By Ikhili Ebalu, Benin City
The people of Ohordua Community has refuted the alleged sack of their son and commissioner for roads and bridges, Engineer Newton Okojie for non performance.
The community in a a statement made available to journalists in Benin city and signed by
Chief Okotako Ononodena ,Secretary Ohordua Elite Club said ,that Newton Okojie was not sacked but voluntarily resigned to pursue his professional career.
He said: “,It’s a calculated effort by some persons to undermine his professional prowess, accedemic status and determination to make Edo great …. He has been up and doing since he assumed the position as commissioner for roads and bridges in Edo State..
“Our attention has been drawn to false information concerning our Son and Brother Engr .Newton Okogie following his alleged sacked “.
According to them, “Ohordua Elite Club hereby call on him to remain focus and undaunted as he continues to pursue his professional career. He worked within the duties and responsibilities given to him hence, we are solidly behind him and above all, we salute the governor for the great opportunity accord him to be part of Edo State Executive Council.”
The Edo state government had in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Mr. Chris Osa Nehikhare, said “The Hon. commissioner for Roads and Bridges, Engr. Newton Okojie, has been relieved of his office.
In the statement , the Governor thanked the immediate past Commissioner for his service to the state and wished him well in his future endeavours.
Obaseki said,”It is unfortunate that we have not been able to make the envisaged progress in our road infrastructure particularly in the last 12 months.”
“And sadly, the commissioner, as much as he had tried, had not been able to make significant progress for the state government to achieve its goal.”
The Socio cultural organization however urged the immediate past commissioner to remain focus and undaunted as he continue to pursue his professional career, pledging their support him in his future endeavors saying
“He worked within the duties and responsibilities given to him hence, we are solidly behind him and above all,we salute the governor fir the great opportunity accord him “ they concluded.