ALLEGED INFRACTION: GOVT OTTI SUSPENDES HEALTH COMMISSIONER

REPORTER: PEACE AGBO

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has suspended the Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, from office.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, explained that the suspension was to pave way for the investigation of alleged gross misconduct leveled against the Commissioner.

The statement explained that the Commissioner was being investigated for infractions or0 misconduct uncovered by the government’s internal monitoring and feedback system.

The statement indicated that Governor Otti’s action was in line with his zero tolerance policy for misconduct of any kind, and strong adherence to the principles of transparency and accountability in governance.

The aim is to ensure that actions of appointees must at all times advance the good and well-being of Abia residents.

However, the statement, noted that the state “Government is committed to good governance and the rule of law under which persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.”

Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeyinwa Kalu, will collaborate with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Ngozi Azodo, to run the affairs of the Ministry pending the outcome of further investigations into the allegations against Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU