IMO OPENS WORLD CLASS DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE SOON - MADUMERE

Imo State Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, MFR, has hinted that Imo Diagnostic and Dialysis Centre will be ready before the end of 2013.

Speaking to journalists during the inspection of the building of the Diagnostic and Dialysis Centre at Concorde Boulevard, Owerri Imo State last weekend,  Imo Deputy Governor averred that the project came as result of Governor Okorocha's drive to attracting investment into Imo State, revealing that the centre is a brainchild of the collaborative and strategic relations between the Imo State Government and Israeli Government.

Recalling the Health policy of Rescue Mission Government led by Governor Okorocha, Imo Deputy Governor reiterated Governor Okorocha's poise to transform health sector in Imo State with the ongoing construction of twenty-seven general hospitals in IMO State in twenty-seven local governments. 

Collaborating Deputy Governor's assertion, the Judith Glick confirmed that the World Class Diagnostic Centre, which will be manned by Israeli doctors with their Nigerian counterparts. She further revealed that the Centre will be a one stop Health Centre which will house MIR Machine, Dialysis and other state of the art diagnostic equipment coupled with a world class pharmacy for the drug needs for a comprehensive treatment. The woman further also confirmed the arrival of the equipment for the centre.

UCHE ONWUCHEKWA

GOVERNOR OKOROCHA LIFTS EMBARGO ON EMPLOYMENT ...FLAGS OFF YOUTH MUST WORK PROGRAMME

Governor Okorocha flanked by His Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere, SGI, Prof. Tony Anwuka, HRH, Eze Sam Ohiri, Head of CGC and another Eze during an interactive session with School heads and CGC officials.

The Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has scored another land mark goal in the first half of his administration as lifts embargo on employment at all levels in the civil service.

Governor Okorocha disclosed this during an interactive session with the members of Imo State House of Assembly, Headmasters, Principals of schools and Community Government Council officials at Ahiajoku Centre yesterday.

Speaking at the event, Governor Okorocha reiterated his resolve to tackle youth unemployment in imo State with his Youth Must Work Programme, for which he said will mark the end to idleness, which he said is devil's workshop. He decried the level of decadence among the youths, which he said is unfortunate.

"It is unfortunate at the level of social vices among Igbo youth who are hitherto known for their enterprise. Today, it is shameful to see able bodied men and women behaving so beggarly. This is not our culture. We have resolve to bring this shame to abrupt end. Those who refuse to work will be arrested and this the reason for the launching of the Youth-Must- Work Progamme".

Governor Okorocha directed the CGC officials to form committees in their various communities to quickly kick- start the Youth- Must-work programme to salvage the situation as the Government is also ready to train and retrain those that require extra skills.

UCHE ONWUCHEKWA

GOVERNOR OKOROCHA PASSES VOTE OF CONFIDENCE ON FORMER CABINET ...REWARDS DILIGENT SERVICE WITH REAPPOINTMENT

Governor Rochas Okorocha has dismissed  speculation that he dissolved his cabinet due  to external pressures or influence but that his action was based on the best interest of the State .

Governor Okorocha made the clarification during an event honouring the outgoing government officials at Ahiajoku Centre Owerri.  He praised the group comprising Commissioners, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants and Special Assistants for the achievements of his administration within the past two years.

Governor Okorochas averred that the first half of  Rescue Mission government has gone and that there is need to bring in fresher hands with new ideas and creativity for the betterment of Imo people. He dismissed the idea that the dissolution was for 2015 elections saying that he is rather interested in a legacy that will impact on the next generations.

"You can hold your heads for your spectacular contributions towards the Rescue Mission agenda of this administration, which has been variously described as huge success even in the camp of the opposition".

While congratulating the awardees, Governor Okorocha enthused that political appointment is not about compensation for involvement in campaign but rather for service to the people. He assured that those who will make  his new cabinet will be those who have the passion to deliver while calling on those who will  be reappointed to reinforce their effort for greater service for Imo people.

 "those who think that taking every opportunity to come before the Governor will guarantee appointment are not my friends. My friends are people of creative minds with commensurate hard work and patriotism. Our communities are expecting so much from us because we have raised the bar of governance. We cannot afford to slow down because we have been proven to have done well. This is the time to even go the extra mile to serve our people".

