Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has suspended his Special Adviser on Oil and Gas, Felix Osemwengie Isere, over allegations of unauthorised fundraising related to a forthcoming Oil and Gas Summit in the state capital.
The announcement was made on Tuesday through a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Ikhilor.
According to the statement, the governor has also ordered the immediate suspension of the proposed summit, which was scheduled to begin on August 7 in Benin City.
“Due to the breach, the proposed summit is suspended, and Isere is directed to refund all monies collected from donors for the event,” Ikhilor said.
The government further cautioned members of the public, particularly prospective sponsors, to desist from engaging with the suspended adviser or offering any financial support for the cancelled event.
“Prospective donors are hereby advised to stop all dealings with the suspended adviser,” the statement emphasized.
The move signals the Okpebholo administration’s zero tolerance for procedural breaches and unapproved fundraising activities by government officials.
Efforts to reach Felix Isere for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.
