Tag: Hope Uzodimma

….Inaugurates JSC, CSCS, LGSC, ISOPADEC, IROMA, five new Commissioners

Governor Hope Uzodimma has given the hint that a new Chief Judge will emerge in Imo State soon.

Speaking Friday at the New Exco Chambers, Government House, Owerri, he demonstrated resolve to ensure adequate and most effective justice dispensation in the State, charging the newly inaugurated Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to commence, immediately, the process of selecting a substantive Chief Judge for the State.

The Governor breathed the circumstances that led to the removal of the former Chief Judge by the Nigeria Judicial Council (NJC) and stressed that Judicial Service Commission has a significant role to play in managing the conduct of Judges in the State and to sanitise our judiciary.

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Uzodimma further warned against falsification of age in the system, stressing that those involved in such acts should desist as it brings disrepute to the State and the justice system.

The governor therefore mandated the Commission to show integrity and courage by ensuring that only Judges with credible records are nominated for positions of trust.  “Fasten your seat belts and weather the storm, no matter whose ox is gored,” he charged the members.

Members of the JSC include: Barr. Louis M. Alozie, SAN; Eze Duruiheoma, SAN; Hon. Barr. Paul Obinatu and Hon. Lady M.M.Anyanwu.

Uzodimma told them to find courage to sanitise the judicial process in Imo, saying, “Ensure we have credible records, sincere and honest people who will oversee the affairs of the judiciary.”

Same day, Uzodimma inaugurated nominees for the Board of the Imo State University, Owerri (IMSU), Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC), and the Imo State Road Maintenance Agency (IROMA).

He said the idea is to strengthen the capacity of his administration towards the endowment of more democracy dividends to Imo people, and enjoined the appointees to demonstrate the highest ethical standard in the discharge of their duties.

Addressing the five Commissioners- designate – Prof Boniface G. Nworgu, Chief Kenneth Okafor, Barr. Enyinnaya Onuegbu, Dr. Anthony Mgbeahuruike and Dr. Elias Emedom, the governor said they were brought on board to help strengthen the capacity of his administration to deliver on the mandate of call to serve the people.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma yesterday said that the regional security outfit, Ebubeagu, was frustrated by Southeast leaders.

The outfit was established by governors in 2021 to address escalating security concerns.

But the governor said the idea was ultimately discontinued due to insufficient support from political leaders.

He said he was the only governor who took bold steps to address the security disturbances in the region, but his efforts were not backed by his counterparts.

Uzodimma spoke through his Special Adviser on Public Communication, Onwuasoanya Jones.

He said Ebube-Agu would have complemented the efforts of the conventional security outfit, but it never materialised because many political gladiators developed cold feet confronting the non-state actors.

Uzodimma said: “I was at the driving seat of instituting a regional security outfit that would be recruited from among the youths of the Southeast region, to complement the efforts of the conventional security outfit.

“This outfit was to be named Ebubeagu. But, it never really saw the light of the day, because many political gladiators developed cold feet towards confronting frontally, these murderous and criminal elements.”

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The governor said he mobilised resources to quell the uprising and even sent a bill to the Imo State House of Assembly to form the Imo Security Organisation (ISO).

“However, the ISO’s success in combating terrorism was hindered by the reluctance of neighbouring states to set up their own local security outfits.

“Many others sold the narrative that the boys were defending Ala Igbo, hence, should be left alone.

“But I saw through the imprudence of treating these criminals with glove hands and launched out against them with a view to securing the lives and properties of Imolites, which is, of course, the most important of my duties and the most prime of my oath of office,” Uzodimma said.

The governor believes that if other Southeast governors had followed his lead, the region would not be experiencing the current level of insecurity.

He also noted that his efforts to secure Imo were met with resistance and criticism from some quarters, but he remains committed to protecting the lives and properties of his people.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has assured residents that those involved in kidnapping for commercial purposes will soon have nowhere to hide within the state.

The governor revealed that his administration is employing both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to apprehend and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Addressing the congregation at an interdenominational church service held at the Government House Chapel in Owerri to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Uzodimma expressed confidence that divine intervention would expose criminals hiding in the state’s forests.

He commended the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, emphasizing that the peace enjoyed today is due to the ultimate price paid by many soldiers to keep the nation united. 

The church service served as a prelude to the main Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration on January 15.

He added: “It is in the wisdom of the federal government that the period is set aside to pray for the soul of these our brothers and sisters, and to commiserate with their families to bear the loss with fortitude.”

Governor Uzodimma said Imo State is doing her best to support the Armed Forces to keep and maintain peace, noting that “the ugly stories of yesterday about Imo State is now a thing of the past.”

He reiterated his invitation to those hiding in the bush to commit crime to come out, and to have it at the back of their mind that “the war is over.”