Gov. Okorocha  revealed that the focus of the government will  now be  on massive Youth empowerment and Agriculture decrying the level of decadence and vices under the guise of unemployment. Governor Okorocha promised to tackle this hydra headed monster to its logical conclusion with the emergence of twenty one new companies in Imo State.

His words; " Igbo people are known for their pride and hatred for being beggarly and as a result are very industrious. It is against our culture to see people engage in nefarious activities in the name of unemployment. Today, we are ready to bring this to an end. Every Youth in Imo State must work is the next agenda". My administration has concluded plans to float this firms to give our people an opportunity to actualize their entrepreneurial skills for the overall development of the state". Some of the companies created include the Imo Construction Company, Imo Agricultural Company and the Avutu Poultry Company among others.

The awards, which were categorized under Best Self Starter, Dedication to Service, Public Relations and Team Player Awards,  former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Ichie Best Mbanaso won the overall best Commissioner Award, Peter Ohagwa for the category of Special Advisers, Mma Nzeribe for Senior Special Assistants while Ogechi Ololo came out the overall best in the Sepcial Assistants category. Those who made the list are  Chinedu Offor, Uche Nwosu, Chief Nnadozie Udensi, Uche Ogbuagu, Nkeiru Sylvernus, Lisa Asuhga and Chike Orjiakor. Among the best overall in the different categories are Ichie Best Mbanaso in the Commissioner Category, Peter Ohagwa for the category of Special Advisers, Mma Nzeribe for Senior Special Assistants while Ogechi Ololo came out the overall best in the Sepcial Assistants category.

Governor Okorocha however revealed that those who were awarded will be automatically re-appointed as reward for distinguishing themselves in service to the people of Imo State.

Earlier during the event, while giving the opening remark, the Secretary to the State Government, ProfessorTony Anwuka said the dissolution of State cabinet has not in any way affected the fact that Rescue Mission Government of Owelle Rochas Okorocha remains intact as one family. Speaking further, he said the event was to celebrate the outgone cabinet members for their contributions to the monumental feat of Owelle Rochas Okorocha led Government.

UCHE ONWUCHEKWA

THE HEART OF A PRINCE,.... AT 49 WITH A VERY REMARKABLE 100 DAYS IN OFFICE!

“The altruistic tenderness of a man is highly determined by the compassionate weight of his heart on the scale of sincerity”.

Politically, today , many in pretence act-up compassion to buy love or political votes, capitalizing on the public hunger for a leader sensitive to the plights of the people. Lavishing vague promises in a near perfect act of concealing the monster within them as they frolic with the majority commoners to achieve their aim.

The leadership bridge-destroying attitude, which also is a society killing weapon of, “once at the top; liaising with the bottom becomes cumbersome”, gradually, is becoming a norm in our society. Today’s leaders, once at the top, prefer to burn the ladder they used in climbing up, forgetting that someday it will be needed to aide a heroic climb down, little wonder most of them end up crash landing!

To decide to lead a people requires understanding, attachment and interactions. Much more, it requires spiritual guidance. The ability to see far and take quick decisive steps, which involve all forms of leadership, be it the monarch or political form of leadership.

Though folktales may try to paint diverse impressions of the character of a monarch leader (a king or a prince), some wicked some kindhearted. But coming across a king or prince with an open heart for his people is rare. This makes this Mbeari-born Prince completely exceptional. He is a leader that carries the touch of the people everywhere he goes. Coming from a very challenging background, he has refused to forget his roots. Holding strong tenets that abide by humanitarian values, Prince Eze Madumere (His Excellency), the Deputy Governor Imo state, is gradually conveying us to the original definition of leadership and what it represents, just like his boss, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, is doing.

Unusual of a typical Nigerian politician, Eze Madumere’s 49th birthday was characterized with a mixture of emotions and compassion. Denying his status the opportunity of making a loud political statement by celebrating his birthday the political way. He preferred to share himself with the under-privileged ones at the Red Cross home in Owerri and inmates at the Owerri prison.
It was a day like no other. A day that staffs of the Office of the Governor attested to the leadership mercuriality of His Excellency Prince Eze Madumere, which they say has brought a redefining change to their welfare, confirmable through the resounding chorus of “yes it is true”, in affirmation to questions that sought clarity on the positive efforts of the Deputy Governor concerning their welfare. Everyone had something good to say about him, though it is common in this part of the world to face-praise and back-stab, but there was something really different about this case. One could feel the sincerity attached to the encomiums showered on our Prince.

