Gov Umahi Suspends Perm Sec, Aide Over Alleged Theft

Ebonyi State governor 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 over alleged theft.

Briefing journalists in Abakaliki on the outcome of the state executive council 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.

Orji said the EXCO expressed concern over the disturbing volumes of diesel that have been lost in the hands of the persons involved in the business of streetlight 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 (DSS).

He said the investigation is aimed at unmasking the perpetrators adding that the head of service was further directed to cause a thorough investigation of the ministry’s staff involved in the theft of diesel.

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.”

Similarly, the state governor directed the indefinite suspension of the coordinator, Edda North  Development Centre, Hon Enyim Pius Okoro with immediate effect.

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.

Ugballa directed Hon Enyim Pius Okoro to handover all government property in his possession to the secretary to the state government and coordinating commissioner before the close of work on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.