Oborevwori suspends commissioner, investigates corruption in ministry
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Omoun Perez, has been suspended with immediate effect by Delta state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.
Oborevwori further requested that Bennett Agamah, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Oki Yintareke, the Assistant Director of Agricultural Engineering, and Gabriel Idiatacheko, the Chief Accountant, should go on mandatory leave.
The Press Unit of Government House revealed this in a statement on Wednesday, January 31.
Perez’s suspension “is to investigate the claims and perceived infractions related to the management of the scheme by the Ministry,” the statement said.
The governor also established a seven-member commission to look into claims made against state officials, with Kingsley Emu serving as the committee’s chair.
The statement read: “Arising from the outcome of the review of the implementation of the Greenhouse project by the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori has constituted a seven-man committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu.
“Consequent upon the interim report of the committee, and to have unimpeded access to information during the period of the investigations, the Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori has approved the immediate suspension of Hon. Omoun Perekebena Perez, Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“While Messrs Bennett Ezon-Abode Agamah, Permanent Secretary; Engr. Oki Preowei Yintareke, Assistant Director, Agricultural Engineering; and Mr. Gabriel Idiatacheko, Chief Accountant, are to proceed on compulsory leave until further notice in line with Civil Service extant rules.
“The government’s action is in no way a presumption of guilt but rather a necessary measure to uphold the sanctity of the investigative processes already instituted, which is to ensure that the investigation is conducted without any potential for undue influence or bias.”
