Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has relieved all his political appointees in his government of their duties, ostensibly to pave the way to form a new cabinet.
According to a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the Government House, Elder Bernard Ogbonna, those serving in the office of the deputy governor and wife of the governor are also affected by the order.
Ikpeazu however directed commissioners, Secretary to State Government, his Secretary, the Deputy Chief of Staff (both governor and deputy governor) and the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to continue to perform their official duties till further notice.
Ikpeazu while thanking all the political appointees for their contributions to the success of his administration in the past four years, assured that their contributions to the making of a more progressive Abia would never be forgotten.
The statement further disclosed that Ikpeazu also dissolved the board of Abia State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB).
The members of the board were equally directed to hand over to the most senior staff in the board.
The statement read: “Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has approved the immediate dissolution of the body of appointees to the Governor, including Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants and Technical Officers..
“The governor also directs that commissioners, Secretary to State Government, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Deputy Chief of Staff (office of Governor and Deputy Governor) and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor continue to perform their official duties till further notice.
“He wishes to express profound appreciation to all those who contributed to the success of his administration in the past four years and assures that their contributions to the making of a more progressive Abia would never be forgotten”.
Meanwhile, it was learnt that those affected by the dissolution have already started lobbying to be re-appointed, believing that they had worked hard for the re-election of the governor.