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.

Okorocha swears in the 10th Chief Judge of Imo State

Governor Okorocha in hand shake with Justice Paschal Obinna Nnadi

A new Chief Judge for Imo State has been sworn into office by His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

Justice Paschal Obinna Nnadi who was sworn into office today has taken over from Justice Benjamin Njemanze as the 10^th Chief Judge of Imo State.

The choice of  Justice Pascal Nnadi as the Chief Judge of Imo State came to light on Friday after the Imo State House of Assembly in a special sitting, unanimously confirmed his appointment 

Performing the ceremony at the Government House, Owerri today, 22^ndDecember 2014, Governor Rochas Okorocha called on the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary arms of government in Nigeria to redefine Separation of Powers by discharging their functions separately but with the spirit of oneness rather than the total isolation and discrimination that have ravaged the system.

He urged the Judiciary to advocate for a national conference of the three arms, discuss the challenges of the oncoming 2015 elections and work out modalities that will save the nation from doing anything unconstitutional or reaching ‘a point of no return’ while he advocated for unity and love among Nigerians.

Congratulating the new Chief Judge on his meritorious appointment, Governor Okorocha reminded him of the need to maintain his relationship with God who does not only hold the destiny of all but will also judge everyone accordingly.

He urged him to discharge his duties without fear or favour.  “To whom much is given, much is expected,” he added.

He called on women whom he described as ‘silent achievers’, not to relent in their prayers for the success of their husbands in positions of authority and for peace in the home.

Governor Okorocha appealed to politicians to shun violence and thugery while campaigning for leadership positions as he warned that ‘no leader is worth anybody’s life.’

He thanked the Judicial Service Commission for the peaceful selection of their leaders while commending the immediate past Chief Judge of the State, Hon. Justice Benjamin Njemanze for working in tandem with the Rescue Mission government for the success achieved during his tenure in office, including the hosting of Nigeria Bar Association conference in the State, building of the Judicial Service Secretariat, renovation of Customary Courts buildings, 100%free education, infrastructural development, massive road construction, regular payment of salaries to Imo workers, among other.

In his response, Justice Paschal Obinna Nnadi described his upliftment as divine-will and thanked the Judicial Service Commission for maintaining their selection strictly on character, administrative skills and respect for constituted authorities while promising to deliver as expected.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Okorocha for good governance as he pledged more support to the Rescue Mission government.

Governor Okorocha in group picture with Justice Paschal Obinna Nnadi and wife as well as the Imo State Deputy Governor and other members of the Imo State Judicial Service Commission

The occasion was graced by the State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Benjamin Uwajimogu, other members of the State Executive Council and Hon. Members of the Imo State House of Assembly, past and present personalities in the State Judiciary, and a host of others.

2014 ‘Xmas: Imo govt workers commence 2 weeks holiday

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has declared December 19, 2014 to January 5, 2015 as holidays for Civil Servants in the State as he wished the good people of Imo State a hitch-free Xmas and New Year celebrations.

Owelle Okorocha said this during his live broadcast to Imo people on his achievements and Xmas/New year message at the Government House Owerri.

He assured Imo people and those visiting the State this festive period that all necessary machineries have been put in place to ensure adequate security in all nooks and crannies of the State while he urged all to be of good conduct and help fish out criminals in their localities.

The Governor said ‘there is every reason to celebrate’ as he re

called that the total transformation in all facets of the State in the past 3 years and seven months could not have been possible but for the intervention of God and the insistence of Imo people in electing the leader of their choice in 2011.  

He thanked Imo people for being supportive of the Rescue Mission government as he recalled how the education sector was left to rot due to non payment of teachers salaries, high tuition and dilapidated infrastructure,  but heaved a sigh of relief that today, the story has changed with the 100% free education, in Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions for indigenes and non-indigenes.

Governor Okorocha pointed out that over 322 story buildings have been built in Primary and Secondary schools in the State, opened two campuses of Imo Polytechnic at Orlu and Ehime Mbano, established the Imo Young Scientist School and built ICAPS to give professional training to young graduates just as the Imo European University and the Marine University are nearing completion. “Free education will continue, upon free education I stand.  This government has fought corruption up to 80% and will not relent; if corruption is stopped, education can be free even at the federal level.” he noted.

The Rescue Mission Governor revealed that about 1,800km roads have been constructed in both urban and rural areas of the State with many inland bridges, and new roads created while contract has been awarded for the dualization of Owerri to Akokwa and Okigwe areas.  “The road revolution will be continued until all roads in Imo are tarred” he maintained.

He expressed relief that the insecurity situation which frightened Imo people in the past has ceased and security situation greatly improved following the establishment of the Imo Security Network, Imo Community Watch and the Imo Civil Guard who work in tandem with the Police, SSS and other Security Agencies to maintain peace and orderliness as well as curb criminal activities in the State. 

Owelle Okorocha pointed out that Imo is about the only State paying N20,000 minimum wage to its workers and still maintains regular payment of salaries and have not recorded any strike action by workers, adding that the dress code of the workforce is a thing of pride while the State Secretariat has been renovated, offices equipped with computers and furniture for greater output.

