The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Senator Hope Uzodinma

  • Tribunal ruling: Ihedioha extends olive branch to opposition parties

    Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha has extended a hand of fellowship to his opponents, particularly those who filed cases against him at the tribunal over the outcome of the polls.

    The governor, in a statement by him after the petitions by Uche Nwosu (Action Alliance), Senator Ifeanyi Ararume (All Progressives Grand Alliance) and Senator Hope Uzodinma (All Progressives Congress) were dismissed asked them to bury the hatchet in the interest of the state.

    Ihedioha said: No victor and no vanquished. I, therefore, call on all Imo people across party and opinion divides, especially my opponents in the last election and in today’s tribunal ruling to join hands with us as we make Imo great again. For me, there is no victor and no vanquished.

    Stakeholders have called on the opponents to embrace peace for the sake of progress and growth of the state.

    The President of Imo State Congress of America (ISCA), Sam Udeh,  advised other contestants to accept the ruling of the tribunal, adding that the state has suffered set back thereby eliciting need to avoid any form of distraction to the incumbent governor.

    He said: “We believe that with the verdict of the tribunal, we should give peace a chance. This is to allow Governor Ihedioha to focus on the daunting task of rebuilding and recovering the state from its present state of underdevelopment and wanton set back in all facets.

    “We also urge other contestants to accept the tribunal verdict in good faith since the primary goal of contesting election is to bring about development in the state.”

    He also urge the opposition to shun vendetta. “We also call on the good people of Imo State to rally round Governor Ihedioha and give him the necessary support to succeed.”

    While harping on peace and unity of the state, the group considers as sacrosanct, the need for synergy among politicians and professionals to ensure that both human and material resources in the state are optimally utilised for the ultimate development and welfare of the people.

    “We encourage Governor Ihedioha not to undermine the people of the State on whose mandate he stands. We urge him to keep to his social contract with the people.”

    The group said it was prepared to partner with the current Ihedioha led government to contribute its quota towards developing the state.

    bark on projects and employ staff, thus improving the lots of rural communities.

    The leaders also noted that the administration had awarded many road contracts in both urban and rural communities, however, they recommended that the contractors of these projects should be properly supervised to avoid poor quality delivery.

    They said the previous administration made mistake for not paying attention to contracts awarded.

    They observed that public water supply has not flow in any tap in Owerri and other towns in Imo State. But recently, water has started flowing in taps in Owerri, with the hope that this will be extended to other cities in the state. This according to them will reduce the risk of indiscriminate drilling of boreholes in the state.

  • Uzodinma: Okorocha planning to rig Saturday’s election

    AHEAD of Saturday’s governorship election, the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma has alleged Governor Rochas Okorocha has perfected plans to unleash mayhem on APC members.

    He spoke when 53 different groups, including the Kowa Party, market women in the 27 councils endorsed him for governor.

    “While we have been busy campaigning across the nook and cranny of the state, Okorocha … is threatening everybody that he will … chase us away..

    “I am proud that I delivered my polling unit, ward and local government to President Buhari. But Rochas’ son in-law, Uche Nwosu, who boasted that himself and his boss will give the President one million votes, lost his unit, ward and local government to PDP.

    “We are begging Okorocha to allow the people of Imo to elect who will be their governor. I urge security agencies to cut the excesses of the governor, else he will throw this state into chaos due to his ambition, because we will not fold our arms and allow Okorocha steal our votes.

    “When a governor starts acting like a rascal it is going to create crisis. We are ready to cast our votes and we are not afraid of anybody. We urge security agencies to be on the alert. We are not worried because I am going to win. We are glad that we have Federal Government forces that will provide security… So our people should go out and cast their votes and we will protect the votes,” he said.

  • Imo: Nwosu, Uzodinma, others sign peace pact

    …as Police, Army read riot act to politicians

     

    Security agencies in Imo State on Wednesday warned politicians ahead of the general elections to desist from acts that are capable of jeopardizing public peace and security in the State.

    The warning was coming at the heels of a peace Parley organised for politicians by the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC).

    The Security Chiefs warned that any politician caught inciting violence in the state during and after the elections will be severely dealt with in accordance with the law.

    Meanwhile the governorship candidates of the Action Alliance (AA), Uche Nwosu, All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Hope Uzodinma, People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Emeka Ihedioha, Change Advocacy Party (CAP), Ikenna Emmanuel, Young Progressive Party (YPP), Linus Okorie and All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ifeanyi Araraume, among others signed agreement to be of peaceful conduct during the election.

