By NewsBits
The Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. David Umahi has suspended the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power and Energy, Engr. Godwin Nwankwo and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Utility, Hon Emmanuel Nwangbo for alleged theft.
Briefing newsmen in Abakaliki , the state capital on the outcome of the State Executive Council (SEC) Meeting, the State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr Uchenna Orji said the State Executive Council received a report on the persistent theft of diesel meant for Streetlights handled by the Ministry of Power and Energy.
Barr. Orji said that EXCO expressed concerned for the disturbing volumes of diesel that have been lost in the hands of the persons involved in the business of Streetlights, adding that Exco therefore resolved that all concerned in the business of the Streetlight supervision in the State be investigated by the Department of State Security Service.
He said that the investigation is aimed at unmasking the perpetrators, stressing that the Head of Service was further directed to cause a thorough investigation of the Ministry’s staff involved in the theft of diesel. Barr. Orji said that the Head of Service has been mandated to take appropriate actions as required by the rules of the State Civil Service.
“Exco approved the suspension from office of the two persons who are directly responsible for supervision of streetlights under the Ministry of Power, Permanent Secretary, Engr. Godwin Nwankwo Ministry of Power and Energy, and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Utility, Hon. Emmanuel Nwangbo,” Orji said.
He said that in the same manner, Governor Umahi also directed the indefinite suspension of the Coordinator, Edda North Development Centre, Hon. Enyim Pius Okoro from office with immediate effect. In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government and Coordinating Commissioner, Dr. Kenneth Ugballa said that the indefinite suspension is as a result of his inability to discharge his duty effectively.
Dr. Ugballa directed Hon. Enyim Pius Okoro to hand over all government property in his possession to the Secretary to the State Government and Coordinating Commissioner before the close of work on yesterday October 19, 2022.
Barr. Orji said that EXCO also received a memo from the Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development for the appropriation of the Ecological Funds approved and released by President Mohammadu Buhari on the landslide in Ogwuma Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area.
“Exco noted in appreciation that the sum of One Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N1.5billion Naira) approved by the Federal Government had been released. Exco approved that it be invested solely for the purpose for which it was released and that 10% of the said sum be retained for Consultancy services and design fees for the entire project,” he stated.
