Skye Bank seeks partnership with Imo govt, donates 4 Hilux vans to fight crime

Gov okorocha receives keys from Mr Chinedu Ochiagha, Regional Director of Sky Bank Plc to four Hilux Buses donated by the Bank at Govt. House, Owerri.

A delegation of senior officials of Skye bank PLC led by their regional Director, Mr. Chinedu Ochiagha have donated four (4) Hilux vans to the Imo State government in a bid to assist in the fight against crime and other social vices in the State.

The company made this donation when its officials visited Governor Okorocha at the Government House Owerri recently.

Speaking while receiving the vans, Governor Okorocha decried the alarming rate of cultism in the State and warned that the State government will deal ruthlessly with any person who engages in cult activities in the institutions of learning or any part of the State.

He condemned a situation where children of fifteen (15) years and below involved themselves in cult activities due to association with peer groups and warned that parents whose underage children engage in such activities would be held responsible for their acts.

He charged parents and heads of institutions to monitor their children and wards to avoid engaging in cult activities and to ensure proper home training for them.

The governor thanked the Skye Bank for donating the four hilux vans to the State government in furtherance of its campaign against crime and assured them of government’s preparedness to partner with the bank in other areas.

Earlier while presenting the vans to the governor, the regional Director of Skye Bank Plc, Mr. Chinedu Ochiagha said the bank appreciated the efforts of the State government in combating  crime and other vices in the State and expressed their willingness to partner with government in other areas.

Foreign investors storm Imo to build power plants, car assembly plant, others

Governor Okorocha in group picture with the visiting foreign investors

A group of foreign investors, including Senator Charles Anthony Muse from Maryland, USA, industrialists from India, Israel, China, Turkey, South-Korea, England, Vietnam and South Africa were in Owerri the Imo State capital on Monday to attend the State government-sponsored Trade and Investment Forum held at the Imo State Trade and Investment Centre complex, formerly Ahiajoku Convention Centre, New Owerri.

Declaring open the Forum, Governor Okorocha said that his trips abroad aimed at attracting foreign investors to the State have started yielding positive results, adding that the first set of investors have arrived the State to begin work on various projects.

According to him, the visiting South African industrialists will build community power plants to supply electricity to communities, while the investors from India will establish vehicle assembly plants in the State.

He said the South Korean industrialists will develop the Oguta Blue Lake of Treasure into a world-class tourism complex and build 1000 apartments adjacent the Imo Trade and Investment Centre while the team from Israel will remodel and upgrade the Avutu Poultry into a mega-poultry complex capable of attaining more than ten times its present production capacity.

Speaking further at the occasion, the governor said that the team from England will reconstruct the Fishing Farms in Onuimo into a multi-million Naira fish production complex and a sister team from the same country will remodel and reactivate the Okigwe water complex to supply water to Okigwe zone and its environs.

Others the governor identified among the participants at the forum were Vietnamese investment consortium who will transform the Imo Palm Plantation complex to a production capacity more than three times what it used to be, and a prominent Nigerian industrialist and indigene of Imo State, Dr .Innocent Nzuma who will establish a 1,600 megawatt power plant to boost electricity supply in the State.

Owelle Okorocha recalled that in his first tenure in office he fulfilled his promise of free education programme and provided adequate health care facilities through the construction of 27 modern hospital complexes across the State and pledged to ensure that his 2015 election promise of industrializing the State and providing employment to the unemployed in the State is accomplished in like manner.

He acknowledged the need for the private sector to assist his

administration in industrializing the State, describing Imo as being endowed with arable and fertile land for agricultural projects as well as able-bodied men and women that can provide adequate manpower for the programme.  He assured foreign and local investors that the State government will provide land, accommodation and transport in addition to assisting them in processing their residency visas and all other immigration formalities required to enable them establish in the State.

He described the convening of the Imo Trade and Investment Forum as the beginning of the journey to industrialize Imo State.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Imo Trade and Investment Forum and indigene of the State, Dr. Innocent Nzuma said that with the enormous human and industrial potentials of the State, coupled with abundant natural resources and a very large market, Imo State would become the industrial pride of the South East.  Dr. Nzuma advised Governor Okorocha to ensure that his administration provides the instruments and enabling environment needed for the investors to succeed.

