Why I fired my SSG, Commissioners, others

Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa has opened up on why he fired his Chief of Staff, 25 Commissioners, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), chief strategist of the Government, all special advisers, the senior political adviser, and dissolved the State Executive Council.

TrackNews Online reports Governor Okowa gave the reasons at the 2021 quarterly media interaction with journalists in Asaba, the State capital, stressing that the decision was to reduce the level of distraction in the governance of the State in his last two years in office.

Recall that the now former Delta State Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu announced the dissolution of the State Executive Council on Tuesday.

Announcing the dissolution of the State Executive Council, Aniagwu said Okowa also fired all his 25 commissioners, directing them to hand over to permanent secretaries with immediate effect.

The immediate past information commissioner also revealed that the SSG, Chief of Staff, all special advisers, including the chief strategist of the Government and the senior political adviser were also affected.

Speaking at media interaction with journalists in Asaba, Governor Okowa himself said the decision to dissolve the cabinet was made to reduce the level of distraction in the governance of the State in his last two years in office.

“At some point in time in the course of an administration, there are always reasons to take some actions. I’ve been in this administration in the past 6 years, but two years in this tenure. We have two years to go.

“Obviously there have been a lot of distractions among some members of Exco. In the distraction, while they are working effectively and strong, so

“In the last two years we need to be able ensure that we reduce the level of distraction in governance.

“If we do not take that action, I may have an Exco that stays permanently divided in the next two years, and that will not enable me to achieve my vision.

“So, I thought that there was a need to rework the Exco in such a manner that we operate within the least stress, where those in Exco will know that their mind is fixated more at what we are able to achieve in the next two years, rather than in their private ambitions and beliefs.

“That was the key factor. Otherwise the gentlemen that worked with me, which also includes the ladies, were very efficient. They worked hard, they meant well for the administration and I can’t really thank them enough for all they have done.

“Concerning myself and 2023, I am still praying. I am still praying, and God has not yet led me to where He wants me to be. But, pray for me depending on what you want me to do but I know that God will give me an answer at his timing,” he said.