The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, at the weekend, sacked the Secretary to the Imo State Government, Sir Jude Ejiogu, who is one of his loyalists and a staunch supporter of the Rescue Mission.
Although no reason was given by the Imo State Government for the sudden removal, except a terse statement by the Principal Secretary to Governor Okorocha, Dr. Pascal Obi, who said that his removal was with immediate effect and directed him to hand over to the Permanent Secretary.
Ejiogu, who represented the governor at both the commissioning of Owerri Mall/Shoprite on Thursday and the convocation dinner of the Imo State University at Concorde Hotel Owerri did not have an inkling that he would be sacked the next day (Friday).
However, investigations by Sunday Sun revealed that the unexpected sack of Ejiogu from his lofty office might not be unconnected with alleged misconduct, anti-party activities and using his office to covertly undermine the policies of Rescue Mission government.
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“It was said that Sir Ejiogu had compromised during the 2015 general elections as he lost his ward and booth considering his position in the state government and that he had used his position as the SSG to undermine the party leadership by countering the decision of the party especially in Owerri North.
“He was alleged to be hobnobbing with members of the opposition party in the state and particularly with former Deputy Speaker.
“It was discovered that the former SSG had connived with some people while his boys have been collecting revenue on a daily basis without remitting the proceeds to the coffers of the state, which is a serious matter. So, it has nothing to do with 2019, as he does not pose any threat to anybody”, the source added.
The Special Assistant (Media) to the former SSG, Ikenna Onuoha, reacting, said it was the prerogative of the state governor to hire and fire.
He, however, dismissed allegations of misconduct and anti party activities as being speculated, saying “If there was anything the former SSG had done, they would have stated it in their press statement. The man was not indicted for any misconduct.”
