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Tag: Okorocha

  • Okorocha: strike was politically motivated

    Okorocha: strike was politically motivated

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has said the workers’ strike was ‘politically motivated’, insisting it was unjustifiable after an earlier agreement reached with the leaders of the various unions.

    The governor spoke at an interactive session with journalists at the Government House, Owerri. He said what the government owed was one month salary and not three months as claimed by the striking workers.

    His words: “The workers’ action is shocking and embarrassing because they partially shut down the state for no reason. The strike was politically-motivated because they have no reason to take such action after our agreement. “It was resolved that in respect of the present economic situation and the incoming bailout fund, government will pay outstanding salaries for civil servants, teachers, local government workers and health workers up till June.

    “Both parties agreed that this payment is subject to the availability of the bailout fund and where this is not sufficient, labour and government will meet to decide on the next step.

    “I appeal to them to return to work immediately because if they fail, we will handle it politically since the strike is politically-motivated. We will restructure our salary scale to be at par with that of other states like Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu because the workers have not appreciated all we have done”.

  • Okorocha hosts Muslims to Ramadan ‘iftar’

    Okorocha hosts Muslims to Ramadan ‘iftar’

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has said Ramadan is a period of spiritual rebirth that requireds sober reflection.

    Okorocha spoke yesterday when he hosted Muslim faithful to a Ramadan ‘iftar’. He urged Christians and Muslims to unite and fight the Boko Haram insurgency.

    The governor urged Nigerians to pray for the nation, especially for President Muhammadu Buhari to succeed, pointing out that Buhari’s victory was an eye opener that nobody should be judged based on tribe or religion, but by what he can do for his country.

    Chairman of the Muslim Council, Yusuf Nwoha said the Ramadan ‘iftar’ had been a tradition since Governor Okorocha came into power. He said this year’s occasion was important and unique because the invitation was extended to Muslims residing in other Southeast states.

    Nwoha appreciated the honor done them while pledging the support of Muslims to the Okorocha-led government.

    The chairman also requested for an Eid ground, large enough to contain the ever-increasing Muslim population as well as the establishment of a Muslim Pilgrims Welfare board

  • Unpaid salaries: Okorocha meets labour leaders

    Unpaid salaries: Okorocha meets labour leaders

    Following threats by workers in Imo State to embark on a seven-day warning strike, Governor Rochas Okorocha on Monday, met the leadership of the various labour organisations to address contentious issues

    After the meeting, governor Okorocha and the labour leaders addressed reporters on the agreement reached. The Governor said civil servants will receive their two months salaries while teachers will get one month payment. The payment will commence this week.

     

  • Okorocha and burden of expectations

    SIR: When Governor Rochas Okorocha won the hard fought governorship election in 2011, he knew the task ahead was gargantuan but he never gave a thought to the burden of expectations he would be confronting. By the time he became governor, he became his own man, he belonged to no one but everybody.

    The decision to belong to all Imolites was what made the difference between him and his predecessors. During his first term, there was no area or sector one would say didn’t feel the impact of Rochas’ administration.

    He started by fulfilling one of his core campaign promises that many said was impossible – Free education from primary school to tertiary institutions in Imo State.

    Apart from the free education, the health sector is also having a facelift across the 27 Local Government Areas in the state. The beautification of the state capital, the roundabouts, city gates, pedestrian bridges, street lights etc. The road sector is also not left out, there have been tremendous improvements in the construction of quality and durable roads across the state in the past four years. Opposition  may have lied to the world during the last campaigns that there are no motorable roads in Imo State, but we know the truth.

    Even with the achievements recorded so far, the burden of expectations here is so high that every project done goes almost unnoticed. There’s so much to do but with little resources. You won’t  blame Imolites.   Imolites have not really enjoyed dividends of democracy since its inception in 1999. What we have had in the past is a government for the interest of a few. The coming of Gov. Rochas, for a fact upped the political consciousness of Imolites. the fact he was delivering awakened the political consciousness of Imolites and I had no fear he would win his re-election.

    The second tenure has commenced in earnest and the governor is wasting no time in keeping to his campaign promises especially now that Imo state has connected with the ruling party at the centre and the peoples governor has reiterated he would continue with his inclusive government and would ensure all the zones in Imo state are represented in his government including politicians that defected from other political parties.

    Let me use this opportunity to remind the peoples governor of one of his main campaign promises: industries to absorb the teeming unemployed youths. We voted for you not only because you have been tested and trusted but because we can’t afford to lose a performing governor to conceited politicians whose manifestos were just to criticize a performing governor without telling us what they would do differently.

    The challenges ahead may seem insurmountable considering the burden of expectations from Imolites, but its not an impossible a task. The desire to succeed far outweighs the fears. Imo must be better and with Rochas we know, it will remain a promise kept.

