Sweepers’ Protest: Obaseki Sacks Commissioner, Retires Waste Mgt Boss

By Dipo Olowookere

Commissioner for Environment and Sustainability in Edo State, Mr Reginald Okun, has been sacked by Governor Godwin Obaseki.

A statement signed on Wednesday by Secretary to the State Government, Mr Osarodion Ogie, disclosed that the sack takes immediate effect.

This development comes a day after some street sweepers carried out a protest at the Government House in Benin City.

The demonstrators claimed they have not been paid their salaries for the past six months and called on the Governor to have mercy on them by paying them.

According to the statement issued today, General Manager of Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr Aiyamenkue Akonofua, whose agency is in charge of the sweepers, has been retired by the state government.

In the statement, Governor Obaseki thanked the disengaged officials for their service to Edo State and wished them well in their future endeavours.

However, the affected officials have been directed to handover their assignments to the most senior government officials in their respective offices.

“They are also to handover all government properties in their possession to the appropriate authorities,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Edo State Governor has directed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Mrs Obahiagbon R.E., be redeployed to another ministry.

This, the state government said, is with immediate effect.