In a significant development within Rivers State, Nigeria, a group of five commissioners has tendered their resignations, pointing to a stark divide in loyalty between Governor Sim Fubara and the Minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. This episode not only spotlights the internal conflicts within the state’s governance but also raises substantial concerns about the stability of its political landscape.
Commissioners Exit Amid Loyalty Controversy
The political scene in Rivers State experienced a tumultuous week as five commissioners loyal to Minister Wike stepped down from their positions in Governor Fubara’s cabinet. The resigning officials include Jacobson Nbina, Transport; Inime Aguma, Social Welfare and Rehabilitation; Gift Worlu, Housing; Prof Chinedu Mmom, Education; and Austen Ben-Chioma, Environment. Their collective resignation comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s unsuccessful mediation efforts aimed at mending the rift between Fubara and Wike, highlighting the ongoing struggle for influence within the state.
Ibim Semenitari, a former Commissioner for Information and Communications, voiced her perspective on the matter during an Arise Television interview. Semenitari articulated a firm stance on the expectations of political appointees, stating, “For the commissioners who resigned, it only makes sense that if you don’t agree with a man, you don’t work with him because you serve at the pleasure of your principal. If I appoint you commissioner, your loyalty should be to me because you serve at my pleasure.” She stressed the constitutional mandate that allows only one governor per tenure, advocating for Governor Fubara’s right to govern without external interference.
Governor Fubara’s Quiet Achievements Amidst Political Noise
Despite the ongoing political drama, Governor Fubara has quietly advanced several initiatives that have brought tangible benefits to the populace of Rivers State. Within just one year in office, his administration has recorded notable achievements in various sectors. Semenitari lauded these accomplishments, highlighting a few key areas where the governor’s efforts have been particularly impactful.
Significant among these achievements is the facilitation of loans to nearly four thousand individuals involved in micro, nano, macro, and medium businesses. Remarkably, fifty-two percent of the beneficiaries are women, showcasing the administration’s commitment to gender equality in economic opportunities. Additionally, the employment of a thousand new doctors represents a critical step towards addressing the healthcare sector’s staffing shortages.
The administration has also focused on civil service improvements, promoting employees who had not seen advancement in over a decade. Moreover, thirty-nine infrastructural projects inherited from the previous administration have been completed, with further payments processed to continue this momentum. Semenitari noted, “Unfortunately, you are dealing with a governor who probably just thinks, I should just do my job anyway because the reason you elected me is to do these things. But I guess the Nigerian thing is when a governor commissions a road, which is why we elected him, we will go and congratulate him. It is our right and not a favor and that is the perspective Governor Fubara appears to have.”
Source: Vanguard
