emeka Woke, the Commissioner for Special Projects, and Austen Ben-Chioma, the Commissioner for Environment, tendered their resignations, citing personal reasons for their decisions. Woke, a former Chief of Staff to ex-governor and current FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, emphasized pressing family demands and a desire to provide other deserving individuals the opportunity to serve the state.
The resignation letters, dated November 14, 2023, and December 15, 2023, respectively, reflect the varied timelines of the commissioners' decisions. Notably, Professor Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN), the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, was the first to announce his resignation, setting off this wave of political upheaval.
The cascade of departures also includes key figures such as Commissioner for Works George-Kelly Alabo, Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Commissioner Inime Aguma, Commissioner of Finance Isaac Kamalu, Commissioner of Transportation Dr. Jacobson B. Nbina, State Commissioner for Education Prof. Prince Chinedu, and State Commissioner for Housing Gift Worlu.
The political crisis in Rivers State has intensified with these high-profile resignations, leaving the state's cabinet significantly depleted. The reasons behind this mass exodus remain a subject of speculation, raising concerns about the stability and effectiveness of Governor Fubara's administration.
With the Rivers State cabinet now reduced to approximately eight commissioners, the impact of these departures on governance and political dynamics in the region looms large, setting the stage for further developments in this unfolding political saga