True to his nature, we headed first to the Red Cross home, an experience that left a memorable edifice in the hearts of all present. His Excellency, the Prince, was virtually setting an example of leadership founded on love and care (Matthew 25:35-40).  On that fateful day, he supplied the children with so much comfort and well-being. Engaging what and whom he had around him in a fund raising spree for the Red Cross home, which ran into millions of naira, including donating a brand new ambulance bus, that some would ordinarily have used to achieve political points elsewhere. It really was emotion-electrifying to see the children cuddled round him in gratitude to a father who they must say has refused to forget them regardless his current position as the Deputy Governor!

Though, due to an unavoidable federal engagement assigned to him by His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha, his visitations was cut short to enable him catch a quick flight, but like George Elliot said: “what do we live for, if not to make life less difficult for each other”. Prince Eze Madumere’s long arm of good-will still got across the inmates at the Owerri prisons, a show of Great Spirit if one must say, especially putting into considerations that he was once incarcerated while fighting a just course for the good of Imo.

For me, as a writer, a Youth activist and an apostle of Owelle’s rescue drive, it is not about praise-singing Prince Eze Madumere, but more of acknowledging, appreciating and encouraging the good works of a man. As His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha developmentally marches forward, it is only practicable for his Deputy to follow suit in order to keep up to the pace of his boss.

The Prince talks less  but certainly his heart radiates a people-ignited excitement that sees his essence of living activate with every ounce of energy the realization of a people’s expectation of Government!

In a stint of successive celebration galore, few days after his birthday, he attained 100 days in Office as a Deputy Governor. If it was marked, I wouldn’t know. That day was like any other working day for him. Congratulations kept coming, most of which laid emphasis on the humility of the Prince. Understanding his ingenuous reaction to his 100 days in Office, I believe he simply wanted to play down the mood of the moment in order to speed up his concentration on his duty as Imo state Deputy Governor.

All said and done, a hundred days in Office has gone by. The positive impact of the Prince speaks, and is still speaking, let us savor it while it last, as we also endeavor to pray for him. Long live the Prince! Long live Owelle! Long live Imo! Long live Nigeria!

IKECHUKWU GILBERT

IMO STATE GOVERNMENT DELIVERS ON MDG ...AS IMO STATE GOVERNMENT FLAGS-OFF CCT MDG PROGRAMME

Last week witnessed of possibilities and I Can Spirit of Rescue Mission Government led by Owelle Rochas Okorocha, the Governor of Imo State through the unwavering decision of the Government to deliver comprehensively on Millennium Development Goal Programme in Imo State.  

Last Tuesday, July 9, 2013, Prince Eze Madumere,  Deputy Governor of Imo State led out during the flag-off  of Conditional Cash Transfer for the indigents in Imo State, which targets to empower One thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty persons drawn mostly from rural areas of the State.

Those who witnessed the occasion, in their confessions, said that truly, the programme has met it's target audience in Imo State as it could be seen that the beneficiaries were indeed those who merited the the help. Speaking at the event, the Zonal Technical Officer of MDG Programme, South East Region, Mr. Chukwuemeka Okechukwu averred that Imo State in all ramifications is doing very well and extoll the the Governor of IMO State and the effort the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on MDG, Mrs Nma Nzeribe. 

It is one thing for a government to come out mouthy and it is another thing to keep to its promise. It takes a well groomed leadership that is free of corruption to show resilience, sacrifice, prudence and above all eschew selfishness to delivering to the the led. Imo people are of the view that this is the first time they are not put in confused state over what MDG programmes are all about.

It is because of the intricacies of leadership that differentiates a mere politician to a leader. Imo Deputy Governor while addressing the full to the brim Ojukwu Centre Auditorium defined leadership as thus; 'leadership is about inspiring people, motivating them to greatness by making them realize their potentials through provision of the necessary potential unlocking dividends and also making environment conducive for both collective and individual goals, while observing the right of others to succeed'.

He further observed that Governor Rochas Okorocha remains a leader who has the passion about his vision to deliver and leave a lasting legacy for even the generations yet unborn. He however called on the beneficiaries to rise to the occasion and put their money to judicious use as he prayed for God's wisdom and prosperity in any thing they plough their money into. He further commended the effort of the SSA to the Governor on MDG, Hon. Mrs. Nma Nzeribe and SSA to the President on MDG for her resilience and partnership with IMO State to achieve the dream of impacting positively to the people of IMO State.

