Voter registration: Imo to shut down markets, schools, govt offices to ensure compliance.

Governor Okorocha in handshake with Mrs Serena Williams during the latter;'s visit to Govt House, Owerri today

Markets, schools and all government offices will be temporarily shut down in Imo State from 7am to 12 noon between the 13^th and 17^th of November 2014 to enable the people in the State to participate in the forthcoming voter registration exercise.

This decision was taken by the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha when the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) representative in Imo State paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Owerri today.

Speaking during the occasion, Governor Okorocha urged Imolites to ensure that they participate in the voter registeration, adding that the voters card “ represents the dividend of democracy which also empowers the electorate to decide who governs the state and the nation”

According to him, the acquisition of the voters card is compulsory for all Imolites above the age of 18 years and to that end, the State government will be declaring work-free hours from 7am to 12 noon between the 13^th and 17^th of November 2014.

He decried the attitude of Igbos towards similar exercises in the past, adding that the Igbos are erroneously regarded as being fewer in population when compared the Hausas and the Yorubas simply because they (the Igbos) fail to come out en masse to participate in such exercises.

Earlier, the resident electoral commissioner in Imo State, Mrs. Selina Oko, disclosed that (INEC) would commence distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) in Imo and in 12 other states of the federation.

Oko disclosed that the commission also approved Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise which commences on Thursday November 13 and end on Monday November 17, 2014.
According to her, the register will be displayed at the polling units where the distribution officer would be present from 8-00am till 4.00pm during the 3-day exercise.

She said the exercise is for those who were not up to 18 years of age during the last voter registration exercise in 2011, those who failed to register during the last exercise as well as those who registered but could not find their names on the list of registered voters.

Speaking further at the occasion, Mrs Oko said that any polling unit that failed to register up to 50 people will not be officially recognised

She advised people whose names appear in the register to go to the distribution officer at the polling units with his or her temporary voters card TVC to collect the permanent voter card.

Rochas appoints Mbakwe’s daughter, 6 others as commissioners.

Governor Okorocha and his deputy, Prince Madumere in group pix with the newly appointed Commissioners

Imo State governor, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has sworn-in seven new commissioners including the daughter of Sam Mbakwe, Patience Mbakwe and seven new Local Government Caretaker Committee Chairmen.  The new commissioners and new local government caretaker committee chairmen were appointed to replace their predecessors who had left the government to pursue their political ambitions.

The new commissioners were also given portfolios by the governor at the end of their swearing-in which was held at the Government House, Owerri today

Chief Chidi Ibe is the new commissioner for Information and Strategy.  Mr. Obinna Mbata, commissioner for Internally Generated Revenue.  Others are Ms Patience Mbakwe [Industry and Non-formal Sector], Mr Victor Ogbonna Amadi [Commerce and Market development], Mr Ikechukwu Njoku [Finance], Mr Clinton Obinyom [Public Utilities and Public safety], Mrs. Mma Nzeribe [Primary, secondary and Non-formal Education].

The Local Government Transition Committee Chairmen sworn-in were those of Owerri North, Owerri West, Owerri Municipal, Ahiazu Mbaise, Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta and Oru East Local Governments.

Governor Okorocha and his deputy, Prince Madumere in group pix with the newly appointed LGA Caretaker Committee Chairmen

Addressing the new appointees, the Governor hinted that he has released N3 billion for the renovation of all the Headquarters of the local governments in the state, adding that the council secretariats were left over the years to rot.

He also informed that his administration would begin to renovate the old schools in the state he said had produced great men and women.  He mentioned some of the schools as Government Technical College Owerri, Government College Owerri, Akwakuma girls school, and so on.

He said the rescue mission administration in the state will grow from strength to strength and that the appointees were in for serious business, because standard had already been set in their respective ministries and local governments and they should work to improve greatly on the existing standard.

The governor also told those in attendance at the event that the governorship aspirants in PDP in the state came out in their large number because they heard he would vie for the presidency, assuring that he would not abandon or leave Imo people.

He said his government would not rest on its oars until he was satisfied that every family in the state is free from ignorance and poverty, telling the new appointees that he had invited them to partner with him to make the state better.

