Abia Governor Otti Says Allegations Against Suspended Health Commissioner Yet To Be Proved

By Ayodele Oni

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has spoken on the suspended Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo. He said the allegations against her are based on suspicion.

The Governor also clarified that contrary to media reports, he did not sack his immediate past and pioneer Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko saying he was only affected by a reorganization.

The Governor disclosed this in Umuahia Friday night in a chat with newsmen, stating, “We did not sack the former Chief Press Secretary. We only did re-organization. No appointment is permanent.

“The Suspension of the Commissioner of Health is on allegation based on suspicion. Already, a committee has been set up and the result will come in.

“Nothing is wrong in suspending a person when there is a prima facie case. If found not guilty, she will return to her job, if not, she will face the consequences of the infraction.”

The Governor, who restated his avowed commitment to bringing to account anyone remotely or directly involved in the recent killing of soldiers at the Obikabia Junction a few weeks ago, said, “This government takes security seriously.

“We are leaving no stones unturned to ensure that everyone connected with that dastard act where soldiers were murdered is brought to book.

“We have been getting the feedback. At the appropriate time, we will let you all know. We have empowered Operation Crush to crush crime anywhere in the state.”

Otti disclosed that he has engaged a Chief Information Technologist to prepare the State for digital transformation that would herald the broadband technology in the state that is already in its final stages of discussion.

Giving reasons for this appointment, Otti said “We are preparing our state for the next century. Wherever you are, you can have access to data.”

He further disclosed that his government plans to digitally transform Abia’s economy and boost technology in the State through the project that will be heralded by the broadband technology.

Otti assured that his infrastructural revolution will be extended to all the nooks and crannies of the 17 local councils in the next few months, and vowed to make infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, security and others the focus of his second year in office.