Imo Deputy Governor Breaks Silence, Dismisses Resignation Rumours As False

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, has officially dismissed widespread rumours suggesting her resignation from office, describing the claims as false and the handiwork of mischief-makers.

In her first public appearance since the speculation began, the Deputy Governor addressed the issue indirectly by carrying out her official duties at the Government House in Owerri on Thursday, April 30, 2026. She received the 8th Paragon Queen Nigeria, Miss Amarachi Victory Chinedu, and her team, where she urged Imo youths to focus on their dreams and chosen vocations.

While she did not make a separate statement addressing the resignation rumours directly, her visible presence at Government House and active engagement in state functions effectively put the speculation to rest. A senior aide to the Deputy Governor, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Lady Ekomaru remains fully committed to her duties and has no intention of stepping down.

During the event, the Deputy Governor praised the beauty queen and her team for using their talents to make a positive impact, describing them as a blessed generation. She said, “Your work in content creation, modeling, and your pet project shows you are not only creative but intelligent. Keep it up, and do not allow your status to get into your head, as pride comes before a fall”.

She further stated that Governor Hope Uzodimma is pleased that Imo youths are excelling and making waves across various fields of endeavour. She stressed that the results are a testament to the enabling environment and opportunities created by the governor through different ministries, especially the Ministries of Youth Development and Talent Hunt, Youth and Sports, Digital Economy and E-Government, as well as Tourism, Hospitality and Culture.

The Deputy Governor, however, warned youths against alcohol, drug abuse, and other vices that could derail and cut short their dreams, urging them to make their families and the state proud by being good ambassadors.

It would be recalled that separate rumours had circulated on social media earlier in the week alleging that Lady Ekomaru had resigned from her position. Some unverified reports even claimed she had fallen out with Governor Hope Uzodimma over political disagreements ahead of the 2027 elections.

However, political analysts in Owerri dismissed the claims as baseless, noting that the Deputy Governor has maintained a cordial working relationship with the Governor since assuming office. A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Imo State, who requested anonymity, told journalists, “There is no truth whatsoever to the rumours. The Deputy Governor is fully at work and remains loyal to the Governor and the party.”

The visit by the Paragon Queen Nigeria team was attended by the Principal Secretary in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. John Njoku, the Director of Administration and Finance, Dr. Linda Ogbu, and other principal officers.

As of the time of filing this report, Lady Ekomaru had not issued any formal statement addressing the rumours directly, but her continued presence at the Government House and scheduled engagements for the coming days suggest she remains firmly in office.