With its dismal performance in the 2019 elections in Imo State, political analysts say that the All Progressive Congress, APC in the State risk going into political oblivion if key actors in the party fail to take proactive measures to revive it as a vibrant opposition party before the next political dispensation.

The APC in Imo suffered crushing defeat during the last elections. It failed to deliver its presidential candidate, President Muhammadu Buhari as Peoples Democratic Party, PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar recorded victory in the State.

The party also lost the governorship election with its candidate, Senator Hope Uzodinma placing a distant fourth in the contest. It was also unable to win a single House of Assembly seat though it won some federal Reps seats. Hon.Chike Okafor, House Committee Chairman on Health won re election to the House.

Two factions exist in Imo APC, an offshoot of a fierce, bitter political skirmishes between Governor Rochas Okorocha and the Imo APC Coalition. They who fought for the soul of the party leaving on its trail huge losses for the party.

The Coalition made up of Okorocha’s Deputy, Eze Madumere, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume (who later left for APGA), Senator Benjamin Uwajumuogu, T.E.O.Ekechi and others.

Governor Rochas Okorocha’s preferred candidate, Uche Nwosu and others joined the Action Alliance, AA, a move which earned Okorocha suspension from the APC by the National Working Committee, NWC of the party. The move was predicated on the fact that the Coalition had gained the upper hand when Senator Hope Uzodinma was handed the governorship ticket of the party as the NWC roundly opposed Uche Nwosu’s candidature.

They also installed a Caretaker Commitee led by Marcellinus Nlemigbo whose loyalty was with Uzodinma and co after sacking the Okorocha backed Daniel Nwafor led State Executives.

The party went into the election in the State a divided house.And like a battlefield, the warriors at the warfront brandished their swords of war till d day.

Governor Rochas Okorocha vied for Imo West senatorial seat and claimed he won, but currently in court challenging the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC for denying him his Certificate of Return.

Uzodinma lost the governorship election to eventual winner, Hon Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP, he also came behind Senator Ifeanyi Araraume (APGA) and Uche Nwosu (AA).

The 27 House of Assembly seats went the way of APGA which won six seats, Action Alliance ( and the PDP (13), the APC had none. It also lost Owerri Senatorial seat while struggling to retain Okigwe Senatorial seat where its candidate, Benjamin Uwajumuogu is up against force opposition.


The outcome of the election in the State indeed perforated the morale of party members who attribute the embarrassing outing of the ‘APC at the polls to internal strife, in fighting and also sabotage.

Senator Uzodinma is yet to issue an official statement on the election though he has not congratulated the winner of the polls, Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP.

Governor Rochas Okorocha’s fate in the party still hangs in the balance as the APC is enforcing its suspension order and recently announced its unwillingness to help him secure his certificate of Return from INEC.

APC Publicity Secretary, Lanre Isa Onilu, had said Okorocha never reported his ordeal to the party and therefore on his own.

This newspaper gathered that picking up the bits and pieces of the party in the State which suffered devastating bruises during the elections has become a thorny issue among key stakeholders.

Newspaper reports in Owerri had speculated that there is a cold war between Senator Uzodinma and the Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere on who takes charge of the party structure in the State after its loss in the elections.

Madumere had last week said the APC did not loose Imo State but it was Governor Rochas Okorocha that lost.

He said “The truth is that we did not lose any election. Posterity will remember us well because we said no to bad leadership. We are on the side of the people.

“Our people surely will be appreciative of our effort in the journey to liberate our state from hands of Emperor. It is true that we are not on the saddle but we are rest assured that our people would always remember what we had to do to ensure they are not perennially enslaved and that their spirits are conquered by whims and caprices of just one man with his family.”

Sources said Senator Uzodinma is taking measured steps after losing the election and in a matter days will unveil his next line of action in a party so fragmented and hugely battered during the elections.

How the party rise from ashes of defeat and reposition for its opposition status in Imo State will be huge task considering the various layers of political discord which rocked the party during the elections with no end in sight even after the polls.

” Repositioning the party after the elections is the key to its survival. This is no longer the time to bicker. This is not the time to point accusing fingers why the party fell so flat during the elections.

“The leadership of the party must reconcile all. Mistakes have been made and it is time to correct them. If we continue this way, the APC will just evaporate in Imo. This will be most unfortunate for a party that had a sitting Governor, more than 5 federal lawmakers, two senators and 23 House of Assembly members before the elections” said Chief Okechukwu Nwaneri, a chieftain of the party in Imo State.
https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/can-imo-apc-rise-from-the-ashes-of-defeat/

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC have again explained further why it decided to withhold the Certificate of Return of Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha and three others.

