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Tag: Okorocha

  • Okorocha hails conduct at postponed debate

    Okorocha hails conduct at postponed debate

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has hailed the governorship candidates, the people, the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri and others for the postponed governorship debate.

    He said: “With every sense of humility,  Governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha  thanks Imo people, especially members of the parties and their candidates, who could have participated in a debate organised by the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri for the governorship candidates, which could not hold; for the commendable way they conducted themselves at the venue of the event.

    “It is a good development for Imo people that supporters of the parties met for such a function and there was no fracas. Nobody was injured. It means Imo people have come to appreciate that beyond politics, we are still brothers and sisters, whether we are in APC or PDP or APGA or UPP.

     “Although the debate could not hold, I praise Archbishop Anthony Obinna and the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri for coming up with such a laudable idea of bringing the candidates together to tell the people what they have in store for them, if elected.

    “It is believed that whenever the debate is rescheduled, whatever caused the postponement will be taken care of.

    “There was the story of the supporters of the candidates and parties holding mini rallies at the venue of the debate and creating a rowdy situation that scared people away.  The truth of the matter is that in an event of that nature involving governorship candidates and the Catholic Archdiocese in Owerri, such excitement and rowdy scenarios cannot be ruled out, but the good thing is that there was no fracas.

    “However, we take exception to a statement credited to the PDP candidate, Emeka Ihedioha, who rushed to one of the radio stations the moment the debate was cancelled and alleged that the APC supporters beat up a reverend father at the event.

    “Although 80 per cent of the people at the venue  were APC supporters, following the popularity of Governor Okorocha, the truth remains that APC supporters never confronted anybody, let alone beat up a reverend father.

    “Ihedioha is not the spokesman for the Catholic Archdiocese in Owerri. The archdiocese has a media director and information officers. If Ihedioha’s claims were right, the archdiocese would have spoken and it would have given detailed information on that like when a PDP governor allegedly flogged a reverend father.

    “Imo people know the particular party that has the unbeatable record of beating up clerics, including a reverend father. It is not in the character of APC leaders and members to do such a thing.

    “Once again, we thank Imo people, members of the parties and the Catholic Archdiocese in Owerri for their love for the state. God bless Imo State and its people.”

  • Okorocha demands cancellation of polls in six LGs

    Okorocha demands cancellation of polls in six LGs

    Gov Rochas Okorocha of Imo State on Monday protested the outcome of elections in Imo, alleging the use of soldiers in the exercise.

    Okorocha told journalists in Owerri that soldiers freely molested and harassed innocent people and barred them from exercising their franchise.

    He further alleged that ballot boxes were snatched and two people shot at Amala in Ngor Okpala local government area and another in Owerri Municipal.

    According to him, one of the victims died while the other person was lying critical at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri.

    Okorocha described the election of Saturday as the “worst act of militarization of democracy’’.

    He said that what was witnessed in Imo was a far cry from the expectations of the people.

    He, therefore, called for the cancellation of elections in Ngor Okpala, Aboh Mbaise, Ehime Mbano, Isiala Mbano, Ohaji/Egbema and Oru East local governments, cliaming that no election held in the areas due to the lack of materials.

    Okorocha, however, denied assaulting any INEC official but trailed the commission’s convoy when he learnt that they killed two persons in a motor accident and made away with the corpses.

    NAN reports that the governor had earlier complained of the arrest and detention of his Senior Special Adviser, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo, and the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Chidi Ibeh, during the elections.

  • Okorocha casting his vote

    Okorocha casting his vote

    Okorocha casting his vote at Ogboko ward 2
    Okorocha casting his vote at Ogboko ward 2

  • Okorocha urges Imo indigenes in Lagos to vote APC

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha has urged the state’s indigenes resident in Lagos to vote for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The governor, who spoke at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos, when he visited Imo people, said they should vote for the party’s presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and other candidates, to enjoy good governance.

    He advised jobless Imo indigenes to return home, as they would be engaged.

    Okorocha explained why he was seeking re-election. He said it was necessary for him to continue his good work.

    The governor said he had fulfilled his promises to the people, which included curbing kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes. His words: “Today, Imo is safe. You go out and come in anytime you like without anyone threatening your life. I’ve also introduced free education.”

