Imo State Governor-elect, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha CON, has solicited the support and cooperation of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council in the United Kingdom, (CEIC).

According to a statement signed by Imo State Governor Elect Media Aide Mr.Chibuike Onyeukwu, Rt. Hon. Ihedioha was at the Council office in the United Kingdom, Wednesday, on a high level strategic business meeting, to“discuss areas of cooperation and assistance to Imo State by the member states, when he assumes office.

He described the meeting as, “fruitful and forward-looking, with expected strategic cooperation in key areas of wealth creation, agriculture, investment and other critical areas geared towards enhancing and developing our potentials for the economic development of the state”.

The Council is an investment arm of the Commonwealth Nations.

The Council’s Chief Executive, Allan Gemmell OBE, congratulated the Governor-elect on his victory at the polls and committed to supporting the state in the areas of: SMEs, Investment promotion, Agricultural potentials, encouraging commonwealth investors to the state, and making Imo an Investment hub among others.

CIEC officials at the meeting were; Chief Executive, Allan Gemmell OBE, Director of Operations Sean Leno and Director of Business Development AQ Hamza.

The Governor-elect had in his team, Hon. Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Imo East Senator-elect and member representing Owerri Federal Constituency, Hon Bede Eke, Member representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency, Amb Uche Ogbuagu, member-elect, Imo State House of Assembly, Barr. Chima Nwanna (Transition Technical Committee Secretariat) and Barr Anselm Okorie Secretary, TTC Diaspora Initiative Sub-committee.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/ihedioha-woos-commonwealth-seeks-investment-in-imo/

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United must "aspire to Barcelona's level" after the Spanish side knocked them out of the Champions League, BBC sports reports
Lionel Messi inspired Barca to a 3-0 win in Tuesday's quarter-final second leg, sealing a 4-0 aggregate victory.
If we want to get back to Man Utd's true level, true traditions, we have to challenge Barcelona," United boss Solskjaer said.
"They were a couple of levels above over the two games."
https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/solskjaer-man-utd-must-aspire-to-barcelonas-level/

Five members of the Imo State House of Assembly have been recalled.

The recalled lawmakers were Chiji Collins (Isiala Mbano), Uche Oguwuike (Ikeduru), Ifeanyi Nnataraonye (Mbaitoli), Donatus Onuigwe (Oru West), and Kenna Nzeruo (Oru West).

They were recalled during plenary on Tuesday presided over the Speaker, Acho Ihim.

The Speaker said that the recalled lawmakers were invited for an interaction during an executive session after which their suspension was lifted.

Since last week, there has been drama in the House as members demanded for payment of their outstanding entitlements and benefits before handover

An Owerri High Court had on November 5, 2019 quashed the suspension slammed on the five members. The court had also jointly awarded the applicants — Dr. Uche Oguwuike (Ikeduru-APC); Mr. Chiji Collins (Isiala Mbano-APGA); Mr. Israel Nnataraonye (Mbaitoli-APC); and Mr. Nkenna Nzeruo (Oru East-APC) N8m in damages and N100,000 in legal fees.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/imo-assembly-recalls-five-suspended-members/

Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Diocese, His Grace AJV Obinna has revealed what transpired between him and Imo State Governor Elect, Emeka Ihedioha, when the latter visited him recently.

He also gave an insight on what he advised Uche Nwosu, Governor Okorocha’s son in law and governorship candidate of the Action Alliance, AA in the March 9, 2019 governorship election.

Speaking to newsmen in his office on Tuesday where he reeled out his Easter Message, the Archbishop said when Ihedioha visited him after he was declared winner of the governorship election, he said he reminded him that democracy is not about intimidation.

He recalled how he cautioned Governor Rochas Okorocha on his command approach to governance which made the people of the State to become afraid of him.

“At a time in this State people became afraid to speak. So when the Governor Elect visited me I told him that he (Emeka) has come to serve the people. I reminded him that he should always remember how he begged for votes. And I told him not to be a tyrant.

“People feel omnipotent when they are surrounded by forces of power. The police, the army and security forces” he said.

He said leaders should learn to be role models, stating that the likes of Late Former South Africa President, Nelson Mandela was a true model of a genuine leader despite being imprisoned for twenty seven years.

On his encounter with Uche Nwosu, the governorship candidate of the Action Alliance, AA and son in law of Governor Rochas Okorocha before the governorship election, the Archbishop said he told him clearly that his governorship ambition was Okorocha’s third term agenda.

“He came here and asked me to pray for him. I told him if he emerged victorious I will not celebrate his victory but rather endure” the Archbishop said.

On his message to Christians at Easter, he expressed worry that “Nigerians have acquired and developed the culture of hating, hurting and murdering one another on a scale that was unknown in our primitive times

“The do or die attitude to elections injected into the Nigerian spirit and air in the year 2023 took a full violent and militarised face in the recently concluded elections of 2019.

“The number of those killed during the elections may not be publicly known.

He said the election in Imo State was palpably tense and that of Rivers State were a full scale war.

He called on Nigerians not to continue in this track.

“We Nigerians need not to continue in this track and culture of hating and killing one another over issues that other nations have resolved through reconciliatory dialogue and peace bringing measures. But without a spirit of forgiveness, forbearance and care for one another reconciliation and peace cannot be achieved on a lasting note.

He said for the current hating and killing in Nigeria within, between and across communities is to be overcome and eliminated, “we need to humble ourselves, everyone of us, look into Jesus Christ crucified and risen so that we may have life, peace and joy abundantly.

He said “there is need to initiate at top religious, political, ethnic and leadership levels reconciliation moves and caring outreaches that will create forgiving and caring dispositions and attitudes among Nigerians across our multiple differences and divides.

He expressed hope that Nigerians are yearning for a more reconciled and peaceful Nigeria.

” The lenten season is a most favourable opportunity to embrace the saving way, the saving truth and the saving life of Christ, we can become forgiving, loving and caring witnesses of Christ in line with generations of humanity’s lovers and care takers”

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/aftermath-of-imo-guber-archbishop-obinna-reveals-what-he-told-ihedioha-uche-nwosu/

A Women group, The Women’s Aid Collective (WACO) have made a shocking revelation on the number of those who were killed and injured during the just concluded general elections in the South East zone

In its report presented to journalists and members of the Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, in Enugu, WACOL gave a detailed account of how 18 persons were killed in the South East zone, while 530 persons suffered various degrees of injuries.

The report of the Nigeria Election Violence Report (NEVR) project for the 2019 general elections in the zone showed that Enugu State recorded one death, Imo State recorded six deaths, Anambra State recorded two, while Ebonyi State recorded nine deaths, the highest in the zone.

Dr. Malachy Ochie, a researcher and data analyst with WACOL, who presented the report, said that the project was envisioned to develop the capacity of civil society to monitor, analyze and respond to incidents of election-related conflict/violence before, during and after the elections in Nigeria, as well as to promote collaboration and dialogue between election stakeholders in order to mitigate and/or prevent election violence.

Ochie, who is also a Senior lecturer at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), said apart from Enugu State where incidences of election violence were minimal, elections in other states were characterized with violence, thuggery, killings and destruction of property.

Ochie said that 18 cases of violence, which included burning of campaign vehicles were recorded in Enugu state, while in Abia State a total of 32 violence cases were recorded. In Imo State a total of 84 violence cases were recorded, out of which six people were killed while 306 people were injured.

Anambra state recorded 27 cases, out of which two people were killed, while 18 people were injured.

He said that Ebonyi State recorded 124 violence cases out of which nine people died, 91 people injured, eight vehicles were destroyed, 10 houses burnt while 15 motorcycles were destroyed.

“Apart from reported incidences of violence in places like Ebonyi, Abia and Imo, our monitors equally reported large scale of vote buying and voter-intimidation by political thugs,” he said.

Stakeholders at the event recommended the introduction of electronic voting in future polls to mitigate the incidences of election violence in Nigeria.

The project was carried out by the Womens Aid Collative (WACOL), in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES).

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/2019-election-women-group-make-shocking-revelations-on-casualties-in-south-east/

Imo State Governor Elect, Hon.Emeka Ihedioha was in London, UK at the weekend where he promised to alleviate suffering of the people of the State.

According to reports, the Governor Elect who spoke to members of Imo State Union UK promised an inclusive government, urging Imolites in Diaspora to take active participation in the leadership of their State and play roles in determining who governs them.

While expressing appreciation for Ndi Imo in the Diaspora for their support, he promised to respect the Trinity of governance, the Executive, legislature and the judiciary, while assuring that the State Assembly members will be charged to their job which bother on legislation, oversight and appropriation.

The event took place at the famous Dukes Aldridge Academy, Turlock Road, Tottenham, London.

He assured Imolites in Diaspora that his administration will stick to Rule of Law and Due Process.

He was presented with an award by Imo State Union UK in recognition of his giant legislative excellence when he served as in the National Assembly and left as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and later Speaker for 12 years.

He was accompanied on the visit by Senator Elect, Owerri zone, Hon.Ezenwa Onyewuchi, member representing Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency, Hon.Bede Eke, Chief Chinese Chukwuonye, Hon.Anselem Okorie, Chief Chidi Ojinere and others.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/ihedioha-in-london-vows-to-alleviate-suffering-in-imo/

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has listed some of his administrations programmes which he wants preserved or sustained by the incoming government when he leaves office on May 29, 2019.

Speaking when he received the New Manager of the Airport, Mrs. Rejoice Ndudinachi at Government House, Owerrri, Okorocha was quoted in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemedo, to have said that he desire the free education programmed be retained.

“My appeal has remained that there are certain things I would want to remain continued. One of them is the free education. I want to appeal to the in-coming government in the name of God not to stop free education in this land. Free education represents our indirect empowerment to the widows and the poor in the society. Free education helps children who cannot afford School fees. Free education has helped wipe away the tears of suffering widows

“Free education must never be allowed to stop in this land and if that stops, criminal activities will come back again in geometrical progression and crime rate will rise and that should not be good for the State. If they do not know how to do it, I will offer my services free of charge to be sure that free education continues in Imo State. And for the peace we are enjoying now to continue, the youths must continue to be made useful”, he stated.

