Tony Icheku in Owerri
After more than two months without an Executive State Council, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, would on April 18, 2024 inaugurate the Executive comprising 16 Commissioner-nominees already screened and cleared by the Imo State House of Assembly
Also, Uzodimma has approved automatic employment for two Imo indigenes, Mr Chinonso Oparaji and Mrs Chipuruime Udeh, who graduated with first-class honours degrees in Law from Imo State University, IMSU and Nigeria Law School
Sources disclosed that the inauguration of the Exco would be preceded by a 2-day mandatory retreat, which begins on Monday-Tuesday, April 15 and 16, 2024, before their swearing-in and assignment of portfolios on Thursday, April 18.
From the governor’s body language, the new Exco would be a lean cabinet comprising technocrats and proven administrators unlike the bogus council of his first term, which dug deep hole into Imo finances.
Government House sources claimed about 50% of the Exco were returnee-commissioners, who would work with him in completing legacy projects, finishing strong and bequeathing achievements that would enhance his future political ambition.
Among the returnee Commissioners are former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Declan Emelumba; Former Commissioner for Works, Mr Ralph Nwosu; Former Commissioner for Digital Economy and e-Governance, Dr Chimezie Amadi and Mrs Nkechi Ugwu, former Commissioner for Gender and Vulnerable Group.
Others are Chief Cosmas Maduba, former Commissioner of Agriculture and Hon Emenike Ejikeme Major, former Commissioner of Environment and Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr C.O.C Akaolisa
Uzodimma, who disclosed the approval of automatic employment to Oparaji and Udeh wrote on his social media handle, that the employment offer is “…a significant move aimed at recognising academic excellence, underscoring the value of hard work and dedication
“I am delighted and happy with the news about two Imo State law graduates, who made First Class at the law school, it is a thing of joy and they need to be appreciated.
“Having distinguished themselves with excellent results worthy of emulation, I am happy to encourage them further with approval for their immediate employment.”
The duo were accompanied to Government House, Owerri, by the Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof. U.U. Chukwumaeze (SAN), the Chief Judge of Imo State, Theresa Chikeka and Prof. C.k Okorie, SAN, Dean, IMSU Faculty of Law.