     

    • Joseph Chimezie,

    Oweri, Imo State.

     

  • Govt to suspended monarchs: leave Okorocha out of your travails

    Govt to suspended monarchs: leave Okorocha out of your travails

    The Imo State government has urged 40 suspended traditional rulers to resolve the issues that led to their suspension by the Council of Traditional Rulers, instead of involving Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    In a statement yesterday in Owerri, the state capital, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, the government noted that the embattled monarchs were paying for their disrespect for constitution of their council.

    It advised them not to hide under political sentiments.

    The statement said: “The traditional rulers in question are only being hunted by their miscalculation during the 2015 elections. They have begun to run when no one is pursuing them. The traditional rulers allowed themselves to be deceived by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and they went beyond their bounds; the fear of that costly mistake is now their palaver.

    “We have read reports in newspapers of a purported court order granted to about 40 traditional rulers in the state, restraining Governor Okorocha from suspending them as traditional rulers.

    “The reports in question also said the traditional rulers had gone to court to challenge the ‘alleged excesses’ of the governor. In all the reports, the traditional rulers did not tell Nigerians what is the crux of the matter or the bone of contention.

    “Having carefully dodged the issue of telling Nigerians and Imo people in particular what the problem is all about and the main reason for which they went to court because the ‘alleged excesses’ of the governor would not have made them to go to court, we conclude that they are being hunted by their unfortunate actions during the 2015 elections. In fact, they are being battled by their consciences.”

    The statement added: “The truth is that Governor Okorocha or his government has neither suspended any of the 40 traditional rulers nor queried any of them for any reason to warrant their going to court. So, the reported court order restraining the governor from suspending the traditional rulers is questionable or even suspicious. We, therefore, challenge the traditional rulers to publish the referenced court order for Nigerians to read because we strongly believe that an order cannot be given in the vacuum. It must be anchored on something.

    “What happened, which the traditional rulers didn’t want to tell the world is that the state Council of traditional rulers, led by HRM Eze Samuel Ohiri had suspended four traditional rulers from the Council and set up a panel to look into the conduct of fifty others over their gross involvement in politics and disobedience to a directive given by the Council during the election time.”

  • Imo: Okorocha dares kidnappers

    Imo: Okorocha dares kidnappers

    Determined to make Imo State a safe haven for investors and residents, the State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said government is working hand in glove with all the Security Agencies to nip kidnapping and other violent crimes in the bud.

    Governor Okorocha disclosed this when he visited the Department of State Security Services (DSS) Imo State command as six kidnap suspects aged between 16 and 25 years were paraded.

    The Governor who expressed worries at the resurgence of such ugly trend in the State announced that government is battle ready to end kidnapping and violent crimes in the State and assured Imo people that his government shall guarantee the safety of lives and property of residents in the State.

    “But let me again warm all criminals, all kidnappers to get out of Imo State because this is not a place for you. We are ready for you,” he stressed.

    Owelle Okorocha recalled that 4 years ago before he assumed office as governor, the entire State was traumatized by the activities of kidnappers and criminals until his administration swooped into action to bring criminality to a halt.

    The governor maintained that government will continue to demolish houses belonging to kidnappers or any building where kidnap victim is kept, and therefore warned parents and guardians to always monitor the activities of their children and report suspicious movement, to security agencies.

    “Any house of any kidnapper or where a kidnapper is found will be demolished and destroyed, more so houses of the kidnappers’ parents  will equally be demolished if their lifestyle and means of livelihood does not justify the building,” he warned.

    Earlier the Director, Department of State Security Services (DSS) Mr. Francis Ejiofor, explained that the commend has set up task force in the 3 zones of the State in line with the directives of the Director General of the DSS to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes.

    The task force, he said has recorded tremendous success in tracking and arresting kidnap cases in the State.

    Ejiofor said the men of the State Security Services arrested the six paraded kidnap suspects on tip off while their victim, Mr. Nnawike Chilaka from Nkwerre LGA was freed after being held captive by his abductors for five days.

    The suspects are Mr. Suleman Samila, a gate man from Niger Republic and Chinedu Joseph alias Topic from Abia State who was described as the prime suspect. Others are Chigozie Keneth, a Computer Science Student of the Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Anayo, Michael Uzochukwu and Miss Kosisochukwu, a Secondary School student all from Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State.

  • No plans to slash salaries, says Okorocha

    No plans to slash salaries, says Okorocha

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has denied reports that his government plans to cut salaries of public servants by 30 per cent.

    He described as unfounded, allegations that an audit of workers will be done to reduce the workforce.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo explained that the office of the Head of Service is collecting civil servants data for record purposes, which is different from staff auditing.

    The statement reads: “This is to inform civil servants that the Rescue Mission Government or the governor did not order a 30 per cent salary cut as being speculated, and has no plans to do so.

