₦airaland Forum

The New Imo Civil Service
08/6/2020

Driving government productivity and policies is dependent on the efficiency of the civil service. Efficient civil service that's at par or better than private service will deliver more efficient services and leave more feeling of satisfaction on the citizens.

Understanding this, one of the 5 key thematic areas HE Hope Uzodinma identified that will help enhance the government of Shared Prosperity in the civil service. The Governor has never shied away from his desire to make the Imo Civil service more effective and to bring it at par with service delivery as obtainable in private service.

To make this happen, HE has unveiled plans to make the Imo state civil service become par with the private service by focusing on welfare and incentives of the workers; he has promised to reinstate Permanent Secretaries as the Chief Accounting Officers of all MDAs, moving away from the politics that allowed politicians hijack the decision making process in various MDAs and blurred the decision making process.

He has also unveiled his plans and has initiated the process for staff housing loan scheme , vehicle advance and microcredit scheme for the members of the Imo state civil service. His Excellency understand that comfort and a good welfare system is a major influencing factor for increased efficiency and professionalism in the civil service.

To ensure that timely service delivery is given a priority various technology support systems will be unveiled to guarantee seamless information sharing across the MDAs and improve transparency. Workers will now be evaluated annually using Key Performance Index for an objective assessment of discrete output of staff that will be supported with concrete verifiable evidence. Mystery shoppers will also be used to gauge spontaneously the performance of workers randomly and correct obvious lapses

Anyone who has read the book My Vision by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum ruler of Dubai and vice-president of the United Arab Emirates civil service reforms was one of the revolutionary changes that made Dubai what it's today.

HE Hope Uzodinma running on a vision of Shared Prosperity is keen to make the civil service, the engine room of service delivery a big partner in Shared Prosperity and will do what's necessary to ensure that the Imo State Civil Service become par and above the private service in the state in terms of service delivery so that Ndi Imo can have seamless and easy interactions at all tiers of government in the state.

30 IMO PDP EXCOS DEFECT TO IMO APC TODAY


No fewer than 30 persons defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC from the PDP in Imo State today.

Among the decampees are, Barr Charles Ezekwem (Ikemba Okigwe) - former Chairman of the PDP, Damian Opara - former Publicity Secretary of PDP and his assistant, Hon Harry Ihebinike, Francis Eze Ugochukwu - former SSA on Public Enlightenment to ousted Emeka Ihedioha, State Youth Leader of PDP - Aburi Williams Ahanonu, Legal Adviser - Jerry Egemba, some national officers, LGA chairmen and others.

The defecting members took turns to speak glowingly of HE_HopeUzodimma whom they said is development conscious and progressive minded, while noting that they left their former party PDP with its soul and heart, as the party is now left with an empty shell.

In what appeared to be a drama of sort, a minute silent was observed for the repose of the soul of PDP.

Worthy of note is that hundreds of thousands of their supporters joined them to the APC.

To God be the glory. We are making waves.

COVID-19: 24 Imo commissioners test negative

ON MAY 26, 202011:15

By Chinonso Alozie – Owerri


All the twenty-four Imo state commissioners have tested negative to COVID-19 virus.


This development was confirmed in Owerri, by the Commissioner for Special Projects, Simon Ebegbulem, adding that the result of the test came out on Sunday.

He explained that governor Hope Uzodinma had insisted that his commissioners should submit themselves for test before the commencement of the state executive council meeting which he said was completely complied with and that the result after some days came out negative.

The commissioner said: “The development forced the shifting of the business of the day from the earlier scheduled 11am, to 1.40pm, with all the commissioners submitting themselves to the Coronavirus test which was conducted by a team of the state Covid-19 committee headed by the commissioner for health, she was also tested.



“The test results came in on Sunday, with all the twenty-four commissioners testing negative.”

He continued: “When the governor gave the order we thought he was joking, but he was serious, and directed the state Commissioner for Health, Damaris Osunkwo, to ensure that all the commissioners subject themselves to the Covid-19 test.

