Okorocha advocates the release of Nigerian prisoners in China

Governor Okorocha receiving a gift from the Consul-General of China, Mr Liu Khan when he paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Owerri.

Governor Rochas Okorocha has called on the government of China to review the cases of Nigerians imprisoned in that country to ensure that innocent ones were not punished for offences they did not commit.

He made the call yesterday when the Consul-General of China, Mr Liu Khan paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Owerri.

According to him, many Nigerians including Imo people have been languishing in jail in China following reports by some international media outfits. He urged the Chinese government to revisit the cases with a view to releasing the innocent ones.

In his words, “The report we get from the Internet and CNN show that there are so many Nigerians today languishing in jail of China.  I am concerned about Nigerians particularly the people from Imo State and I want to have a working relationship with you to revisit the cases of those imprisoned especially those from my State to make sure the innocent ones are not punished for offences they never committed”

Speaking further during the occasion, Governor Okorocha said that his administration was determined to transform Imo into the China of Nigeria and also approved a business tour for 100 Imo businessmen and industrialists to China for partnership that would enhance the industrial sector of the State. Said he;  “We shall be raising the first 100 businessmen  which I will forward through my Liason Office to your office.  One hundred [100] businessmen that I personally as a governor will sign and guarantee for their business to enable them go to China and do business and come back and go again.  In that case, we begin the gradual technological transfer to our country”.

He said China remains the best partner for the industrialization programme of his administration, and expressed optimism that Imo will succeed as China has excelled in the industrial sector of the economy.

The governor told the Consul-General that Imo State is highly blessed with fertile soil, large quantity of gas deposit and other natural resources coupled with hardworking citizens but lacks the technological know-how to harness such resources to their optimum.

He stressed that Imo has the highest gas deposit in Nigeria with vast fertile soil but needs modern technological equipment to improve on agriculture. “‘Imo is a special State with the highest gas deposit in Nigeria, abundant human resources and education as the key industry, we want to succeed with you in industrialization, we want to know the technological know-how and develop the resources of our land.  Imo people are your best partners in business,” the governor explained.

He also called on the Chinese investors to help develop the Oguta Lake and other areas to boost tourism and industrialization and thanked the Chinese Consul for his willingness to grant China Visa to Nigerians on business trips.

Earlier, the Chinese Consul-General to Nigeria, Mr Liu Khan said his visit to Imo State was to interact with the governor and Imo business group to explore areas of partnership with Imo State and China.

Mr Khan who expressed willingness to encourage bilateral ties between Imo investors and Chinese businessmen, noted that statistics from the Chinese visa office showed that most visa applicants are Igbo people and pointed out that Igbo people have made great contributions to the development of Nigeria.

“The Igbos are not only eager to explore but are inclined to learning and sharing experiences with others” Mr Khan remarked.

The Consul-General recalled that China and Nigeria established diplomatic relationship in 1971 and in 2001 both countries established strategic partnership which has yielded great economic dividends to both countries.  He therefore encouraged Imo people interested in doing business with the Chinese to feel free to apply for China Visas as his office will give necessary assistance to facilitate their trip

8th Imo State House of Assembly Inaugurated

Governor Rochas Okorocha and wife in a group picture with the newly inaugurated members of the House of Assembly and other government officials.

The 8^th House of Assembly in Imo State has been inaugurated.

The inauguration ceremony which took place at the Hallow Chamber of the Imo State House of Assembly today had in attendance, the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and his wife as well as other state government officials.

Speaking during the ceremony, Governor Okorocha said that the interest of the people should be paramount in the activities of the legislators, adding that ‘governance starts where politics ends’. 
He reminded the legislators that being in a different arm of government does not call for constant disagreement and face-off with the Executive, rather, they should complement the efforts of other arms to guarantee democracy dividends for the people of Imo State.

The inauguration was preceded by a thanksgiving service at the Government House Chapel where the 27 members of the Assembly were presented to God for unction to function in their new office as legislators. 

In his sermon, Rev Fr. Chibueze Ihebinike stressed the need for the new Assembly men to work with unity of purpose.

