Gov Otu Suspends C-River SEMA DG Over Palliatives Saga
BY UBON EKANEM, CALABAR – Concerns over alleged poor handling of palliatives meant to cushion the effect of subsidy removal have recorded its first casualty in Cross River State with Governor Bassey Otu suspending the Director General of State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mrs Angela Odey from office.
The suspension was contained in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Emmanuel Ogbeche, dated October 30 and made available to the media in Calabar, the State capital on Monday.
Although no specific reason was given for the latest action, which takes effect from the close of work on Monday, the statement barred Mrs Odey from engaging covertly or overtly in the administration of SEMA within the period of her suspension.
The statement stated thus; “The Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency, Senator (Prince) Bassey Edet Otu, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Director General of the Cross River State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Chief (Mrs.) Angela Ogeyi Odey.
“The DG is directed to hand over to the most senior director in the Agency before close of work today, Monday, October 30, 2023.
“During the period of her suspension, she is requested not to be engaged, covertly or overtly, in the administration of the SEMA except otherwise directed by His Excellency.”
Insider sources hinted that the development may not be unconnected with the “shoddy manner” her office handled palliatives distribution, food and non food items meant for Cross Riverians to cushion the effect of the fuel subsidy removal.
The Governor had on assumption of office warned that he will not hesitate to clamp down on any political appointees found wanting in the delivery of quality service to the people in line with his administration’s vision and policy direction.
Unfortunately, the suspension has seen Mrs Odey entering the record books as the first public officer to incur Governor Otu’s wrath in the current dispensation.
