Benue Head Of Service Calls Agbo Ochekpe Who Resigned As Permanent Secretary ‘Victim Of Honest Mistake’

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, Benue State, Agbo Ochekpe, who has resigned from his position was a victim of honest mistake, the State Head of Service, Agbogbo Ode, has submitted.

Agbo had issued an introductory letter to someone who was introduced to him by a pastor without following proper procedures, the State Head of Service noted while dismissing rumours of allegations of corruption against the Permanent Secretary.

Team@orientactualmags.com learned that the HoS  also clarified that Agbo was not sacked but rather voluntarily resigned.

Agbo, the HoS added, had issued an introductory letter to a family member who had secured admission to the University of Kinshasa, Congo, without consulting the commissioner or seeking proper approval.

‘He admitted the whole thing and apologized, taking responsibility for his actions’  the HoS said.

The HoS also disclosed that the Director of Planning and Research in the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives has been suspended indefinitely for his involvement in theft of a transformer.

‘The Permanent Secretary of Education and Knowledge Management did not resign on account of corruption. In fact, he is one of the most hardworking Permanent Secretaries.

It was just a case of ignorance. In law,  ignorance is not an excuse. Some time ago, a Pastor, who is based in Gboko, introduced a family to the PS that one of their wards got admitted to the University of Kinshasa, Congo.

That he should please do a letter of introduction to enable him to go there for studies, and he (the PS) admitted that he did not consult the Commissioner, nor did he seek permission before attending to it because he felt it was ordinary to issue the letter.

And as we speak this Tuesday afternoon, the beneficiary of that letter, unless you bring him and say this is the person you issued a letter to, he (the PS) does know the person.

He admitted the whole thing and apologized and took responsibility. He has submitted his letter of resignation, and he is handing over as we speak’ he said.

The HoS also said the director in question at the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives has been directed to proceed on an indefinite suspension.

He noted however that the committee  set up to investigate the alleged theft of the transformer exonerated the ministry’s permanent secretary in its report.

Four other senior staff members in the state civil service have according to him been directed to proceed on suspension for allegedly vandalizing a transformer at the Secretariat while noting that the state government would not tolerate any form of indiscipline from any civil servant — Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you