TheCable

The Ebonyi state government has suspended Godwin Nwankwo, permanent secretary of the ministry of power and energy, over alleged theft of diesel meant for streetlights.

Uchenna Orji, the commissioner for information and orientation, briefed journalists on Wednesday at the end of the state executive council meeting.

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

“The council approved the suspension of both officials who were directly responsible for the streetlight supervision under the ministry,” he said.

“The council also received report of the persistent diesel theft and noted the disturbing volumes of the product lost to persons involved in the business of streetlights.

“Members, therefore, resolved that those involved in the streetlight supervision be investigated by the Department of State Security (DSS) to unmask the perpetrators.

“The state of 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.”

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

On October 16, the governor suspended Josephat Ikengwu, the traditional ruler of Isinkwo community of Onicha LGA, for failing to stop the killings in his area.

Three days later, Enyim Okoro, coordinator of Edda north development centre of Afikpo south LGA, was suspended over “ineffective discharge of his duties”.