Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Kasimu Otono as his new Special Adviser on Oil and Gas.

Otono replaces Felix Isere, who was suspended on Tuesday for allegedly raising funds without authorisation in the name of the Edo State Government ahead of a proposed Oil and Gas Summit scheduled for August 7 in Benin City.

The appointment was announced on Friday in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor.

The statement read, “It is hereby announced for the information of the general public that the Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Barr. Kasimu Otone as Special Adviser (Oil and Gas) to the Governor.

“Barr. Kasimu Otono, who replaces the suspended immediate-past Special Adviser, Mr. Felix Isere, is a legal practitioner, real estate entrepreneur, philanthropist and community mobiliser.”

According to the statement, Otono is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association and the International Bar Association, and currently serves as Senior Partner at Kay and Kay Legal, a firm specialising in commercial, real estate, and oil and gas law.

The governor had earlier directed Isere to refund all monies collected from donors and warned the public against further dealings with him.

PUNCH