Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has suspended the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Omoun Perekebena Perez, and other key officials in response to concerns about the implementation of the Greenhouse Project by the State’s Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Perez along with Permanent Secretary Ben Agamah and ministry workers were ccused of moving N280 million, intended for agricultural programs, to a private account.
The funds originally allocated for the ‘Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme were allegedly transferred in multiple parts to a private account by the commissioner and the permanent secretary.
To investigate the claims and perceived infractions related to the project’s management, the governor has formed a seven-man committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu.
In a statement signed by Emu, it was revealed that the governor has approved the immediate suspension of the Perez.
Additionally, key officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Messrs Bennett Ezon-Abode Agamah; Assistant Director, Agricultural Engineering, Engr. Oki Preowei Yintareke; and Chief Accountant, Mr. Gabriel Idiatacheko, were directed to proceed on compulsory leave until further notice in line with Civil Service extant rules.
Emu emphasized that the government’s action does not presume guilt but is a necessary measure to ensure the sanctity of the investigative processes.
He stated, “The government’s action was in no way a presumption of guilt but rather a necessary measure to uphold the sanctity of the investigative processes already instituted, which is to ensure that the investigation is conducted without any potential undue influence or bias.”
The committee, led by Emu, is tasked with thoroughly examining the claims and perceived infractions related to the management of the Greenhouse Project.
