…redeploys Perm Sec, Ministry of Environment
By Lucky Isibor
The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has fired the Commissioner of Environment and Sustainability, Mr. Reginald Okun.
The General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr. Aiyamenkue Akonofua, has also been retired.
The governor also directed that the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Mrs. Obahiagbon R.E., be redeployed.
In a statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq., the state government directed the officials to “handover their assignments to the most senior government official in their offices with immediate effect. They are also to handover all government property in their possession to the appropriate authorities.”
In the statement, the government thanked the disengaged officials for their service to the state and wished them well in their future endeavours.
Though the statement did not give reasons for the action of the state government, however tongues have been waging on the state of environmental sanitation in Benin City, the state capital.
Heaps of refuse have virtually taken over most of the major markets in Benin City especially Oba market, New Benin market, Ekiosa market, New market, Edaiken market, Oregbeni market amongst others.
Some residents of Benin City who commented on the sack of the commissioner and the General Manager on condition of anonymity said they are dissatisfied with the way the markets in the state capital have been taken over by heaps of refuse and hope those who will be appointed to replace them will make the disposal of refuse their priority.
