Hope Uzodinma launches six isolation centres, 31 ambulances in Imo

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma on Friday, opened six isolation centres across the state.

Uzodinma said in Owerri, the state capital at one of the isolation centres that the facilities were put in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the state.

The governor said though there was no confirmed coronavirus case in the state, his administration was ready to tackle the virus if it spread to the state.

He equally provided 31 ambulances and over 100 security vehicles.

The governor said the ambulances had been allocated to the 27 local government areas in the state.

He listed the location of the isolation centres as Aboh Mbaise General Hospital, Umuguma General Hospital, Okigwe General Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo Teaching Hospital, Orlu, and Imo Isolation Centre, Owerri.

 Uzodinma said, “We are working how to implement policies for a healthy Imo. By the grace of God, there is no confirmed case of COVID 19 in Imo .We are being creative and vigilant. The Imo initiative on crime prevention is all being launched today. The centre is also going to deal with any other contagious disease. It is a comprehensive package to conquer the health and safety challenge of our people. Health, safety of the people are our concern.”

Imo govt to empower 5000 unemployed graduates

Five thousand youths would be captured in the first phase of a skills acquisition and entrepreneurship training for Imo youths, said the Imo state governor Hope Uzodinma.

The Commissioner for Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, Mr. Noble Atulegu, disclosed this to newsmen in Owerri, adding that the programmes will fully kick-off as the battle for COVID-19 virus declines.

He said among other things that resource persons will be brought into the state for the different pieces of training, which he said has a short term, mid-term and long term plans.

Atulegu pointed out that, “Phase one of our projects will empower five thousand unemployed graduates and we bring them together, we train them and give them something to start up a new business.

Said he, “I will also let you know that some people do not need that package what they want is just that training and they will start making their money.” “Look at how we will achieve this, for our short term plan is for the graduates who just graduated from school. Because they have been exposed and have a certain level of knowledge, believe me, they will pick up very fast in their training.

“Then for the mid-term plan, is for young people who just finished secondary school. It may take that person a few months or up to a year to catch up with the training and quickly follow it to the last.

“While the long term plan, by that time we must have been coming close to the end of our tenure.

“We must have trained those unemployed, those who were unable to go to secondary school and those who graduated from universities will be empowered. What we are doing now, is to produce future leaders.”

Uzodinma appoints 27 interim chairmen for Imo LGs

The Imo State governor, Hope Uzodinma, has appointed Interim Management Committee chairmen for the 27 Local Government Areas of the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Cosmos Iwu, announced this in a statement, in Owerri on Thursday.

This, he said, followed the approval given by the state House of Assembly authorising him to do so.

The governor had soon after assuming office, instructed the Interim Management Committee chairmen appointed by his successor, Emeka Ihedioha, to hand over to Directors of Administration and General Services of the various LGAs.

The appointees include Emma Njoku (Aboh Mbaise), Chief Larry Chikwe  (Ahiazu Mbaise), Chief Francis Onyeberechi (Ezinihitte Mbaise), Chidi Okechukwu (Ehime Mbano), Olemgbe Chike (Ihette Uboma), C. C. Ihejirike (Obowo), and Mrs Nkechi Mbaonu (Okigwe).

Covid19: Gov. Uzodinma orders total lockdown of Imo

Imo Governor, Hope Uzodinma has ordered complete lockdown of the state as part of measures to prevent the dreaded Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease from entering the state.

Uzodinma gave the order in a state broadcast pennultimate Saturday in Owerri.

He said the move was in line with his commitment to protect the lives of the people of the state.

The governor ordered that all markets be closed indefinitely and also prohibited all forms of marriage ceremonies.

He also announced the ban on burial and funeral ceremonies and declared that all forms of religious worships in churches and mosques, including crusades and open evangelism were prohibited.

Uzodimma further directed that road blocks be mounted at all land borders into the state to ensure those coming in would be screened and given a clean bill of health by officials attached to the check points, before allowed entry.

He also directed all civil and public servants in the state, except those on approved essential duties, to stop work immediately.

He said a combined team of military, police and other security agencies would be deployed to the streets to ensure strict compliance with the directives.

The governor, however, noted that though the new measures might cause some inconveniences or hardship to the people, they were inevitable to assure success in the fight against COVID-19.

The governor assured the people that the state was ready for any emergency as according to him, “a team of specialist doctors are now on ground and well equipped to handle any emergency just in case the virus finds its way into the state.”

Further measures announced by the governor to contain the virus included, training of health educators to go to rural communities to educate them as well as the distribution of hand sanitisers to all the communities in the state.

Uzodimma stated that these measures would be reviewed on weekly basis and if it became necessary to relax them or take more measures, the government would act accordingly.

The governor who assured that his administration would be at its best toward surveillance, prevention and control, called for vigilance and strict adherence to safety norms.

