Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has disbanded the expanded executive council members, assuring that the reconstituted EXCO will include individuals who demonstrated excellence during his initial four-year term. The dissolution, effective from January 16, 2024, also encompasses the Sole Administrators of the 27 Local Government Areas in the State.
Governor Uzodimma, addressing a gathering of his political appointees on Tuesday, expressed gratitude for their unwavering support over the past four years. He particularly acknowledged their efforts in securing a decisive victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Imo State governorship election on November 11, 2023.
While thanking the expanded executive council members, including Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Senior Special Assistants, for their support, he highlighted their contributions to the APC’s overwhelming success in the election. Governor Uzodimma recognized their dedication despite challenges posed by Covid-19 and politically motivated insecurity.
Emphasizing the need for new faces, ideas, and enthusiasm in the upcoming term, the governor assured that those involved in the new administration, whether directly or indirectly, will have reason to be proud participants in 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 a human by not being able to meet their expectations and promised that he would strive harder in the new dispensation to do better.
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.
During the valedictory session, Governor Uzodimma took a moment to express his concern about certain political appointees whose actions have negatively impacted the government’s reputation and the individual who granted them the opportunity to serve the public.
He emphasized that political appointees should uphold integrity, refrain from engaging in corrupt practices, misappropriation of public assets/funds, and other unethical behaviors.
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 the 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.
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 Uzodimma also expressed his gratitude to the former Sole Administrators for their services to Imo State and wished them well in their future endeavors.
