Most executive power lies with the governor whose responsibility is to enforce state laws. He or she serves as the head of government with supreme authority over the Executive Council. Excluding the deputy governor, he or she appoints commissioners, heads of government agencies, special advisers and judicial officers subject to the House's approval. The governor has the duty to attract investments, promote business and implement political as well as economic initiatives. The governor in his executive capacity also serves as the Chief Security Officer of the State.
Legislative powers
Under the Constitution, every bill passed by the Imo House of Assembly must be presented to the governor for approval before it becomes law. The governor may choose to sign it and make it law, veto it and return it to the House, or take no action, however. If he or she vetoes the bill, a two-thirds majorityof the House may override it, and the bill will become act without the governor's signature. If the governor does not act, the bill will automatically become Law after a 30-day period.
Judicial powers
Judicial officers are appointed by the governor on the recommendation of the National Judicial Council subject to confirmation of the appointment by the Imo State House of Assembly. Should a vacancy arise in the office of the Chief Judge or the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, the governor can appoint the next most senior judge of those courts to act for a period of three months. Section 212, subsection and further empowers the chief executive to issue pardons and reprieves, commute sentences, or remit fines and forfeitures imposed for the commission of offenses against, or for the violation of the state laws.
Oath of Office
The oath of office is administered by the Chief Judge of the State who is appointed by the Governor. The oath of office is carried out on the inaugural day of the new Government in the State which is especially on the day of tenure expiration of the preceding government or otherwise stipulated by a Higher Court in Nigeria.
Qualification
The governor and deputy governor are directly elected on the same ticket by popular vote for four-year terms, and are limited to two consecutive terms, for a total of eight years. Qualifications required for an individual aspiring to become the Governor of Imo State is contained in section 177 of the 1999 Constitution. According to the constitution, an individual may become governor if he or she meets the following eligibility criteria: a. He or She must be years of age b. A citizen of Imo State by birth c. A member of a political party in Nigeria already registered by the Independent National Electoral Commission with an endorsement by that political party. d. School Certificate level or its equivalent
Removal from Office
Although a governor is normally elected to serve a complete four-year term during the national elections, in exceptional cases, before a term of such four years expires, the officeholder may be replaced or removed as the case may be, through death, impeachment or if an election is annulled by a competent court of law or by a two-third majority of the House of Assembly. As seen in the case of Emeka Ihedioha and the incumbent governor Hope Uzodinma
