Residents cry out as gully erosion threatens Imo community

By Lancelot Obiaku

Residents of the Works Layout extension in the Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State have cried out over the menacing gully erosion threatening the area.

NewsfeedNG gathered that the gully erosion, which has been affecting the area in recent years, will be worsened if nothing was done urgently to contain it.

Residents told our correspondent that the problem, began in 2018 after the government at the time constructed a substandard drainage system and abandoned the intended dualization of the road connecting the area to the neighbouring Standard Shoe, Spibat and Amakohia areas of the Owerri metropolis.

The situation has left a family house in the area on the verge of collapse.

The said residence is inhabited by one Mr. Okeoma Godson and other members of his family.

Mr. Okeoma, who is paralysed after surviving a fatal accident a couple of years ago, called on the government to come to their aid.

He said he and members of his family have no other place to run to.

"I am pleading with the government to come to our help. When the rain comes again this year, my house will likely collapse. We don't have any other place to run to", he said.

"We are about to be rendered homeless. Government should please save our home from being wiped out.", Ogechi, another member of the family cried out.

It was learnt that other houses in the area might be consumed by flood during the rainy season and residents may flee their homes.

The road linking the area to Spibat extension is also about to be cut off by the gully erosion.

A resident, Mrs Nwabueze Chizoba, stated that aside from the house that has been badly hit by the gully erosion, the road which is about to be cutoff is a bypass for other communities in the Owerri metropolis.

She said, “It is sad that the owner of this building cannot walk. He had built it some years ago when he had the strength and ability to do so. Now that he does not walk, it would be disastrous for him to lose his shelter.

“The condition of the road does not only affect the house. The road is a bypass linking Amakohia, Okigwe road and Orji community. If it is cuts off, it would affect Owerri as a capital city.

"Motorists going to Orji and Amakohia use the road as alternative route when there are traffic congestions on Okigwe and Orlu roads. Our fear is that the next rainy season may be the last straw that will break the Camel's back”

Another resident, Mr. Emeka Anyanwu, expressed apprehension over the fate that might befall the people living in the area, especially the paralyzed man and his family, if the menace was left unchecked.

He called for urgent intervention from the government in order to save the area from further catastrophe.

http://www.newsfeedng.com/news/residents-cry-out-as-gully-erosion-threatens-imo-community/

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Imo Pdp Stakeholder Advises Party On Unity

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Members and supporters of the People's DemWocratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, South East Nigeria, have been urged to remain focused, committed and united.

The Ward Chairman of Government Reserved Areas (GRA), Owerri, Imo State, Hon. Ifeanyi Iwuchuchu, gave the charge during a meeting of leaders and executives of the party in the ward.

Hon Iwuchukwu thanked them for their steadfastness during the leadership crisis that threatened the party's existence at various levels; even as he reiterated his desire to see PDP return to the summit of leadership in Imo State and Nigeria in 2019.

According to him, this would be made possible through teamwork and passionate commitment of the party's supporters.

The Chairman used the auspicious occasion to plead with aggrieved members of the party in the ward to sheath their sword. He enjoined them to work in harmoniously with him to make PDP stronger in the area.

Reacting to the recent ruling by the Supreme Court on the leadership of the party, the youthful Iwuchukwu opined that in line with the verdict, Barrister Charles Ezekwem has been reaffirmed as the authentic PDP Chairman in the Imo State. However, he stressed the need for the party to extend an olive branch to its members who aligned with the dissolved factions prior to the judgement, arguing that politics is a game of number.

Iwuchukwu, who donated money and gift items for the use of members equally stressed the essence for all supporters of the party to participate in the on going voters registration exercise as it will enable them to exercise their franchise in 2019 general elections.

PDP, Owerri Municipal Chapter Holds Ward Women Rally In G.R.A WARD

*I am still Ward Chairman - Iwuchukwu

By Kizito Duru

The Chairman of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Government Reserved Areas (G.R.A) Ward in Owerri Municipal LGA of Imo State, Hon. Ifeanyi Iwuchukwu, says he will continue to chair the opposition party in the ward irrespective of who is the national Chairman.

Iwuchukwu who made the statement at a rally organized by the Owerri Municipal LGA chapter of the party held in the electoral ward, recently, averred that PDP is one entity whether it is led by Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff or Sen Ahmed Markafi.

