The Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has suspended the state Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Noble Atulegwu.
Also suspended is his Special Adviser/ General Manager, Imo State Housing Cooperation, Mbakwe Obi.
A statement issued in Owerri, the state capital on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Cosmos Iwu, disclosed that the suspension of the two officials was with immediate effect.
Though the statement did not state any reason for the suspension of the officials, our correspondent recalls that Atulegwu had been having issues with many communities in Owerri over the alleged takeover of their family and communal lands.
Many communities had protested and asked the governor to relieve him of his duty.
Some even went to court to challenge Atulegwu’s actions and policies.
The statement said, “The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has approved the immediate suspension from the office of the Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Noble Atulegwu.
“His Excellency has similarly approved the immediate suspension from office of the SA/GM Imo Housing Corporation, Mbakwe Obi.”
The spokesperson for the governor, Oguike Nwachuku, also confirmed the development when contacted by our correspondent.