Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has dismissed Barrister Cyprian Akaolisa, the state’s Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General. This decision is effective immediately.

The announcement was made on Monday, May 26, in Owerri through a statement released by Hon. Declan Emelumba, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy.

The statement read, “His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma, CON, Governor of Imo State, has approved the immediate removal of Barr. C. O. C. Akaolisa as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.”

The directive also instructed Akaolisa to hand over all government assets in his possession to the State Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice without delay.

This unexpected move has surprised many residents of Imo State, especially considering Akaolisa’s close ties with the governor. Political analysts have described the decision as startling, although no official reason has been provided for the dismissal.

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Akaolisa has been relieved of his duties under Uzodinma’s administration. In May 2021, the governor dissolved his cabinet, removing 20 commissioners, including Akaolisa. However, he was reinstated just three months later in August after Hon. Emelumba clarified that his removal had been a mistake.