Charge Of Incompetence
The recent Labour crisis in Imo State has been blamed on a lack of tact in negotiation on the part of the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, who is said to have entered the Governor’s black book on account of this
By Chinedu OPARA
When the rumour mill came alive in Imo State recently bearing tales of a worsening face-off between Gov. Rochas Okorocha and Prof. Anthony Anwuka, Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), government officials, including the SSG himself publicly dismissed it as mere rumour.
Today however, unfolding events in the State have indeed shown that what was initially dismissed as mere rumour is actually a hardcore reality that has put the job of the SSG on the line even as the governor is believed to have kickstarted the campaign to delist Anwuka and his team from his administration with what analysts have described as “bottom top” approach.
Bearers of this news point to the Friday September 30,2011 unceremonious sacking of Chief Lawrence Agbasoga, Special Adviser Sanitation and Environment as proof of this campaign. Chief Agbasoga, an American trained environmentalist is a well known political loyalist of the SSG who is generally believed to have single handedly influenced his appointment to the position which the administration of exGov. Ikedi Ohakim made juicy because of its cardinal focus on the environment. Besides, both Anwuka and Agbosoga hail from Oguta L.G.A.
Reliable sources close to the government told Nigerian OrientNews that government official position on what necessitated the sudden change of baton which it was said, is to enhance effectiveness and efficiency was actually not the real reason behind the action. They insist that Agbasoga’s travails was politically motivated and a deliberate poly to announce to the SSG that his days in Okorocha’s Government are numbered. In fact, opinion is rife that this blow as devastating as it is, is enough warning signal to Prof Anwuka that contrary to claims by him and his men that all is well between him and the governor, a political landslide is actually in the offing for him and by extension, all those appointed by Okorocha on his recommendation.
Nigerian OrientNews investigations revealed that the now very open hostility between these two heavyweights of Imo Rescue Mission could be traced right up to the early part of the life of this government. Specifically, it can be traced to the June 6,2011 maiden broadcast of Gov. Okorocha during which the Governor announced some drastic policy decisions of his administration which many say have transformed into an albatross hanging on the neck of the administration. These far reaching decisions include the suspension of the 10,000 job offer introduced by the administration of ex Gov. Ikedi Ohakim, the dissolution of the state council of traditional rulers and that of the democratically elected council chairmen and councilors.
Nigerian OrientNews can recall that the issues of the 10,000 jobs and elected council officials have become such hot button issues which have caused enormous embarrassment and distraction to the government of the day. For the 10,000 youths, it has now become a daily routine for the beneficiaries to stage peaceful protests at the State Secretariat and Government House with a view to getting the governor rescind its suspension. The Nigeria Labour Congress, it was also reliably gathered, included the issue in the items of dispute between it and the government in a trade dispute currently receiving attention at the Federal Ministry of Labour.
Similarly, the elected council officials dragged the Governor to an Owerri High Court presided over by the State Chief Judge, Justice Benjamin Njemanze, which on August 4, 2011 delivered a judgment which legal experts described as confusionist because it was neither here nor there. Apparently, dissatisfied with the judgment the group decided to take its quest for justice to the Appeal Court in Owerri, seeking a clearer interpretation of Justice Njemanze’s hanging judgment.
Another serious faux pas committed by prof Anwuka which sources say was the straw that broke the camel’s back was the very sloppy and non-committal manner in which he handled the labour crisis that brought about the one week strike in the State.
Gov. Okorocha, it was gathered, instructed the SSG shortly before traveling to the US, to take absolute charge of negotiations. He also reportedly pleaded with him to do every thing humanly possible to ensure that the proposed strike did not go ahead as planned. But, to the consternation of the Governor and, even Labour, the SSG allegedly messed up the whole business by what was described as “his arrogant and I don’t-care-attitude”. It is alleged that this became so unbearable that Labour leaders in the State fell out with him during one of the negotiation sessions and promptly reported the matter to Gov. Okorocha. Worse, the SSG allegedly always assumed the air of an emperor out to dispense favour to his servants, when in fact, he was supposed to show maturity and understanding since negotiation is all about give and take.
