Ortom dissolves cabinet, sends list of commissioner-nominees to assembly

Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, has “partially dissolved” the state executive council.

Ortom also dropped some commissioners from his cabinet, while eight were retained.

The governor, in a letter dated January 4, 2022, and titled ‘Partial Dissolution of the Benue State Executive Council’, forwarded the names of eight commissioner-nominees to the state house of assembly for screening and confirmation.

Timothy Ijir, commissioner for agriculture and natural resources, and Merga Kachina, commissioner for commerce and cooperatives, were dropped from the cabinet.

The eight commissioners who were retained are David Olofu, finance; Michael Gusa, attorney-general and commissioner for justice; Victor Ukaha, rural development and cooperatives; Tabitha Igirgi, women affairs; Ekpe Ogbu, housing and urban development; Bernard Unenge, lands survey and solid minerals; Emmanuel Oyiwona, science, and Joseph Ngbea, health and human services.

The commissioner-nominees are Terna Kester Kyenge from Logo, Uungwa Sachia Jude from Gwer west and Agbatar Rodney Williams from Vandeikya.

Others are Michael Umoru Inalegwu from Agatu, Agber Benjamin Aernan from Buruku and Jane Ogoma Aja from Obi.

Also nominated for screening and confirmation are Sarwuan Tarnongo from Konshisha and Teryima Nguher from Ukum.

The governor commended the outgoing commissioners and wished them well in their future endeavoyrs, while asking them to hand over to their respective permanent secretaries immediately.