GOVERNOR OKOROCHA PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON FORMER CABINET

Governor Rochas Okorocha has dismissed speculation that he dissolved his cabinet due to external pressures or influence but that his action was based on the best interest of the State .

Governor Okorocha made the clarification during an event honouring the outgoing government officials at Ahiajoku Centre Owerri. He praised the group comprising Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants for the achievements of his administration within the past two years.

Governor Okorochas averred that the first half of Rescue Mission government has gone and that there is need to bring in fresher hands with new ideas and creativity for the betterment of Imo people. He dismissed the idea that the dissolution was for 2015 elections saying that he is rather interested in a legacy that will impact on the next generations.

"You can hold your heads for your spectacular contributions towards the Rescue Mission agenda of this administration, which has been variously described as huge success even in the camp of the opposition".

While congratulating the awardees, Governor Okorocha enthused that political appointment is not about compensation for involvement in campaign but rather for service to the people. He assured that those who will make his new cabinet will be those who have the passion to deliver while calling on those who will be reappointed to reinforce their effort for greater service for Imo people.

"those who think that taking every opportunity to come before the Governor will guarantee appointment are not my friends. My friends are people of creative minds with commensurate hard work and patriotism. Our communities are expecting so much from us because we have raised the bar of governance. We cannot afford to slow down because we have been proven to have done well. This is the time to even go the extra mile to serve our people".

Gov. Okorocha revealed that the focus of the government will now be on massive Youth empowerment and Agriculture decrying the level of decadence and vices under the guise of unemployment. Governor Okorocha promised to tackle this hydra headed monster to its logical conclusion with the emergence of twenty one new companies in Imo State.

His words; " Igbo people are known for their pride and hatred for being beggarly and as a result are very industrious. It is against our culture to see people engage in nefarious activities in the name of unemployment. Today, we are ready to bring this to an end. Every Youth in Imo State must work is the next agenda". My administration has concluded plans to float this firms to give our people an opportunity to actualize their entrepreneurial skills for the overall development of the state". Some of the companies created include the Imo Construction Company, Imo Agricultural Company and the Avutu Poultry Company among others.

The awards, which were categorized under Best Self Starter, Dedication to Service, Public Relations and Team Player Awards, former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Ichie Best Mbanaso won the overall best Commissioner Award, Peter Ohagwa for the category of Special Advisers, Mma Nzeribe for Senior Special Assistants while Ogechi Ololo came out the overall best in the Sepcial Assistants category. Those who made the list are Chinedu Offor, Uche Nwosu, Chief Nnadozie Udensi, Uche Ogbuagu, Nkeiru Sylvernus, Lisa Asuhga and Chike Orjiakor. Among the best overall in the different categories are Ichie Best Mbanaso in the Commissioner Category, Peter Ohagwa for the category of Special Advisers, Mma Nzeribe for Senior Special Assistants while Ogechi Ololo came out the overall best in the Sepcial Assistants category.

Governor Okorocha however revealed that those who were awarded will be automatically re-appointed as reward for distinguishing themselves in service to the people of Imo State.

Earlier during the event, while giving the opening remark, the Secretary to the State Government, ProfessorTony Anwuka said the dissolution of State cabinet has not in any way affected the fact that Rescue Mission Government of Owelle Rochas Okorocha remains intact as one family. Speaking further, he said the event was to celebrate the outgone cabinet members for their contributions to the monumental feat of Owelle Rochas Okorocha led Government.

UCHE ONWUCHEKWA

CPS TO IMO DEPUTY GOVERNOR