In a surprising turn of events, Prof. Zaccaeus Adangor, SAN, the Rivers State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, has tendered his resignation from the State Executive Council after rejecting his recent redeployment to the Ministry of Special Duties (Governor’s Office).
The resignation came swiftly, merely 24 hours after the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, implemented a minor cabinet reshuffle on Tuesday.
Governor Fubara, through a letter issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, announced the redeployment of Adangor and the State Commissioner for Finance, Isaac Kamalu, who was reassigned to the Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment. It’s worth noting that both Adangor and Kamalu, along with seven other commissioners, had previously resigned from Fubara’s cabinet during the state’s political crisis. These commissioners are known to be loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
In a letter personally signed by Adangor and dated April 24, addressed to the Secretary to the State Government, he officially communicated his rejection of the redeployment and subsequent resignation. The letter, titled “Cabinet Reshufflement: Notice of Rejection of Deployment and Resignation from the Rivers State Executive Council,” contained several points explaining his decision.
Adangor accused Governor Fubara of intentionally interfering with his duties as Commissioner, citing specific instances where he was directed not to defend or oppose lawsuits filed against his office and the Government of Rivers State by individuals allegedly sponsored by the government. Adangor expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation and emphasized that he could no longer serve under Governor Fubara’s administration.
“After serving the Government and the good people of Rivers State dutifully as a member of the Rivers State Executive Council for the past five years, it has become imperative for me to quit the administration in order to preserve my reputation,” stated Adangor in his resignation letter. He concluded by wishing Governor Fubara’s administration well.
The resignation of Prof. Zaccaeus Adangor raises questions about the stability of the state’s executive council and adds another layer of complexity to the already tense political climate in Rivers State. As the state awaits further developments, it remains to be seen how Governor Fubara will address the growing challenges within his administration.
