Ebonyi Governor re-appoints council chairmen, reshuffles cabinet

The Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has re-appointed 12 of the 13 Local Government Council Caretaker Chairmen few hours after dissolving them.

The governor had in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Emmanuel Onwe, dissolved the chairmen whose one year tenure had expired.

“The Caretaker Chairmen are directed to hand over to Heads of Personnel Management (HPMs) in their respective local government before the close of business on Thursday 8th September 2013,” Mr. Onwe said.

The governor expressed his gratitude for their services to the state and wished them well for the future.

But the Chairmen were, in a radio announcement hours later, re-appointed and urged to proceed for screening at the State House of Assembly.

They were later screened in the afternoon by the Assembly except the Chairman of Ikwo, Joseph Orogwu whose name was conspicuously missing in the list of nominees.

No reason was given by the state government for the omission neither was another name forwarded as his replacement.

The Chairman of Ishielu council, Henry Eze, said the appointment will spur him and his colleagues to do more for the people.

The governor also effected a minor reshuffling of his cabinet.

Elizabeth Nwogbaga who was in charge of Ministry of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution was moved to Culture and Tourism Ministry.
Francis Orji was transferred from Ministry of Water Resources to Border Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Euphemia Nwali will leave the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to take charge of the Water Resources Ministry.

It was a direct swap between Donatus Njoku of Solid Minerals and his Economic Empowerment and Job Creation counterpart, Sabinus Nwankwegu.

According to the statement, all hand over processes must be concluded by 12 noon on Wednesday.

Meanwhile apprehension has gripped cabinet members following reports of impending major cabinet reshuffle in which many of them are expected to be sacked.

Though, no official statement have been made on the issue, sources close to the governor say the reshuffle is planned for between October and December.

“The Governor wants to begin the new year with a new team as some of the commissioners have performed well below expectations,” said the source who sought anonymity as he was not permitted to talk to journalists.