     

  • Seven PDP governors to join APC, says Okorocha

    Seven PDP governors to join APC, says Okorocha

    No fewer than seven Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors will join the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum Owelle Rochas Okorocha said in Lagos yesterday.

    He spoke at a rally in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos State for the APC governorship candidate, Mr. Akinwunmi  Ambode.

    The governor said the governors’ resolve will nail the coffin of the PDP.

    His words: “Now let me tell you that the victory of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has been signed, sealed and delivered. But let me tell you something but don’t tell anybody.

    “It is a secret, about seven PDP governors are coming to hold meetings with us privately, planning to join us.

    “There is fear in the country. The fear is that they know Buhari is a good man, they know Buhari will win. The fear is that once they announce Buhari on March 28 as winner all the bad people stealing the nation’s money will take midnight flight and leave the country.  The fear of Buhari is the end of corruption in Nigeria. ”

    He said it took the intervention of Buhari to stop open defecation before it became entrenched again.

    The governor said Buhari had stopped all forms of indiscipline before the country became a laughing stock among comity of nations for lack of discipline.

    Okorocha added that the PDP died when the opposition parties merged to form the APC.

    “The day Babatunde Fashola, Rochas Okorocha and other governors came together, the PDP died in Nigeria.

    “On  February 14, we were supposed to bury the PDP but they changed the date of the funeral to March 28.

    “Now we are waiting patiently to bury the PDP forever. Let me tell you. You can change the day of the funeral but you can’t change the funeral, it must take place. May the soul of PDP rest in peace.

    “The worst thing that can happen to any nation is to have a bad government and the worst thing that can happen to any family is to have a bad father.

    “Today, it is obvious that PDP is a bad government. Thank God we came together for  change and the change has started.”

    He urged the Igbo community to vote  for Ambode, saying he has the capacity to ensure mutual co-existence of all tribes in Lagos.

    Okorocha, who was flanked by Fashola and other APC leaders, decried the economic policies of the Federal Government.

    “PDP has cheated you. If you have N100, 000 before, what you now have is N60, 000.

    “The Federal Government has removed N40, 000 by devaluing the Naira.”

    Fashola urged Lagosians not to yield to the plans of the PDP, which has been bribing people to vote for it.

    He said the Federal Government wants to take a shortcut to success, without working for it.

    “All the promises they made to you, have they fulfilled them?

    “The man has been promising to do more, when he has not fulfilled the promise he made when he was seeking your votes.”

    He said his administration did not only put policemen on insurance scheme but bought weapons to enable them function.

    “Go to  Youtube and listen to Senator Chris Anyanwu, who chairs the Senate Committee on Navy, begging for money for the Navy to fuel its boats.

    “Yet, Nigeria budgeted over N1 trillion for defence. They said Buhari did not buy guns in 1985.

    “Are you going to use 1985 weapon to fight 2015 war? They are bundle of liars and do not know what to do.

    “Please don’t sell your PVC because it is your future and your power to vote out the PDP.

    “The election is about how you secure your freedom. The money he should have used in providing infrastructure is being used to bribe people  to get votes.

    “You gave me 1.5 million votes during the last election, and you can see the result of the votes. What I want you to do for me is three million votes from you for Ambode.”

     

  • Okorocha admits Ambode into Governors’ Forum

    Imo State Governor and Chair of the Progressives Governors Forum Owelle Rochas Okorocha has admitted the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, into the forum.

    Okorocha, who spoke yesterday at a town hall meeting in Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area of Lagos State, said he was acting prophetically.

    The governor said he was sure of Ambode’s victory as the people of Lagos have accepted him.

    He said: “Ambode, a man with a record of excellent performance, served for 27 years in Lagos as auditor general of local governments and accountant-general.

    “The APC candidate is the best thing to happen to Lagos. He possesses the experience to take Lagos to the next level.

    “I urge all the Igbo in Lagos to vote for this man of destiny who God has prepared for this season. Your lot will only be better under an APC-led government in Lagos. You must not sell your mandate for a mess of pottage.”

    Okorocha presented Ambode and his running mate, Dr. Oluranti Adegbule, to the people.

    The APC candidate thanked the governor and the people at the meeting,  promising to complete 25 roads in all the local governments.

    He assured Lagosians of accelerated development, recalling his experience in the civil service.

