By Albert OGRAKA —
The plot by Delta state governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa to drop some alleged non performing Commissioners and members of the State Executive Council has finally been hatched.
The governor’s plan was first published by Blank NEWS Online on January 30, 2018 with the title “Tension Builds Up In Delta Over Planned Sack Of Commissioners By Gov. Okowa.”
The two commissioners who were dropped were Dr. Nicholas Azinge [Health], and Chief Dan Okenyi [Culture & Tourism], while those reassigned are Hon Asupa Forteta, formerly of the Directorate Of Youths Development, now heads the Urban Renewal Directorate; Chief Karo Ilolo, formerly of Directorate of Urban Renewal Directorate now takes charge of the Youths Development Directorate.
Others are Hon. Bright Edejewhro, formerly of Local Government Affairs Directorate now heads Ministry Of Science and Technology and Hon Joyce Overah, of the Ministry of The Science and Technology now moves to Local Government Affairs Directorate.
The sack and minor cabinet reshuffle, according to insider sources, was delayed by the governor due to pressures from some party chieftains and top business executives, whose appointees were earlier penciled down for sack.
“A lot of lobbying was done. That is why the number of those affected reduced. The earlier intention of the governor was to embark on a major overhaul or surgery but he was advised that it could affect his electoral chances in 2019. Who knows, more sack could still come. The polity is already heated up.”
Blank NEWS Online checks have revealed that there is still palpable fear, tension and angst amongst serving Commissioners, their godfathers and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state over the minor reshuffle, as grapevine information is still rife that the governor is not done yet with his avowed plan to weed the state executive council off of alleged bad eggs.
Another check explored also revealed that a likely replacement for Dr. Nicholas Azinge [Health] is Dr. Isioma Okobah, who is presently the Chairman of Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA) in the state.
A statement, made available to Blank NEWS Online on Thursday, February 8, 2018 by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Charles Aniagwu reads:
“Delta State Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa has effected a minor cabinet reshuffle relieving two commissioners of their portfolios while reassigning four others.
“The two commissioners who were dropped were Dr. Nicholas Azinge [Health], and Chief Dan Okenyi [Culture & Tourism], while those reassigned are Hon Asupa Forteta, formerly of the Directorate Of Youths Development, now heads the Urban Renewal Directorate; Chief Karo Ilolo, formerly of Directorate of Urban Renewal Directorate now takes charge of the Youths Development Directorate.
“Others are Hon. Bright Edejewhro, formerly of Local Government Affairs Directorate now heads Ministry Of Science and Technology and Hon Joyce Overah, of the Ministry of The Science and Technology now moves to Local Government Affairs Directorate.
“The decision to reshuffle the cabinet is in line with the state government’s desire to re-energise the machinery of government and bring new impetus into service delivery.
“Governor Okowa in a statement signed by the Secretary To State Government, Hon. Ovie Agas thanked the two commissioners relieved of their portfolios for their commitment and contributions to the SMART Agenda and wish them success in their future endeavours.
“The statement also said that the cabinet reshuffle takes effect from February 8, 2018.”
