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Tag: Rochas Okorocha

  • Kanu deceiving Ndigbo – Okorocha 

    Kanu deceiving Ndigbo – Okorocha 

    …says Igbo will lose N3 trillion

     

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Monday warned that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu is deceiving Ndigbo with the promise of the actualisation of Biafra.

    The Imo governor, said that any form of war now will cost the Igbo N3 trillion both in properties and assets.

    Okorocha who spoke while giving Staff of Office and Certificate of recognition to traditional rulers, lamented traditional rulers have kept mute while the cloud is gathering over activities of Biafra agitators.

    According to him, “on IPOB, the cloud is gathering, nobody is talking, even our traditional rulers, Pastors and leaders, this is bad for our people. If you will remember vividly that few years ago, during the Civil War, it was a similar story. That was how it all started. At that time, we believed that the Ohafia warriors will be able to fight and disseminate the North”.

    He continued “Now we are been deceived that IPOB will drive away Nigeria and give us Biafra. Even our Pastors, men of God and some leaders in the rural areas, nobody is speaking out against this action and the song of war is coming gradually like a desert encroachment. We fought the war and it was believed that the Igbos will learn from it but they still went ahead and developing the resources of other regions.

    “There are 5 million Igbo living outside the shores of Igbo region. Any form of war will cause the Igbos over 3 trillion naira loss in properties and assets. No sane person will spread the message of division and war because it does not benefit the Igbo in any way. I urge you traditional rulers to speak against it and educate your people on the true state of things. Igbo need to build bridge of unity across the nation”.

     

  • Collapsed building kills four in Imo

    Collapsed building kills four in Imo

    Four occupants of a two storey building on Fire Service/Mbaise Road died after the building collapsed at the early hour on Sunday.

    Five other occupants of the building were, however, rescued but they sustained various degrees of injuries.

    The Coordinator of Owerri Operations, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Evans Ugoh, who confirmed the casualties to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said rescues operation was ongoing.

    “We have been able to rescue five people while four have been confirmed dead, but we are still on to see if there are others trapped in the building,” he said.

    Okochukwu Nnadi, an eyewitness and tricycle operator, said the incident happened around 4 a.m on Sunday.

    “I came out very early to convey early morning worshipers to church before the collapse happened.

    “I was the one who rushed to the police station near the house to alert them on the incident.

    “I was shocked to see four people already dead when they were brought out of the place,” he said.

    Gov. Rochas Okorocha, who later visited the scene said, “This is very sad.”

    “I will take drastic measures to checkmate sub-standard buildings in this state, regardless of who is involved,” he said.

    Okorocha assured that the state government would take care of the medical bills of the victims recuperating in the hospital.

  • Its too early to judge our performance, Rochas tells Nigerians

    Its too early to judge our performance, Rochas tells Nigerians

    The Chairman, Progressive Governors Forum and Governor of Imo State, Mr Rochas Okorocha, says on Tuesday it is too early for Nigerians to judge elected officials on their performance.

    “We want to appeal to Nigerians not to judge us from past sins or within the two years we have been in the mantle of leadership of this great country.

    “You should judge us when the mandate entrusted to us expires,” Okorocha said at the opening of a retreat on policy synergy between states and the Federal Government, holding in Birnin Kebbi.

    The governor reminded Nigerians that those presently at the helm of affairs came on board when the country was at the brink of collapse due to security and economic challenges.

    He assured that the APC-led administration would meet the expectations of all Nigerians.

    “Our party has the best governors ever produced in the history of this country – from Sokoto, Adamawa, Kebbi, Lagos, Imo, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kogi and others.

    “When you visit those states, you will know that Nigerians have not made mistake electing us to lead their states affairs.

    “We have resolved to fix the economy and it has already being fixed, ” he said.

    The chairman of the progressive governor explained that they are working with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture to put resources together to stamp out hunger in the country.

    “We are united and Nigeria will always remain an indivisible nation.

    “We don’t know who is Hausa, Yoruba or Igbo, our determination is only to stamp out hunger and bring democratic dividend to our citizens.

    “Hate statements should not be taken serious or regarded from anyone,” he said.

    Okorocha commended Kebbi farmers for saving the country a lot of foreign exchange through their agricultural activities especially rice production.

    Earlier, Kebbi Governor, Atiku Bagudu, said the governors would continue to work diligently in line with the APC manifesto.

    He said they would intensify efforts to eradicate poverty.