    Addressing the candidates shortly before the signing of the Agreement which was witnessed by Security Chiefs, Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), religious leaders and journalists, the State Commissioner of Police, Dasuki Galadanchi, urged the politicians to play by the rules and jettison all forms of violence.

    According to him, the State has witnessed relative peace when compared to other states in the Federation, as a result of the “cooperation and support of the people of the state”.

    He said, “you will agree with me that this hard-earned peace and tranquillity we enjoy and experience in Imo State should be guarded jealously, thus, we have no other option than to ensure this endures before, during and after the elections”.

    In his brief speech, the State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Pro. Francis Ezeonu, assured that INEC is prepared to conduct credible election that will meet the aspirations of all the parties

    He restated his commitment to provide level playing ground for all the political parties participating in the election, while pleading with the candidates to abide by rules and regulations guiding the election.

    Meanwhile, fake soldiers escorting and unnamed politician were paraded at the event, which held at the State Police Headquarters.

    Read Also: Buhari, Atiku, others sign second 2019 National Peace Accord

    Parading the suspects, who were fully dressed in Military fatigue, during a Peace Parley for candidates, the Commander 34 Artillery Brigade Obinze, Brigadier General H. I Bature, disclosed that fake soldiers have infiltrated the state to cause chaos during the general elections.

    He stated that desperate politicians have equipped hoodlums with Army Uniforms and weapons to perpetrate violence in the state, warning that all those involved in the ignoble act will be fished out and dealt with.

    According to him, “two of these fake soldiers were arrested escorting a politician. You will marvel at the kind of ammunition that was in their possession. But no matter how much they disguise, we have a way of finding out the fake soldiers.

  • Rumoured suspension of Uzodinma null and void – APC NWC

    THE National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared as illegal, the group that purportedly claimed they had suspended the governorship candidate of the party in Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, and therefore urged the people of the state to disregard it. The disbanded state executive of the party led by Dan Nwafor had claimed the party had suspended Senator Uzodinma for alleged anti party activities.

    The APC in a statement signed by the National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said that the only authority to take any decision in Imo APC, is the caretaker committee, led by Chief Marcelus Nlemigbo, adding that any other group was fake. The statement read: “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party APC, has been drawn to the purported expulsion of our governorship candidate in Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, through a statement signed by the former chairman of the party in Imo State, Mr. Dan Nwafor.

    Read also: Iroko TV showcases Bini culture in ‘Queen of Queens’

    “We want to state categorically that the former Imo State Working Committee of the APC led by Mr. Nwafor was dissolved after majority of members of our party in Imo State lost confidence in their ability to lead the party to victory in the forthcoming general elections, especially due to their involvement in several anti-party activities. “Consequently, the NWC had since set up a caretaker committee in Imo State, led by Chief Marcelinus Nlemigbo, to pilot the affairs of the party in Imo State.

    “Therefore, Mr. Nlemigbo remains the only recognised Imo State (APC) chairman and any decision which do not emanate from this recognised caretaker committee as regards the affairs of the APC in Imo State is null and void. “We call on our teeming supporters in Imo State to remain steadfast and disregard such reports, as it does not have the blessings of the NWC.

  • APC dismisses suspension of Hope Uzodinma

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the purported suspension of the party’s governorship candidate Senator Hope Uzodinma by a faction of the party led by Dan Nwafor.

    National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu said in a statement that the Nwafor led faction has no legal right to act on behalf of the party as his leadership has since been dissolved by the National Working Committee.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the National Working Committee (NWC) of our great party APC, has been drawn to the purported expulsion of our governorship candidate in Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, through a statement signed by the former chairman of the party in Imo State, Mr Dan Nwafor.

    “We want to state categorically that the former Imo State Working Committee of the APC led by Mr Nwafor was dissolved after majority of members of our party in Imo State lost confidence in their ability to lead the party to victory in the forthcoming general elections, especially due to their involvement in several anti-party activities.

    “Consequently, the NWC had since set up a Caretaker Committee in Imo State led by Chief Marcelinus Nlemigbo to pilot the affairs of the party in Imo State.

    Read also: Ambode, Sanwo-Olu, others campaign in Alimosho

    “Therefore, Mr. Nlemigbo remains the only recognised Imo State Chairman and any decision which do not emanate from this recognised Caretaker Committee as regards the affairs of the APC in Imo State is null and void.

    “We call on our teeming supporters in Imo State to remain steadfast and disregard such reports as it does not have the blessings of the NWC.

    “The NWC is paying keen attention to events as they unfold in Imo State and the party would always take appropriate measures to protect the interests of the party.

    “Let it be stated clearly that APC would not tolerate indiscipline from any member of the party under any guise.”