“As you can see, the governor’s proactive measures is a thing to be commended and copied by others. Why it not for such measures, we might as well be have been saying something else, as is being witnessed in some other states.


“This is a governor that is determined to protect the health and wellbeing of every citizen, no matter whose ox is gored. Some of us, I must confess, went into panic mode, but realizing that that was leadership by example, and for the benefit of the good people of the state.

“I am happy to say that I tested negative, and none of my colleagues tested positive; we had a successful executive council meeting afterwards, and we look forward to more of this lesson in leadership by example from our governor.”


Vanguard News Nigeria

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2020/05/covid-19-24-imo-commissioners-test-negative/amp/

IMO DEPUTY GOVERNOR ASSURES 50 YEARS LIFE SPAN OF ONGOING ROADS

Iheanyi Enwerem

Imo State Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku,has validated the quality of ongoing road reconstruction and rehabilitation ongoing in the State,opining that the roads will last the test of time.

He made the assertion while speaking to newsmen when he took a tour to the ongoing renovation work in the office of the Deputy Governor, Twin House Owerri, on Friday.

Njoku,expressed satisfaction with the level of work done so far in his office, stressing that their 3R shared prosperity administration ably led by His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodimma,is committed in ensuring that all projects ongoing in the State have a long life span.

The Number Two citizen who doubles as the Chairman Committee on Road Monitoring,availed that ongoing reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads in the State when completed will serve Imolites for about 40-50 years, adding that the administration is more interested in delivering quality and standard road projects,especially at Owerri-Okigwe, Owerri-Egbu-Airport junction and other roads in the State.

"We monitor those roads on a regular basis to ensure that the contractors deliver quality and standard work". Prof. Njoku

#GovernmentOfSharedProsperity
#HopeInImo
#HopeNewAndElectronicMedia
#AudacityOfHope

IMO COVID19 TASKFORCE AND THE LESSON OF VIGILANCE

The recent data released by the NCDC shows that 26 new cases of the COVID19 pandemic has been recorded in Imo State. In reality, this new figure is not only transient but also a vicarious indication of Imo State's pro-active disposition in the handling of this pandemic.

First, the Imo COVID19 task force has developed deliberate strategies that not only check the spread of the virus amongst local population, but enhances inter-state cooperation in fighting the scourge. The Imo COVID19 taskforce has remained vigilant in Manning our borders against any form of infiltration. It was this commendable level of vigilance that saw the interception of about 96 persons who were on transit through the State.

Fortunately, the taskforce has improved capacity to test suspected persons, and anyone flaunting the border restriction order. Thus, the 96 passengers were tested with 26 of them testing positive to the virus. While the positive cases are currently undergoing treatment at the State isolation centers, the Imo COVID19 taskforce has painstakingly notified the State of destination of the other passengers, who, as we speak, are under close monitoring at their State of destination.

At this point in our COVID19 experience, data exchange has become a critical aspect of managing the pandemic, and Imo State has set the pace. Note, that Isolation centres are not meant for none carriers of the virus, especially those who have been tested and certified free. However, it is important to keep close watch on our people and exchange critical data where necessary.

It is important to remind our people to adhere strictly to the travel restriction in the country, and also ensure that all other preventive measures outlined in the NCDC protocol are observed.

Together, we shall overcome this too.

GOV HOPE UZODIMMA FACILITATES WITH MUSLIM COMMUNITY ON THEIR EID MUBARAK CELEBRATION

I felicitate with all Muslim faithfuls as they celebrate the occasion of the end of the Ramadan fast and the Eid_el_Fitri prayers.

As solemn as the celebration is, I enjoin all our Muslim faithfuls to imbibe the sacred teachings of the Ramadan by maintaining peaceful coexistence amongst one another and loyalty to all constituted Government authorities for the shared prosperity of all Imolites to thrive.

As we grapple with realities of the global Covid-19 deadly pandemic, as a people and Government, I urge you all to pray most fervently for us to come out strong in no distant time.

Happy Eid Mubarak!

Uzodinma; Lessons on Selflesness

By Walter Ononuju Nnadi.

