It is no longer a hearsay that the number one citizen of Imo state Nigeria Owerri His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodinma has dissolved the Imo State expanded executive council members, with a promise that the soon to be reconstituted EXCO will still accommodate those of them who distinguished themselves in their service during his first term of four years.
The dissolution took effect January 16, 2024 as the Chief Press secretary Oguike made available his release to Newsmen in Owerri.
Also, Governor Uzodinma has approved the dissolution of the Sole Administrators of the 27 Local Government Areas in the State with immediate effect.
Affected in the dissolution of the expanded EXCO are all members, including Commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.
Addressing a gathering of all his political appointees on Tuesday, Governor Uzodinma thanked members of the expanded executive council and other political office holders for their support throughout the first four years of his government, even in the face of challenges, but more importantly for working hard to ensure that his Party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), overwhelmingly won the governorship election in Imo State on November 11, 2023.
The Governor recalled that it was their support, loyalty and spirit of family that made it possible for him to win in all the 27 local government areas of Imo State.
He noted that collectively and individually, they made invaluable contributions to the stability and efficiency of his administration despite the challenges posed by Covid- 19 and the politically motivated insecurity.
Governor Uzodinma however reminded them that though a new term has dawned and demands that fresh persons, ideas and enthusiasm be taken into consideration, he will ensure that both those who will be directly involved in the new administration or tangentially involved, will have cause to be proud of being part of his government.
“I want to remind you that whether you will be directly involved in the new dispensation or tangentially involved, wherever you are, you will be proud to have been part of his government,” he said.
He appealed to them to appreciate his limitations as human by not being able to meet up to their expectations, and promised that he will strive harder in the new dispensation to do better.
Regardless, he pleaded with all the members of the dissolved executive council to bear in mind that their services will continue to be required, having been part of the APC family and government of the day.
Governor Uzodinma however seized the opportunity of the valedictory session to lament the activities of some political appointees that dent the image of the government and the person who offered them the opportunity to serve the public. He reminded them that political appointees are expected to live above board as regards corrupt practices, looting of public assets/funds, and other sharp practices.
He cautioned that the new dispensation will not tolerate members whose thought line will not be in sync with his vision for a better Imo State for all.
Sequel to the dissolution, all former Commissioners are to hand over the affairs of the Ministries, including vehicles and government property in their care, to the various Permanent Secretaries in the Ministries.
In the same vein, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and other strategic appointees are to hand over government property in their possession to the Office of The Chief of Staff to the Governor.
On the SOLADS, Governor Uzodimma has also approved their immediate removal from office with effect from January 16, 2024.
The dissolution of the SOLADS, the Governor said, is to pave way for the immediate conduct of Local Government elections by the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) to usher in elected Chairmen and Councilors into the 27 LGAs of the State.
Consequently, the former SOLADS have been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of the Councils to the various Directors of Administration and General Services (DAGS) in their areas.
Governor Uzodinma also expressed his gratitude to the former Sole Administrators for their services to Imo State and wished them well in their future endeavours.
-Princely Onyenwe reporting
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