Gov Otti Suspends Commissioner Of Health, Over Alleged Financial Recklessness

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, Abia  State ,Commissioner   of Health has become the second major casualty ,in the efforts by the Governor Alex Otti  led administration to institute a regime of transparency, following her indefinite suspension on Monday June 10, 2024

Her suspension was announced during an Executive Council meeting held on Monday June 10 at the Nvosi Isiala Ngwa South Local Council country home of Governor Otti.

Although, reasons for the suspension of the  Commissioner who, before now had been perceived as one of the untouchable figures and influential actors within the corridors of  power, were not made public, it is, however, strongly believed that it might not be unconnected with some alleged financial untidiness within her Ministry.

For one, at the inception of the administration In May 2023 ,she was one of the officials that took up residence in anl hotel, incurring in the process ,humongous bills that sparked outrage .

However, as at the time of her suspension ,it was not clear ,if she was still enjoying her hotel accommodation.

Her suspension closely followed the sacking a few days ago of the Principal of the State owned Okezie School of Midwifery in Abiriba Ohafia local Council Mrs Ogbonna Chituru Adiele by the state Government.

Massive protest by the students over alleged embezzlement of school funds and conversion of college property into personal uses preceded her sack.

Until her sack, she was believed to be a trusted ally and confidant  of the  suspended Commissioner of Health.

Of recent ,there have been strident calls on  Governor Otti to closely monitor the activities of some Government officials who, not a few,  perceive to be swimming in different kinds of financial malfeasance.

Only last week ,a Civil Society Group – Society Groups Against Corruption, CCSGA, had raised the alarm over what it described as extortionist tendencies  surrounding the person and office of the Special Adviser on internally generated revenue Dr Chimereze Okigbo.

Some of the charges leveled against Dr Okigbo bordered on alleged  arrest and detentions of innocent citizens,  extortion ,and human rights abuses .

Dr Okoronkwo’s suspension is coming on the heels of the recent  sack of the erstwhile Director  General of the  Abia State Orientation  Agency  Pastor Dike Nwankwo over issues also bordering on alleged financial mismanagement.