Governor Dave Umahi’s government has approved N2.5 billion to buy rice and other items to celebrate Christmas and announced the suspension of the permanent secretary of the ministry of power and energy, Godwin Nwankwo, over theft of diesel meant for streetlights.

Information commissioner Uchenna Orji disclosed this while briefing journalists at the end of the state’s executive council meeting.

Mr Orji said the special assistant to the governor on public utilities, Emmanuel Nwangbo, was also suspended.

“The council approved the suspension of both officials who were directly responsible for the streetlight supervision under the ministry. The council also received a report of persistent diesel theft and noted the disturbing volumes of the product lost to persons involved in the business of streetlights,” stated the commissioner. “Member, therefore, resolved that those involved in the streetlight supervision be investigated by the Department of State Security (DSS) to unmask the perpetrators.”

He added, “The head of service was directed to thoroughly investigate the ministry’s staff involved in the theft and take appropriate actions as required by the civil service rules.”

The commissioner further disclosed that the council approved N2.5 billion, as contained in the memo presented by the SSG, for the procurement of Christmas items by the government.

“These include 5kg and 25kg bags of rice, among other items to be distributed to different groups, stakeholders and organisations for the celebration,” Mr Orji disclosed. “The council also commended Governor David Umahi for providing the packages to the groups since assuming office in 2015.”

Mr Umahi swore in new special assistants, and coordinators of local government areas development centres, among others.

On Wednesday, the governor suspended the coordinator of Edda North Development Centre of Afikpo South LGA, Enyim Okoro, over “ineffective discharge of his duties.”

The Ebonyi governor on Sunday suspended the traditional ruler of the Isinkwo community of Onicha LGA, Josephat Ikengwu, for failing to stop the killings in his area.

(NAN)