New information has surfaced regarding the reasons behind Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decision to dismiss Dr Tony Ikpasajah from his position as Managing Director of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (EDOGIS).
Ikpasajah was said to have been sacked over issues relating to the revocation of 13,545 hectares of land belonging to Presco Plc in Ologbo in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Okpebholo was said to have been embarrassed that he was not properly briefed about the issues bothering the revocation of the Presco land, Government House sources said.
The Edo State Government, in an advertorial on Wednesday, had invoked sections 28 and 38 of the Constitution to revoke the Presco land.
But barely 24 hours later, Secretary to the Edo State Government, Musa Ikhilor, said Ikpasajah acted unilaterally, without authorisation, and in complete disregard for established procedures and the actual number of hectares intended for excision from Presco Plc’s total landholding.
The statement said a formal administrative review has been initiated to address the unauthorised actions of the former EDOGIS Managing Director and to strengthen internal controls to prevent future breaches.
Calls to Ikpasajah’s mobile phones were not responded to, but Government House sources, who confirmed his sack, said he has been issued an official letter relieving him of his appointment.