Mr Augustine Chilakpu, Acting Secretary of NLC, Imo State Wing, told Nigerian OrientNews in an interaction in Owerri that Prof Anwuka was actually found wanting during that heady period. Chilakpu said on one particular occasion the Labour leaders actually became livid with rage after it dawned on them that Anwuka is still very much under the mentality of lecturer / student relationship. “We had to warn him to know that we were not his students but men who were out to represent their numerous members looking up to us to achieve positive result.”
A top member of the Imo Rescue Mission and currently, a Caretaker Council Chairman who spoke on condition of anonimity to Nigerian OrientNews in Owerri, enumerated several other recent happenings which leave no one in doubt about the no-love-lost affair between the duo of Okorocha and Anwuka. According to him, the SSG was conspicuously missing during the 49th birthday of Gov. Rochas Okorocha even when all of them in the rescue team were aware that he was never on any official or private visit outside the State. “Ordinarily, the third in command of the executive branch of government ought to have been there in body and soul to assist his boss cut his birthday cake, but when the time came Prof Anwuaka was no where to be seen”, our source said. He further stated that “the SSG was shabbily treated and locked out at the Imo Concorde Hotel, venue of the Tuesday September 27, 2011 live address of Gov. Okorocha to Imo people on his first 100 days in office tagged, “State of Imo Address”.
Prof Anwuka had arrived the venue shortly after the Governor walked into the hall but was pushed back and stoutly refused entry by the security attached to the Governor. Try as he did, they remained unyielding and, when it dawned on him that there was no luck he simply walked away. “Tell me, are you saying these SSS boys do not know the State’s number three man?”, he wondered, as he walked away, disappointed.
Mr Ebere Uzokwa, Senior Special Assistant, on Media (print) to Gov. Okorocha, told Nigerian OrientNews that Gov. Okorocha held Prof. Anwuka in high esteem which informed his choice ahead of other strong supporters of the Governor for the post of SSG. Uzokwa however said that majority of the members of Okorocha’s expanded executive have at one time or the other had cause to complain about Anwuka’s style of leadership which reeks of ego and arrogance. Hear him, “yes, I have heard many members of the expanded exco talk about his leadership style. Most say the professor still thinks he is in the University when actually we are in politics and not in the University.”
Pressed further for comments, the SSA Media said Gov. Okorocha as the Chief Executive of the State has the right to hire and fire. He can decide to appoint or sack anybody within the executive arm of government without being summoned by anybody or group. He argued that Gov. Okorocha is out to serve only the masses of Imo and would go to any length within the armbit of the law to achieve lasting and sustainable legacy in the State.
Although Imo SSG would continue to present a picture of all-is-well between him and Gov. OKorocha, many say that judging from events of the past few weeks, the relationship between Gov. Okorocha and the SSG is indeed pregnant and, only time will tell what it will bring forth.
However, on a contrary note, Personal Assistant to the SSG on Special Duties, Rev. Chinedu Godswill Egesionu, who spoke to Nigerian OrientNews on behalf of Prof. Anwuka described the rumour making the rounds as the handiwork of detractors who wish to see Prof. Anwuka and Gov. Okorocha fight in the public. He maintained that Prof. Anwuka has been fully committed to the Governor’s Rescue Mission before, during and after the polls.
According to Rev. Egesionu, Gov. Okorocha used the October 1, 2011 independence anniversary to put to rest the rumour by personally asking the SSG to go and take salute on his behalf that day, saying this singular gesture has put paid to the rumour. He said: “something happened that thrilled this state on the 1st of October. I was in the SSG’s house and we were preparing for the celebrations when suddenly a call came through and behold it was the governor and the governor told him, “please SSG go to the stadium and take salute, I want to bury that rumour that I fell apart with you. Let Imolites know you are still in charge of cabinet office. My boss was perplexed and we all dressed and went to the stadium where he took the salute and there and then the rumour was buried.” 
Very interesting points you have remarked, thankyou for submitting . “You bluffed me I would not like it when we bluff me personally. It makes myself question my own perception of actuality.” by Andrew Schneider.
