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Tag: Imo State Governor

  • 70th anniversary: Anyaoku leads others to school where he taught

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha and former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, are among the dignitaries expected to grace the grand finale of the 70th Anniversary of Emmanuel College (ECOL) Owerri, Imo State scheduled for Saturday.

    Anyaoku, a former History, Latin and Mathematics teacher in the school between 1952 and 1956, will lead a galaxy of distinguished former principals, teachers and students who will be honoured for their contributions to the school, country and humanity.

    Others include the Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Agunwa Ohiri; a former Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Kelechi Nwagwu; Rear Admiral Raphael Osondu, and Brig- Gen. Ignatius Nwogu.

    According to a statement released by the chairman, Media/Publicity sub-committee, ECOL 70th anniversary, Kennedy Eweama, the National President, Emmanuel College Owerri Old Students Association, Ambassador Jude Agbugba, said the anniversary celebration will be chaired by Prof Onyewuchi Oguoma of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, an old boy.

    Agbugba said: “We are determined to take Emmanuel College to greater heights. We, as beneficiaries of the rich tradition of teaching and learning and a culture of excellence associated with the school, must cherish the opportunity this august event has provided for us to celebrate ourselves and our common history and also give back to it.”

    The school founded in 1947 by Edmund Egburuo Umez-Eronini as a co-educational centre for learning, Emmanuel College Owerri was the first college to be established in what later became known as Imo State.

     

  • Gov Okorocha gets 27 cakes for 55th birthday

    Gov Okorocha gets 27 cakes for 55th birthday

    IMO State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, is an ebullient personality and politician by all standards, who walks his talks. In his own words, once the time of his birthday comes around, the drums naturally roll.

    This year, the drumbeats are particularly mesmerizing, courtesy of a unique gesture from all the women in the 27 local government areas of the state. Their gift of 27 cakes, representing the 27 LGAs, was sublimely designed: a two-way staircase signifying the connection between the governor and his people, coupled with words of endearment further expressing their love for him.

    The governor was so overjoyed by the gesture that he could hardly contain his glee on the social media.

    As a state chief executive, Rochas is no stranger to gifts, especially on occasions of his birthday when he becomes the beautiful bride wooed with expensive packages and sweet solicitous words of praise and admiration.

    The one from the women, however, means much more to him than the heaps of expensive baubles he received as he celebrated his 55th birthday yesterday.

  • Kanu deceiving Ndigbo – Okorocha 

    Kanu deceiving Ndigbo – Okorocha 

    …says Igbo will lose N3 trillion

     

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Monday warned that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu is deceiving Ndigbo with the promise of the actualisation of Biafra.

    The Imo governor, said that any form of war now will cost the Igbo N3 trillion both in properties and assets.

    Okorocha who spoke while giving Staff of Office and Certificate of recognition to traditional rulers, lamented traditional rulers have kept mute while the cloud is gathering over activities of Biafra agitators.

    According to him, “on IPOB, the cloud is gathering, nobody is talking, even our traditional rulers, Pastors and leaders, this is bad for our people. If you will remember vividly that few years ago, during the Civil War, it was a similar story. That was how it all started. At that time, we believed that the Ohafia warriors will be able to fight and disseminate the North”.

    He continued “Now we are been deceived that IPOB will drive away Nigeria and give us Biafra. Even our Pastors, men of God and some leaders in the rural areas, nobody is speaking out against this action and the song of war is coming gradually like a desert encroachment. We fought the war and it was believed that the Igbos will learn from it but they still went ahead and developing the resources of other regions.

    “There are 5 million Igbo living outside the shores of Igbo region. Any form of war will cause the Igbos over 3 trillion naira loss in properties and assets. No sane person will spread the message of division and war because it does not benefit the Igbo in any way. I urge you traditional rulers to speak against it and educate your people on the true state of things. Igbo need to build bridge of unity across the nation”.

     

  • Buhari’s absence not stalling APC convention – Okorocha 

    Buhari’s absence not stalling APC convention – Okorocha 

    Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha on Thursday said that the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari in the country is not stopping the party from holding its convention.

    He made the remark after APC governors met Acting President Yemi Osinbajo behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, the party is still trying to put the house in order before the conversation can take place.

    He said “We came to discuss issues relating to our party and our government and how to move our party forward.