Assuring that the government is ready and willing to help them do something meaningful, he said only when all of us do things that are meaningful that life will be better for everyone.

“Politics will come and go, Governors will come and go, Imo State will remain.”

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The governor cautioned against people encouraging barbarism, vandalism, killing and maiming of innocent and vulnerable brothers and sisters for no just cause.

He asserted that “at the end of the day all will answer for their deed before God, because the ways of God is different from our own ways.”

He warned that “there is God,” and called on all to shun evil and embrace righteousness.

Governor Uzodimma further prayed God to give us the courage to condemn evil by speaking out when we see one.

In his homily, the Rev Fr (Dr.) Augustine Agowuike harped on sacrifice and compared the lives of the Armed Forces who paid the supreme price to secure the Nation and State to that of Jesus Christ who laid down his life on the Cross to set us free from sin.

He urged the Christian faithful to continue to support and pray for the Armed Forces and other sister agencies so that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

The Mass was attended by the wife of the Governor, Barr (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe, members of the Imo State expanded Executive Council, the former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, members of the Armed Forces in State, the Legion, wives of fallen heroes, political Party leaders, immediate past President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu and others too numerous to mention. 

Governor Senator Hope Uzodimma has appealed to the hoodlums still hiding in the bush to perpetuate insecurity in parts of the State to come out, lay down their arms and join the society in contributing positively to the good of all.

He also promised that the government will be willing to assist them in any kind of business they choose to go into in order to be useful to themselves and the society.

The governor spoke at the funeral of Late Hon. (Mrs.) Jenny Rachael Okonkwo, a former APC woman leader for Orlu zone who was gruesomely murdered in 2022 by suspected hoodlums and her corpse dumped in the bush.

Addressing the audience at her country home in Ogberuru in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State on Thursday, the governor bemoaned the condition under which the woman leader was assassinated, insisting that the Party and the State lost a gem in her.

Governor Uzodimma prayed for the repose of her soul and the souls of the four other women assassinated alongside her and proceeded to approve the sum of N10 million for each of the deceased families. He also promised that the government will be willing to employ any of their children who are employable, or in the alternative train them if they are willing to learn a trade or skill.

The governor reminded all that Mrs.  Okonkwo was untimely and gruesomely assassinated, not because of any offence she committed, but because she was an APC member who did her job effectively as a woman leader and mobilizer.

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“She was one of the best, one of the best organizers and mobilizers, not only in Orlu Local Government but in Imo State in general. A very committed Party woman, who worked, suffered, served the party and the government, and because of her commitment, political opponents assassinated her.

“When Rachael was assassinated alongside four others, the senseless political violence and gruesome killings in the area was not known. Those who are behind the political killings in the Orlu zone are still at work, but very soon the wrath of God will catch up with them.

“Strangers were used to kill and assassinate their brothers and sisters in Orlu. However, today, with the help of God, Orlu people are beginning to see that those behind the killings in Orlu and other areas of the State do not mean well for the State.”

He called on all affected by the death of the late Mrs. Okonkwo (Iron Lady) to take heart and remain committed to the party and the state.

“It is a thing of conscience. What one sows is what one will reap. If you shed blood God will judge you, if you are innocent God will judge you, if you are killing for political power God will judge you; at the end of the day you will answer to God.”

Governor Uzodimma condoled with members of APC in the zone and in the State in general, especially members of the Camp Hope, and acknowledged that they all “worked and suffered to bring back the peace we are witnessing in Imo State today.”

• He is an amiable man, say Sanwo-Olu

All roads led to Government House Owerri in Imo State, Friday, as Governor Hope Uzodimma who is Chairman of Progressives Governors Forum as well as Chairman of South East Governors Forum took his wife, Chioma, to the altar to renew the vow of their 10 year old marriage.

It was an event that attracted dignitaries from within and outside Imo State, including the Governors of Edo State, Monday Okpehbolo, Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Orimisan Ayedetiwa and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.

Also in attendance were the wives of the Governors of Delta State, Ebonyi State, and that of the former Governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Florence Ajimobi.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described Governor Uzodimma as “an amiable man and one of Nigeria’s cerebral politicians, finest leaders, and political juggernaut who knows how to put things in order.”

At the Thanksgiving Service held at Government House Chapel Owerri and conducted by the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese, His Grace,Most Rev Augustine Ukwuoma and a galaxy of other priests from other denominations, Governor Uzodimma said that his marriage to Chioma has brought fulfilment in his life hence the need to appreciate God in a thanksgiving.

The Governor said that Chioma has worked hard to fulfil the biblical injunction that wives should submit to their husbands and that her wife could also testify that on his part as the husband, he has loved her the way he is expected to.