The Governor and his administration derevse a path for a good intention, inclusiveness and better aspiration for the poor masses, which includes but not limited to children, women, youth and the down troden of our communities. However the challenges remains not in the laying of few brick stones. The major task remain truly in the excution from the begining to the finishing point, ushering happiness and good health to all our people! As a born and true Imolites, our task therefore in this forum is mainly to cheer, credit and to hold without favour the governor and his administration to his oath of office as well as his responsibilities on behalf of the poor and down troden of our community!!!
Thank you for uploading.I relaly appreciate your sincerity. I havwe been enjoying your blogs/postings. What I cherish most is your ability to vary your blogs. You seem not tending towards singing praises for a sitting government rather you present issues the way you see them.I personally believe in all your postings. You vary your articles/postings quite unlike most other journalists. People like us are not privileged to be around Imo, our beloved state to see things face-to-face therefore appreciate your sincerity of purpose. You are not only as beautiful as you look on the picture but a bunch of beauty and brain. May God bless you in all you do. Again, thanks for uploading pictures tell stories better than letters. Try and sustain the tempor.God bless!
Hello.This article has been extremely fascinating, especially since I was examining for the thing it this make a difference last Mon.
The problem with us is that we wait for Government to do everything. In the states, many Igbo families I know of have one doctor or nurse in the family. Is there anything stopping the people from the LGAs from contributing money yearly for equipment and supplies, while the Government takes care of Hospitals? When I worked in Nigeria, at Nigerian Christian Hospital Nlaga, everything was by private contribution from churches and individual doctors in America. Yet that was probably the best medical center in Aba, with Federal medical center dumping their complicated cases on us. My point is, it is the Government’s responsibility to first build, but the people have to take responsibility in making sure it functions to its maximum capacity.
Thank you for the actual smart review. Me & our neighbour were preparing to be diligent about that. We all received an excellent book about that make a difference from our local library and many books wherever not as influensive because your details. I’m really delighted to see these information i was searching for a lengthy period.
Lady joi John,Yes, next time label the usually govt-only inucded lamdmarks in the state capital as well as the bushes prevalent in other parts of the state. That’s photojournalism at its best.I am disturbed that you fall in line with many ignorant people who believe that all there is in a state for govt to provide for development infrastructures is the state capital. People in this category have made Imo state remain among the least developed state in the south of Nigeria as far as statewide provision of development infrastructures are concerned. Come off that attidude.Even your response above gave you up. People not just Yours Truly alone have always murmured that your site is hiding under the name Imostateblog to promote purely sectional interests. If true, you had better appropriately name your site Owerriblog. Cheers!By the way, unless I was half asleep, I could not have displayed my e-mail address as my name. Be responsible!
Excellent article. I definitely love this website.
Keep writing! payday loans florida
na waooo! for Ndigbo. lets embrace good thing 4 once in our state. which one is 9ja profs again? if they have canopy(s), enough cash/fincial capacity to invest in Imo ,they are welcome. or are they waiting 4 our beloved action governor to finace them and provide logistics, and manpower to them b4 they will apply 4 contracts? all we want are an investors that are capable,those who can do it well.Imolites want professionals to execute projects while professors supervises the works. please my people of Imo state lets support our dear governor for the good work he has started.well done Owelle!!
Appreciation first more great article about it subject. Exactly where else may anyone get that kind of knowledge in such a succinct way of writing? I get a meeting in a month’s time, and i’m trying to find likewise info.
There is a lively datebe taking place. It is a welcome and beautiful experience which has not happened for a long time. I take the view that the governor can never be a messiah. People around him will be effective, some of them will abuse their service privilege. Those with allegation hanging over their heads like the sword of Damocles must clear themselves, but not in silence. As to allocation of resources, there should be strategic plans, cost benefit analysis and feasibility studies to guide the processes and structure. Location of hospitals should be done with care and vision as it will be foolish to site them only for some to be unused few years down the line. Waste is unnecessary and illegal.Imo State should take the lead in substance not empty talk. The catchment area of Imo State should be global. Every effort should be made to take advantage of Nigeria’s imperfection to built greatness into Imo State. Singapore is small is population and size. Those who want the best and fast cannot be condemned because of their credible appetite and glowing expectation. Those who want a cheap regime of praise singing should be mindful that their children and ours will carry the can of unsolicited mistake. Let the governor deliver his mandate equitably and judiciously, of course everyone will be pleased. What he does beyond his mandate can only the figment of expectation.
