Landslide…FG releases N1.5 bn to tackle menace

.As Umahi suspends Perm Sec over diesel theft

By Clement Nnachi (abakaliki)

The Federal Government has released the sum of N1.5 billion to Ebonyi State Government to tackle the landslide menace that occured in Ovum Edda in Afikpo South Local Government Area of the State.

The State Commissioner for Information /Orientation Barrister Uchenna Orji, made the disclosure in Abakaliki the State capital while briefing newsmen on the outcme of the State Executive Council meeting.

Barrister Orji said that the Government has equally suspended the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Power Engr Nwankwo and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Utilities over Diesel theft meant for Power and Energy .

The Commissioner stated that the N1.5 billion released by the Federal Government has received Exco approval to be invested in the Ovuma Edda Landslide that occured in June 2022.

‘Executive Council resolved that all concerned with the Diesel  theft be investigated by the Security Agencies”

“Exco approved the suspension of two persons namely the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Power and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Utilities’

Barrister Orji reiterated that the Executive Council approved the Memo for  Special waiver  from the State Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice Barrister Cletus Ofoke, requesting to consider 60 Nos Law Officers in the State Civil Service.

” Exco approved that vacancies for 60 Law Officers be approved for employment”

The Commissioner said that the Executive Council approved the sum of N2.5 billion for purchase of Christmas Gift items as detailed in a Memo presented by the Secretary to the State Government Dr Kenneth Ugballa.

Speaking against the backdrop of recruitment of Civil Servants, Barrister Orji restated that the government was waiting for a comprehensive report from the State Civil Service Commission before commencing the exercise.