How SEFTAS Report Triggered the Sacking of Hon. Chima Oriaku Amid Turmoil in Abia State Government(Document) | #NwokeukwuMascot
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SEFTAS Report Triggers Sacking of Hon. Chima Oriaku Amid Turmoil in Abia State Government | #NwokeukwuMascot
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The recent dismissal of Hon. Chima Oriaku, the Commissioner for Science and Technology, has stirred significant controversy within Governor Alex Otti’s administration. This development comes against the backdrop of growing turmoil in the Abia State government, marked by the sacking of multiple key officials. The latest incident underscores the tensions within the administration and raises questions about governance practices and internal accountability.
Hon. Chima Oriaku’s political journey has been tumultuous. Originally, he contested the House of Assembly primaries under the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Osisioma Local Government. However, after the APC primaries were reportedly hijacked by the Ikechi Emenike-led faction, Oriaku resigned and joined the Labour Party alongside Governor Otti. Subsequently, he was appointed as the Commissioner for Science and Technology, a role in which he struggled to make a significant impact, largely due to the limited expectations from that sector.
According to our sources, The turning point for Oriaku came last month when he sought an audience with Governor Otti to discuss the expenses detailed in the Q2 report of Abia Financials. This report, signed and published on the Abia State website by the Ministry of Finance, indicated that approximately 2.4 billion Naira had been spent on ICT. Oriaku, facing numerous inquiries from media outlets about these expenses, privately asked the Governor for clarification on what constituted these costs.
It is alleged that Governor Otti reacted angrily to Oriaku's questions, suggesting that Oriaku was unaware of the activities within his own ministry. Shortly after, the Governor informed Oriaku that he was reshuffling his executive council and that Oriaku’s resignation was required. Shocked by the request and questioning his dismissal, Oriaku reached out to Labour Party leaders in Osisioma to intervene on his behalf, fearing the damage to his political image.
Despite his efforts, news soon broke that Oriaku, along with the Commissioner for Agriculture, had been sacked. The circumstances of Oriaku’s dismissal have led to speculation and concern among political observers. Notably, there were no allegations of fraud or mismanagement of funds against him, as his ministry had not undertaken any major projects since his appointment.
The incident reflects a broader issue within Governor Otti’s administration, where questioning or challenging the Governor’s decisions appears to be unwelcome. This has fueled further criticism and highlighted the growing internal discord within the Labour Party-led government of Abia State.
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As the state navigates these challenges, the focus remains on Governor Otti’s ability to manage internal conflicts and uphold principles of good governance. The public and political stakeholders continue to watch closely, calling for greater transparency and accountability in the administration’s operations.
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