The removal of C.O.C. Akaolisa, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, has sent shock-waves through Imo State, with many describing it as a surprising move by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
Declan Emelumba, Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy announced the governor’s decision on Monday in a short statement.
Akaolisa, a staunch Uzodimma loyalist, was deeply rooted in the governor’s political journey, famously remembered for handing over the APC Expression and Nomination form for governorship to Uzodimma ahead of the 2019 APC guber primaries.
His closeness to the governor earned him key roles, including serving as a placeholder for Uzodimma’s governorship candidacy before the 2019 elections.
Known for his unwavering allegiance, Akaolisa was promptly rewarded with the prestigious Attorney General position upon Uzodimma’s emergence as governor in 2020.
His tenure reflected his deep ties to the Camp Hope political structure, which often seemed synonymous with the governor himself.
However, Akaolisa’s five years tenure was not without its challenges, particularly his suspension by the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
While the Supreme Court eventually overturned the suspension, his professional ordeal cast a shadow over his career.
In a unanimous judgment, the Supreme Court found the committee’s ruling flawed and set it aside.
Justice Mohammed Baba Idris, leading the five-member panel, stated: “Having considered the arguments presented by counsel, the court finds the appeal meritorious and hereby allows it.
“The decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee delivered on July 9, 2021, which found the appellant liable for infamous conduct and suspended him from legal practice for five years, is hereby set aside.”
Despite retaining his position, many believe that Akaolisa’s relationship with Uzodimma reportedly began to fray over controversies surrounding the appointment of Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu as Chief Judge of the state.
The National Judicial Council (NJC) rejected Justice Nzeukwu’s appointment, leading to widespread embarrassment for the state government.
Critics argued that Akaolisa, as the state’s chief legal officer, should have better advised the governor on the NJC’s ranking protocol. The fallout, unconfirmed sources say may have ruptured nerves between the Governor and his long time ally.
Akaolisa also sparked political controversy when he declared in an interview that only members of Camp Hope would succeed Uzodimma in 2027, a statement that many interpreted as an official position because of his closeness to the Governor.
His remarks, coupled with claims that Okigwe Zone should abandon its 2027 governorship ambitions, inflamed political tensions across the State.
The comments drew sharp criticism, with figures like Prof. Nnamdi Obiareri and Eli Dibia urging the governor to caution Akaolisa against making divisive statements. His rhetoric deepened fissures within the state’s political landscape, further isolating him from other power players.
Despite his loyalty, Akaolisa’s outspoken nature and controversial stances seemingly made him a liability in Uzodimma’s carefully orchestrated political strategy.
His remarks on such sensitive political issues may have alienated stakeholders and created unnecessary distractions for the Uzodimma administration.
Akaolisa’s challenges extended beyond politics, with his home in Orsu LGA reportedly destroyed by arsonists. Yet, even these personal sacrifices couldn’t shield him from the governor’s decision to remove him from office.
Uzodimma has a history of reshuffling his inner circle, having previously sacked close allies like Nze Chinasa Nwaneri and Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu, only to reinstate them later. However, others, such as Lady Love Ineh, were permanently removed amid scandals.
As Uzodimma’s administration barrels towards the 2027 elections, the removal of a key ally like Akaolisa raises questions about the governor’s broader political strategy.
