Governor Okorocha adopts concession option

At last the Imo State Governor, Owelle Anayo Okorocha  has considered  to concession the managements of some Parastatals and Health facilities in the state with a view to make them more productive, so as to strengthen the state economy.

The essence of the latest move by the governor which has been described as a bold and courageous step was designed to inject life into some of the parastatals and health facilities that would surely return them on the path of economic growth and development.

The decision of the governor was communicated to the public through a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemedo. He made it clear that the essence is to achieve the aims of establishing them in the first place.

He expressed deep concern that most of these parastatals and Health facilities have continued to enjoy the government’s huge monthly subventions without any meaningful financial contribution to compliment for such cash investments.

The statement noted with dismay that most of the government Parastatals were expected to generate revenue by virtue of their status but unfortunately, they were unable to do so.

The managements of some of the parastatals already listed for concession include; Imo Newspapers, Imo Orientation Agency, NEPAD, Imo ADP, Agric Loans Board, Water Corporation, PFMU and PSGRDP, Consumer Protection Council, Imo State Council for Arts and Culture,(ISCAC) Imo State Sports Council, Imo State Tourism Board, Imo State Zoological Garden, Imo State Library Board, Imo Job Centre and Imo State Investment Promotion Agency.(ISIPA)

Others are the State Directorate for Employment, Okigwe Cattle Market, Imo Livestock, Ministry of Agric and Natural Resources Shop, Niger-Delta Bureau, Poverty Alleviation Bureau, IWADA, Bureau for Public Procurement and Price Intelligence, ENTRACO, Imo Marketing Company, Imo Blue Lake Oguta and Imo Essential Drug.

The Health facilities the government have  also listed to concession their managements include ; the General Hospitals and Health Centres in the Twenty-Seven Local Government Areas of the state, including the General Hospitals at Aboh Mbaise, Ngor Okpala, Ihitte Uboma, Okigwe, Aro-ndizogu, Mbieri, Awo Omama, Oguta, Ogwa, Ohaji Egbema and the Specialist Hospital, Umugwuma.

In the case of the Health Centres and General Hospitals, the government decided to concession their respective managements to give them the needed impetus to make the Health-care delivery system in the state responsive, effective and service-oriented  especially when the government’s experience in the affected Health outfits have been nauseating.

In addition to the concession actions, the government has also dissolved the Youth Must Work Scheme with the aim of re-organization, effectiveness, and efficiency so as to achieve its initial targets and purpose.

However, the Primary and Secondary teachers recruited under the Youth Must Work Scheme were not affected by the dissolution.

The government has also dissolved the elected officials of the Community Government Councils (CGC) and the action is also designed to help in repositioning the CGC to also make it very vibrant and result-oriented.

In the same vein, the state government has taken over Imo State Teaching Hospital staff Primary School at Orlu and FSP Primary School Ugwu-orji, Owerri to enable them enjoy the free and qualitative education programme of the state government.

In a related development, the State  Governor has suspended some Permanent Secretaries, Directors of Accounts and few other officials who were indicted by the report of the recent verification and audit exercise carried out by the state government.

Meanwhile, the governor has directed the salary arrears of all the staff in the affected parastatals listed for concession, the hospitals and health centres also affected, and those of CGC to be paid immediately.  All these actions have been taken in the overall interest of the state and its people.

The government also appealed passionately to indigenes of the state for their cooperation and understanding.

Turkey to partner with Imo to build industrial parks in Ohaji/Egbema

Gov Okorocha receives an award from Mr Abdullah Basci after a business meeting with Turkey business community at Turkey.

The government of Turkey has expressed willingness to partner with Imo State government to establish industrial parks at Ohaji/Egbema.

This disclosure was made by Governor Rochas Okorocha while addressing journalists at the Government House, Owerri shortly after his return from a three day business trip to Turkey.

According to him, the economic trip he embarked with some industrialists from Imo State to Turkey recently has yielded positive results as an artisan market which can accommodate about 3000 shoe makers will soon be established in the State while a fish industry will kick off in no distant time. In addition, he said Turkey will hold its trade exhibition in Imo State next year with 2000 business people participating.

