From Everest Ezihe, Owerri
Fresh details have emerged when Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State may sack the 27 Chairmen of
Interim Management Committees (IMC), who head the 27 local governments in the state and appoint
Commissioners, Senior Advisers and Senior Special Assistants he dissolved over two months ago.
The Authority was informed that the appointment of Commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special
Assistants by the Governor, may have to wait after the conduct of congresses of the All Progressives
Congress, APC, in the State.
Recall that the Congresses will kick off on July 31, with the ward exercise in accordance with APC
national secretariat directives.
To ensure implementation of the party’s national directive, All Progressive Congress, APC, in the State,
on Thursday last week rolled out modalities for the conduct of the party’s Congresses as directed.
Obviously, appointment seekers and loyalists of the Governor have been kept in suspense over the delay
by Uzodinma in reconstituting the State Executive Council.
Last Month, he had told members of his Political structure, comprising Camp Hope, Hope Alive and Hope
Rising for Imolites that he will soon sack the 27 Interim LGA Chairmen and appoint new ones as well as
establishment of Development Centres.
Many had expected that based on his pronouncement at that time, the days of the LGA IMC Chairmen in
office were numbered.
But they have continued to remain in office longer than necessary, perhaps to aid the party in the State,
conduct successful Congresses at the wards and LGA levels where the Chairmen and IMC members hold
sway.
An impeccable source told The Authority that “the Chairmen and members of the IMC in the LGs, were
key to the success of the party’s membership registration and revalidation exercise in the wards and
local governments across the State.
“They supervised and funded the exercise at their various local governments, removing the burden on
the Governor. And it was a remarkable success.
“The upcoming APC Congresses are crucial. And it is important the party is secured first, before talking
of sacking or appointing anybody, in view of the Governor’s political interest and ambition.
“In the face of opposition forces hovering within the APC in Imo State, the emphasis now is on ensuring
having total grip of the party structure. Securing the soul of the party is key and priority for now. After
that, we can talk of appointments and other issues” the Government House source who spoke on
condition of anonymity said.
Recall that Governor Uzodimma had sacked 20 Commissioners, and retained nine of them.
A month later, he fired his Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants, SSAs.
However, critics have raised eyebrows, how some of the sacked aides, particularly some Special
Advisers, have continued to sign or authorize official government statements and activities despite their
removal from office.
