Governor Otti suspends health commissioner over alleged financial recklessness

Suleiman Anyalewechi

Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo of Abia State, Commissioner for Health, has become the second major casualty of Governor Alex Otti’s efforts to lead the administration to implement a transparency system after indefinitely suspending her on Monday, June 10, 2024.

Her suspension was announced during the Executive Council meeting held on Monday, June 10, at the rural headquarters of Nvosi Isiala Ngwa South Local Council, where Governor Otti resides.

Although the reasons for the suspension of the commissioner, who has so far been perceived as one of the untouchable figures and influential actors in the corridors of power, have not been made public, it is strongly believed that it cannot be related to the alleged financial mess in her Ministry. .

First, when the administration was established in May 2023, she was among the officials who stayed in a hotel, incurring huge bills that sparked outrage.

However, at the time of the suspension, it was unclear whether he was still using hotel accommodation.

Her suspension comes immediately after the state government fired the principal of Okezie State Midwifery School, Abiriba Ohafia, Mrs. Ogbonna Chituru Adiele, local government, a few days ago.

Her dismissal was preceded by a massive student protest over the alleged embezzlement of school funds and conversion of university assets for personal use.

Until she was fired, she was considered a trusted ally and confidant of the suspended health commissioner.

Recently, there have been strong calls for Governor Otti to closely monitor the activities of some government officials who – and a few – believe they are dealing with various types of financial abuses.

Only last week, the Civil Society Group – Anti-Corruption Society Groups, CCSGA, raised the alarm over what it described as extortion trends relating to the person and office of the Special Adviser on Internally Generated Revenue, Dr. Chimereze Okigbo.

Some of the charges against Dr. Okigbo bordered on alleged arrests and detention of innocent citizens, extortion and human rights violations.

Dr Okoronkwo’s suspension follows the recent sacking of the former CEO of Abia State Guidance Agency, Pastor Dike Nwankwo, over issues also bordering on alleged financial mismanagement.