He has also ordered the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Bennett Agamah; Assistant Director, Agricultural Engineering, Engr Oki Yintareke; and Chief Accountant, Gabriel Idiatacheko, to embark on compulsory leave.

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The Delta state government said the action was to enable a seven-man committee set up by the governor and headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, to investigate the “claims and perceived infractions related to the management of the scheme of the ministry.”

The statement by the Press Unit, Government House, read thus: “Arising from the outcome of the review of the implementation of the Greenhouse project by the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, has constituted a seven-man committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu, to investigate the claims and perceived infractions related to the management of the scheme by the Ministry.

“Consequent upon the interim report of the committee, and to have unimpeded access to information during the period of the investigations, the Governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff F.O. Oborevwori, has approved the immediate suspension of Hon. Omoun Perekebena Perez, Hon. Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

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“While Messrs Bennett Ezon-Abode Agamah, Permanent Secretary; Engr. Oki Preowei Yintareke, Assistant Director, Agricultural Engineering; and Mr. Gabriel Idiatacheko, Chief Accountant, are to proceed on compulsory leave until further notice in line with Civil Service extant rules.

“The government’s action is in no way a presumption of guilt but rather a necessary measure to uphold the sanctity of the investigative processes already instituted, which is to ensure that the investigation is conducted without any potential for undue influence or bias.”

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