Imo: Ihedioha Cages Okorocha; Begins full blown probe of his Regime

By Gideon Njoku

For former Governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, things are getting worse by the day.

Since May 29, 2019 when he left office, his loyalists and  associates have been abandoning him almost on daily basis. The most dramatic was the lmo House Assembly. Last week, in a most shocking manner, its members distanced themselves from almost all the decisions he took in the recent months.

Recall that for the eight years Okorocha was in office, he was hands in glove with the members. The IMHA was an extension of Okorocha’s office. Anything he did was excellent.

Less than one week out of office, however,  the members have regained their independence, and turned against Okorocha.

In a unanimous resolution  last week, they asked the new governor, Hon Emeka Ihedioha to probe him, and embark on  a total review of everything he did from the day he, Ihedioha, was declared the governor-elect.

Ihedioha has said yes to their yearnings. Now, Okorocha will not only live with the EFCC investigations, he will also live with a full blown probe by his successor.

In two seperate press releases signed by the Secretary to the Imo State Government, Barr. Uche Onyeagocha, on Thursday,  June 6, the governor  set up two Committees to look into almost everything Okorocha did since 2015.

The first Committee, headed by Mr Okey Anyanwu, is mandated to review all appointments,  recruitments, and much more  in line with the resolution of the Imo State House of Assembly.

Other members of the Committee  are: Mr Chukwuma Nwachukwu, Mrs Ngozi Onyirioha, Mr Chima Nmeregini, Mr Bismarck Eziohuru, Mr Justin Amafili and Mr Donatus Ibe.

They are charged with the following.

* To evaluate the recent appointments of the Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries, Solicitor General, Accountant General, and Heads of Extra-Ministerial Departments.

*To examine all staff recruitments, command promotions, transfers and secondments of officers without following due process – from 2015 to date, applying the public service rules and regulations.

*To review all extensions of service period of retired officers and contract appointments.

* To investigate cases of officers who were unduly suspended or retired – from 2015 till date.

Okorocha, had, a couple of days to his leaving office, surprisingly appointed a new Head of Service, Accountant General, Solicitor General and, eleven Permanent Secretaries. His eight-year tenure was, also, notorious for arbitrary retirements, promotions, recruitments, transfers and secondments of civil servants.

The second committee is the Financial Advisory Committee for the state government.

Headed by Dr Abraham Nwankwo, its terms of reference include:

* To ascertain and document the locations of, and balances on all bank accounts operated by Imo state government,  its ministries, departments and agencies  as at May 29, 2019.

* To review all financial transactions, and, where necessary, a forensic audit, with a view to ascertaining sources of funds, and the application of same.

* To review such disbursements/applications of State resources to ascertain the propriety of charges levied on accounts, interest payment on loans and deposits where applicable,  authorization, etc.

*To review the operations of the Imo State Board of Internal Revenue (BIR) with a view to recommending appropriate strategies to reposition the agency for better performance and sustained growth.

* To conduct governance/financial reviews of key agencies of government with a view to:

1) Documenting all revenues generated or subventions/allocations between 2011-2019.

2)  Reviewing the propriety of applications/disbursements of State resources between 2011-2019.

3) Recommending measures that would strengthen internal controls and enhance the performance of those key agencies of government.

Other members of this Committee are: Mr Nick Oparandudu (Secretary),  Nze Charles Onwunali, Mr Kelechi Omeni-Nzewuihe, Sir Chime Aliliele, Mr Charles Nwogu, Mrs Udeze Ibezim and Mrs Oft Maureen Okafor.

This particular Committee is of great interest to Imolites considering that, among other claims, out-gone governor Okorocha publicly insists that he left the sum of N42bn for the new government.

Imolites may be in for a big shock at the end of the day. Both Committees will be inaugurated today, June 7, 2019.