Why Gov Otti Suspended Health Commissioner, Says Information Commissioner

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has given reasons why Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, the state’s Commissioner for Health, was suspended.

According to a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Informationmation and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu, the commissioner’s suspension was intended to allow a committee to investigate allegations of “gross misconduct” levelled against her.

Prince Kanu went on to say that “Governor Otti’s action is in line with his zero tolerance policy for any kind of misconduct, and strong adherence to the twin principles of transparency and accountability in governance to ensure that appointees’ actions must at all times advance the good and well-being of Abians.”

The Abia State information commissioner emphasised the government’s commitment to good governance and the rule of law, stating that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.As a result, the administration takes great care in investigating and establishing facts regarding infractions or misconduct discovered by its internal monitoring and feedback system.”

The Governor has therefore directed “the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr Ifeyinwa Kalu, will collaborate with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Azodo, to run the affairs of the Ministry in the interim pending the outcome of further investigations into the allegations against Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo.”