Rochas slashes security vote
From JAMES OJO, Abuja
Monday, June 06, 2011
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Photo: Sun News Publishing

Imo State Government has slashed the annual security vote of N6.5 billion to N2.5billion to make provision for the free education programme of the state.

This was disclosed by the Governor, Rochas Okorocha while speaking during a thanksgiving church service organized in honour of the new administration at the Maria Assumpta Cathedral, Owerri.
The governor commended the Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Owerri, who was the chief celebrant of the service, for standing by the truth always and enjoined him to always assist in guiding the government aright.

Governor Okorocha admitted that his administration would live by the tenets of sacrifice as exhibited by Christ, and would use every accruable fund judiciously for the uplifting of the state, adding that everybody, especially the civil servants must join hands to achieve the tasks ahead.

Earlier, Archbishop Obinna prayed for the success of the new administration and called on it to concentrate on achieving the goals of free education, agriculture, roads rehabilitation, potable water and workers’ welfare.
He enjoined Governor Okorocha to remain focused and upright in the discharge of his duties in order to meet the aspirations of the Imo people who had borne long years of deprivation and hardship in the hands of previous administrations.

The elated prelate stressed that this was the first time the peoples’ votes would count and commended the common man and the army for joining hands to defend the votes, but called on the police to live up to expectation in protecting the interests of the people.

“God has visited his people and redeemed them. The supreme might of God is shown in his supreme mercy. Only God himself can explain what made it possible for this young man to become governor of Imo. Expectations of Imo are beyond imagination. He needs to be pitied. He may not be able to work wonders,” the Archbishop said.

Adejoro74:

But he should not be an official father Christmas alone. He also should invest some of the saved monies on physical infrastructure. Imo people need industries.

violent:

While everyone seem to dance about at every slight stunt pulled by this godsent Messiah, no one seem to paint a clearer picture of the current state of affairs.

How much does an average Government primary/secondary school charge on an annual basis?

Are the student getting free education marred by poor quality and unmotivated teachers or does the free package include upgrade of all government schools from sub-junk status to an elite status?

violent:


What plans does Governor Rochas have in place to ensure the continuity of this initiative?  e.g is it backed by a legislature which approves free education for Imo state citizens such that, notwithstanding the government in power the initiative will continue?

Is free education a pressing priority to Imo state indegenes over other things like improving economic output and increasing jobs?

keside:

@ violent, Be happy 4 imo people. Check dis link and confirm

www.nationalmirroronline.net/news/13599.html

Ibime:

I believe in Rochas.

From his numerous scholarships to his participation as a member of MEND's Aaron team, I am of the opinion that although he may not be squeaky clean, he has wisdom, application and most of all, empathy for the common man.

violent:

While everyone seem to dance about at every slight stunt pulled by this godsent Messiah, no one seem to paint a clearer picture of the current state of affairs.

How much does an average Government primary/secondary school charge on an annual basis?

Are the student getting free education marred by poor quality and unmotivated teachers or does the free package include upgrade of all government schools from sub-junk status to an elite status?

What plans does Governor Rochas have in place to ensure the continuity of this initiative?  e.g is it backed by a legislature which approves free education for Imo state citizens such that, notwithstanding the government in power the initiative will continue?

Is free education a pressing priority to Imo state indegenes over other things like improving economic output and increasing jobs?



ps.  I would ignore you if all you have to say is "Appreciate him, at least he's doing something. . .or, you are just hating on him"

 (gosh, i wonder why people must think i should be hating on a governor, that's just stupíd!!!!!

kasiem:

the other time u were calling the conman by forfeiting only his salary, today u've the passion the man is trying to attach to his programmes for the state u still looking for a way to vilify and discourage him. I dont have a word for your likes.

ebere1712:

I must say that I think rochas has the best intentions. I am an imo citizen and I am afraid of the way he is going with his reforms. From the things I am hearing, I think he is trying to run the wrong kind of welfare state. I am against free education not because I don't want poor children to go to school but because I believe that , free education, under any government is unsustainable and no government can sponsor an education system that is world standard for free. Where is the money going to come from. Instead I think rochas should work out a payback scheme where people are required to pay back cost of their education over a period of time. It would be like a government sponsored loan. And the education should be world standard. It is better we have a well trained carpenter than to have a quack doctor. This would also free up money for investing in industries that would provide opportunities for direct and indirect employment. That way our youths wouldn't have to leave the state for employment. Industries like metallurgy and mining, chemical production and research, and auto mobiles and machines shud be championed by the government. I know many people would disagree with government involvement in certain industries, but the truth is that we have waited for over 50 years for individuals and private companies to invest in such areas but there has been little to no progress. I hold the view that the government should kick-start some of these critical industries so that local people can be encouraged to take advantage of them . Note that I'm not trying to discredit him. I'm just saying that having the right intentions doesn't always result in good performance. Let me give a simple example. In Nigeria, if you come up with a good design for a microprocessor, you need to be good at semiconductor etching and circuitry or your only other option is to sell the idea to a foreign firm. That may be a lousy example but I think you get my drift. There are areas where we need government active involvement or we would never see progress in those areas any time soon. However, I also believe governments should build such companies with with a goal of selling it on a latter date.

Bensonite:

Kobo,
Why would you ask if he voted for Rochas- whether he did or not does not matter now. Again it is wrong for you to think that all Imolites will support all policies of Rochas. Critical question asked is the sustenace of the free education. The state as I know is in dire need of economic opportunities and if the new minimum wage is already eating deep into their pulse, it calls for concern. Rochas is doing this from a good intention but that does not mean options can not be explored properly.

vicenzo:

I can see fake imolites in this thread,as if rochas knows they exist.
Rochas has good intentions for imo state and all imolites believe in his ability to transform his intentions into reality,that is what matters.