By Anayo Okoli

Umuahia—THERE are strong indications that Governor Theodore Orji, may submit  the name of Mr. Acho Nwakanmma, to the State House of Assembly as replacement for the impeached deputy governor, Mr Chris Akomas.

Though the governor has been jealously guiding the name of his new deputy, a very reliable source hinted Vanguard yesterday that Governor may have eventually zeroed-in on Nwakanmma.

Before now, some names had been touted as possible contenders. They include Chief Isaac Ogbonna, Mr. Uche Ihediuwa, a serving commissioner in the state, and the Chief Whip of the Assembly, Mr. Uche Nwankpa. All of them are of Ngwa extraction, from where Akomas also hails.

According to the source, Governor Orji is looking for a reliable down- to-earth person who will be loyal and dedicated to duty, saying “somebody who will not cause him any distraction now that he has focused on developing the state more than ever”

Nwakanmma, deputy governor to former governor Orji Kalu, who incidentally was selected when Kalu’s former deputy, late Chima Nwafor was impeached, may be on the verge of making history as the man who comes to replace impeached deputy governors.

It was learnt that Orji may have settled for him based on his humility and loyalty in his first outing as the deputy governor. Besides, he was said to have been very close to the governor when he was deputy governor and the governor was then the Chief of Staff.

Nwakanmma has of recent been frequenting Government House, Umuahia thereby giving credence to his planned appointment.
Also, the governor is also said to be seriously scouting for a reliable person to be appointed the Chief of Staff. Because of the very important role of the Chief of Staff to the day-to-day running of the government, the governor is said to be taking his time to search for “appropriate person”.