Four More Commissioners Resign in Rivers 

*27 pro-Wike  lawmakers defy court order, hold plenary

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt 

As the rift between the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, and his godfather, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, worsens, four more commissioners in Fubara’s cabinet have resigned.

The Commissioners are: Chukwuemeka Woke (Special Duties), Alabo George-Kelly (Works), Isaac Kamalu (Finance) and Inime Chinwenwo Aguma (Social Welfare and Rehabilitation).

The four commissioners resigned few hours after the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Zaccheaus Adangor tendered his resignation letter to the state government.

Emeka Woke who is a strong ally to the FCT Minister and served under him (Wike) as the Chief of Staff before he was returned as Commissioner for Special Duties, in the Fubara’s government, was yet to make public the reason for his resignation.

On her part, the commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs Aguma who tendered her resignation letter Friday, said “My decision to resign is personal and based on other pressing commitments”.

Mrs Aguma who is the wife to late Chime Aguma (SAN), the former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, wished governor Fubara a successful tenure.

Also, in his resignation letter dated December 14, 2023 and addressed to the governor, Commissioner for Works, George-Kelly, said his decision to resign was anchored on his conscience, personal philosophy, and professional ethics, adding that the decision was taken after deep introspection.

He further “appreciate Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve my beloved Rivers State as Commissioner for Works”.

In his resignation letter also dated December 14, 2023, Isaac Kamalu, Finance Commissioner thanked the governor for the opportunity granted him to serve under his administration, but did not state reason for the decision.

Earlier, the Attorney General of the state, Adangor said his decision was based on personal principles.

He thanked governor Fubara for giving him the opportunity and privilege granted

to serve in his administration as a member of the Cabinet. 

“My family and I are indebted to Your Excellency in gratitude. I wish your Excellency a successful tenure. Please accept the assurances of my highest regards always.”

Meanwhile, the 27 lawmakers who recently defected to the All  Progressives Congress (APC), defied the court order by a Rivers State High Court presided by Justice MW Danagogo and had a parallel plenary.

The lawmakers led by pro-Wike Speaker, Martins Amaewhule, held their sitting Friday, at the Assembly Quarters, while the governor was signing into law the 2024 appropriation bill witnessed by pro-Fubara lawmakers led by Edison Ehie, as the Speaker.

During the sitting led by Amaewhule,, the House passed the Rivers State House of Assembly Funds Management (Financial Autonomy) Bill, 2023.

The House passed the Bill after debating on the Report of the House Committee on Public Accounts on the Bill. 

Commenting on the Report which was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Major Jack, the Speaker, Amaewhule, emphasised the importance of the passage of the  Bill, which he noted will provide for the management of funds accruing to the Rivers State House of Assembly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State.

He added that the law will ensure accountability and efficient utilisation of funds. 

Amaewhule enthused that with the passage of the amendment Bill, elected Local Government Council chairmen and Councilors would be liberated from arbitrary removals and suspensions. 

The House also condemned what it described as heartless and brazen demolition of the House of Assembly complex by Governor Fubara, without the their approval and knowledge.

Amaewhule, hinted that the House would write to the United Nations and governments of other well known democracies on the actions of the Governor against the Legislature; stressing that no amount of harassment, intimidation and mindless attacks against the legislature would make them away from their constitutional duties.