Elechi names new SSG, reshuffles cabinet

Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State yesterday removed the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Fedilis Mbam on health grounds and appointed Dr. Boniface Chima, the secretary of the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria to replace him.

Speaking to journalists in Government House, Abakaliki, Elechi announced a minor cabinet reshuffle with the resignation of the Commissioner for Grants and Donor Agencies, Mr. Fred Udogu. He said some commissioners would double in some ministries where vacancies exist as a result of the resignation of some commissioners to pursue their political ambitions.

Those affected include Dr. Ifeanyi Ike, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry who is to supervise the Ministry of Information and State Orientation, Engr. Chukwuma Nwadungo, the Commissioner for Works and Transports is also to supervise the Department of Petroleum Products, Pricing and Distribution.

Others include Jonah Egba who was in charge of Inter-Party Dialogue but now to take charge of the Department of Economic Empowerment and Poverty Reduction as well as the Department of Grants and Donor Agencies. The Commissioner for Environment, Barrister Dave Egbu, is now in charge of the Department of Solid Minerals.

The Commissioner in charge of Boarder, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Mr. Donatus Aja, is to take over the Ministry of Environment to be assisted by the Governor’s Special Assistant on Project Monitoring, Engr. Felix Ottah. Governor Elechi said the Departments of Border, Peace and Conflict Resolution and Inter -Party Dialogue have been abolished.