In preparation for his second term on March 17, Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has sacked commissioners and other political appointees in his government.

A letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SGF), Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, and sent to the commissioners, ordered them to handover to the permanent secretaries of their respective ministries, departments and agencies or to the most senior civil servants in the absence of permanent secretaries.

The memo directed the affected appointees to handover any project/utility vehicles in their custody to the Office of the SSG on or before Friday, March 16, 2018.

The memo read: “Governor Obiano has directed that all political appointees and non-civil servant, heads of MDAs in the state submit their handover notes/reports on or before March 16, 2018 to the permanent secretaries of their respective MDAs, or to the most senior civil servant there in the absence of a permanent secretaries.

“All SSAs/SAs are to submit their handover notes/reports to the permanent secretary, Office of the SSG.
“A copy of the handover notes/reports must be submitted to the SSG on or before Friday, March 16, 2018.
“Further to the above, political appointees and non-civil servant, heads of MDAs and SSAs/SAs under reference, are to also handover any government project/utility vehicles in their custody to the permanent secretary, Office of the SSG on or before Friday, March 16, 2018.

“The contents of this letter are for your attention and necessary actions, as I assure you of my high regards.”
The memo was copied to the office of the deputy governor, among others.
Obiano had last month given a hint to the sack, during an inspection of work at Golden Tulip Hotel, Agulu.
The governor said the hotel would commence operation before his second term, and that his brand new cabinet would be at the hotel for their retreat.
One of the affected aides who spoke with THISDAY on condition of anonymity, said the sack was expected, but the order for the return of vehicles has never been done.

“Its a peck of office to us. Let’s see how things go, but I doubt if that order would be adhered to. Between you and I, I can tell you that most appointees would already have moved their vehicles and other valuables into hiding by now.”

THISDAY