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha debunked the allegation that his administration has sold some government establishments. He explained that rather than sell government establishments, his administration repurchased those sold by previous administration such as Resin Paint industry, Mbaise and Paper Packaging Industry Owerre Ebeiri.

He commended the people of South East zone for their show of understanding in the appointments made by President Mohammadu Buhari, pointing out that appointment of aides were made within his constitutional powers. In his words, “It is well within our party’s constitution. APC is a great party and a big family. Igbos are also of APC and I represent the face of that very strong movement from the South-East. What is important is what the people of the South-East can get from the federal government to develop the zone. ”

                                             

The governor reminded the press of the cordial relationship existing between him and the governors in the South East, adding that they have agreed to build an economic hub for Ndigbo collectively.

Said he; “… politics is gone, this is the period for development, let’s talk less of politics now and see how we can develop the resources of our land.”

He said his administration has inaugurated taskforces to address the challenges facing the State like street trading, relocation of artisans, motor parks and as well creating more activities in the rural areas.  According to him, some of the taskforces will also look into roads that require attention, improve infrastructural development of schools and bring the general hospitals to modern standard.

Owelle Okorocha also said that his administration will implement an industrialization programme of one community, one industry to improve the economy of the State as government intends to raise N20 million for each community, while branches of the Imo State Micro Finance Bank will be established in all the 27 LGAs. 

  

He reminded the people that Imo government would be hosting parliamentarians in 2017.

On the renovation work going on at the Imo Concord Hotel, Owerri, Governor Okorocha said government will spare no effort in restoring the institution to its five – star status while work will be completed on the dualization of Owerri- Orlu – Akokwa road, in addition to the 27 general hospitals, judicial headquarters and government house annex in orlu and Okigwe.

He regretted that a huge fraud was discovered in the running of Imo Transport Company (ITC), adding that the problem of health workers must be resolved before payment of their arrears will commence.

He announced that government has started paying salary arrears up till September this year, including those of parastatals and encouraged people of the State especially those who are well –to- do to establish private universities in the State.

Okorocha calls for support from the Judiciary to boost IGR for Imo

Okorocha in handshake with Imo State State Chief Judge, Justice Pascal Nnadi during the latter's swearing-in ceremony 

Governor Rochas Okorocha has called for support from magistrates in Imo State to assist the State government in increasing its internally generated revenue.

He made this call while addressing a large group of magistrates during a meeting held at the Government House Owerri, recently.

Speaking during the meeting, Governor Okorocha said that an increase in the State’s IGR will complement the dwindling federal allocation to the State and enable it carry out its statutory duties. He expressed regrets that the magistrates have been performing their duties under deplorable conditions and presented them with official vehicles to enable them discharge their duties effectively. He announced plans to rehabilitate and renovate dilapidated courts to make them conducive for the dispensation of justice. 

Okorocha disclosed other measures to be taken by government to enhance their working condition to include a decision by the government that every magistrate will live within the locality where his or her court is located adding that magistrates who do not have police orderlies will have theirs as the commissioner of Police has been requested to cooperate with them in that regard. He assured them that government will do its best to encourage and motivate them to discharge their functions effectively and bring to justice those who contravene basic laws of the State including sanitation laws.

Speaking further at the meeting, the governor expressed government’s intention to rationalize the workforce by flushing out workers who are not serious with their duties and strengthen the workforce by engaging new hands. He expressed happiness that the campaign promises he made four years ago including free education, building of schools and hospitals, construction of roads and provision of infrastructure were fulfilled and pledge to effectively implement his 2015 promises of building factories and industries and provision of jobs for the unemployed youths.

Earlier in a speech, the State Chief Judge, Justice Pascal Nnadi thanked governor Okorocha for his effort to uplift the judiciary and enhance the welfare of magistrate in the State, describing it as steps in the right direction.

Justice Nnadi expressed confidence that the measures embarked upon by government will solve problems militating against smooth dispensation of justice in the State and pleaded with the governor to ensure that the backlog of salaries, running costs, imprest allocations, and power bills are cleared while members of the judiciary would appreciate it if they are assisted in hosting the national conference of their organization scheduled for this month.

