NIGERIA- Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, yesterday suspended indefinitely, seven commissioners and thirteen special advisers for failing to participate in activities marking the World AIDS Day.

CEOAFRICA.com gathered that the governor ordered the affected commissioners and special advisers to hand over all government documents and property in their possession to their permanent secretaries.

According to a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Michael Aniah, the governor had approved the suspension of the affected commissioners and special advisers for not honouring a state function which was attended by only a few aides.

According to the statement, the affected commissioners are Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Attah Ochinke; Commissioner for Finance, Etim Caifas; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Edak Iwuchukwu; Commissioner for Social Development, Mrs. Patricia Endeley; Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Sandy Onor; Commissioner for Water Resources, Mr. Elemi Etowa; and Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. James Aniyom.

Special advisers suspended include Mr. Wilfred Usani, (Tourism Development); Eyo Okpo-Ene (Religious Affairs); Fabian Okpa (Special Duties); Gerald Adah (Investment Promotion); Effiong Bassey (Mineral Resources); Fred Osim (Political and Legislative Affairs) and Mark Obi (Legal Adviser).

Others are Francisca Nkoyo Effiom (Debt Management); Mrs Johnson Ebokpo (NGOs); Odo Effiong (Information and Telecommunication Technology); Prof. Temple Edim (Strategic Planning and Development); Eja Dons (Projects Monitoring and Evaluation) and Ntufam Odo Oji (Forestry and Biodiversity).