Obaseki names new Edo information commissioner

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has approved the appointment of Mr. Stewart Efe as the new Commissioner for Communication and Orientation.

It comes after the resignation of the predecessor, Mr Paul Ohonbamu, on Thursday.

Ohonbamu is the second cabinet member to resign. His resignation came after that of the former Chief of Staff to Governor Godwin Obaseki, Mr Taiwo Akerele.

The former commissioner who is a lawyer by training, said in his resignation letter, “Whether we shall meet again, I know not, therefore our everlasting farewell take. If we do meet, why? We shall smile, if not, it is true this parting was well made.

“I hereby tender my letter of resignation as a commissioner in Edo State to His Excellency, Mr Godwin Obaseki, this 4th day of June, 2020. Without setting a precedent, I have decided to step aside as cabinet member and operate outside it for the general good of Edo State and pursuit of happiness for the citizens.”

When contacted, Ohonbamu confirmed his resignation but declined to make further comments.

However, Efe's appointment was confirmed in a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Osarodion Ogie.

It read in part, “The Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has approved the appointment of Mr Stewart Efe as the Commissioner for Communication and Orientation. His appointment takes immediate effect.”

Until his appointment, Efe, was the Public Relations Officer, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Uselu, Benin City.