The N280 million scandal rocking the Delta State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources has heightened as the State Head of Service (HoS), Mr Reginald Bayoko, according to sources is under fire for allegedly complaining to journalists that he was not aware before the Commissioner in charge of the ministry was suspended, and other top officials sent on compulsory leave.
NewsNet Nigeria learned that the HoS was reported to have complained about not being consulted before the Governor’s action apart from knowing through media reports when he recently played host to the leadership of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ.
After the visit one of the national dailies reported it with the headline, ‘Delta Commissioner, Others’ suspension placed on the Media before getting to us – HoS’.
Bayoko was also quoted as saying during the visit that “such situation has always been there, the difference in this case is that it was placed on the media before it got to the Civil Service leadership.
“We have dealt with such instances on several occasions, and those involved faced disciplinary action.”
Since the report went viral, the HoS it was gathered has been under fire as the Governor and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kingsley Emu have been irked by his alleged complaint to journalists about his office not being consulted.
To douse tension and exonerate himself, Bayoko late Thursday issued a press release signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Ivovi Aruoriwo, with the title: Rebuttal Statement: Clarification Regarding Misinterpretations on the Announcement of the Suspension of the Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture and Compulsory Leave Directive for Others.
The statement reads in full below:
“The Office of the Delta State Head of Service wishes to address certain inaccuracies and misinterpretations that have arisen from recent reports in sections of the print media. These reports erroneously quoted Mr Reginald Bayoko, mni, the Delta State Head of Service, as suggesting a misalignment in the communication process regarding the suspension of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, alongside the directive for the Permanent Secretary and two staff members of the Ministry to proceed on compulsory leave.
“It has come to our attention that the portrayal of Mr Bayoko’s statements has been both misleading and not reflective of the truth, especially following his interaction with the members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Asaba Correspondence Chapel, during their courtesy visit on Wednesday.
“For the sake of clarity and to eliminate any ambiguity, the Office of the Head of Service wishes to state that Mr Bayoko, in his dialogue with the journalists, articulated that while the story of the alleged infraction became public through the press before formal acknowledgement by the authorities, the subsequent government actions — namely, the suspension and the directive for compulsory leave — were indeed communicated internally within the government corridors to the Head of Service full knowledge before being made public.
“The assertion that the actions taken by the government, under the guidance of the Governor, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, were known to the Head of Service through media channels before any official communication is therefore unequivocally false. To reiterate, Mr Bayoko was fully informed of the developments and the necessary administrative steps being taken in response to the situation at hand.
“We hope this statement serves to clarify the sequence of events and reaffirm the integrity of the communication process within the Delta State government. The Office of the Head of Service remains committed to transparency, accuracy, and the maintenance of high standards of communication with the public and the media.
“We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of all parties as we continue to uphold the values of responsible governance and public service.”
Recall that few days ago, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori approved the suspension of the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Omoun Perekebena Perez, over claims and perceived infractions in the implementation of the Greenhouse project by the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources amounting to N280 million allegedly transferred into an individual account in three tranches.
The SSG, Dr Emu heads a seven-man committee constituted by Governor Oborevwori to review the implementation of the Greenhouse project by the State Ministry.
Also affected by an interim report of the committee and have been asked to “proceed on compulsory leave until further notice in line with Civil Service extant rules”, are Messrs Bennett Ezon-Abode Agamah, Permanent Secretary; Engr. Oki Preowei Yintareke, Assistant Director, Agricultural Engineering and Mr. Gabriel Idiatacheko, Chief Accountant.
