The Edo State government yesterday
announced the sack of two serving commissioners, two transitional
committee chairmen and some special advisers to the governor, Adams
Oshiomhole.
No reason was given why the former commissioners and aides were relieved of their appointments.
Investigations by NEXT, however,
revealed that the removal of the affected officers was not unconnected
with their failure to deliver their wards in last Saturday’s National
Assembly election. The ruling party, the Action Congress of Nigeria
(ACN) lost all elective positions in Edo Central Senatorial District
with the exception of Igueben federal constituency, where all those
affected originate from.
A reliable source who did not want his
name in print said that Mr. Oshiomhole “was not happy with them for
failing to deliver. They had always told him that they are on ground,
but he now knows better.”
Another source alleged that one of the
sacked commissioners even received some inducement from a PDP leader
from the senatorial district and did not vote on the day of the
election.
The dropped commissioners are Anselm
Ojezua and Lucas Okojie who headed the Information and Orientation, and
Transport ministries respectively.
The local council bosses relieved of
their appointments are Tom Adodo of Igueben Local Government Area and
Tony Momodu of Esan Central Local Government Area.
Peter Okoh, the Special Adviser to the
Governor on Environment; Sunday Edeko, Special Adviser on Education
Special Adviser, Legal Matters; Phillip Olumese, Chairman Edo State
Broadcasting Service Board and Frank Erewele, Chairman, Edo State Water
Board were also relieved of their appointments.
Also relieved of their appointments are
John Ogbeide, Chairman Health Management Board; Sylvester Osagie,
Chairman, Edo City Transport Service. Others are two Senior Special
Assistants to the Governor; Theophillus Afuda and Caro Agada.
The sack of the commissioners and aides
of the governor which took immediate effect yesterday was contained in
a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Peter
Okhiria.
“The governor thanks all the affected
persons for the service rendered to the state and wishes them the best
of luck in their future endeavours,” the statement said.