    “We discussed a lot of issues on how to move the party forward, how to strengthen the party and how to make sure our party remains Victorious in all elections. Very soon we will have convention that is part of the things we are discussing.

    “The convention not taking place has nothing to do with the absence of the president or the Acting President. We are just putting our house in order and making sure things are in the right form before we kick off.

    On pressure from the opposition party, PDP, he said “PDP is a non-issue,  we don’t even care about that, we defeated them when they were in power so what is different when we are now in power.”

     

  • Biafra: ‘Can Kanu lead Igbos to war?’

    Biafra: ‘Can Kanu lead Igbos to war?’

    Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu came under fire from many quarters yesterday for his belligerency, particularly his call for the boycott of the November governorship election in Anambra State.

    He has also been threatening that unless a referendum is organised to enable the Igbo determine whether they should have Biafra, the Southeast will boycott the 2019 elections.

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha, Ohanaeze Ndigbo and politicians chided the separatist advocate.

    The Ijaw Youth Council also threatened action should Kanu disparage former President Goodluck Jonathan again.

    Okorocha who spoke at the State House in Abuja said Kanu does not represent or speak for the Igbo, describing him as a young man seeking relevance.

    “Kanu, a young man seeking relevance, agitating for whatever he believes in, what he stands for must be treated separately from the entire Igbo nation.

    “He should be treated as a young man agitating and seeking for relevance, these are two different issues. And he can ride on the back of supposed Igbo marginalization which has been said is not right, and ride on that sentiments and push his agenda but that does not mean that the entire Igbos are speaking with him.

    The question is does Nnamdi Kanu have the capacity to lead Igbo to war? Or lead me and the governors to war? So I will stand now and Nnamdi Kanu will tell me stand up let’s go to war? So, sometimes we over dramatised the issue just to make a big deal out of it and that has been the big challenge.

    “Like the gentleman that spoke for the Arewa youths, and these are not more than 17 young men speaking for millions of Arewa youths and it doesn’t make sense because if you ask any Arewa youth now if he is part of this he will tell you no.

    “I was in Chatham House and I remember how I was attacked by the IPOB boys when I was delivering my lecture. They walked up to me and they were shouting and I said calm down and the young man has never visited Nigeria. So it is our duty to call our younger ones to order but I want to assure Nigerians that they should not see that as a break but agitation given what they perceived that the South East has been neglected over time politically, economically, socially and all that.

    “Their roads are impassable, you cannot pass Port Harcourt road, Enugu road, Aba Road, Bayelsa road and all the roads. You can hardly see federal government presence in the South East, all the things you see are self-made things. Even the Onitsha bridge has been a theoretical talk, fabrications which does not represent reality.

    “So, he speaks his own and joins it to our issues and it now looks like a nationwide thing. That is not the issue.

    “We have called for unity and have agreed that we will remain united. Very soon, some of us have taken it upon ourselves to reach out to this young men talk to them. We must understand that our young men are frustrated, if they are as comfortable as we are, they will not be able to say those.

    Ohaneze Ndigbo said Kanu has no right to stop the Anambra governorship election.

    Its president, Dr John Nwodo, described the IPOB leader’s statement as provocative, misleading and unproductive.

    He said Kanu’s statement was against the agreement he reached with Ohaneze Ndigbo when he visited him, adding that the IPOB leader had breached the agreement with Ohaneze without consultation.

    Nwodo and his executive council members spoke during a visit to the Anambra State House of Assembly yesterday as part of its sensitisation in the South East. Speaker Rita Maduagwu, lawmakers and former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Umeh, attended.

    Nwodo said:  “News that reached us in the past few days that Nnamdi Kami, had declared that there will be no election in Anambra in November is shocking and disturbing. I hereby countermand that declaration as President General of Ohaneze

    “Whereas Ohaneze understands the marginalisation and unfair treatment of Igbos which have given rise to self-determination movements in Igboland, leaders of these movements must not arrogate to themselves the supreme leadership of Igboland. Statements of the kind credited to Nnamdi Kanu are provocative, misleading and unproductive”

    “Why should Anambra people be denied the opportunity to choose their own leader? Why should any of us not from Anambra, no matter how highly placed, descend to the arena and dictate for Anambra people when to vote, whether to vote or who to vote for?

