Workers Day Celebration: Okorocha tasks workers to shun corruption and be dedicated to duty

Governor Okorocha addressing workers at the Heroes Square 

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called on workers in Imo to contribute their quota towards rebuilding the State by showing dedication and commitment to their duties and by shunning corruption.

He made this call during the 2013 Workers’ Day Celebration held at the Heroes Square yesterday, May 1^st.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that his administration will not tolerate laziness or idleness from the workers, adding that workers should appreciate the friendly disposition of the present administration by discharging their duties as expected.

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He promised to revisit some labour related matters towards improving the welfare of the workers and reiterated his commitment to sustain partnership with the organized labour to build a better Imo through his massive transformational projects and programmes.

Earlier in a speech, the Imo State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Reginald Anyadike said the massive infrastructural projects embarked upon by the Rochas Okorocha-led government in Imo State and other transformational programmes have significantly placed Imo in the map of the fastest developing States in the country.
In his words; "We wish to commend Your Excellency for the many achievements your administration has recorded with a short period of its life span. Imo has become a huge construction site overnight. We have witnessed the execution of many projects spanning through road construction networks and beautification of our urban centers. You have opened up the rural areas through your unprecedented revolutionary rural road rehabilitation and construction. Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu townships have also witnessed total transformation. New buildings are springing up here and there and you have relentlessly pursued the concept of Free Education with unbelievable vigor and vitality. Therefore, permit us to state here without fear or favour, that what you have done in twenty- two (22) months far surpassed what some of your predecessors were unable to accomplish in a whole tenure of four(4) years. This is true".
The workers also lauded the free education programme of the governor which runs to the tertiary level, stating that by the programme is the first of its kind in the country.

Also present at the occasion were members of the organized labour in Imo State which comprises the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress(TUC) and other affiliating unions.

Highlight of the celebration was the conferment of 'Labour 2013 Award of Excellence' on Governor Okorocha by the organized labour in Imo State

Imo Govt disburses N75 million to flood ravaged areas in Imo State

Chief of staff , Jude Ejiogu, issuing cheques to the beneficiaries of the N75 million

The Imo State government has disbursed cheques of 75 Million Naira only as part of the Four Hundred Million Naira cash intervention of the federal government released to the State for flood victims of Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema LGA’s of the State.

Issuing the cheques to the beneficiaries who gathered at the Ikemba Ojukwu Convention, yesterday, Governor Rochas Okorocha who was represented at the occasion by the Chief of Staff of the Government House, Sir Jude Ejiogu, informed the people that part of the money will be used for the construction of halls and bore holes for all the affected Communities.

Sir Ejiogu, also stated that the sharing was done on categories based on how it affected individuals and Communities. To this end, those in category A received the sum of five million, those in category B got three million, while those in category C and D got two million and one million naira respectively.

He advised the people that benefitted from the money to use it mainly for agricultural projects.

Adding his voice, the Commissioner for Health, who is also the Chairman of State Committee on the disbursement of relief materials and rehabilitation of flood victims, Dr. Obi Njoku, said that the money was shared only to those affected by the flood in particular and not to autonomous Communities or Community Government Councils.

Dr. Obi Njoku also said that they took their time to reflect all the affected individuals in all Communities in the two LGA’s of Oguta and Ohaji/Egbema and further reminded the people that twenty-three Communities affected by the flood have been enlisted to benefit from the cash relief.

Reacting after receiving the money, Hon. Maduka Clement Uchenna GLO (Government Liaison Officer) for Egwe community, thanked Governor Okorocha for the money given to his Community and expressed happiness over the gesture.

Rochas Okorocha involved in an auto crash in Owerri

Rochas Okorocha

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha was today, involved in a road transport accident  while on his way to inspect some ongoing projects at Orlu.

Briefing journalists at the Government House, Owerri, few hours after the auto crash, Governor Okorocha said his vehicle had a head-on collision with another vehicle along the Owerri-Orlu road.

Said he; Although the accident left me with a cut and some minor injuries, I am fine. I will however seek further medical attention because of the degree of impact made by the crash.

He thanked God for because no life was lost. 

N458m contract scam: court orders police to produce Dina, J-PROS boss

An Owerri Magistrate court presided by Justice Victoria Isiguzo has ordered the police to produce Mr. Joseph Dina, the Managing Director of J-PROS Int'l Limited to face criminal charges filed against him and his company by the Imo State government.

Mr. Dina is accused of obtaining money from the State government under false pretenses.

The suit as filed by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner, Barr. Soronnadi Njoku on behalf of the State government also seeks to prosecute the contractor for abandoning a major road contract in Owerri capital city after obtaining money in excess of the contract sum. 

It will be recalled that the J-PROS boss abandoned the Sam Mbakwe road project awarded to the company after collecting the total contract sum of N1.1billion naira and another N200 million naira overpayment for the same contract.

