OKOROCHA SACKS IMSU VC

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State on Monday relieved the Vice Chancellor of the Imo State University (IMSU), Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie, of his appointment.

Prof. Awuzie, who was also the former Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), only got to know that he has been sacked  when the  Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Prof. Adaobi Obasi who was appointed to replace him, came to resume duty.

While his removal may not be unconnected to the recent strike action embarked upon by the staff of the university, there are speculations that Awuzie's travails may be as a result of his loyalty to Dr Ogbonnaya Onu whom Awuzie was said to have openly sent congratulatory messages in two national newspapers on his award of Honourary Doctorate degree by the Abia State University.

Also, the Government House had alleged that the Vice Chancellor may be ‘sabotaging’ the free education programme of the governor following his repeated insistence that the governor was underfunding the university.

In another development, the Governor dissolved the State Executive Council and has appointed the former Chief of Staff, Sir Jude Ejiogu as the Secretary to the State Government. He also appointed the former Commissioner for Lands, Uche Nwosu, as the Chief of Staff. Nwosu is said to be his son-in-law.