Retirees block Imo Govt House entrance, demand payment of pensions
Published June 23, 2020

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Chidiebube Okeoma, Owerri


Pensioners in Imo State on Tuesday took to the streets of Owerri, the state capital, protesting the state government’s non-payment of their pensions and gratuities since February.

Barring placards with various inscriptions depicting their plights, the retirees accused the governor Hope Uzodinma led administration of insensitivity.

The pensioners who wanted to invade the state government house were, however, resisted by security men who formed a barricade.

Unable to access the government house, the pensioners, blocked the state government house roundabout, preventing movements in and out of the government house.

Briefing journalists, Mr Iyke Ohaneje, who introduced himself as Chairman, Imo State Pensioners Intervention Committee, said that all efforts the association made to receive their pensions and gratuities had been frustrated by the office of the accountant general of the state.

He said that as of the last count, 42 pensioners had died as a result of their inability to take care of their welfare because of the non-payment of their pensions.


Ohaneje said, ” We are not here to protest. We have come to beg for alms from the people of Imo State hence the government has refused to pay us our pensions since February. We are not begging the government for any money. We are asking the government to pay us our pension which is money we earned.

“As at the last count, 42 members of this association have died of hunger, excluding the ones in the rural areas. Government agents have frustrated every move we had made to get our pensioners paid to us.



“Just the other day, a Civil Defence officer at the accountant general’s office shot at us while we went to demand our pensions. He shot at us because he has a small gun whereas this is an officer who is supposed to be civil.

“We have written to everybody, including journalists, lawyers, Bishops, asking them to prevail on the state government to pay us our pensions and gratuities.

When contacted, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on media, Modestus Nwamkpa, said that the pensioners would soon be paid.


He said that taking to the streets won’t solve the situation, asking the senior citizens to be patient with the government.

Nwamkpa said, “Government is aware of the situation but taking to the streets won’t solve the situation. The government is looking into their books. They will soon be paid.”



https://punchng.com/retirees-block-imo-govt-house-entrance-demand-payment-of-pensions/?amp=1

B2mario:


Ihedioha did not start anything. He was busy fighting and destroying the one he met on ground. I was in Imo last year August, it was rowdy and disorganized. Thanks to supreme Court.

Ihedioha is nothing short of devil reincarnate. To think that he deliberately destroyed roads, streetlights and a lot of infrastructure in his quest to wipe off Rochas legacy is something that deserves stoning. Nobody can believe Ihedioha met this road very beautiful with covered drainages and sidewalks lasting over 7 years since it was built in 2012 but told people that covered drainage was poor construction and went on to excavate one lane of the road which Uzodimma has just fixed.

SpecialAdviser:
So this guy refused to hit the ground running, but rather go for vengance?

Same issue people complained about Ihedioha

It didn't start from 1st day and moreover I don't think Uzodimma's focus is on probe.

hisgrace090:
Okorocha to retaliates emeka ihedioha through his man uzodimma.

Rochas has no hand in this. His own probe is still on

George Onyejiuwa, Owerri

Imo government has approved the request of the Auditor General for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs to take necessary steps to recover N19.63 billion allegedly siphoned from the State-Local Government Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JAAC), through the Bureau for Local government and Chieftaincy Affairs (BLGCA), by the sacked government of Emeka Ihedioha, in seven months in office.

The staggering amount was allgedly siphoned either for spurious and phony projects, projects/contracts not executed, and or through huge cash withdrawals for undisclosed purposes.

At a press conference in Owerri, yesterday, the commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said the misappropriated funds was discovered during a routine audit of the accounts and records of JAAC with the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs by the Local Government Auditor General for the fiscal year ended 31/12/2019.

He said government’s action was in line with the NEW IMO Agenda to entrench a resilient and transparent public service and restore financial discipline and rule of law premised on extant laws pertaining to the Custody, Management and Appropriation of Public Funds.

However, when contacted, Mr. Chibuike Onyeukwu, Chief Press Secretary to ex- governor Ihedioha, declined comment.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/imo-approves-probe-of-ihedioha-over-n19-63bn-l-g-funds/amp/

ChinoElects:
[s][/s]


Taa mechionu abagworo, who is your brother? I have told you that our path will never cross on this forum, so shut up with that your "brother " term.

See the real GDP figures as released by NBS which is right organization to do so.

Nominal for incomplete States in 2017 but I gave you complete and updated 2018 yet you are arguing. I believe you are intellectually inferior and at most a mere Bsc holder so I'm done with. Mu na illiterate enweghi nmeko. Daalu nna'm.

ChinoElects:
[s][/s]


Abagworo if I slap you now with back hand, you remove this wikipedia concoction from here. Useless old. Imo state is at the bottom when it comes to real GDP released by NBS.

My dear brother I don't know what you're talking about but that's authentic information.. If you need more information ask and I shall give you. Here's poverty rate

Anambralstson:

That's phase two release last year by NBS, Only Anambra and Ebonyi are the only states in Southeast, Abia, Imo and Enugu not yet out
Take your time and read this report then we can debate after then
https://www.proshareng.com/news/NIGERIA%20ECONOMY/NBS-Publishes-Additional-11-States-Nominal-GDP-From-2013-to-2017/45495

Updated to 2018. Get all the info you need here and most importantly only Kano and Ogun recorded reasonable growth.