Despite the recent verdict by an appeal court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, which declared Sen. Sheriff as the authentic national Chairman of PDP, in her lead judgement against Sen. Markafi, Hon. Iwuchukwu remained confident that not withstanding the outcome of the matter at the Supreme Court, he will remain the G.R.A ward Chairman.

He enthused that his emergence as PDP Chairman in the ward was a unanimous decision by members of the PDP in the area; even as he echoed that he has been able to justify the confidence reposed in him with the positive steps taken so far in repositioning PDP in the ward, much to the admiration of many.

In his usual manner, Hon Iwuchukwu promised to sponsor the women wing of PDP in G.R.A ward to the remaining 10 ward women rallies for the 11 wards in the local government. The Chairman assured that he will provide Bus to convey them to the venue on each occasion, carter for their entertainment and also donate a certain sum of money to sponsor and support thier rally.

Also speaking, the PDP woman leader in Owerri Municipal LGA, Lady Vera Awuzie, commended Hon Iwuchukwu and charged the women to effectively discharge their duties with utmost dedication and commitment. She revealed that the party is now a darling to many Nigerians, who has compared its leadership with that of APC. According to her, people cannot wait to have have 2019 in their calendars to be able to send APC packing.

In conclusion, the Chairman of PDP in Owerri Municipal LGA, Engr Oparah, who was also the Chaired the rally, charged the women to remain consistent towards restructuring the party. Oparah opined that the women are the nucleus of any association or political party, thus the progress or regress of the party in 2019 has hugely to do with the political activeness or apathy exhibited by them. The chairman promised to carry them along in the scheme of events and reiterated his support to the programmes lined up by the women to ensure that the party recorded success in 2019.

IMO BASED BUSINESSMAN CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH PAGEANTRY

A rising business mogul in Owerri, Imo State, Mr. Chigaemezu Iwueze, popularly known as Domblawee, celebrated his birthday anniversary on the 18th of February.

As expected for a young man with great potentials, his brothers, friends, well wishers and close allies gathered in their numbers to ensure that the day was a memorable one for their man, in a colourful birthday bash.

Blessings were rained on the celebrant even as good wishes poured in from all angles, including those from his bosses and mentors, notably, Mr. Ogemdi Ibeawuchi.

Mr. Ibeawuchi went back memory lane to tell the enterprising strength and spirit which the birthday celebrant exhibited at a younger age which created an emotional atmosphere in the celebration room.

Mr. Ogemdi Ibeawuchi who is renowned for his philanthropic nature also used the auspicious occasion to bless the celebrant and encouraged his protégé to remain focused and hardworking. He also enjoined him to imbibe the spirit of giving and empowering others, which according to him is one of the surest ways of sustaining success in life.

Donblawee's welcoming hands received notable guests including his boss Mr. Ogemdi Ibeawuchi, Dr. Pope Ekwe, Hon Emeka Ibe Okwuruokaa, Dr. Charles C. Iwuala, Snr Comr. Awuzie Promise Ifunanya (Mc Publicity), Hon Akusinachi, Arc Ezinna Iwueze (A.b. Tukai), Comr. Nwachukwu Nnamdi Isdore, Obiaku Lancelot Ifeanyi, Duru Kizito, among others!

IMO BASED PHILANTHROPIST DONATES CAR TO PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PERSONS

By Kizito Duru & Lancelot Obiaku

December 28, 2016, was a day to remember for members of the Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities (JONAP), Isiala Mbano Chapter, Imo State, who were on the receiving end of an extra ordinary magnanimity exhibited by one Mr Ogemdi Ibeawuchi, a young businessman and a good spirited Nigerian.

The physically challenged persons were presented with food items, cash gifts and motivational books by their benefactor who also promised to donate a brand new Bus to the association, much to their joy and excitement.

Speaking, Chairman of the association, Mr Kelechi Ukachu reckoned that the gesture was unprecedented for them. He said that it was unlike several occasions when politicians used them to play politics with empty promises. He thanked Mr Ogemdi Ibeawuchi, popularly called Ogidi Mbano, for his show of genuine love and compassion towards them without any political mindset.

Also speaking, a member of the association, Mr Ndubueze Ikeji, hailed Mr Ibeawuchi as "Hope of the Hopeless", saying that his gesture has raised their spirits and given them hope in this festive period.

Responding, Mr Ogemdi Ibeawuchi assured the disabled persons that he will continue to support them. The Philanthropist who pledged to answer them anytime they call on him, also promised to buy the association any brand new Bus of their choice.