Meanwhile, in a fortnight, IMO State Government will begin to commission over sixty projects on Primary Health care facilities at the rural areas. IMO Deputy revealed that the secret of MDG in IMO State is as a result of the Community Government Council, which is the brainchild of Owelle Rochas Okorocha. He stated that people are the rural areas have been mobilized to take part and ensure that nobody short changes them 

Like Mr. woke Anthony said, the success of the present administration on MDG can only be better appreciated when its achievement is put side by side with what it used to be in the past.

The high point of the event was the giving out of cheques of One Hundred Thousand Naira each to the deserving beneficiaries. It was a moment of tears of joy as Augusta Nkwocha shed tears and cried profusely saying she could not believe it was true. She thanked Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha and every other person who help bringing the programme to reality. On behalf of other beneficiaries, she promised they were going to put the fund to judicious use.

HOPE UZODINMA: A SOCIAL VIRUS AND HIS INSULTS ON GOVERNOR OKOROCHA

It is rather becoming worrisome to note that people who ordinarily should forever remain silent for their smelly deeds are still allowed to move around insulting the good people of IMO State.

Hope Uzodinma, we agree, can only be a chieftain of a party like PDP where rascals and social deviants alike are greatly appreciated for their criminality and other socially abnormal vices. What is Hope Uzodinma's antecedence?  Who is Hope Uzodinma as a person? What does he stand for? 

Pondering over Hope Uzonma's insult on Governor Rochas Okorocha, one can only be left in doubt for the gut Uzodinma has suddenly garnered. A man who has remained a swine that will naturally remain filthy. Hope Uzodinma it was who visited Oweeri- Port Harcourt Road office INEC on the eve of Oguta Election where he spent close to three hours drawing whatever plans he and his PDP cohorts had to execute in concert with INEC officials. Again, it was the same Uzodinma who relocated to Oguta with his father in the vineyard of Impunity to unleash terror on the people of Oguta who was later to be joined by his brother Emeka Ihedioha who are joined by rigging interest. From the morning of that election till the morning when all the results were collated, these iniquitous men wreak havoc on the people of Oguta. 

In Izombe, APGA agent was locked inside his house and was release after their angels of darkness had had a field day disenfranchising people of Izombe and allowing only their PDP brothers cast their votes. For the records, it was a Police DPO who welcomed Ihedioha, Hope Uzodinma and hosted them in his office before a take off for their impunity. Let me commend few military personnel who prevented the viruses of Ihedioha and his Uzdinma brother from spreading far beyond the areas the had a field day.

Uzodinma should deny that his brother from Egbema, Goodluck Opia was not the commander of a four lorry load of policemen drafted into Imo State from Abia State with lorry load of thugs who were later said to be ex militants in Osemoto? This is not the first time, we had witnessed such impunity play out. We saw it play out in a re-run election between Ike Ibe and Nnanna Igbokwe. They had their way. People were bullied and some were even on handcuff till the end of that election. This same Governor Okorocha took it in good fate. 

The unfortunate thing is that people of Oguta were determined to choose their representative. They were tired of  PDP and their rascality.  Meanwhile, one of the National Dailies had already forewarned and revealed the dirty politics of PDP over Oguta. People were in the know of their game plans. This was an election where APGA candidate lost in his home. He lost woefully in his wards but what have got to say about that? The only sin APGA committed was to use die hards and people PDP could not afford to buy over as booth agents. That was the secret of the Oguta success story. 

Coming to Uzodinma's ranting over Governor Okorocha, he should be warned unless he wants to face the wrath of Orlu people and the entire people of IMO State. Speaking against a man who is cleaning the mess PDP left in IMO State is taking more than he can chew.  We are aware of your certificate forgery matter still been challenged in the court. We are not unaware of Ndi Eze who are still leaking their wounds for the dirty manner you had dealt with them. We are aware of your 419 wisdom. The result in question had been written by INEC and APGA has hers just like your PDP where your party is in deficit of over two thousand votes. 

Governor Okorocha remains the only Governor that has shown tolerance to the opposition in such a manner that every opposition is free throwing whatever trash they have on him. In the midst of all these, in less than two years, he dwarfed PDP twelve years of misrule. We have free education. We have massive infrastructural developments. We have youth friendly policies in IMO State. We have security in IMO State. Governor Okorocha has ended governance by abracadabra.