    “My civil service career has made me conversant with the workings of government.

    “My well thought-out and robust programme of action would definitely take Lagos to the next level. Governance is a continuum and it takes a person with skill and competence not to lose the momentum or even derail the train of progress.”

  • Imo 2015: Can Okorocha beat strongmen to second term?

    Imo 2015: Can Okorocha beat strongmen to second term?

    Governor Rochas Okorocha has done well and is campaigning for reelection on this score. But he has to stave off serious oppositions from strongmen to achieve his aim, reports Sunday Oguntola 

    Left to the common folks, Governor Rochas Okorocha is as good as reelected. They are impressed with his giant, visible projects in the state, which have elevated their living conditions and restored their confidence in good governance. Okorocha, an astute philanthropist, knows how to connect with the grassroots.

     

    His scorecards

    Long before he was elected governor, Okorocha has been running many projects and programmes to touch the common folks. His schools in Jos are attended free of charge by the downtrodden in addition to several mouth-watering projects for their pleasure. Since his administration came into being, Okorocha has taken populist policies to an incredibly high level.

    His novel initiatives have wowed even his staunchest critics. The checklist can be intimidating for the boldest opponents. It includes an asphalted 1,000km of roads, though his aides claim he has done even greater kilometers. Each of the 27 local governments has a brand new general hospital, a move that has brought healthcare closer to the masses.

    All the electoral wards can boast of 305 classroom blocks, courtesy of the current administration. Okorocha has also built the Ecumenical Centre, Douglas Souvenir House, Freedom Square, Hero’s Square and Bongo Square. The Government House is wearing a new look after intensive renovation by the governor; so is the former legislators’ quarters.

    Surely, his most audacious policy is the free education scheme across the primary and secondary schools of the state. The policy has increased school enrolment, though critics point out it has also reduced the quality of education as exemplified in the poor showing of the state in external examinations. He took the free education to an unimaginable level two years ago when he introduced the scheme to tertiary institutions. Initially restricted to indigenes, the scheme has since been expanded to include non-indigenes, who enjoy 100 percent tuition-free education.

    Many indigent students and their parents have indicated they will support Okorocha’s reelection bid to forestall the possibility of policy reversal. The governor has won their hearts and they would do anything to retain him in office. The Community Government Councils (CGCs), which he introduced to the grassroots has also given common folks a sense of belonging in his governance.

    Tagged ‘local governors’, the community liaison officers have become powerful forces in the improvised town unions with traditional rulers, leading to massive, rapid community development. Though the initiative pitched him against forces in the state, Okorocha has weathered the storm in an amazing manner that has justified the innovation.

    Based on these, ordinary Imo indigenes have no qualms with Okorocha winning a second term. He also has the incumbency factor in his favour. But a second term takes more than populist programmes and policies. There are formidable forces arrayed against the governor’s bid to return to power.

     

    The battles against strongmen

    The first is the quality of opposition. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which lost the seat to Okorocha in 2011, remains formidable in the state. Its governorship candidate, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, is a politician with intimidating credentials. He is the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives with lots of war chests. In him, PDP has found a man who can truly challenge Okorocha for the governorship race.

    Ihedioha has told everyone who cares to listen that Okorocha’s achievements are artificial. He said the governor has only been playing to the gallery without addressing the real issues. If elected, he promised to take Imo to its rightful place of pride in the nation. While his campaigns have been very visible, the crowds that fill the venues, critics say, are mostly rented.

    Much as he remains optimistic, Ihedioha’s election bid is bedeviled by party internal wrangling. The PDP, in the state, has been enmeshed in a bitter supremacy battle since the disputed December 8 primary. A faction believes that Senator Ifeanyi Ararume won the contest. The former senator has gone to court and the case is still pending.

    Last week, supporters of Ararume told our correspondent that the battle has reached a no-retreat stage. Despite pleas and appeasements from the national secretariat of the PDP, Ararume and his supporters have refused to be assuaged. They claim the ticket was wrongfully delivered to Ihedioha and vowed to fight the injustice.

    Ihedioha has to address the ‘civil war’ in his party to have any serious chance of contending for the governorship seat. How far he can do that remains to be seen. He is also seen as aloof and arrogant. Many believe he is not a grassroots politician, having been in Abuja as a federal legislator for 12 consecutive years. His empowerment projects, his critics, say are anything but popular.

