Ebonyi Governor Reshuffles Cabinet

By Dipo Olowookere

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has reshuffled his cabinet as well as sacking the Local Government Council Caretaker Chairmen he appointed a year ago.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Emmanuel Onwe, it was said that,

“The Caretaker Chairmen are directed to hand over to Heads of Personnel Management (HPMs) in their respective local government before the close of business on Thursday September 8, 2013.”

The governor expressed his gratitude for their services to the state and wished them well for the future. The governor, according to the statement, also effected a minor reshuffling of his cabinet.

Mrs Elizabeth Nwogbaga who was in charge of Ministry of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution was moved to Culture and Tourism Ministry.

Also, Mr Francis Orji was transferred from Ministry of Water Resources to Border Peace and Conflict Resolution.

It was disclosed in the statement that Mrs Euphemia Nwali will leave the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to take charge of the Water Resources Ministry.

It was a direct swap between Donatus Njoku of Solid Minerals and his Economic Empowerment and Job Creation counterpart, Mr Sabinus Nwankwegu.

According to the statement, all hand over processes must be concluded by 12noon on Wednesday.

Meanwhile apprehension has gripped cabinet members following reports of impending major cabinet reshuffle in which many of them are expected to be sacked.

Though, no official statement has been made on the issue, sources close to the governor say the reshufflement is planned for between October and December.

“The Governor wants to begin the new year with a new team as some of the commissioners have performed well below expectations, said the source who did not want his identity revealed”