The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma while dissolving his Imo Executive Council in January,made it clear that while some of the old members may make the new Cabinet, not all will return. He however assured that those not captured in the Executive would be carried along one way or the other.
But when the Governor spent months without constituting a fresh Cabinet,there was apprehension that he may be replacing most of his old Cabinet members.
This lingering interregnum gave room for speculations and rumours,as it was believed that if Uzodinma wanted to reappoint his “Old Apostles” he would have done that right in the Stadium immediately after his second term Inauguration.
The Governor therefore shocked Imo populace when he returned nearly all the Old Cabinet with a few new Faces.
In his Strategic Positions he reappointed the Secretary to the State Government,Chief Cosmos Iwu,the Chief of Staff,Bar Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Deputy Chiefs of Staff,Chief Patrick Ekeji(Administration) and Bar Emeka Agbo(Operations).
A new addition in the person of Hon Ferdinand Uzodinma came on board as Deputy Chief of Staff(General Duties).
The Governor also added four other names in the list of earlier Twelve Commissioner Nominees, making it a total Sixteen.
Among the new list are returning Commissioners Bar COC Akaolisa(OrsuLGA) Hon Mrs Rubby Emele(Isiala Mbano) and Chief Chuks Chukwuemeka ( Ehime Mbano).
Hon Ikenna Elezieanya, a former LGA Chairman,Ex House of Assembly member,and immediate past National Lawmaker for Owerri Federal Constituency (Ow West) completed the list.
As expected in a Democratic society,mixed reactions trailed Governor’s latest appointments.
Why some take it as a justified Appointment, others wonderer why the Governor still retained his old Executive after four years of service to the State.
Meanwhile the Major Question has remained; Since the Governor knew he was returning virtually his former Cabinet,made up of his “Old Apostles” why keep Imo people waiting this long in Constituting his Cabinet?
Since release of this list of Appointees there have been heavy grumbling within the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC. The tension is getting intense,while there is quiet Loudness in many quarters in the State. Although,all these are happening clandestinely as non of the Leaders want to complain openly.
Many people who had thought Uzodinma would have replaced his trusted allies with them are now utterly disappointed.
Even some of the Leaders and Elders are disillusioned as they are confused with what is happening as most of them made promises to their followers in their localities.
It would be recalled that Gov Uzodinma made his reelection project a Pan Imo Affair with enough available Funds which led a lot of people to abandon their Political parties and Groups to queue into the project with the hope of Appointments as a repayment.
But in the present circumstance, the Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma is not only making it clear who is in power,but who is in Charge.
While a lot of people in APC are hurting for missed opportunities, they have to wait for other chances.
But certainly,the Governor will not make too many appointments as he did in his first term because of the present Economic realities.
While other Imo Politicians think about their own personal gains,the Governor also is thinking about his own survival as a Politician with his sight in the future.
Uzodinma is thinking of how to hand over power seamlessly in 2027 and live peacefully ever after and therefore won’t surround himself with strange people.
Second terms are usually tough, complicated and short for outgoing Governors who face stiff challenges from different Political Cells interested in foisting their own Chosen Persons as Governor.
By the coming years the incumbent would be seen as an ‘”Out-going Governor” with his power waning and therefore would desire to have around him people who will be totally Loyal and trusted.
One of Uzodinma’s legacies would be to hand over power to another Zone,not Orlu, for lasting peace in Imo,and a precedent that would be followed years after him.
This already is an herculean task that demands thorough planning for successful execution.
More so,when unfortunately,no Governor in Imo history has ever succeeded in planting a Chosen Successor.
However,in returning his last Cabinet it is now the assignment of the Governor and his Strategists to convince his other numerous allies scattered across the State who worked hard for his reelection why they are not qualified to make his new Executive.
And such disappointed Group will always pose a task,the type which confronted Gov Rochas Okorocha who felt it was right to leave his Son Inlaw behind as his Successor after being Governor himself.
But ironically Uzodinma cannot disband a “Winning Team” made up of Diehard Followers who stuck with him,even when no body gave him a chance.
Some of them are presently in the House of Assembly, National Assembly and other plum jobs in Abuja.
It could be Said that Uzodinma acknowledges Political Loyalty and is building on a Political Structure with staunch Believers. Tested and trusted by him.
We heard that the proverbial Technocrats will dominate the Uzodinma new Cabinet.
Yes. Technocrats, Professionals of all hue, Clergy, Engineers,Native Doctors, Journalists, Soothsayers, Singers, Business Men etc can all be found in Imo Political Class. So,why look Outside?
Therefore Uzodinma is saying “the Labourer deserve his wages” and Loyalty pays in Politics.
You can’t work in Destiny Super Market and earn salary in Rennys Pastry in Imo State.