Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has carried out a minor
reshufflement in his cabinet which led to the redeployment of five
Commissioners and appointment of two new ones.
Addressing Journalists shortly after the State Executive Council
meeting at Government House, Owerri, the Commissioner for Information
and Strategy, Dr. Obinna Duruji, said the Commissioner for Commerce
and Industry, Lady Chioma Ogoke was moved to Housing and Urban
Development to replace Chief Ejike Uche who now moves to Public
Utilities and Rural Development while Nze Ogueri Enwerem moves to
commerce and Industry from the Ministry of Lands. Dr. Ifeanyi
Nwachukwu formerly of Public Utilities is now the commissioner for
Special Duties.
The Information Commissioner also disclosed that Gov. Okorocha had
nominated his Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Uche Nwosu as Commissioner
for Lands and the Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Nick Oparandudu as
commissioner for Economic Planning and Development, Barr. Nelson
Ezerioha, who hitherto served as Commissioner for Transport and
Special Duties is to serve as Commissioner for Transport incharge of
all transport issues in the state including the Imo Air that will soon
be inaugurated by the state government.
Duruji also disclosed the adoption of Assumpta Cathedral belonging to
the Catholic church as the state monument for its symbolism and
strategic location in the capital city and approval of the sum of N50
million for its renovation.
On the issue of the proposed fourth-tier government and redeployment
of some civil servants to the communities, the commissioner stated
that the policy has come to stay.
He said “His Excellency restated the commitment of the state
government to the establishment of the fourth-tier government. Exco
resolved that the membership of the Community Government Council (CGC)
will remain the Traditional Ruler, President-General, Youth Leader,
Woman Leader and Community Speaker now christened State Representative
(SR) to avoid any conflicting image or position of the Hon. Speaker of
Imo House of Assembly. This Community Government structure will be
complemented by the management team headed by the various heads of
department like the finance, accounts, agriculture, education and
information. These departments will be headed by the civil servants
that will be redeployed to various communities. ”
He further explained that the Community government will be advisory
and will not meddle in the finance that will be released to run the
fourth-tier government while the civil servants will be saddled with
the responsibility of running the affairs of the government.
