Abia State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, has reportedly been suspended by Governor Alex Otti amid allegations of financial mismanagement and lack of accountability.
According to social media reports, the suspension took place during the State Executive Council meeting on Monday.
A top government official, speaking anonymously with Vanguard, revealed that the Governor instructed the Health Commissioner to “step aside” to allow for an investigation into the barrage of complaints regarding financial mismanagement and lack of transparency within her ministry.
The source clarified, “It’s not as if it’s a death sentence or indictment. It’s just to strengthen the Governor’s resolve to ensure that there is accountability.”
The Governor emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability, stating, “step aside let’s look through some of the issues raised against you by some people concerning some of your conducts and delivery of your mandate as Commissioner for Health.”
The alleged suspension of Dr. Okoronkwo follows recent actions against other officials in the state, including the suspension of the Principal of School of Nursing, Abiriba, and the former boss of the State Orientation Agency, both over allegations of misconduct.
Governor Otti had previously warned against corruption during the swearing-in of Commissioners, asserting his zero-tolerance policy towards graft.
Notably, the Ministry of Health received 15% of the state’s budget in the 2024 Appropriation Bill, marking a significant allocation for the department in the history of Abia State.
