Tag: Uzodimma

Forum of Nigeria Professionals in Politics (FNPP) has commended Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, for promoting understanding and cooperation between the Southeast and Southwest.

National Coordinator, Okey Ezenwa, praised Uzodimma for his consultations, which resulted in a stronger bond and collaboration between the two.

FNPP noted Southeast’s non-participation in the protests is a testament to the governor’s success in rebuilding “handshake across the Niger” initiative, promoting understanding and cooperation.

The forum attributed this to the efforts by Uzodimma in “getting Southeast to understand and appreciate the commitment of the Tinubu administration towards well-being of Nigerians, resulting in region  giving the President time to fix the rot in the country”.

The forum noted it hoped such gestures would be consolidated and reciprocated in peaceful accommodation, recognition and harmonious relationship between the regionsr.

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Ezenwa said: “Our forum commends Governor Uzodimma for using his position as APC coordinator in  Southeast to entrench social tranquility in the zone, and to ensure the region remains peaceful, safe, stable and economically active.

“We also applaud his efforts in promoting and strengthening understanding and cooperation between Southeast and the Southwest”, he said.

The forum urged Uzodimma to remain steadfast in his efforts to return Southeast to mainstream national politics and ensuring the region remains, safe, peaceful, stable economically alive and in harmonious and beneficial collaboration with other regions.

The Forum of Nigeria Professionals in Politics (FNPP) has commended Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for promoting understanding and cooperation between the South East and South West regions.

National Coordinator of FNPP, Chief Okey Ezenwa, praised Governor Uzodimma for his sustained consultations and shuttle diplomacy, which have resulted in a stronger bond and collaboration between the two regions.

The FNPP noted that the South East’s non-participation in the ongoing protests against the Tinubu administration is a testament to Governor Uzodimma’s success in rebuilding the “handshake across the Niger” initiative, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation.

The Forum further attributed the emerging understanding between the two regions to the efforts by Governor Uzodimma in “getting the Southeast to understand and appreciate the commitment of the Tinubu administration towards the well-being of Nigerians, resulting in the willingness of the region to give the President the desired support and time to fix the rot he inherited from the previous administration”.

The Forum said it hopes that such gestures will be consolidated and reciprocated in peaceful accommodation, recognition and harmonious relationship between the two regions which it noted have a lot in common and stand to benefit immensely by working together.

According Ezenwa, “Our Forum commends Governor Uzodimma for using his position as the APC Coordinator in the South East towards entrenching social tranquility in the zone, and to ensure that the region remains peaceful, safe, stable and economically active.

“We also applaud his efforts in using the position to promote and strengthen understanding and cooperation between the South East and the South West regions of the country”, he said. 

Read Also: Uzodimma assures timely justice for families of slain community leaders in Imo

The Forum commends Governor Uzodimma for his sustained consultations, visits to Lagos and shuttle diplomacy to sort out and resolve the mistrust of the Igbos, which have resulted in promoting mutual understanding, stronger bond, love and much desired collaboration between the two regions.

That the fact that the South East did not take part in the on-going protest against the Tinubu administration is a testament of the success of Governor Uzodimma’s effort in the rebuilding and reenactment of the “handshake across the Niger”, which has further reinforced the ties and partnership between the regions and show the South East as peace loving people who are willing to give the South West the desired support in every aspect of national live and engagement”.

The Forum urged Governor Uzodimma to remain steadfast in his efforts especially in retuning the South East to the mainstream national politics and ensuring that the region remains, safe, peaceful, stable economically alive and in harmonious and beneficial collaboration with other regions of the country.

Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimma, has strongly denounced the brutal killing of community leaders in Umucheke, Okwe, Onuimo Local Government Area.

The governor also pledged to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The tragic incident occurred when gunmen on three motorbikes attacked a gathering of community leaders on Saturday, resulting in the death of eight people and injuring three others.

The victims, including the President General and the village heads, were convening to discuss development and political stability in their area when the assailants struck.

Governor Uzodimma emphasized that no one should perish in such a manner, anywhere in the state, and has vowed to arrest and prosecute those responsible for this heinous act.

“We will not rest until those responsible for this heinous act are apprehended and brought to book,” Governor Uzodimma said, his voice filled with emotion.

“No one should die in such a way, anywhere in this State. I weep for these unfortunate losses of lives and mourn with the families and friends of the victims.”

The victims, including the President of their community and village heads, were meeting to discuss development and political stability when they were attacked.

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Governor Uzodimma assured citizens that his administration is committed to security, having invested heavily in advanced gadgets and resources for security agencies.

“We have decimated these cowardly elements, and they are now resorting to attacking soft targets,” he said. “But we will not let them get away with it. Justice will be swift and specific.”

The governor urged citizens to cooperate with security operatives and provide information on suspicious individuals, promising confidentiality and incentives for those who come forward.

Governor Uzodimma maintained that Imo remains one of the safest states in Nigeria, with one of the lowest crime rates.

…charges them on dignity, honour

Imo state governor, Hope Uzodimna, has sworn in ten new judges comprising seven for the High Courts and three for the Customary Courts of Appeal.