“I wish to reiterate my earlier advise that the best safety measures against the disease are social distancing, regular washing of hands with soap, sanitising our hands regularly as well as periodic check of body temperature to be sure that it is not above 38 degrees Celsius.” he said.

While acknowledging that the number of those infected by the disease in the country is on the increase, Uzodimma said it had become expedient for government to take further measures to ensure that Imo was safe from the Coronavirus pandemic.

Supreme Court affirms Hope Uzodinma as governor, dismisses application by Ihedioha for judgment review

The Nigeria Supreme Court has today, affirmed Senator Hope Uzodinma as the governor of Imo state and has dismissed the application by the counsel to Chief Emeka Ihedioha for judgment review

A seven-member panel of justices presided by Justice Tanko Muhammad today ruled that the court lacks the jurisdiction to sit on appeal over its judgement on the Imo governorship. In the main judgement read by Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the apex court held that the application lacked merit and dismissed the application. “The judgement of the Supreme Court is a finality,” he said.

The judge however said no cost would be awarded against the applicants. Justice Nweze however delivered a dissenting judgement.

It could be recalled that Ihedioha and the PDP had in an application dated February 5, 2020 and brought through his counsel, Kanu Agabi (SAN) asked the apex court to set aside its judgement of January 14, which nullified his victory in the March 9, 2019 election and declared Hope Uzodinma of the APC winner of the election after he presented excluded results from 388 polling units. Recall that in its judgement, a seven-member panel of justices presided by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Tanko Muhammad, held that Ihedioha was not validly elected as governor by majority of lawful votes cast in the election. The panel therefore ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw the Certificate of Return issued to Ihedioha and a fresh Certificate of Return issued to Uzodinma forthwith and “he should be sworn-in as governor immediately.” In the main judgement read by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the apex court held that Uzodinma proved the allegation of exclusion of results in 388 polling units of the state where he scored 213,695 votes.

Uzodinma swears in SSG, COS, AG, promises to Reconstruct and Rehabilitate Imo

Governor Uzodinma, has sworn into office, Chief Cosmas Iwu as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG),  Chief Nnamdi Anyaehie as the Chief of Staff and C.O.C. Akaolisa as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

Speaking while performing the swearing in ceremony at the Sam Mbakwe Exco Chambers, Government House on Monday, Uzodinma pledged to make Imo State a model among her counterparts in the country as a way of repaying the people of the state for the confidence and trust they have reposed on him since he assumed office.

While promising that he will implement to the letter his three cardinal points of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery, Governor Uzodinma disclosed that his administration will ensure that the greater good of the people of the state, would at all times take priority position.

On the calibre of people he has brought to serve, Governor Uzodinma said: “I had earlier indicated that the bar for appointment into the state has been raised to the highest level, hence, only the best brains would serve in my administration and I am standing on this platform because Imo deserves the best”.

The Governor charged the appointees  to put on their thinking caps, get into the factory room and get the ball rolling, adding that “to whom much is given, much is expected”.

He further advised: “My brothers, today you are appointed to serve Imo people, do not disappoint because the expectations are very high. The entire Imo State is your constituency; therefore, you must do justice to all manner of men regardless of tribe or creed. Imo is one and belongs to all of us”.

Responding on behalf of the appointees, the SSG, Chief Iwu, thanked Governor Uzodinma for finding them worthy to serve and pledged their undiluted support, loyalty and commitment to his administration to achieve its lofty ideals.

Iwu promised that they will abide by the general principles and policy direction of the present administration geared towards fostering prosperity, security and development of Imo State.

He charged Imo people to continue praying for the new administration, stressing, “Without God Hope Uzodinma wouldn’t have been Governor, God gives power and all power belongs to God”.

The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Placid Njoku, the Chief Judge of Imo State, Justice Paschal Nnadi; the Head of Service, Camilus Iwuagwu and other top government functionaries. Others include family members and friends of the appointees.

Hope Uzodinma sworn in as Imo governor

Senator Hope Uzodinma has been sworn in as the Governor of Imo State.

He was sworn in by the Chief Judge of the state, Paschal Nnadi, on Wednesday evening.

Uzodinma took the oath of office and allegiance before the Chief Judge at 7:28 pm before a mammoth crowd at the Heroes Square Arena, in Owerri, the state capital.

He also signed the required documents empowering him as the seventh Governor of Imo State.

His deputy, Placid Njoku, also took the oath of office and allegiance at 7:18 pm before the Chief Judge and thereafter signed the necessary documents empowering as the second citizen of the state.

The All Progressives Congress’ National Chairman, Adams Oshiohmole; a former governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha, were in attendance.

Supreme Court sacks Imo governor Ihedioha

The Supreme Court on Tuesday nullified the election of Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the governor of Imo State.