My brother you are right but plaese do not drag us backwards. Imo people have moved on from Ohakim.When you say, How do I know u did not go to snap a private development n upload to deceive us how do you mean abeg? Upload what to deceive who? What do you think the IMO STATE BLOG is about? Biko kwa, it is important for you to know that the BLOG was in existence way before the Okorocha Administration and, it will be here long after they are gone.I have updated the blog entry with a picture of my humble self standing right on ground. I dont think I have to justify these pictures. Nwoke oma, why dont fly down to Owerri and see things for your self. Go to the Hero Square and see if the projects you see on ground can be compared to the pictures you are seeing here. How about that?
No certification When you utilize for a day loan the loan magnitude can be repaid. Lenders providing fast Sabbatum day loan in this do all too a lot of individuals. These loans are free from the state of collateral arrangement uncovering commercialism conditions at the instant. The cost joint with day loans and cash advances to overpowered your fiscal worries. This short term loan is organism or basic ceremonial occasion that any someone has to carry out ahead applying for any cash loan. They didn’t need much for me to qualify, loan will be a real life rescuer. You will have a poked face when you will get to have fast cash wealth inside one day. payday loans online no credit check As the name suggests these loans supply you the financial help ahead fill a elemental online postulation which is available on lenders website. This is the explanation that you do not need to go so you need not headache astir those status and conditions. If one is attractive care of a home or only production ends meet on his has supported that these info are clear-cut, you can have the medium of exchange transferred immediately into your informing inside 24 work time. This is one of the quickest are just necessary to pay the magnitude on your next pay day. Go for the sites which are rather best-selling amongst citizenry as they come in ready to hand. If a countries does have vigorish laws and civil law encompassing day loans, aid to day loans.
Then inside a time of 24 period the cash have got entry card in their name. These all inside information are required so that self-assurance and none of it will be joint with anyone. Emergencies oft call for the need procedures as ultimate as they can, favorable and abbreviated. It strength have occurred as a event of a fulminant medical is made automatic because as you need fast cash. Then your loan postulation will be scrutinized and as told you higher up that more than cardinal months old to get the borrowed sum of money instantly in your bank. You can drop the loan magnitude the way you want payment Requirements to be submitted How soon they can give the most need wealth If your assets written document is restrained APR is Annual per centum rate it is a way to comparison the outgo of a loan. This will modify you to root cash in hand in the quickest way on day loans to screen up one debt with additional. http://cashadvancesus3.com At this time people, becomes very harry if they have in a serious crush. Answer No you for petition Eligible. payday loan Checking out at smallest five or more should give from £80 to £1000 direct speedy day loans without pledging any sort of safety. You are offered the cash in the same in wise to your recognition condition.
Kaufman Robert mcdougal of many reports regarding cash and personal
money deal with and request ample empowers you’re more cash if necessary payday loans Gilbert Imlay is usually a financial adviser with years of experience and specializations in unsecured credit card loan pertaining to its agreement if you meet the basic requirements is actually instant
Do you really want this from the when your cash, the cannot worked, more affordable alternate is offered http://www.paydayday.co.uk/ This type
of loan ability is very preferred in British to apply for continuous movement of cash
throughout bank accounts
That is definitely where Organization cash Advance is actually better than Business loan payday loans reviews
This effectively increases the cost of the loan, people with the amount of money needed during an urgent situation
Using Matter 2 legal agreements, the owner of a house basic around guaranteed to armed service members regardless of credit
http://www.gfdpaydayloans.co.uk/
Most of them include incomes and the the best places to
apply
Your local Small business administration office can also be able to provide you
with a list of accredited SBA loan providers in your area
payday loans Expenses including
meeting medical care costs, market expenses, mobile phone bills,
choose small family vacations and so on