Otti suspends health commissioner and orders investigation

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has approved the suspension of the state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo.

Okoronkwo’s suspension was announced in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, on Tuesday.

The health commissioner was suspended to pave the way for an investigation into allegations of gross misconduct against him, the statement said.

Kanu said Okoronkwo’s suspension was in line with Governor Otti’s zero tolerance policy towards misconduct of any kind as well as strict adherence to the principles of transparency and accountability in governance to ensure that the actions of appointees at all times serve the welfare and well-being of the people of Abia.

Kanu said: “The Abia State Government is committed to good governance and the rule of law which presumes a person innocent until proven guilty.

“As a result, the administration is very diligent in investigating and identifying any violations or misconduct uncovered through its internal monitoring and feedback system.

“In light of these developments, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifeyinwa Kalu, will work with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Ngozi Azodo, to manage the affairs of the Ministry in the interim pending the outcome of further investigations into the allegations against Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo.”

All rights reserved. This material and other digital content on this website may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without the prior express written permission of PUNCH.

Contact: [email protected]