... Controversies trail recall of ACB, JOK's '3rd term'

By Tony Icheku

Even as intensive lobbying and intrigues unfold for commissionership appointment in Abia State, reasons had emerged for the sudden unceremonious dissolution of the former State Executive Council, by Gov Okezie Ikpeazu on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2021.

The action, likened to wielding the whip by an otherwise, unassuming, easy going Chief Executive became inevitable to weed out corrupting influences in the Ikpeazu administration, sources close to Government House, Umuahia informed DailyLedger.com.ng

The source explained that while Gov Ikpeazu turned blind eye to the utter inefficiency and underperformance of some of his former commissioners, it became politically expedient to axe those openly romancing the opposition political party notably the APC which was using its advantage as the party in charge of 'Federal might' to offer tantalising carrots to the Ikpeazu's appointees to abandon the PDP.

Gov Ikpeazu also needed to fish out others who played safe by winning and dinning with his administration by day and romancing  with the same opposition APC by night and through intermediaries as they negotiate their defection.


DailyLedger.com.ng gathered that the Ikpeazu camp after appraising k the bulldozer-like approach of former governor, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu realised that he either acts fast or risk the embarrassment of being ditched by his appointees. 

Recall that OUK, the Senate Chief Whip, whose Abia North Senatorial district is controlled by the APC has relentlessly pursued conversion of entire Abia to APC come 2023 to lay a solid foundation for the gubernatorial ambition of his brother, Mascot Uzor Kalu

OUK, former PDP member is rumoured to still have core loyalists and friends in the Ikpeazu administration. One of such close associate,  Cosmos Ndukwe, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment was in the midst of a controversy stirred by his hosting OUK in his home, before his sack.

Political observers believe Ndukwe, a political appointee took an audacious step by openly romancing a member of the opposition.

"Ndukwe has nothing to show as a commissioner, and he took Gov Ikpeazu for granted by romancing the arrowhead of an opposition party that is plotting to instal his successor in 2023. He may be a long time PDP member, but he played naive politics here", the Government House sources told DailyLedger.com.ng

Having swept off the good and bad in one full swoop, Gov Ikpeazu needed to surround himself with his own men thus the sudden reversal that came few hours after the initial announcement.

Those recalled were the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uche Ihediwa, Commissioner for Information,  John Okiyi Kalu, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr Joe Osuji. He also  recalled the Secretary to State Government,  Mr Chris Ezem

These men, young and untainted with with the PDP of OUK's era are said to be core loyalists and part of Ikpeazu's kitchen cabinet

Another shocker from Gov Ikpeazu that sent tongues wagging from was the recall of his Chief of Staff, Chief ACB Agbazuere who had been on suspension. Unlike the trio of Ihediwa, Osuji and JOK, Agbazuere was a former confidant and close associate of Sen. Kalu, however our sources reveal that Agbazuere has vowed to sink or swim with Ikpeazu rather than renew ties with Sen Kalu.

Agbazuere who had been around Abia's political corridors since 1999 has acted as a fixer, enforcer and stabiliser of sorts for the Ikpeazu's administration. DailyLedger.com.ng gathered that Agbazuere's influence in the Ikpeazu's government may have contributed to his temporary misfortunes as he may have been victim of power play inside Government House.

Another influential figure in the Ikpeazu administration whose name is now on the lips of Abia's political elite is John Okiyi Kalu, JOK, the Honourable Commissioner for Information who is returning to his office for the third time. What is the magic behind his growing image?

JOK, coming from the private sector is relatively new to Abia's politics, and may not qualify for the tag 'career politician', but his dedication and loyalty to Gov Ikpeazu is beyond question. While it may be explained  that his returning colleagues, namely  Ihediwa and Osuji could remain useful for their professional competence, one may submit unquivocally that JOK earned his return to his superlative performance, dedication and unavowed loyalty to  Gov Ikpeazu.

Though not a journalist, it was JOK that restored the tattered, battered  reputation Gov Ikpeazu had in the press  early in his first term. His re-appointment did therefore not surprise many.

As commissionership hopefuls lobby and manipulate to be noticed and given a chance, Gov Ikpeazu faces the herculean task of shopping both for loyalty, professionalism and capacity to conform to his new found zeal to work for Abians