Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has relieved Fred Itua of his duties as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) and appointed Dr Patrick Ebojele as his replacement.
The development was announced in a statement issued on Thursday, December 4, by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, in Benin City.
Ikhilor did not specify the reason for Itua’s removal but confirmed that the former aide would be reassigned to a new role within the state government.
“The Edo State Government wishes to notify the general public that His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State, has approved the appointment of Dr Ebojele Akhere Patrick as the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor,” the statement read.
“Dr Ebojele Akhere Patrick is a renowned journalist, public administrator, researcher, and lecturer with an extensive and distinguished professional record in media practice, public affairs, and academia.
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“Dr Ebojele’s journalism career spans reputable Nigerian media houses where he served as Edo/Delta Correspondent for Channels Television, as well as correspondent roles in New Nigerian Newspaper, Champion Newspaper, and Comet Newspapers.
“Dr Ebojele will be taking over from Mr Fred Itua, who will, upon handover, await a new reassignment to be communicated in due course.
“The Government expresses appreciation to Mr Itua for his contributions and service,” the statement added.
Although the official statement did not give a reason for the change, some media reports suggested that Itua’s removal followed dissatisfaction over his performance.
Dr Ebojele, until his appointment, was a lecturer in the Department of Public Administration at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State.