In every situation, there is bound to be victors and the vanquished. In this case called winners or losers.
Therefore, when the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha forwarded thirteen names to the Imo House of Assembly for approval and to be inaugurated as Commissioners by him, a lot of names which Imo people hard expected to make the list were missing.
These people were either former Commissioners, or holding appointments in the Okorocha “Rescue Mission” administration.
There were others also, who held no offices, but were tipped to be given “Something” either for the manner they joined the Okorocha camp, or what they told people. These people work their “ass” out for Okorocha, in whatever position they are given.
But Okorocha may have decided to stop “re-circling” these people and tries to “make” others since he now on the last lap of his administration which expires in 2019.
Among these people are Dr Henry Okafor. The youthful Okafor from Oguta LGA has been found worthy by Okorocha that he has been carrying him along since 2011, with various appointments, that many had predicted that the climax would come with a Commissionership slot.
Okafor who is the originator of “Okorocha show us the man and go to sleep” is an ally of Okorocha’s Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu, who is touted to be funding Okafor for the “Show us the man” project.
However, Okafor still holds a lucrative position as Chairman of Imo Housing Authority.
There is Chief (Mrs)Getrude Oduka from Ideato South LGA. She has come a long way in politics, having served as Commissioner right from the regime of Chief Achike Udenwa.
However, Okorocha found her valuable and made her Commissioner for Education, after heading SUPEB. Many had thought the Governor would retain her for her experience. But Okorocha thought otherwise.
We have Mrs Ngozi Njoku, another amazon who has her foot-print from the Udenwa and Ohakim eras.
Her appointment as Commissioner for Health caused uproar, as Imo people said such a sensitive potfolio ought to have been given to a Medical Doctor.
This Princess born in Owerre Nkworji, but married in Orlu had remained around the Okorochas even after the dissolution of the State EXCO. But it is now good bye till another regime, as usual.
Mrs Josephine Udorji from Ideato North LGA had remained the defacto Commissioner for Works even after Okorocha sacked his EXCO. Therefore it was easy for many to predict that it was just a matter of time before she is instructed to resume work.
But Okorocha shocked this stallion, who has garnered political experience from the Udenwa and Ohakim regimes. But for now, Okorocha will look for another thing for her, but not Commissioner.
Ichie Best Mbanaso has remained a recurrent decimal in the Okorocha’s administration since 2011. Even though he is no adequately lettered, but he has been propelled to Commissionership post by Okorocha.
Although he is now incharge of Demolition of Markets in Imo, many have thought that his Boss would return him as Commissioner. However, the Bulky Orlu born Mbanaso may be happy with his present position, which sources say suits him fine.
Dr Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, a former Commissioner was one of those with the illusion that his Boss would reinstate him as commissioner, after he was removed to head Ochiedike Diagnostic Center.
The Ezinihitte Mbaise born youthful political war Horse who uses an entourage with full siren that benefits a State Executive, is still on Okorocha’s plan as one of his trusted “Boys” but for now, the door of commissionership is closed.
Chief Iheukwumere Alaribe was not much known in Imo political circle until Okorocha made him a commissioner.
However, the climax was when same Okorocha handed Alaribe the position of Director-General of his 2015 reelection project.
But Okorocha erased known political textbooks when he abandoned the man who spear-headed his reelection without giving him any appointment till date.
Therefore, for Alaribe not to make Okorocha’s Commissioners list, one wonders when Okorocha would compensate this Aboh Mbaise born politician for a job well-done in 2015.
Sunny Chiadi from Okigwe LGA was one of those who thought Okorocha would make them commissioner. A close ally to the corridor of power. Since Chiadi is still young, there is tomorrow.
Mrs. Tycoon Onwumere, had pocked the office of Ahiazu Mbaise Transition Committee Chairman for too long. Therefore, many had thought that her closeness with the powers that be would fetch her commissionership slot as the ice on the cake.
But it is now over, as the woman who was said to have confided in close friends of the coming position now licks her wounds.
Chief Rodney Ajaelu, the erstwhile Commissioner for Sport believed he was still in office, and even attended Heartland FC Management meetings since Okorocha dissolved the State Exco.
Well, it is now done on him that the party is over.
For Engr Obinna Nshirim, it hit him like a thunder Bolt that he could not make the list again.
The Professional Engineer who has served in all regimes in Imo State, was appointed Commissioner for Information by Okorocha.
He was at Hot FM Radio Owerri every morning defending the Okorocha policies even after he was removed from office and was regularly pummeled by the public who threw bricks at him.
Thinking that sticking his neck out when others took cover would endear him into Okorocha’s heart, Nshirim has discovered that “Busy Body no be work”.
My sympathies with him for losing this job finally.
Hon Prince Ekwebelem from Onuimo LGA, was a former member of Imo House of Assembly under PDP until he joined APC with the promise of Commissionership slot.
But this youthful and vibrant politician still looks forward, as he many grab APC House of Assembly ticket for Onuimo in 2019. But if he is denied that one, it would be catastrophic for his political career.
Prince Obinna Okwara, from Nkwerre LGA is another former lawmaker of PDP extraction who pitched tent with APC.
Many had expected to see his name on the list. However, sources said the Prince would be compensated soon. But what other position could be better than commissioner in Okorocha’s administration?
More Losers would be unveiled next edition.
