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The approach taken by Governor Hope Uzodinma in Imo State is garnering appreciation as he prioritizes meritocracy, giving weight to qualities such as experience and proficiency in his selection of personal aides. Chief Ferdinand Uzodinma’s appointment as Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) further underscores this commitment.
The recognition was extended by the Imo Social Contract Group (ISCG), a self-described organization dedicated to promoting good governance and accountability.
It observed in a statement made available to the media in Abuja on Sunday that “rising above close-minded and divisive sentiments to source for best hands as aides in line with his administration’s widely applauded resolve to harness home-grown proficiencies further guarantees multi sectoral good governance and productivity in the State.”
Ferdinand Uzodinma’s appointment has not been without controversy, as questions of nepotism have been raised due to his familial association with the governor of Imo State, prompting criticism from various quarters.
Signed by its Convener Dr Fabian Ihekweme, the statement particularly noted that the appointment of Chief Uzodinma is “a step in the right direction as it is fundamentally based on merit considering his competence, administrative expertise, wealth of experience, record of performance and undisputed allegiance to the State.”
It added: “After a thorough independent analysis especially with regard to the need to harness the best hands for multisectoral good governance and productivity in the State, we commend Governor Hope Uzodinma for rising above close-minded sentiments to source for and appoint only qualified hands with the required experience and commitment to the State as personal aides.
“We note that though the Deputy Chief of Staff as a personal aide of the governor has no direct role to play in government, and despite the fact the choice of and appointment of personal aides are exclusive to the Governor, Governor Uzodinma had always respected and considered merit, capacity, competence and proven loyalty and commitment to the State in making such appointments.
“We also note that Governor Uzodinma had always ensured an even spread of political appointments as well as his personal aides to reflect and ensure representation of all the various segments of the State.
Read also: Governor Hope Uzodinma’s Anniversary Of Sheer Wickedness
“The appointment of Chief Ferdinand Uzodinma as Deputy Chief of Staff (General Services) is therefore well-deserved and should be commended by every well-meaning and progressive-minded son and daughter of Imo State, given his competence, administrative expertise, wealth of experience, record of performance, connection with the people and undisputed allegiance to the State.”
The group asserted that Chief Uzodinma possesses a distinguished leadership track record, having served as a Local Government Councilor, Transition Committee Chairman, and subsequently as a Local Government Sole Administrator, among other roles. They emphasized his extensive administrative experience and skills acquired over the years, highlighting his ability to contribute significantly to his new position.
It further said: “It would have amounted to a great disservice to the people of Imo State if Governor Uzodimma had jettisoned, discountenanced and sacrificed such wealth of experience on the alter kinship.”
The group earnestly appealed to Governor Uzodinma to stay resolute and steadfast in his sincere drive to position Imo State as a focal point of development in Nigeria. This entails his unwavering focus on enhancing security, fostering infrastructural growth, and facilitating citizen empowerment across critical domains of life.
It also charged the newly appointed officials including the re-appointed Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie; Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations), Barr. Sydney Agbor as well as Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), Patrick Ekeji, Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu Political Adviser and Head Political Bureau and of course the Special Adviser on Programme and Policy Implementation and Monitoring, Sam Nwaobasi, to put in their best in their new tasks.
