Looking at controversy of Eche as Imo SSG

The last time I checked, Chief Jude Ejiogu was no longer the Secretary to the Imo State Government (SSG). The gentleman in question was reportedly disengaged from his duty unannounced last two weeks, for a reason best known to his employer – Chief Rochas Okorocha.

Consequently, penultimate week, the governor brought in Sir George Eche into his cabinet to replace the erstwhile SSG. The new SSG, Sir George who had variously served in different top civil service positions as, the Permanent Secretary of Imo State Ministry of Finance as well as the Accountant General of the state respectively, hails from Ngor-Okpala LGA in Imo East Senatorial district.

Several reactions followed by counter reactions have greeted the appointment of the astute public servant, which were no doubt occasioned by the fact that the appointee was a serving civil servant. The aggrieved persons, are of the view that the appointee never deserved the resounding recognition since he had never handled any political post,yet to know the modus operandi surrounding such highly reputable position.

Most times, I feel like crying over some certain ridiculous news marred by ignorance. It’s no longer news that in the contemporary Nigerian society, several individuals or groups often speak just for their voice to be heard; especially when they feel their fans have really missed their voice. If not, how on someone would be aggrieved over the appointment of a distinguished citizen of Imo State as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) just because the appointee was a serving civil servant.
And, it’s really amusing that the ongoing melodrama emanated barely few hours after I did a piece entitled “Appointment of a ‘layman’ as Commissioner for Health”. In that very piece, I categorically enjoined the public to always acknowledge the difference between rights and privileges.

For crying out very loud; that politicians had often been assigned to serve as SSG doesn’t in any way imply that the said political post is reserved for only politicians. In other words, such lingered practice or norm that had unabatedly been enjoyed by the teeming Nigerian politicians was just a privilege, and not a right.
The only qualities or factors that are consequentially and constitutionally meant to be considered while recognising someone that would serve in such position are competence and trustworthiness. And, we are very much aware that the new SSG , Sir George Eche is equal to the task as regards the aforementioned features or idiosyncrasies, considering his antecedents. Notwithstanding, I’m not here to tender eulogies, but to appraise facts just as the title of this column implies.

Mind you; the recognition of Sir George never meant that the governor didn’t find anyone among his allies worthy to replace the former SSG, but it’s gratifying to acknowledge that sometimes change, which remains the only constant factor in life, is highly needed and consequential. Of course, there are several competent and trustworthy politicians that were qualified to wear the pleasant cap, but the candid point remains that change is necessary sometimes. I enjoin us to serious think about this clause.

The bone of contention of this critique is that the appointment of Sir George was constitutional, rational and obviously logical, hence generally acceptable; thus, it ought to accepted by all and sundry. In view of this assertion, rather than negatively criticizing his emergence as SSG, we are expected to unanimously convey our felicitation to him, so that, he wouldn’t be deterred by anything while discharging his lawful obligations.
Meanwhile, having congratulated the new sheriff, I want to seize this opportunity to extend my cheerful farewell to the erstwhile sheriff, Chief Ejiogu as I sincerely wish him nothing but success in all his future endeavours. Similarly, the new sheriff should please not hesitate to consult his immediate predecessor whenever he’s faced with any dilemma or quagmire owing to the challenges surrounding the position. The said predecessor, on his part, shouldn’t hesitate to respond to such call when the time comes.

Most importantly, I want to equally appeal to the allies of the past SSG to desist from any unlawful or irrational act they intend to indulge in simply because their boss was relieved of his duty, rather they ought to join their boss in appreciating the governor for having granted him the golden opportunity to serve the ancient state in such well respected capacity since 2011. Service or stewardship is about ‘soldier go soldier come’, thus it’s nobody’s farmyard. Think about it!

Comr Fred Doc Nwaozor is Chief Executive Director, Centre for Counselling, Research
& Career Development – Owerri.