He further stated “Another appeal is that all these over 1000 projects I have given to the people of Imo State, the highest in the history of this State, those things must be kept alive and made to continue. When I see these, I would be the happiest former governor of Imo State,

“You can see that since we assumed office in 2011, the story of Imo Airport has changed. We used to have one flight per day when I came in but today, the passenger’s in-flow and out-flow in Owerri is probably the highest in the South-East. And this is because of the developmental strides we have introduced in Imo State/

He said he will write a book soon to explain to the people of Nigeria and Imo State the vision he had while he governed the State.

“I intend to write a book one day to explain to the people of Nigeria and Imo State in particular the vision with which I governed this State. If you should notice, I have opened up Owerri. Owerri is so opened up with road networks everywhere. There are more developments now in Owerri than it has never been. Security is better. So when I said Imo must be better, I meant my word abinitio. In security, Imo is better than it has ever been. The issue of kidnapping is gone”, he Stated.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/okorocha-my-wish-after-i-leave-office/

Dr. Philip Njemanze is an illustrious son of Owerri. He is many things rolled into one but what is known commonly to many is that he is a medical practitioner of repute, a human rights activist, a scientist and author. In his latest book, Njemanze veered into the turf you will expect to find professors of history doing uncommon thing and stirring the hornet net. In his book titled: Igbo the Mediators of Yahweh, Culture of life Vol. 1, he raised a number of issues that would pass for controversy insisting that the Igbos are the real progenitors of creation.

In this interview Njemanze maintained that no white man was on earth when the Igbo’s existed adding that Igbos ruled England up till 1600. He also said that Igbos created the entire civilization and argued that all the biblical stories about Jesus happened in Owerri. He insists that every claim he made can be proven. It is an interesting read. Enjoy yourself.

Doc, you have a new book titled‘Igbo the Mediators of Yahweh, Culture of life Vol.1’’. What is the message that you are trying to push across?

The simple message is that Jesus wu onye Owerri (Jesus is an Owerri man). He is an Igbo man, he was born here, he grew up here, he worked here and all the scriptures of the New Testament and the works of Christ took place here in Owerri. The Bible itself in the New Testament was written here in Owerri.

This sounds strange and controversial when related to what we already know. The Bible we are reading is a creation of the white man. King James of Britain we understand wrote a version. Are there proofs to what you have just said?

Yes, of course. It is a bit surprising that in the public domain the knowledge about genetics is not quite wide spread. The genetics is conclusive and has been proven that Igbo people are the oldest people on earth. We have the L1 gene. The Eve, the first mother of all is L0. Igbos is the oldest of God’s creation. They are 150,000 to 240,000 thousand years on earth. They created the entire human civilization, the entire language. The only language that was on earth for almost 100,000 years was Igbo. This is already well known and established and there is no argument about this among scientists in genetics. It is well known that Igbo is L1. The L2 people are the Nilotic people who lived along the Nile. In Igbo this means ‘Mmiri niile’ the entire waters. Those people are the Southern Sudanese. Then the L3 are every other black people you know. They are only 70,000-100,000 years. Every white man you see is 6000-7000 years in existence. The Asiatic people, a few of them, clusters are around 12,000 years. So the white people were not even here. No white man was on earth when we were building the pyramids in Egypt, when we were building civilization, when we built electricity. Most of these things happened before the white man came up, evolved from the mutation of L3 genes. This is scientifically well known.

So if this is the case how come we the Igbos are so much relegated to the background? If we had championed civilization and built the Pyramids, how come our language is not the first and we are colonized by the English which is the international language of the world?

Yes. Remember the words of God. The words of God are eternal. ‘’The first shall be the last’’ He warned them. He warned the Jews-‘nde ji uwa’, that is ‘the people in-charge of the world’, the Igbos. He warned them to follow ‘My commandments’, if you don’t the first shall become the last and since they did not listen the first has become the last. English is more of Igbo. We ruled England up to the 1600. All the Kings of England until the two last families, the family of Williams and Windsor, every other King of England was Igbo. In fact, it is even known that the last King of England is Igbo and was called King George Stewart – the merry boy king of England’ – nga ala n’ide meaning the isolated land by the riverside. It is not a taboo it is just that our people are not aware. This town where I am Jerusalem meaning ‘’Iyi erusalam’’. This is the beginning of civilization. We know that for sure. We are not guessing. We know that the walls of Jerusalem are there. I revealed them in the book. All the demarcations where the Solomon’s temple is, where the palaces of David is, that is ‘Di wu edo’,(the man who is fair) the first King of Owerri, Solomon is Isi elo ama ana, the King that thinks wisely for the land. They know that we are the people that developed human civilization but this has been covered. Now, we are bringing it out again. Now, we want every Igbo person to have a copy of the book to open their eyes so they can become aware. We are just wallowing in poverty and ignorance. Do you know that Owerri today is worth 30 billion US dollars every year, which is the entire Nigerian budget that is lost in Owerri every year?

The figure is in terms of what?

In terms of tourism, because we know all the tourist sites. We know the entire holy places, they are all in Owerri. So why are we in this poverty? It is because of ignorance. Now light has come and we have the books.

Outside the genetical proof which other evidence do you have to support all these claims of yours which are very controversial. If you are taken to task can you practically prove them convincingly?

We can practically identify every bit of information. When we tell you that Solomon’s temple is at the Assumpta Catholic Cathedral we will show you exact spot where it is. We can bring ground penetrating radar and show you the location where it is at 9 metres. We can tell you that Nworie, ‘Nwa Orie’’, the river of the Son of Almighty God is the Sea of Galilee, ‘’Ogo lie elu’’, district on height. We will show you that Amakohia is, ‘Ama-ako-ohia’’ the wisdom that is told by the bush side. We tell you that Akwakuma is Akwa is a bridge, it was on there that Christ would stand on it and talk. They called it Akwa a ko ama, the bridge on which you stand to recite wisdom. We tell you that Ubomiri or Ubu-mmiri is actually the place where they threw in the net, Ubummiri. When they threw the net it was so full with fishes they couldn’t pull it out. When they left the net that place became Ubu mmiri because that is what it is meant for. So we know exactly all the archaeological sites. We know where they are and we can prove it to anybody who wants to see it and we can actually raise the artefacts, we know the four walls of Jerusalem and where they are. We can show people this is where this thing is. As for the archaeology we know. The problem we have is lack of governance. There is no governance because this is something governance should take charge of and roll with.
This book of over 500 pages with the in-depth findings shows it must be the result of long years of research efforts.

How long did it take you to do the book?

Yes it actually took me 20 years to do the research that went into this book. The major thing is that I knew the genetic information and the challenge becomes to trace out the archaeology, to trace out the ethno-linguistic linkages and the history behind each and every one of them. So it needed tracing going back to the archives, it needed decoding of the ancient Igbo writing ‘Nsibiri’ as well as decoding the hieroglyphics. The hieroglyphics almost took five years to decode before we could understand how to read it. Igbos has almost 60 forms of writing. There is the Igbo Colourimetric writing where we write with colours. There is Igbo numerology where we write with numbers. There is the Igbo object form writing where we write with objects. So Igbos has all forms of writing. The English took only one form of writing-then the script form of Igbo and made it into their language.

Are you saying that English originated from Igbo?

Every word in English is Igbo. It is just Igbo action verbs most of the time. Let me give you an example. Ukwu is leg in Igbo. You will ask what the relationship is. ‘Ukwu eji a ligo, ligo, l-g, then they vowelized it leg’’

Was this work your entire effort or you have others who worked with you?

The people who made contributions for example are my father. He had a lot of archives of the history of our family and of our area. He talked to a lot of people right from 1956 when he came back from overseas. He talked to a lot of people and these people told him about what happened. When I was doing this research I had to rely upon those materials in order to get the history of some of the sites that are around here. Basically that is the kind of information that I could gather.

What actually inspired you into digging deep to exhume these strange but controversial historical finds which you called the culture of life?

There are two major aspects of it. The question that is scientific I know. I am a Professor of Medicine so I know exactly that the scientific information does not conform to the white man’s story. It is not possible. They were not here when all these things were happening and they were claiming to be here. So we know that genetically, scientifically it is impossible for the white man to be a Jew because when the Jews, the first of God’s creation, ‘’nde ji uwa’’ were here, that the ancient Jews built up, the white man was not in existence, so he couldn’t have been a Jew. It is not possible. All the things he is claiming are not things that belong to him scientifically. There is no way that he can prove it.
So when you said that the white man was not here how did they come in contact with the Igbos whom they corrupted their culture drawing from your statements? How did they become the owners of the language, and the other things and we got relegated to the background?

What happened was that Igbo people ruled the whole of the world. England, ‘nga ala n’ide’, Ireland, ‘Ire ala n’ide’ – tongue-like land by the riverside, Wales, ‘Owa ala Ose’ channel lands at the riverside, Scotland, ‘Esekota ala n’ide’ ‘small joined lands by the river’, Germany, ‘Ugo ora ama na Ya, the district of the indigenous people of God, ‘nde itilisi oke ana’-Italy, ‘nde Chi ani’-China the people of God, ‘nde Emerikota’-America ‘united people’. All over the world, Igbos ruled. That is why they used the word, ‘nde ji uwa’ (Jews). But what happened was that there was a Kagan empire, this Kagan empire or Kazaria as was called in the ancient times, an empire which was the most powerful in the world and it was actually ran by the people you call Aguleri – agu ala Eri meaning the land of brave people of the Ancient of Days. So they had the white people who lived with them, the white Kazars, and the black Kazars were the leaders of the society and so when in a war, the black Kazars were overthrown and sacked, the while Kazars took over their religion, their language and what they could make out. This was how white Judaism started. These people were from Turkey. However, later on because the Igbo people had conquered Germany dealt with the rebellion that was coming from Germany, years later, when Hitler came to power he said where were those people who conquered Germany. They said those people are now answering Jews and are everywhere. He now started pouncing on the white Jews and killing them. That was the origin of the holocaust but the holocaust was what they did to the Igbos, ‘Oholo oku a si e ti osa’, the hole of fire they commanded they should put the people in. People were burnt on crosses and sent out of Europe. White people overthrew us and we came here ‘Oke nna’’-Canaan, the place God promised us and this place is called ‘I zara eli’ or Israel and we built the great empire of Israel and here in Owerri we have the capital, ‘Iyi erusala m’ (evil should not touch me)-Jerusalem. The first King of Jerusalem was ‘Di wu edo’-David and he was the first King from the series of ‘nde ji isi eze’-the sons’ of Jesse.

