As part of measures to consolidate his grip on the political firmament in the State ahead of the 2019 governorship election, Governor Rochas Okorocha is almost set to announce his much trumpeted 27 commissioners to form the new Sate Executive Council.
He had dissolved his cabinet two months ago.
The appointments is seen to be political in outlook than for administrative convenience. Last week, he appointed Chairmen, Vice Chairmen and Secretary for the 27 local governments through “voice votes” at an APC Stakeholders meeting held at the International Conference Centre, ICC.
Government House sources revealed to this news website that the yet to be appointed commissioners will be drawn from each of the 27 local governments in the state. And one of their functions is to compliment the efforts of members of the state House of Assembly and other “organic political structures” such as the Special Development Council, SDC, the newly appointed Local Government chairmen, and members of the UGWUMBA MOVEMENT to penetrate the 2019 succession plan of the governor.
The source said though the official message sold to Imolites on the need to have such an over-bloated State Executive Council is to accommodate all the local governments in the highest decision making body of the state, the political dimension surrounding the appointments is the chief factor behind the move.
This online website had reported last week that the Governor’s camp is tightening its grip not only on the All progressive Congress, APC party structure in the state, but on the grassroots as well considering the fierce opposition it is receiving from a prominent politician in the state who has unveiled his ambition to challenge whoever Okorocha puts forward as his successor.
The resurgence of the PDP in Imo State following the resolution of the leadership tussle that rocked it at the national level is also said to be a major threat that may have influenced the need by the governor to consolidate his grip.
Another source however maintained though the appointments appear political, it is also aimed at enhancing the wheels of governance and take the rescue mission of Okorocha to the next level before the polls come in 2o19.
