Abia State Government has confirmed the suspension of the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, who confirmed her suspension in a statement Tuesday, said she was suspended because of “gross misconduct levelled against her”.

The statement made available to Vanguard in Umuahia read: “The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti has approved the suspension from office of the Commissioner for Health Abia State, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo.

“The suspension is to pave way for the investigation of allegations of gross misconduct levelled against the Commissioner.

“Governor Otti’s action is in line with his zero tolerance policy for misconduct of any kind, and strong adherence to the twin principles of transparency and accountability in governance to ensure that actions of appointees must at all times advance the good and well-being of Abians.

“The Abia State Government is committed to good governance and the rule of law under which persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Consequently, the administration is painstaking in investigating and establishing facts of infractions or misconduct uncovered by it’s internal monitoring and feedback system.

“In the light of these developments, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of health Dr Ifeyinwa Kalu will collaborate with the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Azodo to run the affairs of the Ministry in the interim pending the outcome of further investigations into the allegations against Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo.”