How Rochas destroyed politics of ‘godfatherism’ in Imo State

By Anthony Inyama

The politics of ‘godfatherism’ whereby  a candidate of a political party is chosen exclusively by an influential individual or a cabal within or sometimes, outside the party had been the style of politics being practiced in Imo State since Nigeria’s return to democracy until 2011 when Rochas Okorocha broke the jinx. 

From 1999 when the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) began to control the government of the State, issues of ‘godfatherism’ had been at the center of the party’s affair and eventually caused its downfall.  

‘Godfatherism’ issue was responsible for denying Rochas the party’s ticket for the 1999 gubernatorial election in Imo. Same issue led to the emergence of Chief Ikedi Ohakim as the flag bearer for the People’s Democratic Party in Imo State during the 2007 governorship election.

After Ohakim’s emergence as the party’s candidate for the 2007 governorship election, aggrieved members joined forces and formed a parallel group within the party which they named ‘The Alliance Group’. On the other hand, Chief Ohakim teamed up with his allies within the PDP framework to form a group which they named New Face Organization (NFO).  The stage became set for a protracted political battle between the two factions - the Alliance group and the NFO.

Such was the state of the PDP when Rochas Okorocha was called by some concerned citizens to rescue the State from political ‘gangsterism’ and ‘godfatherism’.

As at September 2010 when political parties in Imo State were preparing for the gubernatorial election scheduled for to take place the following year, the People’s Democratic Party were still enmeshed in internal crisis arising from issues of ‘godfatherism’. According to reports from the Front Page of the Red Parrot Newspapers Published on Sept. 15^th 2010, “The Chairman of Isu Local Government Area of Imo State, Mr Ignatius Egbuchulam, described the then PDP National Chairman, Dr Okwesilieze Nwodo as “an assassin hired to kill Imo PDP”, accusing him of imposing members of the Alliance group on the Party to be its executives.

Siimilarly, the front page of the Oriental Life newspapers published on November 5^th, 2010, reported that the PDP Local Government Congress held in October, 2010 at Orlu was won by one Mr. Emmanuel Obi who hails from Okporo.  The election which was captured on video was generally accepted by the delegates but the tale changed on Monday, 1^st November, 2010 when one Chief Clifford Okonkwo from Okwuabala was sworn in at the Dan Anyiam Stadium as the Chairman of the Party in place of Mr Emmanuel Obi.  The newspaper further reported that some PDP stalwarts led by Chief Arthur Nzeribe jungled the list right inside the stadium.  The emerging scenario placed the delegates in a confused state as they were at a loss concerning who to refer to as their chairman – Mr Obi, who actually won the election or Chief Okonkwo whose name was being used to replace the winner.

The PDP at the State level was not left out in the bizarre cases of ‘godfatherism’ and irregularities that ravaged the party during the October, 2010 Congress.  The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP cancelled the ‘selection’ of Mrs Kema Chikwe as the party’s Candidate for the Owerri Senatorial race after Mrs Chris Anyanwu presented a video clip which revealed some PDP stalwarts removing her votes from the ballot box and stuffing same in their pockets at the at the Grasshoppers Handball Stadium, venue of the congress.  She threatened to show the video clip of the illegalities at the primaries on Cable News Network (CNN) unless the PDP declared her winner of the Primary election.

Fortunately for Rochas, the government of Chief Ikedi Ohakim had performed below expectation and therefore failed to secure the support of most Imo State electorate, leading to his defeat at the polls.

Indeed, Okorocha’s victory can be regarded as unique not only because he has no political godfather, but also because he contested for the election on the platform of an opposition political party, APGA. For the first time in the history of Imo State, an incumbent governor lost in an election despite the fact that he had the support of many political heavyweights in Nigeria including the then president, Good Luck Jonathan.

Many political analysts are of the view that Rochas’ emergence as governor has rescued Imo from the clutches of political godfathers. Having contested in primary elections while in the PDP some years earlier, Owelle Rochas Okorocha knew and understood the style of politics played by the party and this is no doubt a major factor that propelled him to dump the party when he did.

It will be recalled that while addressing Igbos at the 5^th annual International Convention of Imo State Congress of America (ISCA) from 2^nd to 5^th August 2013 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in the USA, Owelle Rochas Okorocha accused the People Democratic Party of “playing the politics of ‘godfatherism’ as well as mismanaging the economic resources of Nigeria”

Suffice it to say that Okorocha’s victory at the gubernatorial election in 2011 have paved way for the emergence of an era in Imo State where candidates of political parties do not need to enter into any agreement formally or informally with a godfather for the purpose winning in an election. The way in which Governor Okorocha has conditioned the minds of most politicians in Imo State presently is such that practice of ‘godfatherism’ no longer appeals to them. They now work hard to earn the support of the electorate rather than depending on a godfather to help them win in an election. They argue that if Rochas who came on board the political scene without the support of a godfather can defeat an incumbent governor in an election, why can’t they do so equally?

If the present campaign by Governor Okorocha against political ‘godfatherism’ continues to achieve positive results in the next 12 years, the issue of ‘godfatherism’ in Imo State politics will surely be a thing of the past.

Imo Govt recovers two factories from NDIC

Two defunct State-owned factories which were formerly sold out to the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Company (NDIC) were on Monday, recovered by the Imo State government after many years for non-productivity.

The factories are Resin Paints Industry in Aboh Mbaise and Paper Packaging Industry Limited in Owerre-Mbieri .

Speaking during the handing over ceremony at the Imo Trade Investment Centre in Owerri, Governor Okorocha said the NDIC was at the verge of selling the factories out to prospective buyers before the State government bought them.

