Gov Obaseki sacks commissioner over sweepers’ protest

…redeploys Perm Sec, Min. of Environment.
Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has sacked the Commissioner of Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Reginald Okun.

But The Daily Times has reliably gathered that the sudden removal of the commissioner and the redeployment of the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment might not be unconnected to the embarrassing protest by street sweepers on Tuesday in Benin over alleged non-payment of six months salaries.

All attempts to get Okun’s response to his sudden sack proved abortive, as all calls to his mobile phone were unanswered at press time.

The governor also directed the immediate retirement of the General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr. Aiyamenkue Akonofua.

The governor further directed that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Obahiagbon R.E., should be redeployed to another ministry.

In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., the state government directed the officials to “handover their assignments to the most senior government official in their offices with immediate effect.

They are also to handover all government property in their possession to the appropriate authorities.”

In the statement, the government thanked the disengaged officials for their service to the state and wished them well in their future endeavours.