Gov. Dave Umahi of
Ebonyi has reversed the appointment of 16 Permanent Secretaries made by former
Gov. Martin Elechi, barely a week to the end of his administration.
Umahi made the
reversal on Thursday in Abakaliki during a meeting with the leadership of the
organised labour in the state and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The governor said that
he took the decision because his administration inherited an empty treasury
from its predecessor.
Umahi said that the
appointment of additional permanent secretaries would therefore create more
problems for the state government.
“The state government
is finding it difficult to pay workers’ salaries as it grapples with the
challenge of meeting other financial needs.
“The appointment was
also riddled with controversies and has witnessed several agitations against it
by organised labour and other relevant stakeholders,” he said.
The governor has set
up a committee headed by the State Dep. Governor, Mr Kelechi Igwe, to look into
the accounts of the state government and make adequate representation to the
government.
“I call on workers to
be ready to make some sacrifices and offer necessary cooperation to ensure that
the state attains its developmental goals,” he said.
The governor also
ordered the immediate sacking of the General Manager of the State Environmental
Protection Agency (EBSEPA), Dr Chukwuemeka Okeh.
The sacking followed a
complaint by one of the labour leaders on the filthy nature of the state,
especially Abakaliki.
“The contract of
environmental contractors which was earlier terminated has been reversed
immediately, to ensure that the heaps of refuse littering the capital city are
evacuated,” he said.
Mr Ikechukwu Nwafor,
the Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman (NLC) in the state, urged the state
government to block all leakages noticed in public expenditure.
“I also urge the
government to make funds available for the enhancement of workers’ welfare and
other areas that would benefit the people,” he said.
Mr Joseph Nweke,
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the state, called on the
government to shelve plans to sack over 1, 000 teachers in its employment.
“We are ready to make
the necessary sacrifices that would ensure that the government meets its
developmental objectives and attains rapid growth,” he said.
Dr Onyekachi Eni, one
of the permanent secretaries whose appointments were reversed, declined to speak
when contacted by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He, however, promised
to make comments at the appropriate time. (NAN)
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