Nzuma who is the Managing Director of Nzuma Group, Abuja said he has already established one power plant in Egbema, Imo State and is ready to accomplish the installation of the 1,600 mega-watts power generation plant in the State, adding that he will also venture in agro-business in partnership with his Ukrainian counterparts.

He called on all credible foreign and local investors to come and partner with Imo State government in its laudable industrialization programme which will grow the economy of the State and that of Nigeria at large and also facilitate meaningful provision of employment to the youths in the State.

He said Imo state constitutes a large market because of its position as central link to Onitsha, Aba, Umuahia and Portharcourt and described the industrialization programme of Governor Okorocha as a great stride.

In a keynote address captioned, “Process for Trade and Investment in Imo State, the need for public-private-partnership,” the National President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Dr. Ray Jacobs regretted that previous government’s industrialization programmes could not succeed because of their failure to effectively involve the private sector in their implementation.

Dr. Jacobs stressed the need for the State government to provide credible and workable industrial blue-print that will ensure adequate participation of the private sector and ensure that corruption is reduced to the barest minimum, if the industrialization programme is to succeed.

The MAN President who is an indigene of Mgbidi in Imo State harped on the need for government to provide adequate security for the citizens as well as foreigners.

In a remark, Senator Charles Anthony Muse who is also an industrialist from Maryland, USA, described Owelle Okorocha as a blessed by God to do, exploit and accomplish landmark projects.  He assured the Governor of the commitment of industrialists from the United States accomplishing his administration’s industrialization programme.

In a vote of thanks, the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Acho Ihim announced the commitment of the State legislators to foster rapid industrial development in the State and commended the State Governor Owelle Okorocha for his developmental strides.

Okorocha commends Obama over plan to assist Nigeria in war against insurgency

Governor Okorocha in hand shake with President Obama at the White House in Washington

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has commended President Barak Obama of the United States of America for the decision of the American government to support Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram.  

Speaking during a parley with Journalists at the Government House, Owerri shortly after his return from the U.S.A, Governor Okorocha said that the government of the United States would want to support Nigeria in many ways including training and equipment, adding that the visit offered President Buhari an opportunity to meet with different groups such as Bill Gate group.

Said he;  “The American government has agreed to work with us and the World Bank is willing to assist. The Bill Gate Foundation is coming, the issue of polio was also discussed…”

  

Speaking further at the occasion, Owelle Rochas Okorocha noted that the relationship between President Obama and President Muhammadu Buhari was quite cordial, adding that the governors who accompanied President Buhari to the visit also used the opportunity to make contacts that would enable them develop their various States.

He described the outing of President Muhammadu Buhari to the United States of America as one of the best outings any Nigerian government will make to the USA.

He commended the Judiciary for giving a fair hearing on the case at the governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Owerri, Imo State between him and the candidate of People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Said he; ”I want to commend the Judiciary for upholding Justice in the country. I am the common man in this case because right from the election period I was the most oppressed governor.”

On the issues of strike embarked upon by workers in the state, the governor expressed dissatisfaction with workers; adding that before his trip to USA, he reached an agreement with workers in Imo state and wondered why they should go contrary to the said agreement.  

He described the strike as politically motivated and urged workers to resume work.  He reminded them that throughout the 4 year period of his first term in office, his administration paid workers salaries as at when due.

Tribunal dismisses Ihedioha's pettition against Okorocha

 Emeka Ihedioha

The Election Petition tribunal sitting in Owerri, the Imo state capital on Wednesday, dismissed the petition filed by Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the April 2015 governorship election in the state.

Dismissing the petition, Chairman of the tribunal, Justice David Wyon agreed with the contention of the lead Counsel to Governor Rochas Okorocha, Chief Adeniyi Akintola(SAN) that the petitioner abandoned the petition having failed to do all he was expected to do after filing including the payment of the approved fee within the required time-frame.

Counsel to Governor Okorocha, Chief Akintola had filed a motion to that effect, asking the tribunal to strike out Hon. Ihedioha’s petition on ground of the serious flaws in the whole exercise and quoted extensively both the electoral law and the constitution vis-à-vis certain legal authorities to back up the motion.

