Okorocha tasks lawyers to monitor political campaigns in Nigeria

Governor Okorocha in group pix with Justice Mary Odili and the the Chief judge of Imo State, Jusice Paschal Nnadi as well as others during the Nigerian Bar Association week held in Owerri recentlly

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on lawyers to show genuine interest in the processes to the 2015 elections in Nigeria especially the campaigns of the presidential and governorship candidates to determine whether they are issue-oriented or mere blackmail.

Speaking during the 2015 Law Week of the Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, Owerri Branch with the theme, “2015 General Elections in Nigeria: The Task Before the Legal Profession”, the governor tasked lawyers not wait until election cases are brought to them to handle, before waking up to their responsibilities in the electoral processes in Nigeria.

He urged the lawyers to come up with a communiqué that can address the issue of presidential and governorship campaigns. 

 According to the governor, campaigns should be based on “what can you do for the people and what can you do to change the society positively rather than religion or where one comes from.” 

He continued, “I want to urge you today to advice politicians to discuss issues because you handle their cases, the aftermath of the elections.  And it pains me that even the elites in our society no longer think about issues.  For instance, for me, I said, having done all these infrastructural development, my second tenure if I return by the grace of God, as the governor of Imo State, I will engage in factory, factory, factory, industry, industry, industry, job, job, job, etc.”

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha had this to tell the lawyers; “In Nigerian politics, there are factors that determine who wins election, I would want you people to speak about such.  Unfortunately, the federal government has all the powers.  So, I encourage you to struggle to be independent if you must render judgment without fear or favour.”

 “I wish this honourable house would come up with policy statement on some of these issues.  I thank God for the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man.  Today, Nigeria is going through a very difficult moment.  Many are imagining that there will be no election.  Some think that there will be no election in Maiduguri and some of these states where there is Boko Haram.  But the question we must ask ourselves today is that in the face of all these challenges we have in Nigeria, who among the candidates can stop corruption, stop Boko Haram, and unite Nigerian which is about to disintegrate?  Your answer is as good as mine.”

                                                                                              

Earlier in his address, the Chairman of NBA, Owerri Branch Mr. Stanley Chidozie Imo commended the smooth appointment of a new Chief Judge for the state, and thanked Governor Okorocha and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Chukwuma Machukwu Umeh, (SAN) for their respective roles in making sure that the State has a substantive Chief Judge in record time.

Over 1,200 people to receive free eye treatment in Imo through MTN Foundation/Eye Project

MTN Foundation/Eye Project in collaboration with the Imo State Ministry of Health has commenced a 3-week free cataract surgery, eye screening and distribution of eye glasses to people suffering from eye impairment in the State.

Speaking at the flag off ceremony held at the Specialist Hospital, Umuguma Owerri, Governor Rochas Okorocha commended MTN Foundation for coming to the rescue of people having challenges to their sight while calling on Nigerians to adopt the culture of helping the less privileged.  Said he;  “Life is aimless unless you are able to help those who are in need that is why I invest greater percentage of all I have to charity through the Rochas Foundation,”

He pointed out that lack of vision is a great obstacle to both individual and a nation just as he noted that Nigeria has not done well by neglecting the poor and needy in the society. 

Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Edward Ihejirika thanked Governor Okorocha for his feat in the Health sector which he said helped Imo in attracting the programme, having satisfied the needed requirements from MTN in a contest among the five States in the South-East,

Dr. Ihejirika urged Imolites to use the rare opportunity and visit the Specialist Hospital, Umuguma Road, Owerri to receive free eye treatment, screening, surgery (removal of cataract) and eye glasses within the period.

In her remarks, the General Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma said the project has been awarded to Imo State for the South-East on merit alone, as she noted that ‘this shows many good things are going on in Imo State.’

Ms. Ugboma who said this is the 2^nd phase of the Eyesight Restoration Intervention Scheme aimed at curbing preventable blindness in Nigeria, explained that the screening, surgery and eye glass distribution will hold on daily basis at the Specialist Hospital, Umuguma, Owerri. She said there will also be eye screening at the General Hospital, Mbaise from 16 to 18^th January, St. Anthony Catholic Hospital, Okigwe from 19^th to 24^th January and General Hospital, Orlu from 26^th to 30^th January, 2015. 

She recalled that in the 1^st phase of the programme, more than 34,000 patients benefited in the 6 States involved with about 12,000 surgeries and called on the Imo Health team to ensure the huge success of the programme and exceed 1,200 surgeries within the 3 weeks duration.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman, MTN Foundation, Dr. Paschal Dozie said the programme targets the elimination of eye defects, noting that cataract can cause blindness which is a major handicap in man.

Dr. Dozie maintained that MTN is the only Company in Nigeria that has selected programmes touching the welfare of Nigerians having invested about N10.5 billion in education, training of musicians, women empowerment, scholarships, and other areas of need.

