There is indication that Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has nominated a former Head of Service in the state, Sir. Callistus Ekenze to replace his bosom friend turned foe Prince Eze Madumere who was impeached on Monday by Imo State House of Assembly.
Prince Madumere’s impeachment was carried out by 19 of the 27 members of the Imo House of Assembly after receiving a report from the panel setup by the Chief Judge on alleged gross misconduct by the outgone Deputy Governor.
His fallout with Gov. Okorocha began when he declared to succeed Gov. Okorocha who was already presenting his son-in-law, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu for the office. Prince Madumere was also a visible members of the Imo APC Coalition or Allied Forces who ousted Gov. Okorocha during their last Ward Congress which was cancelled by the court.
Sir. Callistus Ekenze who hails from Ubomiri in Mbaitolu Local Government Area of Imo State was appointed Head of Service by Gov. Okorocha in 2013, having served as Chairman/Chief Executive, Board of Internal Revenue; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
Earlier speculations had it that Gov. Okorocha was planning on appointing his son-in-law as the Deputy Governor to boost his CV in leadership, while another section argued that the Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon. Acho Ihim was also moving to replace Prince Eze Madumere after his impeachment.
If appointed, Sir. Callistus Ekenze will be the third Deputy Governor to serve with Gov. Okorocha in his two-term tenures and his appointment will also serve as a consolation for both Owerri Zone and Mbaitoli LGA, where the outgone Deputy Governor hails from.
