Governor Sacks Information Commissioner Over Alleged Incompetence, Swears In Replacement
Mixed narratives have surrounded Nwosu’s sacking from a position he had held since Governor Soludo came into office in 2022.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State on Tuesday swore in Dr. Law Mefor as the new Commissioner for Information to replace Mr Paul Nwosu, who was sacked by the governor for alleged incompetence.
Mixed narratives have surrounded Nwosu’s sacking from a position he had held since Governor Soludo came into office in 2022.
Whereas some sources close to the Government House said that Nwosu was sacked over incompetence, other sources also familiar with Governor Soludo’s administration said the former commissioner was asked to resign.
When SaharaReporters contacted Christian Aburime, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Soludo for clarification of the situation, he refused to comment on the reason Nwosu lost his position but confirmed his replacement with Mefor.
Aburime said, “Kindly wait for the government official statement,” and subsequently confirmed Nwosu’s replacement in a statement sent to SaharaReporters he titled, ‘Soludo Swears in Dr. Law Mefor as the New Commissioner for Information’.
Aburime’s statement read, “Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR performed the function at the State Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Awka.
“Dr. Mefor is assuming office at a time when the dissemination of accurate and timely information is more critical than ever before.
“According to Governor Soludo, the new information commissioner brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise that is expected to rejuvenate the state’s information apparatus.
“Dr. Mefor hinted that working with the Governor’s vision, he plans to work with media organizations to promote media literacy among the public, providing them with the necessary tools to evaluate information critically and prevent the spread of inaccurate or misleading content.
“The Commissioner also promised to use technology to modernize the state’s information Ministry, making it more responsive, efficient, and accessible to citizens, creating a ministry that leverages data-driven insights and analytics to support evidence-based policy making and decision-making.
“As a seasoned writer, public speaker, and media personality who is passionate about the role of the media in shaping public discourse and opinion, Dr. Mefor’s career spans over 25 years, and he has worked in various capacities, providing research and analytical support to organizations across different industries.”
However, SaharaReporters obtained Nwosu’s resignation letter which he personally signed. The letter dated September 17, 2024, and addressed to the Secretary to State Government is titled, ‘Resignation of My Appointment’.
In the resignation letter, Nwosu who gave no reason for his resignation, said, “I wish to resign my appointment as the Commissioner for Information, Anambra State. I have consistently been in the service of Anambra State Government for ten years and six months and I think it is about time I move on to other things.
“My wife, Neta and I are very grateful for the opportunity you have given me to serve Anambra State.
“We are very confident that with the policies and programmes you have enunciated, Anambra State is destined to becoming the liveable and prosperous homeland you promised our people.”
Journalists in the state are celebrating the removal of Nwosu, who served as Commissioner for Information for nearly three years. During his tenure, he reportedly refused to engage with journalists, declining to address or speak to them directly.
This lack of communication and accessibility created tension between Nwosu and the press, making his departure a welcome change for many journalists.
