₦airaland Forum

Gov Uzodimma gets chieftaincy title, vows to develop Mbaise

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has vowed to carry out total development in the entire local government areas in Mbaise such as Aboh, Ezinihitte and Ahiazu Mbaise respectfully.

This is as the Governor was honoured with a prestigious Chieftaincy title of “Enyioma Mbaise” (Good friend of Mbaise Nation) by ranking traditional rulers from the area in appreciation of his good relationship with the people of Mbaise.

Uzodimma speaking at the 2022 Iriji-Mbaise national cultural festival which was held at Itu Central School Field, in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local government area of the state told the mammoth crowd of Mbaise sons and daughters who graced the occasion, that the development of Mbaise is top on his agenda.

He said: “We cannot develop any other part of Imo State without developing Mbaise nation.”

The Governor assured them that the development which has eluded the area for decades will be brought to them by his administration before other parts of the State.

Describing Mbaise people as highly intelligent, educated and pacesetters, the Governor emphasized that as far as he is concerned civilization started in Mbaise land.

He said: “I was invited as Special Guest of Honour to come and show solidarity with the people over the Iriji festival, his instincts tell him that he is part of Mbaise Nation because of his past history with the people.”

“This is a homecoming for me. So it is erroneous for me to be regarded as a Guest. Rather, I am a co-host at this Iriji-Mbaise occasion organized by people who are my own.”

The Governor assured me that despite the threats and animosity from some quarters, nobody will succeed in creating enmity between me and my people because of selfish and personal interests.

He thanked the organizers for working hard to keep fate with a festival that has become synonymous with the Mbaise Nation, just as he appreciated the honour done him by the Traditional Rulers who conferred the Enyioma Mbaise Chieftaincy title on him, despite the threat issued to them not to do so or face serious consequences.

Governor Uzodimma assured both the Royal Fathers and the organisers of the event that no harm would happen to them as the government will ensure that no such thing happens.

“Let me sound a note of warning. If anything happens to any traditional ruler, political appointee or organizers of this event from Mbaise, we know those to hold responsible.”

He promised to deal with the issue of bad roads as demanded by the organizers of the festival and Mbaise leaders.

“You will be living witnesses to my reassurance that development will come to Mbaise Nation under my watch. Take it from me that my government will leave Mbaise Nation better than we met it. There can be no development in Imo without first developing Mbaise Nation.”

In his welcome speech, President General, Olu Oha Mbaise, and Chief Perry Opara thanked the Governor and other dignitaries for finding time to be part of the festival despite their busy schedules.

He lauded the Governor’s development strides in Mbaise in particular and Imo State in general, reminding him that Mbaise Nation will forever remain grateful for the flag-off of the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia.

Chief Opara however told the Governor that Mbaise Nation deserves good roads like yesterday and that his name will be etched in the psyche of the people if he does that.

In his remarks as Chairman of the occasion, Chief Paul Obasi (Paul and Paul), applauded the Governor for his numerous achievements touching on the different political zones of Imo State, particularly the recent flag-off of the Owerri- Mbaise -Umuahia road among other projects and pledged the continuous support of Mbaise Nation to his administration.

He also emphasized the importance of good roads in Mbaise.

Gunmen kill Imo monarch




The traditional ruler of the Nguru community in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Eze James Nnamdi, was shot dead on Monday afternoon.

He was killed at his palace when some gunmen invaded his home.

The slain king was said to be receiving a guest, who was identified as Chief Ignatius Nwaru when the attackers struck.

The development has however caused panic in the area.

A source who doesn’t want to be mentioned said, “The traditional ruler of Nguru in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area was around 3 pm shot dead. The traditional who is popularly known as Eze Mmirioma was killed in his palace. This is so terrifying.”

Our correspondent gathered that the slain king’s guest was rushed to an undisclosed hospital where he was being attended to.

Confirming the killing of the traditional ruler, the spokesperson for the police in the state, Henry Okoye, said that the state Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Berde, had ordered an investigation into the murder incident.

Okoye said, “The Commissioner of Police, Imo state, CP Mohammed Barde has condemned in totality the gruesome murder of Eze Mmirioma, a traditional ruler in Aboh Mbaise, who died while receiving treatment in the hospital after being shot severally in his house today by gunmen.

“He (CP Barde) has set up a high-powered investigating team to investigate this case and ensure that the perpetrators of this dastardly act are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

Tinubu to submit list of ministerial nominees

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

Barring any last minute change, President Bola Tinubu is expected to send the list of ministerial nominees to the Senate for screening this week.

The President is expected, by law, to forward the list of ministerial nominees to the National Assembly 60 days from the date he takes the oath of office.

The administration of Tinubu was inaugurated on May 29, when the former President Muhammadu Buhari handed over the mantle of leadership to him.

Going by the constitutional provision of the 60 days, the President is left with about 10 days to constitute his cabinet.

Presidency sources hinted that the list of ministerial nominees has been prepared for a long time but there have been adjustments in the list.

A Presidency source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “The list of ministerial nominees has been ready since but the President has made some changes in some states.

“The list is expected to be forwarded to the National Assembly between Wednesday and Thursday except there is any development that could delay it again further.

“The President is supposed to constitute his cabinet latest July 26. So, I am sure that the list will be sent to the senate this week.”

Recall that different purported ministerial lists have been in circulation as the President keeps Nigerians guessing on who would make the list and whether there will be government of national unity as speculated in some quarters.

The presidential spokesman, Mr Dele Alake, recently said that it is only President Tinubu that could decide when to submit the list of the nominees to the National Assembly as well as those to make the list.

Alake assured that the list will be made public before the expiration of the 60 days.

NASS set to receive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's ministerial nominee tomorrow 19th of July 2023.

This was contained in a letter received by the NASS clerk.