By our reporters
As members of the Imo State Executive Council await their respective sack letters from Governor Rochas Okorocha, Trumpeta checks got wind of some Commissioners who may be given the boot anytime from now.
Okorocha in the two years Assessment Report Card he rendered to Imolites on Tuesday, told his Commissioners point blank that they should say goodbye to their positions soon as the Rescue Mission moves to another level.
Sources said those on the firing range are in three categories. The first category are those who underperformed in office, while another category are those who have in one way or the other been controversial and do not have political value.
According to the authoritative sources from Government House, Owerri, there are commissioners who will be “sacrificed” for political reasons as some new appointees will reflect Okorocha’s resolve to accommodate some political interests that are crucial to the formation of All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state.
Among those on the Governor’s “hit” list are Barr Emma Ekweremba, the Petroleum Resources Commissioner. Ekweremba is alleged to have performed poorly in his rendition to Imolites on Freedom’s Day at Woods Event, Owerri. The poor show from the Egbema-born lawyer earned him a poor mark from Government House rating which scored him below average.
He is also said not to have made serious inputs in the Rescue Mission administration as his impacts are not felt in his locality as a serving cabinet member.
Others are Dr Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, the Public Safety and Public Utilities Commissioner. Nwachukwu has been redeployed from Ministry to Ministry in Okorocha’s government since inception.
Sources said he may not “survive” the sledgehammer having engaged in physical and non physical altercations with some administration officials. Except for his deep connection with some relatives of the Governor, Nwachukwu would have bided goodbye to the Exco before now. His constant skirmishes with leaders from his community is reported to be causing disaffection in Ezinihitte APGA/APC family.
The CGC and Chieftaincy Affairs Commissioner, Lady Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro is also on the list, following several complains from powerful interests in the state who have complained bitterly over the way she handles the CGC matter. Although she may have tried, but the argument is that her present position fits a man, not a woman.
Some lawmakers and top politicians in the Rescue government are furious over the manner she allegedly inserted and removed at random CGC members earlier approved and announced on air by the state government.
Aside this factor, the Lady of the Masses has been on war path with some traditional rulers, who allege it is sacrilegious for a woman to preside over issues involving Traditional Rulers. Her role in the CGC affair is said to be causing confusion in various communities as not less than 300 petitions trailed the CGC lists and appointments.
Dr Charles Onuoha, Commissioner for Planning and Urban Development is also reported to be on his way out. No reasons were advanced for his removal, but it is believed that he will give way to make chance for one of those political interests Okorocha intends to accommodate in his new look cabinet. Onuoha’s tenure has nothing to show, as the Ministry of Commerce in the state seems moribund.
The Ahiazu Mbaise born appointee was dropped during the last exercise several months ago but was later reconsidered and given a meager role as Special Duties Commissioner. The Special Duties office is said to be a part of the final stages for removal as Commissioner.
Others said to be in the line up are Dr Geo Obi Njoku and Mrs Ann Dozie. Both may be sacked because of their affinity and relationship with the Agbaso family who influenced their appointments as Commissioners. Dr Obi Njoku is a maternal uncle to the Agbasos and the reported face-off between Okorocha and the Agbasos may cost him the position.
Despite the Agbaso connection, the increasing rate of child-making and selling factories across the state and inability of Women Affairs Ministry to control the upsurge may lead to Dozie’s exit from the State Executive Council.
