Abia Commissioner suspended for misconduct

The Abia State Government has suspended Commissioner for Health Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo for gross misconduct.

Confirmation of her suspension was made in a statement released on Tuesday by Information Commissioner Prince Okey Kanu.

The statement reads, in part: “The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, has approved the suspension of the Abia State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, from her office.

“The suspension is intended to allow for a thorough investigation into the allegations of gross misconduct made against the Commissioner.

“Governor Otti’s actions are consistent with his zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct of any kind and his firm commitment to the principles of transparency and accountability in governance. The government wants to ensure that the actions of its appointees always serve the best interests of the Abians.”

Following the suspension, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeyinwa Kalu, will work with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Ngozi Azodo, to temporarily oversee the affairs of the Ministry pending the outcome of further investigations into the allegations against Dr. Ngozi.

In a related case, the Principal of Okezie School of Midwifery in Abiriba, Mrs Ogbonna Chituru Adiele, was dismissed after students protested against her over alleged mismanagement of funds.

Daily Trust learnt that the students’ protests mainly revolved around financial mismanagement, but there were also numerous other allegations, including embezzlement of equipment and employment of bogus workers.

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) submitted a petition to the Abia State Commissioner for Health, calling for an investigation into the allegations and swift action to ensure fairness and transparency in the educational environment.

The complaints raised in the petition included, among others, Ms Adiele’s prolonged absence from duty, neglect of her duties, poor school management adversely affecting the education of students and interference in duties assigned to other school officials.

The decision to sack Mrs Adiele was announced by the state government shortly after the student protests and Mrs Okorie Comfort James was appointed as her successor.