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Tag: Okorocha

  • Imo to revoke ownership of undeveloped lands

    Imo to revoke ownership of undeveloped lands

    Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, said on Thursday the state government would revoke titles to all unused lands.

    He said government would give priority to the Industrial layouts where people acquired lands and kept them for years without developing it, while waiting to sell them at very exorbitant prices.

    The governor stated these when members of the Owerri Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture visited him at the Government House in Owerri.

    Okorocha also said his administration would reactivate all the moribund manufacturing companies in the state whether public or private owned, adding that the administration is taking stock of all the companies involved.

    He said: “My dream and vision now is to address the issue of manufacturers in Imo State, as the state is now ready for manufacturing and industrialization. Owerri is now the fastest growing city in Nigeria comparable to Lagos and Abuja. Real Estate is growing geometrically but my concern is that the manufacturing sector is not moving in the same speed.

    “We have now come out with a clear policy that we must encourage genuine manufacturers, those who create jobs and not suppliers or dealers on products. We are talking about those that take raw-materials and put them into finished goods creating chains of opportunities for distribution, manufacturing and consumption.

    “I have equally ordered that all un-utilized sites of manufacturing at the Onitsha road industrial area be revoked, the fences and gate houses cleared for serious manufacturing companies to come and take over. Most owners of lands there are not manufacturers, they simply used the opportunity to grab lands and keep them there for sale. We have decided to revoke all unused lands there.”

    President of the Chamber, Dr. Igwe Nnadumije, thanked the governor for remembering the manufacturing sector in the state and promised the collaboration of the members for the industrialization of the state.

    He appealed to Okorocha to construct the ring roads in the Onitsha road industrial area, stating that most manufacturers who own industries around there find it difficult to access their factories.

  • Okorocha’s tirade against Tinubu

    SIR: Even though, Nigeria party politics is populated with all shades of characters, nonetheless, party traditions, ethos, norms, ethics and comportment, as well as respect for elders must not be compromised for whatever reasons. During the golden era of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Sir Ahmadu Bello, party faithful revered the trio highly. They were regarded as hearts and souls as well as the symbols and brands of their respective parties. Nigerians, irrespective of creed and race deferred to them for wisdom, wise counsel and proper direction to chart the course of the nation. No party member ever had effontery to pass insultive comments at them. The office holders then, were operating in tandem with manifestoes and dictates of the parties.

    However, today, the tide has changed. Some modern day leaders have arrogated so much importance to themselves that they constantly operate beyond the party brief. This new set of leaders have not only jettisoned party ethos and traditions, they have also thrown overboard, the manifestoes of the parties, preferring to craft another one for their states and by so doing, have attracted opprobrium and condemnation to the party from the camps of oppositions. Governor Rochas Okorocha is a reference point in this respect.

    His recent vituperation on Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the national leader of APC was another needless, unnecessary and unsavoury attack on a leader who has made unparalled and unequalled sacrifice for the progress, growth and development of the party. Okorocha’s strange comment, that Asiwaju was crying more than the bereaved when the latter said that APC shouldn’t mimic the PDP’s penchant for short-circuiting internal democracy by promoting the idea of an automatic ticket in endorsing President Buhari for second term in office was insolent, unbecoming and calculated attempt to fan ember of discord and disharmony in the party. And it’s quite strange and suprising that the national chairman and the National Working Committee of the party have not deemed it fit to call him to order.

    For crying loud, who is Okorocha impressing? President Buhari, party hierarchy or his governor colleagues? It’s clear that none of these groups would be on the same page with him. The governor should be told in unmistakeable terms that internal democracy and honouring the letter and spirit of party rules and traditions can only strengthen the party and in fact, encourage its members, that the party does not give undue advantage to some and prevent others, to aspire to position of authority.