Addressing Journalists at the end of the verdit, lead-Counsel to Governor Okorocha, Chief Akintola(SAN), said the petition was clear and was dismissed for running short of the provisions of the electoral Act, adding that the petition at the tribunal had come to an end, although he said the petitioner has the right to go for appeal.

According to Chief Akintola the “petitioner filed on the 23^rd June, and later went on July 3, 2015 to pay, which was clearly outside the 7 days prescribed by paragraph 18 of first schedule of the Electoral Act, then we latched on that, and then the question was whether the letter for pre-hearing notice without payment was valid and whether the payment made on the 3^rd of July will validate the pre-notice that was submitted.  No valid pre-learning notice was filed”.

He also said that the service of the 3^rd to 37 respondents in the APC secretariat had to do with the fact that majority of the respondents were members of the PDP, and since they were members of the PDP, could the same party sue them in an election petition.  the answer is no since you can not sue yourself, adding that they waited for them until the people responded and admitted being PDP chairmen at various LGAs in Imo.

Mr. Akintola said the petition was dismissed on points of law. 

Also reacting to the Judgment, the Deputy Governor of the state, Prince Eze Madumere described the dismissal of Hon. Ihedioha’s petition as legal victory for Imo people and a confirmation of Imo people’s mandate given to His Excellency in the April governorship election.

Prince Madumere intoned that the governor’s victory was ordained by God and whatever God ordains cannot be upturned by man, adding that what the court did was in line with the mandate of Imo people to the governor and the wish of God for Imo people.

South-East governors disown Radio Biafra

Governor Okorocha ( 2nd from left), in group picture with the visiting governors from other South-East States

South East governors met in Owerri, Imo State today to deliberate on the way forward for the people and governments of the geo-political zone.

During the meeting, the governors unanimously disowned a radio station which goes by the name, Radio Biafra. According to them, Radio Biafra does not have the endorsement of the South-East governors and as such, should be ignored by the people of the South East zone.

The meeting which lasted for about three hours had in attendance, the governors of Abia state, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, Enugu State, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanya, Ebonyi State, represented by the deputy governor, Chief Kelechi Igwe and the host governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.  

Briefing journalists after the meeting, Governor Okorocha of Imo State said that the South East governors have come to realize the need for them to come together and work in the overall interest of the people of the zone.

According to him, the governors agreed to unite for the purpose of fighting insecurity in the South East especially the cases of kidnapping, cultism in schools, baby factories, and other crimes.

They also deliberated on the agitations against the Boko Haram prisoners in Anambra State and appealed to the federal government to take a second look at the issue since it is creating a lot of worries.

Furthermore, the governors agreed to retain Enugu as their headquarters where they would have an office for South East governors’ forum.

Governor Okorocha also said that the South East governors have resolved to have meeting with Mr President to discuss what the present administration will do for the people of South - East zone

The Forum also agreed to promote economic activities in the zone following the economic situation now in Nigeria and how it affects the people of the South East.  And assured that an economic hub would soon be in place and a committee to that effect has been set up and to be chaired by the governor of Abia State.

The Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano was absent from the meeting.

Okorocha calls for use of common language by W/African countries.

Governor Okorocha flanked by Mrs. Maria Do Ceo Silva Monteiro and other officials of  the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice in a group photo

The Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called for the use of a common language outside French and English to unite African nations.

He made this call yesterday when a delegation of ECOWAS Community Court of Justice paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Owerri.

Speaking during the occasion, he described the ECOWAS Court of Justice as a landmark achievement in the history of ECOWAS activities.

Said he; “…the days when we suffered from colonialism and neo-colonialism in Africa are over and leaders of Africa must show quality leadership.”

According to him, the need for unity among Africans cannot be over-emphasized as it has remained a pivot upon which the success of every nation revolves.

He congratulated the president of the court, Justice Maria Do Ceo Silva Monteiro

for leading the entire ECOWAS court and commended her for making the African women proud.

Speaking further at the occasion, Okorocha expressed optimism that with the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari as the president of Nigeria, the country would no longer be a sleeping giant but shall rise to take its rightful place in Africa.

Earlier in her speech, the president of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Mrs. Maria Do Ceo Silva Monteiro commended the State governor for a warm reception, adding that they were in Imo State for a 12 days working visit as part of the court 7^th retreat.

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