Just In: Ortom Carries Out “Partial” Cabinet Dissolution

Benue Governor, Samuel Ortom. (Photo credit: File Photo)

Samuel Ortom, the Governor of Benue State has dissolved the Benue State Executive Council (SEC)

Prof. Anthony Ijohor, the Secretary to the Benue State government in a statement made the dissolution of the cabinet known, which he described as “partial,” and it takes immediate effect.

The statement reveals that only four out of the 16 commissioners and seven out of 19 Special Advisers were retained.

Ijohor, who gave no reason for the dissolution of the executive council, directed commissioners and Special Adviser affected by the development to hand over to the next senior person in their offices.

The four commissioners retained are Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Michael Gusa; Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. David Olufu; and that of Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Mr. Bernard Unenge.

It is believed that that this moved was motivated by the discord between the governor and the leadership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state and the rumours that the governor would be denied a second term ticket.

According to the statement, the Special Advisers who are retaining their portfolios are those of Development Coperation, SDGs and NEPAD, Dr. Magdalyne Dura; Special Adviser on Education, Mr. Matthew Mnyam; and Special Adviser on Gender, Employment and Labour Matters, Chief Ode Enyi.

Others are: Special Adviser on Government House Administration, Mr. Thomas Anajav; Special Adviser on Media, Information and Technology, Mr. Tahav Agerzua; Special Adviser on Security, Lt.-Col. Paul Hemba (retd); and Special Adviser on Special Duties, Mr. Joseph Odaudu.

The SSG stated that the governor is appreciative to the outgoing commissioners and Special Advisers for their service to the state and wishing them well in their future endeavours.