  • Hoodlums disrupt APC women rally in Imo

     

    Armed youths suspected to be supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Saturday disrupted the Southeast zonal rally for youths and women of APC in Imo state.

    The rampaging youths, who were chanting the praises of APC governorship candidate, Senator Hope Uzodinma, attacked supporters of the Action Alliance (AA) governorship candidate, Uche Nwosu.

    No fewer than 15 persons sustained severe injuries and were rushed to an undisclosed hospital.

    The Nation gathered that the APC candidate’s supporters were furious by the massive number of the Action Alliance supporters that attempted the rally.

    READ ALSO: 2018/12/08 Imo APC crisis irreconcilable, says Okorocha

    It took heavy shootings from security operatives to bring the situation under control.

    Governor Rochas Okorocha who was visibly angry over the development, said the thugs were hired from outside the state.

    “Before I start my speech, there should be absolute silence. All these youths making that noise while I am taking are not from Imo state.

    “I want you all to drop your posters and hands up. All the youths must take my instructions. I am here to support my wife who has put all these together.

    “I am in charge and no sane youth will come and create tension in this state.”

     

  • Imo 2019: I will support Nwosu in any party- Okorocha

    …says aggrieved APC members will support Buhari

     

    Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha Tuesday said that he won’t stop his former Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu from realizing his governorship ambition in any other political party other than the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    While reiterating that he (Okorocha) remains in APC, the governor however maintained that Nwosu will get his support in any party he chooses to run for the Imo governorship.

    Read Also:Imo APC ticket: I won’t succumb to threat – Nwosu

    He insisted that Nwosu remains his preferred governorship candidate, even though he may not be running under his party, the APC, describing the emergence of the APC governorship candidate, Senator Hope Uzodinma as the “worst imposition in Nigerian political history”.

    But the Imo governor assured reassured that his followers will deliver President Muhammadu Buhari, despite their grievances over the conduct of the (APC).

    According to him, “in the 2019 general election, we are going to vote for candidates and not political parties. I am in the best position to assess the candidates and I know that among all the governorship candidates, Nwosu remains the best. I have told Imolites to check the records of those clamoring to govern the state before voting for them.

    “What we saw in Imo APC was a clear case of injustice and the worst imposition in history. The party members are aggrieved and they will be moving to another party to pursue their ambitions but we are going to form alliance with whichever party they choose to deliver President Buhari”.

    He continued that, “what is happening in Imo APC is interesting and strange, a party known for uprightness, justice and fairness has exemplified by President Muhammadu Buhari, has been dented by the actions of the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole for whatever reasons he is yet to disclose.

    “I have been trying to manage the situation but I have no moral justification to stop the aggrieved candidates who felt shortchanged from realizing their ambitions in any other party but I have not left APC and does not intend to leave APC. But you must realize that in Imo we don’t play party politics but politics of individuals. People did not join APC because of anybody but because of me”.

    Nwosu when contacted assured that he will mobilize all the aggrieved APC members to work for President Buhari’s victory despite the provocation.

    Though silent on his next line of action towards actualizing his governorship ambition, Nwosu said that he remains the most popular governorship candidate in the state and will emerge the next governor of the state.

    He said, “the actions of the National Chairman will not affect our support for President Muhammadu Buhari. Our support and love for him transcends party affiliation, we are convinced that his reelection will be in the best interest of the Igbo in particular and Nigeria in general”.

  • Presidential panel grants Uzodinma bail on health ground

    …to report today after meeting with doctor

     

    The Special Presidential Investigation Panel for Recovery of Public Property (SPIPRPP) has granted bail to the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma.

    He was arrested late on Sunday evening at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on his way from Lagos, aboard an Air Peace aircraft, marked: P47324.

    A source at the SPIPRPP said he was allowed on bail on health ground and upon his promise to report back Tuesday after a meeting with his doctor.

    Uzodinma was picked up on Sunday at about 820pm by operatives of the SPIPRPP over his alleged failure to honour the panel’s several invitations in relation to its investigation of the Senator (representing Orlu Zone, Imo State) on  allegation of economic sabotage,

    It was learnt that Uzodinma is being investigated over his company’s alleged failure to execute a contract of $12 million for the dredging of Calabar channel awarded by the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA).

    A senior official of the SPIPRPP confided in The Nation on Monday that Uzodinma was released on “bail last night (Sunday nght) on humanitarian ground and asked him to report back today (Monday) at 10am.

    “When he did not come, my operatives laid siege in his residence. Then, he later pleaded with us to allow him see his doctor and report tomorrow (Tuesday).

