The political situation in Rivers State continues to simmer as four commissioners have tendered their resignations from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cabinet. The resignations of Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Prof. Zacchaeus Adango and Commissioner for Finance Isaac Kamalu highlight the ongoing tensions within the state’s political landscape, despite efforts by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to broker peace.
Adango and Kamalu’s decisions to step down came after they were redeployed to different ministries by the governor’s office. Both commissioners rejected their transfers, citing concerns over the administration’s direction and an apparent lack of progress in restoring peace and stability in the state.
In his resignation letter, Adango accused Governor Fubara of willfully interfering with his duties as the Attorney General by directing him not to defend or oppose certain legal cases sponsored by the state government against him. He cited the need to preserve his reputation as the primary reason for his resignation after serving in the executive council for five years.
Kamalu, on the other hand, expressed disappointment that the peace instituted by President Tinubu remained elusive despite consistent efforts. He challenged the governor’s claim of increasing the state’s revenue from N12 billion to N27 billion, labeling it as erroneous. Kamalu emphasized the importance of a conducive climate for effective governance and service delivery, which he believes is currently lacking.
The resignations of Adango and Kamalu follow those of Commissioners George Kelly and Henry Ogiri, who stepped down earlier due to their appointments by the federal government.
While the Rivers State Government has downplayed the significance of these resignations, stating that they will not affect the administration’s operations, the departures undoubtedly represent a setback for Governor Fubara’s efforts to unite the state and move forward.
The Information and Communications Commissioner, Joseph Johnson, defended the government’s stance, claiming that those who resigned refused to align with the peace terms brokered by President Tinubu. He asserted that the state government is adhering to the agreed-upon peace deal.
As the political divisions in Rivers State continue to fester, all eyes will be on Governor Fubara’s ability to navigate these turbulent waters and restore stability within his administration. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether further resignations or shifts in the political landscape occur, potentially exacerbating the existing tensions.
The situation in Rivers State serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics of Nigeria’s political landscape and the challenges faced by state governments in maintaining unity and effective governance amid competing interests and power struggles.
Reference
‘Peace out of reach’ — Four commissioners resign from Fubara’s cabinet published in Vanguard