The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Okorocha

  • Okorocha: I’ve no quarrels with Southeast APC leaders, ministers

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has denied insinuations that he is quarrelling with ministers and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Southeast.

    The governor said he is not in conflict with any minister or leader from the zone, adding that whatever he does in politics is borne out of genuine concern for the future of the Igbo nation and how they can take their “rightful position and play the expected role in nation-building”.

    Okorocha also said President Muhammadu Buhari will win in the Southeast in 2019.

    He said: “The Igbo have come to realise and appreciate the fact that the best politics they can play in 2019 is voting for Buhari.”

    Okorocha, who spoke at the Imo International Convention Centre (IICC) in Owerri, the state capital, at a dinner organised for emerging leaders and aspirants in the Southeast for Buhari, stressed that he does not have any personal score to settle with any minister or leader from the Southeast.

    He said: “On the home front, there is no goal keeper. All our leaders live in Abuja, even former governors. All our leaders are in Abuja and there is no one to fall back on at home, unlike our contemporaries in the North and West. Muhammadu Buhari is the President, but Shehu Shagari is in Sokoto, Ibrahim Babangida is in Minna, Abdulsalami Abubakar is also in Minna, Niger State. Olusegun Obasanjo is in Ota, Ogun State. Bola Tinubu is in Lagos. They are goal keepers and elder statesmen to their younger ones. They are giving support to their future generations. But for us, our case is different. Our old politicians keep rocking back and forth, usurping the political future of our younger generation.

    “So, I am of the firm belief that we should have a new and virile Igbo nation so that the younger ones can begin to take their rightful positions. That’s what we mean by emerging leaders and not that you are not leaders in your own rights.”

    He added: “The Igbo must change their style in politics. This is a period for us to have a rethink. I have seen the problem. It is possible that the Igbo can get there. And because we are not together, it seems to be an uphill task.

    “There is no better time for Ndigbo to work with singleness of heart than now. We must destroy the fabrics of the Amalekites in Igbo land.”

  • Saraki, Ambode, Sani-Bello, Okorocha, Bello congratulate Ekiti, Fayemi

    SENATE President Bukola Saraki, Governors Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos State), Abubakar Sani-Bello (Niger State) and Oluwarotimi Akeredolu  (Ondo State) yesterday congratulated the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

    Others were Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum Rochas Okorocha and Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

     

    Saraki to Fayemi: use your second coming to continue people-centered policies

    Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, stated that the governor-elect should use his second coming to continue the people-centered policies and programmes of his first term.

    He urged him to also work to grow the state’s economy to leave behind a sustainable legacy.

    He said the victory was a sign that the people of Ekiti State still have confidence in the former minister’s ability to provide good governance and render efficient service to the state and its people.

     

    Ambode: victory is sign that APC electoral value has not waned

    Ambode, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, hailed President Muhammadu Buhari, APC leadership, members and its supporters for the hard-fought victory.

    He added that it was a testament to the fact that the electoral value of the party has not waned.

    The governor praised and congratulated the governor-elect for his hard fought victory and wished him well as he prepares to take the mantle of leadership for a second time.

    He also urged Fayemi to use his second coming to build on its previous achievements and forge ahead with the quest to unite the Yoruba nation, especially through regional integration and economic transformation of the Southwest geo-political zone and justify the confidence the Ekiti electorate have reposed on him.

     

    Victory well deserved,

    says Sani-Bello

    Sani-Bello congratulated Fayemi on his victory and described the triumph as well deserved and demonstrated the people’s acceptance and confidence in the APC.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Malam Jibrin Baba Ndace, Sani-Bello expressed optimism that Fayemi’s  second coming as the governor would transform Ekiti State and bring it to an enviable level among its peers.

     

    Okorocha congratulates Fayemi, Tinubu, Oshiomhole

    Okorocha described Fayemi’s victory as a “convincing and resounding victory”.

    The governor also hailed the people of Ekiti State “for preferring truth to falsehood” by voting Fayemi in the Saturday’s election.

    Okorocha added that “with the election of the APC candidate, the Southwest has reminded those who might have forgotten that they were progressives to remain.

    He congratulated the APC leaders in the Southwest, including Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former APC interim National Chairman Bisi Akande, Chief Segun Oni and the APC governors in the geo-political zone for closing ranks to ensure victory for APC and Fayemi.

    The Imo State governor lauded APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomhole for the victory, stating that there was no doubt that “with Oshiomhole, all the lost grounds by APC will be regained”.

     

    It’s a pointer to what 2019 ‘ll bring, says Bello

    Bello said Fayemi’s victory was a victory for democracy and a sign that the people of Ekiti State were ready to join the fold of the progressives.