Hope Uzodinma and his co travelers should be reminded that the test of free people is their freedom to criticize their leaders without any fear or favour. Governor Okorocha has remained law abiding and calm  even amid Hope Uzodinma's childish misdemeanor and his PDP rascals' provocation; rather than joining issues with these people, Governor Okorocha is more enmeshed on delivering on his promises to the people of IMO State. Hope Uzodinma's nuisance value remains an issue to be discussed after every other important issues would have be properly treated but enough of his insults.

Amb. GTC Samuel

49 HEARTY GBOSA FOR A PERFORMING DEPUTY GOVERNOR

As our society continues to evolve towards a democratic direction,so have the people equally continued to localize most of our borrowed practices to give them  the real Naija colouring so as to make them clearly understandable and fitting to our indeginous social system. In the 90’s, owing to the military dictatorship in our polity at that time, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)  led a charismatic social and attitudinal revolution among the youths of Nigeria as part of the process of resisting the Junta governments. It is within this period that the language of ‘Gbosa’ was introduced to represent a superlative applaud accorded to one in appreciation of great achievement(s).

On the 4th of July 2013, the amiable and easy going Deputy Governor of Imo state, His Excellency, Prince Eze Madumere  clocked 49 years on planet earth.  This particular birthday stands out amongst those he has had in the past owing to the fact that he is  not just marking 49 years as a Deputy Governor but as the youngest Deputy Governor in Nigeria.  In few days, more so, this humble and unassuming young Deputy Governor  will be clocking 100 days in office, which clearly makes him a man on appointment with destiny.

While very many other politicians will throw big parties at a high cost for the state with public funds, the Deputy Governor rather chose to celebrate his birthday with the motherless children and the prisoners in a less noisy manner. The import of this singular decision of His Excellency in the healing , rehabilitating and restoration of confidence in the minds of these members of the rejected segment of our society cannot be measured. This attitude of His Excellency has truely exposed the reason why he emerged as a loved Chairman of the Imo state chapter of the Nigeria Red Cross Society. Under his leadership, the Society has been completly reorganized and are now touching lives more than any other time in the history of her existence in the state.

As an arch apostle of the Rescue Mission with whom His Excellency Governor Rochas Okorocha is well pleased with, the Deputy Governor since assumption of office has tremendously restored sanity and respect to the office of Deputy Governor by ensuring that due process are diligently observed in the business of governance in the state. With support from His Excellency he has completly revamped the Deputy Governor’s office and lodge, which was previously a shadow of what it is now with every facility in maximum function, thus converting the once deserted office to a behive of human activities. Unlike any other Deputy Governor in the history of our state, the Deputy Governor in his easy going style has demistified the office of the Deputy Governor by making himself accessible to even the least in our society. His all inclusive approach to politics has made him appreciative of even the worst of criticisms. He has severally had dinner or breakfast with most ardent critics of the government affording both parties the avenue for better understanding of each other. Prince Eze Madumere has also empowered people through various forms of employment so has he taken upon his shoulders to provide means of survival to poor students beyond the shores of Imo State. In his home LGA, Mbaitoli, where his people bestowed the Ogbuhoro Uzo (pathfinder) title on him, his philantropic strides which,  today is taking care of hundreds of less privileged women, youths and children is worthy of commendation.

The avalanche of encomium and commendations raining on the Deputy Governor within this period of his birthday is merely a reflection of his endearing personality which politically has made him a bride that everybody wants to court. His maestric administrative potentials is responsible for his new assignment as the coordinator of the South East Deputy Governors in Nigeria. Generally in Imo he is seen as the midwive who ensured His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha delivered the rescue mission baby safely.

As a veteran student activist, I hereby fire forty nine loud GBOSA for His Excellency and wish him a very happy birthday and the blessings of God as he continues to grow from grace to grace.

Aku Obidinma M

IMO DEPUTY CELEBRATES WITH THE LESS PRIVILEGED ...PROVIDES AMBULANCE FOR RED CROSS, RAISES OVER N3M FOR ORPHANS

Prince Eze Madumere MFR, IMO Deputy Governor spending time with Special Children during his Birthday celebration  at the Red Cross Special Home yesterday in Owerri.

Prince Eze Madumere MFR, the Deputy Governor of Imo State yesterday the 4th of june, in his tradition,  marked his 49th Birthday with orphans and the poor in Owerri.