    “It is also not true that the state government is conducting staff audit of civil servants for the purpose of reducing the workforce. The office of the Head of service only embarked on the collection of individual data for record purposes. The exercise is different from staff auditing.

    “Our governor is known for humanitarian gestures and does not engage in any venture that would cause pain to individuals and groups in the state. That is why for the first four years of his administration, he tolerated street trading, illegal motor parks, rampant erection of kiosks and others until now,  but the situation has gone out of hand and calls for action.

    “It is also important to let the people know that those who are not happy with the victory of Governor Okorocha in the election are behind these rumours. Before now, they said the governor had scrapped free education, and banned Keke Napep. This time, they have come up with the falsehood of the government cutting salaries by 30 per cent and working to reduce the state work force.

    “All these are unintelligent lies that are neither here nor there and we appeal to the people to disregard such lies. All these are blatant lies. Governor Okorocha loves the people and will not take any action that would affect them negatively”.

  • Okorocha inaugurates 8th Assembly

    Okorocha inaugurates 8th Assembly

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Thursday inaugurated the 27 members of the State House of Assembly and commissioned the newly renovated expansive Assembly complex.

    The Imo Governor charged the Lawmakers to put the interest of the people of the state above political and personal pursuits, urging them to justify the confidence reposed in them by the electorate.

    According to him, “as you are sworn in, what should be uppermost in your mind should be the people. I urge you to make laws that will impact on the people. The Executive is willing to work with you. While you exercise your freedom as an independent Arm of government, you must remember the need to work together with the other Arms of government to move the State forward.

    “I have the confidence that you will not let us down, you should do whatever you can do to justify this. We shall also be commissioning the remodelled complex, which is one of the best in the country.”

    Meanwhile, Hon Acho Ihim, from Okigwe Local Government Area emerged the Speaker of the House, while Ugonna Ozuruigbo of Nwangele Council Area, was elected Deputy Speaker.

  • Okorocha swears in SSG, CPS, others

    Okorocha swears in SSG, CPS, others

    IMO State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday swore in the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Sir Jude Ejiogu, and four others. The others are: the Chief, Uche Nwosu, Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Emma Ibediro and Senior Special Assistant on Assets and Liabilities, Elthel Ibebuchi and the Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo,.

    Okorocha advised the officials to settle down to wirk for the people. Okorocha tells SSG, others:

    “A moment like this calls for sober reflection; it is not a time to be carried away by the euphoria of the moment. To whom much is given, much is expected. Today’s responsibility has fallen on your shoulders; the people expect much from us and we must hurry to deliver the dividends of democracy.

    He urged their friends and family members to refrain from making unrealistic demands, adding: “Corruption in public offices is often as a result of pressure from family members”.

    Responding on behalf of others, Ejiogu described their appointment as a mark of honour.

    He said: “Since our appointment is a mark of acceptance, I pledge on behalf of my colleagues that we will do you proud. Imo is in critical times because we are moving into a period of consolidation.

    “We are determined to follow you to ensure that we achieve the industrial revolution, which is the main thrust of your second term”.

     

  • Okorocha plans college in Sokoto

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has promised to establish Rochas Foundation College in Sokoto.

    Okorocha made the disclosure last week at the inauguration of the state of the art Mana Model Primary School in Sokoto constructed under the UBEC/SUBEB 2012 intervention fund.

    The school is furnished with basic facilities such as blocks of 32 classrooms, toilets for both pupils and teachers, science and computer laboratories, and over head water tanks, among other ancillary provisions.

    The governor, who holds the Sultanate title of Dan Jekan Sakkwato, described himself as a son of the soil, and a link between the north and the eastern parts of the country.

    He noted that the future of the Nigerian child was dependent on education. Saying that education is the best legacy to leave for the child, he counseled parents to encourage their wards to go to school.

    “Without education, our children will have no future. I urge all to go back to school. No time is too late to go back to school irrespective of age and gender,” he said.

    Okorocha praised former Sokoto Governor, Aliyu Wamakko, who initiated the project, as a silent achiever, saying “you are a man of few words with many actions. I am convinced of your love for education and service to humanity.”

    On his part, Wamakko said the state as seat of the caliphate  was by history built on the path of learning as bequeathed by Shiekh Othman Dan Fodiyo.

    “We have been promoting education in line with the legacies of Danfodiyo in many respects so as to ensure standard and knowledge-driven development for our people.

    “This has placed us tops among equals through sustainable implementation of policies and programmes as well  as construction of schools with basic quality facilities, qualified teachers and their welfare to increase enrolment of our children,” he said.

    Okorocha also inaugurated the N1.5billion flyover popularly called “Alu bridge” on the Kano-Abdullahi Fodiyo road which links Maiduguri- Birnin Kebbi road.