Uwajumogu sworn into office as the first APC senator from the S/East

History was made a short while ago in Abuja, after the former Imo Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu, was officially sworn in as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Performing the swearing in ceremony at the hallowed red chambers of the National Assembly, the Clerk of the Senate, Mr Nelson Ayero, charged the new Senator to always be guided in the discharge of his duties in line with the rules of the Senate and in accordance with the provisions of the constitution of the country.
Responding, Senator Uwajumogu, who described the event as historic, not only to the people of Okigwe zone and Imo state in particular, but to the people of the South east zone in general, added that it is a new dawn for the people of the area.
He pledged to use his new mandate as a Senator of the federal republic of Nigeria to uphold the principles and tenets of the country's constitution in doing good to all manner of persons, irrespective of their tribe and religion.
Senator Uwajumogu, who paid glowing tributes to the good people of Okigwe senatorial zone for their painstaking effort in enthroning a new political order in the zone, assured that his representation would spark up even development at every nook and cranny of the zone.
With his formal inauguration as a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria after last Thursday's postponement, Uwajumogu now becomes the only APC senator of Igbo extraction in the current dispensation.

Aregbesola, Bello others felicitate with Okorocha on his 54th birthday

Gov Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has joined many eminent Nigerians in wishing Imo State Governor and Chairman Progressive Governors Forum, Dr Rochas Okorocha a happy birthday.
The Governor in his letter to his brother Governor stated:
"I write on behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Osun to extend our felicitations on the occasion of your birthday anniversary celebrated on Thursday, 22nd September, 2016. Evidently, this attainment attests to the fact that you have enjoyed tremendously the Divine grace and protection of Almighty God for sparing your life to witness this occasion.
I join your friends, political associates and well-wishers across the country and beyond to felicitate with you and the entire family on this attainment full of accomplishments and service to humanity. Attaining this age is not of much concern but the positive impact of your life on the people that you govern. You have proved to all that governance is nothing but service to the people.
On this occasion, you are fondly remembered for the good leadership you have been providing and astonishing transformation that has taken place in Imo state despite the economic downturn. It is pleasing to acknowledge that since you assumed your present position, you have demonstrated uncommon dedication and commitment in the service to Imo state and our dear country, Nigeria.
As you look forward to your next birthday anniversary, my wish and prayer is for the Almighty God to continue to strengthen you for more fruitful services to Imo state and Nigeria as a whole.
Once again, wishing you happy birthday and many happy returns"
The letter was personally signed by the Governor.


Similarly, governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has described the patriotism and commitment of the Governor of Imo State as second to none.
He said the continued resilience and dedication of his Imo State counterpart over the years have been the rallying point for the cohesion and unity of the diverse nationals and the federating units of this country.
In a statement to commemorate the 54th birthday of Gov. Okorocha, the Niger State governor described the Imo State helmsman as a "formidable, dependable and reliable bridge" that holds the political and cultural diversity of this country.
Gov. Sani Bello maintained that Okorocha’s political doggedness, resilience and unifying audacity are some of the special qualities that endeared him to his people and to many other Nigerians across the socio-cultural divide.
The statement signed by Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Chief Press Secretary to Gov. Sani Bello, commended the leadership and direction Gov. Okorocha has given to the Progressive Governors Forum since he was saddled with the responsibility.
Gov. Sani Bello noted that Okorocha has also written his name in an indelible ink on the wall of fame of philanthropists with array of gestures that have brought smiles to many indigent children and widows across the six geo-political zones of the country.
"It is worthy to note that your contributions in the area of education have helped many Nigerian youngsters who hitherto have no hope to fulfil destinies. Many Engineers, Doctors, Lawyers and many professionals have been made through Rochas Okorocha Foundation in Kano, Minna and Jos".
"On behalf of myself, family and the good people of Niger State, I join your family, friends and well-wishers all over the world to warmly congratulate you as you add another year of personal fulfillments.
"I pray to Almighty God to bless you with many more healthy years in distinguished services to Nigerians and humanity at large," Gov. Sani Bello stated.

