Prof. Chinedu Mmom, Commissioner for Education in Rivers State has resigned his appointment following the lingering crisis in the state, THE WITNESS reports.
Mmom’s resignation increases the number of commissioners who have left the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to six.
This was as the two factions of the split state House of Assembly held separate sittings on Thursday.
So far, the other commissioners who have tendered their resignation are the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor (SAN); Commissioner for Works, Dr Des George-Kelly; Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Woke; Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs Inime Aguma; the Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu.
Of the six commissioners, five served under Wike’s administration in the same capacity, while Woke was Wike’s Chief of Staff for eight years.
Meanwhile, the education commissioner, in his resignation letter dated December 14, 2023 addressed to the Governor through the Secretary to the State Government, said, “I hereby resign my appointment as the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Rivers State for personal reasons.
“I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the opportunity given to me to serve in your administration and wish you the best as you carry on with the governance of the state.”
Meanwhile, the two factions of the state House of Assembly held parallel sitting at different locations on Thursday.
The Speaker, Martin Amaewhule, who leads 27 pro-Wike lawmakers, sat at the Assembly quarters along Aba Road Port Harcourt.
On the other hand, the Edison Ehie-led faction, which is loyal to Fubara, reportedly held plenary at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile, the pro-Wike faction, during their sitting at the auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters on Aba Road, Port Harcourt, “resolved to adopt and convert the Auditorium of the House of Assembly Quarters to its hallowed chamber.”
According to a statement they issued on Thursday, the lawmakers condemned “in unequivocal terms” what they described as “heartless and brazen demolition of the House of Assembly complex by Governor Siminialayi Fubara, without the approval and knowledge of the House.”
The House, in a motion sponsored by 26 members and moved by Ofiks Kabang, representing Andoni Constituency, drew the attention of the Federal Government, the Inspector-General of Police and the international community, to the constant attack by Fubara on the Rivers State legislature.
Fubara, on Wednesday, had presented the state’s 2024 budget to the Ehie faction.
He signed the N800bn budget into law on Thursday, pledging full implementation.