He charged the new judges to carry themselves with dignity and honour in the dispensation of justice to the people.

The governor noted that judges, by their calling, are next to God in determining who lives or dies.

He said: “It becomes imperative that you approach your responsibility with integrity, dignity, and with the fear of God, resisting the temptation to do the unimaginable.”

The new judges, who had gone through the scrutiny of the National Judicial Council and found worthy for elevation, took the oath of office before Governor Uzodimma at the New Executive Chambers, Government, Owerri.

The High Court Judges are Uchenna Mary Njoku, Cletus Ndubuisi Akowundu, Mathew Chinedu Ijezie, Chukwumaeze Ojiugo Chibuogwu, Adaego Peace Nnosiri, Ononogbo Chidi Linus and Emeka Uzoma Orafu. 

Their three counterparts of the Customary Courts of Appeal include Ofoha Sylvester Uchenna, GreenMan Ezenna Eleanya and Ibeh Rosemund Oluehi.

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In his remarks, the governor congratulated them on their appointment and described it as a remarkable lift in their legal career, hence they have every reason to be grateful to God.

Governor Uzodimma emphasised the role of judges in the dispensation of justice which demands a lot of integrity.

He said: “As judges at the temple of justice and administration, you must uphold a very high level of integrity and honour and dispense justice without fear or favour.”

He enjoined them to carry themselves with dignity and honour as their job demands seriousness for them to succeed.

“Be properly guided to avoid a miscarriage of justice and note that after God, you carry with you the decision of life and death”, he noted.

He recalled that on assumption of office, he took time to offset the mounting arrears of salaries owed judges and other judiciary officials by previous administrations.

For instance, he said to encourage the judges to do their work effectively, he provided them with brand-new vehicles, renovated judicial buildings and equipped them with state-of-the-art infrastructure, among other things.

To further demonstrate his passion for the welfare of judges, Governor Uzodimma announced the gift of brand new Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) for 16 judges, including the newly sworn-in 10 judges.

He promised that his administration would continue to do all that are necessary to facilitate and encourage the judiciary to do its best. 

To the relatives and friends of the judges, Governor Uzodimma urged them “not to place undue pressure on the judges that will make them derail in their avowed duties.”

In an acceptance speech on behalf of the judges, Hon. Justice Uchenna Mary Njoku expressed gratitude to God Almighty for their nomination and approval, thanking the Governor for “proving dependable.”

They also thanked the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon Justice Theresa Chikeka for her support and promised not to let both the Governor, the Chief Judge, and the State down.

Justice Njoku assured on behalf of her colleagues that they would deliver on their mandate and contribute their quota to the development of Imo State.

Earlier, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Imo State, Barr. COC Akaolisa, thanked the Governor for appointing the Judges as recommended by the National Judicial Council.

He described their inauguration as a good thing happening to the judiciary in Imo State, saying that, “it will go a long way in making Justice easier and accessible to the people of the State.”

“Before now, the state judiciary has been in short supply of Judges to dispense justice in the State,” said Akaolisa.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has urged the newly appointed members of the governing council of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Owerri, to align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and transform the institution’s fortunes.

The governor made this call during a courtesy visit from the 13-member council, led by Chairman Henry Ikechukwu Ikoh.

Uzodimma emphasized the importance of the council’s role in shaping the institution’s future and urged them to strive for excellence in line with the President’s vision.

As the council begins its tenure, it is tasked with overseeing the polytechnic’s affairs and implementing policies to drive growth and development.

The governor congratulated the members on their appointment and advised them to contribute to government efforts to combat poverty, hunger, unemployment, cultism, incessant strikes, and other societal ills affecting tertiary institutions.

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He encouraged the council members to buy into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the government at the centre by contributing their quota to the development of the institution in their custody and shunning the temptation of being used as tools by the opposition Parties to undermine society.

Uzodimma reminded them of the need to work in synergy with the management, students and host community of the school, urging them to make collective interest their watchword.

He said that though the country appears challenged currently in several areas, they should not forget that a lot is expected from them in the area of discipline and proper behaviour of the students and the teachers in the school.

The governor who noted that proper training of the students at the Polytechnic should be of utmost concern to the Governing Council, appealed to them to optimally utilise every facility at their disposal to prepare the students for future career pursuits.

Earlier, the chairman of the board, Ikoh thanked the governor for creating time to receive them despite his busy schedule.

Ikoh said as the host Governor of the institution, there was no way the members would have commenced work without reaching out to him for his fatherly blessing, support, and synergy.

He said the council was ready to work with the State government, taking into account the good works associated with Governor Uzodimma’s administration.

Ikoh, who said they desired to take the institution to an enviable position, from where it is currently, promised that they will work towards ensuring that the students are properly honed in their chosen disciplines before graduation.

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has pledged to continue working with members of the state’s House of Assembly to develop the state. 

Speaking at a ceremony marking the first anniversary of the assembly, Uzodimma said, “Let me assure you that I will strive to continue to provide the enabling environment for you to execute your legislative duties and support your training programmes and improvement.

“I will always have your back as we collectively render selfless service to our people.”

