Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has taken swift action against his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere, by suspending him for allegedly initiating unauthorized fundraising activities ahead of a planned oil and gas summit.
The governor’s decision followed reports that the adviser was soliciting funds from private individuals and organizations without formal government approval.
The suspension was announced through a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, on Tuesday in Benin City. According to the SSG, Governor Okpebholo expressed dismay over the breach of protocol, stressing that such unilateral action undermines the integrity of his administration.
In response, the government has also announced the immediate cancellation of the proposed oil and gas summit, originally scheduled for August 7. The Secretary to the State Government directed Isere to refund all monies collected from donors and cautioned the public against further dealings with the suspended official.
