Obaseki sacks environment commissioner over sweepers’ protest

Godwin Obaseki, governor of Edo, has sacked Reginald Okun, commissioner of environment, supposedly over the protest of sweepers in the state.

In a statement on Wednesday, Osarodion Ogie, secretary to the state government, said Obaseki ordered the redeployment of R E Obahiagbon from the environment ministry.

Ogie said the governor approved the retirement of Aiyamenkue Akonofua, general manager of the Edo waste management board.

He directed them to hand over to the most senior officials in their offices.

The sweepers had protested the non-payment of their allowances for six months.

According to PUNCH, the governor was angered at the environment ministry for poorly handling the contractor who engaged the sweepers.

Quoting a source, the newspaper said the governor saw the protest as an embarrassment to his administration.

“It was in response to the outcry by the sweepers. The sweepers protest yesterday (Tuesday),” the source was quoted to have said.

“It was the poor management of the contractors by the commissioner, GM and the board that led to the incessant strikes by the street sweepers. So, that was why the governor took the decision.”