Mr. Dina, had in the course of investigation carried out by Imo State House of Assembly, accused the former Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Works, Sir Jude Agbaso of demanding and receiving N458M gratification, an allegation he claimed led to the abandonment of the project.

The legislature upon its investigation and in pursuant to its oversight functions as enshrined in the constitution found Agbaso guilty and subsequently impeached him thus becoming the first deputy governor to be impeached since the creation of Imo State.

In another development, Governor Rochas Okorocha has warned contractors handling road projects in the State to expedite action and ensure completion of their jobs to avoid disruption by the rains.

The governor, who handed this warning while inspecting some roads projects embarked upon by the State government in Okigwe town however frowned at the delay and poor quality of job done by the contractor.

PDP Chieftains offered me N3bn as bribe to impeach Okorocha- Uwajimogu

Speaker Uwajimogu

 

By Anolu Vincent /Owerri

 

 

The embattled Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Benjamin Uwajumogu, has revealed how the elder brother of the impeached Deputy Governor, Martin Agbaso, and some chieftains of  the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), allegedly offered him N3 billion to impeach the State governor, Rochas Okorocha.

 

Speaking during an interview with some journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Uwajumogu, alleged that Agbaso (Snr), millionaire business mogul, Emeka Offor, PDP National Vice Chairman, South-East, Col. Augustine Akobundu, and other high ranking PDP members, promised to give him the said amount of money if he would facilitate the impeachment of Okorocha to pave way for his deputy, Jude Agbaso, to become the governor of the State.

According to Uwajumogu, “Sometime in August, last year, Chief Martin Agbaso, fondly called Ochudo, invited me for a meeting to assist me in the attempt by the PDP hierarchy from removing me from office. “I attended the meeting with him in Anambra State in the house of a high level member of the society, Sir Emeka Offor; we had other high ranking PDP members, including the current South-East National Vice Chairman of PDP Col. Augstine Akobundu.

“I was shocked at the meeting. I was told that the Presidency has directed that impeachment proceedings be commenced against Governor Okorocha to remove him from office, so that the then Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso can take over.

“The sum of N3 billion was offered to me and adequate protection. I now asked them to give me the evidence that was required to impeach the governor and up till today, they have not given me any required evidence”. The Speaker also debunked claims that the impeachment of the deputy governor was predetermined, stressing that, “I am actually surprised by some of the information being released by the Agbasos.

“If there was any predetermined impeachment action, it was to be against the governor, which was to be sponsored by Martin Agbaso and the PDP, in line with the directives of the Presidency”.

However when contacted, Akobundu said he is not aware of what he (Speaker) is talking about. In his words;

“I am a member of the opposition in the State and can’t be talking about impeachment. PDP is concerned with restoring good governance in the State”.

Also speaking, the State Public Relations Officer of the Party, Blyden Amajirionwu, described the Speaker’s claim as unfounded and total falsehood.

He said: “The PDP is not interested in the impeachment of Okorocha because if he is impeached, the PDP will not takeover.

“We are working to ensure that we win the next election and restore good governance in the State.

“The PDP will remove Okorocha during the next general elections. We are not talking about impeachment”.

In his reaction, Agbaso simply said, “I am not sure the Speaker can say anything like that”.

 

Imo State to celebrate Freedom Day on May 6th

Imo State government has disclosed plans to celebrate what it described as ‘Imo Freedom day’ as well as the second year anniversary of Governor Rochas Okorcha.

The planning committee chaired by the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere (MFR) has lined up several activities that will ensure maximum participation by Imolites in the event which will commence on May 6th.and culminate into the Two-year anniversary celebration of Governor Okorocha-led administration on May 29th.

Describing the Imo Freedom Day celebration and launching of New Imo projects as key substance of democracy, Governor Okorocha urged political appointees to ensure that Imo people are well mobilized for the event.

He noted that much has been achieved in the area of infrastructural development and other critical sectors which will be show-cased to the people during the celebration.

In his remarks, the Mayor of Owerri, Dr. Kachi Nwoga used the occasion to intimate the Governor on what his committee has done so far preparatory to the launching of the new Imo Projects.

He explained that the New Imo Project includes the physical environment, repainting of structures in identical patterns, relocation of artisans to industrial clusters and re-organizing various motor parks.

Dr. Nwoga stressed the need to re-introduction of effective transport system in Owerri as well as maintaining zero tolerance for street trading. 

Free skills acquisition prgramme for Imolites in progress - Asugha

Lisa Asugha

The Special Assistant to the Imo State governor on Lagos/South-west Liaison, Mrs Lisa Asugha has reaffirmed the Imo State government’s commitment to make Imo citizens to be employable through the 2-day basic employability skills training programme, which is in progress in Lagos State. 