There is this consciousness among the Igbos that they are from the Jews. From your book and what you are saying, you are reversing that claim to say that the Igbos is the real Jews?
Yes.

What effort have you made since the publication to bring it into public focus to the point of getting the Igbos knows the real issues at stake?

Yes I am doing my best and that is why I am talking to you as an individual and we need more people, more scholars come into this and know the correct Igbo. What you are reading today is not the correct Igbo. All the Igbo cities, their names are wrong. Onitsha what does that mean, nothing. The correct meaning is ‘Ani otu ocha’, the land of white sands, because when you are going to Lagos by bus and you are seeing on the left white sands, on the right white sands as you cross the river. It is because of the white sand that floods the place that it is called such. That is what you call the Antioch in the Bible. That is how the word came about, they just took the consonants and vowelized it wrongly. You see Owerri doesn’t mean anything; it is ‘Owe Eri’ leader from time immemorial depicting the title of David, Di wu edu. You hear of Ihiala that is ‘Ihe ala’ where light sparked from surround and then the person you call Saul fell and the voice said ‘Saa olu’. Almost all cities in Igbo land are wrongly called. Emekuku, there is nothing like that, it means ‘E zuo onu emekoo ukwu’, that is Zion in the Bible. That is where you had the great temple. Before the new Temple was built here in Owerri the old temple was just at Okitankwo which does not mean anything. The correct thing is ‘Aku otu nkwo’-the riverside of baptism, where they had the baptism of John, ‘Juo aha nna’. When you get to Emekuku you see a place they call Azaregbelu, it is ‘Azara egbe elu’ a place of ascension to heaven, the hill of ascension and on the other side you will see nkwo Emeke, which is ‘nkwo eme eke’-the baptism of regeneration of John.

Is there any academic work or any work from any source that draws close similarity to your work as to make a comparison? Have Professors of history commented on your work?

Good. This is quite interesting. Actually, I was a guest lecturer at the Agbogidi Lecture that was held at the Igbo Institute, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The Obi of Onitsha was also there. The book was well received. Every Igbo that listens to this gets stunned just as they were. Same thing happened at Awka where I was the guest lecturer at the Institute of African Studies which brought together all the Professors in History and Languages in that conference and it was also very well received. The problem is not that Igbo scholars are not receiving the book very well but the challenge is that they will now have to go and change everything that they have learnt on which they have acquired their doctorate degrees. It will require a systemic change. It is even a task that goes beyond our own environment because we really have to change everything. That is just the truth and it is not just one or two persons work. It is going to involve a whole legionnaire of people. Unfortunately for us we don’t have the governance structure to make this happen. Once we have a governance structure that makes real sense in terms of bringing in people together in form of institutes, holding seminars and conferences we will now be able to do things and turn things around and prove it to the world. The financial benefits are huge. In fact, many people in the world know that what they are saying is not true. Academicians know this. In fact, my white friends whom I attended school together, some of them have since become professors in different spheres know this, because when they read this they know that it is not possible for whites to have been there in the first place.

The entire work to me appears controversial and has the tendency of antagonising you with the Church or rather Christianity because like you said this amounts to changing in the minds of people what they already know. You are a strong Catholic faithful and there is so much Catholic content. So how are you going to handle this?

Yes I am a very strong Catholic but many people do not know this. Before I said this the Pope had already said so. Pope Paul the Sixth was the person who had already told them that they were telling lies that the present Jerusalem was the ancient City of Jerusalem. In fact, he even told people claiming to be Jews that they are not Jews (Rev 2:9, 3:9). That was why when the Catholic Church wanted to make him a Saint (though canonised now) before then anytime they call him up all the people claiming to be Jews will go out demonstrating, that he is anti-Semitic. Why? It is because the Pope said that they are not saying the truth. He was a great intellectual. The Pope at the level of the Catholic Church at the Papacy was already saying this. Pope Urban the same thing. He told them when the Knights of St. John wanted to go and fight for Jerusalem when the Turks invaded it, he told them not to waste their time because there is nothing to fight for, and it is a fake place. The people also now know that Jerusalem is a fake place.

What you are saying in reverse is that the pilgrimage many of us are making to Jerusalem as Christians is deceptive and fake?

It should not be there in the first place. It is a hoax. It is not the ancient city of Jerusalem. If you want to make a pilgrimage to Jerusalem come to Owerri that is where the ancient city of Jerusalem is.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/igbo-the-real-jews-not-the-isrealis-dr-njemanze/

Political harlotry is a disease, a deadly one for that matter.You see such political harlots when a new government is about to take off. They are like motor park touts. They will board a bus without a ticket.They come to the motor park and watch others spend their hard earned money to buy bus tickets. They will never buy. When the bus is about to move, you see them disturb the driver demanding to be taken as passengers or demand for settlement. In the end, confusion will erupt and delay the bus from leaving at its scheduled time.

Such political characters are resurfacing again, moving with measured pace into our Governor elect, Hon.Emeka Ihedioha, a man who has shown fine commitment to rebuild Imo.

I have watched the footsteps of the Governor elect and every reasonable Imolite agrees he is on track. He is moving on with so much passion. An Owerri based journalist wrote that Ihedioha has been humbled by the fact that he knows the weight of the problems he is going to face when he assumes office as Governor on May 29.

This is why I see no reason why the two major committees he constituted will be faulted by anyone.No matter the size of the Transition Technical Commitee, TTC, and Inauguration and Handover Commitee, Ihedioha deserves some applause. It shows his sincere determination to walk his talk by bringing all on board, especially those tormented by the holocaust that ravaged the State in the last eight years. Ihedioha has shown zeal and charisma to march on.There is nothing wrong in someone showing so much commitment to succeed. Those who fault him for being overzealous seem to miss the point or rather they are being mischievous.

Every leader has its style and approach to governance. When Rochas Okorocha resorted to eating Akara (bean balls) on the streets of Owerri to attract public support for his aspiration to be Governor in 2011,no one faulted him.Rather he was hailed and praised by everyone.When he said he came for the poorest of the poor, we clapped, believed him hook, line and sinker. When he mesmerized our people with his oratorical prowess, we sang his song and adored him.

Ihedioha is not towing that path.And he has no reason to do so. I believe he means business. He may not be an orator, but he does what he says. He said he will run an inclusive government.He has shown it already. The two commitees he constituted touched all strata of the Imo society.

If he believes assembling the best Imo have in a Transition and Technical Committee to chart a way forward for the State, it’s a welcome development. He must be encouraged to continue such worthy ideas.

We must also understand that these committees are working tools to fine tune the take off of the incoming government. They are not the Executives neither are they Special Assistants or aides to the Governor.Committees do have temporary lifespan with a time limit to achieve set targets and objectives. They will disappear after their work while some of them may be part of the administration.This is the norm, it’s nothing new.

But Ihedioha should watch his back. There are some political undertakers who are coming very close to him. That he wants an inclusive government does not entail he should walk into the lion’s den or open his doors so wide for Johnny Walkers to easily walk in. They are like passengers in the motor park who refuse to buy tickets but want to get on a bus ride.

One of the pitfalls of the Udenwa and Ohakim administrations was at that time they unknowingly surrounded themselves with those who had no value for them.Udenwa’s government began to fidget when I.M.O Umunna, the powerful SSG left. Umunna was Udenwa’s backbone. He sieved the wheat from the chaff. He knew the millipedes and centipedes that crawled around Udenwa and he curtailed their sneaky movements. Udenwa became vulnerable to political witches and wizards who were hiding in his administration for so long and were feeding fat on him when Umunna left. This led to the fumbling and wobbling of that government which climaxed in Udenwa’s inability to produce his choice Successor. The man who took over from him Ikedi Ohakim embraced all, only to be left like a chicken beaten by the rain when his government ran into murky waters.

These are lessons for Ihedioha. Imo is a place where most politicians who smile at you in the morning wine with your adversary in the evening. Ihedioha should resist political turncoats.Those whose antecedents are worrisome.They abound in Imo. Some of them have started creeping around him, slowly and steadily. They jump in through the window and escape through the roof.They have no value.They are serial blackmailers. They thrive on blackmail and deceit. They are wolves in sheep skins. They come like a thief in the night.They steal and leave no trace.

They claim what they are not. They rabble rouse a lot.They are ready to swear with their mothers pot of porridge just to realize a lie. Like millipedes and centipedes, they crawl and when you hit them, they pause, recoil and crawl again with their hideous motives and tendencies.

Ihedioha must avoid these Millipedes and Centipedes crawling close to him. They feed on crisis and very good in instigating confusion.If he falls for their antics, he may short-circuit himself. No matter how focused he is, he may be distracted.May be not now but in the future. They never worked for his election as Governor. They called him names, unpalatable names for that matter and today the music has changed, they now want to be at the front row and dance in the victory party.

The Governor lecy must be wary. He should stay focused. I know he understands the depth of his Rebuild Imo slogan.Rebuilding a house entails a lot. It calls for committed and willing assistants.

Imolites are watching. Okorocha made Imolites to see criticism as a vital tool to put a government in check especially when the House of Assembly is toothless, a dog that barks but cannot bite nd eventually became the playthings of the Executive.

He should bear in mind that every step he takes is subject to total, overwhelming scrutiny and evaluation. Mistakes will not be accepted especially when expectations are so high.

He must not allow some political spent forces who want to recycle themselves to be an impediment to his Rebuild Imo mission. There is no time for theatrics. He should keep them at bay. Those negative elements who always sneak themselves into any government in Power not just to add value but to either segregate or run down others, should have no accommodation in this government. I believe this is no government of ashiri (Gossip).

Working with elder statesmen and political leaders such as Ex Governors is a good one. A good leader who wants to succeed learns from the tutelage of his predecessors. Udenwa and Ohakim being ex Governors of the State have vast reservoir of knowledge Ihedioha can tap from. And it will be well with him if he works closely with them.There are also other good fellas around him too. Core gentlemen who have so much to offer for the benefit of the State.