    “The enthusiasm and patriotism of President Muhammadu Buhari and Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, demonstrate that Nigeria is getting its footsteps right.

    “All that helps Nigeria to develop is now brought to debate and discussion table, and we should always cherish what we discuss significantly in order to enhance our development,” Bagudu said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat was to evaluate current challenges faced by state governments in accessing opportunities and resources provided by various policies of the federal government.

  • Kebbi is the most peaceful state in the history of Nigeria – Okorocha

    Kebbi is the most peaceful state in the history of Nigeria – Okorocha

    The chairman, Progressive Governors Forum, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has described Kebbi as the “most peaceful state in the history of Nigeria.’’

    Okorocha made the statement on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, when he led members of the forum on a courtesy visit to the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashir.

    “Kebbi State has track record of being a peaceful state since its creation,” he said, and commended Gov. Abubakar Bagudu and the people of the state for boosting the production of rice and wheat.

    He expressed satisfaction that Kebbi had placed Nigeria’s name on the map of countries in the world producing rice.

    Okorocha said that members of the forum were in state to hold their meeting  billed to commence on Tuesday.

    He said the meeting would deliberate on the various challenges facing the country and seek ways of assisting the Federal Government come out with policies that would have positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.

    The chairman commended Gov. Bagudu for his efforts to revive country’s economy through agriculture.

    He urged the people of the state to continue to support Bagudu’s administration to enable them enjoy the dividends of democracy.

    He thanked the emir and his council for their contributions to the development of the state and country.

    In his remarks, the emir said that he always consulted other traditional rulers before approving policies that would affect the lives of his people.

    He thanked the governors for the visit and urged them to continue to implement policies that would benefit the people.

  • Buhari’s absence not stalling APC convention – Okorocha 

    Buhari’s absence not stalling APC convention – Okorocha 

    Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors Forum and Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha on Thursday said that the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari in the country is not stopping the party from holding its convention.

    He made the remark after APC governors met Acting President Yemi Osinbajo behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    According to him, the party is still trying to put the house in order before the conversation can take place.

    He said “We came to discuss issues relating to our party and our government and how to move our party forward.

    “We discussed a lot of issues on how to move the party forward, how to strengthen the party and how to make sure our party remains Victorious in all elections. Very soon we will have convention that is part of the things we are discussing.

    “The convention not taking place has nothing to do with the absence of the president or the Acting President. We are just putting our house in order and making sure things are in the right form before we kick off.

    On pressure from the opposition party, PDP, he said “PDP is a non-issue,  we don’t even care about that, we defeated them when they were in power so what is different when we are now in power.”

     

  • Nigeria needs repackaging not restructuring – Okorocha

    Nigeria needs repackaging not restructuring – Okorocha

    Gov. Rochas Okorocha said Nigeria does not need restructuring as being demanded by some Nigerians, but said the nation only needed to be repackaged.

    Okorocha said this on Monday while declaring open the 67th annual conference of Broadcasting Organizations of Nigeria (BON).

    He said BON as critical stakeholders must be in the forefront of the campaign against restructuring, but rather sell the massage of repackaging.

    He said only repackaging could attract huge investors to Nigeria and help boost its economy.

    “Many people have defined restructuring just to benefit their geo-political zones.

    “To the South Easterners, restructuring means creation of an additional state, While it may mean resource control to other geo-political zones”, he said.

    The governor said Nigeria has been presented in the bad light to other nations of the world which made it non marketable to the international communities.

    “We are not the worst nation in the world in terms of corruption but we have been presented as the worst nation.

    “I urged BON to see Nigeria as its project and repackage it so that we can regain our lost glories”, he said.

    Okorocha however appealed to BON to also give the less privileged  the opportunity to be heard considering high cost of electronics media subscription.

    In his address, the BON Chairman Mr. John Momoh said the main aim of the meeting was to brainstorm on how to proffer solutions to Nigerian problems.

    He also said part of the group’s agenda was to suggest ways  to strengthen BON for it to continue to serve as watch dog to political office holders.

    According to him, it is the responsibility of BON to bring the feelings of the people to government and also let the people know their civic responsibilities.

    He commended the governor for his huge developmental projects which he said have changed the face of Imo state.

  • Okorocha bans Imo monarchs from speaking in English at official fora

    Okorocha bans Imo monarchs from speaking in English at official fora

    Gov Rochas Okorocha of Imo has banned traditional rulers in the State from speaking in English at official functions and while conducting affairs at their palaces.

