The state government yesterday released the names of commissioners with the critical Information Commissioner missing.
In a letter signed by the secretary to state government, Dr Kingsley Emu, no reason was given for this serious omission.
As it stands today, the job of information management is done by Sir Festus Ahon, the chief press secretary to the governor.
Even though Mr Jackson Ekwugum is the communications manager inherited from the Okowa administration, there is no official announcement to that effect.
Mr Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, former Information Commissioner is now assigned to Works (Rural Roads).
The Pond News understands that the inability of Aniagwu to get the Information Commissioner may be connected with the spat with journalists in Asaba in his last days in office.
Aniagwu performed brilliantly well as Information Commissioner with the Smart Delta Agenda and had rosy relationship with journalists in the state.
His management of information got national attention as he was appointed spokesman of the PDP presidential campaign council.
In that role, he was able to sell the programmes and manifesto of the party to Nigerians and gave the APC run for their money.
At the heat of the presidential campaign, Aniagwu was always on major national television stations setting the political agenda for the country.
Political pundits and media gurus were already positioning him for the position of Information Minister should the PDP win the presidential election.
However, the inability of journalists in Asaba to get the parting gifts as promised by Senator Ifeanyi Okowa drew the blood of journalists.
The Asaba Correspondent’s Chapel and Indigenous Correspondents Chapel passed a vote of no confidence on Aniagwu.
These chapels alleged that Aniagwu was the brian behind their woes.
The staff of Ministry of Information shall surely miss him.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori must have taken that decision to avoid a press war with journalists.
Below is the list of commissioners and their ministries as released by government yesterday.
- Odinigwe Odigie Daniel – Science and Technology
- Hon. Joan Onyemaechi Ada-Anioma – Technical Education
- Jerry Ehiwario – Power and Energy
- Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu – Works (Rural Roads)
- Dr. Kingsley Ashibuogwu – Primary Education
- Engr. Michael Ifeanyi Anoka – Urban Renewal
- Hon. Princess Pat. A. Ajudua, Ph.D – Women Affairs, Community and Social Development
- Chief Darlington Ijeh – Culture and Tourism
- Chief Fidelis Okenmor Tilije – Finance
- Barr. Funyei Manager – Special Projects
- Hon. Godknows Angele – Housing
- Dr. Joseph Onojaeme – Health
- Chief Emamusi Obiodeh – Lands and Survey
- Mr Perez P. Omoun, Esq. – Agriculture and Natural Resources 15. Orode Uduaghan – Girl Child Entrepreneurship and Humanitarian Support Services
- Dr Isaac Tosan Wilkie – Water Resources
- Agbateyimiro Isaac Weyinmi – Youths
- Samuel Oligida – Trade and Investments
- Prof. Tonukari Johnbull – Higher Education
- Etagherure Ejiro Terry – Bureau for Special Duties
- Mrs. Rose Ezewu – Basic and Secondary Education
- Jamani Tommy Ejiro – Environment
- Onoriode Agofure – Transport
- Hon. Izeze Rume Yakubu Reuben – Works (Highways & Urban Roads)
- Chief Vincent Oyibode – Oil & Gas
- Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen – Economic Planning
