By Ayo Kehinde
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has indefinitely suspended the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), Mr. Ahmed Momoh, citing acts of insubordination.
In a statement issued by Fred Ituah, the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Momoh was directed to immediately hand over all government properties in his possession to the most senior public servant within the agency and proceed on leave of absence pending further instructions.
The statement read, “The Executive Governor of Edo State, His Excellency Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the suspension of the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of Edo State Flood, Erosion and Watershed Management Agency (FEWMA), Mr. Ahmed Musa Momoh, with immediate effect.
“Mr. Momoh has been instructed to hand over all government properties in his possession to the most senior public servant in the agency and proceed on immediate leave of absence, pending further directives from His Excellency.”
The suspension comes in the wake of escalating tensions surrounding the planned turbaning ceremony in South Ibie Kingdom, an event that had already been placed on hold by the Edo State Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The ministry announced the suspension of the ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, January 25, in Iyakpi, South Ibie, citing potential security concerns.
The installation of new chiefs and clan heads was to be conducted by Umoru Inusa Umoru, the self-proclaimed Aidenogie of South Ibie.
In an official statement, the government emphasised the need to halt all related activities to prevent possible unrest in the area.
“In light of the security threats at the disposal of the Ministry of Local Government, Community and Chieftaincy Affairs, I have been instructed to inform you that the proposed turbaning ceremony, as well as the appointment of chiefs and village heads by Umoru Inusa Umoru, be put on hold forthwith,” the statement noted.
It added, “Any other acts, omissions, or commissions planned by Umoru in his capacity as the purported Aidenogie of South Ibie must be halted immediately, pending clearance from the appropriate authorities.”
Despite the directive, the now-suspended FEWMA boss was accused of disregarding the government’s order, taking actions that reportedly threatened the fragile peace in South Ibie Kingdom.
