Ebonyi Suspends Perm Sec, SA Over Diesel Theft

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Power And Energy Ebonyi Godwin Nwankwo has been suspended by the State Government.

The Special Assistant to Governor David Umahi on Public Utilities, Emmanuel Nwangbo, was also suspended.

They were suspended over the alleged theft of diesel meant for streetlights in the State estimated at about N150m.

Commissioner for Information, Uchenna Orji stated this in a statement on Wednesday after the State Executive Council meeting.

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.