- The group demanded for a commissioner post in Uzodinma’s administration
Following the assurance by Governor Hope Uzodinma to rebuild the ancestral Eke Ukwu Owerri market which was demolished by former Governor Rochas administration, a group, Concerned Owerri Nchi Ise Indigenes In Diaspora, made up of some Owerri indigenes based in the U.S, U.K, and Ireland have also called on the Governor, to do more by extending appointments to the people of Owerri.
In a statement signed by co- ordinator of the group, Kester Nwagbara, the group said while it commend the Governor for planning to rebuild the ancestral market, they however pointed out that Owerri municipal does not have a Commissioner in the present government, compared to other local governments that do have one or more Commissioners or SAs in the State Executive Council.
The statement reads:
“We cannot decipher why Governor Hope Uzodinma appointed few Owerri Nchi Ise indigenes into his administration. Infact, we believe he may have turned a blind eye to Owerri municipal when making his appointments.
“There are just two appointees of Owerri Nchi Ise extraction in his entire government. Ngor Okpala, Owerri West and some other local governments have four or more appointees, either as Commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.
“Owerri Municipal is missing in action in Uzodinma’s government because they are under represented in his administration.Two Special Advisers (SA), from the powerful Owerri Nchi Ise clan is not enough. Owerri Wu oke Mba.
“Hon.Mac Donald Ebere, Special Adviser, Sanitation and General Manager, ENTRACO, Prince Njemanze, SA, Urban Development, are the two appointees of Owerri municipal extraction in Uzodinma’s government. They are Special Advisers. Not Commissioners. They both come from a particular bloc, the Azuahia bloc in Owerri Nchi Ise.
Owerri Nchi Ise is divided into two political and cultural blocs, Azuahia and Azuizii. Even the Council Chairman, Hon.Ambrose Nkwodinma, is from the same Azuahia bloc the SAs come from. None is from the Azuizii bloc.
“Governor Uzodinma has to be informed that his government is the first to deny the entire Owerri Nchi Ise a Commissioner post. Past administrations never failed in this regard.
“Former Governors Ikedi Ohakim, Rochas Okorocha and Emeka Ihedioha, handed Owerri indigenes key and strategic positions. Aside multitude of SAs and SSAs of Owerri Nchi Ise extraction in those governments, Owerri municipal landed the position of Commissioner of Justice and Attorney General of the State twice!
“Ken Njemanze, Ndukwe Nnawuchi, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria, SAN, held sway as Attorney General’s of the State during Ohakim and Ihedioha’s administrations. Former Governor Rochas Okorocha appointed Mr.Obinna Mbata, Commissioner of Finance. Later, Okorocha appointed one Chidiebere Nze, Commissioner for Information.
“Governor Uzodinma can do better for Owerri municipal. He can improve on what his predecessors had done in terms of appointments by considering Owerri municipal for a Commissionership position.We need not be under represented just as he gets thumps up for planning to rebuild the ancient Eke Ukwu Owerri market.
“The market means everything to Owerri indigenes. He gets our applause for the reconstruction of Eke Ukwu market. Owerri is not complete without the Eke Ukwu market. We only hope that as he has have vowed to repair the market, may it become reality as soon as possible.
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