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- NMA suspends strike as state, doctors reach accord
Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha has set up a panel to probe immediate past governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha and review appointments and recruitments carried out from 2015 till date.
Ihedioha said the decision was in line with the resolution of the Imo State House of Assembly reached on Monday, May 3, 2019.
In a statement issued by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Uche Onyeagocha in Owerri, noted that the panel, headed by Okey Anyanwu, was mandated to evaluate the recent appointments of Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries, Solicitor General, Accountant General, and heads of extra-ministerial departments.
The panel will also examine all staff recruitments, command promotions, transfers and redeployment of officers without due process from 2015 till date, applying the Public Service Rules and Regulations, among other terms of reference.
Other members of the panel, which will be inuagurated today are, Chukwuma Nwachukwu, Mrs. Ngozi Onyirioha, Chima Nmeregini, Bismarck Eziohuru, Justin Amafili and Donatus Ibe.
Earlier, Ihedioha also appointed Acting Permanent Secretary, Establishments, Training & Pensions, Theodore Uzoma Nwokonkwo, as new Principal Secretary.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Chibuike Onyeukwu said Nwokonkwo, whose appointment takes immediate effect, joined the Imo State Civil Service in January 1995 as Administrative Officer 11, GL 08.
However, the Imo State Government has directed all past commissioners and appointees residing at the quarters meant for serving commissioners on Imo Concorde Avenue to vacate the premises immediately.
Besides, Governor Ihedioha yesterday reached an agreement with medical doctors in the state’s employ and members of the state Nigeria Medical Association (NMA).
Consequently, the doctors have suspended their about two-month old industrial action, which they commenced before the departure of Governor Okorocha due to alleged inability to address their needs and enhance the state’s medical sector.
A statement issued by Ihedioha’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Chibuike Onyeukwu, disclosed that the governor led government officials, while Dr. Kyrian Duruewuru, led NMA team at the reconciliatory meeting, which held at Sam Mbakwe Executive Council, Government House, Owerri.
Meanwhile, Governor Ihedioha has said he would not to reside at Government House, Owerri, until the structural defects in the facility built by Rochas Okorocha about two years ago are rectified.
Special Adviser to Ihedioha on Media, Steve Osuji, who disclosed this on Darling FM in Owerri, said the defects are so pronounced that they constitute danger to its occupants.
Osuji noted the governor earlier directed security operatives at Government House to allow any Imo person who wishes to see the extent of decay and the structural defects to feel free to do so.
Also, Okorocha has finally sent his handover documents to Ihedioha through the former governor’s ex-Principal Secretary, Emeka Duru, who handed the documents to Onyeagocha.
While expressing regrets over the delay, Duru explained that Okorocha said he was unable to hand over to Ihedioha due to non-availability of press coverage.