The apex court declared Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 9 governorship election in the state.

In the unanimous judgment of the seven-member panel, read by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, the apex court agreed that results in 388 polling units were unlawfully excluded during the collation of the final governorship election result in Imo State.

Justice Kekere-Ekun said with the results from the 388 polling units added, Mr Uzodinma polled a majority of the lawful votes and ought to have been declared the winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The judge did not provide the details of the new votes scored by each of the candidates after the addition of the results from the 388 polling units.

Consequently, she voided and set aside the declaration of Mr lhedioha as the winner of the 2019 governorship election in the South-East state.

The court ordered that the certificate of return wrongly or unlawfully issued to Mr lhedioha be immediately withdrawn by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and a fresh one issued to Mr Uzodinma as the elected governor of the state.

“Vote due to the appellant Senator Hope Uzodinma and the APC from 388 Polling Units were wrongly excluded from scores ascribed to the appellant(to them),” the justices ruled.

“It is thereby ordered that the appellant votes from 388 Polling Units unlawfully excluded from the appellant vote declared shall be added and that the first respondent, Emeka Ihedioha, was not duly elected by a majority of lawful votes cast at the said election.”

“His return as the elected governor of Imo State is hereby declared null and void and accordingly set aside

“It is hereby declared that the first appellant (Mr Uzodinma) holds the majority of lawful votes cast at the governorship election held in Imo State on March 9, 2019.”

The justice said Mr Uzodinma has satisfied the mandatory constitutional requirements to be declared governor.

“It is hereby declared that first appellant, Senator Hope Uzodinma, is the winner of the governorship of Imo State held on March 9, 2019.

“The certificate issued to the first defendant (Mr Ihedioha) is hereby withdrawn.

“It is hereby ordered that the certificate of return shall be issued to the first appellant, Senator Hope Uzodinma, forthwith and he should be sworn in as the governor of Imo State,” she ruled.

Mr Ihedioha is the first of the governors elected during the 2019 governorship elections to be so removed.

Imo state-born Kennedy Ekezie honoured by Queen Elizabeth II of England

Kennedy Ekezie who hails from Imo state, Nigeria, has been honoured by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom for engaging in a worthwhile venture of raising over $2 million to mentor young Africans. Ekezie, 20, from Imo state, eastern Nigeria, raised the fund targeting young Africans all over the world, according to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

The 20-year-old Nigerian was honoured for raising over $2 million worth of grants to start a mentorship programme for young Africans all over the world,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

Gov. Ihedioha swears-in 17 commissioners

Imo state governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has sworn in to office,17 commissioners with a call on them to work towards making the state a model.

Speaking during the swearing ceremony held on Wednesday in Owerri, he urged them to exemplify good governance, adding that he appointed those he believed would serve Imo diligently and would not accept poor performance.

In his words,

“I have appointed you as commissioners not to serve only in my government, but to serve the entire state.

“Remember that any decision you take in your various ministries will have direct effect on the general wellbeing of Imo people, so I want all of you to discharge your duties with the fear of God,” he said.

He tasked the commissioners to be proficient and always maintain due process in their daily activities.

He reiterated that he would reposition the state to its original pride and called on the people to support policies of the government.

The governor promised to run an all inclusive government, warning, however, that he would not accept “sycophancy in government”.

Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwumere, is among the 18 commissioners.

Full List Below:

1. Ministry of Justice – Ndukwe Nnawuchi

2. Ministry of Finance – Prof. Uche Uwale Ihitte Uboma

3. Ministry of Commerce, Industry & Entrepreneurship – Mr. John. Ekezie Okeahialam

4. Ministry of Agriculture & Natural Resources – Chief Emma Nworgu

5. Ministry of Health – Dr. Vin Udokwu

6. Ministry of Public Utilities – Hon. Chuma Nnaji

7. Ministry of Education – Prof. Mrs. Viola Adaku Onwuliri

8. Ministry of Works – Engr. Benjamin Ekwueme

9. Ministry of Lands, Survey and Physical Planning – Sir. Bon Unachukwu

10. Ministry of Youth & Social Development – Eronini Okechukwu Unaeze

11. Ministry of Environment – Hon. Tony Okere

12. Ministry of Information and Orientation – Barr. Emeka Felix Ebiliekwe

13. Ministry of Gender and Vulnerable Groups Affairs – Chief Mrs. Nkeiru Ibekwe

14. Ministry of Tourism- Creative Arts and Culture – Barr. Chijioke Nzekwe

15. Ministry of Technology Development – Mr. Meekam Mgbenwelu

16. Ministry of Transport – Engr. Sly Enwere

17. Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning – Mr. Reginald Ihebuzor

18. Ministry of Housing- Mr Nicholas Anayo Amaefule