_"Selflessness is virtue that can't be found in narcissists"_

When the bill repealing the "Pension and Gratuity Law for ex-Governors, their deputies, Speakers of the house and their deputies" was proposed, it initially seemed as if it will not sail. Thankfully, it has sailed, surprising the naysayers. The bill was unanimously passed and it got assented immediately.

The government will now channel the fund, which is in excess of N1.3b annually to more pressing and important needs of ndi Imo, especially in the health sector, infrastructure, wages and salaries and so on

The 3R( Reconstruction, Recovery and Rehabilitation) agenda of this government has began to yield fruits in many sphere of the state's activities:

The massive work that is ongoing in all the three senatorial zone of the state is a clear evidence that the commander of the 3R administration came prepared, and is armed with the necessary tools for the total turn around of the states' landscape. The citizens are now singing a new song in unison, cheering happily the performing government of shared prosperity. In Imo state at the moment, a total reconstruction is ongoing; Uzo-ndi-imo-adina-mma.

Imo state today is agog with pleasant happenings in the areas of recovering lost proceeds of corruption and stopping the corruption itself from happening. The rigorous and steadfast moves made so far by this administration in recovering our looted common wealth is timely and is being greeted with great applause. The government has nibbed in the bud the pension and salary scam syndicates by introducing direct E-payment system, though not without resistance because corruption must fight back when faced with existential threat. The government is more than resolute in her pursuit of purging the state off corrupt practises.
The implementation of the single treasury account by the government is also worthy of accolades because it has helped in plugging all the loopholes used in siphoning the treasury of the state. Onwa thank you so much. Ndi Imo appreciate.

This government wouldn't have come with the slogan of "shared prosperity" without having in mind that its will be building bridges of reconciliation and extending a hand of friendship to the people on the other side and the new entrants into the ruling party. The diversified appointments made by the state government is a good indicator that this government is not in the business of partisanship, rather it is an administration that is pan Imo. Uzodinma is a deal maker and he is ready to strike that deal for the benefit of ndi Imo.

I urge all Imolites to speak in one voice in support of this great gift from the supreme being.

REMARKS BY IMO STATE GOVERNOR, SEN HOPE UZODINMA, AT HIS ASSENT TO TWO BILLS PASSED BY THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE OWERRI ON FRIDAY MAY 22, 2020

PROTOCOLS

I am quite glad to give my assent to these two important bills that were passed by the house of Assembly. By this ceremony of my assent the bills are now part of the laws of Imo state to the glory of God

This ceremony presents an auspicious opportunity to throw more light on why the Executive sponsored the two bills

As a young state grappling with enormous challenges, it dawned on me that the Imo state Governors and Speakers Pensions and Privileges law No 5 of 2007 was a bad omen.At the age our Governors and Speakers are leaving office it will not be out of place to assume that many of them will be alive and kicking in the next 15 years or more. This will mean that by then the state will have more than 20 governors and Speakers qualified for Pensions and Privileges

I was alarmed that the financial implications for the state will not only be scandalous but indefensible. My simple calculation told me that there could come a time when the state could be spending more than one third of its resources to maintain former Governors and Speakers .

This was unacceptable to me, particularly for a state that has not been able to pay the gratuities of many retired public servants.

It is more so because the same Governors and Speakers also recieved severance allowances, amounting to several millions of Naira, when they disengage from office.

Severance allowances are targeted at cushioning post public office financial challenges for non pensionable positions such as Governor and Speaker. How then can the same category of former public office holders turn around to receive Pensions?

Even more importantly the Pensions Act is very clear that only those who have served in the public service for a minimum of 10 years are personable. Paying governors , Speakers and their deputies who spend a maximum of 8 years or less in office is actually criminal because it is against the law of the land.

Besides we have cases where retired civil servants already earning pensions contest for public office and end up earning double pension as former governors or deputies and as a retired civil servant. In every sense therefore the law in question is condemnable.

It is note worthy that I am supposed to benefit from this law when I leave office as governor. Yet I called for its repeal. This should leave no one in doubt that I am acting in the best interest of our state and our people. I believe that those of us who have had the privilege of occupying exalted positions must be human enough to resist the temptation of feeding fat on the lean resources of the state at the expense of the people. We must know when to say enough is enough.