Governor Uzodimma said despite all the challenges from all corners, including political distractions that most often tended to keep him away from his wife and the home front as due to politics, Chioma has remained a pillar of support and unwavering in her belief in their marriage, hence the need to thank God for her tolerance and accommodation.

He described marriage as challenging and expressed gratitude to God for his goodness, mercy, guidance and directions that have propelled his person to success.

He expressed happiness that they were able to renew their marriage in love and promised to same in the next 10 years.

Though Governor Uzodimma recalled the initial challenges he faced as he took over the reins of power in Imo State in 2020, he said it is a thing of joy and gratitude to God that even those who never gave him a chance are, today, beginning to see the hand of God in his emergence as Governor.

He was full of appreciation to God that “today Imo State is looking different and the narrative has changed.”

His words: “All sectors have been attended to, the broken down infrastructure has been repaid as the saboteurs and those sitting on the fence are joining the government having seen the positive changes recorded by my administration.”

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In his homily, the Chief Celebrant, the Most Revd. (Dr) Augustine Ukwuoma, the Catholic Bishop of Orlu Diocese said that time is a precious gift from God to his people, noting that “what is important is how we spend this precious gift given to us.”

He said that God gave us time to use and apply it responsibly, and warned people not to waste their time unnecessarily, noting that “when properly used one will enjoy it, if not it will be a waste and we will regret it hence the need to use our time meaningfully to achieve something good.”

Again, he emphasised that “as Christians we should use our time to worship, praise God and bless humanity because at the end of the day we will give account of how we used the time given to us.”

He commended the Governor for deeming it wise to return thanks to God for preserving their marriage and for the renewal of the marriage vow, adding that “you don’t owe God anything but gratitude as Hope and Chioma have shown on this day, Friday 3rd of January, 2025.”

The marriage renewal thanksgiving Ceremony was witnessed by the Archbishop of Owerri Metropolitan, the Most Revd. Dr. Lucius Ugorji, represented by Rev. Fr. Dr. Gerald Njoku, the Auxiliary Bishop of Orlu Diocese, the Most Revd. Dr. Thomas Obiatuegwu, the Bishop of Owerri Anglican Communion, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Chukwuma Opara, the Chairman CAN Imo State, Rev. Dr. Eches Divine Eches and many other clergymen too numerous to mention.

Governor Sanwo-Olu who proposed the toast said that Governor Uzodimma is an amicable man who is full of life, passionate about his people, State, country, family, and extremely committed in whatever he does.

He said he was not surprised that Governor Uzodimma is transforming Imo State because of the support he enjoys from his wife.

Apart from the Governors, Senator Adams Oshiomole, Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Patrick Ndubueze and Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi were in attendance, and the members of the Federal House of Representatives- Akarachi Amadi, Emeka Chinedu, Cannice Moore Nwachukwu, Princess Miriam Onuoha, Eugenia Dibiagwu.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru and her husband, Chukwuma, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, the Head of Service Imo State, Mrs. Chikodi Emenalom (Mni), the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie and members of the Imo State expanded Executive Council.

Also present were Justice of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, retired Hon. Justice Mary Odili, the Minister of Mines and Solid Minerals, Chief Uche Nnaji, former Governors of Imo State Ikedi Ohakim and Sen Ike Nkwachukwu, former deputy Governor, Prof Placid Njoku and the wife, Bola, high ranking traditional rulers, APC leaders such as the Deputy National Chairman South, Chief Emma Enukwu, the South East National Vice Chairman, Dr. Ijoma Arodiogbu, the APC State Chairman, Sir Macdonald Ebere and business moguls like Chief Tony Chukwu, among others.

President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, his Secretary, Ambassador Okey Emuchay and other key figures in the body were present.

Governor Uzodimma’s in-laws could not hide their joy as they put up an appreciable presence at the event.

Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma, presented the 2025 budget to the Imo State House of Assembly on Monday, December 23, 2024. 

The budget, tagged “Budget of Expanded Economic Opportunities,” totals ₦755,588,041,220.

This represents a significant increase of over ₦163.3 billion compared to the 2024 budget, which stood at ₦592.2 billion.

 The governor explained that the increase is necessary to accommodate the growing needs of the state and to drive sustainable economic development.

The 2025 budget is divided into recurrent and capital expenditures. The recurrent expenditure stands at ₦112,302,000,000, while the capital expenditure is ₦643,286,041,220.

The budget is expected to be financed through a combination of internal and external sources, including the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation of ₦293,154,121,949, internally generated revenue (IGR) of ₦42,577,065,257, and capital receipts of ₦419,856,584,014.

During his presentation, Governor Uzodimma highlighted his administration’s achievements over the past five years and reaffirmed his commitment to transforming Imo State under the Shared Prosperity mandate.