He charged them to always rely on God rather than on their human intelligence especially as the nation is in a very critical time that needs God’s intervention.

Below is a list of the legislators and their Local Government Areas.

1.     Ihim Iheanacho              --------  Okigwe LGA (Speaker)

2.      Chukwuemeka Lioyd    ---------  Owerri North LGA

3.      Kennedy Ibeh              ----------   Obowo LGA

4.      Lawson Duruji              ----------  Ehime Mbano LGA

5.      Ozuruigbo Ugonna       -----------  Nwangele LGA (Deputy Speaker)

6.       Engr. Agabige F. Uche-----------   Orsu LGA

7.       Marcel Odunze            ----------    Orlu LGA

8.       Ukoha Bruno Osinachi -----------  Ezenihitte Mbaise   LGA

9.       Egwim A. Innocent       ------------ Ideato North LGA

10.    Dr. Uche Oguwuike    --------------Ikeduru LGA

11.    Egu Obinna Ambrose   -----------  Ngor Okpala LGA

12.   Ngozi Obiefule            -------------  Isu LGA

13.    Uju Onwudiwe             -------------  Njaba LGA

14.      Nkema John Nzeruo  -------------   Oru East LGA

15.       Dr. Uche Ejiogu---------------------  Ihitte Uboma LGA

16.       Joy Mbawuike  ---------------------    Isiala Mbano LGA

17.        Victor Onyewuchi  -----------------     Owerri West LGA

18.         Ifeanyi Nnataraonye -------------      Mbaitoli LGA

19.         Mike Iheanetu  ---------------------     Aboh Mbaise LGA

20.        Chinedu Offor  --------------------       Onuimo LGA

21.        Orie Emma Chigoziri -------------     Ohaji/Egbema LGA

22.          Amuka Ikechukwu ----------------     Ideato South LGA

23.           Donatus Onuigwe -----------------     Oru West LGA

24.        Chika Madumere -------------------     Nkwerre LGA

25.         Lugard Osuji ------------------------    Owerri Municipal

26.         Kenneth Agbim C.----------------      Ahiazu Mbaise LGA

27.         Henry Ezediro --------------------       Oguta LGA

Okorocha appoints Ejiogu, Nwosu and three others into cabinet

From L-R, Sam Onwuemeodo, Jude Ejiogu, Rochas Okorocha, Uche Nwosu, Ethelbert Ibeabuchi and Emmanuel Ibediro

Owelle Rochas Okorocha has sworn into office, the first set of appointees into his cabinet in his 2^nd term as governor of Imo State.

The appointees include Sir Jude Ejiogu, Chief Uche Nwosu, Mr. Sam Onwuemodo, Mr. Ethelbert Ibeabuchi and Barr. Emmanuel Ibediro.

Ejiogu was appointed as the Secretary to the State Government while Uche Nwosu was appointed as Chief of Staff. Onwuemodo and Ibeabuchi were appointed as Chief Press Secretary and Senior Special Assistant on Assets and Liabilities respectively while Ibediro was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties.

Speaking during the swearing in ceremony held at the Sam Mbakwa Expanded Exco Chambers, Giovernment House, Owerri today, Governor

Okorocha said that the essence of their appointment into his cabinet was to make them part of the solution rather than part of the problem of the present administration as they must shun corruption and work hard to make Imo State better.

Said he; “My best friend is that political appointee who makes the most sacrifice and shuns corruption irrespective of pressure from family and friends”. He tasked the appointees not to allow the joy of their office take away the real issues on ground which he said dwells on the numerous expectations from the Imo electorate.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha averred that his government will not go back on its promise of building factories and industries that could provide jobs for the teaming Imo youths and create wealth in the State.

He therefore appealed to all stakeholders in the State regardless of political party affiliations to join hands with the government to realize the ‘Imo My Pride’ project.

Responding, The Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemodo described his re-appointment into governor Okorocha’s cabinet as an invitation to work harder than he did during the 1^sttenure.

