Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has suspended a permanent secretary and his special assistant over the alleged theft of diesel meant for streetlights.
The affected persons are the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power and Energy, Godwin Nwankwo and SA to the Governor on Public Utility, Hon Emmanuel Nwangbo.
Briefing journalists in Abakaliki, the state capital, on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, the information and state orientation commissioner, Mr Uchenna Orji, announced their suspension.
Orji said the executive council expressed concern over the disturbing volumes of diesel that have been lost in the hands of the persons involved in the business of streetlights.
According to the commissioner, the executive council directed the State Security Service (SSS) to investigate all involved in the business of streetlight supervision in the state.
He said that the investigation is aimed at unmasking the perpetrators.
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 the 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,” he said.