Ex Governors of the State are assets with wealth of experience.The essence of this piece are those who have Grade A in political gymnastics.They can jump in and jump out in any government at will. It’s in their character. Gossip is their strength.And because Gossip thrives in Imo politics, it has become their area of specialization. And they are simply good at it. They are Masters Degree holders in the act. It takes only one with the wisdom of Solomon to disarm them. They are pests, fleas and hypocrites who must have their way. Ihedioha must resist them. He should and he has good reasons to do so. And he will never regret it.

May God guide our Governor Elect.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/ihedioha-beware-of-millipedes-and-centipedes/

Security Operatives Barricade Assembly Complex*

There is tension in the Imo State House of Assembly. This led to the take over of the Assembly complex by security personnel on Thursday.

This newspaper had reported yesterday that members are piling pressure on the Speaker to ensure their entitlements and allowances are paid before handover date, May 29.

But a new dimension played out yesterday.

Some members now want the Speaker , Acho Ihim and the Deputy Speaker, Ugonna Ozuruigbo impeached.

The duo stand in their way who want to amend some Rules that will help in determining the next Speaker of the House.

The Speaker which had suspended the five lawmakers had invited them to interface with other lawmakers on April 16 during Executive session.

The invitation came after member representing Nkwerre, Chika Madumere, moved a motion for the recall of the five suspended members.

It would be recalled that on November 5, 2018, an Owerri High Court had quashed the suspension of four of the five lawmakers.

The Court had said their suspension was illegal. The suspended members include Uche Ogwuike(Ikeduru APC), Israel Nnatoronye (Mbaitoli), Ikenna Nzeruo (Oru East)

The Court directed the House to pay the applicants their salaries, allowances and emoluments for the period they were unlawfully suspended.

The House it was gathered is yet to obey the Court Order.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/tension-heightens-in-imo-assembly/

The Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Engr. Michael Amarinwa has denied allegations that the female students involved in a sex romp at Federal University of Technology, FUTO.

Speaking in Owerri, the Rector noted that the female student is not of Fed Poly as her registration number was not found in the Register of the School

He said there are people who live close to the school and claim to be students of the institution when they are not creating a bad name for the institution.

He appealed to the media to verify the authenticity of their information before they publish.
https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/fed-poly-nekede-disown-female-student-in-futo-sex-romp/

Imo State Governor Elect,Hon. Emeka Ihedioha says the PDP in Imo State deserves little celebration of a hard won victory.

In his remarks at the inauguration of the May 29th Inauguration planning and Handover committee in Owerri, the Governor elect said the victory will herald the liberation from the shackles of bad governance, maladministration, nepotism and lack of Due Process in the manner government business is conducted

“Of course, the PDP and Imo people are entitled to a little celebration of a hard won victory.

“A victory heralded as a liberation of the State from the shackles of bad governance, maladministration, destruction of the structures and institutions of representative government , nepotism, and absolute lack of due process in the way governmental business is conducted.

“We must however not over celebrate but rather get ready for the great and difficult task ahead. Imo State is in a hurry to recover and rebuild” he said.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/ihedioha-gives-reasons-why-imo-pdp-deserves-to-celebrate/

Civil Servants in Imo State have read a riot act to the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, to pay them their outstanding salaries in 7days.

According to them failure to do so will lead to an industrial action.

Leaders of the Workers Union in the State, Austin Chilkapu, Nkim Tangban and Alloy t Iwuanyanwu in a statement said the inability of the State Government to pay them despite their appeal is very unfair.

They said the security agencies should not hold them responsible if they decide to storm the streets and stage a protest.

They noted that there is enough funds with the State government to pay their salaries and pension of pensioners.

Part of the statement reads “All reasons given to us as to why the salaries are yet to be paid is watery and as such, not acceptable to Imo workers.

“More worrisome is the fact that the March 2019 Federal Allocation has hit the account of the State government

“Apart from this, Imo State government has received the LGA allocation for the 27 LGAs in the State, 13 percent derivation fund, ecological fund, internally generated revenue and many more

“Therefore the continuous delay in the payment of workers salaries becomes unjustified

“More worrisome also is the fact that we shall soon enter the Easter season, which the workers need this salary for.

“The money set aside for the payment of pensioners should be sued for the purpose it is meant for.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/imo-civil-servants-to-okorocha-pay-our-salaries-in-7-days/

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Imo State and Governor Rochas Okorocha, on Wednesday, engaged in fresh verbal war of words.

The party and the Governor have been cat and mouse since Hon Emeka Ihedioha won the March 9, governorship election. The fresh altercations arose when the PDP in the State called on all traditional rulers, town union heads, youths and the public to rise up and protect public infrastructure and government property.

In a statement by Ray Emeana, State Secretary of the PDP, it said it will be irresponsible for it to sit and watch “while government properties are being destroyed, looted and carted away with reckless abandon and without any inhibition just because the time for handing over is still ahead”

The PDP claimed that it has continued to receive credible and verified information about the wanton plundering and looting of public infrastructure and government properties by suspected agents of the outgoing administration

The party stated “Imo State PDP has continued to receive credible and verified information about the wanton plundering and looting of public infrastructure and government properties, by suspected agents of the outgoing administration of His Excellency, Rochas Anayochukwu Okorocha

“Imo people should make necessary inquiries when they find any person or group of persons tapering with government land or property in any way. The explanation that they may be sent by officials of the Imo State government, should not deter citizens from acting to forestall their illicit acts and in any case they should chase them away.

“We call on the out going Okorocha administration to make a public statement condemning and distancing itself from the ongoing looting spree as well as taking steps to stop this criminal pillaging of our commonwealth.

Governor Okorocha, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemedo, accused the PDP of creating unnecessary tension in the State through unguarded statements and utterances.

Part of the statement reads:

“Aside the unfounded allegation of looting which they have come up with, a government functionary with her official vehicle was molested by some youths in a branded PDP bus on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 along Mbaise road, Owerri.

“This call has become diametrically necessary because nobody could say what such action will lead to, in the event of response from the government supporters in the State.

“Governor Okorocha has run the most disciplined and truthful administration in the history of the State, with appointees of the government not known for bogus life-style or ostentatious living and nobody in the government can be associated with looting. Infact, what these PDP people are known for, is what they are imagining for others.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/imo-pdp-okorocha-fight-dirty-again/

Former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim has advised governorship candidates in the last governorship election in the State who feel aggrieved over the outcome of the polls to sheathe the sword and withdraw their petitions from the Tribunal, saying that doing so is in the best interest of the state.

This is contained in a statement signed by Collins Ughalaa, Chief Press Secretary to the former Governor.

According to the statement, Ohakim disclosed this while speaking at the inauguration of the 2019 Inauguration Planning and Handover Committee of the Governor-Elect, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, on Tuesday at the New Hall of Rockview Hotel, Owerri.

Ohakim said that the aggrieved governorship candidates would be helping the state when they withdraw their petitions, saying that he suffered suck fate when he faced 19 court cases for the period of four years he was Governor, and therefore would not want Ihedioha to pass through same horrible experiences and distractions.

Noting that continuing with the court cases would be inimical to the progress of the state, Ohakim explained that it would scare away development partners and other investors because investors do not invest where there are litigations. He said the numerous litigations he faced was the reason the foreign partners for the refinery project located at Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area pulled out.

He observed that Ihedioha is coming to lead in a collapsed state and therefore does not need distractions but prayers and support from all and sundry.

He said that Ihedioha possesses the qualities needed to deliver and called on the members of the Inauguration Planning and Handover Committee to be good representatives of the Governor-Elect in their communities and and wards.

However, the Governor-Elect, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, has commended Dr. Ikedi Ohakim for his display of the spirit of sportsmanship, assuring that Imo State will rise again under his watch.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/ohakim-tells-aggrieved-imo-guber-candidates-what-to-do/

This article will be incomplete without bringing to the mind of the reader the importance of love and how infatuation has helped to condition the minds of our young generation. On a serious note, some marriages have been contracted in lust, grew in ignorance and matured and nurtured in infatuation and then graduated in divorce. This is due to the fact that couples failed to first consider if they were meant for each other or not. Love is very important in marriage. One who is in love must find out if it truly love or infatuation.

Now it is worthy of note here that the average person progresses through five stages of love namely, infantile stage, parent love stage, buddy love stage, adolescent stage and mature love stage. Without bothering ourselves going into the stages in details, it is very imperative to understand that infatuation is a great mixture of sex and emotions.

My dictionary defines the word as, “completely carried away by unreasoning passion or attraction. It comes from a Latin word that means ‘silly or foolish” to differentiate between love and infatuation is usually complicated.

Both words [love and infatuation] do have one thing in common, strong feelings of affection for a number of opposite sex, which complicates the number of sorting out the differences because many of the symptoms according to Nancy Van Pelt “overlap one another. Genuine love may include several symptoms found in infatuation.”

Many scholars have devoted their time to research on love resulting to writing volumes on the same subject matter, but little or nothing is said about infatuation. Well, I am convinced that love and infatuation share three symptoms, which includes passion, nearness, and strange emotions. Passion may be present without genuine love in a relationship; it is entirely possible to feel passionate or to have strong sexual feelings for a person you have not even met. However, sexual attraction can be as urgent in infatuation as it is in genuine love. In the same vine, the desire to be near to one another constantly can be just as overwhelming in infatuation as in genuine love. You may wish to be together always and feels empty when he/she leaves you, this does not mean that you have found real love and destined partner. Longing for the other person may be just as strong in infatuation as in love.

Experiencing strange emotions when you think about the other person is not valid either. You may feel like walking on air when everything is going well with your love and down right ill when things are going wrong. This can happen just as frequently with infatuation as with real love, although funny feelings and strange emotions are probably more indicative of infatuation.

Love develops slowly; infatuation on the other hand develops rapidly. Love grows and growth requires time. Infatuation often hits suddenly. You cannot really know a person only a few meetings. Many people wear masks and put on their best behavior at first. So love ends slowly, infatuation ends rapidly. Just as genuine love takes time to develop so also it takes time to vanish. Infatuation ends much the same way they begin fast with one exception. Infatuation will not end rapidly if you have become involved sexually because sex complicates the emotional responses. A couple may stay together not because of the many interest shared but because of mutually satisfying sexual relations.