Highlight of the event was when the group prayed fervently and emotionally to God to protect and shower his blessings on their benefactor.

The event took place at Mr Ogemdi Ibeawuchi's country home at Eziama in Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State.

IWUCHUKWU PLEDGES SUPPORT TO PDP WOMAN LEADERS IN OWERRI MUNICIPAL

...As he chairs their inaugural meeting in 2017

By Kizito Duru

A staunch member of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and Chairman of Government Reserved Areas (G.R.A) Ward, Owerri Municipal LGA, Imo State; Hon. Ifeanyi Iwuchukwu, has promised to support the PDP Ward Woman Leaders in the LGA both morally and financially in any activity geared towards strengthening the party in the area.

Hon. Iwuchukwu who was a special guest of honour at the first meeting of the PDP Ward Woman Leaders Forum, Owerri Municipal LGA, for the year 2017, which was held recently, pledged to work with them in order to move the party forward.

The Ward Chairman who also represented the Owerri Municipal LGA Chairman of PDP, Engr Okechukwu Opara, reminded the women of their importance to the party and urged them to be focused and consistent in their work and support for the PDP, stressing that it pays to be consistent in a good project.

Responding, the host woman leader, Lady Vera Awuzie commended their guest and thanked him for presenting them with gift items and cash donation. She averred that Hon Iwuchukwu has so far done well as Chairman of GRA Ward; even as she in turn assured him of the prayers and support of the women.

Highlight of the occasion was the emergence of Mrs Stella Ngirika and Chinyere Ogbonna as Chair lady and Secretary of the group respectively following an election.

TONY NWULU: "NOT TOO YOUNG TO RUN" AND WHAT A LAWMAKER SHOULD BE
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By Lancelot Obiaku
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Let me begin this very contribution by stating that I don't know a lot about the man Rt Hon Tony Nwulu. However, the much I know about him shows that he is a member of the House of Representatives. Further investigations I carried out on him over the past few days revealed that he is currently representing the good people of Oshodi-Isolo Federal Constituency II Lagos State in the hallowed green chamber of the National Assembly. He was elected under the platform of PDP.

Interestingly too, his origin can be traced to Imo State, the Eastern Heartland, my dear State. He is native of Ezuido, Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State. It is also worthy of note that he is a young man, still in his 30s.

I must confess that although I have been judging Hon. Nwulu from a distance, he has well won my admiration. He has inspired me, even as I am sure that he has succeeded in inspiring so many other youths; he will surely inspire millions in years to come.

What drew my attention to this young legislator is the bill he presented and sponsored in the National Assembly seeking to reduce the age qualifications for interested candidates to contest for the positions of president, governor and senate in the country to 30 years which has passed second reading in the House of Representatives. The bill, which also makes provision for independent candidacy into the country’s electoral process, further reduces the age qualifications to contest for the House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly to 25 years.

The Bill is an alteration of section 65, 106, 131 and 177 of the 1999 constitution which had prescribed qualification into the office of President to 40 years and above, office of governors and senate, 35 years and above as well as House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly to 25 years and above.

The lawmaker was able to craft a suitable phrase to send the message of what the bill stands for deep down and perpetrating into the body, soul and spirit of everyone who comes across or hears about it. He called it "not too young to run".

I am not particularly moved because the young and seemingly conscientious Hon. Nwulu was able to draft and sponsor a bill, but his energy drive towards making sure the bill sees the light of the day stands out for me.

It is pertinent to point out that it is uncommon in the Nigerian political system, in the National Assembly in particular, for a lawmaker to individually pursue a bill the way Hon. Nwulu has been doing with "not too young to run", especially, when the bill does not seem to protect the parochial interest of a particular group, religion or ethnic nationality.

This is the bitter truth, if a bill is designed to protect a parochial interest, the cabals rally round to make sure it is made law.

However, Hon Nwulu's "not too young to run" bill is for all Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion or ethnic nationality. It is a bill for the entire Nigerian youths who have been clamoring for better opportunities to make a statement in the political sphere of the country, to take a robust bite at the cherry. It is a bill both for the poor and rich.

One cannot deny he is a youth, but everything about him at the National Assembly really shows that he had a plan, a masterful blueprint, before embarking on the journey to Abuja; not limited to but including how he has handled the "not too young to run bill" which is currently making all the waves.

