As mixed reactions continue to trail the importation of primary and secondary school uniforms, sandals and classroom desks by the Owelle Rochas Okorocha government in Imo state, Trumpeta can exclusively reveal that the first set of commissioners sacked by the Governor last year were removed for kicking against the action.
The issue of importation of school uniforms and other items for the free education policy of the present government was at the front burner of discussion in the state last week when Owerri-based Hot 99.5 FM radio used it as topic for deliberation, in their regular audience participation programme, called “Peoples Assembly”.
Trumpeta reliably learnt that the first crack noticed within the rank and file of the Rescue Mission hierarchy and inner caucus occurred since it took over power on May 29, 2011, was the issue of importation of school uniforms, sandals and classroom desks from China to the state.
It was learnt that stiff resistance from some members of the State Executive Council greeted the plan when Governor Okorocha muted the idea before his lieutenants during one of the executive council meetings. The likes of former Commissioners, Dr Obinna Duruji, Barr Steve Ahaneku and Chief Ejike Uche, all members of Exco as at that time were said to be opposed to the idea of importing school uniforms at the detriment of local artisans and entrepreneurs who could have handled it.
Despite the master-servant relationship that characterized the state Exco, the trio of Duruji, Ahaneku and Ejike Uche were concertedly opposed to the importation of school uniforms. They informed the Governor that the act would be retrogressive and anti-people since there are local artisans and manufacturers who would be empowered by undertaking the contracts locally. The concerned Exco members went further to reveal that domiciling the manufacturing of the schools uniforms, desks, and sandals in the South Eastern states by allocating the execution of the projects in Imo, Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi and Anambra would further entrench the rising fortunes of APGA in the affected states.
Authoritative Government House sources further revealed that the challenging Commissioners were however branded “local content” commissioners for kicking against the importation of the school uniforms after warning the state governor against capital flight.
Trumpeta was however informed that for campaigning against the Governor’s plan, the commissioners were earmarked for sanctions finally that induced a minor cabinet shake-up, where the affected appointees were relieved of their appointments immediately.
To indicate that schisms may have led to the expulsion of the former commissioners from the Executive Council, Okorocha’s ex-appointees and allies like Duruji, Ahaneku, Ejike Uche and Enwerem have severed relationship with the Governor as they no longer show up at APC meetings or gatherings summoned by the Governor.