    Okorocha gave the directive while handing over letters of recognition and staffs of office to 19 newly recognized traditional rulers in the State in Owerri on Tuesday.

    He directed that every monarch must only speak in Igbo at functions and in their palaces, adding that interpreters could be employed if the need arises.

    The governor said this was in a bid to ensure that the Igbo language did not die as predicted in some quarters.

    He also told traditional rulers in the state to be agents of peace, progress and prosperity in their respective domains instead of being tools of disunity and destabilization.

    He  warned that any traditional ruler who could not show genuine leadership in his autonomous community would have his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office withdrawn.

    The governor further encouraged the new traditional rulers to help the government to develop the resources of the state while urging them to rule equitably.

    “Every community requires an Eze to function effectively as the head of the Community Government Council. Today, that responsibility has fallen on you.

    ”I urge you not to fail as failure is not an option and I encourage you to help the government in developing the resources of our land.

    “Remember that to whom much is given much is expected. This whole exercise you must understand is not an election or appointment to enable you distinguish between those who love you and those who hate you.

    “Today, you are an Eze, and you must be the Eze for everyone both those against you and those who were for you. I advise you to take all of them along and embrace peace.

    ”Your first assignment should be to invite those who were against you to make peace in your land as no Eze can function effectively if there is no peace in your land,” he said.

    Delivering a vote of thanks vote of thanks, Eze Lucky Ajoku of Ihiagwa Autonomous Community, promised that they will embrace peace.

    Ajoku also pledged the support of the monarchs in helping the government attain the lofty ideals of the Community Government Councils in their various communities.

  • Okorocha bans monarchs from speaking English

    Okorocha bans monarchs from speaking English

    Henceforth, traditional rulers in Imo State have been forbidden to speak English or any other foreign language at public functions or in their Palaces while conducting the affairs of their communities.

    This was the directive of the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, who said that the monarchs could employ the services of interpreters if the need arises.

    The Imo Governor gave the directive while handing over letters of recognition and staff of office to 19 newly recognized traditional rulers in the State.

    He asserted that “Igbo language must not be allowed to die as been predicted in some quarters”.

    Governor also urged the traditional rulers to be agents of peace and prosperity in their respective domain “instead of being tools of disunity and destabilization”.

    He warned that any traditional ruler who could not show genuine leadership in his autonomous community stands the risk of having his Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office withdrawn.

    According to him, “today, history is made that light has come and darkness would not comprehend at all. The truth has surfaced and the right people have finally become the Custodian of the traditional right of their people. You are not permitted to speak English at functions. This will help keep our Culture and Igbo language alive”.

    He continued that, “for many years now, most of you have been looking for a day like this. Some of you were victims of injustice and never believed that this could be possible and most of you have been waiting without knowing your fate. But today, it is a manifest of truth that your people have chosen you, and the government of Imo State has approved.

    “I took the bold step of reconciling people, took the step to ensure that truth came to be and voided the rancour that has existed in our various communities over ezeship title. This has equally affected the Community Government Council (CGC) negatively because every community requires an Eze to function effectively as the head of the Community Government Council. Today, that responsibility has fallen on you, I urge you not to fail as failure is not an option. I encourage you to help the government in developing the resources of our land as posterity will only remember you for your positive contributions in the development of your community and not in how much wealth you enmassed as an eze”.

    The governor added further that,  “remember that to whom much is given much is expected. This whole exercise you must understand is not an election or appointment to enable you distinguish between those who love you and those who hate you. Today, you are an Eze, and you must be the Eze for everyone both those against you and those who were for you. I advise you to take all of them along and embrace peace. Your first assignment should be to invite those who were against you to make peace in your land as no Eze can function effectively if there is no peace in your land.

    “Today, you join several Ezes in the Communities of Imo State. You are now addressed as royal fathers and members of Imo State Traditional Council which its right is given to you until death, unless you act in such a manner that you are found wanting before the members of this society”.

    He also explained that “the essence of Ezeship is not in the title of being called HRM or HRH, it’s in what you have been able to do to change your society for good. You have to understand that you have enormous responsibilities, Ezeship is not an easy job, it attracts enmity and takes all your time”.

    In his vote of thanks, Eze Lucky Ajoku of Ihiagwa Autonomous Community, described the governor as an “apostle of good conscience and equity and promised that they will embrace peace and help the government attain the lofty ideals of the Community Government Councils in their various communities”.