    The party’s all inclusive tradition and internal democracy was not an accidental devise of today. That has been the traditions and norms of the progressive. In fact, it’s the same culture that attracted other progressives across the nation, even including Rochas Okorocha to the party. Regardless of certainty or an outcome of a primary election particularly, presidential and governorship primary may seem to be, the party must ensure that the integrity of the process is not only maintained but, sustained.  Asiwaju has only enjoined members to adhere to democratic principles that have served the party so well, to the point of even sent packing an incumbent president from office. This was the position of national leader that has attracted the virulent attacks from Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    Suffice to remind the governor and very few party members who may share his awkward style of aspiring to elective office that PDP are gradually putting their house in order with particular reference to recent success of their national convention and are prepared to capitalize on any inadequacy and inefficiency of the ruling party to bounce back to reckoning. This is not the time to engage in divisive tendencies capable of truncating the vision of the party. This is not the time to fan embers of discord amongst the party members.

    • Kola Amzat,

    Lagos.

  • Okorocha calls for sober reflection

    Okorocha calls for sober reflection

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has called for a sober reflection during the yuletide.

    The governor urged adherents of the Christian faith to review their activities and utterances “to see whether they have been exercising or demonstrating love for one another since the birth of Christ connotes love”.

    Okorocha, therefore, advised Christians to be preachers and practitioners of love for all, including the leaders, and to pray for the country’s togetherness and progress.

    The governor, in a goodwill message by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, noted that “Christians should be at the forefront of the war against corruption, hate-speeches and divisive tendencies, but promote charity among all, not minding tribal and religious differences”.

    “With prayers, the country could become stronger economically and more united, while tribal consciousness, instead of national consciousness, would be jettisoned,” he said.

  • Group cautions Okorocha over Tinubu

    Group cautions Okorocha over Tinubu

    A group, Friends of Bola Ahmed Tinubu (FOBAT), has criticised Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha over his statement that All Progressives Congress (APC) national leader Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu was “crying more than the bereaved”.

    Its Chairman, Ayodele Fadeyi, told reporters on friday that Okorocha should be diplomatic in his utterances.

    “That was a very rude statement.  He was not talking about a non-entity, he was talking about the national leader of the ruling political party, his own party.  A man that commands over 20 million followers across the country”, Fadeyi, a former member of Lagos State House of Assembly, said.

    Read also: Okorocha: From erections to happiness

    Saying that Okorocha was losing touch, he cautioned the governor against ‘’climbing on Asiwaju’s back to return to relevance.

    “It is too late for anyone to climb on Asiwaju’s back unless you want to break it.  Those of us who know his worth will never allow that to happen,’’ he said.

  • Okorocha presents N190b budget for 2018

    Okorocha presents N190b budget for 2018

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, on Wednesday presented a budget estimate of N190, 921, 464, 290 to the State House of Assembly for the 2018 fiscal Year.

    The budget which represents 45.58 per cent increase compared to last year’s budget is tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Continuity III.”

    N132.98 billion, representing 69.70 per cent of the total budget, is earmarked for capital expenditure, while N57.943 billion, 30.30 per cent, is for recurrent expenditure.

    Presenting the budget at the Chambers of the Imo State House of Assembly, Governor Okorocha said “the 2018 budget would not only consolidate our development efforts but would ensure prudence and efficiency in our expenditure programmes.

    “This administration intends to use the limited resources at our disposal to achieve maximum impact. We intend to achieve synergy through collaboration and integration of programmes and projects at all levels in order to realize our vision of making Imo better. All relevant agencies of government would be strengthened to gear up towards their constitutional responsibilities to ensure that all programmes and projects are being monitored at all times.”

    A further breakdown of the budget revealed that Works and Transport has the bulk allocation with N39, 811,300,000, followed by education with N13, 500,000,000.

    Agriculture and Environment has N7, 622,990,049, while the Ministry of Culture has N440, 244,096.

     

  • Okorocha to youths: be hungry for information

    Okorocha to youths: be hungry for information

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has urged youths to develop appetite for information as a transformation tool.

    Okorocha was addressing youths at the first Imo Youth Annual lecture series and Award, with the theme: ”Building an Ideal Imo Youth”, at the Imo Youth Centre.

    His words: “As the future of this great country and state, you must rise to convert your potentials into action. Arouse your kinetic energy and see results of what you can do or become in the future.

    “To do this, the very key is information. There is no difference between the rich and the poor, but information. Make friends with somebody you can answer ‘Sir’ to. Seek transfer of knowledge, rather than seeking for money, for money can finish but knowledge is always there.

