The Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole has approved the immediate retirement of the Permanent Secretary in the state Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, H. A. Ikhelowa for dereliction of duty.
The Governor also ordered the immediate sealing of the Museum in the state capital and arrest of the Manager over illegal operation and non-maintenance of the ground.
The Governor’s approval for the retirement of the Permanent Secretary is contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Julius Ihonvbere.
The letter dated 4 January 2013 also approved the immediate suspension of Nicholas Osemwengie, Acting General Manager, Edo State Waste Management Board and the Director-in-charge of Street Lights in the Edo State Ministry of Environment and Public Utilities, Ejemai Martins.
According to the letter, their cases have been referred to the Edo State Civil Service Commission for further action.
The governor’s took these actions after an inspection of some projects in Benin City, the state capital on Friday where he saw heaps of refuse in parts of the city and people displaying wares on the walkways and roads.
During his inspection of the Museum ground, Mr Oshiomhole expressed dissatisfaction with the heaps of refuse left by fun-seekers at the place.
He said the manager of the Museum sublet the place for business without the government’s authority.
He also ordered the arrest of a woman found cooking on sensitive equipment connected to the water fountain at the Museum.
During his inspection of the Oba Market road, Mr Oshiomhole ordered the instant seizure of wares displayed on the walkways and the road by traders and directed the immediate evacuation of dirt which littered the road.