Imo govt lifts embargo on employment as workers celebrate Civil Service week.

Governor Okorocha in a group pix with Permanent Secretaries in Imo State Public service when they paid thr governor a courtesy visit at Govt. House, Owerri recently

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has announced the lifting of embargo on employment into the State Civil Service while congratulating Imo workers on their Civil Service Week.

Owelle Okorocha announced this while addressing Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil Service who called on him at the Government House, Owerri.

He explained that the recruitment will be made from workers already involved in the Youth Must Work Programme and in accordance with the Civil Service guidelines.

The Governor also disclosed that buses will be provided to convey civil servants to and fro their offices, free of cost, adding that while politicians in other parties are concerned about elections, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is committed to executing more projects, completing and commissioning existing projects for the betterment of the State.  “There will be more projects and we will be stronger than when we started,” he said.

He thanked the Permanent Secretaries for working as a team and for their support to the Rescue Mission government and directed the Head of Service to submit list of senior officers who will be deployed as Principal Officers to supervise certain government projects and ensure their proper maintenance.

Speaking on the 2015 elections, Owelle Okorocha stressed the need to give Ndi-Igbo their rightful positions at the federal level and called on the people of the South-East to support any Igbo man vying for the presidential seat as he insisted “I will neither allow the Igbos to be forgotten as a people nor tolerate the long years of marginalization Ndi-Igbo have suffered in Nigeria.”

Earlier, the Imo State Head of Service, Mr. Calistus Ekenze said they came to present birthday gifts to the Governor as well as thank him for approving the celebration of the 2014 Civil Service Week in the State.

Mr. Ekenze explained that the celebration which kicked off Wednesday 22^nd of October will feature many presentations starting with a march past competition among the Deputy Governor’s Office, House of Assembly and Ministries.  He also appreciated the contributions of some sponsors in providing cash and items for a successful event.

The Chief Civil Servant used the occasion to invite Governor Okorocha to the Grand Finale holding on the 6^th of November, revealing that an Award will be conferred on the Governor by Imo workers on that occasion.

He also thanked the Governor for reactivating the State Secretariat where over 900 rooms were tiled, more than 200 sets of computers provided and office furniture put in place for workers’ comfort and efficiency at work.  “The workers are happy and they are doing their best.  We are solidly behind you and resolute in our minds you are going to succeed the more,” he assured the Governor.

Adding his voice, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industries and Non-formal sector, Mr. John Uzoma described Governor Okorocha as a God-sent leader who cares for the masses and have heard peoples’ cries by lifting the embargo on employment.

Imo govt to establish 637 micro finance banks in rural communities

 

The Imo State government has revealed its plan to float Micro Finance Bank in each of the 637 Communities of the State, with its headquarters at Okigwe Road Owerri.

The State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha made this known while on facility tour of some projects in Owerri recently.

Governor Okorocha who disclosed that the State government in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria in the project, has equally obtained certificate and completed all necessary documentation for smooth take off .

He assured that the bank would be adequately funded by the State, stressing that about 2 billion naira has been earmarked for the bank.

Owelle Okorocha described the financial institution as a dream come through in the present administration bid to alleviate poverty in the state pointing out that “this will help the ordinary people in the village, the peasant farmers, traders to access loan.”

He further said that all Community Government Council (CGC) accounts would be created in the Imo Micro Finance Banks for easier access to the communities.

Buhari,8 governors, others attend Okorocha’s daughter’s wedding in Owerri

 

Miss Uju Okorocha (right), and Dr Uzoma Anwuka (left)

Former Head of State, General Mohammadu Buhari and former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar were all in Owerri, today to attend the wedding of Governor Okorocha’s second daughter, Miss Uju Okorocha who tied the nuptial knot with  Dr Uzoma Anwuka, the son of the secretary to the Imo State Government.

