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Tag: Okorocha

  • Monarchs’ tussle: Okorocha heads to Supreme Court

    Monarchs’ tussle: Okorocha heads to Supreme Court

    The Imo State government has appealed the judgment of the Appeal Court, which reinstated the embattled Chairman of the State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Cletus Ilomuanya.

    Ilomuanya was sacked by Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    The government urged the Supreme Court to set aside the judgment of the Appeal Court, pending the determination of the appeal filed against the judgment.

    It also urged the apex court to issue a stay of execution on the Appeal Court judgment, which was given in favour of Eze llomuanya.

    The judgment had granted all reliefs sought in the originating summons, which included dissolution of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers.

    In the notice of appeal, Okorocha described the Appeal Court judgment as a miscarriage of justice, adding that the court erred in law when it held that the counter-affidavit of the appellants were “sweeping” and that paragraphs 6(a), b, and c were not enough to counter the contents of the affidavit in support of the respondent.

    Arguing further the governor stated that the Appeal Court also erred in law when it held that the judge raised the issue of hearsay and made a case for the appellants, adding that evidence of hearsay “is an issue of law and like all issues of law a court can raise same as suo motu.”

    He, therefore, asked the apex court to set aside the judgment of the Appeal Court and affirm the judgment of the judge dismissing the suit as “unmeritorious.”

    llomuanya was locked out of the council secretariat by policemen when he went there to hold meeting with other traditional rulers.

  • Youths to honour Tinubu, Soyinka, Okorocha, others

    Youths to honour Tinubu, Soyinka, Okorocha, others

    The Grand Council of Yoruba Youths (formerly National Council of Yoruba Youths) will begin the third edition of its seven-day leadership summit on Sunday.

    The summit is to mark the Yoruba National Day (September 23).

    The programme will end with a Dinner/Award Night on September 28. It will be chaired by former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who will be honoured with the Life time Achievement Award in Politics.

    Also to be honoured are Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole; Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka; Globacom Chairman Mike Adenuga; activist lawyer Femi Falana (SAN); Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN); Aare Afe Babalola (SAN); Chief Olu Falae; Chief Bisi Akande; Senator Chris Ngige; Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha; Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu; Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda; Senator David Mark and Mrs. H.I.D. Awolowo, among others.

    The award will be held at the Centre for Black Arts and Culture, Osogbo, Osun State, by 5pm. Gen Alani Akinrinade is the father of the day. The Alaafin of Oyo is the royal father of the day.

    Public lectures will be delivered by Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Oyo State House of Assembly Speaker Mrs. Monsurat Sunmonu; Prof. Bolanle Awe and Chief. Folake Solanke (SAN) on September 24 at the Centre for Black Arts and Culture, Osogbo.

    Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi is the special guest of honour at the lectures.

    There will be a Youth Interactive Session with Houses of Assembly in the Southwest on September 25. An arts exhibition, fashion parade and cultural dance competition will hold on September 27.

    The group, which came into existence in October, 2001, aims to promote unity, peace, stability and development in Yorubaland.

     

  • No leadership tussle in Imo APC— Okorocha, Udenwa

    No leadership tussle in Imo APC— Okorocha, Udenwa

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha and Chief Achike Udenwa, also a former governor of the state, yesterday cleared the air on the speculated leadership tussle in the state chapter of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    They maintained that they have been working closely to advance the party in the state and the entire South-East zone, adding that the rumour was a total lie.

    Addressing newsmen shortly after the  two day meeting that was brokered by some leaders of the party, Okorocha said the essence of the briefing was to clear the air on the alleged disunity in the party.

    According to him, “The unity of our party has been signed, sealed and delivered and victory for our party come 2015 is assured.”

    He also announced the formation of the Elders Council of the Imo State chapter of the APC, which according to him, has Chief Udenwa as chairman, while  Senator Osita Izunaso will serve as secretary.

    Speaking in the same vein, Udenwa debunked insinuations that he was at loggerhead with the governor, describing it as a complete lie.

    The former governor, restated the position of the governor that there was no division in the party as all the leaders are operating on the same page.

    He added, “We are here to redefine leadership to Nigerians. As for Imo State, there is only one united APC. It is the only political party with structures down to the ward level.

