In an apparent move to checkmate perceived disloyalty and insubordination in his administration ahead of 2019 general elections, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has sacked his State Executive Council, SEC.
A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof. Anthony Ijoho, SAN, said four commissioners and seven special advisers were to however retain their portfolios.
The commissioners, who retained their positions include the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Michael Gusa, Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Professor Dennis Ityavyar, Commissioner for Finance, Mr. David Olufu, and that of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Mr. Bernard Unenge.
According to the statement, the Special Advisers who also retained they portfolios were those of Development Cooperation, SDGs and NEPAD, Dr Magdalyne Dura, Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Matthew Mnyam, Special Adviser on Gender, Employment and Labour Matters, Chief Ode Enyi, Special Adviser on Government House Administration, Mr. Thomas Anajav, Special Adviser on Media, Information and Technology, Mr. Tahav Agerzua, Special Adviser on Security, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Hemba, retired, and Special Adviser on Special Duties, Mr. Joseph Odaudu.
The statement said: “The partial dissolution of the SEC takes immediate effect and the outgoing members of Council were to hand over to their permanent Secretaries or most Senior director as the case may be.”
The SSG quotes his principal as expressing profound appreciation to outgoing members of the SEC for their services to the State and wished them well in their future endeavours.