He thanked Governor Okorocha for promoting the welfare of Imo people.

In an interview with some of the patients already operated upon, Mr. Eugene Okoro from Ikeduru said he was grateful to Governor Okorocha and MTN for helping him regain sight and prayed God to reward them.

Mrs. Joy Ugwu from Ideator North could not hold her excitement as she recounted her ordeal in Calabar where she paid over N45,000 for eye surgery and expressed joy at the opportunity to receive a fast, easy and free surgery to her eye in her own State, Imo.

Highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of patients already operated upon at the hospital, by Governor Okorocha.

Okorocha declares for 2nd term, urges Imolites to vote for Buhari on Feb 14

Governor Okorocha endorsing General Buhari at the political rally held in Owerri on 12th Jan 2015

The Imo State governor, Owele Rochas Okorocha has declared for a second term in office.

Speaking during the official declaration at the Dan Anyiam stadium in Owerri today, Governor Okorocha assured the people of Imo State that the era when the Peoples Democratic  Party (PDP) rigged elections in Imo State has gone, adding that he will build industries and provide employment opportunities for the people if he is re-elected as governor in February 2015.

He urged the people of Imo State to vote en-mass for the Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhamadu Buhari during the forth-coming election so as to guarantee the provision of dividends of democracy to Imo State.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha assured General Buhari that the people of Imo State will vote en-masse for him during the election. He tasked Buhari to remember the People of Imo State when he eventually becomes President by providing them with democracy dividends which include among others, the construction of a second Niger bridge, building of an international airport in Imo State and the creation of an additional State in the South-East geopolitical zone.

Responding, General Buhari expressed joy at the mammoth crowd that gathered at the Stadium in support of the All Progressives Congress (APC).  He assured the people of Imo State that he will not let them down if he wins the presidential election next month.

General Buhari promised to eradicate insurgency in Nigeria as well as create massive employment opportunities for the people through the provision of steady electricity power supply to all parts of Nigeria, adding that he will revive all the moribund industries and provide potable water for the people.

The high point of the occasion was the presentation of the APC candidates in Imo State by Governor Okorocha.

political rally held in Owerri on 12th Jan 2015

Also present at the occasion is the APC Vice Presidential Candidate, Professor Yemi Osibajo, The Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amechi, National Chairman of the APC, John Odigie Oygeun, former governors of Abia and Bayelsa, Ogbonnaya Onu and Timipre Sylva, Senators Chris Ngige and Osita Izunaso, Chief Tony Momoh, National Woman leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Hajiya Ramatu Aliyu and a host of others.

2015 election: Rochas begins campaign, promises to build 27 factories in Imo

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has promised to build 27 new factories in Imo State in order to boost the State’s economy and create employment for her teaming youths if he is re-elected as governor in 2015.

He made this promise last week during a campaign rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at Egbu and Nekede respectively.

In addition, he promised to commence the construction of a number of roads in Owerri-North and Owerri-West LGAs in the 1^st quota of the 2015 as part of efforts to ensure that every community in the State enjoy dividends of democracy within the life of the Rescue Mission administration. Some of the roads include: Emii road, Obibiezena – Imerienwe road, Nkwo Emeke – Umucham road, Isiuzo – Afor Egbu road in Owerri North and Umuguma – Okuku road, Umuguma –Avu – Oforola road, Okolochi – Emeabiam road Orogwe –Ndegwu road in Owerri West, among others.

The governor maintained that his administration has within 3 ½ years, delivered on its election promises but regretted that the heavy rains experienced in 2014 had greatly hampered construction of more roads  and assured that priority will be placed on construction of those roads. “The bad roads you saw yesterday; you shall see them no more”, he declared.

While urging the people to vote candidates of the All Progressives congress in the forth-coming elections, the governor pointed out that PDP and other opposition parties do not have reason for coming into power considering the legacies recorded by APC in Imo in just 3 ½  years.

The Chief of Staff to the Governor, sir Jude Ejiogu, a former Commissioner for Industry and Non formal Sector, Lady Ugochi Nnanna Okoro and some stakeholders in Owerri-North and West gave testimonies of the achievements of the APC led administration in the area and enjoined all to support the party.

One the beneficiaries of the medical support programme of the Imo Foundation, Rev. (Dr.) Isaac Uba from Owerri North could not hold his joy in thanking governor Okorocha for sponsoring his heart surgery and kidney transplant in an Indian hospital through the Foundation.

Highlight of the rally was the introduction of APC flag bearers for the area. The aspirants include: Hon. Chukwuemeka Lloyd and Victor Onyewuchi for owerri North and West House of Assembly seats; Engr. Chuks Ololo for Owerri  North and West federal constituency seat and Barr. Uche Onyeagocha for Owerri zone Senate.

