Governor Bello dissolves SEC, retains some appointees.

By correspondent in Lokoja.

The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello has dissolved his almost year-old State Executive Council,SEC, less than a month to the end of his administration in the state.
Our correspondent reports that the governor dissolved the council at the end of the state executive meeting at the Government House, Lokoja on Monday.
Heads of agencies, parastatals and other appointees were also affected by the announcement.
Governor Bello said the move served as a recalibration of the governance trajectory, adding that the dissolution signified the initiation of the comprehensive transition process as the ‘New Direction Administration’ concludes its tenure.
Governor Bello commended affected officials for demonstrating exemplifying unparalleled commitment, diligence and unwavering patriotism throughout their tenure.
Bello wished the former appointees as well as all heads of agencies and other appointees affected in the dissolution.
The governor instructed all the affected appointees to ensure a thorough and proper handover process, by transferring all pertinent government documents, properties, and materials to the permanent secretary of their ministries or senior government officials stationed in their respective offices.
However, the governor retained the following members of the council and aides.
They are the Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Dr. Ayoade Folashade Arike; rtd Navy Commander Jerry Omodara, State Security Adviser; Hon. Sunday Faleke, Deputy Chief of Staff; Alhaji Oricha Umaru Shaibu, Director-General, Government House Administration and Barr Mohammed Sanni Ibrahim, SAN, Attorney General.
Others are; the Commissioner for Justice; Abubakar Bashir Mohammed, Commissioner for Solid Mineral and Natural Resources, Kingsley Olorunfemi Fanwo, Commissioner for Information and Communications; Mohammed Ihiezue Abdulmutalib, Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development; Asiru Idris Asiwaju, Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning.
Others were Abdulsalam Ozigi Momodu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Wemi Jones, Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology; Yakubu Yusuf Okala, State Auditor-General; Musa Bashiru Ohu, Special Adviser to the Governor (Government House Imam) and Hadi Ametuo, Special Adviser on Political Matters.
Also retained are; Dr Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, Personal Physician to the Governor; Onogwu Muhammed, Chief Press Secretary to the governor; Sunday Bamidele Ayenibe, Director- General Protocol; Afolabi Joseph Raji, Special Adviser on Special Duties II; Moses Okezie-Okafor, Director-General, Research and Development, and Ahovi Salami Ibrahim.
Domestic staff of the Governor and First ladies were not affected by the dissolution.
Similarly, Governor Bello announced the appointments of Habibat Oyiza Tijani, State Accountant-General; Abdulrazaq Muhammed, Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board; Yakubu Siyaka Adabenege, Auditor-General for Local Governments; Kadiri Mohammed Okeji, Special Adviser on Finance; Isah Taofeeq, Director-General, Project Monitoring Agency.
In order to strengthening the security architecture of the State in the area of intelligence and information gathering, Governor Bello appointed some former local government chairmen as Security Advisers from all the Federal Constituencies of the state.
They are: Goke Okparison, Zonal Security Adviser, Okene/Ogori Federal Constituency; Mustapha Aliyu Aka’aba, Zonal Security Adviser, Ajaokuta Federal Constituency and Salami Joseph Omuya, Zonal Security Adviser, Adavi/Okehi Federal Constituency.
Others are;Olorunleke Moses, Zonal Security Adviser, Kabba/Ijumu Constituency; Muhammed Mundi, Zonal Security Adviser, Lokoja/Koton Karfe Fed Constituency; Pius Kolawole, Zonal Security Adviser, Yagba Federal Constituency; Kabiru Adaji Zonal Security Adviser, Dekina/Bassa Federal Constituency.
Also appointed into such position are;Ayuba Nana, Zonal Security Adviser, Ankpa Federal Constituency; and Abu Odoma, Zonal Security Adviser, Idah Federal Constituency.
Governor Bello, who ordered that the appointments is with effect, called on the newly appointed officials to show total commitment, unwavering patriotism, and steadfast dedication in the discharge of their duties.
The governor added that they must prioritize efficiency, competence, and the relentless pursuit of progress in their duties.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.