NORTHERN PROVINCE

GICUMBI — The Gicumbi District Executive Secretary has resigned from his position, creating panic and speculation among district employees.

Maximillien Niyonzima, tendered his resignation letter to the district Mayor Bonane Nyangezi on Tuesday.

The resignation letter availed to the New Times read in part: "I have decided to resign from my post as the District Executive Secretary because I need to pursue my studies at Masters Level.”

He had served as the executive secretary since 2006, but in the letter he complained that he had never been granted annual leave during his tenure.

"My requests for annual leave since 2006 has never been considered, yet I have sponsors to enable me pursue my Masters degree,” the letter further reads.

The resignation has however sparked speculation. Sources from the district say Niyonzima was "forced” to resign because of poor performance.

"Niyonzima has been the brain behind the unfair sacking of district employees, recruitment of other employees on sectarian basis and the awarding of tenders to unscrupulous contractors who give him kick backs among other corruption related ills,” said an official on condition of anonymity.

The Mayor was not available to comment on the resignation because it came a day the district executive together with the District Advisory Council (DAC) left for Musanze district for a two-day retreat, meant to address several challenges facing the district.

"I have no details to avail to you until the minutes of the retreat at Ruhengeri are out,” said Joseph Munyezamu, the officer in- charge of Good Governance.

Ends