Okorocha shocks Ohakim, imposes embargo on Imo govt accounts

The out-going Imo State administration has expressed shock that the governor-elect, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has written to banks placing embargo on the state government’s accounts until he is sworn in.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Nze Elvis Agukwe, who made government’s stand known at a press conference in Owerri, also said that Governor IKedi Ohakim was not afraid of any inquiries that may be made about his activities during his tenure.

“You can imagine the level of shock with which the Governor received reports that the governor-elect, acting through his Chief of Staff, Prince Eze Madumere, has written to banks, holding the state government’s accounts,placing embargo on the accounts until Chief Okorocha is sworn in on May 29, 2011”, Agukwe fumed.

While saying that Okorocha’s action was illegal and unconstitutional, adding that there is nothing like the office of the governor elect and the Nigerian Constitution does not recognize two governors at a time.

“The action of Chief Okorocha is already grinding government machinery to a halt. As I talk to you, civil servants in the state are bcomin restive because banks, evidently acting under the instruction of Chief Okorocha, have refused to release cheques for their April salaries”, Agukwe said.

The Commissioner wondered why Okorocha was in a haste to frustrate Ohakim, even after he (Ohakim) has shown faith in the collective interest and aspiration of Imo people.