Uzodimma suspended Noble Atulegwu, the state’s former commissioner for lands, survey and physical planning, last November.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma on Tuesday appointed himself as the commissioner for lands in the state.
The governor made the announcement during the inauguration of 24 commissioners at the Government House in Owerri.
Uzodimma said his action was a measure to prevent a repeat of past incidents.
He cited the example of a previous commissioner who was embroiled in controversial land deals.
Although he did not mention his name, Uzodimma suspended Noble Atulegwu, the state’s former commissioner for lands, survey and physical planning, last November.
Also suspended was the governor’s former special adviser and general manager of Imo State Housing Corporation, Mbakwe Obi.
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Secretary to the State Government, Cosmos Iwu, made this known in a statement at the time, saying the suspension was to take immediate effect.
Though the statement did not state any reason for the suspension, it was learnt that Atulegwu had been having issues with many communities in Owerri over the alleged takeover of their family and communal lands.
Many communities had protested and asked the governor to relieve him of his duty.
Some even went to court to challenge Atulegwu’s actions and policies.