Also in attendance at the wedding are former Governor of Lagos State,  Senator Bola Tinubu, the  National chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun, former Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande. Others are Governor Rabiu Kwakwanso [Kano State], Governor Wammako of Sokoto State, Governor Abudfatah Ahmed [Kwara State], Chief Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State, Alhaji Tanko Al Makura of Nasarawa State, former governor of Kwara State senator Bukola Saraki, former Speaker of House of Representatives Alhaji Bello Masari, former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timpre Sylva, one time governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamesieye, one time governor of Abia state, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, publisher of Leadership Newspaper and Presidential aspirant on the platform of APC, Alhaji Sam Nda-Isaiah, State Chief Judges, National Assembly members, and a host of other prominent Nigerians.

Governor Okorocha in hand shake with General Buhari at the former's daughter's wedding in Owerri

Speaking at St. Joseph’s Catholic Chaplaincy Imo State University, Owerri where the event took place, Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said, with the galaxy of Nigerians of all shades both Muslims and Christians coming together for the church wedding, was an indication that Nigerians are ready to live in unity irrespective of their religions and tribes.

  

In his sermon at the occasion, the officiating Minister, Catholic Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, Bishop Solomon Amatu charged the couple and Christians at large to make God their friend rather than an enemy as he warned that no one ever defeats God in a battle no matter the status and position.

The Bishop urged them to keep to their vows of the marriage for each other as he prayed for God’s abundant blessings and fruitfulness.

Owelle Rochas Okorocha and wife flanked by Alhaji Asuwuju Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar at the wedding of Uzoma and Ujunwa in Owerri today

Earlier at the couple’s Traditional marriage held at Governor Okorocha’s  country home in Ogboko, Ideato-South Local Government Area of Imo State on Friday, a former National Chairman of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, Chief Audu Ogbe, sued for harmony among tribes and religions in Nigeria to achieve a lasting peace and progress.

Chief Ogbe who expressed worry at the alarming rate of unemployment, insecurity and poor electricity in the country, appealed to the political class to promote industrial development in order to reduce youth unemployment.

He commended Governor Okorocha for being a detribalized Nigerian and for the giant strides achieved through his Rescue Mission government in Imo State.

Governor Okorocha and his second daughter, Ujunwa

The traditional marriage rites were performed by the groom’s family in accordance with the norms and tradition of the Ndigbo and the bride handed over to the Anwuka family by the bride’s father, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

The governors of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji and that of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajumobi were present to felicitate with their colleague and give their blessings to the new couple.

Others present were the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Alhaji , Musa  Ibeto, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere, the wife of Borno State governor, Hajiya Nana Shettima, the former Minister of Finance, Chief Olu Falaye, former Super Eagles player, Tijani Babangida, the members of Muslim Community in Imo State, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajimogu and other state legislators, the Chaiman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Eze Samuel Ohiri  and other Imo traditional rulers as well as the enlarged Expanded Imo State Executive Council.

Okorocha launches 'Security Black File' for crime prevention and control

Governor Okorocha 3rd from left, addressing Imolites during the official launch of 'The Imo Security Black File' 

The Imo State government has launched a security organization called 'The Imo Security Black File' in continuation of the State government's bid to beef up security in the State ahead of Christmas and the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria.

Performing the ceremony at the Nick’s Banquets Hall, Government House Owerri today, Governor Rochas Okorocha said that the Security Black File is in line with the Igbo tradition and would contain the names and communities of all crime suspects in the State. Said he; “we will go back to the cultural and traditional method of crime prevention which involves exposing criminals.  Igbo’s are proud of and conscious of their root and hates public disgrace.”

Governor Okorocha tasked the Traditional rulers to stand as Chief Security Officers of their various communities adding that the 'black file' is part of “Operation stop them before they strike” and would be with the traditional rulers and all government agencies.

He stressed that the file is highly confidential and warned that it should not be used vindictively or out of sentiments, pointing out that the exercise would go down in the State even in the next 100 years, in crime control.

The State Chief Executive, who noted that the exercise would aim at changing criminals to responsible citizens, disclosed that henceforth the names of criminals and their communities would be announced alongside their Traditional rulers from time to time.  He urged the traditional rulers to work in synergy with the Police and other Security outfits in the State as he assured the State government's readiness to provide both enabling ground and logistics to ensure the success of the programme.

