Thousands of militants in Imo embrace amnesty, surrender arms to govt

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The era of youths restiveness and vandalizing of crude oil facilities in Imo State may have come to an end as the restive youths in the oil region numbering over 5,000 denounced youth restiveness/cultism and surrendered their arms to Imo State Government yesterday at the Government House, Owerri. The repentant youths who came out in their numbers told the governor they have concurred to his goodwill and assured him that careless killings due to displacement of their resources thereby making their place insecure and uninhabitable must stop. The leaders of the various cult groups in turns, reiterated the issue of incessant killings and vandalizing of oil facilities in the oil region was as a result of negligence from the Oil Companies.  According to one of the group head popularly known as Banga, "we want the government to look into our community. Let the government look into our issues, let us benefit from what belongs to us.  We have no light, no hospital, no road... let the government empower us and I assure you all from today, no more killing".

Responding, Governor Okorocha commended them for their bold step towards ending the youth restiveness in the region. In his words, "we know our sons and daughters are not violent, situations led to it", and assured them all their requests will be granted to them and granted them State pardon in the presence of the State Commissioner of Police, the Brigade Commander of 34 Artillery Brigade, DSS, NSCDC.

Speaking while fielding questions from journalists at the event, the Deputy Chief of Staff (Operations) to the governor, Engineer Kingsley Uju said the militants have embraced peace and have received executive pardon by the state government. He said the move will pave way the re-integration of the militants into the society adding that the decision of the governor to grant them pardon is in line with the amnesty programme of the federal government.

Speaking further, Engr. Uju said that there are a total of eight oil companies operating in Imo and now that peace has finally returned to Ohaji Egbema and Oguta, the companies would begin to enjoy good relations with their host communities.

A large number of arms and ammunition including, AK 47, Pump Action rifles, grenades, short and long local made guns and charms were received by the State Governor Owelle Rocha's Anayo Okorocha, in conjunction with the Commissioner of Police, CP Taiwo Lakanu and the Brigade Commander of 34 Field Artillery Brigade, Obinze - Owerri.

Three days meeting of S/East governors’ wives ends in Owerri

The three days meeting of Wives of South-East governors and a good number of prominent Women Leaders from the South-East geo-political zone have ended in Owerri .

Present at the meeting were, the host and wife of the Imo State Governor, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu and that of Enugu state Mrs. Monica Ugwuanyi. Notable women leaders from the zone in attendance were, Chief Mrs. Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi, Chief Mrs. Josephine Anini, Senator Joy Emordi, Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Mrs. Pat Jim Nwobodo, Mrs. Dorathy Nwodo, Prof. Chinwe Obaji, Mrs. Vivian Okadigbo, and a host of others.

Speaking during the meeting, the host, Mrs. Okorocha stating that they had gathered due to their love for Igboland and indeed, for their love for Nigeria.

She said they didn’t gather for politics and that was why women across the political divides and even outside the political box were all in attendance, remarking that they have resolved to get it right by taking up roles as mothers, adding that their own contributions would complement those of the men.

Her words, “Whatever a woman does not nurture will die. Hence, we have met and agreed to go back to the drawing board to get the whole thing right. The essence of our gathering is to take the bull by the horn. Time has come for the women in the South-East to sing the song of Unity. Igbo women must unite for progress”.

The Women Leaders who spoke one after the other said, that their coming together was also to compliment the effort of their men counterparts who had earlier met in Owerri for the same goal of uniting for development and growth of the zone, adding that they have agreed to unite to find a way forward for the Igbo nation and by extension for Nigeria. 

Governor Rochas Okorocha who received the women on courtesy call at the Government House earlier yesterday told them to sustain the momentum of the spirit of unity fired in them at the moment.

His words, “It is a thing of joy to see prominent Igbo women converge in the Eastern Heartland to make their own contributions towards shaping the Igbo nation for good. Indeed, Nigeria is waiting for Ndi-Igbo. Africa is also waiting for Ndi-Igbo, and by the grace of God Ndi-Igbo will live up to expectations. This might as well be the time we have all been waiting for as Igbo nation. We the men have tried, we are still battling with our conjured situation, maybe this is the way out, hear not what has happened yesterday, I can see light in the dark end of the tunnel for Ndi-Igbo”.

