Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi has sacked the National Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, as the Chairman of the Board of the Port Harcourt Flour Mills Limited.
A letter signed by the state Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Chima Chinye, and issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday, indicated that Secondus was removed alongside another representative of the state government on the board, Madam Jane Chinwa.
The statement added that the governor had approved the nomination of the political leader of Eleme Local Government Area, Mr. Marcus Eji, as Secondus’ replacement, while Mr. Francis Elechi was also appointed to replace Chinwa.
The statement reads in part, “His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the Governor of Rivers State, has approved the withdrawal of Prince Uche Secondus, Chairman; and Madam Jane Nna Chinwa, member, as representatives of the Rivers State Government on the Board of the Port Harcourt Flour Mills Ltd.
“Consequently, His Excellency, the Governor has approved the nomination of Hon. Marcus Nle Eji, chairman; and Mr. Francis Elechi, member, as representatives of the Government of Rivers State on the Board of Port Harcourt Flour Mills Ltd.
“The Ministry of Commerce and Industry and MOFIN are hereby directed to take the necessary steps to formalise this change immediately.”
The national deputy chairman of the PDP is one of those that have been critical of the Amaechi administration.
But a top government official revealed that Secondus’ removal had nothing to do with party affiliation.
The official, who asked not to be named, said the governor sacked Secondus as chairman of the Board of the company in order to inject fresh blood into the organisation.