    The governor noted that under Buhari, elections continue to be free and fair, “a pointer to what 2019 will bring”.

    “In a democracy, the wishes and desires of majority trump over those of the minority  and only a true democrat like President Buhari would respect that time and time again,” he said.

    Congratulating the Ekiti people for making the right choice, he praised them for their peaceful conduct during the elections.

     

    Why APC candidate

    won, by Akeredolu

    Akeredolu, in a statement by  Ondo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation,  Yemi Olowolabi,  attributed Fayemi’s victory to ” sterling record in public service, tenacity of purpose, exemplary values, stupendous goodwill and abiding  grace of God”.

    He welcomed  the governor-elect to a familiar terrain, where he “will quickly consolidate on his legacy of good governance, which hallmarked his first tenure as the Ekiti State Governor “.

    Acknowledging the enormity of the task ahead of the new helmsman, Akeredolu is optimistic that Fayemi’s rich experience,  far-reaching contacts, resourcefulness and robust intellectual capacity  would undoubtedly help his iron cast resolve to restore hope in Ekiti State”.

    Akeredolu also extended courtesies to Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, whose party’s candidate,  Prof. Kolapo Olusola Eleka, was defeated in the Saturday July 14 governorship election.

     

     

     

  • I regret backing Okorocha for governor, says Umeh

    The senator representing Anambra Central in the National Assembly, Chief Victor Umeh, has expressed regret over his role in the election victory of Rochas Okorocha as Imo State governor.

    He asked God to forgive him and other members of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for making Okorocha the governor.

    The senator said he did not know the governor would turn out to be “a pain in the neck” of his people.

    Umeh’s regret is coming on the heels of Okorocha’s alleged move to impeach his deputy, Chief Eze Madumere.

    The senator led party members to Imo State to campaign for Okorocha, after giving him the party’s ticket, when he was APGA’s National Chairman.

    But Okorocha dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Umeh, who spoke at the weekend at the inauguration of the Senator Victor Umeh Support Group at Neni in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, ahead of the 2019 general elections, recalled how the embattled Madumere worked hard to ensure Okorocha’s victory in the governorship poll.

    He recalled that Madumere was even detained because he was fighting for Okorocha.

    According to him, the governor turned round and plotted his deputy’s impeachment because of his plan to install his son-in-law as his successor.

    Umeh said the Imo State governor, in 2013, spearheaded the impeachment of his first deputy, adding that there must be something wrong with him as he cannot be the only right person.

    He said: “This deputy governor went to prison because of Rochas. But look at what he is doing to him. Let him continue to impeach people. God will also impeach him.”

    The senator also recalled that he brought APGA into Anambra State and would continue to support the party.

    He urged its members to remain steadfast to ensure the party’s success in future elections.

    Umeh said: “APGA is doing well. My expectation is that in the next election, our party will win at all levels. The only way to achieve it is to support each other.”

    Warning party members to shun thuggery, the senator reminded them that he did not believe in the use of hoodlums and had never used them since he became a politician.

    He said his people would be happy if what he put into this year’s budget is implemented.

    The support group, which was formed by some like-minds in the area, will also be launched in the remaining six local government areas in the zone.

     

  • Okorocha marches on

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha will leave office next year after two four-year terms.  Okorocha wants his son-in-law, Chief Uche Nwosu, to succeed him. Nwosu is Chief of Staff, Government House, under his father-in-law.

    It is clear that Okorocha doesn’t care whether the deputy governor, Eze Madumere, wants to be governor. “I will tell the deputy governor to go to the Senate,” he said in February during the inauguration of members of Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ISOPADEC) at Government House, Owerri.

    Madumere had rejected Okorocha’s kingmaker role.   “God’s given vision to better the lot of Imo people is in no man’s hands,” he had responded in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Uche Onwuchekwa, describing Okorocha’s role as a betrayal.

    But, from the look of things, Okorocha is marching on.  A July 11 report said: “Careful political watchers in the state were jolted, when the assemblymen who at their last sitting announced a two-month vacation were recalled by the leadership of the House yesterday. The pro-Governor Rochas Okorocha lawmakers had last month, suspended four lawmakers believed to be loyal to Madumere. Prior to the main issue of the day and in a bid to get the required number to commence and actualise the impeachment process, another lawmaker, Donatus Onuigwe, representing Oru West constituency was summarily suspended.”

    The report continued: “The member representing Owerri Municipality, who doubles as the House Majority Leader, Lugard Osuji, moved the motion for Onuigwe’s suspension. With Onuigwe out of the way, the Deputy Speaker, Mr. Ugonna Ozuruigbo, took his turn and read out what he alleged were the sins of the Deputy Governor.”