    “We urge you all to join us as we are hoisting a new flag in Imo State.”

    According to Udenwa, “APC will retain its government in Imo State and will go on to install an APC government at the federal level in 2015.

    “We have given the PDP opportunity since 1999 till date to make an impact but unfortunately, there have been no change in the living standard of Nigerians. Now is the time for change and it beckons the APC.”

    Also at the peace parley were the Imo State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon.Benjamin Uwajumogu, Col. Lambert Iheanacho, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha, Senator Osita Izunaso, Chief Mike Ahamba (SAN), among others.

  • Praises for Okorocha

    The Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor and Commissioner for Special Duties-designate, Jude Ejiogu, has defended Governor Rochas Okorocha’s style of administration.

    He described as ridiculous insinuations that the administration lacks human face.

    Ejiogu said the critics of the administration were those who wanted the governor to open the state’s treasury for sharing.

    The Chief of Staff defended the governor‘s recent travels abroad, insisting that he has not travelled as much as his predecessors.

    “I want to say it here without fear or favour that this governor has not travelled half as much as his predecessors. I am talking as a Chief of Staff.

    “The governor does not like to travel, unless he is compelled to do so or it is absolutely necessary for him to do so. He is not the type of governor who would like to spend one weekend in South Africa or the other in America, and when he travels his government runs unhindered.”

     

  • Cleric denies rift with Okorocha

    The Archbishop of the Owerri Catholic Diocese, the Most Reverend Dr Anthony Obinna, yesterday said that he does not harboured no any hatred against the governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.

    He said his refusal to be part of the committee set up by the governor to disburse N500million to youths from the oil producing local government areas of Ohaji/Egbema and Oguta respectively was based on principle and not to show disapproval for the policies of the state government as speculated.

    The cleric who made the disclosure during a media briefing to mark this year’s annual Odenigbo celebration, pointed out that, “I have been concerned with governance as it affects public welfare. I have never accepted any political appointment in the past, so I took a principled stance and rejected the appointment but as I said I have no personal quarrel with Governor Okorocha.”

    The Archbishop said that the church will continue to be involved in the political process to ensure that public interest and good is protected under any regime, adding that, “each regime that comes, my interest is to ensure that public funds are deployed for public good.”

    According to him, “the controversial law which started during Achike Udenwa’s regime was secretly signed into law by Okorocha, but the church is demanding that the law be immediately abrogated by the House of Assembly in defence of the life of the unborn child.”

    The outspoken cleric also decried the state of rural roads across the state, stating that, “I have directed the church to be ready because we will build the collapsed roads where the government failed.”

  • Kudos for Okorocha

    Kudos for Okorocha

    A Group in the All Progressives Congress (APC), Lagos State, has expressed satisfaction with the way Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha led the Igbo to the APC.

    The chairman of of the group, Mr. James Opara, said Okorocha’s decision is clearly in favour of the progressive elements across the country.

    “He believes in the progress of Nigeria and took this bold decision because we need to get to mainstream politics,” he said. Opara said the governor is a detribali sed patriot, whose concern for Nigeria is legendary.

    “Many enter into minor parties because they feel that the big parties will not their views. So, the merger of these entities to form a bigger bloc is the most welcome development.”

    Opara thanked the leaders of the APC for their vision and foresight. “Nigerians will remain grateful, in particular to General Mohammadu Buhari and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who have come together to save Nigeria from stealing, killing and destruction.”

    He said that Nigeria has been held down by regional politics and it was high time the country came together to confront the monster, which was unleashed on the nation.

    “All the attendant conflicts, insecurity and displeasure are evidence that the country was disintegrating and was in dire need of a government that will save the country, this is what the APC will offer.”

    He called on members to support Okorocha, saying that the suspension placed on him by the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was done in bad faith because the governor has lived up to expectation,- in terms of the delivery of the dividends of democracy.

    He maintained that Ndigbo will put its weight behind APC because it is the only feasible platform to get to mainstream politics.

     

     

  • ALGON criticises Okorocha

    The Secretary of the All Local Governments Organisation of Nigeria (ALGON) in Imo State, Enyinnaya Onuegbu, has criticised Governor Rochas Okorocha’s travels.

