Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State, on Thursday sacked two of his appointees, Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Physical Planning, Noble Atulegwu, and the Special Adviser/General Manager of Imo Housing Corporation, Mbakwe Obi.
The Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Cosmos Iwu, confirmed this in a statement to newsmen in Owerri.
The statement said, “Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has sanctioned the immediate suspension of Honorable Commissioner for Lands, Survey, and Physical Planning, Honorable Noble Atulegwu. His Excellency has also approved the immediate suspension from office of the SA/GM Imo Housing Corporation, Honorable Mbakwe Obi Jnr. Both officials are directed to hand over to the most senior officers in their respective offices.”
While no specific reasons were provided for their dismissal, sources suggest it may be related to protests concerning the alleged forceful acquisition of land in various Imo communities.
Protests, originating from areas like Owerri West and Owerri North, among others, have arisen due to allegations of utilizing government influence to seize their lands. Villagers have demanded the removal of certain officials appointed by Governor Hope Uzodimma amid claims of land takeovers.