The Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, has announced the immediate termination of appointments given to several of his aides and loyalists.
The announcement was made by the governor during a virtual State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Friday in Abakaliki, the state capital.
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Uchenna Orji, the termination follows a determination by Governor Umahi to “rally around persons with the genuine interest of the state at heart.”
The statement further revealed that the governor had earlier dissolved all boards and commissions that he set up during his first tenure in office.
Although the statement did not indicate the number of aides affected by the governor’s decision, it disclosed that the development is part of activities aimed at the state’s repositioning.
It would be recalled that Governor Umahi had defected from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) late last year, citing among other reasons, his discontentment with the party’s handling of his administration’s request for resources to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
The governor’s decision to join the APC sparked widespread protest and criticisms, with many accusing him of being a political turncoat.
Despite the criticisms, Governor Umahi had defended his decision, insisting that it was borne out of his desire to work for the betterment of the people of Ebonyi State and to foster better collaboration with the Federal Government.
Observers say the governor’s recent decision to terminate appointments might not be unconnected with his desire to consolidate his hold on the state’s governance and build a loyal team to achieve his political objectives in the APC.