    Onuegbu, a former Chairman of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area, said the governor’s continued absence has grounded activities in the state.

    “How can a governor leave his state and embark on a frivolous tour that does not in anyway impact positively on the state?

    “Civil servants have not been paid and these frequent trips do not benefit the state in any way, rather it has become an avenue for wasting the state resources and this must stop.”

  • APGA suspends Okorocha

    APGA suspends Okorocha

    Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State was yesterday suspended from the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

    He was suspended for joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), an action APGA leadership described as anti party activities.

    Rising from an emergency National Executive Council meeting yesterday in Abuja, the party said NEC unanimously decided to dissolve the Imo State Executive Council of the party. It also said a 21-man Committee will be appointed to oversee the party until a congress is held.

    The Imo State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, said the government was not unaware that APGA has been compromised and sold out to the ruling PDP. He added that Okorocha’s decision to join APC was to serve Ndigbo better, insisting that joining APC was in the best interest of Ndigbo.

  • Why Okorocha joined APC, by APGA chairman

    The Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo State, Marshall Okafor Anyanwu, yesterday explained the reason why Governor Rochas Okorocha joined the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    According to Anyanwu, the governor is on a mission to save Ndigbo from political encapsulation and years of neglect.

    He said Okorocha’s action was hinged on the need to correct the political realities in the country, which he said does not favour Ndigbo.

    “Those blackmailing the governor on his membership of the APC are the same people working with outside forces to continue to enslave our people.”

    The APGA chieftain said the decision to team up with other progressives was taken in the best interest of the people.

    He, however, posited that “this does not mean that we are totally abandoning APGA, it will continue to exist as our political identity but we need to consult wide and seek collaboration with a broader spectrum of Nigerians, who are sympathetic to the course of Ndigbo.”

    Anyanwu insisted that APGA with its acceptance and strength in the Southeast was still not enough to drive the ambition of securing a front row in the affairs of the nation.

    “The governor took a plunge to save Ndigbo from further political woes. We cannot achieve our political ambitions under APGA.

    “We need to take urgent and drastic measures to save our people from the present bondage and Governor Okorocha has taken the lead and should be supported.

    “In the first instance, Ndigbo are well recognised with influential positions in APC unlike in the PDP. APC is the place where our aspiration as a people can be realised.

    “It is absurd that after voting for Jonathan the zone has nothing to show for it and you still expect us to stay in the same party with the same people.

    “We have a population of over 30 million people and still play a second fiddle, this is no longer acceptable.”

  • Okorocha re-appoints ‘deserving’ ex-commissioners

    •Governor’s sister emerges overall best

    Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha yesterday shocked many former commissioners and special advisers when he presented awards to the few who, he said, distinguished themselves in their stewardship.

    The governor, who made the presentation during an appreciation and award ceremony for political appointees at the Ahajioku Centre, said the award means automatic reappointment for the recipients.

    He said: “The award is a confirmation that they will be reappointed into their former offices.”

    Okorocha said political appointments should not be seen as a call to make wealth but an opportunity to make history through service to humanity and dedication to duty.

    “I urge you to be more dedicated because these appointments are not sentimentally-driven but issue-based to ensure that our people get the best of service anchored on good governance.

    “Those thinking that the appointment is for building political structures are mistaken. Most of the people think that by dancing around me or showing their faces around every morning to sing my praises will excite me and earn them a place. But we have shown Imo people what leadership is all about.”

    There was a mild drama shortly after the governor announced the reappointment of the recipients, as visibly disappointed former commissioners and special advisers stormed out of the hall.

    One of the distraught former appointee, who pleaded for anonymity, told The Nation that the award did not truly represent the situation on ground.

    He said: “Those who were given the award did not do anything spectacular; neither were they more committed than the others. They were favoured by their closeness to the powers-that-be.”

    Those who received the award included Uche Nwose, former commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Chinedu Offor, former commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Ichie Best Mbanaso, Former commissioner for Commerce.

    Others were Okorocha’s younger sister Mrs. Ogechi Ololo, former special assistant on Domestics, who emerged overall best special adviser and Nkiru Sylvanus, former special adviser on Public Affairs, among others.