Love centres on one person only; infatuation may involve several persons. An infatuated person may be “in love” with two or more persons at the same time. These individuals may differ markedly in personality and temperament. For instance, a young woman may say she is in love with three or more persons and as a result finds it very difficult to choose between them. You may be surprised that she loves none of them but what is moving her is lust and infatuation. Genuine love focuses on one person who embodies the qualities you have selected as essential. Love motivates positive behavior, infatuation has a destructive effect. Love will have a destructive effect on your personality and bring out the very best in you. Your love will encourage you to function at your highest level; by contrast, infatuation has a destructive and disorganizing effect on the personality.

Infatuation thrives on unrealistic day dreams in which you imagin the two of you leading a beautiful, blissful life together in perfect agreement at all times. These day dreams cause you to forget the realities of life, school, work, study, responsibilities and money. Love on the other hand recognizes the importance of compatibility, infatuation disregards it “If you are in love, not only will the physical appearance and behavior of the other person attract you, but so also will his/her character, personality, emotions, ideas and attitude. You will be interested with the way he/she thinks and responds to situation”

Love recognizes faults, infatuation ignores them. Love will lead you to recognize free qualities in others and help you build relationship on those, nobody is without fault but love will discover it and help in correcting it, but infatuation will keep you from seeing anything wrong. Love survives separation. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. Absence helps you recognize how much the relationship means to you but infatuation dies the moment the person fades from sight. Out of sight becomes out of mind to an infatuated mind. Infatuation cannot survive the test of time. Love controls physical contact but infatuation exploits it. Love is selfless while infatuation is selfish and self centred because you will only be thinking of what the relationship can do for you and not what you can do for the relationship. Love produces security while infatuation produces insecurity.

Now do you prefer marrying a man or woman under the sway of lust, infatuation or love? Marriage by destiny is marriage done in love and not by infatuation. The divine will of God is LOVE and not infatuation. Infatuation has led to the reason why so many wives have killed their husbands and vice versa.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/the-role-of-love-and-infatuation-in-marriage-by-prof-protus-nathan-uzoma/

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, has reacted to the inferno that gutted some parts of the terminal building of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, in Imo State.

Mrs Henrietta Yakubu, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, FAAN, confirmed the incident in a statement in Lagos.

Yakubu said the fire started at about 2.00p.m but was however, curtailed swiftly by officers of the Aerodrome Rescue and Fire Fighting Services Department of FAAN.

“There was no casualty and normal operations has since resumed at the airport.

“The authority has commenced preliminary investigations into the cause of the incident,” she said.

Yakubu said that FAAN was committed to its core values of safety, security and comfort.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/faan-reacts-to-inferno-at-sam-mbakwe-cargo-airport/

Fire has rocked a part of Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri. Reports say the fire started at about 2pm and lasted for about 45 minutes.
https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/fire-engulfs-sam-mbakwe-cargo-airport/

Imo State Governor elect, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON, has constituted a 287 member inauguration committee. The Committee is chaired by a Former Secretary to State Government, Chris Okewulonu.

A statement by Chibuike Onyeukwu, media assistant to the Governor elect reads :

“His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha CON, Governor- Elect, Imo State, has constituted the 2019 Governorship Inauguration Committee. The Committee members are as follows:

Membership
Bar. Chris Okewulonu – Chairman
Hon. Jones Onyereri- Dep. Chairman
Hon. Ray Emeana – Secretary

Sub-Committee Membership
Budget Sub-Committee
1. Nick Oparandudu – Sub-Committee Chair
2. Charles Onwunali Dep. Chair
3. Charles Nwogu
4. Josiah Eze
5. Mr. Austin Rogers Nwoke
6. Mrs. Udeze Ibezim
7. Chime Aliliele
8. Kelechi Nzewuihe – Secretary

Media and Publicity Sub-Committee
1. Dame. Comfort Obi – Sub-Committee Chair
2. Dr. Amanze Obi
3. Mr. Ikechukwu Amaechi
4. Amb. Uche Ogbuagu
5. Ikenga Ugochinyere Imo
6. Chibuike Onyeukwu
7. Charles Odibo
8. Steve Uzoechi
9. Chief Macdonald Amadi
10. Emeka Ihejirika
11. Bright Chimezie Njoku
12. Mr. Amby Uneze
13. Miss Anita Ukah
14. Joe Ehioma
15. Akwarandu Izuchukwu
16. Dr Luke Onyekakeya
17. Kissinger Ikoku
18. Mr. Henry Ekpe
19. Mr. Chidi Nkwopara
20. Ogubundu Nwadike
21. Dr. Walter Duru
22. Barr. Kingdom Okere
23. Macdonald Enwere
24. Fidel Onyeneke
25. Damian Opara
26. Victor I wuanyanwu
27. Ifeanyi CY Njoku
28. Basil Uzoma
29. Emeka Omeihe – Secretary

Protocol Sub-Committee
1. Amb. Greg Mbadiwe – Sub-Committee Chair
2. Hon. Oliver Enewerem – Deputy Chair
3. Hon. Henry Nwawuba
4. Steve Ahaneku
5. Paschal Uzor
6. Dr. Paddy Njoku
7. Kanayo Nwankwo (Okwuruoha)
8. Dr Pope Ekwegh
9. Irechukwu Okereke
10. Victor Madumere
11. Promise Njoku
12. Emeka Nwokeke
13. Kelechi Ngumezi
14. Stephanie Ubochi
15. Ebere Chukwuemeka
16. Dypna Mbamnozie
17. Acho Ashiegbu
18. Kingsley Echendu
19. Nomination from FRSC
20. Bar Uche Alisigwe
21. Chucks Chilaka
22. Bar. Ambrose Ugboaja
23. Bar. Austin Otuokere – Secretary

Security Sub-Committee
1. General Ogunedo (Rtd) – Sub-Committee Chair
2. Gen. Collins Ihekere (rtd)
3. Gen. Alili (rtd)
4. Commodore Ogechi Osuagwu
5. S.O.S Echendu
6. Chief Osita Okereke
7. Kingsley Nzemechi
8. Mr. Collins Illoh
9. Dr. Peter Ekpendu
10. Mr. Okechukwu Opara
11. Mr. Reginald Udunze
12. Mr. Basil Anasoh
13. D.C.G Ewurum Rtd.
14. Azubuike Nwoke
15. Marshall Onwumere
16. Collins Onuoha
17. Aburi Williams
18. Chinwe Anyanwu
19. Kelechi Eke
20. Chijioke Ugwu
21. Chief Isaac Anyim
22. Bar. Jerry Egemba
23. Abba Chimaroke – Secretary

Entertainment Sub-Committee
1. Kanayo Kanayo – Committee Chair
2. Genevieve Nnaji
3. Tchidi Chikere
4. Mrs Nkem Opara
5. Dr. Mrs. Nkem Ukazor
6. Onyeka Onwenu
7. Ugo Stevenson
8. Chinonso Aniche
9. Rita Dominic
10. Celestine Babayaro
11. Francis Duru
12. Naeto C
13. Henry Nwosu MON.
14. Osita Iheme
15. Francis Uzoh
16. Victor Osuagwu
17. Charles Awurum
18. Bismark Ekeocha
19. Prince Eze Ugochukwu – Secretary

Logistics Sub-Committee
1. Chinemerem Madu – Sub-Committee Chair
2. Lady Nkeiru Ibekwe
3. Stanley Ekezie
4. Alex Emeziem
5. Obi Mbadiwe
6. Dr. Kachi Nwoga
7. Chief Chika Odionyemma
8. Chijioke Tassie
9. Emeka Aririguzo
10. Engr. Hyacinth Osuagwu
11. Nnanna Anyim Ude
12. Barr. Mrs Onyekele
13. Emeka Mgbudem
14. Tobechi Chigbu
15. Dr. Ray Opara
16. Geofrey Ihentuge
17. Dr. Ben Odimegwu
18. Mayor Eze – Secretary

Accommodation Sub-Committee
1. Chuma Nnaji – Sub-Committee Chair
2. Chime Nzeribe
3. Uzoma Obiyo
4. Uche Ofoegbu
5. Obed Achilonu
6. Ben Mere
7. Hon. Rufus Omeire
8. Bar. Charles Akwuette
9. Dr. Felix Osuji
10. Henry Onwukwe
11. Chief John Agbasi
12. Uche Banna
13. Emeka Alihe
14. Bar Julius Onyenaucheya – Secretary

Emergency Services Sub-Committee
1. Dr. Vin Udokwu – Sub-Committee Chair
2. Kizito Onuoha
3. Kenneth Akunnakwe
4. Dr. Uchenna Nwafor
5. Edith Anyinwo
6. Dr. Peter Ukaigwe
7. Dr. Sha Azu Okorie
8. Dr. Chinedu Iwu
9. Dr. Chigozie Echeozor
10. Dr. Emeka Iroegbu
11. Pharm. John Uzoma
12. Pharm. Okey Anyanwu
13. Pharm. Eugene Onyeji
14. Stella Achunine
15. Chioma Anochirimonye
16. Dr. Mrs. Ijeoma Opara
17. Dr. Anselm Opara
18. Dr. Chinedu Okonji – Secretary

Venue/Works Sub-Committee
1. Mr. Chukwuemeka Chukwueke – Sub-Committee Chair
2. Hon. Jerry Alagboso
3. Engr. Kingsley Onwubiko
4. Arch. Emeka Ihuoma
5. Mr. Tony Nnorom
6. Arc. Magnus Chilaka
7. Johnbosco Nkpadobi
8. Ugochukwu Emerenini
9. Nze Law Biaduo
10. Chief Samuel Egbukwu
11. Chief Obinna Duruaku
12. Engr Darlignton Nwachi
13. Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu
14. Tony Ejieji
15. Arc. Kingsley Anyiwo
16. Malachy Anyanwu
17. Sam Okoli
18. Nnanna Uduma Nnagwu
19. Engr. Ike Nnadi
20. Chief Jerry Opara
21. Nze Ogueri Enwere
22. Paul Ajunwa (Isiopi)
23. Engr. Uche Agomuo
24. Arch. Chidi Okoli – Secretary