He promised that the Rescue Mission government will continue to tow the part of truth in all its programmes so that Imolites will continue to trust in government.

In his vote of thanks, the Secretary to the State Government, Sir Jude Ejiogu on behalf of the other appointees, thanked the governor for giving them an opportunity to serve in his cabinet and pledged not to let the government down especially in ‘this critical time of consolidating on the gains of democracy”.

He therefore pledged their total commitment and loyalty to the government

Man who predicted Buhari’s return to power 30 yrs ago says he has been vindicated

In the year 2005 when the book, Nigeria: Buhari’s Boots, Babangida’s Boots , a 145-paged jeremiad of a book was published by PANZA Publishers in Owerri, not many Nigerians believed that the predictions made in the book would come to pass. Nobody took it seriously during its public presentation by Chief Jerry Alagboso in 2009 at Imo State University Auditorium.

The author, Dr Sam Iheanacho Madugba had predicted on 24th February, 1986 in his 86-line poem titled ‘Truth pooh-poohed’, that Muhammadu Buhari would come back to become the President of Nigeria and salvage the country from the forces of darkness and falsehood, economic mismanagement and misrule, represented by those who overthrew him on 27th August, 1985. This poem which appears on pages 26 – 28 says thus: This country ours/nothing good lasts/reality-facing leaders/committed to the cause of revitalization/of falsehood-infested secretariats/and economic-moribund state/bulldozed with ignominy/by agents of felony/but in utter negation/sycophantic press exults…But the incarcerated veracity/must, I trust, one day resurrect… like the First Fruit Himself.

In another 54-line poem titled, ‘I Reminisce The Ten and Eight-Moons’ which appears on page 41 and written on 2nd July,1986, and dedicated to Buhari and Idiagbon in detention together with ‘ Rebellious Patriot’ so equally dedicated, Madugba asked that he be taken back there/with the ones incarcerated on top/for the pampered ship(Nigeria)/ now wrecked/with hands of inexperience. Lines 25 -34 of the latter reads: I pledge to Nigeria/I pledge not to mischief/beclouding the faces of her chiefs/for they all liars are/wanting honey mixed with sugar/But I with those two-some lot/ behind closed door today/love a Nigeria of bitterness today/preparing to pave for posterity/a sanguine tomorrow.

The book which was copiously rejected at the 2009 launch just for the mentioning of the name, Buhari, and the fact that Dr Madugba, then serving his 5^th year of forced retirement by the Achike Udenwa Administration in Imo State, ‘’chronicled Nigeria’s march in decadence for two decades, 1979 to 2003 and compares Nigeria in the two military dictatorships of Generals Muhammadu Buhari and Ibrahim Babangida and gives a pass mark to the short-lived Buhari regime and wishes that the lanky soldier-statesman-disciplinarian returns to right Nigeria destroyed by the ugly seeds sown by Babangida over eight years, the fruits of which Nigerians are harvesting in tears today’’. Still on P.104 of this unbelievably prophetic book, Madugba predicted Babangida’s ‘’ignominious exit from power’’ in a 15-line poem titled ‘Bitter Laughter’.

Madugba, a 2005 winner of the Association of Nigerian Authors’ award in poetry with his book,Nigeria: Buhari’s Boots, Babangida’s Boots, had earlier in a medical fiction( novel)  he wrote in 1985 soon after the fall of Buhari titled, The Quick Intervention, published by Pacific Publishers, Obosi in 1999, described Major-General Muhammadu Buhari in the dedication page as ‘’ the first Nigerian leader who understood the country’s problems and went about tackling them before the kite struck …’’

Dr Sam Madugba

Speaking during an interview with the Mr Ebere Inyama recently, the Imo-State-born medical doctor and human rights activist said that besides Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe and Buhari, no other Nigerian leader has had the ideological philosophy for the survival and growth of Nigeria. He said he counted ‘’18 fundamental ideological philosophies in Buhari’s 18 months in power, all aimed at making Nigeria great’’

Said he, “I was 21 years old when Buhari struck. I followed his first pronouncement till he was overthrown. Then I realized that he is a messiah. The day he was overthrown, I wrote two poems, Ambition and 27th August ”. Both poems, written in his book, Apartheid: Chants of Liberation, published by Totan Press, Owerri when the author was a House Officer at the Owerri General Hospital in 1993, which equally appeared in the controversial Nigeria: Buhari’s Boots, Babangida’s Boots, openly condemned the inordinate ambition of those that overthrew his government when most Nigerians were celebrating them.