The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN reports that Mr. Festus Okoye, the Commission’s National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education, said the “ decision does not amount to shifting goal post at the middle of the march”

He said in Awka that INEC only issues certificate to people who genuinely win elections.

“Issuance of certificates of return is a statutory function of INEC, it is only issued to those who won election and must be done through free will of a returning officer.

“In the case of Imo West Senatorial zone where Okorocha contested, the Otu-Opi Federal Constituency in Benue, Agayi State Constituency and another in Akwa Ibom, what INEC is saying is that you can’t engage in bad electoral behaviour and expect INEC to reward you with a certificate.

“Our certificate is only for those who won freely,” he said.

Okoye said the commission has the right not to issue certificate to such persons as it would amount to abnormality.

He said INEC’s action is not targeted at the voters who voted people of their choice, but to address excesses of those who wanted to use unconventional means to win elections.

“Once we have such case, INEC will not issue certificate, but ensure that the right thing is done,” he said.

He said at the moment contenders of the positions in all the four affected areas are in court adding that INEC is awaiting for the outcome of the pending matters. He also said if the court orders INEC to issue certificates of return to the people involved, it would do same.

Governor Okorocha had dragged the Commission to Court to compel INEC release his Certificate of Return on the grounds that he won the Imo West Senatorial election.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/inec-opens-up-again-on-okorochas-certificate-of-return/

A chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA in Imo State, Chief Chukwudi Opara (Udochimara Emii) has congratulated Imo State Governor Elect, Hon.Emeka Ihedioha on his victory at the governorship election in Imo State.

Opara also praised Ihedioha on his recent presentation of Certificate of Return by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

Opara said the overwhelming votes Ihedioha received during the election and the jubilation across the State when he was pronounced winner of the polls, is an attestation of his widespread acceptability by the people of the State.

Speaking to this newspaper, Opara said Ihedioha is tested and trusted who understands the dynamics of governance having proved his mettle in the legislative arm of government when he was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives.

” Ihedioha is simply the choice of the people of Imo State. He was overwhelmingly voted for during the governorship election.


“He is a man whose time has come and he deserves our support to enable him take our dear Imo State to the next level

” I have observed his recent statements after he won the election and I am convinced he has a clear picture of what he wants to achieve for the State. He deserves our unflinching support.

Opara called on the Governor Elect to hit the ground running immediately he assumes office on May 29, 2019, stating that the State requires urgent attention to enable the people of the State to be completely liberated form the shackles of bad governance orchestrated by the Rochas Okorocha administration

He commended the Governor Elect for vowing to run an inclusive government which he noted is a major step that will lift the State away from the doldrums.

Opara noted that Ihedioha has shown an undiluted commitment to get Imo work again and therefore deserves the support of well meaning Imolites to succeed.

He said the Governor Elect should place emphasis on reviving the local governments which was emasculated by the outgoing Rochas Okorocha administration.

” The local governments must function at optimum level to enable the dividends of democracy trickle down to the grassroots.

He described Ihedioha as a seasoned administrator who possess the capacity to effectively steer the ship of governance in the State for the overall good of the masses.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/apga-chieftain-opara-congratulates-ihedioha/

The governing party, the All Progressive Congress, APC has for the first time opened up on the denial of Governor Rochas Okorocha’s certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC

INEC had refused to issue Okorocha a certificate of return after wining the Imo West Senatorial election on the grounds that he was declared winner under duress.

APC National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Isa Onilu, at a news conference in Abuja said it cannot help the Imo State Governor on the matter because of the suspension slammed on him by the party.

He said the Governor has not reported the matter to the party.

“He has not reported his dilemma to the party”.

He added, “We cannot take any position on that now. Governor Okorocha is on suspension. He, too, has not reported the case to us because he knows he is on suspension. “Until that is vacated, we can’t handle his case.”

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/certificate-of-return-apc-opens-up-on-okorocha/

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has said his administration never borrowed money from any bank either within or outside the country.

The Governor had come under criticisms from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Imo State who had accused him of withdrawing 17 billion naria from the State treasury in three days.

The Administration was also accused of auctioning State government vehicles and properties for sale to family members, friends and cronies.

In a statement by Okorocha’s Chief Press Secretary on Friday, Sam Onwuemedo, he challenged any bank to openly indicate and give details of such transaction for the public to know and make a counter claim within seven days.

“We have come up with this position because the PDP is synonymous with falsehood and propaganda. And even as a Party, if they know any bank the government of Rochas Okorocha has borrowed one naira from, they should mention such Bank and State the particulars of the transaction so that interested persons can verify or forever, they should keep their mouths shut.