So let no one make any mistake about it. The governors and Speakers Pensions and Privileges law was a bad law that needed to be repealed. it was anti people. It was in bad faith. It was fraudulent.

I could not condone such a law. History and my conscience will not forgive me if i did. I had no choice therfore but to ask for its repeal as part of my government's recovery agenda. Yes, I needed to recover the billions of public funds that would have been lavished on a privileged few and plough it back to the more important business of developing our state.

I am glad that the House of Assembly members saw reason with me and today this offensive law has been repealed

The bill to amend the university of Agriculture and Environmental Studies law number 4 of 2019 is a straightforward bill. It merely sort to stick to the original registration particulars of the law on which the National Universities Commission's approval (NUC) was based, which had no room for a multi campus arrangement The law , as now amended , only seeks to set the records straight and to build the new university on existing structures at Umoagwo, while we relocate the Imo state polytechnic to another deserving site.

Thank you all for your attention

Sen Hope Uzodimma
Governor
Friday may 22 , 2020

Uzodimma assents to a bill halting payment of pensions & others entitlements to Ex Govs, DGovs, Speaker & DSP

Martin Okorowu, The Nigerian Voice, Owerri

22/05/2019

His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Odidika Uzodimma has signed into law a bill cancelling pensions and gratuity for former Governors, Deputy Governors, Speaker and Deputy Speaker in Imo State.

The Imo State House of Assembly had yesterday, Thursday, 21st May, 2020 repealed a law that allows pensions and other entitlements to former political office holders.

Those affected are past Governors, Deputy Governors Speakers and Deputy Speakers of the State's parliament.

Leading the debate, the Majority Leader of the 9th Assembly of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Amb. Uche Ogbuagu said, the state could no longer bear the huge financial burden the payments posed on the government.

According to him, about one point three billion naira (N1.3bn) is spent every year on these entitlements when the state struggles to pay salaries and pensions of retired civil servants.

The bill which was given accelerated passage yesterday at house of assembly has today, Friday, 22nd May, 2020 been assented to by the Governor, Sen Hope Uzodimma.

This particular move has generated commendations from different parts of the country, including from opposition parties describing it a step in the right direction to cut cost of governance in the state.

The Imo State Government under the watch of His Excellency, Gov. Hope Uzodimma has been working tirelessly to rehabilitate/reconstruct all dilapidated roads in the state.

The Office of Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma on New & Electronic Media and it's Media crew embarked on an assessment tour on roads undergoing construction & rehabilitation within Imo state.

The roads visited includes:-

1) Warehouse roundabout - Emmanuel College - Naze road.

2) MCC/Uratta road.

3) Dick Tiger road.

4) Chukwuma Nwoha road.

5) Desilting of Lake Nwaebere and Man holes at IMSU.

6) Mbonu Ojike road.

7) World Bank - Federal Secretariat road.

Assumpta - Ibari Ogwa junction along PH road.

9) Thomas Moore, JP Ajaelu and Gozie Nwachukwu roads.

10) Nnempi road behind Emmanuel College.

11) Oparaanozie/Edede/Amaigbo road

12) Relief Market road.

13) Akachi road.

14) World Bank-Umuguma road.

15) Akabo Ikeduru road.

16) St Joseph Catholic Church roundabout Orlu

17) Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) road.

18) Nkume/Orlu road.

19) Okporo - Omuma road.

The tour which lasted for 3 days (Tuesday 19th - Thursday 21th May, 2020) was done alongside the Hon. Commissioner for Works, Hon. Ralph Nwosu, Permanent Secretary, Technical Officers of the Ministry of Works & a few Media houses in Imo, to ascertain and evaluate the level of work ongoing in fixing roads in the state.

This tour was also targeted to checkmate the readiness of the contactors to adhere to the specific standards and also to deliver on the projects in record time.

Upon conclusion of the tour today, the level of work on these roads so far has been impressive & commendable. While a few have been 100 percent completed, others are receiving serious attention.

