By Austin Ogwuda
THE fate of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, in Delta State, Nigeria, Mr. Omoun Perekebena Perez is hanging in the balance, three months he was ordered by the governor to proceed on suspension.
The news of alleged diversion of N280 million fund in that Ministry meant for a specific project into private account broke on the 1st of February this year.
As the newshounds feasted on the story which went viral especially in the Social media platforms, Delta State government felt embarrassed and waded in immediately by announcing the suspension of the Commissioner as well as the Permanent Secretary and two others.
An official statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu, named other affected officers as follows – Messrs Bennett Ezon-Abode Agamah, Permanent Secretary in the ministry; Mr Oki Preowei Yintareke, an Engineer and Assistant Director, Agricultural Engineering and Mr. Gabriel Idiatacheko who is Chief Accountant.
The SSG stated that the senior officers mentioned were ordered “to proceed on compulsory leave until further notice in line with Civil Service extant rules”.
The statement stated that “Arising from the outcome of the review of the implementation of the Greenhouse project by the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Governor of Delta State Rt. Hon Elder Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori has constituted a Seven-man Committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu to investigate the claims and perceived infractions related to the management of the scheme by the Ministry”
It noted that the action followed “the interim report of the Committee and in order to have an unimpeded access to information during the period of the investigations.
“The government’s action is in no way a presumption of guilt but rather a necessary measure to uphold the sanctity of the investigative processes already instituted, which is to ensure that the investigation is conducted without any potential for undue influence or bias”, the statement further said.
Over three months the alleged “perceived infractions” occurred and the Committee headed by the SSG himself, was set up, enthusiastic Deltans have been bombarding The Townhall with the question about the outcome of the investigation.
And in line with the Journalism practice, this Reporter sent messages to the State Commissioner for Information and the Chief Press Secretary to the governor over the outcome of the investigation only to be told “I will get back to you” without concrete answer for weeks running.
As the State government is preparing in earnest to celebrate its First One Year in office, what is the fate of one of the Commissioners.
Is he coming back to resume with ‘not guilty’ toga or seek for another job elsewhere and replaced in the event that he is found guilty?
Question is begging for urgent answer.