     

  • Tricycle operator pays N5,000 fine for killing pigeon

    Tricycle operator pays N5,000 fine for killing pigeon

    A tricycle operator, Mr. Uche Njoku, on Friday paid N5,000 fine to Imo Government for killing a pigeon which belonged to the state zoological garden.

    Njoku was fined  by the Management of Imo Zoological Garden for killing an animal protected by the law.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt that Njoku who operates within Nekede route in Owerri killed the bird within the conservation area of the zoo.

    The Manager of the zoological garden, Mr Francis Abioya, said the offender had two options of either being arraigned or paying the fine.

    The wildlife officer said the pigeon was killed without sympathy.

    “Killing our animals has become a usual thing by road users and these are animals protected by the law.

    “Animals in the zoo have right of way within the conservation area but road users do not obey the necessary cautions given by the zoo management,’’ he said.

    He said that anyone who intentionally killed any animal protected by law would face justice.

    Njoku who chose to pay the option of fine blamed the incident on government’s failure to put proper road signs on conservation areas.

    He said although he was not speeding, there was no proper sign to indicate the conservation area.

    The tricycle operator appealed to the government to properly mark out the areas.

    Meanwhile, Abioya has threatened to take legal action against Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps and Imo Security Network  for allegedly killing a python.

    Abioya condemned the killing of a male python by the two security agencies on Wednesday at Ikemba Ojukwu centre in Owerri.

    He said instead of killing the python and selling it, it would have been captured and conserved for tourism and education.

    He said that the female python which was within the area should not be harmed, adding that the zoo management should be contacted if it was seen.

    “People must know that we have laws protecting the animals and they should be obeyed.

    “How can security officers who should know the law kill a python that was not after their lives?“ he asked.

    He said that a crocodile recently captured at the residence of the Special Adviser to Gov. Rochas Okorocha on Social Media, Mr. Ikechukwu Ogbenna, was a major asset to the zoo.

  • I’ve performed better than all my predecessors, says Okorocha

    I’ve performed better than all my predecessors, says Okorocha

    Imo State Governor and the Chairman, All Progressive Peoples (APC) Governors Forum, Rochas Okorocha has declared that his achievements in the last six years has surpassed those of his predecessors put together.

    The governor, who spoke with State House correspondents in Abuja, also said that his record will be difficult for his successor to beat.

    According to him, his administration has impacted positively on the lives of Imo citizens.

    “A good Governor that impacted positively on the lives of the people. I’m in this job not for the profit of it but for the honour and glory of the job. So I want to leave a legacy.

    “I want  Imo people to miss me and they will definitely. Believe you me they have not seen such developmental works before now and they will miss it. The only problem I have is that anybody that comes after me and does not perform will be stoned.

    “Because you cannot come to Imo State now and say you want to abolish free education from primary to university, they will not accept. I have spoilt Imo people believe me. You cannot come to Imo State and say you want to give them a single lane road when they are now used to eight lane road in the city, they won’t accept it.

    “You cannot come there and tell the children to go to schools that the floors are not tiled they will not accept because all the schools have been rebuilt. I have rebuilt 450 schools. You can no longer take them to those ramshackle hospitals, those shanties they called hospitals because I have built ultramodern 27 to 200 bed general hospitals. You can no longer tell them those stories. All the infrastructures are there.

    “You cannot tell them that there are criminal activities any more and that your hands are tied they will not accept it because we know where we brought Imo from, from unsafe place to a safe place right now. And you can no longer tell our workers to dress shabbily they will not, they will want to dress in their suits and tie and white shirts. So Imo has changed believe me.

    “I stand to be challenged and corrected by anybody that what we have done in Imo State in this six years can be comparable to what any governor in that state living or dead has done. And whether if we put all of them together can match what we have done. Have you seen me sounding boisterous? That is the truth. But the point is I don’t make media noise, I don’t make foundation laying stones Programme, I don’t bring women to dance because I want to lay foundation project.

    “I don’t commission projects because for me it doesn’t make sense. They say that is the only way to get the media to know what we are doing but to me it doesn’t make sense. What is the most important is that people are benefiting and people are happy.”

    He stressed that there is no area in human existence that his administration has not touched.

    “I can only give credit to God almighty. There is just no area we have not touched and Owerri is now the fastest growing city outside Lagos and Abuja and I stand proud to say so. Ease of doing business is at the highest level. So is not major is just passion and vision at play,” he stated.