    “Anambra, nay Igbos, are still part and parcel of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Yes, we are not happy with our treatment in Nigeria”

    “Yes, some of us want Biafra. Yes, some of us prefer a restructured Federal Republic of Nigeria. But the fact remains that we are still part and parcel of the present Federal Republic of Nigeria, bound by its laws, no matter how repressive or unjust”

    Umeh said it was only the people who do not have Igbo blood in them that would allow anybody to tell them what goes on in the society today, adding that the current Ohaneze was making Ndigbo proud.

    Special Adviser to Governor Willie Obiano on legislative matters, Chief Chidozie Ezeugwa, condemned Kanu’s statement saying the government of Anambra state under Obiano was committed to the Igbo cause and would continue to do everything to support Ohaneze’s interest in anything in protecting Ndigbo in the country.

    Some politicians have also condemned Kanu’s call for a boycott of the Anambrapoll.

    They said the call was capable of derailing democracy in the state and expose the people to anarchy.

    Chief Sam Oraegbunam, Chairman of Hope Democratic Party (HDP), Anambra chapter, said although Kanu’s call for repositioning of Nigeria was popular, he must not use it to cause confusion in Anambra.

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has declared that further attack on former President Jonathan by Kanu, would be met with appropriate sanctions from Ijaw youths.

    IYC through its Spokesman Daniel Dasimaka, described as uncharitable and disrespectful, Kanu’s comments on ex-President Jonathan.

    The umbrella organisation of Ijaw youths said: “It is quite ironic and appalling that anyone will say ex-President Jonathan did nothing for the Southeast, when it is common knowledge in both informed and not-so-informed circles in Nigeria that the Southeast benefited even more than the Southsouth under Dr. Jonathan. It is on record that under the then President Jonathan, rehabilitation and expansion works were done on the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport (SMICA), Owerri, Imo State, which he granted an international airport status.

    “In terms of appointment, Dr. Jonathan appointed the first female Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mrs. Rose Chinyere Uzoma (an Igbo). He also appointed the first Southeast Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika and first Southeast Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Ogbonnaya Onovo, among others.

    “We are calling on the true Igbo leaders to caution Nnamdi Kanu and to bridle his tongue, lest his unguarded rhetoric may strain the good relationship the Igbo and the Ijaw nation, and by extrapolation, the Southsouth and Southeast geopolitical zones, have enjoyed over the years.”

  • Quit notice: Ag. President meets Northern leaders

    Quit notice: Ag. President meets Northern leaders

    • Okorocha slams Biafra agitators

    Acting President Yemi Osinbajo yesterday read the riot act to purveyors of hate speeches, saying they won’t be allowed to destabilise the country.

    The Federal Government, he said, would ensure the country’s unity, adding that nobody would be allowed to get away with seditious speeches.

    “As a government, we are determined to ensure the unity of the country along the lines of our constitution and I want to say that hate and divisive speeches or divisive behaviour where it is illegal will be met with the full force of the law,” the Acting President said at a meeting with some elders from the North at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Some members of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), among other groups, were at the meeting.

    It was the first in the series of meetings with leaders from the six geo-political zones over the brewing discontent between the North and the Southeast.

    Last week, the Coalition of Northern Youths (CNY) gave easterners in the North 90 days to quit.

    The ultimatum followed the May 30 sit-at-home observed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the east to mark the 50th anniversary of Biafra.

    Similarly, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha described as nonsensical agitations for Biafra.

    Osinbajo said those pushing for disintegration by ordering other Nigerians in their domains to quit would face the law.

    The government, he said, would not fold its arms and allow peace and order to be disrupted in any part of the country.

    The Acting President said: “Every form of violence, every form of hate speech, any stone that is thrown in the marketplace will hit targets that are going to be deadly. So I need us to be fully conscious of that and the Nigerian people must be made to be fully conscious of that so that we do not create a crisis that is not intended.

    As part of living together I know that misunderstandings and frustrations will always arise and people will always want to get the best part of the deal but we must be careful to recognise that we can only begin to talk about any part of anything if we are together in peace – Osinbajo.

    “These days, wars do not end and I am sure that those who have seen or experienced war in any shape or form will not wish it on their worst enemies.

    “This is not a time to retreat behind ethnic lines, moments like this are not for isolating ourselves, I want to urge all of us here and the entire Nigerian populace to come together and work together.”