Dr Madugba, a Public Health physician, who is, at present, a Director in the Imo State Ministry of Health/Co-ordinator, School Health Services Programme, said Nigeria was not an impossible task. All that President Buhari needed to do was to carefully choose courageous, educated, disciplined and patriotic Nigerians, irrespective of their political party affiliations, religion and tribe ‘’ to help him recover the Nigeria of our dream from the dust’’.

Okorocha takes Oat of office for 2nd term, promises to create jobs for the youths

Governor Rochas Okorocha taking the Oat of office at his swearing-in ceremony for a second term in office

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has been sworn in for a second term in office.

Performing the swearing-in ceremony at the Dan Anyiam stadium, Owerri today, the Imo State Chief Judge, Justice Paschal Obinna Nnadi charged the governor to discharge his duties in line with the provisions of the constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria.

Addressing a crowd of Imolites that gathered at the stadium to witness ceremony, Governor Okorocha said he is in the business of governance “to take the glory of the job rather than the profit of the job”, adding that his government will embark on wealth creation and employment opportunities for the people through the building of industries and factories.

Members of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Imo State Command in a march pass at the Dan Anyiam stadium during the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Rochas Okorocha. (pix by Ebere Inyama)

He enumerated some of his achievement in the last four years to include the building of 27 general hospitals, free education programme from primary to tertiary level, 305 model schools and provision of adequate security for the people.

He thanked Imo people for their support during and after the election and expressed his willingness to partner with all the stakeholders that left their Political Parties to join him in the APC.

Members of the Nigerian Police, Imo State Command in a march pass at the Dan Anyiam stadium during the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Rochas Okorocha. (pix by Ebere Inyama)

Earlier in an interview with journalists at the occasion, one of the strong pillars of the Rescue Mission government, Professor Okee Okoro said the swearing in was in recognition of Governor Okorocha’s good efforts in the State since 2011. He prayed God to help the governor keep his electoral promises to the people in order to deepen democracy in the State.

USM4BO congratulates Buhari on inauguration as President of Nigeria.

The members of the United States Movement for Buhari-Osinbajo (USM4BO) have congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari and his Vice, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on their inauguration as the President and Vice President of the federal republic of Nigeria.

In a telephone interview with the ICT Editor of the Imo State Government House, Mr Ebere Inyama, the National president of the association, Dr Sylvester Okere prayed God to grant President Buhari the favour that will bring a restructured and dignified Nigeria.

He said USM4BO was born based on unyielding pursuant of good government, accountability and gains of democracy for all Nigerians, adding that the group is committed to true democracy, human rights, peace, community development, opportunity, fairness, and freedom for all.

Earlier in their goodwill messages sent via e-mail to the ICT unit of the Imo State Government House, the Director of San Angelo State Supported Living Center, Prince Charles Njemanze and Mrs. Stella Njemanze-Neboh, a registered Pharmacist based in Texas, wished the President  Muhammandu Buhari peace, stable administration and Godspeed that will offer Security and Prosperity to all Nigerians.

Rochas Foundation College wins 2015 NNPC/Shell cup

Okorocha and wife in group picture with the victorious team

The under 17 football team of the Rochas Foundation Secondary School Ogboko, Imo State has won the 2015 edition of the annual NNPC/Shell Cup.

The team defeated Government Day Secondary School, Gwale Kano 2-1 inside the main bowl of the Teslim Balagun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos at the weekend to win the trophy and the sum of 2.5 million naira.