The end of Rochas government seems to have brought the astronomical development of Imo State to a permanent halt. I feel so bad that the rate of development has dropped even with the coming of Uzodimma and the euphoria that greeted it. We all thought that with removal of Ihedioha Imo would return to what it used to be but no much difference. Only Ebonyi is experiencing rapid infrastructural development presently.

Today same old tactics played out with acquisition of vehicles for Police. This is the 3rd in less than 2 years.

Imo is back on track after 8 months of destruction.

Imo International health systems Iho, Ikeduru is one of the best cancer treatment center in Africa. It was built by Rochas Okorocha and run as a partnership with a reputable American firm. It is one of the 30 Hospitals he built though not all are equipped and in use.

Continued.......


• Community Leaders, Traditional Rulers, Town Union Presidents shall be held responsible for any security lapses within their domain Failure to Report, concealing or benefiting directly or indirectly from proceeds of criminal activities, shall attract maximum punishment . A cash reward shall be announced for a Whistle-blowing Campaign. Our NEW IMO STATE shall no longer be a haven for kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, Yahoo Plus, and Alibaba Gangs, baby factory, ritualists, human trafficking, etc.

• As an honest and transparent government, we shall hold quarterly Imo Stakeholders Forum (ISHF) to provide interim government Report Card and provide answers to Frequently Asked Questions, (FAQs) and concerns of citizens. The State Ministry of Information shall likewise provide Monthly briefings on government activities.

• We believe that power belongs to the people and not the other way around. Government is not instituted to deride the people, but to protect their fundamental rights. We shall be responsible and accountable to the good people of Imo State. This is the dawn of a New Imo.
My beloved people of Imo State, with your enthusiastic support and encouragement, the work has already begun for the building of the NEW IMO of our dreams.

However, there is need for vigilance. It is crystal clear to me that some of those who lost out in the final battle at the Supreme Court, where the real winner of the March 2019 governorship election was determined, are finding it difficult to come to grips with reality. They have consequently resorted to mischief making and incitement of the public. They spread falsehood against me and the government. They sponsor pockets of protests against the government and seek to divide us on clannish grounds. They deride our own institutions when such institutions take decisions that do not favour them.

Let me make it clear that while our doors are wide open to accommodate everyone, including my political opponents, and while we insist on enduring peace and reconciliation, we shall not brood any reckless breach of the laws of the land. Those encouraging or sponsoring any breach of public peace should desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law. Make no mistake about it, I have a responsibility to govern Imo State and to maintain the peace therefrom. In the discharge of these duties I shall not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law on anybody, no matter how highly placed, who constitutes himself or herself into a public nuisance. I also advise law abiding people of our beloved state to resist attempts to be used for selfish reasons by desperate politicians.

We know those behind these incitements; who are sowing seeds of discord to divide our state. I appeal to them to have a rethink and remember that power comes from God and that even more importantly, no election is the end of elections but rather the confirmation that more elections are ahead. So the losers today can be the winners tomorrow and next tomorrow.
As we celebrate the birth of a new Imo which we achieved with your support, it is time for us to harp on the things that unite us not on the things that divide us.

I recall clearly that on the eve of the elections, our people were determined to ensure that no one imposed a political dynasty on them. It was the collective desire of all Imo people to see to it that our democracy was preserved in all its true tenets, to wit, government of the people for the people and by the people. As the arrowhead in that battle, Imo people voted massively for me. This fact should not be lost on anybody.

Today, through your votes we have succeeded in disabling that obnoxious structure and dangerous ambition. Regardless, I appeal to you therefore to avail me of your total support to bring the valiant mission of a New Imo State to its logical conclusion. I count very much on your support and cooperation

I thank you for your patience and wish you all a prosperous new year as you join me in the factory room to build a NEW IMO STATE of our common dream.

SEN. HOPE UZODIMMA
Executive Governor of Imo State
January 21, 2020.

asha80:
Does anyone have uzodinma's development plan for imo state?

THE MAIDEN BROADCAST OF HIS EXCELLENCY SEN. HOPE UZODINMA, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF IMO STATE.

Nd’Imo ndi nwem, I greet you all.
It gives me great pleasure to address you today. A few days ago, precisely on Wednesday January 15, it pleased God Almighty for me to be sworn in as the duly elected governor of our dear state, following the historic judgment of the Supreme Court the previous day.
I recall that on that event a large, enthusiastic crowd of our people thronged the airport and the swearing-in venue, Hero’s Square, to welcome me and to witness the ceremony. That was a clear indication that Ndi Imo joyfully welcomed my final emergence as the governor of the state. I recall too that an unprecedented large crowd of our people enthusiastically received me on November 15, 2018 when I clinched the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as the governorship candidate of the party. I was the front runner in the state all through electioneering. I deeply appreciate these uncommon show of support and love and I thank you profoundly.

