Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has reshuffled his cabinet by sacking and appointing six replacements.

Also yesterday, the governor appointed five special advisers.

In a statement issued by Secretary to the State Government, Mr Osarodion Ogie, the state government said: “The Edo State Government has approved the reshuffle of the State Executive Council, with the commissioners named below relieved of their appointments with effect from the date of this announcement: Joseph Ugheoke, commissioner for Minerals, Oil and Gas; Magdalene Ohenhen, commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, and Osahon Amiolemen, commissioner for Infrastructure.”

Others are: “David Osifo, commissioner for Health; Mika Amanokha, commissioner for Youths and Special Duties; Mariam Abubakar, commissioner for Budget; Emmanuel Usoh, commissioner for Wealth Creation, Cooperatives and Employment; Christopher Adesotu, commissioner for Science and Technology.”

Ogie also added that “the following persons have been nominated for appointment as commissioners: Damian Lawani; Joe Ikpea; Felix Akhabue; Moses Agbakor; Momoh Oise Omorogbe; and Marie Edeko.”

The newly appointed special advisers, according to Ogie, are: Kabiru Adjoto; Magdalene Ohenhen; Osaigbovo Iyoha; Andrew Momodu and Ojo Asien.

He added: “The state government offers its immense gratitude to the outgoing commissioners for their service and assures of continued cordial relations in the years ahead, while congratulating the newly appointed commissioners and special advisers, urging them to serve the people with integrity.”

Ogie advised the outgoing commissioners to hand over all government property in their possession to the permanent secretaries in their ministries and wished them well in their future endeavours.

The sacked commissioners are those believed to be loyal to immediate past governor of the state, Mr Adams Oshiomhole, who currently is national chairman of ruling All Progressive Congress both at the federal level and Edo state.

Oshiomhole worked assiduously to install Mr Obaseki as his successor. Relationships between the two have deteriorated, and conflicts between them have broken open.

Sun