Ahead of the end of his two – term tenure in office on January 27, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State has dissolved the state executive council.
The dissolution of the council was contained in a statement issued in Lokoja on Monday by Onogu Mohammed, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Bello.
Onogu said the dissolution of the executive council was to recalibrate the governance trajectory , saying it was also an initiation of the transition process to the incoming administration.
According to the statement ,board members, heads of all agencies, parastatals and other appointees are also affected by the dissolution.
Onogu said the decision to dissolve the executive council was taken at the end of the State Executive Council Meeting on Monday.
Onogu quoted Bello as commending all the affected officials for exemplifying unparalleled commitment, diligence, and unwavering patriotism throughout their tenure.
He said the governor also expressed his appreciation to them for their years of dedicated service to the state.
Bello acknowledged their contributions to the development of the state and wished them success in their future endeavours.
” Government officials affected by this announcement are instructed to ensure a thorough and proper handover process, transferring all pertinent government documents, properties, and materials to the permanent secretary of their ministries or senior government officials stationed in their respective offices,” the statement said.
Onogu, however, retained of the cabinet members and aides so as to continue to carry out some essential services.
The include the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Mrs Ayoade Folashade Arike, retired Navy Commodore Jerry Omodara, State Security Adviser, Hon Sunday Faleke, Deputy Chief of Staff, Alh Oricha Umaru Shaibu, Director-General, Government House Administration, Barr Mohammed Sanni Ibrahim, SAN, Attorney – General and commissioner for Justice, Abubakar Bashir Mohammed, Commissioner for Solid Mineral and Natural Resources, Kingsley Olorunfemi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mohammed Ihiezue Abdulmutalib, Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development, Asiru Idris Asiwaju, Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Abdulsalam Ozigi Momodu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Wemi Jones, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Yakubu Yusuf Okala, State Auditor-General, Musa Bashiru Ohu, Special Adviser to the Governor (government House Imam), Hadi Ametuo, Special Adviser on Political Matters.
Also retained by the governor are; Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, Personal Physician to the Governor, Onogwu Muhammed, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Sunday Bamidele Ayenibe, Director- General, Protocol, Afolabi Joseph Raji, Special Adviser on Special Duties II, Moses Okezie-Okafor, Director-General, Research and Development, and Ahovi Salami Ibrahim.
Not affected by the dissolution are all domestic staff to the governor and deputy governor, including those of their spouses
Similarly, Governor Bello has also approved new appointment of the following persons to fill the vital vacant positions in the state ; Habibat Oyiza Tijani, State’s Accountant-General, Abdulrazaq Muhammed, Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board, Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, Auditor-General for Local Governments, Kadiri Mohammed Okeji, Special Adviser on Finance, Isah Taofeeq, Director-General, Project Monitoring Agency.
In order to strengthening the security architecture of the State in the area of intelligence and information gathering, Governor Bello also appointed the following persons as Security Advisers from all the Federal Constituencies of the State ; Goke Okparison, Zonal Security Adviser, Okene/Ogori Fed Constituency, Mustapha Aliyu Aka’aba, Zonal Security Adviser, Ajaokuta Fed Constituency, Salami Joseph Omuya, Zonal Security Adviser, Adavi/Okehi Fed Constituency, Olorunleke Moses, Zonal Security Adviser, Kabba/Ijumu Fed Constituency, Muhammed Mundi, Zonal Security Adviser, Lokoja/Koton Karfe Fed Constituency, Pius Kolawole, Zonal Security Adviser, Yagba Federal Constituency, Kabiru Adaji Zonal Security Adviser, Dekina/Bassa Fed Constituency, Ayuba Nana, Zonal Security Adviser, Ankpa Federal Constituency, and Abu Odoma, Zonal Security Adviser, Idah Federal Constituency.
Onogu said all the new appointments take immediate effect.
“Governor Bello charges the newly appointed officials with a clarion call for total commitment, unwavering patriotism, and steadfast dedication in the discharge of their duties.
“The governor adds that efficiency, competence, and the relentless pursuit of progress must be prioritised,” Onogu
said. ( vitalnewsngr.com)
