By Peter Okutu

ABAKALIKI—GOVERNOR David Umahi yesterday sacked the 13 Local Government Area Caretaker Chairmen he appointed a year ago.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Sen. Emmanuel Onwe.

Umahi

“The Caretaker Chairmen are directed to hand over to Heads of Personnel Management, HPMs, in their respective local government areas before the close of business on Thursday, September 8,2016.

“The governor expressed his gratitude for their services to the state and wished them well in the future.”

The governor, according to the statement, also effected a minor reshuffling of his cabinet.

Hon. Elizabeth Nwogbaga who was in charge of Ministry of Border Peace and Conflict Resolution was moved to Culture and Tourism Ministry while Engr. Francis Orji was moved from Ministry of Water Resources to Border Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Also, Mrs Euphemia Nwali will leave the Ministry of Culture and Tourism to take charge of the Ministry of Water Resources.

It was a direct swap between Donatus Njoku of Solid Minerals and his  counterpart of the Economic Empowerment and Job Creation, Rt. Hon Sabinus Nwankwegu.

Vanguard gathered that there were apprehension among the State Executive council members following reports of impending major cabinet reshuffle as some members may likely be sacked.

Though, no official statement has been made on the issue, sources close to the governor say the reshuflement is planned between October and December this year.

“The governor wants to begin the new year with a new team as some of the commissioners have performed well below expectations,” said the source.