I deem it necessary at this point to address you, my dear good people of Imo state to assure you of my commitment, totally and unreservedly, to your wellbeing and security and to acquaint you with my vision for a new Imo State where equality and the rule of law shall reign supreme.

About a year ago, precisely on January 11, 2019, I unveiled a manifesto of my developmental ambitions for our dear Imo State to a gathering of eminent persons. Addressing that audience, I told them that the occasion marked the beginning of a new partnership between key stakeholders and a governorship candidate. Indeed, it was the first occasion of its kind in which the governorship candidate of a political party involved real stakeholders of Imo State in sharing a common vision of where we stand in the geo-political map of our nation and where we ought to be.

Well, so much proverbial water has passed under the axiomatic bridge since that occasion and following the trials and hectic tribulations of the campaign trail, I stand before you today as governor of our great state, solely by the uncommon grace of God to whom I give all the glory for the momentous Supreme Court judgment of January 14, 2020.

That said, I urge every true man, woman and youth of Imo State to put the past behind us, without throwing away the lessons learnt, as we forge ahead in the great task of building a New Imo State defined by the common will of the people, in which equity, justice, freedom, and rule of law prevail over impunity and executive recklessness. This is the essence of good governance and it is my firm belief that democracy without good governance is nothing but a mirage.

I believe that every man, woman, youth and child of Imo State is a stakeholder in my vision of a New Imo State. I therefore invite all of you to join me as partners in this new vision of a New Imo State for all Imo people, where everyone is recognized and respected as an Imo person, not on the basis of creed, gender or origin but because of his or her inalienable right as an Imo son or daughter. I strongly believe that our concept of governance which derives power from the people shall leverage your collective support as partners to deliver the great dividends of democracy and good governance to our people.

My good people of Imo State, my vision of a New Imo State is predicated on freedom, security, and shared prosperity welded into good governance. The evidence on g8round indicates that Imo State requires fundamental reform to forge a new trajectory.

We have witnessed, over ten years now, a slow, steady but devastating loss of the core values that had defined our dear, adorable Imo State. In place of those cherished ideals, an insipid culture of lawlessness and neo-feudalism had crept into the body fabric of our state. The time is now to take action and free our state and her people from the strangle hold of the false religion of executive lawlessness, exclusive governance and total disregard to due process. I challenge every Imo man, woman, youth and child to hold us by the same standards and the same scales by which we judge past administrations.

The New Imo State offers a new paradigm to redress the ripples of those years of maladministration, inexperience and outright inefficiency in public administration. The New Imo State will prove to our good people that government is not instituted to deride the people, but instead to protect ‘citizens' fundamental rights. Our New Imo State will restore financial discipline, entrench due process and conduct government business in the most transparent fashion. The New Imo State incorporates a new development trajectory that will harness the critical role of Local Government Councils in downstream value chain creation.

In line with the provisions of the Constitution, we shall urgently restore the autonomy and integrity of Local Government Administration. Thank God therefore, for the objective effort of the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari in uncoupling the local government finances from the meddlesome interests of state officials. The dynamic LG System of our New Imo State will guarantee the steady trickle down of democracy dividends to the atomized hamlets and clans of our rural communities. To actualize this, credible Local government elections will be held soon.
Our New Imo State will enshrine a new culture of shared prosperity in which the common wealth of the people is made available for the good of all. Above all, it is a new Imo State that will ensure good governance, prosperity, rule of law and equity. The Mission cuts across party line, religious leaning and intra ethnic divides. From now on it will no longer be governance as usual, but governance of the people, by the people and for the people, without discrimination against anyone.
In practical terms therefore, the trajectory of development in the New Imo State of our vision is anchored on a "3-R" super structure of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery of key economic and political institutions that all of us will be proud of. In this wise, the New Imo State envisions the overhaul of State Civil Service and relevant institutions of the Bureaucracy for optimal efficiency and Service delivery- involving prompt payment of salaries, pensions and other statutory obligations to spur officers to greater productivity.

Accordingly, the following standards shall be maintained:
• Strict adherence to extant laws, procedures, and Statutes pertaining to an efficient service delivery.
Civil Servants to be trained in line with new Digital Technology ecosystem platform in liaison with some Technology Incubation Centres. ​Hierarchy and Seniority in the Public Service shall be restored forthwith to ensure discipline and adherence to Civil Service Rules.
​Emoluments of core Civil Servants shall continue to be drawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, (CRF) and paid promptly but not later than every month end. Pensions and Gratuities shall likewise continue to be treated as First Line Charge to the CRF in accordance with the provisions of the law.Specifically, the salaries of Civil Servants and allowances of pensioners will henceforth be paid fully. Similarly, the State Government will commence payment of minimum wage once negotiation with Labour leaders is completed.

​Recruitment, Promotion and Discipline in the Civil Service shall be patterned to reflect the NEW IMO Paradigm. Annual Performance Evaluation Report (APER) shall now include an objective assessment of discrete output and supported with concrete evidence of MCIP (Mandatory Career Improvement Programme).
The Treasury System shall be restored and the 27 Sub-Treasuries in the 3- Geo-political Zones restored to ensure a seamless downstream government service delivery in the Rural Communities.

