Imo State citizens have expressed shock and confusion following recent revelations concerning the position of Special Adviser on Land. This position was unexpectedly listed in the program for the official ground-breaking ceremony of Owerri Central Market, held on June 21, 2024.
It is worth noting that Governor Hope Uzodinma, after announcing his list of commissioners and their portfolios, assumed office as the Commissioner for Lands himself. In all his subsequent appointments of Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants, no mention was made of a Special Adviser on Land. Therefore, the appearance of this designation in the brochure for the market’s groundbreaking ceremony has raised eyebrows.
Information gathered indicates that the Majority Leader of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Kanayo Onyemachi, was responsible for printing the brochure and assigning designations and portfolios to the committee members. He unilaterally redeployed Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu from his role as Chief Political Adviser to Special Adviser on Land.
Recent activities of Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu related to land matters seem to reaffirm the decision made by Hon. Kanayo Onyemachi. Social media posts by the Governor’s media aides have highlighted Onuegbu’s involvement in land-related issues within the state, including meetings with staff and directors in the Ministry of Lands.
This situation has led to several pertinent questions among the citizens of Imo State. Has Governor Hope Uzodinma officially redeployed Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu to the position of Special Adviser on Land? Has there been a diplomatic reshuffling that relieved Hon. Paschal Nwakanma of his role as Special Adviser on Land Recovery?
The lack of official communication from the Governor’s office regarding these appointments has only added to the confusion. The citizens await a clear and definitive statement from the Governor to clarify these administrative changes and ensure transparency in the state government’s operations.
