The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has stated that he did not sack his Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo. This is said contrary to media reports, that the principal officers were sacked by the Governor.
The Governor made this disclosure on Friday during his media chat with journalists in Umuahia, the State Capital.
Otti said, “We did not sack the former Chief Press Secretary. We only did re-organization. No appointment is permanent.”
On the sacking of the Commissioner for Health, the Governor said, “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.”
He stated, “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.”
On security in the State, the Governor, reinstated his vowed commitment to bring to account anyone remotely or directly involved in the recent killing of soldiers at the Obikabia Junction a few weeks ago.
He 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.”
The Governor also disclosed that he has engaged a Chief Information Technologist to prepare the State for digital transformation. He stated that it would herald the broadband technology in the State that is already in its final stages of discussion. He, therefore, announced that in the days ahead, he would disclose the name of the Chief Information Technologist.
On the need for the CIT, Otti said, “We are preparing our State for the next century. Wherever you are, you can have access to data.” He also used the occasion to disclose that his government plans to digitally transform Abia’s economy and boost technology in the State. He said this will be through the project that will be heralded by the broadband technology which would provide unlimited access to internet in the State.
The Governor noted that internet access is the key to a thriving economy. He, therefore, assured that his infrastructural revolution will be extended to all the nooks and crannies of the 17 LGAs. He also vowed to make infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, security and others the focus of his second year in office.
Giving assessment of his administration, the Governor said, he has completed, rehabilitated, constructed, reconstructed and built more than 106 roads. Some of these, he said were through direct labour.
“We are very strategic on roads which is strategic to the economy. We will touch every Local Government in the next 12 months,” he said.
On health infrastructure in the State, Otti said the General Hospitals in the State are receiving attention. He stated that all the Primary Healthcare in the State are receiving attention, though in batches.
On food security in the State, Otti said his government is paying a lot of attention to the agriculture sector. He, therefore, disclosed that the first batch of 300 beneficiaries drawn from various Wards of the State has been sent to the CSS Farms in Nasarawa State. They are to be trained on various agricultural value chains.
The Governor also pointed that his government is partnering with organizations and companies in areas of palm oil, cocoa, and rice production. As well as in other agricultural value chains.
On the contentious civil service promotion, Otti said he had directed the Chairman, Civil Service Commission and Head of Service to look into the matter. He had also urged them to give the matter the needed attention.
He said, “At the last EXCO meeting, I had instructed the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission and the Head of Service to sit down and look at promotions and the like. And from the report that I got, I think the last time promotions were done was in 2021. So, that throws up quite some challenges.
“At least, let’s look at it and see what we can do. We are not ignoring it. But you must also admit that a lot of things went wrong just like every other sector”
The Governor added that his government is prioritizing the welfare of workers. He stated that he has been regular in salary payment and pensions. H also assured that arrears of leave allowances would be paid.
“My understanding of leave allowances is that they are due when you go on leave. We don’t have any problem paying people who are going on leave. If there are arrears that have not been paid, the State is going to deal with the new minimum wage and the leave allowances.” According to him, as of Friday, “every ABSU staff has received his salary up to date”.
Otti who also spoke on his relationship with his party chieftains, said, “We run an open-door government. Where every person from other political parties is welcomed. I just received one of our former Governors in the State. And this demonstrates that what we are talking about is the welfare, and well-being of all Abians. Political party not minding.
“I am not a Governor of one party, but of the State and all must have a say.
He said, “We have thrown away feeding bottles and all involved should go and find something doing.”
source: PUNCH
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