    In a petition signed by 13 of the 27 members of the House, the deputy governor was accused of absconding from his office for more than three months without permission. Other allegations: the deputy governor’s refusal to carry out official duties assigned him by the governor, refusal to attend State Executive Council meetings, refusal to hold meetings with the governor and commissioners and imprisonment for theft in the United States.

    The alleged gross misconduct and dereliction of duty should be punished with impeachment, the lawmakers argued, and directed Chief Judge Paschal Nnadi to constitute an investigative committee.

    So, Madumere is faced with a possibility of impeachment. It is understandable that protesters reportedly “took to the streets of Owerri to condemn the impeachment proceedings.”

    The sequence of events is food for thought.  It looks like Okorocha is marching on.

  • Okorocha seeks restructured Police Trust Fund

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has called for the restructuring of the Police Trust Fund (PTF) to allow “good-spirited individuals” make contributions to it.

    He said this will make it possible to achieve the purpose for which the Police Trust Fund was established.

    The governor made the call when the Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris visited him at the Government House, Owerri over the weekend.

    He noted: “Nigerians have every reason to celebrate the policemen in the country who have done well despite the limited resources available to them.”

    According to him: “Constitutionally, Police personnel are not allowed to donate money or collect money from individuals but there could be a way to restructure PTF so that good-spirited individuals can also support because the Police is underfunded by every classification or category of human understanding.

    “This is why we have decided in the Governors’ Forum that there is need to support the Nigeria Police.

    “More often than not, when we see Policemen we feel they are not doing anything.

    “But just give yourself one day without police, then you will know how important the Police Force is.

    “In America for instance, the ratio is about 45 to 50 people to one policeman but in Nigeria it is one policeman to 750 people.”

    Idris said: “The Nigeria Police would continue to work and liaise with governors, traditional rulers and other stakeholders on how best to ensure maximum security across the nation”.

    He explained that more contributions is critical to a better policing.

     

  • Okorocha, Anyaoku, Ekweremadu seek police reform

    •My achievements, by IG Idris

    IMO State Governor Rochas Okorocha, former Commonwealth Secretary General Emeka Anyaoku, Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremmadu and other stakeholders in the Southeast have called for a reform in the management of the Police to cope with security challenges.

    The Imo governor particularly urged the police to engage in crime prevention rather than combating.

    Okorocha, in his speech at the Southeast Security Summit organised by the Inspector General Ibrahim Idris, noted that one of the major problems bedeviling the Force was indiscriminate promotions that did not take into cognisance of qualifications and competences.

    According to him, “this promotion by quota has not helped the Police, a situation where a police officer is promoted based on his region of origin instead of his capabilities cannot inspire commitment and hard-working.”

    Ekweremadu, who was represented by Senator Andy Uba, expressed concerns over the proliferation of small arms, saying over 60 per cent of arms manufactured in the country emanated from the Southeast zone.

    He urged the police to formulate tangible response to security challenges from the summit.

    Anyaoku said the security challenges could be defeated if patriotic actions were taken.

    Anyaoku, who was represented by the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Ohiri, advocated for strong synergy among security agencies.

    President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo Nnia Nwodo flayed the Federal Government for proscribing Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organisation when it didn’t kill anybody.

    Nwodo said the Fulani herdsmen had unleashed enough mayhem on the people that was justifiable to proscribe them as a terrorist organisation.

    Idris, in his speech, said President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered him to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators of killings in Jos, Plateau State .He said: “The recent killings in Jos, Plateau State, where over 200 persons were said to have been killed, is a sad commentary in the history of our nation.”

    According to Idris, “myself in company of the President and the Minister of Interior have visited Plateau State and the President was categorical that the perpetrators of this dastardly act will be brought to book.

    “In line with the directive of Mr. President, the police have launched a high-powered investigation into the incident and I can with confidence inform you that no stone will be left unturned in getting to the root of the killings.”

    He said despite funding challenges confronting the police, under his watch, “the police had been effective and combated crimes, especially kidnappings and armed robberies”.

    He said community policing was crucial in tackling effectively the security challenges.

     

     

     

     

  • Okorocha hails Court ruling on Imo APC

    Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha has hailed the Federal High Court Judgment which nullified All Progressives Congress (APC) Congresses in the state.

    A Federal High Court sitting in Owerri, presided over by Justice Lewis Allagoa had ordered fresh Ward Congresses in the state that will comply with the guidelines of the party.