Addressing news men at the Imo State Liason Office in Lagos at the weekend, the Liason officer said that interested participants have been asked to send their data for the training programme which its accreditation started on April 10, 2013 and would be on till end of April, 2013. 

She said the programme would go a long way to enhance the job readiness and search skills of the indigenes of the State residing in Lagos in particular and South-west Nigeria in general, adding that the quest for qualitative learning has motivated the State government to engage managers of the Nigeria’s number one job seeking website, jobberman.com.

Said she; “What we really want is the best for our people, especially the youths and we want them to explore and discover new horizons so that the world would be a changed place. The Rescue Mission agenda of Governor Okorocha, is one that is majorly anchored on education, job creation and youth empowerment.”

Speaking further, Mrs. Asugha stressed that the registration exercise which is already going-on at the Imo liaison office in Lagos, No. 1221B Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, is also expected to run under the expense of the State government, adding that the exercise is free for all
participating Imo citizens. 

Agbaso seeks to withdraw suit against IMHA, 3 others

Jude Agbaso

An Owerri High Court will on June 4, rule on an application for withdrawal of a suit, by a former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Mr Jude Agbaso.
The counsel to the plaintiff, Alex Williams, in the application filed on Thursday in the court presided over by Justice Florence Duruohaigwe, announced the intention of his client to withdraw the suit.
Agbaso had filed a fresh suit against the Imo House of Assembly and three others, after an earlier one on the infringement of his fundamental human rights was dismissed.
Abaso’s lawyer, Barrister Williams, said his client had the right to decide whether to continue with his case or not and urged the court to grant the application without delay.
But counsel to the defendant, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), opposed the application, saying the application had no merit and should not be granted, adding that the suit should rather be dismissed with a cost of N5 million.
He said that the plaintiff’s counsel had foreseen the failure of the suit and  urged  the court to award the cost to his client.

Alleged irregularities: Okorocha suspends ISTMA from duty

Imo State governor Owell Rochas Okorocha has suspended the activities of Imo State Traffic Management Agency in the State.

This disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism Mr Chinedu Offor who briefed journalists after the Executive Council Meeting at the Government House, Owerri.

According to Mr Offor, governor Okorocha took the decision following a myriad of complains by some citizens for high handedness of operators of the agency, as well as arbitrary arrests, impounding of vehicles and making of unauthorized charges.  He also said that the governor has mandated the Chief of Staff, Sir Jude Ejiogu to review the activities of the agency to reposition it to deliver on its mandate.

He also disclosed that the Executive Council resolved to observe Imo Freedom Day on the 6^th of May 2013 to mark the 2013 Democracy Day and the 2^nd Anniversary of the Rescue Mission government, remembering those who suffered and some others that lost their lives to bring about the change of government in Imo State which has resulted to massive infrastural development and free education amongst others.

According to the Commissioner, activities lined up for the Freedom Day include prayers and dedication of projects, novelty football match between the members of the Executive and the Imo House of Assembly.

He also said that henceforth, emphasis will be made on seeking assistance from those in Diaspora to help develop the State.

He added that government has decided to redirect method of adoption to forestall child trafficking and other child abuse that is involved in the management of child adoption.  Said he; “It therefore translates that the executive governor of Imo State will henceforth sign every child adoption deal in the State and those who have adopted before now need to go for rehabilitation”.

1000 KM of roads to be tarred in Imo State by December 2013

Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has assured the people of Imo State that his administration will complete the tarring of 1000 kilometers of roads constructed by the State government both at the urban and rural areas of the State before December 2013.

He gave the assurance when he paid an unscheduled inspection visit to the ongoing general hospital project at Nworieubi, in Mbaitoli Local Government Area.

The Governor said the projects became necessary because at inception, what his administration met as general hospitals were more or less shanty buildings, ill-equipped and could not provide the needed Medicare for the people of the State.

He said government therefore embarked on the construction of the 27 new general hospitals in all the 27 local government areas of the State in order to provide easy access to quality Medicare for Imo citizens.

He expressed optimism that the new general hospitals will be completed come December 2013 as work on all of them have gone up to 70% completion.

On the management of the hospitals, Governor Okorocha further explained that government had entered into partnership with a foreign firm that will build, equip as well as run (manage) the hospitals when completed. 

The governor has earlier inspected some ongoing road projects at Spibat road, Amakohia in the Owerri-North local government area and some other at Orlu.

has re-affirmed its resolve to complete all projects initiated by the present administration before the expiration of its tenure.

Speaking also, the contractor handling the projects, Engr. Hanah of RHAS Construction Company said the asphalting of the road will be completed within few days.

Some residents of the area who spoke to Government correspondents said they had suffered and had been neglected by previous administrations for the past 12 years and were happy that they have at last, been rescued by the present administration.