The Governor noted that the creation of the Community Government Council (CGC) has given every community a sense of belonging and put to rest all leadership crises as well as foster economic development.  Describing the “CGC as the government of the people, by the people, for the people and with the people,” he said people run government businesses for their communities and expressed hope that the CGC initiative will be perfected and made the centre of government activities in the near future.  He commended the Traditional Rulers and other CGC officials for making wise use of the funds given them to acquire lands for palm planting as well as carry out renovation works and other maintenance services in schools, Council Headquarters, etc.

He enumerated Infrastructural achievements of his government to include building of a standard Government House, the Douglas House, Twin House, Blue Chapel for worship and tourist centre, the Centenary towers, Akachi, and a host of others, as he added, “I invite all Imolites to come and see what God has done for us in infrastructure.

He said all land compensations have been met with and more lands acquired for developmental projects, adding that the revamped Avutu poultry has made initial sales of over 10,000 birds while more are ready for sale this season.  Also the building of the Obowo International Market, Okigwe Shopping Mall, Relief Market Shopping Mall speak volumes of rapid development in the State while Ngor Okpala and Ohaji areas now enjoy electric supply from the national grid with solar energy street lights installed in the State.

The Rescue Mission Governor pointed out that over 25,000 youths have been employed into the Youth Must Work Programme, some engaged in the Imo Young Engineers Corp (IYEC) as well as the empowerment of Ohaji/Egbema youths, among others.

While commending members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo for electing him as the Party’s flag bearer in the 2015 elections, Owelle Okorocha said APC is in full support of General Buhari as the Presidential candidate whom he said ‘has all it takes to stop insurgence in Nigeria.’

While calling for massive support from Imo people, he called on parents to guard their youths from being used as political thugs in the 2015 elections.

Governor Okorocha used the occasion to invite all Imo children to join him as he takes them round the city in celebration of the yuletide while he assured workers in the State of Christmas packages.    

My Presidential ambition is for the good of Igbos - Rochas

Governor Okorocha in group picture with members of Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo during their visit to the Government House Owerri recently.

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has assured ndi Igbo that he contested the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Primaries to ensure that the Igbos are given their pride of place in Nigeria.

He gave this assurance while receiving Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, Imo State Chapter, when they paid him a courtesy call at the Government House Owerri recently.

Speaking during the occasion, Okorocha regretted the level of marginalization of the Igbos in the affairs of Nigeria. According to him, all the key positions in the country eluded Ndi Igbo including the citing of developmental projects by the Federal government in the name of marginalization. Said he; “for me time has come for Igbos to reason together, Ndi Igbo should no longer be relegated to the background, we should take our rightful position in Nigeria polity. By virtue of my presidential contest, it is clear to APC and entire Nigeria that Igbos are alive to take their position.  I will not stop the struggle till there is liberation for Ndi Igbo and until the ordinary man is liberated. What we need is a national party that will carry Ndi Igbo along, Igbos are better off in APC”.

He called on Ndi  Igbo to work with team spirit and unity of purpose so as to reposition the zone at the main stream in Nigeria polity.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha enumerated some of the achievements of Rescue Mission Government in the State in the areas of massive infrastructural development, free education including the up spring of four new Universities in Imo State under three(3) years and 7 months, among others.

He challenged Ohaneze Ndi Igbo to reconcile their differences and speak with one voice, as an apex “umbrella that covers the entire Igbo nation. You must speak for Ndi Igbo, raise good leaders,” he continued as he called on the group to partner with the Rescue Government.

Earlier, the President Imo State Chapter of Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, Dr Ezechi Chukwu commended governor Okorocha for his tremendous achievements in the State based on his administrative acumen which has transformed the image of the State within and beyond the State as the envy of many.

Dr. Ezechi Chukwu described Ohanaeze as a mass movement organization which stands to support every government that is people oriented.  He stated that governor Okorocha’s inability to secure the APC Presidential ticket is an answered prayer for him not to leave Imo State at this point in time.  He expressed the group’s unalloyed support to Okorocha even in his second term bid and urged him to consolidate on his landmark achievements which are second to non in the State.

Okorocha congratulates Buhari for victory at the APC convention

From L-R, Okorocha and Buhari

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has congratulated Gen. Muhamadu Buhari over his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s flag bearer at the Party’s Presidential primaries held in Lagos last week.

Addressing a large group of Imo people at the Sam Mbakwe Airport on his return from the APC Presidential Convention, Okorocha commended the party for the free and fair conduct of the primaries.

According to him, his participation at the just concluded APC presidential convention has distorted the fact that the President must come from any particular zone in Nigeria. Said he ; “I have been able to prove the point that party should not assume that power must come from any particular place. It is the understanding of APC that the president should come from the North ever since. I knew about that but I don’t like those facts, so I have come to distort those facts which are not the truth.”

He thanked Imo people for their support and assured that his Rescue Mission programme is still on course especially as he promised that the State will experience yet greater socio-infrastructural development in the next 4 years.

Commenting on the return of Owelle Rochas Okorocha to the governorship race come 2015, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajimogu said that his acceptance by Imo masses is a clear indication that they want him back. He therefore advised other contestants to the Imo State Douglas House to wait until 2019 rather than waste their time and money.

The Commissioner for Lands, survey and Urban Planning, Chief Uche Nwosu and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Sir Jude Ejiogu, both maintained that governor Okorocha has made the Igbo race proud by showing that the Igbos cannot be pushed aside in national politics.

They however said that the jubilation by Imo people on governor Okorocha’s return to Imo governorship race was a sign that Imo masses are not yet ready to let him go.