•••URGES DSS TO INVESTIGATE DUO
Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State on Thursday suspended Godwin Nwankwo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power and Energy for allegedly stealing funds meant to purchase fuel.
The Umahi also suspended his Special Assistant on Public Utilities, Emmanuel Nwangbo.
The State officials were suspended for alleged theft of diesel meant for streetlights in the state to the tune of N150 million.
The suspension of the civil servants was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Uchenna Orji, in a statement on Wednesday after the State Executive Council Meeting.
According to the Commissioner, the Council ordered the suspension of the duo because they are directly responsible for supervision of streetlights under the Ministry of Power.
According to him, 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.
The statement reads: “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.”