He continued, “The August Meeting which is taking a new dimension, courtesy of the first ladies of the South-East is highly commendable. On our own part as your sons, brothers and husbands, we are making out little effort with our governor brothers and leaders from the South-East to see how we can move the Igbo nation forward, let me say to all of you, behind every successful man is a great woman”.

In his brief remark, chairman of the event, Chief Nwobodo said it was a good development that both Igbo men and Igbo women have not only seen the need to unite but have all agreed to unite, adding that once there is unity among Ndi-Igbo other things would naturally follow.

The women had been in Owerri since Tuesday August 30, 2016 when they arrived and had deliberated upto Tuesday night which culminated into the grand finale of the event on Wednesday, August 31, 2016.

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu and Chief Chukwuemeka Ezeife were equally in attendance to encourage the women.

Okorocha parleys with journalists, reiterates decision to move Eke-Ukwu Market

Governor Okorocha (Middle) addressing journalist during a parley held at Rochas Foundation School of Africa

Governor Rochas Okorocha has reiterated his administration’s resolve to move the Eke-Ukwu market located at Douglas Road in Owerri.

He made this known during an interactive meeting with journalists at the Government House, Owerri today. Speaking at the meeting, the governor said,  “I am not in a hurry to go. I always say this prayer - let my enemies make the mistake that will advance my course. I brought light into the state, and forces of darkness are not happy. There were lots of ritual killings at Nworie and several places we opened up, why will the forces of darkness be happy with me? Ekeukwu is the main issue. They don't want it to move. All sorts of criminal activities take place at Douglas road, I have said the market must move. We are waiting for the rains. I am of light and can only give light, I am not of darkness. I am progressive. Posterity shall bear me witness. I must make Owerri one of the finest city in Nigeria.”

Speaking further, “The belief in deity is old fashioned, we must rise above it. If agbara is strong, why doesn’t it come out during the day.There is no connection between light and darkness. We must believe in God, all powers belong to Him. Urban renewal of Owerri must continue. We must fix this land, we have no other place we can call our own. We shall not go back to Egypt. They have tried all they can but fail.

We are owing pensioners but they will be paid soon. I will pay them. I appreciate their plight. They will smile soon.

I am not a sectional governor. The next election must not be based on place of origin. You must show your individual vision.

I believe in this state and am moving all my investments back home. My Spibat house is Rochas Foundation School of Africa to help less privileged children across Africa.

Owerri is Imo State capital and is for all. We must de-emphasize regional sentiments.

We are not owing workers today. We have paid July salaries.

I love my people, Imo people and will do my best for you. I said I will retire lots of politicians and hand over to a new generation. I have demolished the feudalistic structures in Imo so that the younger generation can rise.

Okorocha returns to Owerri after short trip abroad

Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha returned to Imo State yesterday after a short trip to Europe. He arrived Abuja on Tuesday and yesterday, he attended the Progressive Governors Forum 4th Lecture Series titled 'Building The Economy Of States: Challenge Of Developing Inclusive Sustainable Growth' held in Kaduna before coming to Owerri.

Okorocha who is the Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum is pictured with other Governors at the venue of the event in Kaduna.

He landed at the Sam Mbakwe airport at about 2:30 pm yesterday and was received by a large crowd who welcomed him with loud cheers. 
Details to unfold later

2016 Iri ji Mbaise: Imo govt applauds Mbaise people on preservation of Igbo culture

Imo Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere flanked by Resue Mission team performing the traditional "Iwa Ji and Iri ceremony as others watched with excitement.

The Government of Imo State has commended the people of Mbaise in Imo State for preserving the cultural heritage of Ndi Igbo, while assuring them of Government’s resolve to work with them to improve on their infrastructure and general development.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Prince Eze Madumere made this remark on Monday 15th August 2016 while addressing the people of Mbaise  at the venue of their New Yam Festival in Aboh Mbaise.

Prince Madumere who represented the Governor of Imo State began by  his address with a message of hope and love, peace and unity.

The number two citizen of Imo State who had his childhood  and part of his secondary education in Mbaise also said that Governor Okorocha's high regards, saying that it is the reason he has always worked with Mbaise people as their sons and daughters are appointed to lead and serve in strategic positions.

Speaking further, he revealed Governor Okorocha has directed that construction work will begin on some of the roads as soon as the rains are over. He also asserted that academic activities will soon begin in Mbaise-Ngor-Okpala Campus of Imo State University. 

