Governor Uzodinma Sacks Attorney General Cyprian Akaolisa, Again!

Owerri is abuzz with political speculation following a surprising announcement today, Monday, May 26th, from the Imo State Government House. Governor Senator Hope Uzodinma has, with immediate effect, dismissed the state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Barrister Cyprian Akaolisa.

The news was made public through a statement signed by Hon. Declan Emelumba, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy. 

The statement confirmed: "The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma, CON, has approved the immediate removal from the office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr C. O. C. Akaolisa." It further directed the former commissioner to immediately hand over all government property under his care to the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice.

What makes this dismissal particularly surprising is Barrister Akaolisa's perceived close relationship with Governor Uzodinma. Political observers in the state are describing the move as "shocking," especially since no official reason has been provided for the sudden decision.

Adding another layer of intrigue to this development is the fact that this isn't Akaolisa's first time being relieved of his duties under the Uzodinma administration. 

In May 2021, he was among 20 commissioners whose duties were dissolved during a cabinet reshuffle. However, in a swift turnaround just three months later in August of that same year, he was dramatically reinstated, with Commissioner Emelumba clarifying at the time that his initial inclusion in the sack list was "in error."

This repeated dismissal raises questions and leaves many in Imo State wondering about the underlying dynamics behind the Governor's latest cabinet change.