No fewer than 10 members of the Rivers State Executive Council have resigned in the past 48 hours, according to media reports.
This comes amidst an ongoing political crisis in the state speculated to be between the incumbent Governor of the state, Siminalayi Joseph Fubara and the former Governor of the state and Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT Abuja, Nyesom Wike.
According to reports, the rift between the two political heads had originated after Governor Fubara reportedly refused to yield to some of the conditions set for him by his political godfather, Nyesom Wike.
The rift has reportedly lingered for weeks now and is being said to have a negative impact on the citizens of the state as well as their businesses.
Recollecting a list of the state officials who have withdrawn their services to the state, Radiojagaban learns that they include the following commissioners: Chukwuemeka Woke (Special Duties), Alabo George-Kelly (Works), Isaac Kamalu (Finance) Inime Chinwenwo Aguma (Social Welfare and Rehabilitation), Zaccheaus Adangor (Justice) and Chinedu Mmom (Education). Others are Jacobson Nbina (Transport) and Gift Worlu (Housing), Austin Ben-Chioma (Environment) and Commissioner for Bureau of public procurement in the state.
However, it is not yet clear whether the 10 Commissioners who have thus far resigned from their positions were dumping the Fubara cabinet or were asked to leave.
But in a statement issued on Friday, Governor Fubara said he was preoccupied with delivering his mandate by attending to the needs of the people and protecting the interest of the State adding that his administration was not interested in fighting anybody.
The Rivers state governor stated this while inaugurating 20,000 housing units for low-income earners in the State, adjacent the OPM Headquarters, Mbodo-Aluu, along International Airport Road, Ikwerre Local Government Area where he explained that in protecting the interest of the State, his administration would continue to do what was right before God and men while encouraging a robust participation of the people in governance.
He said, “For our people, I want to assure you, our government has nothing to do with fighting anybody. Our governance is to take care and defend our people. I can assure you here, that this is the beginning of our service to the people of Rivers State.
“It is not service to the elites, but to the poor and low-income earners. Those are the people we want to stand with, and we are standing with them from today.”
Governor Fubara noted that his administration has started a new history with the 20,000 units of housing by giving new hope to Rivers people particularly the poor and assured that in a few months, the first phase of the project would be completed and the housing units allocated to the low-income earners through a transparent process.
“I want to also say it here, let it also be my own commitment that this facility, once it commences and gets to the stage of allotment, it will go to the rightful people and not one big man to allocate to his family. It will be transparent so that the targeted people will access and benefit from it.
“First of all, we need to give our people hope and today, I believe that everybody in our dear State has seen that light. How did we come about this magic? We opened our doors for negotiation and opportunities, knowing that government cannot do it alone. We had to invite people that are ready to invest in our State.
“I make bold to say it; Rivers State is a safe haven for investment. What we are doing today is to let the world know it, and not what you hear in the media. I tell you that Rivers State is safe and secure for anybody anywhere to come and invest. Your investment is safe in our hands.”
In his remarks, the Acting Administrator of New City Development Authority, Mr. Aaron Obele, said the 20,000 units of housing would sit on a 1000 hectares of land stating that the first phase which started on 100 hectares of land, would provide affordable houses in a striving and inclusive community for the people to live in.
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