​We shall promote a Digital Technology-driven Civil Service to ensure real-time service delivery.​A staff Housing Loan scheme and Vehicle Advances shall be put in place in partnership with the Mortgage and Commercial Banks, guaranteed by Government, through the facilities of a revamped State Development Finance Incorporated, (DFIC.).
We shall encourage hard work, resilience, honesty, and diligence in the New Imo Public Service.

My esteemed Ndi Imo, our New Imo State will incorporate an IMO STATE EDUCATION OPPORTUNITY PROGRAMME (ISEOP) involving but not limited to a highly functional qualitative technology and science-driven education system focused on skills acquisition, innovation, manpower development, and entrepreneurship.

• The New Imo State will crave for: an Educational System that has capacity to produce a new generation of Graduates equipped for immediate post school employment and self-reliance.

• An Educational Programme to enhance innovation, and creative Human Capital with capacity to add value to State and nation building.

• Build Foundation for innovative Human Capital that shall drive downstream value chain creation.

• Mandatory Professional Teachers Continuous Education Programme in line with the transformative impact of Digital Technology on Education.

• Provide Measured Financial Support to students with exceptional pedigree in academics, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Other lateral non-financial support include, mentoring, career guidance and counseling, etc.

• Establishment of a Job Placement Office - to enhance job search and placement, Internship (IT) and other career related programmes for graduates.

• Establishment of Diaspora Learning Centres for Student Exchange and Technology Incubation Centres in the USA, UK, China and Canada, etc.

• Development of a new Curriculum for schools that would integrate skills learning, innovation and entrepreneurship required to fit into the new Digital ecosystem.

• Establishment of New Digital learning Environment with cognate Digital Teaching Tools and Programmes in Six Pilot Centres within the Three Senatorial zones of the State.

• Restoration of Inspectorate Division in all the Zonal School Management Boards to enhance academic quality and content delivery, etc.
Similarly, our government will undertake the following in the health care delivery sector:

• Comprehensive Medicare with focus on Primary Health Care, and Preventive Medical Care services. Within the first two years of this administration, we would have attained a 75% Health For All (HEFA), covering the 27 LGCs.

• We shall recruit 850 Community Health Workers to strengthen existing Primary Health Care System workforce in the state in the first year.

• In Collaboration with Local Government Councils, we shall rehabilitate, renovate and equip all dilapidated Community Health Centres in the 305 Wards of the State, within the first one year in Office.

• Run an integrated and holistic healthcare delivery system with modern diagnostic equipment, CT scan, and Mobile X-ray, in selected Zonal General Hospitals and Health Centres, etc.

• Provide a well-equipped Rapid Response Ambulance Services (RAMS) in the Zonal Divisional Hospitals, and Central Rural Health Centres to enhance an efficient 24/7 Health Support in all the Local Government Areas.

• Establish a value-based healthcare as opposed to the present "fee for performance Healthcare model." Emphasis in our NEW IMO Health architecture shall be: optimal patient outcome, patient safety, and efficient professional and dynamic work force, etc.

• Establishment of Drug Revolving Trading Accounts (DRTA) in the Hospitals, and Health Centres for "Essential" and "Non-Essential Drugs." to ensure adequate stock of life-saving drugs. Each Hospital or Health Centre shall operate a guided Self-Accounting Status to ensure that the Drug Revolving Regime is effectively managed, and accounts rendered.

• Restoration of Sanitary Health Inspection to support a holistic Primary Health/Preventive Medicare programme of government.

• A NEW IMO Health architecture would include urgent Rehabilitation of the moribund Schools of Nursing, Mid-Wifery in Owerri, Aboh Mbaise, and Awo-Omamma. Awo-Omamma and Aboh Mbaise shall, in liaison with the Nursing and Mid-Wifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), be converted into collegiate systems for Basic Mid-Wifery .These very important health training institutions shall be rehabilitated and equipped within the first one year of our administration to ensure early and seamless accreditation. We shall review our standing with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in relation to equipment and materials supplied to these institutions and government counterpart funding, etc.

• Establish criteria for research and integration of alternativemedicine or Traditional Medical practice (Trado-medicine) into NEW IMO medical practices.

• The IMSU College of Medicine, and the Teaching Hospital at Orlu, the Public Health Laboratory, and the Specialist Hospitals in Owerri, shall be equipped for Laser Surgeries, as well as serve as Regional Medical Informatics Centres, for the Southeast Region. The abandoned MRI and other sensitive scanning Machines mysteriously transferred from IMSUTH Orlu to "OCHIEDIKE," shall be rehabilitated and restored for services in accordance with existing MoU with GE, and Howard International Medical Center, USA.
On the economy, our focus in the New Imo State shall be job creation and massive economic growth. To this end we shall ensure:

• Mainstream Macro-Economic Programme which will involve a "3-R" Algorithm, recovery of damaged economic structures, reconstruction of core infrastructure, and rehabilitation of component micro-economic institutions - Micro-Small-Medium-Enterprises via Public Private Partnership (PPP).
(MSMEs).