    He added: “And I want to ensure that there is no doubt at all that it is the resolve of the government that none will be allowed to get away with making speeches that can cause sedition or that can cause violence especially because when we make these kinds of pronouncement and do things that can cause violence or destruction of lives and property we are no longer in control. Those who make those speeches are no longer in control.

    So, I want to emphasise that government will take very seriously any attempts to cause violence or disrupt the peace of this country. And that is very important because you cannot control violence once it begins.”

    At the meeting were ACF leader Ibrahim Coomassie, NEF leader Prof Ango Abdullahi, who gave his backing to the Arewa youths’ threat, former Sokoto State Governor,  Aliyu Wamakko, former Plateau State Deputy Governor Pauline Tallen,  Second Republic Minister and Benue State elder  Dr. Paul Unongo, Leadership publisher Sam Ndah-Isaiah, Liberty Radio/Television Chairman Tijani Ramalan and Editor-in-Chief of Daily Trust Dan Ali, among others.

    The acting President was supported by the Senate President Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara and Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Gabriel Olanishakin.

    Today, Osinbajo will meet with leaders from the southeast; the region’s traditional rulers will take their turn on Friday. On Sunday, the acting president will meet with traditional rulers from the North.

  • Hate speeches: Okorocha cautions Arewa youths, pro-Biafra groups

    Hate speeches: Okorocha cautions Arewa youths, pro-Biafra groups

    …Says call for secession nonsensical

     

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Tuesday cautioned Arewa youths and members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for spreading hate and inciting speeches that is capable of causing disaffection among the various ethnic groups in the country.

    The Imo state Governor, also warned those hoping to benefit from the current agitations by the different separatist groups across the country to jettison such ambitions and work for the unity of the country instead, adding that the secessionist calls “is an ill wind that will blow no one any good”.

    Governor Okorocha who was reacting to the quit notice served on the Igbo living in North by the Arewa youths and consequent reactions by pro-Biafra groups, while briefing journalists at the Government House, stated that the so called sit-at-home order by IPOB, which may have triggered the controversial quit notice, was not observed by the Igbo as generally believed.

    According to him, “we never supported the sit-at-home as believed. What happened was that the sit-at-home order came a day after the May 29 public holiday and knowing our people who also love to extend their holiday over any slightest opportunity decided to stay at home for one extra day. Then most of the traders closed their shops for fear of hoodlums who may want to take advantage of the situation to loot their goods”.

    He continued that, “these secessionist agitations are sponsored for personal aggrandizement. At a point, it was believed that the Yoruba got the presidency because of the agitations of the Oduduwa youths, while it was also believed that former President Goodluck Jonathan, became President as a result of the agitations of the Niger Delta militants. So people think that the Igbo presidency can be achieved through IPOB and MASSOB agitations.

    “These agitations are nonsensical and I condemn it in its entirety. We should not be talking about another state within a sovereign state, all we need to do instead of talking about Biafra and MASSOB is to push for the economic emancipation of the Southeast. I know what they will expect me to do as a Governor, is to encourage the Biafra agitation and ask our people to prepare for war. But I will never do such thing. I will never support any call to divide Nigeria.

    “What we should not forget is that the Igbo paid the greatest sacrifice for the unity of this country. The Igbo has the highest investments across the country. The Igbo developed Lagos and other parts of the country and that makes them the highest investors in the Nigeria project”.

    The visibly agitated Governor, however blamed Nigerian leaders for the growing spread of hatred among youths across the country, “we have failed as leaders to instill love in our children. It is about time we took responsibility as leaders to end this threat to our unity. We should not transfer this hatred to the next generation”.

    He also appealed to Ndigbo to have a rethink about the agitation to secede.

     

     

  • You can’t quell Biafra agitation with force, Obi warns FG

    You can’t quell Biafra agitation with force, Obi warns FG

    Former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, Thursday warned against the current approach adopted by the Federal Government in handling pro-Biafra agitations in the Southeast.

    Obi who spoke with journalists after a closed door meeting with the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha at the Governor’s lodge in Owerri, the Imo State capital, insisted that the use of force or the continued incarceration of Biafra activists cannot quell the growing agitations.

    According to him, the Federal Government should continue to engage the players in continued dialogue as a means of finding a lasting solution to the challenges, particularly the issue of Biafra, which he said is given Igbo leaders serious concern.

