Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has terminated the appointment of the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Cyprian Akaolisa, with immediate effect, in a move that has surprised political observers given their close working relationship.
The dismissal was announced on Monday afternoon by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, though no specific reasons were provided for the sudden removal of the senior government official.
The terse statement confirming Akaolisa’s dismissal offered no explanation for the governor’s decision, simply stating that Uzodimma had approved the immediate termination of the Attorney General’s appointment. The lack of stated reasons has fueled speculation about the circumstances leading to the removal of such a high-ranking state official.
“The Governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, CON, has approved the immediate removal from the office of the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr C.O.C Akaolisa,” the official statement declared.
The directive also included specific instructions for the transition process, requiring Akaolisa to immediately surrender all government property under his care to designated officials within the Ministry of Justice. “The erstwhile commissioner has been directed to hand over all government property under his care to the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, immediately,” the statement added.
The removal of Akaolisa represents a significant development in Imo State’s political landscape, particularly given his close relationship with Governor Uzodimma and his prominent role within the administration. The Attorney General had been appointed by Uzodimma and was widely regarded as one of the governor’s trusted allies in the state executive council.
Akaolisa’s political history with Uzodimma dates back to 2019, when he served as the governor’s placeholder for the position of Deputy Governor, highlighting the depth of their previous working relationship. This background makes his sudden dismissal all the more unexpected, as it represents the removal of a long-standing political associate from a key position in the state government.
The Attorney General’s office holds significant responsibility within state government operations, overseeing legal matters, providing legal advice to the administration, and representing the state in various legal proceedings. Akaolisa’s departure leaves a crucial vacancy that will need to be filled as the state continues its various legal and administrative functions.
The timing and manner of the dismissal, announced without warning or detailed explanation, has generated considerable attention within Imo State’s political circles. The absence of stated reasons for such a high-profile removal has led to speculation about potential disagreements or issues that may have prompted the governor’s decision.
Political observers note that sudden dismissals of senior government officials without stated reasons often signal deeper political or administrative tensions, though in this case, the specific circumstances remain unclear. The lack of public explanation leaves room for various interpretations about what may have led to the breakdown in the relationship between the governor and his Attorney General.
The handover process to the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary suggests that the governor is moving quickly to ensure continuity in the Ministry of Justice’s operations despite the sudden change in leadership. This transition arrangement indicates preparation for maintaining essential legal functions while a replacement is considered.
As Imo State moves forward from this unexpected political development, attention will likely focus on who Governor Uzodimma will appoint to replace Akaolisa and whether any further explanations will be provided regarding the circumstances that led to this significant administrative change.
