Several commissioners’ sudden resignations in Rivers state continue to generate controversies and reactions.
A confidential source within Governor Sim Fubara’s circle has disclosed that the departed commissioners were not the choice of the incumbent governor but were handpicked and appointed by former governor Nyesom Wike.
The source emphasized that Fubara had minimal influence in their appointments, suggesting that his predecessor orchestrated their selection and even provided instructions on their portfolios and office placements.
“The resignations of these commissioners indicate that they were not the governor’s appointees. The list was handed over to Governor Fubara by the former governor, specifying portfolios and office placements.
“Even security personnel were assigned by Wike with clear directives on their postings,” the source told Punch.
“Let those who want to go leave, and the governor will assemble members of his team, and not moles planted to spy on the administration,” he added.
Responding to claims made by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) minister regarding financing nomination forms for elected officials in Rivers State, the source acknowledged Wike’s assertion of purchasing forms for everyone.
However, the source raised scepticism concerning the disparity between a governor’s usual salary and the substantial costs of party nomination forms, hinting at uncertainties surrounding the source of the funds.
His words: “Yes, the former governor was correct to say he bought the forms for everyone. But pray, with which money? You know the salary of a governor, and you know the cost of nomination and expression of interest forms for the People’s Democratic Party.”