By Chibuike Njoku
Fresh details have emerged regarding the dismissal of Imo State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Cyprian Akaolisa, by Governor Hope Uzodimma.
In a surprising move on Monday, Governor Uzodimma terminated Akaolisa’s appointment, ending his tenure as the state’s chief legal officer, a position he had held since 2020. According to sources familiar with the matter, the decision was largely driven by growing concerns over Akaolisa’s recent public statements, which were seen as inconsistent with the governor’s values and political messaging.
An official who spoke on condition of anonymity explained, “It is unfortunate that someone so close to the governor would make such provocative statements that risk sending the wrong signals about the administration’s values. The governor is known for inclusivity and strategic leadership, but the attorney general’s utterances appeared to contradict that image.”
In recent months, Akaolisa reportedly made several controversial remarks that raised eyebrows among political stakeholders in the state. In one instance, he allegedly claimed that only members of “Camp Hope,” a political support group loyal to the governor, would be eligible to succeed Uzodimma in 2028. While many dismissed the comment as mere political posturing, the fact that it came from a key member of the administration sparked public concern about the governor’s true intentions.
Shortly after, Akaolisa again stirred controversy when he declared that there would be no Charter of Equity for the Okigwe Zone until justice was served in the 2007 governorship case involving Martin Agbaso. This statement reportedly angered many leaders from Okigwe, prompting calls for an apology and increased pressure on the governor to act.
In response to mounting backlash from stakeholders and concerned citizens, and in a bid to maintain stability and focus within his administration, Governor Uzodimma ultimately chose to part ways with Akaolisa.
It is worth noting that Governor Uzodimma had previously warned his aides and associates against making statements that could inflame tensions or distract from the administration’s commitment to governance, as he still has nearly three years left in his current term.