    “You are created with something deposited right inside you, and never fail nature that expects you to rise to fulfil your dreams. Lack of vision brings poverty and the worst poverty is poverty of the mind. You must set lofty and achievable goals for yourselves.

    “Make yourselves available to other seminars, such as this, to acquire education and transfer of knowledge faster; this brings out the very best in you. Don’t make excuses in order to succeed; take responsibilities and admit it because you will only have yourselves to blame if you fail to develop your potentials.

    “Learn to start small so that you can tell your story and stop all forms of gossip and backbiting. Discover your talent, that which you find easy to do, and follow it; it is God’s will for you. A man who has started a journey and made a mistake is better than one who has not started at all”.

  • Okorocha: 89 per cent of Nigerians unhappy

    Okorocha: 89 per cent of Nigerians unhappy

    •Gov. urges Air Force to create Happiness dept

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has said that 89 per cent of Nigerians are unhappy “in the real sense of the word happiness”.

    According to him, only 4 per cent could really be happy to some extent, while 7 per cent might claim to be happy. He added that the vital aspect of human existence, which is happiness, must be addressed.

    Governor Okorocha, who recently created the Ministry of Happiness and Purpose Fulfilment, spoke at the weekend when Airmen, led by the Air Officer Commanding Ground Training Command, AVM Sampson Akpasa, visited him at the Government House in Owerri.

    He noted that agitations, insurgence, hate-speeches and the likes, come up when people are unhappy.

    His words: “I thank you for your efforts in bringing Regiment 211 to Imo State. In appreciation, we have donated a 200-bed hospital to the force. This morning I spoke to the Chief of Air Force, about our intention to also donate the school to train electricians and artisans; you are doing a wonderful job.

    “But if you can observe recently, the level of crisis and agitations are on the increase. While we fight insurgence, I would want to advise that we also should go deep down to find the root cause of this agitation.

    “Agitation comes up when people are not happy, and the whole essence of life is to be happy. For this reason, I will advice that the Air Force too, just like I did recently, which most people didn’t understand, should create a department for Happiness and Purpose Fulfilment. This will help to address the need of even junior officers, who may have some forms of dissatisfaction in the discharge of their duties. Sometimes, you may think they are happy when they are not, and this sabotages the efforts of the Federal Government.

    “Mentorship is another aspect which can help people achieve their purpose in life. If people are happy, there will be less agitation. The amount of money we spend on aircrafts and in the purchase of arms would have reduced by 50 per cent. This could also end issues of restructuring, Niger Delta and all other forms of agitations…”

    AVM Sampson hailed Okorocha for the tremendous transformation his administration has recorded in the state. He said they had come on a familiarisation tour of the constituent security outfits established on July 3, 2017, adding that Enugu was carved out of other commands due to clumsy administration, and that their new training ground has helped handle insurgency in the Northeast.

    He asked for collaboration and synergy as key in all security challenges, and craved for more cooperation in Imo and other Southeast states, saying the command needs every form of support to blossom into maturity and global excellence.

  • ‘No endorsement for Okorocha’s son-in-law’

    The Imo State House of Assembly has distanced itself from the purported endorsement of Governor Rochas Okorocha’s son-in-law, Chief Uche Nwosu, as the next governor.

    The House was reacting to a statement credited to Henry Ezediaro (Oguta Council), who claimed that the House had endorsed Nwosu, who is also the governors’ Chief of Staff, as the best person to succeed Okorocha in 2019.

    It described the claim as “mind boggling and unbecoming of a distinguished lawmaker”.

    A statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the House, Marcel Ekwezuo, said: “I am constrained to debunk the news that the Imo State House of Assembly has unanimously endorsed Ugwunba Uche Nwosu as the next Governor in 2019. Nwosu is one of our own, and is eminently qualified to contest for governor.

    “No doubt he is a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and a citizen of Imo State. This, therefore, gives him right to vote and be voted for.

    “However, it needs to be cleared that at no time did the House of Assembly meet and endorse Nwosu as its governorship candidate, or any person for that matter.