• Rapid economic Diversifications through "Backward Integration," involving a synergy of Rural-Urban development paradigm. A shift from core public sector driven economy to a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) driven one.

• Encourage private sector-driven knowledge based enterprise system. Provide enabling environment and selective policy intervention to bolster sustainable Medium Small Micro Enterprises (MSMEs).

• Encourage Diaspora Rural Economic Partnership - Local Government Rural Malls, and Small-Scale Industries - agriculture, and Farm Settlements via Farmers' Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies, etc.

• Stimulate downstream Value Chain through intervention and support to MSMEs, and thus generate employment opportunities at Local Government levels.

• Ensure that De Sam Mbakwe's International Cargo Airport receives URGENT Federal Government support, and provisions to qualify for IATA approval - for Air Safety and increased Traffic flow.

• Establishment of Graduate Entrepreneurship Scheme to equip graduates with requisite set of skills for self-employment in the evolving Fourth Industrial Revolution. About 750 graduates shall benefit from the initial phase ofthe GES Programme. Government shall provide necessary guarantees for Start-ups through the facilities of State Development Finance and Investment Corporation (DFIC).

• Establishment of State Economic Development And Rehabilitation Council (SEDARC) -to provide remedial framework and templates to redress the chronic fiscal and infrastructural deficits militating against State economic development. SEDARC shall address key economic challenges of the State- Abandoned Roads in Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe Metropolis, the Collapsing bridges, the abandoned Otamiri Water scheme, etc. shall receive the immediate attention of SEDARC.

• In addition, ​SEDARC shall fully identify, locate and recover all missing Public Assets, as well as coordinate a forensic investigation into the State Finances and determine the veracity of the huge public Debts estimated at over N200 billion, as well establish the Net-worth/Balance Sheet of the State Government as at January 13, 2020.

• SEDARC shall also recover all illegally acquired Private Lands, estates by Government or its agents and return them to their rightful owners.

• SEDARC shall abolish all forms of unconscionable "Imperial," Taxes, levies, and fees other than that established by law which its applications shall not impoverish the citizens. The State BIR shall in liaison with SEDARC develop a new IMO INTERNAL REVENUE MENU that maximizes IGR Per Capita Contribution to the State GDP.

• Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) shall be re-activated and in liaison with the State DEVELOPMENT FINANCE AND INVESTMENT CORPORATION (DFIC)engage in active trading in Nigeria's Capital and Money Markets and by so doing build-up formidable portfolio of Financial Assets to support Government's Treasury Services, etc.

Ndi Imo eji eme onu, good governance- democracy and rule of law are the fundamental components of the New Imo State. Consequently,

• We shall recover and deepen lost virtues of liberal democracy in Imo State. Our government shall tenaciously uphold the pillars of good governance- security of life and property, right to own private properties, inclusiveness, pursuit of legitimate economic endeavours, rule of law, accountability and transparency, respect for human rights, honesty and trust.

• Our Government shall be accountable to the people of Imo State and shall adhere to the Anti-Corruption Mantra of our great Party, APC.

• We shall dismantle all existing structures in the State Civil Service that encouraged the massive looting of public funds. It takes a willing Civil Servant and an overbearing politician to engage in covert expropriation of commonwealth. Civil Servants who are part of the existing mode of plundering the Treasury shall be handed over to the appropriate Anti-Graft Agencies.

• In addition to the conduct of a credible local government elections soon, we shall reconstitute the State-Local Government Joint Accounts Allocation Committee (JACC,) (a prototype of the FAAC) to manage and superintend overLocal Government's Funds. Accordingly, all deductions from Local Government funds are hereby stopped. Local Governments will henceforth receive their full allocation and be accountable for same.

• The State Government shall contribute 10% of its net IGR to JAAC as state Governments counterpart Funds towards rural economic and social development.

• The Autonomy of Local Government shall be restored forthwith.

• To Ensure Maximum Security in Imo State we shall IMMEDIATELY establish a new Security architecture - aided with installation of State of the Arts Digital Technology/equipment linked to the 27 LGCs/DPO to enhance crime detection, intelligence gathering, tracking and apprehension of criminals, etc.

• We shall create a Neighbourhood Security Watch code named ‘North East West’ (NEW) involving a coordinated network of Community Intelligence Gathering Programme in liaison with the NPF, DSS, NSCDC, NSO and some Private Security Companies. In tandem, we shall launch Operation "FOC," (Flush Out Criminals) - a combined Security Operations targeted at Flashpoints and Centres of high criminal activities, including hide outs, jungles, uncompleted buildings, forest, shrines, lakes and creeks, etc. Whether in Ohaji Egbema, or Nwaorieubi Shrine at Ifakala, or in the thick jungle at Akokwa, or Njaba or Urashi, We shall rout them and free our society of the menace of banditry, kidnappings, and ritual killings including Yahoo-Plus, and Alibaba Gangstars. It shall be a "SAD" season for criminals in Imo State.

