The rumour that the Executive Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha is ready for a clean sweep of his Commissioners and other appointees is finally coming to a reality, as Trumpeta Newspaper can report that the Governor is at the verge of submitting a list of new Commissioners and Special Advisers to the House of Assembly for confirmation.
Sources close to the Governor said Okorocha has been busy fishing for fresh minds that will replace some of the old Appointees, as the Governor would still retain some of the existing Commissioners, even though they may change portfolios.
Trumpeta was told by impeccable sources that the Governor wants to bring in some of those who joined his political train from other political parties, and wants to use the coming cabinet dissolution to “appreciate” some people who contributed to his re-run election in 2015.
This Newspaper was informed that the new Executive would be a “rainbow coalition” which may include appointees that may shock Imo people.
It was learnt that the Governor would heed to contributions from forces even outside Imo State, as he plans to form an Executive that will spear-head the 2019 election, even though there would be more cabinet reshuffles as he approaches the end of his tenure, when he would plant his own successor.
Trumpeta was informed that though the Governor is impressed with the output of some of his Commissioners, but there are some who have under-performed in their Ministries, and therefore must face the exit door.
Sources told Trumpeta that about two Special Advisers in the current cabinet would be elevated to the positions of Commissioner, following their sterling performances now.
It was also learnt that Okorocha will spread his appointees across the Twenty Seven Local Governments of the State, as against the current trend, where his Local Government Area, Ideato South produced the Governor, Principal Secretary to the Governor, Commissioner for Education, and Special Adviser.
Trumpeta was told that the 2019 election will guide Okorocha in whatever appointments he would do now, since the situation demands grassrooted politicians.
This is an indication that Okorocha’s new cabinet will comprise more of real politicians than Technocrats.
While he is said he would change some appointees, it was learnt that there are some areas the Governor will not touch, for the status quo ante to remain unscathed.
Even though the source could not make the list open, but it is said that those Commissioners whose Ministries have performed poorly should panic, while those who have done well should entertain no fear.
“Certainly, those Commissioners who could not live up to expectation should worry. For instance, the Governor promised to diversify Imo economy, but what do we have? So, such Commissioners should worry”, a source told Trumpeta.
However, a source told Trumpeta that there is tension among the Commissioners, as none of them can predict the Governor.
The source maintained that Okorocha is not happy that some of his appointees go about saying they are suffering due to lack of fund as they are not paid their due allowances as appointees.
Meanwhile, Trumpeta learnt that the list of the new Commissioners would be forwarded to Imo House of Assembly for screening and confirmation whenever Okorocha is ready with the Names.
“We are waiting. Whenever the Governor is ready with the list we shall look at it”, a member of Imo Hou