The tour was important, as the shared prosperity government of HE Hope Uzodimma is wholly committed to give roads in the state, a total facelift as promised in his inuagural address.

#HopeNewAndElectronicMedia
#GovernmentOfSharedProsperity
#ImoIsHopeful
#HopeInImo
#AudacityOfHope

The Supreme Court Governor of Imo state, dishing out supreme developmental orders


By Obi Trice Emeka

There's this saying " it's better to be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and clear all doubts ". I have discovered more fools in the last few weeks than I have in my entire life. How do you classify learned person who enjoy the folly of arguing on the legitimacy of a Supreme court judgement? I think hate is the driving force for senility and it will always make the wise, foolish.

While they have sleepless nights, converge in the darkest of places with notorious of characters to fabricate publications that will defame HE or to engage in the most empty of arguments to malign the rising hope ( pun intended) in Imo state. HE Hope Uzodinma keep rising.

There's no interested observer in Imo state who wouldn't have noticed the concerted efforts by HE Hope Uzodinma on the economy to create jobs and usher in unprecedented development in Imo state. In Continuation of this, yesterday he signed an executive order to reduce the broadband right of way from N4500/metre to N145/m

What this mean is that it will be easier to lay fibre optic cables round Imo state than anywhere else in Nigeria. It will lead to a faster internet speed which will breed more ICT firms in Imo state- creating jobs for the teeming youthful population. This order was also strategically issued to ensure Imo state become the ICT hub of the South East and lay a foundation for the knowledge economy in the South East.

The Supreme court Governor is doing exceedingly well and more of this supreme orders are needed to keep the hope rising in Imo state.

#AudacityOfHope
#GreaterImoStateWithHope

NDI-IMO: SHOW ME THIS MAN AND GO TO SLEEP

✓ He is the man that rejected 45 million for social media fight in his favour.

✓ He is the man who increased our IGR from 600 million naira to 2 billion naira in 3 months

✓ He is same man that changed and revamped the otammiri water scheme.

✓ He is the man that revamped Adapalm which will soon engaged over 35 thousand youths and our palm produce produces over 10,000 tons.

✓ He is the man that has mesmerized us with quality roads in the state ..

✓ He is the man who is saddled with payment salary and pensions

✓ A Man who does not play with the life of it's citizens.

NDI IMO, THE MAN IS :

GOV. HOPE UZODIMMA (ONWA)
The Prosperity preaching preaching Governor of Imo state.[/color][color=#000000]

GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA OF IMO STATE SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER, REDUCING BROADBAND RIGHT OF WAY (ROW) FOR TELECOMMUNICATION COMPANIES

Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma today, 20th May 2020, signed an Executive order No. 002, 2020 significantly reducing Right of Way (ROW) of telecommunication companies in the state from N4500 to N145 per meter in tandem with federal government policy.

The order explained that, the reduction was a manifestation of the state government’s determination to spur the telecommunication companies to further invest in broadband infrastructure and to trigger ancillary on-line services, especially in the field of education.

The order further said that the government was hopeful that the drastic reduction from N4500 of the broadband ROW to N145 per liner meter of fibre, will accelerate the deployment of affordable, and reliable modern high speed connectivity in the state.

The Executive order urged telecommunication companies to note that the state plays host to a vibrant youthful demography located in many tertiary institutions, who form the bulk of the end users of their products.

#HopeInImo
#GovernmentOfSharedProsperity
#AudacityOfHope
#HopeNewAndElectronicMediaCenter


Personal Opinion:

Uzodimma moves to bring technology closer to imolites. Reduces broadband right of way from N4500 to N145 per meter. It means Internet will be more available all over imo state, which will
bring about investment.

It Has the potential to revolutionize tech in Imo state.

EMEKA IHEDIOHA MEETS WITH IMO STATE STAKEHOLDERS FORUM: GIVES REASONS FOR LOBBYING OVER 19.63 BILLION NAIRA LOOT

says; his former experience in EFCC custody is a great lesson

A group known as the Imo State stakeholders Forum has expressed shock and disappointment over the reasons given by the former Governor of Imo state, Emeka Ihedioha for pleading for Clemency and a political solution over the N19.63 billion that grew wings from the Local Government account during his short stay as the Governor of Imo State.

