The political atmosphere in Imo State is getting charged as there are feelers that the Governor, Hope Uzodimma is allegedly planning a major shakeup that will clear out many officials of his administration by relieving some them of their duties including his deputy, Professor Placid Njoku.
According to a news report by INNONEWS on Sunday, “reports of a cabinet reshuffle has been in the offing for a long time, but it seems nearer now, based on unfolding developments within government circles.
“Media reports had speculated that the State Deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku, is not having it rosy, and probably falls in the category of those who may be caught in the web.
“Last month, a prominent politician from Owerri zone was said to have been tipped to take over from the Deputy Governor.
“Henry Njoku, popularly called Harritex, was reported in the media to take over from the Deputy Governor.
“Harritex denied the allegations.
“Sources said Prof Njoku, a non career politician, who came from the academia, has not been “properly carried along” in the present government, as State functions, which he ought to preside over, in the absence of the Governor, are carried out by lesser officials of government.
“An instance was Workers Day event on May Day, which despite his presence, the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma was represented at the event by the State Commissioner of Information, Declan Emelumba.
“This newspaper was reliably informed that the Deputy Governor’s office is not receiving what is statutorily due to it, as his office monthly remuneration has been slashed considerably.
“Governor Uzodimma has carried out three minor reshuffling of his appointees, but sources said “a major tsunami”, is in the offing.
“Since the level of insecurity reared its ugly head in the State, the Governor is said not to have engaged his appointees.
“The weekly State Executive Council meeting held last week was attended by few Commissioners.
“Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants, SSAs were absent. Reasons for their absence were not known to this newspaper, though sources said such category of appointees attend expanded Exco meetings.
“However, investigations reveal that most appointees who run government agencies and parastatals, are being starved of necessary operational logistics, including funding to operate and function.
“Members of the State legislature are said to be also hit as their allowances come in piece meal”.
