The Ebonyi State Government has suspended Godwin Nwankwo, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power and Energy for stealing funds meant to purchase fuel.
The State Government also suspended the Special Assistant to Governor David Umahi on Public Utilities, Emmanuel Nwangbo.
They were suspended following an alleged theft of diesel meant for streetlights in the state, estimated at about N150m.
Their suspension was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Uchenna Orji, via a statement on Wednesday after the State Executive Council Meeting.
He explained that the council received a report on the persistent theft of diesel meant for streetlights handled by the Ministry of Power and Energy which has at times thrown the State into darkness.
The statement reads: “Council noted the disturbing volumes of diesel that have been lost in the hands of the persons involved in the business of streetlight.
“Council therefore resolved that all concerned in the business of the streetlight supervision in the State be investigated by the Department of State Security Service with a view to unmasking the perpetrators.
“The Head of Service was further directed to cause a thorough investigation of the Ministry’s staff involved in the theft of diesel and take appropriate actions as required by the rules of the State Civil Service.”
The Commissioner further explained that the council ordered the suspension of the duo because they are directly responsible for supervision of streetlights under the Ministry of Power.