Imo Govt unveils new vehicle plate numbers for top govt officials

The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has unveiled new vehicle plate numbers for use by serving members of the Imo State House of Assembly and other top government officials.

Speaking during a meeting with the representatives of security agencies held at the Government House Owerri today, Governor Okorocha said that government have decided to check the unlawful use of tinted glasses in vehicles of unauthorized persons, pointing out that some people who use tinted glass vehicles use them to convey kidnappers or carry kidnapped victims.

He showed them samples of the new plate number and advised that anyone with tinted glasses should please remove them.

Said he; “We have introduced a new Government House plate number and these plate numbers will only be for those who are entitled to it legally. Therefore, all previous plate numbers are no longer legal and anyone found with them will be dealt with according to law.”

He frowned at incessant and unauthorized blaring of siren by some public office holders, pointing out that even the notorious kidnapper named ‘Vampire’ also moved about with siren.

  

He advised all those who use sirens illegally to dismantle them or their vehicles will be confiscated while the owner would be prosecuted according to law.  

According to him, the numbers contained in the new Government House number plates start with figure rather than IMGH,  adding that “as long as you are not a House member or Government House Official, you are not entitled to use government plate numbers, as they are reserved for serving House members and top government officials.”

He said government has noticed that the wrong use of Government House numbers has created a lot of problem in the system.

Okorocha launches ‘Niger Delta Security Network’ in Imo

Governor Okorocha inspecting the 'Guard of Honour' of the Niger Delta Security Network during their inauguration yesterday

Imo state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has launched a security outfit in Imo State known as the ‘Niger-Delta Security Network’ aimed at fighting cultism, vandalization of oil pipelines, kidnapping and other heinous crimes in the Oil Producing Areas of the State including Ohaji, Egbema and Oguta.

Inaugurating the security outfit at the Government House, Owerri yesterday, Governor Okorocha said it takes the indigenes of an area to effectively fight crimes in a given place since no criminal operation could succeed without the cooperation or information from an insider or someone who knows the terrain.

The governor reminded them that they should subject themselves to the authorities of the Police and other higher security agencies in the State and should not operate like a counter force to these security agencies.

His words “your duty is to find out the hiding places of these cultists or miscreants who have been terrorizing the oil producing areas of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta, flush them out and hand them over to the law enforcement agencies for prosecution within three months.”

The governor continued “there are 250 of you who have been recruited to serve in the security network.  You must not involve in any criminal activity yourself.  If any of you is caught in any criminal activity, he goes to jail.  You must be disciplined.  You have been called to serve your people.  That is why all of you are from the mentioned oil producing areas.  We believe that those carrying out these cult activities are your people.  You flush them out so that the majority of your people shall enjoy peace.”

He continued, “Recently, the Inspector General of Police emphasized on the need for community policing and even before now, we have been on that page.  It takes those who know the criminals to apprehend them.  The rate of cultism and other crimes in Ohaji, Egbema and Oguta has become worrisome to the government.  And we have decided to take the bull by the horn.”

“The activities of these cultists have resulted to the death of innocent people and some Traditional Rulers have fled their homes to avoid being killed by these cultists. The State government will no longer tolerate the activities of such miscreants.  We are going to do all within our power to check the ugly situation.  That is the reason for setting up this security network” the governor added.

Governor Okorocha also directed that 16 area offices built for the organization be released to it and also released the sum of four Million Naira to the outfit to enable it cushion the harsh effect of the rigorous training they passed through while in camp. 

He gave the Imo Niger Delta Security Network 90 days to bring the activities of the cultists under check and warned that members of the outfit will be dissolved if they do not achieve the set target within the stipulated period.

In his speech earlier, the Director General of the organization, Dr. Justice Harcourt thanked the governor for the interest he has shown in the development of the Niger Delta area of the State including the appointment of a son of the area, Engineer Kingsley Uju as the Deputy Chief of Staff and the establishment of a Marine University in Osemotto. 

Dr. Harcourt requested for the opening of their head office in Owerri, the provision of vehicles, equipment, radio sets and torch lights for use by the security me

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.