The picture of how the yet to be Constituted Imo State Executive Council of the Owelle Rochas Okorocha Government, would look like seems to becoming clearer.
As the Governor yesterday marked a parting gift ceremony to his numerous aides who received a sack notice last week, those who would likely get another chance to serve in various capacities have emerged.
At an award-giving day ceremony at the Ahiajoku Centre, Owelle Okorocha gave an insight to what to expect on the new Exco. According to the Imo State Governor, those who got awards are likely to be reappointed while none award-beneficiaries should be bidding goodbye to the state cabinet.
At the well attended event, the State Governor said that the event is scheduled to appreciate those who had contributed to the success of his administration so far adding that their dedication to service was unequalled.
Leading the pack of those who may likely get back their positions are the former Deputy Chief of Staff and Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Ichie Uche Best Mbanaso, who emerged the best in overall performance for Commissioners, followed by Uche Nwosu and Chinedu Offor of Lands and Housing and Information respectively that were honoured with Best Team Player award and public relations respectively.
For the Special Advisers, the Governor’s Aide in Conflict Resolution, Engr Peter Ohagwa came tops for bagging the best award and Amaechi Nwoha as Best Team Player including Emma Michael Nzeribe for Public Relations. Ogechi Ololo also won award for dedication to service for SAs and SSAs award.
Government House Comedian, Uche Ogbuagu got Best SA award on Public Relations while Louisa Asowa got the All Purpose Award including Princess Akobundu for Public Relations.
Addressing the awardees, Okorocha said that the honour and award were assurance for re-appointment in the coming cabinet adding that it was not a mistake including them as Exco members since the inception of his administration.
“Those of you who are found worthy in performance, in your various assignments, its time to rejig. Time shall come when your children will remember your giant strides”, Okorocha said.
Speaking further, the Governor said that the appointment was as a result of massive support and mandate given to him by the people in 2011.
Said he “My next appointment and new cabinet will not be based on sentiment because sentimentality in Imo governance has kept Imo in darkness as poverty descended heavily on Imo people. I am determined and focused to move Imo forward”.
While asking those who may not be part of his new cabinet to bear it, Okorocha requested the new ones to be dedicated when re-appointed.
On his achievements, Okorocha informed the audience that there is no LGA in Imo where about 5 kilometre roads was not asphalted stating that 500 kilometre roads have been tarred.
According to him, “political position is not an avenue for individual to accumulate wealth. I am not happy that able-bodied people beg for alms on the streets. For this reasons, I will create job opportunities for industry and agricultural purposes and commercialize them. The principle of commercialization must go on. Agriculture will be a priority among the jobs to be created. I continue to beg Imo people to come together for the purposes of moving the state forward”.
