Abia State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, has reportedly been suspended by Governor Alex Otti over allegations of lack of accountability and financial mismanagement.
According to social media reports and confirmation from a top government official speaking to Vanguard, the Commissioner was suspended indefinitely during a State Executive Council meeting on Monday.
The Governor’s action, as explained by the official, aims to allow for an investigation into the Commissioner and her Ministry regarding complaints of financial mismanagement and lack of transparency.
The suspension is not considered a death sentence or indictment but is intended to facilitate an audit of the Commissioner’s activities without interference.
Governor Otti’s directive to “step aside” was prompted by a series of complaints and messages received regarding the Commissioner’s conduct and the delivery of her mandate. The Governor emphasized the importance of public scrutiny and his commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.
The Commissioner for Health, however, has not been indicted for any offense. Instead, the Governor has initiated the suspension to scrutinize her activities thoroughly.
Efforts to reach the embattled Commissioner for a reaction were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.
This suspension follows closely on the heels of the suspension of the Principal of School of Nursing, Abiriba, and the former boss of the State Orientation Agency over similar allegations of misconduct.
Governor Otti, known for his zero-tolerance stance on corruption, had warned against malpractice during the swearing-in of Commissioners.
Notably, the Ministry of Health received 15% of the state’s budget allocation for the first time in Abia State’s history in the 2024 Appropriation Bill.
The development shows Governor Otti’s commitment to accountability and transparency in government affairs.