The beautiful town of Nkwerre greeting

It should be noted that this is the first time open political killing has happened in Imo State.

Amah70:


Okay, if you don't accept that availability of public water supply system in Owerri since the mid 1980s made Owerri develop, let's scatter Owerri water works beginning from Otamiri river.
Thereafter, let's see how Owerri will EVER be a modern city with private water boreholes.

If Okigwe and Orlu water projects are not actualized, Owerri zonal water supply system must be deactivated, so that all Imo shall go private water borehole.

Remember that Owerri zonal water supply system was deactivated from 2010 till now. Borehole for every body

Evan Enwerem from Owerri refused to actualize Okigwe and Orlu zonal water supply systems. Instead, he went after locating IMSU in Owerri which has all universities and polytechnic in Imo state.

Water supply is not our problem in Southern Nigeria. No State has public water supply including Lagos the most developed city. We all have very small section of each State particularly the capital enjoying public water supply.

What Imo needs is continuity and focused leadership. Rochas focused on tourism and it brought a lot of development to the State with the capital Owerri and environs bubbling with luxury shoppers, fun seekers and real estate investors. Other towns including Orlu, Okigwe and Oguta also had sizeable growth in hospitality industry and real estate but right now everything has been slowed down. The present Governor refused to build on what he inherited from Rochas but rather focused on how to destroy Rochas legacies and start a new one thereby drawing the State backwards. If by the grace of God he is removed by the court or State of emergency as is being witnessed presently his successor must go back to where Rochas stopped and continue with the clear direction and geometric growth Imo was undergoing. All the parks must be revived and roads he destroyed must be repaired. The waterfalls he destroyed must be restored and the heavy tax he introduced against businesses must be reduced. There should be no room for childish witch haunting.

BREAKING: Thugs kill Imo suspended councillor
Published

Chidiebube Okeoma, Owerri


There was a tragedy at Umundugba, the headquarters of Isu Local Government Area of Imo State on Monday, as a suspended councillor, Ahamefule Maduabuchi, who was trying to resume duty was shot dead by unidentified political thugs.

Our correspondent learnt that trouble started on Monday after the suspended chairmen and their councillors across the state besieged the 27 LGAs headquarters with the intent to resume duties.

They had sighted the supreme court judgement in a case between suspended Ekiti State LGAs chairmen and the state government wherein the apex court ruled that the governor had no legal power to suspend dully elected LGAs chairmen.


But the suspended chairmen met stiff opposition from the Interim Management Committee chairmen which led to a riotous situation.

A source said, “One of the suspended councillors, Ahamefule Maduabuchi, who was trying to resume duty after the Supreme Court ruled that the governor of Etiki State had no power to suspend elected chairmen in the state has been shot dead.”

When contacted, the police spokesperson in the state, Orlando Ikeokwu, said that the State Commissioner of Police, Olaniyi Fafowora, had launched an investigation into the killing of the suspended councillor.


Ikeokwu said, “Yes, we are aware of the killing of one of the suspended councillors at Isu LGA today but the commissioner of police has launched an investigation into the killing with of view to apprehending the killers.

“The CP had a meeting with the suspended councillors and they have agreed to sheath their swords for now. The area is calm and the state is calm. People should go about their lawful business without fear.”

https://punchng.com/breaking-thugs-kill-imo-suspended-councillor/amp/

SoNature:
Imo1stson, why are you boring us with news?

If we need news, we know how to source them.

We want to see pictures and videos.

Thank you

Thank you brother. The news is important for the sake of reconciliation and forgiveness. When you accuse a man and he is innocent it's best to openly apologize or at least appreciate that he's innocent. Thank you once again.

This is nearly 8 months after Rochas left government house with the highest number of petitions against his government to EFCC but interestingly events have proven he actually has no case. Not a single evidence has been gathered to indict any of his aides and himself not to talk of pressing charges because most of the things he's accused of are based on assumptions and propaganda. The present government has tried and tried to justify the propaganda but it just can't stand. It takes nothing for those who abused him wrongly to apologize especially as his Imo has been statistically verified as the least corrupt State in Nigeria by NBS.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/12/09/corruption-index-ihedioha-must-apologise-to-okorocha-says-group/

A serving member of the House of representatives, Paschal Obi, has said that he does not own the N1.5bn worth Dews of Hope Specialist Hospital Limited, Owerri, fortified to the Federal Government by a Federal High Court in Owerri, last week.

Obi, who represents Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency of Imo State at the House of Representatives, was the principal secretary to the immediate past governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had alleged that the hospital was acquired with proceeds of corruption.

The lawmaker, in a statement issued in Owerri on Tuesday by his Senior Legislative aide, Peter Ezeala, said he was not a director at the hospital, nor was its financier, owner or promoter.

Obi said the media reports which alleged that the forfeited hospital belonged to him were carried out to blackmail him and other ex-Governor Okorocha’s ex-aides.

The statement said,

For some days now, stories with the referenced caption have been trending on the social media. It has also been carried by the Conventional media outfits.