It will be recalled that Governor Okorocha had promised to build Campus of Imo State University in Mbaise-Ngor-Okpala axis as proposed under the administration of late Dr. Sam Mbakwe.

Prince Madumere speaking on Iri Ji Mbaise described the event as the height of celebration of Igbo culture, which is universal in every Igbo community. He said that yam remains the chief-crop of Igbo land and main-stay of agriculture in the traditional Igbo society, saying it is worthy of being celebrated. 

He however attributed the Iri Ji festival as symbolic and significant to the enterprise of Igbo man. He also asserted that development of agriculture keys into Owelle Rochas Okorocha Government's idea of diversification of economy. 

He also used the opportunity to call for the support of the good people of Mbaise, saying that Rescue Mission Government's strength does not lie on force and might but on the love, cooperation and massive support it enjoys from the people including the people of Mbaise.

The high point of the event is the "Iwa Ji and Iri Ji" (Yam cutting and eating) ceremonies, which afforded the people of Mbaise and other guests the opportunity to make donations for the execution of some Community projects in Mbaise.

As the tradition demands, the highest ranking Traditional Ruler, HRH, Eze Chidume Okoro as the custodian of the culture and tradition of the people was the Royal Father of the Day and the Deputy Chairman, Imo Council of Ndi Eze, Owerri zone with Chief Dr. Pat Eke as the Chairman of the occasion.

Prince Eze Madumere was accompanied by top government officials of ‘Rescue Mission’ including illustrious sons and daughters of Mbaise Nation among whom are Chief Hilary Eke, Imo State Chairman of All Progressives Congress; Chief Chidi Ibe, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry; Hon. Iyke Njoku, Chief Economic Adviser to the Governor of Imo State; Barr. Ngozi Njoku, Commissioner for Health among others.

Others who spoke were Hon. Nnanna Igbokwe who is of Ahiazu Mbaise and member representing Ahiazu-Mbaise Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, HRH, Eze Bernard Onyenguzo Enweremadum, the Traditional Ruler of Ngwa-Ukwu from Abia State among others.

Relocation of Eke-Ukwu market: Imo Govt allocates shops at Imo Int’l Market

The Imo State Government, yesterday, 9th August officially allocated the first phase of shops/lands in the Imo International Market located at Egbeada to the representatives of Douglas Market, Ekeonuwa and Ekeukwu Owerri for speedy development and relocation. This is in fulfillment of the agreement reached between the Government and the shop owners at Douglas, Ekeonuwa and Ekeukwu markets that shops will first be allocated to them before considering any other person or group.

A press release from the office of the Deputy Chief Of Staff, Operations, Mr. Kingsley Uju said the traders were urged to fuse into the vision of the Government in ensuring that the new market is developed to International standard and assured them that Government will continue to do its part in ensuring that their demands are met and pleaded with them to abide by the rules;  “the rule is not to abandon the shops when given but to develop them so that Government can as well open up the remaining parts of the market for allocation of 2nd phase and speedy completion. For those who may not have the money to develop theirs, arrangements have been made for soft loans from banks ”.  

Those in attendance to witness the handover were Honourable members of Imo State House of Assembly led by Hon. Ikechukwu Amuka (Osimiri), Hon. Lugard Osuji, and the Deputy Chief Whip. The representatives of the marketers were Chairman of Douglas Market, Chief K E Onwusoro, Chairman Ekeonunwa market Mr. Onyenaguba, Chairman Ekeukwu Owerri, Mr. A. Okwudiri. Kingsley Uju represented Government of Imo State

Lingering Crisis in Ahiara Catholic Diocese: Mbaise monarchs beg Okorocha to intervene.

Governor Okorcha receiving Traditional Rulers from Mbaise when they paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House last weekend

Prominent Traditional Rulers from Mbaise led by the Deputy Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers for Owerri zone, and Chairman Mbaise Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Eze Chidume Okoro, political leaders from the area led by Nze Patrick C. Onuoha and the foremost socio-cultural organization of the area, Ezurezu Mbaise led by its president-general Chief Nnamdi Cajetan at the weekend, met with governor Rochas Okorocha at the Government House, Owerri.

