Desmond Akawor, the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, has tendered his resignation a few hours after his appointment by President Bola Tinubu as the Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State in the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), News About Nigeria reports.
Akawor’s resignation letter, dated November 22, 2023, and addressed to the PDP Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Umaru Damagun, cited his recent federal appointment as the reason for stepping down.
He expressed gratitude for the support received during his tenure as the state party chairman and emphasised his commitment to the ideals of the PDP.
The letter read, “I have recently been nominated for a Federal appointment to the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission as the Federal Commissioner representing Rivers State. After consultation with my leaders and family, I have accepted this opportunity to serve our country, which I consider a national service.”
Akawor has handed over his duties to the Deputy Party Chairman, Aaron Chukwuemeka, who has assumed responsibilities in his stead.
The former PDP chairman expressed thanks for the support received during his tenure, stating, “My family and I are extremely grateful to Mr President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his consideration and for finding me worthy to serve in this capacity.”
President Tinubu appointed Akawor on Thursday to fill the vacancy left by the late RMAFC Federal Commissioner from Rivers State, Asondu Temple.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, announced the appointment, emphasising Akawor’s extensive experience in various government roles.
Until his new appointment, Akawor served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Korea, Minister of State of the Federal Capital Territory, Sole Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt Development Authority, CEO of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, and Executive Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (Engineering & Technical Services).
President Tinubu charged Akawor with leveraging his experience to facilitate comprehensive reforms that ensure efficient and productive utilisation of allocations to all three tiers of government in Nigeria.
Akawor pledged his ongoing commitment to the PDP’s ideals and promised to be available for party affairs whenever called upon.