The group led by Prof. Christopher Ejimkeonye as chairman made these observations while briefing our reporter after their meeting held at Mbutu Aboh Mbaise, the country home of Emeka Ihedioha. He maintained that the ousted Governor has resolved to plead for a political solution rather than face the Imo State House of Assembly. According to him, Emeka was panicky that the issue will go a long way to destroy his political career and that the audit report of his administration should not be made public. Recall that Emeka had also approached the court to stop the investigation which was rejected

Emeka was quoted as saying "as a politician, it is always better to resolve this kind of issue politically."

Emeka Ihedioha met with the Imo Stakeholders shortly after his visit to the speaker of the IMO State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins to plead for clemency.

Emeka He urged the stakeholders to bear with him and help him reach out and amplify his plea stating that he has helped many of them in the past and it is now time for them to help him.

"Emeka is afraid of his previous experience with the EFCC. He doesn't want go through the process that he went with the EFCC after his tenure as the Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives" the chairman said

During the meeting Emeka was reported to have asked the group "do you know what happen at the EFCC when you are invited? I have experienced it before and do not wish to experience it again".

The meeting was well attended by the state executive council of the Imo Stakeholders Forum Chaired by Prof. Sir, Ejimkeonye, with Dr. Chinaka Okorie as Secretary

TWO COVID 19 PATIENTS DISCHARGED TODAY IN IMO STATE

We're pleased to announce that two more persons have been discharged from the Imo State isolation center, Including the index case.

This brings the number of persons released to three(3).

At the moment we still have four active cases and no new case.

I enjoin all citizens to continue to adhere to all the precautionary measures we have put in place to continue to safegaurd all Imolites.

#Covid19Out
#LetsFightCovid19
#TakeResponsibility

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=141016214166514&id=101832948084841

19.63 BILLION LOOT: EMEKA IHEDIOHA SNEAK INTO IMO STATE, LOBBY FOR CLEMENCY

The erstwhile Governor of Imo state, HE, Emeka Ihedioha today, sneaked into the Imo State House of Assembly Complex and met with the speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins in a bid to secure a soft landing on the N19.63b which reportedly disappeared under his watch as Governor.

According to an eye witness, HE, Emeka Ihedioha came into the complex in a dark tinted Toyota sienna Van with plate number ( IMO CB 628 NWA) in an apparent disguise to stop onlookers from recognising him and went straight to the speaker's office.

According to a source who was privy to the discussion, HE, Emeka Ihedioha offered to return part of the money in an exchange for clemency. The former Governor who looked sullen and downcast pleaded with the speaker to initiate a political settlement which will see him returning part of the N19.63b and the Government forego the investigation. It was said that he buttressed his position pointing to similar deal reached in the past between the FG and Abubakar Bagudu

Recall that the Imo State House of Assembly had accused the former Governor of looting the Imo state treasury to the tune of N19.63 Billion in seven months and subsequently began an investigation to unravel the facts, which so far are staggering.

It is alleged that his lawyers after seeing the mountain of evidence, with facts and figures being provided by the lawmakers urged Emeka to seek a politcal solution. An insider privy to the matter who wished to remain anonymous was quoted as saying " If a proper investigation is conducted Emeka will be nailed. The evidence is staggering,if he does not reach out and this goes to court, he will be convicted and that will be the end of his political career " he said

We will continue to keep you posted on the issue as our reporters and insider sources will continue to update us on the developing story

Niger state #NYSC has not paid BATCH C 2014 CORPERS THEIR ALLOWANCES for September and October till today November 6 2015. LET THEM TAKE NOTE THAT we Are planning protest at National Secretariat Abuja soon if the money is not paid into our bank Accounts by Next week Monday to Wednesday 9- 11 November 2015. let the world hear it. they want to eat our money. #IS THIS THE CHANGE WE VOTED FOR?