Delta State Governor appoints ex-deputy speaker as SSG, suspends recruitment exercise

Delta State Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday in Asaba announced the appointment of a former deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly, Mr. Festus Agas as the Secretary to State Government (SSG). 

Agas who is a former chairman of the state Direct Labour Agency (DLA) was the Director General of Okowa Campaign Organization prior to the December 8, 2014 primaries of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Making the announcement at a reception following a thanksgiving service of his successful take-over of government, Governor Okowa stated that the appointment of Agas as SSG takes immediate effect.

Senator Okowa thanked Deltans for believing and trusting him and his Deputy, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro assuring that “in all that we do, we will look at the common good of all. We need your prayers, we need your support, continue to support us as we go forward because without your support, we will be able to do nothing. We are committed to serve the people with respect and bring prosperity to all Deltans.”

Meanwhile, the governor has suspended the ongoing recruitment exercise into the state Civil Service, which has been fraught with sharp practices and irregularities.

In a statement signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Patrick Origho, Governor Okowa said “it is public knowledge that the process was fraught with sharp practices ranging from abuse of office to sale of job slots and therefore cannot by any stretch of imagination be adjudged credible, no flawed process produces a credible exercise.

“This abysmal handling of the exercise culminated in the suspension of the chairman and members of the Commission and the setting of the an Administrative Panel to review the recruitment process.”

The governor appealed to Deltans for support and understanding on the suspension of the exercise assuring that action will be taken to study the report of the Administrative Panel at the appropriate time.