    “The job of lawmakers is to make laws and take resolutions which will impact positively on the people. Endorsement of candidates for whatever position is no doubt not part of it.

    “Each lawmaker is free to have a choice of aspirant, but it’s certainly not a House matter. It is, therefore, mind-boggling that a distinguished lawmaker is quoted to have addressed a news conference and saying the 27 lawmakers have endorsed Nwosu.

    “It is the duty of the APC to produce a candidate, and if that candidate is Nwosu, then lawmakers of APC extraction are duty bound to deliver the candidate.

    “In the light of the foregoing, I believe Ezediaro, who is free to personally support whoever he wishes. Let it be clear to all that the House of Assembly is not in the business of endorsing political candidates, but of making laws.

    “Imolites are, therefore, advised to discountenance the publication as a figment of the writer’s imagination  which has no bearing with the House of Assembly.”

    But Ezediaro remained adamant on the controversial endorsement, insisting that “the House’ leadership denial of the endorsement does not erode the fact that majority of the lawmakers met and endorsed Nwosu as the next governor.

    “We are standing on our decision and very soon, I will name the lawmakers who gave the endorsement,” he added.

  • In the spirit of the season

    In the spirit of the season

    There are many reasons to dump what has become a worthy tradition of this column.

    The recession has receded, but many are grumbling that the pains are yet to subside. A petrol crisis seems to be here, perhaps to perpetuate what has become  an end-of-year ritual of pain. Thankfully, the authorities have assured us that the queues are artificial.

    Some oddities are fast becoming our routine and culture. Fugitive Adulrasheed Maina, seen by many as a master of braggadocio and obfuscation, claims to have facts and figures on the incredible pension heist scandal. He has refused to come before the court to clear his name. Nigerians are pushing for the disbanding of the police Special Anti-Robbery Squad for alleged brutality.

    Boko Haram remains a snake with a slashed tail – vicious in its scorched-earth tactic.

    Nevertheless, there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. So, in the spirit of the season, here we are again with a mailing list of some compatriots who deserve gifts this Yuletide.

    President Muhammadu Buhari tops the list for obvious reasons. To the consternation of his adversaries, who had written him off for dead, he survived a major health challenge after about 90 days in Britain. He has since been working with the energy of a young man, flying here and there on official duties.

    A governor-yes; a governor – once swore that Buhari would not return alive from his medical trip. “Call me a bastard, if Buhari returns alive,” he was quoted as saying. In fact, the gentleman threatened to release six pictures of the President on his sick bed. Since Buhari’s return, those who apparently have no respect for protocol have been calling the said governor “His Excellency the bastard”. Being a gentleman and in his characteristic reticence, the governor has pretended not to have heard the invectives poured on him.

    For Buhari, I have ordered a Sequential Compression Device (SCD), a pair of therapeutic socks to be worn on his long flights to prevent blood clotting.

    Dr Goodluck Jonathan remains a jolly good fellow, his close associates claim. In the spirit of sportsmanship, they say, he has put behind him the loss of his presidency. He has, in fact, been very busy on the lecture circuit, expounding the principles of democracy and rule of law.

    His goal, the former President said the other day, is to see the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) back in power. “I will not sleep until PDP is back in power,” he was quoted by newspapers as saying.

    C’mon. You don’t need that sir. Insomnia is a serious health condition to which an ex-president should not be subjected just because his party lost an election after threatening to rule for 60 years.

    For Jonathan, I have ordered 12 packets of the herbal supplement Valerian Root, which ensures a restful night, deep sleep and calm nerves. It has no side effects.

    There seems to be no sign that the former president has started writing his memoirs, which many can hardly wait to read, particularly after he confessed that he had been caged. Who did such a wicked deed? Men? Women? How? Why? The world would like to know. I mailed to His Excellency last year Curtis Bisel’s How to write an autobiography. The secret tips to finally get started. It may have got lost in transit. Another copy will soon be on the way.

    Before feminists and Beijing belligerents descend on me for alleged bigotry, let me quickly put former First Lady Dame Patience Faka Jonathan on the list. Why not? There was no dull moment in her days at the Villa. It was full of drama, like an Indian movie. Now she is being accused of having a gargantuan appetite for money, the source of which detectives are probing.