According to him, the two factories are among the legacies left by the late Governor Sam Mbakwe’s administration.

He expressed hope that the recovery would generate employment opportunities for the youths in the State and also increase the State’s internally generated revenue when full operations begin in the factories.

Speaking to journalists at the occasion, a representative of the NDIC, Obaji Obaji, said that the Imo State government has completed all the transactions, adding that the two factories now fully belong to the Imo State government.

Also present at the occasion is the Chairman of the Imo State Trade Investment Committee, Mr Rex Anunobi, and the State’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Non-formal Sector, John Uzoma,

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Brigade commander visits Okorocha, vows to sustain fight against insecurity

Gov Rochas okorocha receives a plaque from Brig-Gen Kay Isiyaku, Brigade Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Obinze Owerri during the latter visit to Govt. House, Owerri on Tuesday.

The Commander of 34 Field Artillery Brigade Obinze, Imo State, Brigadier- General Kay Isiyaku has paid a solidarity visit to Governor Rochas Okorocha.

Welcoming the army commander at the Government House Owerri today, the Imo State governor noted that the Nigerian army had done very well in the fight against insurgency and terrorism bedeviling the nation at the moment.

The governor who viewed Boko Haram as a national problem, explained that the war against terrorism is a like a nation fighting against herself, He expressed optimism that it will soon be a thing of the past as a president who understands the situation is now at the helm of affairs and the citizenry are now united in the fight to stop terrorism, he said ‘the fight against terrorism is a serious one and the army is doing their best to put it to an end’

Governor Okorocha, seized the opportunity to admonish the army commander to ensure that the kidnap cases that have been nipped in the bud did not raise its ugly head again.

According to the governor ‘we are going to work collectively to ensure sustenance of   success recorded in the security sector’ he promised to give the new commander all the cooperation he might need to succeed in his assignment.

The state chief security officer and the newly posted army commander agreed to work as a team, and collaborate with other security agencies to ensure adequate security of lives and property in the state, and to deal with other security challenges that may rear their ugly heads up.

His words “as a young senior military officer, I have seen you as one that has the desire to bring your long-time experience to bear.  I would want to ask that you liaise with the traditional rulers in the state, the state owned security outfits, and the federal security agencies in the state to make your job easier.”

In his speech earlier, the new Commander, Brigadier General Isiyaku said he was on courtesy call to familiarize with the government in the state, and commended the administration of Governor Okorocha for its free education programme which he also described as a very huge investment.

Brigadier General Isiyaku also assured that he would work in synergy with other sister agencies on the issue of security in the state, and assured on the cooperation of his command to sustain the war against kidnapping and cultism in the state.

Okorocha reassures teachers of prompt payment of salaries

Governor Okorocha in handshake with some of the teachers during the 2015 World Teachers' Day celebration held at Heroes Square, Owerri

The Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha celebrated this year’s teachers day with a firm promise to the teachers that their salaries will always be paid as at when due.

The Governor stated this at the 2015 World Teachers Day held at the Heroes Square, Owerri today.  He expressed his pleasure with the teachers for keeping faith with his administration in its quest to eradicate poverty and illiteracy in the state through the provision of free education.  He said his love for teachers has made them the envy of other civil servants and vowed that not even the present economic situation of the country which has drastically reduced the allocation given to state can separate him from the teachers.

Speaking further, the Governor described the teachers as the custodian of the children’s future and as such should emulate Christ in shaping the lives of the children under their tutelage.

He reminded all present that the best legacy one can give to a child is education because education is power.

The Governor stated that on assumption of office four years ago, Imo state had about eleven thousand teachers but now, that number has been doubled to accommodate the rising increase in the number of intakes as a result of the free education. He said that 305 schools have been constructed by his administration and the old schools within the Owerri municipality have been renovated.

He called on the teachers to reciprocate government gesture by being dedicated to their duties. The governor equally expressed his desire to introduce a Teachers adjustment programme which will be geared towards making sure that every teacher is entitled to twenty five students and which will equally ensure that the concept of teachers packing in few schools in the town to the detriment of schools in the rural areas is stopped and addressed.

Earlier, in his address the NUT State Chairman Sir Napoleon Aniche re affirmed the total support, loyalty and commitment of the teachers to the rescue mission government.  He stated equivocally that since the creation of Imo State in 1976 that without fear of contradiction no past government has identified with the teachers like the present government.

The NUT boss re-emphasized that the teachers in the state have entered into irrevocable bond either to sail or sink with the Governor. He stressed that the theme of the celebration “Empowering Teachers, Building Sustainable Societies” is very apt and in tandem with governor Okorocha’s vision of free and qualitative education.

The teachers’ boss equally brought to the attention of the governor some of their challenges which include; the plight of the retired primary school teachers, regular payment of running costs to school heads, inadequate teachers, and donation of land for the building of Teachers village.

Contributing, the national president of NUT, Comrade Michael Olukoya in his message thanked the Governor for prompt payment of teachers’ salaries despite the current economic challenges facing the nation and called for its sustainability.

Independence: Okorocha calls on politicians to support President Buhari

The activities marking the 55^th Independence Anniversary of the nation kicked off in Imo State with glamour at the Heroes Square, Owerri today.

  

Addressing thousands of Imolites and other stakeholders who gathered at the Heroes square, Governor Rochas Okorocha stressed the need to celebrate Nigeria despite the spate of insurgency and insecurity in the country. He also advised all politicians to work together with President Mohammadu Buhari to take the country to an enviable height.                        

He appealed to Nigerians especially the youths and asked them to be proud of their country, adding that God blessed this country and that He will not abandon us half way.

           

The high point of the occasion was the march pass by the security agencies and the public schools in the State. 

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