In their address which was presented by Eze Okoro, they appealed to the governor to quickly intervene in the lingering crisis that has engulfed the Ahiara Mbaise Catholic Diocese for years now over the posting of Bishop Peter Okpaleke as the substantive Bishop of the Diocese.
They also thanked the governor for all the projects he had sited in Mbaise and also thanked him specifically for the free education programme which they said Mbaise people have benefitted from, more than other areas in the state judging from their population.
They equally thanked him for locating a University in Mbaise and told him that Mbaise people love him and he should not take the unfriendly dispositions of few Mbaise sons against his government to mean that of Mbaise people. They told him that Mbaise people would remain grateful to him.
The Mbaise leaders used the opportunity offered to them by the visit to invite the governor to the 2016 edition of Iriji Mbaise.

In his response the governor assured that he would meet with all the parties involved in the Ahiara Mbaise Catholic Diocese crisis to see to the resolution of whatever is the bone of contention and regretted that a case of that nature involving the church could be allowed to linger for so long.
He also reminded the Mbaise leaders that his administration has been exceptionally fair to their people both in terms of projects and in terms of appointments, and remarked that, apart from Mbaise people being the greatest beneficiaries of the free education programme of his administration, he is also building a University in the area because of the love he has for them.
The governor reminded them that the Commissioner for Commerce & Industry, Chief Chidi Ibeh, the Economic Adviser, Chief Ike Njoku, his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, the Director of Ochiedike Diagnostic Centre, Dr. Ifeanyi Nwachukwu, the Director-General, Imo Foundation, Mrs. Esther Eke, Commissioner in ISOPADEC, Chief Pschal Nwogu, two newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, Chairman SUBEB, Dr. Mrs. Ejiogu, the Director-General of his Campaign Organization Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe are all from Mbaise.
According to him, more than forty percent of the students in the Owerri Rochas Foundation College are from Mbaise. He said he would not change his good impression about Mbaise people because of the unfortunate attitude of few politicians from the area. He also commended Mbaise people for their ingenuity.

Imo introduces weekly agric programme for civil servants, reduces working days to 3 per week

The government of Imo State has introduced a policy tagged “BACK TO LAND FOR AGRICULTURE” to enable the state engage and invest heavily in agriculture for self-sustenance since from all indications, the state can no longer depend on monthly allocation from the federal government for survival.

Against the backdrop, the governor directed that public servants in the state would now work from Mondays to Wednesdays, and use Thursdays and Fridays for agriculture (farming) while Saturdays can be used for ceremonies. And the directive takes effect from Monday August 1, 2016.

He disclosed this when Traditional Rulers from the state operating under the aegis of ‘Royal fathers in Agriculture’ paid him a courtesy call at the Government House Owerri yesterday, adding that the State Executive Council has given approval to the new policy.

However, the governor exempted public servants on essential duties like the teachers, nurses, doctors and people involved in Internally Generated Revenue drive. Political appointees are also exempted from the three-days working periods.

The governor added “we shall try this programme for the period of one year, starting from 1st of August 2016 and hopefully this will help. Let me make this emphasis before it is misconstrued or misrepresented that this does not in any way affect the salaries of the workers. Workers will get their full salaries. So the policy does not mean that there will be a cut in salary rather let us now find a way for our workers to supplement their salaries”.

He continued “for this reason the issue of annual leave and casual leave is hereby cancelled. Resumption time for work has changed from 8am to 7.30am in the morning and ends by 4pm. Any worker that is not found on his or her seat between 7.30am and 4pm on the days concerned will be summarily dismissed”.

“Everybody must go back to agriculture. Every political appointee must own a farm. The youths would also be encouraged to take to agriculture. Schools including Universities, Polytechnics and Secondary schools in the state must own farms. The Community Government Council (CGC) must be strengthened for the sake of this agricultural programme”.

“Two billion naira (N2b) has been set aside at the micro-finance bank for the purpose of this Back To Land For Agriculture policy so that those willing can access it. And time is gone again when politicians and some Imolites will come to government in the pretext of farming and collect loans and use it to buy cars and marry new wives”.

“Again, the June and July Salaries would be paid this week. We are making sure that our workers are comfortable and our pensioners are happy because this is one area the whole nation is having a serious challenge. Our problem is not being unable to pay salaries but paying over-bloated salaries. We are also making effort to pay our pensioners once the harmonization is over”.

“I also want to announce that government has appealed to families and those who organize burials on Mondays to Wednesdays to please change and have their burials on Saturdays so that we can concentrate on the government’s work and on the agricultural programme.