Receiving the victorious team at the Government House Owerri yesterday, the Imo State governor and Founder of Rochas Foundation College, Owelle Rochas Okorocha expressed delight at the performance of the team and commended the students for their dexterity and style of play.

Said he; “You have indeed made me proud and the State will celebrate you in a unique manner”.  He announced cash donation of One Million Naira to the sports department of Rochas Foundation School Ogboko as well as one hundred thousand Naira (N100, 000.00) to each of the players and an additional N100, 000 to the best goalkeeper at the tournament.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Primary, Secondary and Non-formal Education, Mrs. Mma Nzeribe Michaels disclosed that Imo Children have won several laurels in recent times in both sports and academics and attributed the feat to the support of the Rescue Mission government.

She commended the Rochas Foundation college football team for winning the NNPC/Shell Cup with its bonus of N2.5m cheque and urged them to keep the flag flying.

The team captain, Master Emmanuel Umeh and the Technical adviser of the team Mr. M.T. Obi thanked the Chairman and founder of the Rochas /Foundation College, Owelle Rochas Okorocha as well as the Imo State government for the support given to the team.

In her remarks the wife of the State governor, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha commended the management and teachers of the Rochas Foundation College for their dedication and urged them to continue in their roles as models for the younger generations.

Youths trek from Ogboko to Owerri to celebrate Rochas’ victory

The three members of the Njem Igbo group posing for a photo with their fans (photo by Ebere Inyama)

Three Members of a group known as ‘Njem Igbo group’ have trekked from Ogboko, the home town of Governor Rochas Okorocha in Ideato South Local Government Area, to Government House Owerri to felicitate with Governor Rochas Okorcha for his victory at the 2015 gubernatorial election.

The distance covered by the trio during the exercise held recently is estimated to be over 200 kilometers.  

Speaking to journalists shortly after the exercise, the National coordinator of the group, Comrade Paschal Egoigbo said their decision to trek was to show total solidarity with the governor’s second term victory and to express Imo youth’s willingness and steadfastness to ensure that the opposition did not rig out Governor Okorocha.

Mr Paschal Egoigbo  trekking to Owerri from Ogboko

While receiving the youth of behalf of the governor, a top government official, Prince Jonas Ezenwa, commended them for their show of appreciation to the governor and decorated them with symbolic garments.

the National coordinator of the group, Comrade Paschal Egoigbo

Other members of the group who took part in the exercise include Abasim Ebenezer and Paul Amadi.

Okorocha, Offor, others get Certificate of Return from INEC

From L-R, Governor Okorocha and Mr Offor (photo by Ebere Inyama)

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, his Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere and House of Assembly member-elect, Mr. Chinedu Offor were among those given Certificates of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) yesterday (30-04-15) for their victory at the just concluded general elections.

Speaking at the INEC Headquarters in Owerri, Governor Okorocha commended the electoral body, the police, SSS, Army and other security agencies for living up to expectation in successfully managing the electioneering process in the State.

Said he; “I congratulate INEC for managing to conclude the elections despite the supplementary nature of this election. I’m happy that finally has come to an end.”

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha pledged to do everything within his capability to ensure that Imo people enjoy democracy dividend and charged those elected into political offices to put away party affiliations for the interest of the masses.

He regretted that the nation’s democracy is yet to attain maturity after many years of its practice in the country and insisted that those who were involved in election malpractices be made to face the full wrath of the law to serve as deterrent to others.

Also speaking, the member-elect representing Onuimo State constituency, Mr. Chinedu Offor commended INEC for the conduct of credible and peaceful polls while pledging that the efforts of the House would be geared towards uplifting the State to greater heights.

 Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Gabriel Ada said the presentation of Certificate of Return mark the climax of the electioneering process and expressed appreciation to the various stakeholders that helped nurture the process as well as ensured peace and orderliness during the process,

He commended political parties that participated in the election for their good conduct and advised that they assist in information dissemination to their members in future elections.

Contributing, the National Commissioner representing Imo, Ebonyi and Enugu, Dame Gladys Nwafor congratulated those who emerged victorious in the elections and advised them to be magnanimous in victory.