From Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin

The governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomole, on Tuesday recalled the Secretary to Edo State government, Julius Ihonvbere, whom he sacked on December 9.

According to a press statement issued by Peter Okhiria, the chief press secretary to the governor, the former SSG’s recall followed a resolution on the issues which led to what the government termed his “resignation” from office.

The statement said Ihonvbere’s reinstatement takes immediate effect.

The governor’s spokesman had on Tuesday, 9 December, issued a press statement announcing Ihonvbere’s purported resignation from the government a day after he lost the contest for the Edo North senatorial seat at the All Progressives Congress, APC, primaries.

However, our correspondent reliably gathered that Ihonvbere’s resignation may have been forced on him. In fact, a source within the government confided that the governor had angrily asked that a statement be issued announcing the SSG’s resignation following arguments that trailed the government scribe’s loss at the primaries.

It was gathered that Oshiomole had assured Ihonvbere of victory at the primaries but was convinced by the SSG’s kinsmen to retain him in the powerful position in government on the eve of the primaries.

The governor is said to have decided to back another candidate. After his loss, Ihonvbere is said to have stormed the Government House to express his anger. An argument is said to have ensued after which the governor asked his media aides to announce that the SSG had resigned.

Apparently, the matter had been settled informing Ihonvbere’s reinstatement.

In a related development, the state commissioner for Youth, Sports and Social Mobilisation, Chris Okaeben, has resigned his appointment in line with the electoral laws regarding officials of government interested in contesting elections.

Okaeben is the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for Oredo West Constituency in the House of Assembly election holding in February, 2015. In his resignation letter, the commissioner thanked the governor for the opportunity he was given to serve the people.

Governor Oshiomole in turn thanked him for his contributions in the development of sports in the state.