News
UPDATED: Rivers Political Fight Gets Messier As Three pro-Wike Commissioners Quit Fubara’s Cabinet
Three commissioners serving in the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara have resigned from the Rivers State Executive Council.
The commissioners are Prof. Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), and Austen Ben-Chioma (Environment), who are all loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
They were among the nine commissioners who had previously resigned in the heat of the political crisis in the state before the intervention of President Bola Tinubu.
Their resignations came 24 hours after Fubara slammed his predecessor and estranged his political godfather, accusing him of leaving a huge debt burden for him.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Rivers Commissioner Mmom Resigns, Cites Toxicity In Fubara’s Cabinet
A copy of Gift Worlu’s resignation letter.
The three commissioners tendered their resignations in separate letters addressed to the governor through the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo.
Mmom’s letter read, “I write to formally tender my resignation as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council as the Commissioner for Education with effect from today, May 15, 2024.
“It is a truism that a calm, safe, 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 favourable environment to enable me to realise my set targets for the education sector in the state.
A copy of Austen Ben-Chioma’s resignation letter.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Another Rivers Commissioner Resigns, Cites Toxicity In Fubara’s Cabinet
“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 your administration well.”
Moments later, Ben-Chioma forwarded his letter dated same May 15. He noted that his reason for resigning is because of the political crisis in the state.
His letter read, “I hereby tender my resignation as the Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, on this day, May 15, 2024.
“I want to sincerely appreciate Your Excellency for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the State Executive Council. My decision to resign is due to the political crisis befalling our dear Rivers State and other personal reasons.
“It was a privilege to have been of service to you in your administration and wish you all the best in your tenure.”
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Another Rivers Commissioner Resigns
Similarly, Worlu in his letter dated May 15, said, “I write to resign my appointment as the Commissioner for Housing formally. One of the most difficult decisions in my life yet, it is precipitated by the toxic atmosphere that has characterised our working relationship, especially the smouldering arbitrariness of decisions and actions, including the attempt to fuse the executive and legislative arms of government in Rivers State.
“I thank you for the opportunity to serve in your government and wish you the best as you continue to steer the ship of state. Kindly accept the assurances of my esteemed regards.”
Before the trio of Mmom, Worlu, and Ben-Chioma, others who resigned were the former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof Zacchaeus Adangor, and former Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu.
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.
News
Trump’s Airstrikes: Halt Military Cooperation With US Immediately – Sheikh Gumi Tells Tinubu Govt
Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the Federal Government to immediately halt all military cooperation with the United States following reported US airstrikes.
Gumi warned that American involvement could worsen Nigeria’s security challenges and undermine national sovereignty.
Gumi made the call in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Friday.
He said while Islam permits the fight against terrorism, such actions should only be carried out by what he described as “clean hands,” arguing that the United States lacks the moral authority to lead such efforts because of its global military record.
READ ALSO:US Dept Of War Shares Video Of Air Strikes In Nigeria
According to the cleric, Nigeria made a mistake by allowing foreign powers to play a role in its counterterrorism operations, insisting that “terrorists do not truly fight terrorists” and that such interventions often result in civilian casualties and hidden political motives.
Gumi warned that allowing Nigeria to become a theatre of war would attract anti-US forces into the country, further destabilising it.
He also cautioned that US involvement, particularly under claims of protecting Christians, could polarise the country along religious lines.
READ ALSO:Trump To Attend FIFA World Cup Finals Draw On Friday
The cleric further argued that airstrikes alone cannot defeat terrorism, stressing that effective counterterrorism requires strong ground operations, which he said Nigeria has enough personnel to carry out if properly organised.
“This is the mistake Nigeria has made. Terrorists don’t fight terrorists in truth; they may only kill innocent people and have ulterior motives behind the drama of fighting ‘terror’.
“As a principle, no nation should allow its land to be a theater of war. And no nation should allow its neighbors to be their enemies.
“If Nigeria wants military assistance, China, Turkey, and Pakistan can do the job effectively,” part of his statement reads.
News
Shehu Sani Reacts To Trump’s Military Strikes In Nigeria
Former lawmaker, senator Shehu Sani, has reacted to reports of United States military strikes on terrorist targets in Nigeria’s North-West, saying foreign powers cannot permanently handle the country’s security challenges.
Sani made the remarks on Friday via his X handle while responding to a post by the United States Africa Command, AFRICOM, which indicated that the strikes were carried out in coordination with Nigerian authorities.
According to him, if the reported strikes were indeed a joint operation with Nigerian security agencies, then such action was justifiable, given the threat posed by terrorist groups in the region.
READ ALSO:US Dept Of War Shares Video Of Air Strikes In Nigeria
He described terrorists operating in parts of northern Nigeria as “cancerous cells,” stressing that they survive through violence and should be confronted decisively.
Sani also dismissed narratives suggesting that terrorist attacks target only one religious group, describing such claims as false and misleading.
He said: “If actually, the military strikes against the terrorists targets in the North Western part of Nigeria were a joint operation with the ‘Nigerian Authorities’ as posted by the US AFRICOM on their verified X handle, then it’s a conscionable action.
READ ALSO:JUST IN: US Forces Bomb Terrorists Camps In Nigeria
“Terrorists have become cancerous cells in our part of the country.They live by the sword.The narrative that the evil terrorists only targets one faith, remains absolutely false and misleading.
“Again, the ultimate security and peace in our country lies with ourselves and not with the US or any foreign power. They can complimentarily or unilaterally strike, but they can’t eternally fight our battles.”
News
UKWU! Timaya Falls On Stage While Trying To Lift Plus-sized Woman During Performance [VIDEO]
Nigerian singer, Timaya fell on stage while trying to lift a plus-sized lady during performance.
The incident occurred during his ‘Ukwu’ performance at the Gbaramatu Christmas Carnival in Delta State.
READ ALSO:Saboteurs Against Presidential Amnesty Reforms – General Ndiomu
Timaya in a now trending video on social media collapsed after the plus-sized woman jumped on him midday into his performance.
The singer later got up and continued his performance amid cheers from the crowd.
Watch video here
https://x.com/hypetribeng/status/2004263337572684157?s=20
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