A top aide to Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has been reportedly sighted abroad, fueling speculations that his return to the yet to be reconstituted cabinet is over.
The once-influential aide, in Uzodimma’s administration for the past four years, reportedly opted for relocation overseas with his family.
He was among the 500 appointees, including Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants, sacked by the governor immediately after his second-term inauguration on January 16.
The governor had mandated the return of all government property held by dismissed officials, a directive initially flouted by the said aide who perceived himself as immune to dismissal due to his close ties with the governor.
He later submitted when the governor gave a fresh order to Charles Orie, to ensure that all sacked appointees, no matter how highly placed surrender government property in their possession.
However, with reports of his relocation abroad, it appears that the tide has turned, indicating a foreboding end to his tenure in the Uzodimma administration.
The governor’s prolonged absence from the State, had severed contact with many ousted appointees who had hoped to lobby for reinstatement.
Now, with his return to the State and the impending announcement of his new cabinet, anticipation mounts for a fresh wave of appointments.
Insiders hint at a gradual unveiling of a new lineup, with Special Advisers expected to be the first to be announced.
As the constitutional deadline of 60 days approaches for the governor to finalize his cabinet, the comprehensive list of appointees would follow suit.
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