Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has reportedly banned his commissioners from making public statements about government programmes and policies till further notice, The Guardian has learnt from government sources.

Following the development, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Fidelis Tilejie, who was contacted through phone in Asaba, on the implication of petrol subsidy removal from federal allocations to the state, which led to reduction of N950b from federal allocations to states in 2022 and drop in monthly allocations, refused to pick calls or respond to text messages sent to him for days.

Similarly, his colleague in the Information Ministry, Mr. Charles Aniagwu did not respond to phone calls over the same issue on Thursday.

Government sources, however, said due to “ongoing politicking” in the state, all commissioners are likely not going to make public statement in order not to offend the governor.

“My friend, I can assure you none of them will be willing to speak to you on any issue, unless directed. The only commissioner that may likely pick calls now is the information commissioner, but it’s not compulsory for him to do so”, the sources revealed.

Meanwhile, there was air of confusion over the resignation of Chief of Staff to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, Mr. Festus Agas, commissioners and political appointees that resigned to pursue their aspirations

While Agas said he was yet to resign his position, sources said he (Agas) had since resigned his position, being a delegate from the state to participate in the forthcoming convention.

The chief of staff denied his resignation, saying: “It is not true, I have not resigned. As I speak to you, I am in my office.”

However, The Guardian learnt he tendered his resignation on Monday in compliance with Okowa’s last week directive that all his cabinet members who having political ambition should resign their appointments.

Though Agas wanted to keep the resignation to his chest, one of the governor’s SA on Media confirmed Agas resignation, saying: “I just had a good time with Rt Hon Festus Ovie Agas, who just resigned as Chief of Staff Government House,, Asaba.

We spent good time together at the office. Rt Hon Ovie Agas has always been a good father, leader with humility and heart of generosity.”

The Guardian also learnt that a number of commissioners have resigned their positions going by Section 84 (12) of the Electoral Act 2022, which stipulates that political appointees must resign their appointments before participating in the 2023 general elections, either as delegate or elective office position seeker.

The commissioners, who had so far resigned include Bridget Anyafulu, Evelyn Oboro, Basil Ganagana, Christian Onogba, Julius Egbedi, Ovie Oghoore, Jonathan Ukodhiko and Chika Ossai.