From Aloysius Attah, Onitsha
Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo has excised the Ministry of Trade and Commerce from the Ministry of Industry.
Consequently, the erstwhile Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr Obinna Ngonadi now heads the Ministry of Industry while the Trade and Commerce aspect of the Ministry will, until further notice, be domiciled under the Governor’s Office.
This action of the Governor was after the Sun news report on Sunday where it was reported that the appointment of Caretaker Committee executives of various markets in the state have been put up for the highest bidder allegedly under the supervision of Dr. Ngonadi.
There have been several petitions against the Commissioner in recent times from different quarters too.
In a terse statement signed by Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, Secretary To The State Government released to journalists yesterday, the SSG said the Governor approved the renaming of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to Ministry of Industry during the Executive Council Meeting on Monday.
He said the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Dr. Obinna Ngonadi will henceforth be addressed as the Commissioner for Industry.
“By implication, all activities relating to trade and commerce should be channelled to the Governor’s Office. This decision is to enable the Ministry of Industry focus on the industrialization agenda of Mr. Governor, and for greater performance. The reorganization is with immediate effect” he stated.