In what is believed to be a move to check the influence of former Governor George Akume on his administration, Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom has ordered a partially dissolution of the State Executive Council.
According to a Sunday statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Ijoho (SAN), only only four out of 16 commissioners, and seven out of 19 special advisers are to retain their posts.
The commissioner are: Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Michael Gusa; Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Prof. Dennis Ityavyar; Commissioner for Finance, Mr. David Olufu, and Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Mr. Bernard Unenge.
The special advisers are: Dr. Magdalyne Dura, (Development Cooperation, SDGs and NEPAD), Mr. Matthew Mnyam, (Education), Chief Ofe Enyi (Gender, Employment and Labour Matters), Mr. Thomas Anajav, (Government House Administration), Mr. Tahav Agerzua (Media, Information and Technology), Mr. Tahav Agerzua, Lt. Col. Paul Hemba (rtd) (Security) and Mr. Joseph Odaudu (Special Duties).
Those relieved of their appointments were ordered to hand over to the Permanent Secretaries or most senior directors as the directive took immediate effect, the statement further read.
Although the state government did not disclose a reason for its action, reports say it may not be unconnected with the tussle between Governor Ortom and Senator George Akume over the control of the All Progressives Congress (APC) structure in the state.
The sacked officials were said to have either been personally nominated by Akume, the senator representing Benue North West Senatorial District, or by his loyalists.