Date Published: 06/16/11

Gov. Okorocha appoints Ohakim's running mate Commissioner

Gov Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has appointed Prof Viola Onwuliri, the running mate of his immediate predecessor, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, his deputy, Sir Jude Agbaso and 13 others as commissioners.

The 13 others are Mrs Ejezie Veronica, Mrs Ann Dozie, Barr. Soronnadi Njoku, Chike John Okafor, Lolo Chioma Ogoke, Barr Nelson Nzerioha, and Ndukwu Emeka.

The rest are Chief Jerry Okorie, Nze Enwerem Ogueri, Steve ahamefula, Kenneth Emelu, dr. Njoku Obi, and Chief Uche Ejike.

The governor had since sent the list of commissioners-nominee to the State House of Assembly for screening. Reports said the nominees had passed security screening by the SSS (State Security Service).

Speaking at plenary yesterday (June 16), speaker of the assembly, Chief Ben Uwajimogu disclosed that the nominees had been screened by a committee of the House.  He however added that the nominees would appear before the plenary today (June 17).

Barr.  Soronnadi Njoku is a two-time commissioner in the state.  He served during the administration of Chief Achike Udenwa, who ruled between 1999 and 2007. Njoku served first as commissioner for Agriculture and later Commissioner for Public utilities and Rural development.

 Barr Njoku is a Law graduate of the University of Nigeria Nsukka  (UNN). He was the legal adviser, Ngor/Okpala Local Government Area chapter of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). He has also represented Ngor/Okpala Constituency at the State House of Assembly. He was a strong member of the Alliance for Good Governance of Imo State and Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) which worked assiduously to ensure that Ohakim was not re-elected.

He contested on the platform of ACN to represent Aboh Mbaise/Ngor/Okpala federal constituency but lost to deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Chief Emeka Ihedioha.

Born in 1959, Barr. Njoku is married with four children- two boys and two girls.

Prof Viola Onwuliri is the wife of the outgoing Vice chancellor of Federal University of Technology Owerri ( FUTO), Professor Celestine Onwuliri. She was Ohakim’s running mate in the April 26 governorship election on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) which Okorocha won.

Analysts are aghast that Prof Viola ONwuliri is nominated into Okorocha’s cabinet. Some however commend Okorocha for what they describe as his Okorocha’s large-heartedness in appointing Viola.

Information reaching Nigeria newspoint revealed that Okorocha and Viola knew each other in Jos, Plateau State. On May 27 during handover, Okorocha hinted he might appoint viola into his cabinet.

Lolo Chioma Charisma Ogoke is Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Imo State chapter. She is reported to have worked hard to pave way for the governor to join the party when party bigwigs wanted to frustrate Okorocha’s entry due to the manner he wanted to join.

Lolo Ogoke hails from Umunumo in Ehime Mbano LGA. She is a 2002 graduate of History and International Relations of Lagos State University (LASU) and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in the same course.

She also holds a certificate in Management and a diploma in Air Travel Studies and Aviation. The iron lady as she is fondly called by friends was director of Publicity, Rochas Campaign Organization.

Lolo Ogoke was APGA candidate for Ehime Mbano State Constituency in 2007. She has high managerial acumen and good relations. She is a team player with a high sense of humour. Her hobbies include travelling, reading and politicking. She is married with children.

Dr Njoku Obi was chairman of Ikeduru LGA during the administration of Chief Evan Enwerem. He runs a hospital in Owerri.

Commissioners-nominee at a glance

Mrs Ejezie Veronica

Mrs Ann Dozie

Barr Soronnadi Njoku

Chike John Okafor

Prof Viola Onwuliri

Lolo Chioma Charisma Ogoke

Barr Nelson Nzerioha

Ndukwu Emeka

Chief Jerry Okorie

Nze Enwerem Ogueri

Steve Ahamefula

Kenneth Emelu

Dr Joe Obi njoku

Chief Uche Ejike

Sir Jude Agbaso