Rivers State has been thrown deeper into political crisis after numerous cabinet members formally withdraw their support for Governor Fubara’s administration. Commissioner for Works George-Kelly Alabo, who previously served in the same capacity under Nyesom Wike’s administration, Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Commissioner Inime Aguma, and Finance Commissioner Isaac Kamalu have all resigned.
The cascade of resignations, following closely on the heels of the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Prof Zacchaeus Adangor stepping down, is seen as a significant blow to Governor Fubara’s leadership.
In separate letters addressed to the governor, the reasons for the resignations were articulated. Commissioner George-Kelly Alabo, in his letter, stated, “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.” He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve the state.
Commissioner Inime Aguma, citing “personal” reasons, tendered her resignation from the cabinet and conveyed well wishes to the current administration. “I hereby tender my resignation as the Honourable Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Rivers State on this day 14th of December 2023,” she wrote.
On the other hand, Finance Commissioner Isaac Kamalu did not specify the reasons for his departure but formally announced his resignation, stating, “I hereby inform you of my immediate resignation as Commissioner of Finance, Rivers State with effect from the date stated above.”
This series of resignations follows the earlier departure of the Attorney-General Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, who attributed his move to a “purely personal decision.”
The political crisis in Rivers State has been escalating since the rift between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and Governor Fubara began. The situation has led to a division in the Rivers State House of Assembly, with two groups emerging. Recently, 27 lawmakers, originally from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), further complicating the political landscape. The leader of another group, Edison Ehie, declared their seats vacant in response to the defection.
Governor Fubara escalated tensions by demolishing the Assembly complex, claiming it was unfit for use. He presented the 2024 budget to the Ehie-led group at the Government House in Port Harcourt, as a court barred the Martins Amaewhule-led group, perceived allies of Nyesom Wike, from using the assembly.