     

    The zoning controversy

    But he has certain advantages over Okorocha. One, the zoning arrangement in the state favours him. It is believed that it is the turn of Owerri zone to have a shot at the governorship. To pro-zoning ardent, Orlu zone has been on the driver’s seat for 12 years since 1999. Achike Udenwa, from Orlu, was governor from 1999-2007.  Okigwe zone got the seat through Ikedi Ohakim from 2007-2011. But Ohakim lost out at the primary, dashing his zone’s hope of completing an eight-year stint.

    Those in support of zoning sniff at the prospect of having Orlu zone doing 16 years on the saddle should Okorocha be re-elected. This is more so when Owerri zone has not had a shot at the seat since 1999. Being from Owerri, Ihedioha is favoured by the zoning arrangement. Mbaise, his hometown, is noted for large voting population. His choice of Chuma Nnaji as running mate is also considered an advantage.

    Nnaji was Deputy Speaker in Imo from 2003-2007. He also served as a commissioner. Their combination is perceived as a major plus for legislative governance in the state.

     

    Ihenacho joins the fray

    But the governorship contest is not a two- horse race. There is also the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), which is fielding Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, a former Minister of Interior. Though a late entrant into the race on the account of a debilitating eligibility suit; Ihenacho is not an upstart or an opposition to just wish away. APGA still retains some support base in the state, like in most South-East states.

    Ihenacho, from Emekuku in Oweri-North Local Government Area, is also favoured by the zoning factor. But it is believed that the eligibility suit against him that was just dispensed had taken off shine from his campaign. His critics said he is coming into the race a bit late and battered.

  • ‘Okorocha’s policies ‘ll guarantee him second term’

    ‘Okorocha’s policies ‘ll guarantee him second term’

    The Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council of Imo State University (IMSU), Prince Alex Mbata, says Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha’s  policies will earn him people’s vote at the election. He spoke with reporters in Owerri, the state capital.

    What is your view on the governor’s policies? It has received a lot of bashing with some of his political opponents saying it is not working?

    You need to go to Imo State and ask the people if it is working or not. It is not enough for some people to stay in Lagos and throw stones instead of commending the good job Owelle is doing. The truth is that Imo has never had it so good not just in education but on all fronts. But if there is any area the governor has scored close to 100 per cent, it is in education. His free education program alone is enough to give him second term in office. Students in the state primary and secondary schools are not just going to school free but getting stipends and things like uniform and sandals. The people of Imo are no fools , they know a government that has done well and would do everything to ensure continuity with their votes. Education is the biggest industry in Imo state and Owelle’s government has invested heavily in that area and as I said earlier that alone is enough to bring him back to Douglas House. In fact, as things stand now there is no vacancy there. Outside education, the governor has equally done well. For the first time since after Mbakwe, we are having a government that is developing every part of the state simultaneously. Go to Orlu, Okigwe , Uguta, the story is the same. So, why won’t such a governor get a second term. What Imo people should rather be praying for is for the governor to keep doing what he has started when he returns. His rescue mission agenda must continue. Imo can’t afford to return to the land of Egypt when we are on the march to the promised land.

    Whatare your plans for the university?

    I must start by saying a big thank you to Governor Okorocha for the appointment, which came late last year. I m happy the governor deemed me fit to serve the state in that capacity and I won’t disappoint him and the people. First, my vision is to take the university to the next level. I m by his grace a very successful entrepreneur. Whatever I touch becomes gold and this is courtesy of God’s grace and now that I m involved in the state university, I will do my best to ensure that it becomes one of the best in the country. You know many employers don’t want to engage graduates of state universities, but IMSU will be different. You know the governor is passionate about education and with his support we will make IMSU a real citadel of learning. I have held meetings with the authorities of the university and we are going to ensure that the problems of the university are solved.

    So far, what have you identified as the major problems of the university?

    As you know the university is a young one when compared with the first generation universities like UNN , ABU and UI. So it would understandably  have the problem of infrastructure, that of hostels to accommodate the students etc. But, the state government is doing all it can to change all that. The governor deserves a pat on the back over what it has done to the University’s Teaching Hospital in Orlu. A lot more will be done to the other programmes of the university. My vision is for the university to have world class facilities and we are on the same page with the governor on this.