    Okorocha in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, remarked that “the Judgment of the Court on the issue of APC congresses in Imo has only authenticated his sustained claim and that of patriotic leaders of APC in Imo that the congresses did not hold in the state with a lot of proofs to that effect”

    The governor argued further that “the judiciary has remained not only the last hope of the common man, but also the last hope of institutions and processes especially as they concern our democracy”.

    He regretted that the former National officers of the party, had for one reason or the other decided to mess up the congresses that would have taken place in the state and had also ignored his genuine concern and repeated appeal that the congresses should be conducted to enable party members in the state fully participate and elect officials of their choice.

    The governor noted that “Imo is the only APC state in the South-East and should have been encouraged to have successful congresses, to show good example to other states in the geo-political zone but regretted that those who had the task of conducting free and fair congresses decided to submerge the whole venture for their selfish agenda.

    Read Also: Court nullifies Imo APC Ward, LG Congresses

    The governor commended members of APC in the state for “remaining calm and steadfast for all the time the controversies over the congresses were on and noted that the court has restored the desire of party members to elect officers of their choice at all levels in the state”.

    He vowed APC in Imo will not tolerate those undue manipulations of electoral processe, adding that “anybody determined to play his or her politics in APC must do so in line with the provisions of the party’s constitution and also in line with approved democratic culture and practices”.

  • I’ve forgiven those that ganged up against me, says Okorocha

    •Governor congratulates Oshiomhole, others

    PROGRESSIVES Governors’ Forum Chairman and Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha said he has “forgiven the former All Progressives Congress (APC) National Organising Secretary, Senator Osita Izunaso, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume and all those he built politically who ganged up in the name of coalition to insult him”.

    The governor assured that “all hands must now be on deck to achieve victory for APC as usual in Imo State and in the whole of Southeast”.

    He congratulated Adams Oshiomhole over his emergence as the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman.

    The governor also congratulated Emma Ibediro, an Imo State indigene, for his election as the party’s National Organising Secretary.

    Okorocha, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, “equally shared the joy of the moment with all those who emerged at the party’s national convention”.

    According to the statement, “the  governor expressed optimism that with Comrade Oshiomhole working with the party’s new set of National Working Committee  (NWC) members, Nigerians will see a more vibrant and result-oriented APC leadership”.

    The governor stated that when he was elevating those in the coalition politically, he never knew they all had governorship ambitions.

    Okorocha stressed that they could pursue their ambitions without working to destroy the party he built at the risk of his second term bid.

    He noted that Imo State would have only one governor by 2019.

    The governor also promised to begin galvanisation of the Southeast for the APC and for the 2019 election.

    Okorocha advised that whatever happened before the convention must be seen as parts of the politics and should not be held against anybody.

    The governor hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for displaying high level of democratic inclinations that made the convention a huge success.

     

     

     

  • Okorocha donates building to Imo NUJ

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha at the weekend opened and handed over a multi-million naira office Complex to the state Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).

    The handing over was done during a media summit organised by the union.

    The governor, who handed the building over to the chairman, Innocent Igwe, said: “The disturbing impression in the country that every leader is bad or corrupt is not good for our nation. Such impression does not augur well for the country’s leaders, especially outside the shores of the country.

    “There are good leaders just like you have good journalists in the country, just as there are bad leaders and bad media practitioners. The problem is not in leadership or in journalism, but in certain overtures that need to be to tackled.

    “The theme of the summit, ”Media and Credible leadership”, is apt, though I would have preferred a theme like ”Media and Leadership or Credible Media and Credible Leadership” because credible media practice gives room for credible leadership. Most of the time, leadership remains the focus on everyone’s mind and everyone tends to look at leadership and not looking at the factors that make leadership.

    “We need to start presenting our leaders in the right light instead of presenting them as devils. Leaders that would make history are those leaders who make sacrifice. The strength of a leader lies in his ability to make sacrifices.”

  • June 12: APC governors visit Buhari

    Governors under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Tuesday night met with President Muhammadu Buhari where they congratulated him on his decision to recognize June 12 as Democracy Day.

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who disclosed this to State House correspondents after the closed doors meeting with President Buhari at the First Lady Conference Hall, Aso Rock, Abuja, said the governors also commended the President for the conferment of honours on heroes of democracy.

    President Buhari had on June 6 declared that June 12 be observed as Democracy Day in Nigeria henceforth and conferred national honours on heroes of democracy.

    The President on Tuesday conferred a posthumous Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) honour on the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, late Chief MKO Abiola.

    He also conferred the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) honour on Abiola’s running mate, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe.

    The late foremost human rights activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, was conferred with a posthumous GCON honour.

    Okorocha said the APC governors lauded the action and foresight of President Buhari for taking steps aimed at uniting Nigerians and promoting political stability in the country.

    NAN