– Local Govt Councils Deserted
The delay by Governor Hope Uzodinma to constitute a new cabinet since he dissolved his former expanded executive council on January, 26, 2024, has frustrated and kept government activities in the state at abeyance. This, has had very unpleasant consequences on the state and her people.
Our reporter who visited some local government councils in the state said most of them are deserted as the workers, some of who are said to be owed several months arrears of salary as a result of the shoddy performance, errors of omission and commission by the Imo State Data Management Center presided over by one Terrence, coupled with the absence of a Sole Administrator, which created leadership vacuum is said to be Governor Uzodinma’s kinsman and his dejected staff.
It was also gathered that the Permanent Secretaries who the Commissioner of their respective ministries handed over to are being cautious about taking decisions, even when there are needs for prompt and decisive actions for things to move as required.
A Government House source who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity said, “the Governor’s delay in constituting a new cabinet is not unconnected with the excessive pressure and lobbying by different interest groups, including political god fathers who feed through returns rendered to them by their stooges who they succeed in rail roading into political offices whether or not they are qualified or have what it takes to occupy such position and perform optimally.
“Another factor is that the Governor does not know how to handle the issue of some of his loyalists and foot soldiers who contributed to his re-election but may not be compensated with appointment because of the several lists submitted by party leaders and political godfathers”.
Recall, that Governor Uzodinma, though a release issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachukwu dissolved the Imo State expanded executive council, including the Commissioners, Special Advisers, Sole Administrators (SOLADs) of the twenty seven local government councils and Development Centers. The release directed the commissioners to hand over to their Permanent Secretaries while the Sole Administrators were directed to hand over to the Directors of Administration and General Services (DAGs).
The vacuum created by the absence of these political office holders has continued to raise dust and slow down government activities in the state.