Everything shows that the last thing on his mind was to read out the bill during the plenary meeting and then go to sleep, unlike his numerous counterparts and predecessors do and had done over and over.

Today, Hon Nwulu has not only let the entire nation know about the "not too young to run" bill, he has also succeeded in letting the world know about it. The campaigns and awareness so far created on the bill both locally and internationally has been enormous and quite unprecedented. The former national coordinator of PDP Youth Advocacy Initiative has got class and is blazing the trail. He understands what lawmaking should be all about, the rudiments, ethics and ethos, and having the clear understanding that he is in Abuja to help transform the fortunes of his constituents and Nigerians in general for the better through the art of lawmaking. From my assessment, he has been excellent and professional.

Hon. Nwulu must be a conformist to the fact that the number of bills a lawmaker sponsors does not award him or her any certificate for achievement, instead, what matters is how many of them survives the the rough and rocky path between its presentation, readings on the floor of the house, debate, and then passage into law.

Remarkably, while Hon. Nwulu's "not too young to run" bill passed second reading on the floor of the house, he is in USA brainstorming with the best of democrats, participating in conferences and speaking to the world audience about his bill and its benefit to the Nigerian political system.

He has been robbing minds with great leaders and men of valour in Africa and USA. He has been speaking about the electoral system and process in Nigeria and juxtaposing it with that of USA.

The vibrant legislator has surely gone to impart knowledge and also tap from the pool of knowledge available in faraway USA. He is proving nothing short of a good ambassador to Nigeria despite the attendant challenges to democracy and good governance in the country.

I make bold to say that Nigeria, Imo State and Igbo land are blessed to have such a leader with a touch of difference and who has vision, foresight and insight. He is a politician who does not believe in allowing the negative status quo to remain, but is ever committed and working to advance our nascent democracy for the good of all through robust and people-oriented legislation.

It is my belief that Hon. Nwulu has been destined to attain the highest wrungs of political and leadership accomplishment, and people like him can change Nigeria for the better if they are able to withstand and defeat the principalities that be. And I pray he does.

The hardworking rep member has not been found wanting either in his direct relationship with his constituents. A pip at his other achievements since 2015 till date speaks volumes. The real, mega and genuine empowerment schemes for his constituents speaks for themselves. He came to make a difference and I dare say, I am proud his routes can be traced to Imo State and Igbo land.

I have not met Rt Hon Tony Nwulu before, but if have the opportunity to do so in future, I will tell him: "You are what a lawmaker should be".

Keep the flag flying.

Lancelot Obiaku writes from Owerri, Imo State. 08073659174. Follow on twitter: @LanceDeGreat.

IWUCHUKWU URGES PDP MEMBERS TO REMAIN STEADFAST, COMMITTED.

By Kizito Duru

Members and supporters of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State, South East Nigeria, have been urged to remain steadfast, focused and committed to the affairs of the party.

The Ward Chairman of Government Reserved Areas, Owerri, the Imo State capital, Hon. Ifeanyi Iwuchukwu, gave the charge during a new year meeting of leaders and executives of the party in the ward.

Hon Iwuchukwu thanked them for their efforts all through 2016 despite the storms that threatened the unity of the party at various levels; even as he reiterated his desire to see the party return to the summit of leadership of Imo State and Nigeria in 2019. According to him, this would be made possible through teamwork and passionate commitment to the cause of the party by all stakeholders.

The ward chairman, who made a cash donation to the party at the meeting also presented some gift items given to the ward by the Senator representing Imo East Senatorial District; Sen. Samuel Anyanwu and the former Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representative; Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, urged the ward officers and other leaders present to work more assiduously as a formidable team in 2017. He opined that there is always a bright light at the end of the tunnel, and that the gift items from Senator Anyanwu and Rt Hon Ihedioha were a token of their appreciation to the support they enjoy from the Ward.

Responding, Mrs Ijeoma Onanka, (Treasurer, PDP Owerri Municipal) extolled the leadership qualities of Hon Iwuchukwu. She commended him for having the progress of the party at heart, while also urging members of the ward executive to always show unalloyed support towards the Chairman as well as queue into the vision of the party. She assured them that everyone is important in the party, hence, a reward awaits all.

Also reacting, a leader of the party in the area, Senior Comrade T.C Ebebe, assured the Chairman of their continual support, even as he advised him to always watch his back. Ebebe thanked the Chairman for his financial and moral support towards the party and urged him to keep the flag fying.