Fubara/Wike: Commissioner Steps Down, Rejects Governor's Redeployment

Isaac Kamalu

ISAAC Kamalu, the commissioner of finance for the state of Rivers, has resigned from Governor Siminalayi Fubara's cabinet.

He criticized Fubara's assertions of an increase in internally generated revenue of N27 billion per month at the same time as this.

Prior to Fubara's cabinet change in the middle of the state's ongoing crisis, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor, the state's Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, had similarly turned down his redeployment.

The Attorney-General also resigned from the State Executive Council in a letter to Tammy Danagogo, the Secretary to the State Government.

Following his transfer by the governor to the Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment, Kamalu tendered his resignation.

According to the letter headed “Re: Notice Of Resignation As Commissioner And Member Of The Rivers State Executive Council,” it is challenging to provide sound leadership in a climate of distrust and resentment.

He expressed dismay at the state's turn of events, but acknowledged that he had given the state his all during the previous administration, when he served as the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning and then as Finance Helmsman, a position he continued to hold under Fubara.

“In the course of official engagements I have reiterated the need for this peace and the fact we all are willing and determined to work for this,” the statement states in part.

It continued: “It is very difficult to deliver good governance where there is acrimony and discord. It is not the point of service that is important, but the climate.

“Our present circumstance makes service delivery extremely challenging. I still hold the belief that it is never too late for peace.

“In view of the above, I find it difficult to accept the redeployment. I do not accept it. I reject it and convey to you my immediate resignation as Commissioner and Member of the Rivers State Executive Council with effect from the date of this letter.

“While praying that the Good Lord grants us peace, I thank you for the opportunity and assure you the assurances of my esteemed regards.”

Due to his loyalty to Nyesom Wike, the former minister of Fubara's predecessor and current Federal Capital Territory minister, he was redeployed on Tuesday, April 23.

 Kamalu held the office of Finance Commissioner during the latter's tenure as governor, which he kept in Fubara's administration.

He submitted his resignation to Fubara via the State Government Secretary, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, in a letter dated Wednesday, April 24.