    Uzodinma is also linked with other cases, including a case over his alleged failure to disclose his assets, as reflected in a two count charge, marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/107/2018, now pending before Justice Babatunde Quadri of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

    The Orlu serving Senator and his firms are equally involved in a pending criminal case before the Upper Area Court, Arab Road, Kubwa, Abuja.

    The case was initiated via a criminal complaint filed by a company, Chimex Ventures Ltd and its promoter, Chima Akuzie, who claimed that the Senator issued them a N200 million UBA dud (bounced cheque).

    Akuzie stated that Uzodinma sub-contracted to his company, a shoreline protection project in Koko, Delta State, which he (Uzodinma) allegedly got from the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and that the dud cheque was intended as payment their successful execution of the project.

    On October 29, Judge Abdulwahab Muhammed referred the case to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further action after Uzodinma (the defendant) failed to attend court to answer to the complaint.

    The judge’s referral letter, sighted by The Nation, has as its reference number: FCT/JD/AC/ABJ/CORR/EFCC/VOL1/2018. It was addressed to the Acting Chairman of the EFCC.

    Part of it reads: “Re-Criminal complaint against Senator Hope Uzodinma, Smiec Engineering and Chemical Construction Company Limited, and Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited for criminal conspiracy, joint act, criminal misappropriation, criminal breach of trust and cheating.

    “The above subject matter, with case number: CR/358/2018 between Chimex Ventures Ltd & 1 other and Senator Hope Uzodinma & 2 others, refers.

    “With reference to the above subject matter, I am directed to inform you and refer the above matter to your office for proper, thorough and discreet comprehensive investigation in line with Section 89(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

    “Please find attached copy of the complaint for your information and further action.”

  • Court refers Sen Uzodinma to EFCC for investigation

    A court in Abuja has referred the case of criminal complaint, made against Senator Hope Uzodinma (Orlu District, Imo State), to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for investigation and appropriate action.

    Judge Abdulwahab Muhammed of the Grade 1 Area Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Arab Road, Kubwa, Abuja made the referral following Uzodinma’s alleged consisted failure to attend court to answer to the complaint made against him and his firms by Chitex Ventures Ltd and Chima Akuzie, who claimed that the Senator issued them a N200 million UBA dud (bounced cheque).

    Read Also:Imo: Madumere may serve as running mate to Uzodinma

    Akuzie claimed the Uzodinma subcontracted to his company, a shoreline protection project in Koko, Delta State, which he (Uzodinma) allegedly got from the Niger-Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and that the dud cheque was intended as payment their successful execution of the project.

    The referral of the case to the EFCC was conveyed through a letter dated October 29 this year, was received by the EFCC, Acting Chairman, Ibrahim Magu on November 6.

    A copy of the letter, sighted by The Nation on Friday, has as its reference number: FCT/JD/AC/ABJ/CORR/EFCC/VOL1/2018. It was addressed to the Acting Chairman of the EFCC.

    Part of it reads: “Re-Criminal complaint against Senator Hope Uzodinma, Smiec Engineering and Chemical Construction Company Limited, and Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited for criminal conspiracy, joint act, criminal misappropriation, criminal breach of trust and cheating.

    “The above subject matter, with case number: CR/358/2018 between Chimex Ventures Ltd & 1 other and Senator Hope Uzodinma & 2 others, refers.

    “With reference to the above subject matter, I am directed to inform you and refer the above matter to your office for proper, thorough and discreet comprehensive investigation in line with Section 89(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015.

    “Please find attached copy of the complaint for your information and further action.”

    The court’s decision to refer the case to the EFCC was taken on October 29 when the case came up, but neither Uzodinma, nor his lawyer was in court.

    The court, on September 18 this year, issued a bench warrant against Uzodinma and ordered his production by security agencies on September 25 this year, on the grounds that he allegedly failed to attend court to answer to the criminal complaint pending against him and his companies – Smiec Engineering and Chemical Construction Company Limited, and Niger Global Engineering and Technical Company Limited.

    On September 25, the court granted a request by lawyer to the complainants, Tosin Ojaomo for the publication of a public summons against Uzodinma following the failure of security agencies to produce him despite a pending arrest warrant issued against him.

    When the case came up again on October 29, Uzodinma was still absent in court, following which Judge Muhammad elected to refer the case to the EFCC for investigation and further necessary actions.

     

     

     

  • Imo APC Primary: Okorocha calls for Gulak’s arrest

    …says kidnap claim laughable

    Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, Wednesday called for the arrest and prosecution of Ahmed Gulak over his “ignoble” role in the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship that led to the cancellation of the exercise.

