As part of measures to refocus the administration and save costs for Government, the Governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha is said to have concluded plans to scrap all the Government Bureaus in the state.
Imo Trumpeta learnt that although the staff may not lose their jobs, as some of the Bureaus would merge with their parent-Ministries, but the political appointees heading such Bureaus may be reassigned new jobs.
It was learnt that the Secretary to the Government of Imo state, Prof Anthony Anwuka and the new Head of Service Mrs Onumajulu have been directed to work out the modalities on how to carry out the reform exercise.
This Newspaper learnt that one of the reasons for merging some of these Bureaus is to save cost for the Government, as “ghost” and redunctant workers in these establishments should count themselves sacked.
It was also learnt that this exercise will enable Government to have those Parastatals and Ministries that are productive, than bogus Departments that are deadwoods, and cost Government millions of Naira as subventions monthly.
Imo Trumpeta learnt that some of the Bureaus to go include Bureau for Procurement, Price and Intelligence, which sources said has remained in comatose since Okorocha’s administration, as the duty of the Bureau has since been technically transferred to the Government House, where purchases are made for Ministries and Parastatals these days.
Bureau for Procurement, Price and Intelligence is headed by a former member of the House of Assembly representing Ehime Mbano LGA, Hon Ifeanyi Agwu, a former Banker. Others to go are Bureau for Millennium Development Goal, headed by Chief Wilson Chukwuocha, the Bureau for Mobilization with Prince Hon Ugochukwu Nzekwe as head, Bureau for Conflict Resolution piloted by Engr Ohagwa, Bureau for Traditional Rulers and Chieftains Affairs, where Nze Ben Osuji holds sway, Bureau for Niger Delta Affairs and Bureau for Political Affairs headed by Nze P.C. Onuoha, which sources said government is considering to allow to operate because of its strategic position.
Information reaching Imo Trumpeta has it that Bureau for Traditional Rulers and Chieftains Affairs would be merged with Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bureau for Procurement, Price and Intelligent will merge with Ministry of Finance, Bureau for Millennium Development will go to Ministry of Agriculture, Niger Delta Bureau will merge with Petroleum and Environment Ministry, while Bureau for Mobilization will go to Ministry of Youths and Sports.
Although Government is yet to make the declaration open, but impeccable sources told Imo Trumpeta that it will not pass next week for it to be officially pronounced.
Most of the civil servants who spoke to Imo Trumpeta expressed happiness with the development, adding that it will reduce cost and duplication of Ministries and Parastatals, which is causing workers to loiter around doing nothing only to collect salaries at the end of each month.
When Imo Trumpeta contacted a senior Government official on the issue, the source pleaded anonymity but confirmed that such exercise is in the offing but cannot say when it will take effect.