    Her Excellency has been in and out of courts in a desperate battle to keep what she insists is part of her vast estate inherited from her loving mother – may her generous soul continue to rest in peace. All the commotion over the hefty sums in various currencies would not have happened if the money had not been hauled to the banks under various names.

    I have ordered for Mama Peace three home safes, made of the finest steel by Hamilton, which has been in the trade since 1967. These can be installed in a safe house in Otuoke. When she eventually recovers her fortune by court order, it can be moved there and kept away forever from the prying eyes of those impudent detectives.

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar deserves to be listed. The Wazirin Adamawa has just dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of which he had been a member. He says he jumped ship because he was sidelined in the scheme of things. Besides, he is doing it for the youth, His Excellency said.

    Instead of praising his courage and endurance, some critics have been excoriating Atiku for what they call his inconsistency and desperation. When did desperation become a crime?

    Some have even turned it all into jokes on the social media. Sample: “May your life never be moving forward-backward like Atiku’s political career. This disease is called ‘Atikulation’.”

    Others said the foremost politician had been struck by a strange disease called “sokugo” that keeps its victim restless, always moving, as described by novelist Cyprian Ekwensi in Burning Grass.

    Atiku has always kept his eyes on the ball. He won’t be distracted. From me Atiku will get a copy of Marie-Henrie Beyle’s “The Red and the Black”, a novel with unmatchable insight into the knotty nature of ambition.

    Many Nigerians are still grumbling even after the government announced with relish that the economy has been saved from a crushing recession.  Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun has been tackling the challenges – and many controversies. She has visited the National Assembly several times on budget performance, ‘Mainagate’ and others. The ministry got embroiled in the brouhaha over the compensation due to the whistle -blower(s) of the Osborne Towers cash haul. Now she will have to explain how and why Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) boss Mounir Gwarzo was suspended.

    She is also going after tax dodgers, majority of them men and women of immense influence and means. Just how much more can a young woman take?

    Mrs Adeosun will get the latest version of the M2 Basic Automatic Blood Pressure Monitor, the OMRON brand.

    Garrulous Senator Dino Melaye has always made my mailing list. Belligerent and cocky, Melaye continues to amaze his friends and foes with his conduct, which his critics have traced to his days as a rent-a-crowd contractor. A source, who is close to the cousin of a senator’s uncle, has just told me that Melaye’s friends are planning to sponsor research into psychopathy by some young neurosurgeons. I wish them well.

    From me, the distinguished senator will get another pack of the herbal medication “Kalms” that aids sleep at night and keeps one calm all day. That’s what he got last year.

    With many of our governors doing wonders, it will be gross insensitivity or pure mischief to ignore them. In Ekiti, His Excellency Ayo Fayose has been busy – not on some project files or at those long nocturnal meetings on urgent matters of state. He has been working a sewing machine to its limit so as to meet up with the deadline for the delivery of clothes he has promised 10,000 kids for Christmas.

    Owelle Rochas Okorocha is yet to finish the immensely tasking job of erecting statues in honour of his heroes, an action that has delighted millions of Imo State residents. So popular was one of the early works, the one mounted in honour of South African President Jacob Zuma that it has been hilariously named “Zuma’s Erection,” or “Okorochas Erection”; take your pick.      To Governors Forum Chair Abdulaziz Abubakar Yari, the governor of Zamfara State, I intend to mail 36 copies of Rudolph Giuliani’s “Leadership”.

    My mailing list remains open, dear reader. Feel free to contact me if you notice any omission. I would be glad to correct it. Best wishes for a great season.

     

    And Okorocha marches on

    Many have accused him of being proud and wasteful. Some even say he is frivolous and hysterical. But, to his credit, none of his traducers has accused Owelle Rochas Okorocha of lacking in creativity.

    The Imo State governor keeps surprising everyone. After riding the storm generated by Zuma’s statue, His Excellency is facing an uproar over the appointment of  a Commissioner for Happiness and Purpose Fulfillment.