Speaking with Journalists, he reiterated his covenant with his God to be committed to the cause of the needy in his life saying since he turned forty, rather than celebrate with the Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses, he pledged to always mark it with the have nots, orphans and other less privileged.  He added that it is not only celebrating with these special once but an opportunity to raise fund and other material donations for their upkeep.

Meanwhile, surprisingly, people of means, well meaning Nigerians from all works of life were at hand at the Orphanage Home to support IMO Deputy Governor as a mark of respect to his principle.

Imo Deputy Governor, a Media strategist, Management guru, an astute politician, Conflict Resolution per excellence, enviable family man, apostle of peace and the man whose better part goes to charity, also donated an ambulance to Red Cross to facilitate  saving effort of the organization.

One of the renowned public analysts, Dr. Chuks Osuji, who spoke at the event describe Prince Madumere as humility personified adding that he is a great man whose great potentials deserves harvesting by Nigerians. Dr. Osuji remarked that Prince Madumere as a great man was born on July 4 when six great American Presidents were born and still on the same date for the American independence.

Speaking also, the Principal Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Comrade Nze C. O. Aharanwa, conveyed the feelings of the staff of the office of the Deputy Governor stating the office of the Deputy Governor has been brought to an enviable one for his human relations and motivation so far enshrined in the administration of the office.

The high point of the occasion was the cutting of cake with the children of the orphanage where the children prayed for him for God's preservation and greater wisdom as he continues to serve man and humanity. Meanwhile, Prince Madumere kept his promise as he donated N1 million Naira to the orphanage while raising over extra N2 million making over N3 million through donations from friends, well wishers and corporate bodies. Prince Madumere further averred that he shall extend his hand of fellowship to those in prisons to give them hope especially to those who may have been unjustly incarcerated.

“ Oguta State Assembly Election Points The Way To What To Expect in 2015”, Says Lagos ACN.

The Lagos State chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria has said that the present concocted statemate over the outcome of the bye election in Oguta State Constituency in Imo State demonstrates the dangers Nigeria faces in 2015 if the collated results of just a single state assembly election is subjected to such drama as we are witnessing at present. It says that INEC is again allowing itself to be dragged into a selfish political profiteering business of one party at the expense of a free and fair process it is supposed to supervise, if it continues to hold on to the collated results under the guise of inconclusive election.

In a release in Lagos, signed by the Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the ACN, Joe Igbokwe, the party notes that although INEC has said the election is inconclusive, it failed to advance more reasons for declaring an election where results have been obtained and signed by duly vetted authorities in 201 out of 209 polling units as ‘inconclusive’. It said that INEC is still allowing itself to be tied to the vested interests of certain individuals in the ruling PDP at the expense of its own credibility, as the unnecessary stalemate over the Oguta State Assembly election is showing.

“We have been watching the unfolding events in Oguta local government with keen concern, as it points the way to what Nigerians should expect in 2015. We noted the heated build up to the election, which even led to the ambushing and attack on the convoy of the state Governor by PDP agents. We read the yet unrefuted reports of how PDP chieftains like Senator Hope Uzodimma, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Mr. Goodluck Opia, among other chieftains of the PDP invaded Oguta on polling day with platoons of armed mobile policemen, arresting, detaining and molesting voters who took photographs of polling processes and efforts at shortchanging the voting process. We read how violence and all manners of intimidation were unleashed at innocent voters, eager to exercise their franchise by chieftains of the Imo State PDP with armed mobile policemen at their tow.

“From independent reports of the election, election was held, results collated and duly signed in 201 of the 209 polling units in Oguta and the overall result showed that the APGA candidate polled 9,595 votes while the PDP candidate polled 7,584 votes, thus the APGA candidate is in clear lead after results of 201 polling units were collated. We wonder why the imo State Resident Electoral Commissioner should declare a result that has reached this level of finality as ‘inconclusive’, in a re-play of the same process that happened in Imo State during the 2011 general election, which nearly set the state on fire. We wonder what is in Imo INEC to warrant such shoddy approach to elections, as a way of meeting the interests of the state PDP.

“We are alarmed that the present stalemate is being planted by INEC acting the scripts of a desperate PDP and its chieftains who still believe they can manipulate and twist the outcome of a mere state assembly election, where elections have been concluded and results declared and signed by the various agents and parties. We see the present procured stalemate as enough warning to the gross impunity the nation is to expect from the PDP in 2015 and that this is coming few weeks after the same kind of impunity was displayed in the election of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum where the result of a free and fair election was deliberately distorted to reflect the partisan interests of the PDP.

