By Reporter
Following the inauguration of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the Recovery of Properties and Funds belonging to Abia State Government, Governor Alex Otti, has directed the immediate suspension of the Head of Service (HOS) and all Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service.
According to a press release issued by Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary, the Governor has also approved the appointment of Lady Joy Maduka, a Director in the Ministry of Education, as Acting Head of Service (HOS).
The suspension order was extended to all, but two Permanent Secretaries.
The names of those not affected were given as: John Pedro Iroakazi, Clerk of the State House of Assembly and the Solicitor General, Mrs. U.G. Uche Ikonne.
The affected officers were asked to hand over to the most senior Director in their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
In a similarly release, Governor Otti also approved the suspension of “Principals of all state-owned Nursing/Midwifery training institutions, pending investigations and directives.”
The Director of Nursing in the Ministry of Health, Nwosu Dorathy Njideka, completed the list of suspended officers.