Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has appointed himself as the Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning.
This announcement was made during the inauguration of 24 newly appointed commissioners at the Government House in Owerri on Tuesday, April 30.
The decision to appoint himself to this position comes amidst a series of changes in the leadership of the ministry, which has been embroiled in controversy in recent times. Initially, Enyinnaya Onuegbu held the position of Lands Commissioner during the Governor’s first tenure.
However, he was later replaced by Noble Obiaso Atulegwu due to allegations of corruption. Noble’s tenure was short-lived, as he too faced similar accusations and was relieved of his duties.
Governor Uzodinma justified his self-appointment by citing the need to prevent a repeat of past incidents involving controversial land deals. By assuming the role himself, he aims to ensure greater accountability and transparency in the administration of lands and physical planning in Imo State he said.
Ikenna Amadi, an Owerri-based public policy analyst, commented on the implications of the appointment, stating, “The implications of this appointment remain to be seen, but it is clear that this move has the potential to significantly impact the administration of lands and physical planning in Imo State.”