Governor Okorocha presenting a copy of the 'Black File' to one of the Traditional Rulers

Present at the occasion were the Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere, the State Exco members, representative of the State Commissioner of Police, traditional rulers in the State among others.

Imo Carnival 2014 kicks off in grand style

Governor Okorocha flanked on the left by Miss Nkeiruka Sylvanus and on the right by Mr Paddy Obinna at the opening ceremony of Imo Carnival 2014

The rescheduled Imo 2014 Carnival began in Owerri yesterday with participants marching through Wetheral Road from Owerri City School before converging on the newly constructed Imo Freedom Square, showcasing the economic, fun and human development strength of Imo State.

The participants showcased different types of bands including the free education band (tertiary), youth must work band, friendship band, new masquerade band, corporate bands, the governor’s and Nneoma bands.

The week-long carnival is expected to attract delegates from more than 16 states and friends from different nations.

It will feature parade of Imo youth/children, Umuada (maidens) and Umuopara (sons) command performance, contemporary music, upcoming stars, musical performance, Igbo poetry/folk night, Igbo talk show, and night of laughter and comedies.

Speaking to journalists at the opening ceremony of the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Chairman 2014 Imo Carnival Committee, Mr Paddy Obinna, also said it would be a period of self-expression.

Cultural dance at the Imo Carnival

Also speaking, the Secretary of the 2014 Imo Carnival Committee, Miss Nkeiruka Sylvanus, said the committee had established a carnival village which would be open to all individuals and corporate organisations throughout the carnival for the people to subscribe to it to ensure effective publicity.

16 convicts pardoned as Imo marks Nigeria’s 54th Independence anniversary

Officers of the Imo State Civil Guard stand on parade ground while  Okorocha inspects their 'Guard of Honour'
at the Government House Owerri on Ist October 2014

In exercise of his power on prerogative of mercy the governor of Imo State, His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has granted pardon to 16 convicts serving in the prisons in Imo State.

The governor acted on the recommendations of the Advisory Council on Prerogative of mercy, which he had earlier set up with the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the State, Chief Chukwuma – Machukwu Umeh (SAN) as chairman.

Eleven of the pardoned convicts were imprisoned for non-capital offences and had almost finished serving their prison terms, and have less than 6 months to serve out their terms.  Mr. Canice Egbunanne was pardoned on the ground of age.  He is 94 years old, while Mr. Chidi Nwosu also pardoned, is almost 70 years old.

Before granting them the pardon on Wednesday 1^st October, the Governor had also asked the mammoth crowd at the event whether they would support that the 16 people recommended for pardon by the Advisory Council on Prerogative of mercy should be allowed to enjoy freedom, and the response was thunderously in the affirmative.

Preceding the pardon of the affected 16 convicts, the governor had delivered emotion-laden speech, extempore that excited the crowd.  The governor said at 54, this is the time the country should address the vexed issues of insecurity, youths unemployment, selfishness and corruption among leaders, lack of patriotism, emphasis on ethnicity, insurgence and other challenges facing Nigeria as a nation.

Said he; “as a nation, no better time to act and achieve the desired goals than now.  We must admit that things are not working out the way they should in Nigeria.  That will help us to wake up as a nation.”

He continued, “Democracy has not functioned well in Nigeria.  We have to strengthen our democracy because it is not being practiced the way it should.  When that is done, then development is guaranteed.  Nigerians should see themselves as members of one family, and shun leaders who preach tribalism, religious dichotomy and division among the political class.”

  

Governor Okorocha praised the Army, Police, SSS and all security agents in the country for their services, adding that they have continued to

sacrifice their own security and comfort to keep others secured.

Other convicts granted pardon are, Uchenna Udum, Sunday Egwu, Amos Ishaya, Anyuba Bartholomew, Benjamine Osunkwo, Okezie Obasi, Ifeanyi Nwokeji, Ogbonna  Onyinyechi, Chidi Nwosu, and seven others.

Governor Okorocha at the parade ground of the Imo State Government House on 1st October 2014

Present at the crowded event were service Chiefs in the State, the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Prof. Anthony Anwuka, Chief of Staff, Government House Owerri, Sir. Jude Ejiogu, all government functionaries, Traditional rulers and religious leaders.