Interdenominational Service Sub-Committee
1. Rt. Rev. Chidi Oparaojiaku – Sub-Committee Chair
2. Ven. Dr. AC Chukwuocha
3. Rev. Fr. Val Anyanwu
4. Pst. Comas Ilechukwu
5. Pst. Rostand Amadi
6. Barr Golden Nwosu
7. Onyebuchi Onyeikegbulam
8. Uche Onyejesi
9. Chuka Agwunobi
10. Donald Ekenta
11. Rev. Fr. Gerald Njoku – Secretary

Contact & Mobilization Sub-Committee
1. Hon. Uche Onyeagocha – Sub-Committee Chair
2. Princess Edugie Nzeribe
3. Mrs. Stella Okoli
4. Sade Balogun
5. Elvis Agukwe
6. Lolo Edith Nwachi
7. Mrs. Beatrice Nkwo
8. Alaba Market Chairman
9. Longers Anyanwu
10. Uche Obilor
11. Ford Ozurumba
12. Chief Ejike Uche
13. Mr. Onyema Nwachukwu
14. Chief Henry Njoku
15. Sen Chris Anyanwu
16. Dennis Adikwuru
17. Uzo Ozigbo
18. Julius Nwagwu
19. Duru Benett
20. Nkem Ukozor
21. Innocent Ekemma
22. Dr. Ikenna Obi
23. Kelechi Ahamba
24. Ernest Njesi
25. Mr. Kelechi Duru
26. Felix Onuba
27. Collins Nwachukwu
28. Ken Akunakwe
29. Damian Osuji
30. Bruno Oparaocha
31. Nsofor
32. Chris Ezuma
33. Dr. Peter Ukaigwe
34. Eziefula Ifeanyichukwu Opara
35. Regis Uwakwe
36. Chief Aloy Igwe
37. Silas Onyeiwu
38. Bon Unachukwu
39. Basil Maduka
40. Martin Opara (Olu Owerri)
41. Modestus Osakwe
42. Jasper Ndubuaku
43. Dr. Mrs Dorothy Alugbu
44. Gift Nwagiriga
45. Charles Abia
46. Emma Okereke
47. Dr. J.I.C Osundu
48. Dr. David Osuagwu
49. Prof. Dan Njoku
50. Chinasa Nwaneri
51. Gertrude Ireme
52. Stanley Dike
53. Mrs. Chinyere Azu
54. Dr. Mrs. Alugbu
55. Chief Rufus Osueke
56. Steve Onyemachi
57. Goddy Njoku
58. Onyekwere Donatus
59. Ignatius Anukam
60. Chief David Iwuagwu
61. Mr. Benneth Duru
62. Mrs Ann Njoku
63. Mrs Chinyere Okoro
64. Osita Okorie- Secretary

Welfare Sub-Committee
1. Chief Martin Ejiogu – Sub-Committee Chair
2. Mrs. Maria Mbakwe – Dep. Chair
3. Hon. Dan Ikpeazu
4. Richmond Osuji
5. Tony Mgbudam
6. Ugoeze Cecilia Chukwukere
7. Martin Ezenwa Onyegbado
8. Chukwuma Onyekwere
9. Okonkwo Ndubueze
10. Mrs. Ijeoma Njemanze
11. Emeka Nwozuzu
12. Okey Udeagu
13. Ada Udegbe
14. Lolo Cecilia Onyeise
15. Fab Ogbonna
16. Dame Anagam Onanuju
17. Hon. Chino Obioha
18. Mrs Chioma Njoku
19. Nneoma Enderlein Asika
20. Kasarachi Okoroafor
21. Georgenia Anyamele
22. Godson Nwoabasi
23. Arch. Chinonso Odoemena
24. Maureen Chima
25. Gloria Onyemaechi
26. Roland Onuegwunwoke
27. Lolo Oby Agwurumba
28. Mrs. Ogechi Dike
29. Mrs Roseline Onwuelingo
30. Mrs Ijeoma Onwumere
31. Mrs Vivian Echeruo
32. Ms Oby Opurum
33. Lolo May Ugwu – Secretary.

The Committee will be inaugurated as follows

Date: Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Venue: New Hall, Rockview Hotel, Owerri
Time: 12 noon prompt

Note: Accreditation starts by 8am at the venue.

Signed

Chibuike Onyeukwu
Media Aide to the Governor-elect

8th April, 2019


READ MORE:https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/ihedioha-constitutes-287-members-inauguration-committee/

The management of Federal University of Technology (FUTO) Owerri, Imo State, has finally admitted that four students who died at the Sushine Castle hotel, Ihiagwa, were their students.

The students were alleged to have taken tramadol and Indian hemp and indulged in sex romp.

The schools’ Public Relations Officer, Uche Nwelue, said after investigation,the university was able to identify three of the victims.

Nwelue told reporters that checks in the school’s student data system, confirmed that the three males, who allegedly took part in the sex orgy at the hostel near the institution, were students of FUTO.

The university’s spokesperson said, “I can now confirm to you that all the three boys, who took part in the alleged sex incident after an alleged drug overdose, were students of the university.


“The only female among them is not our student; she is from the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede. That is the true situation of things as it concerns the studentship of the victims.”

Asked what the university would do now that it had confirmed that three out of the four students were from the institution, Nwelue stated, “The university is actually handicapped as it relates to this matter.

“The incident happened outside of the campus of the university. We do not have control over their lifestyle outside the campus. Moreover, the school has rules and regulations guiding every student here.

“If any of them breaks it, we will punish him/her once he/she comes back to school. But beyond this, parents should watch their children and encourage them to live in hostels on the campus. It will make them to be more serious and dedicated to their studies.”

It had been reported that four students, Ugochukwu Kingsley, Richard, Aka Uche and Onyinyechi Okafor, were alleged to have indulged in sex romp and were rescued from the hostel.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/futo-finally-open-up-on-death-of-three-students/

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, had last Friday inaugurated new Board Chairmen and members of some government boards and parastatals, a move which had raised objection from the opposition which say it is a ploy to place a heavy burden on the incoming administration of Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

According to the Imo Governor, he said he still has the constitutional power to make appointments until he leaves office on May 29, this year.

The appointments is coming barely two months to handover to the next incoming government.

Secretary to the State Government, Mark Echendu, who represented the Governor at the swearing in ceremony, charged the inaugurated members to discharge their duties diligently, stating that the law backed their appointment even as they were entitled to all benefits accruing to their respective offices.

“My government is alive till May 29. So, I still have the rights as empowered by the constitution to make appointments till then. I want to assure you that this (the appointment) is backed by law. You will stay in office even after my stay till the end of your tenure and you are entitled to all benefits of your respective positions,” he said.

Governor Rochas Okorocha and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC were in court today (Friday) over non issuance of his Certificate of Return by the electoral commission.

The Governor had in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/296/2019 which he had filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, insisted that INEC lacked the statutory powers to withhold his Certificate of Return.

Okorocha insists that he was validly elected to represent Imo West in the Senate.

At the resumed proceeding on the matter in Abuja on Friday, Okorocha through his lawyers led by Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN prayed the court to order INEC to in the interim issue him Certificate of Return pending the determination of the suit.

Four other parties who participated in Imo West Senatorial election joined the suit as interested parties though INEC was listed as the sole defendant.The applicants through their lawyers said they were opposed to the issuance of Certificate of Return to Okorocha.

The interested parties are Mr. Nwachukwu Clement of Labour Party, Precious Nwadike of United Progressive Party, UPP, Dr. Uche Ibeh of Labour Party and, the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA.

Hon. Jones Onyeriri of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Senator Osita Izunaso had earlier joined as interested parties in the matter.

All the parties that were added as 2nd to 7th Defendants in the matter and had notified the court that they would file preliminary objections to challenge the competence of Okorocha’s suit.

INEC Lawyer, Mrs. Wendy Kuku, had queried the jurisdiction of the court to entertain the suit which she argued raised post election issues.

The presiding judge, Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo adjourned the matter till next Tuesday.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/imo-west-senatorial-seat-inec-okorocha-meet-in-court-again/

Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Chieftain in Imo State and South East co coordinator, National PDP Professionals and Business Group, NPPBG, Chief Chuks Ajaelu was among top PDP chieftains across the country invited for a crucial close door meeting with some national officers of the party in Abuja.


Ajaelu and co stormed the Party’s national headquarters, Wadata Plaza on Thursday where they held fruitful discussions with some of the party’s national leaders on the recent electoral success of the party across the country, Imo State inclusive.

In attendance at the meeting include Board of Trustees Chairman of the Party, Senator Walid Jibrin, BOT Secretary, Adolphus Wabara and PDP National Secretary, Senator Umar Ibrahim Tasuri.

The PDP had made an appreciable impact in the country recovering States it lost in the 2015 elections, including Imo State which it grabbed from the grip of the All Progressive Congress, APC.

Details of the meeting were not disclosed as at press time but sources said the parley was part of efforts of the national leadership of the party to involve key stakeholders across the country to analyze the 2019 elections and design a way forward geared towards reforming the electoral process with an eye on 2023.

Chief Ajaelu’s participation in the meeting signals his relentless support to the cause of the PDP through the NPPBG which has supported and backed the party to win elections not just in Imo but across the country.

Speaking to this newspaper after the meeting in Abuja, Chief Ajaelu’s once again drummed support for Imo State Governor elect, Hon.Emeka Ihedioha. He described the victory of Ihedioha and the PDP as victory for all, stating that the recent Transition Technical Committee, TTC put up by the Governor Elect is a clear demonstration of his clear vision to make Imo State work again.

He said the NPPBG has continuously shown support to the party across the South East and will not relent in its determination to ensure the PDP deliver all its campaign promises to the people across the five South East States.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/imo-pdp-chieftain-ajaelu-others-hold-closed-door-meeting-with-national-party-leadership/

The Federal High Court sitting in Owerri, has struck out a matter brought before it by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, a governorship aspirant in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The Senator had gone to court to challenge the outcome of the PDP governorship primary in the State won by Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.

Anyanwu had claimed that the process that led to Ihedioha’s emergence was faulty.