“We are worried that a state assembly election should provoke the reaction of the presidency, which fell short of calling a spade by its name and carry out a deliberate action to disclaim the wild acts of his PDP menservants who are at the center of the entire debacle. We see this as a clear signal that 2015 is endangered if nothing comprehensive is done to overhaul the process and establish a ;process that will guarantee that the people’s votes count.

“We demand the full declaration of the result as it meets the requirements of the Nigerian electoral law and a clear winner has been established from the results released so far. We urge INEC to avoid being used to achieve the partisan interests of the PDP, as this will lead to serious electoral crisis in Nigeria. We warn that the use of the police to achieve inordinate political ends by the PDP is highly embarrassing of the image of the police and demand that a deliberate law on the use of the police by politicians be enacted and enforced to keep the police within its constitutional roles in the electoral process.  Above all, we do not see any light in the existing electoral process in Nigeria as it is highly manipulable by the ruling party and very weak to curtail the excesses of the ruling party. We demand comprehensive electoral reforms in line with the reports of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Panel to avoid a country-wide cataclysmic implosion as from the 2015 general election.”

Joe Igbokwe.

DIFFERENT VIEWS FOR DIFFERENT FOLKS! OWELLE’S HARDWORK= A FRAUD: MADUMERE’S DILIGENCE= ACCOMPLICE: UWAJUMOGU’S REASONING= A RUBBERSTAMP

An object can project different images, depending on a person’s view-point. A pre-conceived image misdirects a sincere view. Little do I wonder, beauty lies only in the eyes of the beholder. As beholders in this case, Imolites can sincerely attest to what they see like never before going in today’s Imo.
The truth may be suppressed for a while; but can never be obliterated. It will always raise its head someday, an incontestable truth! But in a situation whereby the truth is in-suppressible, what more can be done against it?  A truth that is in the full glare of public domain. Adhering itself to public view and movement, even to the anger of insidious forces against its existence. Felt, seen and indiscriminately used by all, enemies and friends alike, this truth only develops a concretized legacy that lives beyond antagonism.

Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha’s work in Imo state just within two years is un-paralleled, a non-contestable truth! His development revolution in Imo is a numero-uno in Nigeria. Massive projects scattered all over Imo in a most decentralized placement. His efforts are simply incredible, putting Imo resources to effective use for the benefit of Imolites alone.

Though needed, criticisms should be constructive. Destructive criticism takes the state nowhere. The urge to always malign or sacrifice a common interest on the altar of sentimental politics abbreviates public-oriented positive results. If a leader can go the extra mile to make things happen for the interest of a collective goal, especially in a society such as ours. It now behooves on the people to take the extra step to support, appreciate and project such a course for continuity sake.
For the myopic minded, to them, Owelle is defrauding Imo. Prince Eze Madumere a co-conspirator, while the Speaker, Chief Benjamin Uwajumogu is a rubber-stamp that gives quick passage to the execution of the so-called Governor’s fraud.

Even though appalling, weighed on a public scale, these empty unsubstantiated accusations holds no water. Much as detractors attempt to pollute the people’s minds against the Government in power. The loud developmental truth on ground continues to hold sway, making a full caricature of its proponents.
Today’s Imo state Government puts infrastructures on ground, ensures free education, sanitizes the civil service, initiates grass-rooted Government system and so lots more, yet they say it is fraudulent!
The previous Governments did nothing after more years in power, yet they were never considered fraudulent, but seen as heroes by the same people who see today’s working Government as corrupt, unfortunate sarcasm! Hate or like him, Owelle’s good works has invaded our privates. Friends and foes make use of the roads he has constructed, our children equally benefit from his free education scheme and other academic support grants.

A productive leader deserves the best and most reliable hands around him. Prince Eze Madumere sure comes handy. As the Deputy Governor, he is a tested and trusted ally. Always preferring to carry his bosses cross, like he did during the 2011 election campaigns, opting to be arrested instead of his boss. An administrative maestro with great diplomatic dexterity. Currently he has surpassed the expectations of many as Owelle’s Deputy.

