Professor Chinedu Mmom, the Commissioner for Education in Rivers State, has resigned from Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s cabinet, citing a toxic work environment.
Mmom, a loyalist of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is the third reappointed commissioner to resign in recent weeks, as reported by The Punch.
Prior to Mmom’s resignation, the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Professor Zacchaeus Adangor, and the former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, also stepped down.
Their resignations followed Fubara’s directive to redeploy them to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office) and Ministry for Employment Generation and Empowerment, respectively.
In a letter dated May 25, 2024, addressed to the governor via the Secretary to the State Government, Mmom explained his reasons for stepping down.
“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 workspace has become toxic and no longer guarantees a favorable environment to enable me to realize my set targets for the education sector in the state.”
He further elaborated on the issues within the cabinet, stating, “There is a loss of trust, animosity, and sharp division among colleagues in the same cabinet, which is unhealthy and very unfortunate.”
Mmom expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, thanking the governor and expressing his best wishes for the administration. He also appealed to his supporters to understand his decision.
“My decision might not go down well with most of you, but it is best given the prevailing circumstances. Many thanks for your understanding,” he wrote on his Facebook page.
