Two members of Governor Alex Otti’s cabinet tendered their resignations on Wednesday, July 17, effectively stepping down from their roles as commissioners in the Abia State government.
Among those who stepped down are Chima Oriaku, the erstwhile Commissioner for Science and Technology, and Prof. Mrs. Monica Ironkwe, who previously headed the Ministry of Agriculture.
According to our correspondent, rumors of the commissioners’ resignation began to spread shortly after the State Executive Council meeting, which was chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
At the time of filing this report, there had been no official statement from the governor or the Information Commissioner, Prince Okey Kanu, explaining the circumstances of their departures.
According to reports, Chima Oriaku and Prof. Mrs. Monica Ironkwe were taken by surprise and did not receive any explanation or clarification regarding the reasons behind their sudden removal from their respective positions as commissioners.
This latest development comes on the heels of a similar incident where Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, the former Commissioner for Health, was relieved of her duties during a State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South local government area.
Reacting to the news, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, clarified: “The two commissioners resigned from the Cabinet. No one was sacked. Disregard the trending rumours.”
