By: Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi
Benue State Government on Tuesday confirmed the suspension of five senior staff over missing transformer and vandalisation of another.
The State Head of Service (HOS), Dr Agbogbo Ode told newsmen in Makurdi that four of them would be charged to court.
Dr Ode said that the Director of Planning and Research in the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives was directed to proceed on indefinite suspension over his involvment in a missing transformer.
He explained that after investigation the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Director of Administration and Supply, were not directly involved in the case.
He said another four senior staff at the State Secretariat were also directed to proceed on suspension and would be charged to court for allegedly vandalising the transformer at the Secretariat.
He said the State Government would not tolerate an form of indiscipline from any worker.
Dr Ode further denied that the Permanent Secretary (PS), Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management Mr Agbo Ochekpe did not resign over corruption cases.
He said the PS resigned because he issued an introductory letter to someone who got admission to study in the University of Kinshasa, Congo without due approval.
“Again the Permanent Secretary of Education and Knowledge Management did not resigned on account of corruption. In fact he is one of the most hardworking PS.
“It was just a case of ignorance. In law ignorance is not an excuse. Sometime ago a Pastor based in Gboko introduced a family to the PS that one of their ward got admission to study in the University of Kinshasa, Congo.
“That he should please do a letter of introduction to enable him go there for studies and he admitted that he did not consult the commissioner non did he seek for permission before attending to it because he felt it was something ordinary to issue the letter.
“And as we are talking, the beneficiary of that letter unless you bring him and say this is the person you issued a letter to he will not know the person.
“He admitted the whole thing, apologize and takes responsibility. He has submitted his letter of resignation and is handing over as we speak.”