Appointees serving in the administration of Owelle Rochas Okorocha are living in fear following unconfirmed reports that the state executive council and transition committee of the local governments would soon be swept off for new ones.
Since the state congresses kicked off, several casualties have been recorded on the part of appointees who were swept off in the cleansing exercise of the governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha over allegations bordering on mistrust and relationship with forces opposed to Chief Nwosu, even as the state government has denied plans to sack the TC members.
Trumpeta can reveal that majority of the appointees; especially the TC chairmen and members are restless over developments in Government House, Owerri. The fear is not unconnected to rumours of imminent sack. It would be recalled that since the congress commenced, two transition committee members have been sacked while a commissioner removed from office when it was suspected they have affinity with those not in conformity with the desire of the governor to foist his son in law on Imolites. The former Commissioner of Sports, Dr Martin Ohiri and TC chairmen of Mbaitoli, alleged to be allies of the Deputy Governor were affected, while a TC member of Obowo got removed for alleged romance with Senator Ben Uwajumogu.
An appointee told Trumpeta in strict confidence that “we are really living in fear for now because of the rumour flying about that the commissioners, SAs, PAS and TC members suspected not a member of the group shall be removed.
“There is tension everywhere, you can see that everyone is talking and moving with caution to avoid being accused of any sabotage.
“If you talk or discuss with another person not in line with the governor, the person is in trouble. That’s what we are witnessing here” the source further added.
A statement from government made available Trumpeta stated that there is no such plan to sack TC members adding that it remains the handwork of forces opposed to the government who are spreading the lies.
Meanwhile, two new Commissioners and a TC chairman have been cleared by the House of Assembly to perform as commissioner and TC chairman respectively.
The Imo State House of Assembly has cleared Professor Edna Chioma Matthews-Njoku and Barrister Iwuorie Daniel Chibuzo as Commissioners from Ikeduru and Mbaitoli LGA respectively_.
Also cleared was Ugorji Collins from Mbaitoli LGA who is a Chairman Nominee, Interim Management Committee for the Council.
Pronouncing decision of the House during plenary in Owerri, the State capital, Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon (Dr.) Acho Ihim recalled that, “the house on Thursday 10th May, 2018 received letters Numbers SGI/S.0011/S.1/T.4/X of 26th April, 2018 and SGI/S.0011/S.1/T.4/X of 7th May, 2018 respectively from the office of the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Cabinet Office, Owerri, signed by Sir George Eche E.U, SGI conveying the approval by His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha (OON) … [for their] … appointment … as Commissioner Nominees and Chairman – Nominee, Interim Management Committee for Mbaitoli Local Government for legislative consideration.”
According to Chief Ihim, a five man adhoc committee headed by Honourable Lugard Osuji, Majority Leader of the House was set up to screen the nominees and to report their findings to the house.
He affirmed that the Lugard Osuji – led committee invited the nominees to appear before the committee with requisite documents including resume, Tax Clearance Certificate, Academic credentials, after which they were found eminently qualified and suitable “… to serve in their various capacities,” hence the House’s decision to clear them.
