The Ebonyi State government, led by Governor David Umahi, has suspended the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power And Energy, Godwin Nwankwo, and Special Assistant on Public Utilities, Emmanuel Nwangbo in connection to diesel theft.
The state Commissioner for Information, Uchenna Orji while briefing journalists in Abakaliki after the State Executive Council Meeting on Wednesday, stated that the suspension is in connection to the alleged theft of diesel meant for streetlights in the state estimated at about N150 million.
He said the council received a report on the persistent theft of diesel meant for streetlights handled by the Ministry of Power and Energy, which has at times thrown the state into darkness.
“Council noted the disturbing volumes of diesel that have been lost in the hands of the persons involved in the business of streetlight.
“Council, therefore, resolved that all concerned in the business of the Streetlight supervision in the State be investigated by the Department of State Security Service with a view to unmasking the perpetrators.
“The Head of Service was further directed to cause a thorough investigation of the Ministry’s staff involved in the theft of diesel and take appropriate actions as required by the rules of the State Civil Service,” Orji said.
He said the council ordered the suspension of the duo because they are directly responsible for the supervision of streetlights under the Ministry of Power.
He also said that the state government received the N1.5bn special ecological fund approved by President Muhammadu Buhari for the Ogwuma Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area.
Orji said the State Executive Council, while appreciating the President for the prompt release of the funds, approved that it be immediately invested solely for the purpose it was released.
The commissioner announced cheering news of lift of waiver for employment of 60 law Officers into the state Ministry of Justice in a bid to quicken dispensation of justice.
“Exco received for consideration, a memo from the office of the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice requesting Exco to consider and approve a waiver for the recruitment of 60 Law officers in the State Civil Service which he said was pertinent in view of the increase in crime waves in the society and the need not to overstretch the existing Law officers in the Ministry of Justice.
“Exco therefore approved that vacancies for a total of 60 Law Officers be advertised by the State Civil Service Commission with immediate effect. The Ministry of Justice is to provide details of the requirements for application while the Ministry of Information shall ensure that the advertisement be aired and or published in the necessary media platforms.
“Exco received a memo by the Secretary to the State Government and Coordinating Commissioner requesting for the approval of the sum of (N2,500,000,000.00) for the procurement of 25kg and 5kg bags of rice and other gift items for distribution to different groups, Stakeholders and organizations in Ebonyi State for their Christmas celebration.
“Exco commended the Governor for religiously providing Christmas Package for groups and stakeholders in the State since he came on board in 2015, and Exco therefore approved the sum of 2.5 billion Naira.”