The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Professor Chinedu Mmon, has resigned from the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Mmon is a loyalist of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and former governor of the state, Chief Nyesom Wike.
Wike and Fubara have been at loggerheads over the past few months after political disagreements between the former governor and his successor.
He is the third reappointed Commissioner to tender his resignation after the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Zacchaeus Adangor and former Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Isaac Kamalu, resigned their appointments few weeks ago.
Adangor and Kamalu resigned after Fubara directed that they should be redeployed to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office) and Ministry for Employment Generation and Empowerment, respectively.
In a letter dated May 25, 2024 and addressed to the governor, through the Secretary to the State Government, Mmon said he was resigning because his current work space had become toxic.
His words: “I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council as the Honourable Commissioner for Education with effect from today, 15th day of May, 2024.
“It is a truism that a calm and friendly environment would stimulate efficient service delivery and enhanced productivity.
“It is however unfortunate to note that my current work space has become toxic and no longer guarantees a favourable environment to enable me realize my set targets for the education sector in the state.
“There is loss of trust, animosity and sharp division among colleagues in the same cabinet, which is unhealthy and very unfortunate.
“I want to thank Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve in your cabinet and wish you well in your administration.”
