By Chinwe Imo-Eze Onwosi
The Ebonyi State Government, led by Governor David Umahi, Wednesday, suspended the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power And Energy Godwin Nwankwo and Special Assistant on Public Utilities, Emmanuel Nwangbo.
Commissioner for Information, Uchenna Orji while briefing journalists in Abakaliki after the State Executive Council Meeting stated that the suspension is in connection to the alleged theft of diesel meant for streetlights in the State estimated at about N150m.
He said the council received a report on the persistent theft of diesel meant for streetlights handled by the Ministry of Power and Energy, which has at times thrown the State into darkness.
“Council noted the disturbing volumes of diesel that have been lost in the hands of the persons involved in the business of Streetlight.
“Council therefore resolved that all concerned in the business of the Streetlight supervision in the State be investigated by the Department of State Security Service with a view to unmasking the perpetrators.
“The Head of Service was further directed to cause a thorough investigation of the Ministry’s staff involved in the theft of diesel and take appropriate actions as required by the rules of the State Civil Service,” Orji said.
He said the council ordered the suspension of the duo because they are directly responsible for the supervision of streetlights under the Ministry of Power.
Also, it was gathered the State Government has received the N1.5bn special ecological fund approved by President Muhammadu Buhari for the Ogwuma Edda in Afikpo South local government area.
Orji said the State Executive Council while appreciating the President for the prompt release of the funds approved that it be immediately invested solely for the purpose it was released