    Gulak was the Chairman of the APC Governorship Primary Election Committee for Imo State but absconded after he rescheduled the primary which could not hold on the slated date, only to declare one of the governorship aspirants, Senator Hope Uzodinma as winner.

    Read Also:APC NWC endorses result of Lagos guber primary

    The Imo Governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, said, “We call for the arrest and prosecution of Alhaji Gulak because there is punishment for his anti-democratic action and his false claim of kidnap attempt. We must begin to tell men like Gulak and Senator Hope Uzodinma that it cannot be business as usual”.

    According to the statement, “Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, former Political Adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan and of course, the Chairman of the disbanded Imo State Governorship Primary Election Committee had told the media on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 that he fled Owerri by 4am because agents of Governor Rochas Okorocha had attempted to kidnap him and three other members of the 12-member Committee. The media had reported what he told them.

    “If you ask me, men like Alhaji Gulak can’t build a nation. They not only constitute serious threat to our promising democracy but also danger to this great nation. Giving men like him national assignment like the one he was sent to Imo State to do was just licensing him to
    blackmail the nation and put our democracy to ridicule. And there are certain lies or actions a man who had been the Political Adviser to a former President of the nation should have overgrown, no matter the temptation”.

    The statement added that, “the childish tale of his attempted kidnap was just an afterthought. He knew he didn’t act well his part and was only trying to see how he could come out from the tight corner he had boxed himself into.

    “The man called Alhaji Ahmed Gulak flew into Owerri by 12:45pm on Monday, October 1, 2018, being the day slated for the guber primary. And let him publish his flight documents to prove us right or wrong. They went straight to the Police Headquarters where they deposited all
    the materials for the governorship primary.

    “After that, the committee members entered into a lengthy meeting with the candidates, stakeholders, and Heads of Security Agencies in the State. The meeting lingered till 6:30pm. At the end of the meeting, he announced that the primary would now hold on Tuesday, October 2, 2018.

    And reporters who were at the Police Headquarters waiting for the outcome of the meeting went and reported that the Imo primary would now hold on Tuesday, October 2, 2018. At the end, they went to their hotel to clean up and eat.

    “With all these activities, the courtesy call he was to pay on the governor with members of his committee could not take place till. 8:45pm that Monday. The courtesy call lasted for about an hour. All said and done, they left the Government House for their hotel at about 9:55pm.

    “They lodged at Rockview Hotel Owerri that shares fence with the Police Headquarters and the other end of the hotel, the Owerri Prison, with Soldiers on guard. The hotel is also close to the Government House Owerri with a team of Mobile Policemen on twenty-four hours duty.

    So, the question patriotic Nigerians should ask Alhaji Gulak is that, if you left Government House by 9:55pm and you claimed you fled Owerri by 4am, and considering the location of Rockview Hotel where they lodged, then, when and where did the kidnap attempt take place?

    “And why should he be kidnapped when the materials for the primary were kept at Police Headquarters. And of what value would have his kidnap served anybody since he didn’t have any material and the primary hadn’t been conducted.

    “It is now left for Nigerians to ask him where he got the results for which he declared Senator Hope Uzodinma winner. In fact, we do not subscribe to people talking about PDP when men like Gulak who left the party just few months ago act funny. It is a personal thing. It has
    nothing to do with PDP. Some people live. Some others exist. Those who just exist do not have souls, and for them, anything goes”.

    The Governor explained further that, “Ahmed Gulak and Hope Uzodinma had belonged to Alhaji Modu Sheriff’s faction of the PDP. That is the relationship between him and Hope Uzodinma. We also believe that those who sent him didn’t have this information. But even at that, a former
    Political Adviser to a Former President should have lived above board.

    “Do not also forget that a day before the Primary, Chief Hope Uzodinma who the Court had issued warrant of arrest against him for issuing billions of naira Dud cheque to a business partner had also claimed kidnap attempt against his person also by agents of the State Governor. They must be spirits to be escaping from these imaginary kidnap attempts. In fact, show me your friend, and I tell you who you are.

    “Finally, Hope Uzodinma is not a member APC in Imo State. He claimed to have joined the party six months ago. Even at that, he does not have any support in any Local Government in Imo State. We shall be shocked to see him stand in his Local Government, Oru East, and we see
    twenty APC members queuing behind him. He does not believe in the ballot box.

    “He was one of those who in 2015 labeled Okorocha Alhaji in Government House, Okoro-Hausa and that he was planning with President Muhammadu Buhari to Islamize Igboland, all because of APC.

    “And few years after, he has come to cause trouble in the Party and to reap where he didn’t
    sow.  We do not think it is the right thing. No landlord vacates his house for an unfaithful and unreliable tenant”.