Former Rivers State Commissioner of Finance, Barr. Isaac Kamalu, who was redeployed to the Ministry of Employment Generation and Economic Empowerment on Tuesday, has rejected his redeployment, opting instead to resign from the State Executive Council.
In his resignation letter addressed to the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, a copy of which was obtained by our Correspondent, the former Commissioner of Finance cited the absence of peace in the state as the main reason for his decision.
The letter reads in part: “Your Excellency would recall that I served under the Administration of His Excellency, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike (now Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja), originally as Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning (2015-2019) and subsequently as Commissioner for Finance, with oversight responsibility for the Rivers State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning (2019 – 2023).
“The mandates of the respective Ministries were, to the best of our abilities, duly carried out, and at all times, relevant reforms were embarked upon for improved performance and effective and sustainable service delivery.
“You will respectfully recall that when the climate of discord became unbearable, I and other like-minded members of the Executive Council that were appointed by you resigned. You thereafter engaged His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and as Father of the Nation to intervene in the matter.
“In deference to the directive of Mr. President, I and the others were recalled, and we all accepted and rejoined the cabinet again. I expected, Sir, that with the opportunity provided by Mr. President, every effort would be made to sustain peace.
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“Regrettably, Your Excellency, the peace in Government and governance that we all – citizens and residents of the state desire, has remained out of reach despite our consistent efforts and demand for the same. This has affected our ability to protect and defend the gains that we made these past years. In the course of official engagements, I have reiterated the need for this peace and the fact that we all are willing and determined to work for it. 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.”