“Everything that has to do with agriculture no matter what shape it comes, government will support it. So many countries are going through economic crisis because of the fall in oil. Our nation is also going through very difficult moment. We have taken responsibility as leaders and we are not blaming anyone. Wise nations and leaders save for the rainy days. There were periods the oil price was in our favour. But those in charge then blew the money. They made no savings. Today the oil price globally has crashed and here we are. And we must fall back to agriculture as the panacea” Governor Okorocha stated.

Governor Okorocha in group photo with Traditional Rulers from the state operating under the aegis of ‘Royal fathers in Agriculture’ when they paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Owerri yesterday

 

Uwajimogu wins Okigwe rerun election

Senator - elect, Benjamin Uwajimogu

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Benjamin Uwajimogu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the rerun election held yesterday in Okigwe geo-political zone of Imo State with over 13,000 votes margin.

Similarly, the House of Assembly candidate of APC for Isiala Mbano Local Government Area, Mr Collins Chiji defeated the PDP candidate and was returned elected.

Speaking to the people of Okigwe zone shortly after the results were announced, the Senator-Elect, Benjamin Uwajimogu congratulated the people of the Zone for speaking resoundingly with their votes. He also congratulated his opponents who contested in diverse political parties in the Senate re-run election.

Said he; “There is no victor and there is no vanquished. The interest of Okigwe zone has prevailed and we are all happier for it. I congratulate the people of Okigwe Zone again for their tenacious resolve to have a meaningful paradigm shift under rain and shine and kudos to the election officials and their ancillary support staff for they made the popular wish of the people to prevail.

All in all, Okigwe people, Ndi Imo and Ndi Igbo have won to the Glory of GOD Almighty. The march to true freedom has never been a leisure walk in the park. It is truly a tortious journey. It has ended in praise.

I ceaselessly congratulate the people of Okigwe Zone for winning and hooking up to the national political grid through my indomitable party APC- the truly greatest political party in Africa and ruling party in Nigeria.

I salute my great party leaders at all levels, APC men, women fanatic youths and teeming supporters for believing in change and ensuring change in Okigwe Zone.

This is change and this is victory for democracy. Change is here at last in our land.

We shall be magnanimous in victory...We shall not lose sight of our electoral promises...we hold them very dear...all hands must be on the deck...there is work to be done...let us go about it together.

We shall be happy for this day and this decision.

THANK YOU NDI OKIGWE.

To God be the Glory.”

Okorocha celebrates with Imolites over results of Okigwe re-run elections

 Mr. Benjamin Uwajumogu

Imo sate Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, organized a victory party last night for members and leaders of All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state to celebrate the outcome of the Saturday, July 23, 2016 re-run election for Okigwe zone senatorial seat and the two state constituencies of Oru-East and Owerri-West.

In his speech at the victory party, Governor Okorocha thanked the electorate in Okigwe Senatorial Zone, Oru-East and Owerri West State Constituencies for voting the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

He said the victory of the APC in the re-run poll for Okigwe senatorial zone is a victory for the whole of South-East APC in particular and the people of the geo-political zone in general, adding that  all the National Assembly members from the state on the platform of PDP should be re-called to come and face proper election because none of them won in the last general elections held in 2015

Speaking further at the occasion, Governor Okorocha commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring a free and fair election and thanked all the security agencies who worked to ensure that the people’s votes counted.

It will be recalled that The INEC Returning Officer, Professor Arinze Agbogu, who announced the results for the election on Saturday said that the candidate of All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Benjamin Uwajumogu, had already scored a total of 48,921 votes, while the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, flag bearer, Chief Athan Achonu scored 40,142 votes. According to the figures released by the Returning Officer, in Okigwe local council area, the APC scored  9,355, while the PDP got 4,343. In Onuimo Local Government Area, the APC scored 3,630 as against PDP’s 3,850, while in  Ihitte Uboma, the APC scored 10, 171,  and the PDP 5,184. The other results rolled out same day by the Returning Officer for the two major parties in Obowo, Ehime Mbano and Isiala Mbano were APC 13,401; 5,795 and 6,569 respectively, while PDP got 6,041; 13,048 and 7,676 respectively, in the three remaining local council areas. The Returning Officer equally announced that a new date would be announced for the supplementary poll in the 15 identified polling booths, where about 13,000 registered voters would be expected to cast their votes.