Okorocha inaugurates amnesty Committee on repentant militants, cancels MoU between host communities and Oil companies

Following the surrendering of arms and embracing of peace by Avenger militants fighting in the oil producing areas of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta in Imo, the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha today, inaugurated the Amnesty Committee, and two others, including the committee on the Review of the Activities and Infrastructural Development of state owned Higher Institutions, and the Technical committee for the take-off of the Eastern Palm University, Ogboko, Imo State. The committee members have also been briefed by the governor on their terms of reference.
And to demonstrate the importance of the Amnesty Committee, the Governor appointed the first lady of the state, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha as chairman, while the Transition Committee chairmen of the oil producing local government areas of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta, the Assembly members from the two state constituencies, the managing director of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) and the Special Assistant to the Governor on Niger Delta are members.
In the terms of reference to the Amnesty Committee, the governor charged them to come up with programmes and ideas that would ensure the sustenance of the peace recently restored in the oil producing areas of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta.
The governor equally asked the committee to address all the issues the repented militants had raised when they surrendered including allegations that the oil companies operating in the areas have been igniting some of these troubles for their own selfish reasons.
The committee would therefore define what should be the role of the oil companies in the areas and to make them stop igniting crises in the areas.
It was also discovered from the testimonies of the born-again militants that some of the Traditional rulers from the areas are also culpable considering their roles in the crisis that enveloped the oil producing areas, equally for their own selfish reasons. For that reason, the governor cancelled all the memorandum of understanding (MoU) the communities or Traditional rulers must have entered into with the oil companies, with the governor also directing that the government must be aware of any such MoU from now onward.
The Amnesty committee was also asked to write to the oil companies not to deal with the communities or traditional rulers again without the approval of the State Government, with the Committee also directed to meet with all the relevant bodies and persons.
The Amnesty Committee was also directed to work towards ensuring that the names of the militants who surrendered their guns and embraced peace are removed from any record or list of militants, organize medical tours in the oil producing areas and ensure special employment of one thousand Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta Youths into the State Civil Service. The Amnesty committee has three months to submit its report.
The Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Acho Ihim is the chairman of the committee on the Review of the Activities and Infrastructural Development on state owned higher institutions, with fifteen others as members. The committee has also been asked to review the movement of certain faculties and departments of the Imo State University to Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala campus of the University.
The committee was also charged to reconsider the location of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) and its viability in Orlu and the location of the main campus of the University in the State Capital, with the committee expected to find out whether IMSUTH won’t be more useful to our people if located in Owerri.
And whether it is not more advisable to take the main campus of IMSU to a more serene location suitable for university education and where it would have the opportunity of expanding as time goes on. The committee has been given three weeks to submit its report.
The Technical Committee for the Take-off of the Eastern Palm University at Ogboko built through Public and Private Partnership (PPP) has Ambassador Nonye Rajis Opara as chairman and the committee has six other members.
The work of the committee is to ensure the smooth take-off of the university. The committee would also go for churches or organizations that were given money and lands by the State Government to encourage them establish private universities, but up till now, such organizations have not done anything to that effect.
The governor charged the members of the committees to demonstrate high level of patriotism in carrying out these assignments, in the overall interest of the state and her people.

Rio 2016 Paralympics: Okorocha rewards gold medalists from Imo

Three Imo State-born athletes who won gold medals for Team Nigeria at the just concluded Rio 2016 Paralympics held in Brazil have been honored by Governor Rochas Okorocha.
The governor rewarded each of the victorious athletes with a brand new car and the sum of one million naira each. He also rewarded their coaches.
The medalists who broke world records on their way to winning gold medals include Roland Ezurike, Nwosu Ndidi and Orji Josephine Precious. The Imo State Commissioner for Public Safety, Youth and Sports, Rodney Ajaelu had on arrival at the Government House presented the 3 gold medalists to the governor for recognition. The victorious athletes sang a Happy Birthday song for the Governor and promised to continue to set the pace.
The Governor while addressing the athletes said that the best things that can happen to Nigeria will always come from Imo state saying they did not only make the state proud but the entire nation.

Okorocha disengages Info. Commissioner, others, appoints Evan Enwerem Jnr.

Imo State Governor , Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha  has disengaged the Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Public Utilities, Dr Vitalis Orikaeze Ajumbe and directed him to hand over all government property in his custody to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.

A release signed by the Principal Secretary to governor, Dr Paschal Obi, says the disengagement is with immediate effect, also relieved of their duties were, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment and Orientation Dr Kelechi Okpaleke, the Special Assistance to the Governor on Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Justus Ojike and the Transition Committee Chairman for Ikeduru Local Government, Engineer Obinna Nshirim.

The release directed the affected political office holders to hand over all government properties in their possession to the most senior civil servant in their department with immediate effect.

Meanwhile, Governor Okorocha has approved the appointment of Pastor Ralph Afoaku as the new Director General of Imo State Broadcasting Corporation IBC.  The governor also approved the appointment of Mr Evan Enwerem Junior (son of former Imo State Governor and Senate President) as the new Transitional Chairman for Ikeduru Local Government Area.

Others appointed are Mr Anayochukwu Idion as the Principal Officer to the Governor on Electronic Media, and a retired Deputy Inspector of Police Mr Hillary Opara as the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters.

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.