The Governor commended the lawmakers for their hard work and dedication, saying, “You have indeed acquitted yourselves creditably in the last one year, given your vibrancy and resourcefulness. I salute you for being alive to your responsibilities.”

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Uzodimma also highlighted his administration’s achievements, including the passage of 12 bills and numerous motions, and emphasized his commitment to transparency and accountability. 

“This vision for a new Imo is what has welded all of us together. We have been chosen by the people to individually and collectively serve them. As servants of the people, we are expected to be humble, focused, committed, and dedicated in the discharge of our various duties,” he said.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe, thanked the Governor for his support and praised his colleagues for their cooperation and dedication.

 “We have worked tirelessly to ensure that our constituents are well represented, and we will continue to do so,” Olemgbe said.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including the Deputy Governor, Lady (Dr.) Chinyere Ekomaru, Senator Patrick Ndubueze, and former Governor Ikedi Ohakim.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and House of Representatives Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, have flayed the killing of soldiers in Aba, Abia State.

They called on security agencies to arrest the perpetrators.

Uzodimma, chair of  All Progressives Congress (APC) Governors’ Forum, said Southeast is not known for such act.

“This is uncharacteristic of our region and undermines efforts of Southeast governors to establish peace,” he lamented.

He condoled with Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the families.

Uzodimma urged the people to disregard any sit-at-home orders from non-state actors because the government was capable of ensuring their safety. 

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Kalu, who sued for peace between residents and the military, described the Aba incident as ’’unwarranted, outrageous, unjust and cruel.’’ 

Kalu, who represents Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, said Aba people, known for their enterprising spirit and technical skills, should not buy the dummy that closing businesses was in their best interest.

He appealed to Southeast to support President Bola Tinubu because doing otherwise would affect the region.

Former Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA – Abia South) described as disheartening and barbaric the killing of soldiers.

In a statement in Abuja by his Media Adviser, Uchenna Awom, Abaribe called on the security authorities to apprehend the killers and ensure the perpetrators face the law.

Abaribe said there is no justification for anybody to harm any security officer, let alone killing any in whatever guise.

Nonetheless, he urged the authorities, particularly the military, to mitigate the situation for the sake of innocent civilians oblivious of the conduct of demented souls bent on bringing society to its knees.

“I am at a loss as to the evil motives of those responsible for the killings. It can never be the character of our people and such devillish tendencies do not reflect who we are.

“Nothing on earth can justify what has happened. It is sorrowful and stands condemned. However, I appeal to the authorities to look beyond and consider the oblivious innocent civilians while going after the culprits,” Abaribe said.

Abaribe condoled with families of the soldiers, the military and Nigerians.

DHQ: attacks on soldiers self–sabotage

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) described attacks on soldiers in some parts of the country as “self-sabotage.” 

It said it was worrisome military personnel deployed to rid the country of its adversaries had become targets of attacks.  

It reiterated the need for civilians and the military to unite to eliminate our enemies.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, spoke at a news conference in Abuja yesterday.      

He said: “The people want us to win the war against terrorists and bandits, and to win it is the military civilians need.

‘’We are the ones who are out there fighting the battle, and we need the support of civilians to win this battle.

“Jungle justice is not the way to go. It is not the way to go by civilians, especially since soldiers are putting their lives on the line. They deserve respect.

“However, our soldiers are humans and as human beings, they make mistakes. So, when they err, report them and military justice will take care of it.

“We need the morale of our soldiers to be at its maximum for them to fight. We need their fighting spirit.

“We have been fighting terrorism for more than 10 years. Some soldiers suffer from post-traumatic disorder. So, let common sense prevail. If our troops err, report them.

“The military, like other security forces, maintains esprit-de-corps, and when the junior ones are being attacked, we have to calm them down, so things do not deteriorate.”

With the recent ruling by the Imo State Gubernatorial Election Tribunal which affirmed the victory of Senator Hope Uzodinma, the National Vice Chairman of the APC in the SouthEast, Dr. ijeomah Arodiogbu has felicitated with the Imo people and the governor over his triumph at the tribunal.

Arodiogbu in his message, said that Uzodinma’s election by Ndi Imo on November  11, 2023, was further affirmed by the tribunal’s judgement

The Southeast helmsman who was a leading figure in the governor’s second term bid described the victory at the tribunal as an affirmation of Uzodimma’s stewardship to Ndi Imo.

He said, “I wholeheartedly congratulate, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma on his tribunal victory. It is indeed an expected victory. I equally rejoice with the All Progressives Congress in Imo State and Ndi Imo for the victory.”

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According to him, “This victory is well deserved, it is a testament to Onwa’s stewardship which has brought Imo massive development in all sectors. What the tribunal victory now implies is that the 3Rs agenda will be thorough and far-reaching, as there is no reason to disturb our working governor.”

He added “Most of the issues raised by the opposition in their petition at the tribunal had already been litigated upon and was a waste of time, I urge the opposition parties to see the hand of God in this administration and allow the governor to concentrate fully on the work he was elected to do.  He called on the opposition members in the state to at this point join hands with the governor to move the state forward.