The Presiding Judge, Justice T.G Ringim struck out the matter out for lack of merit.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/imo-pdp-guber-primary-court-dismiss-senator-anyanwus-case/

The social media has been abuzz with reports how two undergraduate students of Federal University of Technology, FUTO died recently.

While reports said they died after a sex romp, another report said they died of drug intake.

According to THE PUNCH, the matter was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Orlando Ikeokwu who stated that the deceased students were suspected to have abused drugs during a sex romp. He said the incident occurred at Sunshine lodge in Ihiagwa, near FUTO campus.

According to him, the Police Personnel, who evacuated the corpses and took the two unconscious victims to hospital, recovered substances suspected to be Indian Hemp and tramadol from the scene.

“ Police detectives from the Nekede Division promptly mobilized to the scene and found the four victims completely naked and unconscious. The Police operatives recovered substances suspected to be Indian hemp and tramadol from the scene.

“ The victims were immediately conveyed to the police clinic and two of the victims, Kingsley and Richard, were certified dead by the medical doctor on duty

“ The corpses have been deposited in the morgue of the Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, for autopsy, while the female victim, whose condition is yet to be stabilized, and Uche have been referred to the FMC, Owerri, for further medical attention.

“ The families of the deceased have been contacted, while the conditions of the surviving victims are still being closely monitored.

The Public Relations Officer of FUTO, Uche Nwelue was reported to have said that the Institution was still investigating to confirm the victims were its students.
https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/how-three-futo-undergraduate-students-died/

Former Imo State Governor and governorship candidate of the Accord party, Ikedi Ohakim has vowed to support the incoming administration of Emeka Ihedioha in the State.

In a statement, Ohakim said against all odds and manipulations, the choice of the people of Imo State has been upheld, stating all those who love the State should put all hands on deck to ensure the success of the present government.

“The elections are over and in little under two months, the guard would change hands and Imo will have a brand new governor in the person of Rt Hon Chukwuemeka Ihedioha.

“Against all odds and manipulations, the choice of the people of Imo State has been upheld and what we all who love Imo State must do is to put all hands on deck to ensure his administration succeeds.

The former Governor thanked all those stood with him during his campaigns.
https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/ohakim-reveals-what-he-will-do-with-imo-governor-elect/

If reports reaching this newspaper are anything to go by, then the Speaker of the incoming 9th Imo Assembly may emerge from Orlu zone (Imo West).

This is the thinking among some top leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in the State though not the official position of the party at the moment.

The quest for a Speaker for the incoming House has been raging on, two clear months ahead of the inauguration of the House in June.

There is worry among party leaders that Okigwe zone which is supposed to produce the Speaker has no elected PDP House member.

The 6 members elect from Okigwe zone are of the Action Alliance, AA and the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA.

The PDP has no elected member elect from the zone. Newspaper reports had claimed on Tuesday that the party leadership are scared of a possible gang up by non PDP members to overturn the selection of a Speaker in their favour.

Both the AA and APGA collectively have 14 members elect, while the PDP have 13.

Orlu zone have four PDP members elect. They represent Orsu, Oguta, Oru East and Oru State Constituencies. The party’s searchlight may beam on the zone.

Owerri zone is out of the equation since the State Governor elect is from this zone.

Howeve, all the four members elect from Orlu zone are first timers.

But since there is no rule or law stating that only ranking members must hold the position of Speaker, the PDP members elect who have a slight majority in the House may be skewed by the party leadership to go for one of their own as Speaker from Orlu zone.


https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/9th-imo-assembly-pdp-may-root-for-speaker-from-orlu-zone/

BY IKENNA ORIOHA
[i][/i]
The Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri has held its 41st Matriculation ceremony

The Matriculation Ceremony was held on Wednesday, 3rd March, 2019 at the Ceremonial Ground of the School with over 2000 students of National Diploma and Higher National Diploma Regular and Part-time Evening and Weekend Programmes.

The students were happy as they celebrated and rejoiced with their loved- ones who came from far and near to celebrate with them. The event was spectacular as the students and the school management were clad colourfully in their matriculation attire to the admiration of visitors.



In his welcome speech, Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri, Rev Engr Dr Michael Chidiebere Arimanwa,said that the citadel of learning is associated with academic excellence and morality and as such advised students to study hard to gain knowledge and lessons that will help them project their future positively for their own good and that of the society at large.

The Rector described this year’s matriculation as a landmark and epic making ceremony.

“A matriculation ceremony that usher in new students into a new era, but by the grace of God, new ideas and innovation-driven methods of approach to ensure peace, development and progress in our dear institution “.

Rev Arimanwa revealed that Federal Polytechnic, Nekede, Owerri rank as one of the second generation Polytechnics in the country having been created in 1978.

He charged students to shun cultism, indecent dressing, immorality, cohabitation, keeping late night and also make use of the library to merit excellence.

Chairman, Publicity and Programme sub-committee and PRO of the Polytechnic, Mr Ever Bezze Nwosu, recounted that the school rewards discipline and academic excellence as four students got scholarship from the institution.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/federal-polytechnic-nekede-hold-41st-matriculation/

Imo State Governor Elect, Hon.Emeka Ihedioha has made it clear that the task of rebuilding Imo State is daunting and enormous.

He said the State has been in the news for negative reasons which paint or depict a picture of what the people of the State are not.

Speaking at the inauguration of 139 Transition Technical Commitee in Owerri, the Governor Elect said his incoming government is committed to bequeath a legacy of purposefulness, transparency in governance and observance of the rule of law.

He said the transition Committee will help in providing a clear roadmap to achieve the goals his incoming government has set.

“You come from different professional backgrounds with competencies that will help us identify measurable policy frameworks and how to raise and manage the requisite resources after taking a critical look at what the outgoing administration is handing over to us.

” When we started this journey we had a carefully articulated manifesto put together by respected professionals from this State. Our people keyed into this manifesto, and with their votes and the by grace of God, we are here today.Your principal task therefore, is to bring to life the manifesto so that we can hit the ground running, with deliverables and timelines”

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/rebuilding-imo-state-daunting-enormous-ihedioha-tells-ttc/

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has opened up on a wide range of issues after meeting President Muhammadu Buhari at the State House, Abuja.

He blamed the loss of the All Progressive Congress, APC in Imo State to the imposition of candidates by National Chairman of the party, Comrade Adams Oshiomole. He also said that the party’s candidate in the governorship election led to the abysmal performance of the party in the elections in Imo State.

The Governor also said the party is on the verge of crashing out before the 2023 general elections.


He said “My fear now is that APC might have a serious setback in 2023 because the Oshiomhole’s led executive is actually turning APC into a regional minority party which shouldn’t be because of his mistakes. Right now in the whole South East, we don’t have an APC governor.”

On why he visited President Buhari, he said came to invite the President to commission projects his administration executed in the state.

He said, “I came here precisely to discuss with Mr President to come and commission my projects. I have completed the construction of a new Cargo Airport Terminal, Warehouses and cargo sheds that is to be commissioned.

“I have also completed a new police headquarters and also a new prison headquarters in Imo State. These are federal government projects built by Imo State government. Another landmark project is the Justice Oputa Court – the new Imo State High Court Complex which we have built.

“So, we have over a thousand verifiable projects to be commissioned. So I am requesting Mr President to kindly commission the federal ones and see how many of the state’s projects he could commission for me. This is precisely why I am here.”

Okorocha had vied for Imo West Senatorial election which he won. His Certificate of Return was withheld by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC

He said ““I won’t be surprise because, of course, you know the imposition we suffered in the party.

“When you say the party, you talk about the leadership of that party, it’s not the party. I don’t have problem with the National Working Committee of that party, I only have problem with the chairman of that party who took it upon himself to do the wrong thing against me for just no cause and to fight a battle that he can never win.

“Now he is the one that is behind all these impositions, can you imagine, as I speak to you the APC candidate in Imo State did not win a seat, APC does not have a councilor in Imo State, it does not even have a House Member. But the AA (Action Alliance) candidate has eight seats in the Imo State House of Assembly, two Federal House and they have one senator about to come to the senate.

“This is why internal democracy must be respected, let the will of the people prevail rather than this imposition. It is unfortunate what has happened in Imo State. At least, I have been vindicated for the fact that I said the APC candidate they are imposing on Imo people is not popular, he came from the opposition.

“For the first time, APC doesn’t have a seat in Imo State. When I was the leader of that party, when I was running the affairs of that party, we won 24 seats in the House of Assembly, we have governor, federal house members but today APC does not have because of imposition.”

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/okorocha-speaks-after-meeting-buhari/

Imo State Governor elect, Hon Emeka Ihedioha has constituted a Transition Technical Committee headed by Prof Ernest Ebi.

Former Minister of Aviation, Dr. Mrs Kema Chikwe is Vice Chairman of the committee.

According to a statement by Chibuike Onyeukwu, media assistant to the Governor elect, the committee is sub divided into 12 committees. Each of the committees a Chairman and Secretary. Some of the sub committees have a Deputy Chairman.

The sub committees are : Projects and Review sub Committee, Finance Review and Funding Initiative subcommittee, Integrated Infrastructure sub Committee, Human Capital Development sub Committee, Good Governance Sub Committee, Agriculture, Commerce and Industries sub Committee, Job and Wealth Creation subcommittee, Tourism and Hospitality sub Committee, Talents and Opportunities Sub Committee, Security Sub Committee, Diaspora Initiatives Sub Committee, Owerri Town Planning Sub Committee,

Former Super Eagles captain, Kanu Nwankwo is a member of the sub committee on Talents and Opportunities committee.Former Ministers, Dr (Mrs) Viola Onwuliri and Engr. Charles Ugwu made the cut.

Former Governorship aspirants, Mr. Casmir Anyanwnu, Marcel Ochiama and Deputy Governorship candidate of the United Progressive Party, UPP, Nnaemeka Obiareri are members of the committee.