We have delayed our response to the story to enable us to find out, first, how a matter that has been pending at the Federal High Court, Port-Harcourt in Suit No: FHC/PH/93/2019 suddenly landed in Owerri and was heard and determined without notice to the interested parties in Suit No: FHC/OW/CS/132/2019. Having made this point, we want to make these clarifications.

(1) That the suit concerning theDews of Hope Specialist Hospital was filed by the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Port-Harcourt in Suit No: FHC/PHC/MISC/93/209.

(2) That the owners of the Hospital made applications and provided documents from the corporate Affairs Commission showing that Dr. Pascal Obi is not the owner of the said Hospital.

(3) That based on the facts available to it, the EFCC filed a preliminary objection on 7/8/2019 challenging the competence of Dr. Pascal Obi in the matter asserting that; Dr Pascal Obi is not a Director in Dews of Hope Specialist Hospital and is not also the financier, owner and the promoter of the hospital.

(4) Following the further application made by the EFCC, the Honourable court made an order on 12th September, 2019 deleting the name of Dews of Hope Specialist Hospital from the list of properties forfeited in the interim to the Federal Government. It remains a surprise how the matter surfaced again at Owerri with the ruling of 6th Dec, 2019.

(5) While investigations reveal that the said ruling delivered by the Federal High Court, Owerri, on 6th December, 2019 is already subject of a pending appeal at the Court of Appeal by the owners of the Hospital, it is important to clarify that contrary to the claims in the media reports, there was no finding or decision by the Court that any Imo State Government’s funds was traced to the said Hospital.

(6) We therefore urge the general public to disregard the jaundiced media reports orchestrated by heartless politicians who want to use this matter to discredit and blackmail, not only the former governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, but also his Political aides.

https://punchng.com/i-dont-own-n1-5bn-hospital-forfeited-to-fg-lawmaker/

A serving member of the House of representatives, Paschal Obi, has said that he does not own the N1.5bn worth Dews of Hope Specialist Hospital Limited, Owerri, fortified to the Federal Government by a Federal High Court in Owerri, last week.

Obi, who represents Ideato South/Ideato North Federal Constituency of Imo State at the House of Representatives, was the principal secretary to the immediate past governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had alleged that the hospital was acquired with proceeds of corruption.

The lawmaker, in a statement issued in Owerri on Tuesday by his Senior Legislative aide, Peter Ezeala, said he was not a director at the hospital, nor was its financier, owner or promoter.

Obi said the media reports which alleged that the forfeited hospital belonged to him were carried out to blackmail him and other ex-Governor Okorocha’s ex-aides.

The statement said,

For some days now, stories with the referenced caption have been trending on the social media. It has also been carried by the Conventional media outfits.

We have delayed our response to the story to enable us to find out, first, how a matter that has been pending at the Federal High Court, Port-Harcourt in Suit No: FHC/PH/93/2019 suddenly landed in Owerri and was heard and determined without notice to the interested parties in Suit No: FHC/OW/CS/132/2019. Having made this point, we want to make these clarifications.

(1) That the suit concerning theDews of Hope Specialist Hospital was filed by the EFCC at the Federal High Court, Port-Harcourt in Suit No: FHC/PHC/MISC/93/209.

(2) That the owners of the Hospital made applications and provided documents from the corporate Affairs Commission showing that Dr. Pascal Obi is not the owner of the said Hospital.

(3) That based on the facts available to it, the EFCC filed a preliminary objection on 7/8/2019 challenging the competence of Dr. Pascal Obi in the matter asserting that; Dr Pascal Obi is not a Director in Dews of Hope Specialist Hospital and is not also the financier, owner and the promoter of the hospital.

(4) Following the further application made by the EFCC, the Honourable court made an order on 12th September, 2019 deleting the name of Dews of Hope Specialist Hospital from the list of properties forfeited in the interim to the Federal Government. It remains a surprise how the matter surfaced again at Owerri with the ruling of 6th Dec, 2019.

(5) While investigations reveal that the said ruling delivered by the Federal High Court, Owerri, on 6th December, 2019 is already subject of a pending appeal at the Court of Appeal by the owners of the Hospital, it is important to clarify that contrary to the claims in the media reports, there was no finding or decision by the Court that any Imo State Government’s funds was traced to the said Hospital.

(6) We therefore urge the general public to disregard the jaundiced media reports orchestrated by heartless politicians who want to use this matter to discredit and blackmail, not only the former governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, but also his Political aides.

https://punchng.com/i-dont-own-n1-5bn-hospital-forfeited-to-fg-lawmaker/

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Corruption Index: Ihedioha Must Apologise to Okorocha, Says Group
editorDecember 9, 2019 3:12 Pm
By Adedayo Akinwale ín Abuja

A group, Association of Imo Patriots, has called on the Governor of Imo state, Emeka Ihedioha to apologise to the immediate past governor of the state, Rochas Okorocha following the recently released Second Corruption Survey in Nigeria by the National Bureau of Statistics, which ranked Imo as the least corrupt of the 36 States.


