Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, has dethroned his Higher Education Commissioner, Prof. Patrick Muoboghare for yet to be disclosed reason.
Unlike cabinet reshuffling, where political appointees are dropped and others moved to different ministries, Departments and Agencies, Muoboghare was neither moved but was unceremoniously displaced while another was announced.
The outright replacement was done while Okowa, was swearing in new set of five Commissioners with Kingsley Asibogwu, as the new Commissioner in charge of Higher Education in the state.
It was alleged that Prof. Muoboghare, has secretly pitched tent with the Olorogun David Edebvie’s camp in the forthcoming election as against the Sheriff Oborevwori’s camp which has the governor’s backing.
The governor urged the new commissioners to remain focused and constantly in tune with the policy direction of the administration to make a quick success of their work.
“As the electioneering season gathers momentum, it is expected that political opportunists and detractors will employ every means possible to distract us.
“But you must remain focused and unwavering in the noble task of building a Stronger Delta standing on the tripod of Prosperity, Peace and Progress. It is going to take all of us thinking together, planning together, and working together to actualise this mandate.
“You must promote inclusion and diversity in your ministry. In your utterances and actions, it is important that you develop a work environment devoid of mutual suspicion, distrust, exclusion and resentment.
“This administration is passionate in the belief that the stability, peaceful co-existence and prosperity of the State depends on our ability to run an all-inclusive government.
“You must lead by example. Always bear in mind that as a leader, people don’t do what you tell them but what they see you do. I trust that you will commit to leading by example as you begin your tenures today.
“For that to happen, you must model excellence in your work ethic, character and leadership style. You must commit to excellence in service delivery even if at great personal expense. Excellence also means to be purpose-driven, process-driven and people-driven,” he stated.
The new commissioners are Dr Kingsley Ashibogwu – Higher Education; Dr Darlington Ijeh – Human and Community Development; Dr Godfrey Enita – Agriculture; Chief Anthony Ofoni – Project Monitoring and Audit and Mrs Nkechi Enumah-Chukwura – Girl-Child Entrepreneurship Development.