The governor emphasized the importance of infrastructure development, allocating ₦296,461,152,778, representing 46% of the capital budget, to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure Development. This is a significant increase from the ₦180 billion allocated to the ministry in the 2024 budget.

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Other key sectors also received significant allocations, including the Ministry of Transport, which got ₦101,010,000,000, representing 16% of the capital budget, and the Ministry of Power and Electrification, which received ₦74,755,479,042, representing 12% of the capital budget.

The Education Ministry was billed to receive N7.420 billion while the Ministry of Livestock development receives N20.000 billion.

The governor also prioritized education reforms, agriculture, industrial and market development, housing and urban renewal, water and gas supply, and digital economy.

“We must do as much as we can at a time and do it well enough for our people to endure,” Governor Uzodimma said. “I have set out our priorities, and my goal is to concentrate on their faithful implementation to achieve maximum results.”

The governor also appreciated the support of the Imo State House of Assembly and reassured the people of Imo State of his commitment to accountable and transparent governance.

According to the governor, the ₦72,600,766,110.80 loan burden he inherited upon assuming office in 2020 has been cleared, making the state an investor’s pride. “My administration has paid back the loans completely. Today, the perception of Imo State in the global financial market has changed for the better.”

Earlier The Speaker of the House, Mr Chike Olemgbe commended the governor for his achievements and assured him of the House’s support for his policies geared towards the state’s progress.

In a vote of thanks, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Amarachi Iwuanyanwu (Nwangele) commended the governor for the budget presentation and for the achievement of all the projections of the 2024 budget.

He also commended him for attracting investors to the state and improving the economy while remaining committed to the welfare of the people of the state.

The bill was adjourned to December 30, for the second reading.

The Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO) has conferred honourary degrees on the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, and Borno State Governor Babagana Umaru Zulum.

The institution’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nnenna Oti, said the honourary degrees were awarded in recognition of their invaluable contributions to national development.

“The Senate and Council of the university adjudged the three eminent persons worthy for their invaluable contributions to national development in general and FUTO in particular,” she said.

Uzodimma was honoured for helping FUTO to secure presidential approval for the upgrade of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Owerri, the Imo State capital, to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri (FUTHO).

Addressing reporters during the pre-36th convocation briefing at the university’s Council Chamber yesterday, Prof. Oti announced that 5,188 and 632 graduands would be conferred with first degrees and higher degrees of the university.

The vice chancellor said the university excelled in academics, centres of excellence, physical developments, research exploits, ICT, staff welfare, and awards.

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She said FUTO got full accreditation for its Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery Programme (MBBS), doubling its admission quota from 50 to 100.

“The implication is that the FUTO College of Medicine is now listed in the World Directory of Medical Schools. Our medical students now qualify to write licensing examinations in all the countries of the world, including the United States (U.S.A) and the United Kingdom (UK),” Prof. Oti said.

FUTO, the vice chancellor said, also made significant strides in physical infrastructure development, including the completion of an engineering design studio and ICT hub valued at $5 million.

According to her, the university has also begun the construction of an 8.3 megawatts (MW) solar hybrid power plant, expected to be completed next March.

Despite these achievements, Prof. Oti said the university was facing some challenges, including encroachment on its land, hostile attitudes of the host communities, and inadequate funding.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has received an offer to pay N500m to a traducer so that he will ‘ceasefire’.

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, who state this in a statement yesterday, said the vexatious critic (name withheld), with this action, had shown that his activities are self-serving and not in the interest of Imo State as he had constantly claimed.

 Emelumba said: “When we described him as an extortionist and blackmailer, the public thought we were too hard on him, but now it is clear that frustration and hunger are his sole motivation for his unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations against the governor .”

Emelumba explained that   many  friends of the governor and government officials have been reached by the critic, asking that he be settled with N500m as a condition to stop his baseless attacks on the governor in the media.

Emelumba added:  “We can confirm that he has reached out to several people, including some government officials asking them to convince the governor to release N500m to him so as to stop the baseless attacks on Uzodimma.  One of such persons he reached is a Lagos based businessman whom he spoke on the phone with on Wednesday and later sent his Opay account number for his ticket to Lagos to seal the deal. We have records of similar conversations. “

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The Commissioner described as unfortunate the activities of the critic who was offered an opportunity to serve as a commissioner but failed woefully on the job.

He said the most painful aspect of the whole saga is that his case files in the police where he was indicted for stealing government’s property were still open.

On whether the government will consider buying his silence as he is demanding, Emelumba said he should perish the thought as Uzodimma has nothing to hide.

“Never shall we condescend that low to even negotiate with a traitor and blackmailer let alone settling him. I just pity some gullible members of the society who have time to read the rubbish he churns out,” he said.

The commissioner insisted that the governor would never be distracted by the antics of one man who had already betrayed the trust of Imo people by selling government property.