Okorocha Fires Son-In-Law, 12 Others

Imo State governor Rochas Okorocha has approved the termination of appointment of 13 political office holders in the state, including the Secretary to the State Government, George Eche, and Chief of Staff to the governor, Uche Nwosu, who is also his son-in-law.

Okorocha, in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, in Owerri on Wednesday, said the decision to sack the commissioners was to enable them go ahead with their political aspirations in 2019.

“The dismissed appointees are the ones who are seeking to contest in the coming 2019 elections,” Onwuemeodo was quoted as saying by the Premium Times.

Names of those affected include, Sir George Eche – Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Chief Uche Nwosu – Chief of Staff, Government House, Dr. Paschal Chigozie Obi – Principal Secretary to the Governor, Hon. Kingsley Uju – Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), and Chief Emma Ojinero – Commissioner for Trade & Investment/Commerce.

Others are, Prof. Nnamdi Obiareri – Commissioner for Information, Barr. (Mrs) Ngozi Njoku – Commissioner for Gender/Social Development, Lady Joy Mbawuike – Commissioner for Market Development, Hon. Obinna Mbata – Commissioner for Finance, and Dr. Dan Nworie – Commissioner for Tertiary Education.

Also affected are, Special Adviser on Urban Renewal, Hon. Simeon Iwunze, Special Assistant General Duties, Barr. Obinna Amagwula, and Pst. (Mrs) Betty Uzoma- Special Assistant Finance.

According to the statement, Okorocha wished them well in their future endeavours.

The governor has reportedly endorsed his son-in-law, Nwosu, to be his successor after next year’s election, a decision that has created division in the ruling All Progressives Congress.