    The appointee, the governor’s sister, has been fighting back.  “If you don’t understand something,” she has advised the critics, “keep quiet.” Read and research. Make good use of your sense.”

    Even before Mrs Ogechi Ololo settles down in office, a source has said, a large army of Nigerians are getting set for Imo in search of – what else? – happiness and fulfillment. Rejoice all Imo citizens; “The great march to the land of happiness and fulfillment” has begun.

    To shame those accusing him of nepotism, Okorocha, according to a Government House source, will soon make more of such prestigious  appointments. On the list is Commissioner for Enjoyment and Entertainment (E.E.). The lucky appointee, most likely the governor’s brother (for gender sensitivity), will ensure, among other urgent duties, that all the Isiewu and palm wine shacks are streamlined, serving the same good quality of the popular delicacy.

  • Okorocha appoints commissioner for Happiness, Couples Fulfilment, others

    Okorocha appoints commissioner for Happiness, Couples Fulfilment, others

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday swore in 28 commissioners and 27 transition committee chairmen for the 27 local government areas.

    The governor, who announced the appointment of Mrs. Ogechi Ololo as commissioner for Happiness and Couples’ Fulfilment, urged the appointees to prove their mettle in his administration’s determination to render effective service to the people.

    The ceremony was held at Imo International Convention Centre (IICC) in Owerri, the capital.

    Okorocha said his administration completed more than 1,000 projects and promised to complete the rest before end of his tenure.

    The governor advised the appointees to work as if they have only a few weeks to deliver and leave their marks in their areas of work.

    He urged them to see themselves as men and women on a rescue mission, who will be part of the administration’s success story by contributing their quota to good governance.

    Okorocha said: “You are the privileged group that has the opportunity to make names for yourselves and put your signatures in the sands of time. I want to remind all of you that your appointments are not business as usual. We shall not tolerate any sharp practice or corruption of any type. Neither shall we accept indolence or laziness. You have been called to duty to help us achieve our vision in the Rescue Mission Project.

    “At this moment, I charge you all to be good ambassadors of the Rescue Mission wherever you find yourselves.

    “To the transition committee chairman, you must ensure that ongoing projects must be completed, especially the schools, chapels, among others.”

    The governor noted that his administration achieved more than all previous administrations.

    According to him, anybody with a contrary claim should make it public.

    The commissioners, who took their oaths yesterday, are: Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri (Information), Lady Ugochi Nnana-Okoro (Agriculture and Food Security), Gertrude Oduka (Primary and Secondary Education), Dr. Jones Uzoka (Niger Delta Affairs), Uchendu Chijioke Mark (Public Utilities), Gerald C. Okolie (Rural Development), Dr. Cyril Okafor (Tourism), Emmanuel Umunnakwe Ojinere (Trade and Investment), Chief Lasbery Anyanwu (Transport) and Onwueyiagwu Valentine (Youth Development).

    Others are: Mrs. Ngozi Njoku (Gender and Social Development), Mrs Josephine Udoji (Works), Achilike Nwawuike (Internal Resources and Pension Matters), Prof. Emenalo Chizoba (Tertiary Education), Nwamerenini Chukwuka (Labour), Dr. Iyke Njoku (Planning, Budget and Statistics), Emma Ibediro (Local Government), Obinna Mbata (Finance), Dr. Martin Ohiri (Sports) and Mgbeanulu Obinna (Environment and Natural Resources).

    Also sworn in are: Emma Buka Iwuanyanwu (Science and Technology and Vocational Education), Dr. Angela Uwakwem (Health), Lady Joy Mbawuike (Informal Sector and Market Development), Chief Tony Umezuruike (Housing), Prince Chidi Nwaturuocha (Public Safety), Dr. Ernest Nwigbo (Inter-Government Affairs and Donor Agencies), Duru Okechukwu (CGC and Traditional Affairs), Emeka Benjamin (Special Duties).

    The governor announced Chief Kingsley Uju as the supervisory commissioner for the Ministry of Land and Chairman of the Bureau for Land, and Mrs. Ogechi Ololo as the commissioner for Happiness and Couples’ Fulfilment.