Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, has relieved Emeka Wogu of his appointment as the State Commissioner for Special Duties.
Sources say Wogu’s removal was as a result of his rather sluggish reaction to the fire incident at Ikoku Spare Parts Market.
It was learnt that Amaechi was not happy with the ex-commissioner’s response when fire erupted at the market.
While swearing in six women permanent secretaries at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, Amaechi announced Wogu’s removal and his replacement by Omunakwe Dickson.
A statement from the Government House said, “Governor Rotimi Amaechi has relieved the Commissioner for Special Duties, Emeka Wogu, of his appointment and replaced him with Mr. Omunakwe Dickson, whose name will be sent to the Rivers State House of Assembly for confirmation.”
However, Wogu said he was aware of the development, adding that he was in the village in Omuma Local Government when he heard about the fire incident.
He said he directed firefighters to move to the scene of the incident only to be told that the fire-fighting trucks were bad.
He, however, dismissed the report that there was no water in the fire fighting vehicles.
Meanwhile, the new permanent secretaries sworn in are Dr. Offor Nnesochi, Mrs. C.M. Iragunima, Mrs. Clara Gogo Princewill, Mrs. Amie Nemi Iwo, Mrs Wihioka Comfort and Dr. Justina Jumbo.
The governor said they were appointed on merit, urging them to be fair and just as they contribute to the growth of the state.
He warned them not to be involved in corrupt practices, maintaining that the appointment of six women permanent secretaries would increase the number of women occupying the position in the state civil service.