The full list:

IMO STATE TRANSITION TECHNICAL COMMITTEE

His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha CON, Governor- Elect, Imo State , has constituted a Transition Technical Committee. The Committee Members are as follows

Membership

Dr. ​Ernest Ebi Chairman
Dr. Kema Chikwe Vice Chairman
Chinedu Okpaleke Secretary

Sectoral Sub-Committee Membership

Projects Review Sub-Committee

Dr. Chris Asoluka ​- Sub-Committee Chair
Dr. Sam Amadi​
Mr. Tony Abili
Dr. Ikechi Iwuagwu
Engr. Ben Ekwueme
Barr. Alozie Nwokoro
Mr. Dan Onwu
Bar P.G.U Madu​ – Secretary

Finance Review and Funding Initiative Sub-Committee

Dr. Abraham Nwankwo ​ – ​Sub-Committee Chair​
Dr. Emeka Osuji
Johnson Chukwu
Okey Nwosu
Prof. Uche Uwaleke
Dr. Okey Nwuke
Ano Anyanwu
Dr. Casmir Anyanwu
Mr. Paully Ajoko
Ken Orji ​ – Secretary

Integrated Infrastructure Sub-Committee

Capt. Emma Iheanacho​ – ​Sub-Committee Chair
Prof. Ike Azogu – Deputy Chair
Mazi Nnamdi Udoh
Engr. Johnny Chukwu​
Engr. Chibuike Achigbu
Dr. Albert Okorogu
Mr. Philip Chukwu
Chidi Keneth Nwachukwu
Engr. Emeka Ugoanyanwu
Engr. Christian Akamnonu
Engr. Uzoma Achinanya
Dr. Iheanyi Ohiaeri
Mr. Chika Okafor
Mr. Tony Anyaegbu
Engr. Emeka Ekwebelem
Engr. John Otti
Engr. Celestine Omeni
Mr. George Nwangwu – Secretary

Human Capital Development Sub-Committee

Prof Jude Njoku​ – ​Sub-Committee Chair​
Prof. Viola Onwuliri – Deputy Chair
Prof. Ukachukwu Awuzie
Prof. Obioma Iheduru
Dr. Ikenna Nwachukwu
Dr. Mrs. Uche Moneke
Prof. I. C. Okonkwo
Prof B.E.B Nwoke
Prof Fr. Ethel Amaku
Prof. P.U. Okorie ​
Dr. Livinus Obilor
Engr. Charles Okoro
Prof. Florence Nduka
Nneka Davis – Ihekweme
Dr. Emeka Onyema
Dr. Mrs. Cate Osuji
Prof. I.N.S Dozie
Sir Evans Uzorkwe
Prof. Fr. Ogbonna – Secretary

Good Governance Sub-Committee

Justice Paul Onumajuru (Rtd) – ​ Sub-Committee Chair​
Innocent Chukwuma
Joe Abah
Reginald Ihebuzor
Mrs. Agatha Ndugbu
Prof. Chidi Odinkalu
Mr. Paschal Egwim
Mr. Emeka Diwe
Dr. Eddie Mbadiwe
Dr. Mrs. Joy Njemanze
Mr. Dan Nwanyanwu
Hon. Stanford Onyirimba
Sir Emma Ohakim
Bar. Nnaemeka Maduagwu – Secretary

Agriculture, Commerce and Industries Sub-Committee

Engr. Charles Ugwu ​-​ Sub-Committee Chair​
Clem Owunna
Sen. Bright Nwanne
Dr. Chuma Ezedinma
Frank Nneji
Mr. Ben Obinali
Dr. Frank Jacobs
Mazi Chidi Okoro
Capt. Henry Omeogu
Obinna Onuoha
Prof. Goddy Onuoha
Dr. Nnaemeka Obiaraeri
Dr. Chijioke Osuji – Secretary

Job & Wealth Creation Sub-Committee

Prof. Ndi Okereke Onyiuke ​- Sub-Committee Chair​
Dr. Clair Omatseye – Deputy Chair
Mr. Chineme Iheaku
Prof. Ebere Onwudiwe
Comrade Joe Ajearo ​
Mr. John Ekezie Okeahialam
7. Princess Gloria Akobundu

Prof Bongo Adi
Mr. Uche Odozor
Mrs. Chidi Ngoka
Dr. Mrs Bibiana Okoroafor
Amb. Adaobi Obioha
Mr. C.N.C Nwachukwu – Secretary

Tourism and Hospitality Sub-Committee

Mr. Charles Anudu ​​- ​ Sub-Committee Chair
Prof. A B C Duruaku – Deputy Chair
Ken Ikpe
Austin Chilakpu
Barr. Demo Oduoma

Talents and Opportunities Sub-Committee

​​Mr. Dan Ngerem – ​Sub-Committee Chair
Mr. Stanley Amuchie – Deputy Chair
​Kanu Nwankwo​
Okey Onyegbule
Rep of Vulnerable Group
Mr.Linus Okorie
Mr. Excel Ochiama
Fan Ndubuoke – Secretary

Security Sub-Committee

Sir. Mike Okiro ​-​ Sub-Committee Chair​
Dr. Martin Ejidike
AIG. Charles Ugomuo (rtd)
Sir. Joe Nwachukwu
Amb. Paul Njoku
Chief Ben Opara
Gen. Chijioke Egwuagu – Secretary

Diaspora Initiatives Sub-Committee

Prof. Chudi Uwazuruike – Sub- Committee Chair
Martin Ezemma
Dr. Agatha Anosike
Chief Alozie Aguwa
Bonny-Life Ndu
Ugoeze Edith Ohanwe
Chinedu Chukwuonye
Dr. Rita Amakiri
Chief Charles Eke
Mr Bosco Nwokeji
Anselm Okorie – Secretary

Owerri Town Planning Sub-Committee

Chuka Odom ​​- ​Sub-Committee Chair
Hon. Levi Oguike – Deputy Chair
Mr. Chinenye Nwabueze
Sir Gabriel Odua
Paul Onwuanibe
Arc. Noel Obioma
Arc. Festus Adibe Njoku
Sir Chucks Okoronkwo
Mr. Humphrey Anumudu
Steve Onu – Secretary

The Committee will be inaugurated as follows

Date: 3rd April, 2019

Venue : Rockview Hotel, Owerri

Time 12 noon.

Signed.

Chibuike Onyeukwu

Media Aide to the Governor -Elect
https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/ihedioha-constitutes-transition-technical-committee-kanu-onwuliri-ugwuothers-make-list-see-full-list/

There is high level intrigue and horse trading over who becomes the Speaker of the incoming 9th Imo State House of Assembly.

This is coming two months even before the inauguration of the executive arm of government.

The State Assembly is expected to be inaugurated in June.

However because of the plurality of members elect of the incoming Assembly, this newspaper gathered that there is so much horse trading, intrigues and arguments leading to the choice of Speaker and other principal officers of the House.

This is so because the incoming ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have slight majority in the incoming legislature with 14 members elect, while two opposition parties, the Action Alliance, AA and the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA have a total of 14 members elect. ( AA- 8, APGA 6)

If zoning of offices still hold water in the State, then the PDP is completely shut out from producing the Speaker because it did not win a single seat from Okigwe zone having produced the incoming Governor and Deputy from Owerri and Orlu zones respectively.

This has set the stage for a fierce scramble for the Speakership position by members elect from Okigwe zone who are all members of AA and APGA.

Reports available to this newspaper indicate that as part of the dynamics and shaping the choice of a Speaker for the 9th Assembly, one of the members elect from Okigwe zone who is making his second return to the House is alleged to have dumped his original party for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

At a strategic meeting held at the weekend, the House member elect was alleged to have come under pressure to dump his party and align with the PDP to brighten his chances of grabbing the number three post in the State

However, there are concern within the PDP leadership in the State if they can trust “a decampee” lawmaker from another political party whose political taproot is either with the outgoing Rochas Okorocha Administration or the APGA governorship candidate, Ifeanyi Araraume.

Sources said despite the victory of Hon.Emeka Ihedioha as Governor Elect, it will be political suicide for the incoming government to have a Speaker who is part and parcel of the outgoing government or from the flank of the opposition

A top chieftain of the PDP in the State who spoke on condition of anonymity said it will be grave danger for a Speaker to come from either AA or APGA even if he or she decamps to the PDP at the eleventh hour.

“It is true Ihedioha has won.But we cannot trust someone from AA or APGA to lead the House of Assembly. The Action Alliance, AA governorship candidate is still opposed to the election that brought Ihedioha to power.

“When you look at the dynamics carefully, AA and APGA have 14 members elect. The PDP do have 13 members elect. Politics is all about conspiracy and if 14 members from the opposition parties conspire against the Executives you already have 2/3rd majority that can impeach the Governor.

“The Governor elect is yet to assume office. Even the APGA governorship candidate, Senator Araraume has not Congratulated Ihedioha on his victory. The same can be said of the AA governorship candidate who is challenging the outcome of the election that produced Ihedioha as Governor.

“Much as we respect the independence of the legislature and I believe the plurality of members elect will give us a robust and active House of Assembly, we cannot trust anyone from the opposition at this time even if he decamps to the PDP to be the Speaker of the House.

“We are all witnesses to the activities in the 9th Senate. Bukola Saraki who emerged the Senate President was of the APC but he was a mole in the ruling party having aligned with the PDP to become Senate President. You saw how he later dumped the APC and joined the PDP.

” We all saw how the policies of the Buhari government were frustrated by a non friendly senate. We are towing similar path in Imo.

“Therefore Ihedioha will be sitting on a keg of gunpowder if a core PDP member elect is not made the Speaker of the House. “There are many banana peels littering around him and he cannot afford to step on them if he must suceed in the task of rebuilding Imo.

Based on these fresh narratives, It was observed at the weekend that some party leaders in the PDP are pushing for Orlu zone to produce the Speaker of the 9th Assembly.

The PDP won four seats in Orlu zone namely Oru West, Oru East, Orsu and Orlu State Constituencies.

They anchor their argument on the grounds that the office of the Speaker of the House of Assembly is not subject to zoning or rotation.

One of the leaders told this newspaper
“What the charter of equity which does not even exist states is zoning of the office Governor and Deputy Governor. Did it say the office of Speaker of the House should be subjected to zoning

” The watchword here is trust and not sentiments without compromising the independence of the State legislature.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/04/9th-imo-assembly-intrigues-horse-trading-may-shape-choice-of-speaker/