2015 elections: Buhari storms Owerri, vows to eradicate terrorism, corruption in Nigeria

The Presidential flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Mohammadu Buhari has promised to deal with terrorism, kidnapping and corruption at all levels in Nigeria if elected in to office in February.

General Buhari made this promise when he paid a visit to Governor Rochas Okorocha at the Government House Owerri yesterday.

Speaking during the occasion, General Buhari outlined insecurity and corruption as the major problems militating against the development of Nigeria.

He decried the alarming rate of inflation in the country and wondered how local businesses could survive considering the rate of exchange of Naira to Dollar. Said he;

“In 1984 as the military head of State, I refused to devalue the Naira, refused to remove subsidy on petroleum products and flour.  We equally made an undertaken to meet our obligation on foreign debt – medium and long term.  All these we did within the period we were in power”. 

He assured Nigerians a better economy if voted into power and called on the Igbos to support the All Progressive Congress. 

Earlier, the Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha lauded Gen. Buhari for his zero tolerance to corruption as well as his vision for Nigeria and assured him of the bulk vote of the South East come February 2015.

Owelle Okorocha requested among other things that a fair share of political positions be allotted to the South-East as well as creation of an additional State to make for equity and fairness among the six geo-political zones of the country.

He further requested for the upgrading of the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport to an International Airport as well as the rehabilitation of Enugu - Onitsha Road, Enugu – Port Harcourt Road, Aba –Ikot Ekpene Road among others.  “My General, I ask for nothing but these few things and I know you can do it.  But for the votes, the South East will give their bulk vote”, Governor Okorocha concluded.

Among Gen. Buhari’s entourage were, the APC Chairman, Chief John Oyegun, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Chris Ngige and other national leaders of the party.

Rochas calls for improved partnership between France and Nigeria

Governor Okorocha in hand shake with the French Ambassador to Nigeria Francois Sastourne during the latter's visit to Owerri recently

 The Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called for improved partnership with France and other Western Nations.

He made this call when the French Ambassador to Nigeria Francois Sastourne paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Owerri recently.

Speaking during the meeting, Governor Okorocha noted the cordial relationship existing between France and Nigeria but observed that Nigeria’s partnership with the Western nations in the past has been too theoretical rather than practical. He therefore called for more practical collaboration which will yield positive result.

The governor stressed that lack of common language for the African countries has been the bane in the unity of the continent, he called  for a joint effort to institute a common language to promote peace, unity and the economy of the African Nations.

The Rescue Mission governor revealed that the success story of his administration in terms of security and rapid infrastructural development depended so much on the creation of the Community Government Council (CGC) in the State.

He assured that Nigeria will never break up as he maintained “Nigeria is a different nation altogether, we do not take things too serious to the extent we want to divide.  Nigeria is still one nation indivisible, we know how to handle our challenges without breaking up.  We will overcome our challenges”.

Speaking earlier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Francois Sastourne who said he was visiting Imo State for the second time observed that tremendous improvement has taken place in the State under the present administration.

He stated that the whole world is watching Nigeria as he hoped that the 2015 general election will be free and fair, with the country remaining integrated as well as the economy.   He pointed out that Nigeria is among the first partners with France in the sub Saharan Africa with common interest especially in the security of Africa, as he assured that France will not turn its back on Africa.

Imo Govt budgets N141.2 Bn for 2015 fiscal year.

Governor Okorocha presenting the 2015 budget proposal to the members of IMHA

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has presented a budget of one hundred and forty-one billion, two hundred and nineteen million, one hundred and thirty-three thousand, eight hundred and forty-nine Naira [N141,219,133,849] to the Imo State House of Assembly for the 2015 fiscal year.

The budget christened “Budget of total Rescue and Sustainability”, has forty three percent allotted to recurrent expenditure while outstanding fifty seven percent will be used for capital projects.

Speaking during the budget presentation to State House of Assembly on Thursday 31^st December 2014, Governor Okorocha explained that the policy thrust of 2015 budget is derived from the rescue mission agenda of the present administration which is anchored on the four year development plan, that derived its bearing from the vision of the administration, namely- Belief in God, free education, Mass Infrastructural Development and Increased Agriculture Production to ensure food sufficiency and sustainability.

He further said that in 2015 fiscal year high priority will be accorded to projects that will grow the economy, create employment, increase revenue generation capacity as well as touch on the lives of Imo people.

The Governor expressed appreciation to the members of the legislature for their partnership, cooperation, patriotism and sacrifices.

He however noted that the challenges that face the State require the support of all Imo citizens irrespective of their political inclinations and therefore called on all to join hands with government to rescue the State from all political quagmires;

  “We shall all realize that we have no other State that we will call our own, except Imo” the Governor concluded.