    How can the youths be prepared for a better future?

    Well, I’m the CEO of AMB Global group of companies, which has interest in Oil and Gas, real estate, manufacturing and hospitality industry. Ours is a fast growing outfit with corporate headquarters in Lagos. We are investing heavily in Imo State in line with the appeal made by the state government for the state industrialists to come home and invest. ABM now has one of the biggest industries in Imo state and we have only done the first phase of the industry. My vision is to employ as many Imo youths as people as a way of reducing unemployment in the state. If that is done the crime rate in the state will reduce and let me also give the governor a pat on the back in the area of security because he has done al lot in that area. You will agree with me that the rate of kidnapping in Imo has gone down, thanks to the security measures and network put in place by Okorocha

  • Imo community endorses Okorocha for second term

    Imo community endorses Okorocha for second term

    THE re-election bid of Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, brightened yesterday, with his endorsement by the Mbieri Ancient Kingdom in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State, one of the largest political blocs in the state.

    The kingdom also affirmed its support for the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), General Mohammadu Buhari and other APC candidates.

    Declaring the support at the Mbieri Youth Association Hall in Orie Mbieri, during a general meeting of Mbieri Development Union, the umbrella body of Mbieri people, the President General of the body, Dr. Jeremiah Mgbeahuru, said the decision by the state governor to adopt a son of the kingdom, the Deputy Governor, Eze Madumerem, as his running mate for the governorship election, was a mark of honour. He recalled that all efforts by illustrious sons of Mbieri to get involved in the decision- making in the state in the past had failed.

    He stated that the Kingdom has been left to rot despite its electoral value before the emergence of Governor Okorocha. Mgbeahuru reminded the assembly that all infrastructures in the Kingdom, including roads, schools and hospitals among other critical infrastructure, were allowed to decay by previous administrations. Justifying the position of the union, Chief Marcon Nlemigbo said that Madumere has attracted massive developmental projects to Mbieri and should be supported to do more. He also commended the governor for his giant strides in all facets of the economy, especially the free education programme and road construction among others.

  • Soldiers deploy APC in Okorocha’s office

    Soldiers deploy APC in Okorocha’s office

    There was tension in Imo State yesterday when hundreds of women mobilised by Minister of State for Education Prof. Viola Onwuliri attempted to breach the Government House security during a protest against Governor Rochas Okorocha’s administration.

    Soldiers allegedly invited by the Minister also heightened the apprehension when they brought and positioned their Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) at the entrance of the Government House and allegedly assaulted Okorocha’s supporters, who opposed the women protesters.

    The governor and the junior minister have been at logger heads.

    The women, who were said to be widows, gathered  as early as 6.30 am on Okigwe Road, chanting anti-Okorocha slogans. They marched on the Government House, bearing a mock coffin. They were dispersed by security men attached to the Government House.

    Thereafter, a detachment of soldiers from the 34 Artillery Brigade stormed the Government House and descended on officials identified by the protesting women.

    The governor who arrived at the scene in the peak of the commotion, accused leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state led by the minister, of hiring thugs dressed in women attires from neighboring Abia State to “burn down” the Government House.

    Okorocha, who was escorted to the venue by thousands of women and youths, noted that the soldiers invited by Mrs. Onwuliri beat up innocent people and created tension among the staff of the Government House.

    He said: “Onwuliri claimed to have the support of President Goodluck Jonathan to seal off the Government House, so she invited soldiers to beat up innocent people and this will not be accepted. Her mission was to set the Government House ablaze, using soldiers to perpetrate the crime.”

    The governor, who pleaded with his supporters to remain calm, insisted that the protesters were not indigenes of the state but were mobilised from Abia State to cause chaos in Imo State.

    He urged the President to call the minister and PDP leaders to order to avoid the wrath of the people on them.

    “The Army should not allow itself to be used to truncate the nation’s democracy. If they try this again, they will see the wrath of Imo people,” Okorocha said.

    The Commander of the 34 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. L.M. Bello, who said he was present at the scene, said soldiers were invited to disperse the crowd and restore peace. They did not assault anyone as claimed, he said.

    Gen. Bello said the soldiers helped to disperse the crowd that posed a security threat around the Government House.