The commissioner for environment in Rivers state, Austen Ben-Chioma, has announced her resignation from the cabinet of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Announcing her resignation in a letter, the commissioner said, “I hereby tender my resignation as the Hon. Commissioner for Environment, Rivers State, on this day the 15th May, 2024.”

Appreciating the governor for giving her the opportunity to be a part of the state executive council, the commissioner explained that “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,” she added.

Ms Austen joins fellow commissioners, Chinedu Mmom (Education), Dr. Gift Worlu (Housing), Inime Aguma (Social Welfare), and Jacobson Nbina (Transport), all loyal to the immediate past governor and current minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to have resigned from the government.

They were among ten commissioners who had earlier resigned in December 2023, due to the political tussle between Mr Fubara and his predecessor, before President Bola Tinubu intervened.

The latest exodus of the commissioners came just a day after the governor revealed plans to probe the previous administration, including that of Mr Wike, whom he accused of leaving a huge debt burden for him.