    In his words, “I have warned against the use of force against Biafra agitators. The Federal Government should be open to continued dialogue, which is what we are supporting. That is why I am here today to thank Governor Rochas Okorocha for his efforts in managing the Biafra challenge”.

    He continued that, “our people won’t support the use of force against those agitating for Biafra; it is a very delicate matter that must be treated with caution. As a matter of fact, the FG should release all Biafra activists that are currently in detention to begin the process of meaningful dialogue”.

    Although details of the meeting were not made known to journalists, but The Nation gathered that it may not be unconnected with the plan by the former Governor to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    It was also suspected that the ex-Anambra Governor also came to perfect plans on how to assist the APC win the November 22 governorship election in Anambra State.

    Obi, who has been locked in a cold war with his successor, is said to be weighing the option of joining other Igbo leaders in the APC and helping the party win the governorship election will brighten his chances in the APC.

    But the former governor dismissed any plan to join the APC, “I am a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and I am not dumping the party for any other party. So I am not joining the APC. I am here for a private visit that is all, nothing more”.

     

  • Nigerians’ appetite for foreign goods cause of recession – Mohammed

    Nigerians’ appetite for foreign goods cause of recession – Mohammed

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has blamed Nigeria’s economic downturn on the appetite of Nigerians for foreign goods and services.

    The minister, who said this during the quarterly public lecture organised by the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), in Abuja, on Thursday, said there was the need for attitudinal change among Nigerians.

    Alhaji Lai Mohammed
    Alhaji Lai Mohammed

    He said the task of developing Nigeria’s economy was the responsibility of everyone, calling on Nigerians to be disciplined and patriotic.

    The minister stressed the need for synergy among Federal, State and Local governments as well as private bodies to promote entrepreneurship in culture and tourism sector.

    He also listed the importance of the sector to economic diversification, adding that government had launched “Change Begins with Me” campaign to foster national consciousness and appreciation for “Made in Nigeria” goods.

    Mohammed said: “There is no gainsaying the fact that our appetite for foreign goods and services is a major factor in our economic meltdown.

    “It is pertinent to state that the task of developing our economy is the responsibility of all Nigerians. The development will need through public-private -partnership (PPP) arrangement.

    “I am fully convinced that if all hands are on deck and government gets the support of all stakeholders, the culture sector will be of strategic importance in the economic diversification agenda of our beloved country.”

    Owella Rochas Okorocha
    Rochas Okorocha

    Imo State Governor, , urged the federal government to restructure Nigeria’s education system in line with “our culture.”

    Okorocha, who delivered a lecture on: “Promoting Culture, Developing the Economy: A Nigerian Perspective,” called on Nigeria to celebrate its major languages to promote their cultural values instead of celebrating other people’s languages and cultures.

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  • Igbos should forget presidency in 2019 – Okorocha 

    Igbos should forget presidency in 2019 – Okorocha 

     Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, on Monday urged his people in the South East geopolitical zone to forget producing the next President of Nigeria in the year 2019.
    He made the remark while speaking with State House correspondents after meeting Acting President Yemi Osinbajo along with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
    According to him, all Nigerians should support President Muhammadu Buhari for four or eight years tenure in line with the zoning arrangement.
    He said: “What I do know is that Ndiigbo should talk about the presidency after President Muhammadu Buhari. I think we should support this government. President Muhammadu Buhari has a tenure to work for, four years or eight years according to the zoning arrangement and everybody should follow the zoning although I am not an advocate of zoning.
    He maintained that the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a party is strong in the South East.
    He added: “We are trying to rebuild the party and redefine leadership so there will be no confusion. As to whether the APC in the South East is in disarray as the case has always been, we want to have a united party in the South East.
    “We are hopeful from all discussions that about two governors will be joining us in the South East to strengthen the party. Right now, we have agreed that Senator Ken Nnamani should take a lead of the party in the South East to enable us have a common understanding along with other leaders like Chief Jim Nwobodo.”
    On the denial that three governors in the South-East will join APC, he said: “I don’t think it is true, but if it is true it is probably because it is not time. It could be because I spoke when they were not yet ready.”
    Also speaking on the insinuations that he (Rochas) is not worth to be the political leader that the South East should follow, he said: “Leadership is not in question, we have agreed that Ken Nnamdi should lead. So, it is not about Rochas Okorocha, I am a governor.”