Governor Otti, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, has been practical about his commitment to good governance and the recovery of stolen state resources.
In line with this objective, the judicial panel of inquiry was set up to investigate alleged mismanagement of government assets during the previous administration and recover stolen ones.
“Following the inauguration of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the Recovery of Properties and Funds belonging to Abia State Government, the Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has directed the immediate suspension of the Head of Service (HOS) and all Permanent Secretaries in the State civil service” Uko stated.
He said Governor Otti has approved the appointment of Lady Joy Maduka, Director, Ministry of Education, as Acting Head of Service (HOS).
The current Permanent Secretaries were directed to “hand over to the most senior Director in their respective Ministries, Departments and Agencies”.
Uko, however, noted that John Pedro Iroakazi, Clerk of the House; and Mrs. U. G. Uche Ikonne, Solicitor General, were not affected by the development.