From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

The Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, has approved the suspension from the office of the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo, over alleged gross misconduct.

This is even as Abia State Government has relieved the acting principal of Okezie School of Midwifery, Abiriba, Mrs. Ogbonna Chituru Adiele of her appointment.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Okey Kanu, the suspension of the Health Commissioner would pave the way for the investigation of allegations of gross misconduct levelled against her.

The statement read in part, “Governor Otti’s action is in line with his zero tolerance policy for misconduct of any kind, and strong adherence to the twin principles of transparency and accountability in governance to ensure that actions of appointees must at all times advance the good and well-being of Abians.

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“The Abia State Government is committed to good governance and the rule of law under which persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

“Consequently, the administration is painstaking in investigating and establishing facts of infractions or misconduct uncovered by its internal monitoring and feedback system.”

The statement said Governor Otti directed the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Ifeyinwa Kalu, to collaborate with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Mrs Ngozi Azodo to run the affairs of the Ministry in the interim pending the outcome of further investigations into the allegations against Dr Okoronkwo.

Although the statement did not pinpoint exactly what the suspended Commissioner did, but investigations revealed that the Item-born medical doctor was alleged to be involved in financial impropriety.