Unfortunately detractors see him as an accomplice to a fraud, which actually is a figment of their imaginations, for he simply is a cogent force behind Owelle’s successes.
And for the umuihi born political heavy weight, Chief Benjamin Uwajumogu, the Speaker Imo state House of Assembly. As the Speaker, he has been accused severally of being the Governor’s foot-stool. For a man that has mastered the art of politics, who consistently say the people are his priority. Is he expected to fight against the people’s well-being? Or is it until two elephants fight, and the grass suffers then anti-development forces will confirm the existence of separation of powers?

Chief Benjamin Uwajumogu is leading the house in the right direction. It is only a people-oriented leader that would follow the path of development. And the current Speaker of the Imo assembly is a people’s man.
Well, no one is praise-singing here, but the right things have to be said regardless whose ox is gored. The truth is, if the Governor is fraudulent; his Deputy an accomplice and the Speaker a rubber-stamp, and we are getting all these uncommon results like never before in the history of Nigeria by any state Government with much more still to come……. Who cares?

IMO STATE GOVERNMENT CALL ON FEDERAL GOVT. FOR RELOCATION OF OWERRI PRISONS

Imo State Government has called on the Federal Government for its nod over the Need for immediate relocation of Owerri Prisons to its permanent site saying its present location is a security risk.

Speaking during a courtesy call at office of the deputy governor by the top ranking officers of the Nigeria Prisons led by the Ag. Asst. Comptroller, Zone E, Mr. Ahaotu C.C., Prince Eze Madumere harped on the need to relocate Owerri Prisons to its permanent site. Imo Deputy Governor averred that the State had long indicated its readiness to assist in achieving that owing to high risk it portends to Owerri capital and its environs.

Citing Ondo Jail Break as an example, he harped on the need to prevent future occurrence by locating Prisons where it will be well secured with needed facilities for better fortification.

Speaking further, Imo Deputy Governor considers the Nigeria Prisons as one of the areas that has impacted positively in his life for the period he was unjustly incarcerated for the better way he has come to appreciate justice and that most people that are in prisons may not be after all guilty of whatever allegations leveled against them. He further extolled the virtues of the officers who are humane in the way they conduct themselves especially in some isolated cases of vendetta.

Speaking earlier during the courtesy call, the Ag. Asst. Comptroller of Prisons, Zone E, Ahaotu called for Government support so as to enable the Nigeria Prisons function optimally while the Deputy Governor assured the officers of the Governor's readiness to support both in logistics and other strategic areas where necessary for their operations especially in the areas of dispensing of justice, decongest ion and other strategic help.

Oguta re-run election: Okorocha appeals to INEC to issue APGA candidate with certificate of return

The Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorcha has appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue certificate of return to the APGA candidate in the just concluded re-run election for Oguta constituency, Mr Walter Uzonwanne who scored a total of 9,575 votes against the PDP candidate who scored 7,584 votes.

He made this appeal while briefing journalists at the Government House, Owerri  yesterday. According to him, the Oguta election which was declared inconclusive by the higher authorities of INEC at Abuja was certified conclusive by the INEC’s Returning Officer for the said election, Mrs Cynthia Oguike, who had signed the final results of the election and was about to pronounce the winner before a phone call came through to her line.

Speaking further at the briefing, Governor Okorocha recounted that the governorship election in Imo State in 2011 was declared inclusive in Oguta Local Government Area when the same ‘power from above ‘ intervened in a failed bid to ensure that he (Rochas Okorocha) did not win. He wondered why the chieftains of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) are bent on winning every election at all costs, adding that such show of disregard for the rule of law is capable of truncating the nascent democracy in Nigeria. According to him, election in Oguta Local Government Area has been cancelled four times with two cases pending in court.

Said he, “ I am disappointed in the manner in which the PDP has handled the election in Oguta. First, the APGA candidate, Walter Uzonwanne was bundled into the police cell for three weeks on false allegation of complicity in a kidnap case masterminded by the PDP. He was released barely  one week to the election day. As if that is not enough, my convoy was attacked recently by the PDP candidate for the just concluded election in Oguta, Mr Eugene Dibiagwu and his thugs who took away a gun and a radio transmitter from one of my security men.”

Responding to questions from journalists at the event, Governor Okorocha called on INEC to maintain the credibility they have so far been known for and to desist from allowing the issue of Oguta election to spoil the good works they have done in the past.  He said the authorities of INEC, out of pressure from the PDP, had declared that the election was inconclusive in 8 polling booths, thereby trying to create an avenue for another supplementary election in the area.