In a statement issued on Monday by the Spokesman of the group, Emma Ezekwe, said that the report was especially timely, considering the enormous resources being wasted by Ihedioha in his bid to malign his predecessor.

He stated: “We have received with delight the recently released “2nd Corruption Survey in Nigeria” by the National Bureau of Statistics, which ranked Imo as the least corrupt of the 36 States and the Nigerian Federal Capital Territory.”

Ezekwe noted that over the last seven months, Ihedioha has set up more than 20 probe committees and allegedly sponsored over ten protests, aimed at portraying Okorocha as corrupt in the eyes of the people.


He said that fortunately, these probe committees have mostly returned empty files and in some cases, made sweeping statements without facts to buttress allegations of corruption against Okorocha.

“As non-partisan patriots from Imo State, we demand an immediate apology from Ihedioha’s administration over their several lies against the Okorocha administration.”

The group noted that the apology should be personally addressed to Okorocha and another addressed to Imo people, whom the Ihedioha administration has insulted severally through his malicious campaign of lies.

The group stressed that while majority of Imolites of good conscience are not surprised about this rating by the NBS, which Okorocha’s prudence and transparency in the management of Imo’s resources within the eight years he held sway as governor.



https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/12/09/corruption-index-ihedioha-must-apologise-to-okorocha-says-group/

Potholes being taken care of

Ihedioha begins massive road construction and operation zero pothole as the yuletide approaches. It is often said it's better late than never and Imolites are happier now that governance has started. While many remain unhappy for the delays there is general optimism that things will get better henceforth. The most noticeable of the roads is Nekede-Ihiagwa road which has remained a nightmare for decades.

Work has begun on some roads in Imo State by both FG and State so pretty soon we should start seeing pictures showing progress of work. This one was started earlier by Rochas but is now being completed by Ihedioha who has built the drainage and stonebased the road.

Heavy protests in Imo, over extortion by task forces on bus drivers

By Chinonso Alozie

Hundreds of angry bus drivers on Friday blocked the front of Imo government house, over extortion by different task forces on motorists.
Vanguard captured the protesters as they were marching in anger around the government House roundabout in Owerri.
The bus drivers started gathering themselves all from different streets of the state capital.

Vanguard observed that some of them drove from Wethedral, Douglas, Mbaise Road, Okigwe road and Akwakuma as well as Amakohia to government house to register their grievances over the continued extortion in the name of task forces.
According to them, the number of task forces on the road have created too many troubles for them as they now spend over N3,000 in settling groups of task forces.

They also lamented that there were know marked bus stops on the road as to say exactly where they will stop to pick or drop passengers.
Some of them claimed that they have suffered severally beaten by these groups of task forces wherever they fail to “settle them.”
However, this protest is coming after a report by Vanguard on the number of task forces in Imo state.

According to some of the protesters, one Onyeuwa Timo, “This is very painful in Imo state, we don’t have any place to rest. Nobody to complain to the kind of maltreatment that we have suffered in the hands of these task forces people.”



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According to them, the number of task forces on the road have created too many troubles for them as they now spend over N3,000 in settling groups of task forces.
They also lamented that there were know marked bus stops on the road as to say exactly where they will stop to pick or drop passengers.
Some of them claimed that they have suffered severally beaten by these groups of task forces wherever they fail to “settle them.”

However, this protest is coming after a report by Vanguard on the number of task forces in Imo state.
According to some of the protesters, one Onyeuwa Timo, “This is very painful in Imo state, we don’t have any place to rest. Nobody to complain to the kind of maltreatment that we have suffered in the hands of these task forces people.”

Also, one of them who claimed to be a student and a father of two children, who goes with the name Samba said: “There is no peace for us the bus drivers. We have families and we need money to take care of them. Please I beg the government to please stop these men they are punishing us in Imo state.
“They come and force you to pay them and they also wait for you on the other road and ask you to pay again.”

https://www.vanguardngr.com/

VirginSearcher:
Before I used to think Rochas was a human being not until the end of his tenure as Imo State governor that I saw the damage he did to the state then I confirmed him to be a very wicked, greedy, selfish and useless politician, I can never vote for him in any election only those he buys with money will vote for him

That’s you and your opinion not that of those he governed. I can attest to the fact that he handed over a very good State to Ihedioha but because of a pre-planned vendetta the destruction of his legacy was a big agenda that started from May 30th with destruction Akachi however Imolites know the truth and hate the present Governor for the destructions.

sonature1:


Abagworo, you claim to be a billionaire.
Why showing a childish attitude?
Okorocha's in-law lost an election, and he moved on.
In your case, you refused to move on.
What's your problem?

I am not your Abagworo or whatever you call me but a serious Imo citizen that dwells in truth and progress of my State. We can't all keep quiet while our State is run aground because we support one politician or the other. I love Imo State more than Rochas and Ihedioha so our development satisfies me more than their politics. I'm really not happy with the way things are going presently.

This one happened today. A traditional ruler was attacked by State government for honouring Uche Nwosu during his coronation anniversary. This is one of the many actions of the present government that is drawing us backwards from a peaceful State to chaos.

More photos