Ebonyi government suspends Perm Sec, governor’s aide over diesel theft

The Ebonyi Government on Wednesday suspended the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Power and Energy, Mr Godwin Nwankwo, over alleged persistent theft of diesel meant for streetlights.

The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji made this known while briefing newsmen at the end of the state Executive Council (EXCO) meeting.

Orji said that the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Utilities, Mr Emmanuel Nwangbo was also suspended over the issue.

“The council approved the suspension of both officials who were directly responsible for the streetlight supervision under the ministry.

“The council also received report of the persistent diesel theft and noted the disturbing volumes of the product lost to persons involved in the business of streetlights.

“Member therefore resolved that those involved in the streetlight supervision be investigated by the Department of State Security (DSS) to unmask the perpetrators.

“The state of Head of Service was directed to thoroughly investigate the ministry’s staff involved in the theft and take appropriate actions as required by the civil service rules,” he said.