Details have emerged when Governor Hope Uzodimma, may sack the 27 Chairmen of Interim Management Committees, who head the 27 local governments in the State.
This newspaper 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 Progressive Congress, APC, in the State.
The Congresses will kick off on July 31, with the ward exercise.
The All Progressive Congress, APC, in the State, on Thursday rolled out modalities for the conduct of the party’s Congresses.
Appointment seekers and loyalists of the Governor have been kept in suspense over the delay by Uzodimma in reconstituting the State Executive Council.
Last Month, he had told members of his Political structure, comprising Camp Hope, Hope Alive and Hope Rising, that he will soon sack the 27 Interim LGA Chairmen and appoint new ones.
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, perharps to aid the party in the State, conduct sucessful Congresses at the wards and LGA levels where the Chairmen and IMC members hold sway.
A source told INNONEWS “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 sucess.
“The upcoming APC Congresses are crucial. And it is important the party is secured first, before talking of sacking or appointing anybody.
“In the face of opposition forces hovering within the APC in Imo State, the emphasis now is on ensuring having firmer grip of the party. Securing the soul of the party is key and priority for now. After that, we can talk of appointments and other issues” the 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.