UMUAHIA, NIGERIA – Abia State Governor Alex Otti’s administration has witnessed further changes in its cabinet with the resignation of two commissioners, Chima Oriaku of Science and Technology, and Prof. Monica Ironkwe of Agriculture. Their departures bring the total number of cabinet members who have left this year to five, prompting speculation about the circumstances surrounding their exits.

While initial reports suggested they were either sacked or asked to resign, conflicting accounts emerged claiming they departed voluntarily. Clarifying the situation, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Njoku Ukoha, emphasized that both commissioners resigned and dismissed rumors of forced removals.

“The two Commissioners resigned from the cabinet. No one was sacked. Disregard the trending rumours,” Ukoha stated during a press briefing on Wednesday.

Earlier this year, the state witnessed other significant personnel changes, including placing Commissioner for Health, Ngozi Okoronkwo, on indefinite leave, removing Chief Press Secretary Kazie Uko, and compelling Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Joy Maduka, into compulsory retirement.

Awaiting further official statements from the state government, observers speculate on the implications of these departures for Governor Alex Otti’s administration as it navigates ongoing governance challenges in Abia State.