The Benue State government on Tuesday confirmed the suspension of five senior staff members in connection with a missing transformer and the vandalisation of another.
Dr. Agbogbo Ode, the State Head of Service (HOS), told journalists in Makurdi that four of the individuals involved would face charges.
Among those suspended is the Director of Planning and Research in the Ministry of Rural Development and Cooperatives, who was placed on indefinite suspension for his role in the missing transformer.
The HoS explained that following an investigation, the Permanent Secretary and Director of Administration and Supply in the ministry were cleared of direct involvement.
He said that four senior staff members at the State Secretariat have been suspended and are to be charged for their alleged involvement in vandalising a transformer at the secretariat.
Dr. Ode emphasised that the state government would not tolerate any form of indiscipline from its workforce.
In a separate matter, Dr. Ode denied claims that one Agbo Ochekpe, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, resigned due to corruption allegations.
He clarified that Ochekpe stepped down after issuing an unauthorized letter of introduction for a student intending to study in Congo, a decision made without proper approval.
Dr. Ode described the resignation as an acknowledgment of a mistake, with Ochekpe taking full responsibility for his actions.