In the aftermath of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s second-term inauguration in Imo State, a wave of uncertainty and apprehension is sweeping through the ranks of his commissioners and aides.
The swearing-in ceremony, graced by prominent Nigerians such as President Bola Tinubu and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, marked the beginning of the governor’s renewed commitment to a 10-year development plan focused on making the state self-sufficient.
Governor Uzodimma, while addressing the audience at the Swearing in ceremony held at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, emphasized that the forthcoming four years would be dedicated to deepening the shared prosperity mantra of his administration through extensive infrastructural expansion.
However, insiders revealed to INNONEWS that this commitment will come at the cost of a significant cabinet reshuffling.
Sources within government circles suggest that the State Executive Council is poised for dissolution and immediate reconstitution based on the governor’s strategic vision.
This newspaper was told that the prospect of injecting new talents and expertise into various fields aligns with Uzodimma’s pledge to prioritize state development without the constraints of seeking re-election.
“The governor will not be seeking votes again or seek re-election; he has promised to develop the state, and he made this pledge before Nigerians. This implies he will inject into his government new hands and experts in various fields,” affirms an anonymous source familiar with the matter.
The impending shake-up has instilled fear among some commissioners, uncertain about the fate of their positions.
The recent dismissal of the Lands Commissioner, Noble Atuluegwu, on charges of land grabbing, serves as a clear indicator of the governor’s commitment to addressing malpractices within his administration.
The fate of over 500 aides, serving as Special Advisers, Special Assistants, and Senior Special Assistants, remains unclear.
Many view this high number of aides as bloated, posing a substantial drain on the state’s resources.
It was learnt that the governor’s focus on efficiency and optimal resource utilization could lead to a reevaluation of the necessity and roles of these aides, which could lead to either downsizing or outright sack.