Abia state Commissioner for Information, Bonnie Iwuoha and the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Mr. Godwin Adindu has clashed over an allegation that the CPS have continued to usurp his duties as the manager of the state information machinery.
Loading ...Iwuoha, according to Abia Government House sources, has been lamenting that the CPS has rendered him redundant as he (Adindu) combines the functions of both offices. Before the appointment of Commissioners which came six months after Ikpeazu was sworn in, the CPS was in charge of the information ministry, and may have felt reluctant to confine himself to his duties.
Angered by the development, Iwuoha was said to have stormed the CPS’s office recently requesting him to mind his duties as the governor’s spokesman and stop interfering into his duties as Information commission. A staff of the Government House, who witnessed the incident, told 247ureports.com that a heated argument ensued between the duo as Adindu in a moment of rage, shut the door against Information Commissioner and warned him never to set foot on his office again. Both men have not been on talking terms and have been opposed to each other. Since then, Iwuoha has been reported sick and unable to resume work. It could not been confirmed if his illness is linked to the incident.
The feud has continued to fester even as both hail from Ngwa clan as Ikpeazu. As a result of the development, our correspondent gathered that Iwuoha had petitioned Gov. Ikpeazu accusing the CPS of insubordination and threatening to kill him. The governor is said to have directed his Chief of Staff, Chief Chijioke Nwakodo to query the CPS.
The situation has taken a toll on the governor’s media unit as the numerous Special Assistants and Advisers on Media to Ikpeazu have taken sides with the warring officials. The CPS is currently mobilizing support among the over 20 SAs on Media to the governor to battle the Commissioner. Those who have been opposed to the CPS as a result of his alleged arrogance in the discharge of his duties have found the feud an opportunity to get back at him. Adindu has been alleged to have shown lack of respect to majority of the governor’s appointees including his Chief of Staff, Nwakodo, without Ikpeazu battling an eyelid, amidst series of complaints.
A cross section of commissioners and senior officers of the administration are said to be prevailing on Ikpeazu to sack Adindu or redeploy him for his lack of respect to Iwuoha and other officials of his administration. Adindu has made more enemies than friends for the governor since he was appointed CPS. Even journalists in the state have not been spared of Adindu’s arrogance.
“Godwin Adindu’s arrogance and I know it all attitude has caused many people to hate the governor. People are surprised that Ikpeazu has retained him despite his attitude. We know he won’t sack him because they are members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church,” a staff of Government House, told our correspondent.