“Owing to Governor Okorocha’s Monumental achievements, Opponents of the administration have always erroneously concluded that he must have borrowed heavily from the banks. And that is the reason we are now stating openly that the Rescue Mission administration which Owelle Okorocha has superintended for almost 8years now has not borrowed money from any bank.

He said the State Government has paid workers salaries up to the month of February 2019, stating that payment of the month of March salary is about to commence.

“We also want to state that Imo State Government has paid Workers’ Salary upto the month of February 2019, and the payment of the month of March Salary is about to commence. In other words, the State Government is not owing any outstanding salary.

“Again, the government of Governor Okorocha is not owing any Contractor.And if any Contractor has any Claim in the contrary he or she should immediately go to the Office of the Secretary to the government of Imo State with the relevant papers before May 29, 2019. We are doing this so that people would not come after the governor.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/i-m-owing-no-bank-no-contractor-do-not-come-after-me-after-may-29-okorocha-tells-pdp/

The Youth Assembly of Nigeria, YAN, has demanded for the post of Senate President for the South East geo political zone, just as it called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to release the Certificate of Return of Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha who won the Imo West Senatorial elections in the next 10 days.

This was disclosed by the National Speaker, Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Rt.Hon. Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel after an emergency meeting of the leadership of YAN (Southern zone) held in Asaba on Monday 25th March, 2019.

He said that there were qualified persons from south east zone for the position.

He explained that ensuring a South-East Senate President would assuage the people of the region and bring to end issues of marginalization of the Igbos in the affairs of the nation.

While congratulating the President on his successful re-election, the YAN President said that the persuasions by the youth group before the general election contributed to the increased percentage of votes from the region for President Muhammadu Buhari.

They urged the ninth National Assembly and the APC National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomole to persuade party members in the Senate for the emergence of a South-East senator as the next Senate President.

Rt.Hon. Godstime Chukwubuikem Samuel stated that south east senators elect of the ruling APC like Governor. Rochas Okorocha and Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu are well qualified to emerge as President of the Senate.

He revealed that the Southern leadership of YAN also issued to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) 10 days ultimatum to issue Anayo Rochas Okorocha his Certificate of Return or face their wrath.

The Assembly noted that it was unconstitutional and against the electoral Act as amended for INEC to refuse the issuance of Certificate of Return to Rochas Okorocha after his declaration as the winner by the returning officer.

The statement reads in part: We demand that; as a matter of urgency the commission should without any further delay Present the certificate of return of the Senator elect in person of Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha to him to mend the breach of the constitution as INEC has no Constitutional right to withhold any certificate of return of any individual that has been pronounced elected and returned by the returning Officer, as only the tribunal can hear electoral matter and offences.

“It is only a court of competent jurisdiction that have such powers to deny any individual either returned or otherwise. That failure of the commission to present to the winner of the 23rd February election his certificate of return in person of Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha within 10 working days will attract a massive protest from the youth at the headquarters of the commission Abuja.

“We wish to categorically state that our citizens will not sit and watch institutions like INEC being bastardized by some few individuals at the detriment of our hard-earned democracy.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/yan-demands-senate-president-for-south-east-tackles-inec-on-okorochas-certificate-of-return/

Media Consultant and former Chairman of Nigeria Union Of Journalists in Imo State, Chief (Dr) Fidel Onyeneke has advised the Governor elect of Imo state, Chief Emeka Ihedioha to run an all inclusive government as a deliberate effort to satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of the Imo people.

Chief Onyeneke gave the advice in a congratulatory message to the Governor elect after he collected his Certificate of return from INEC.

He said that the challenges posed by the position of the governor were so enormous, and therefore required the cooperation and the prayers of well meaning groups and individuals for the smooth take off of the new administration.

Chief Onyeneke expressed happiness for the massive support of the Imo electorate towards the victory of Chief Ihedioha in the gubernatorial election.He described the Governor elect as a seasoned administrator and politician who had made immense contributions to the socio political and economic growth of the country.

The Media Consultant urged the incoming governor to have the interest of the masses at heart, and embark on projects that would touch positively on the lives of the rural dwellers.

Chief Onyeneke suggested the re invigoration of the local government systemand make them perform their constitutional functions in the interest of rural development. He equally called for the effective funding and use of the media in the act of governance to ensure enhanced communication between the government and the governed.

According to Chief Onyeneke, it is through the media that the government can feel the pulse of the electorate with a view to addressing their problems and needs. He reminded Imo people that the task of rebuilding the state,and uplifting the living standard and the welfare of the masses, required the joint responsibility of the government and the governed.

Chief Onyeneke expressed the strong belief that Imo state would move positively to the next level under the new dispensation of governance, considering the pedigree and antecedents of Chief Ihedioha.


https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/ex-imo-nuj-chairman-onyeneke-reveals-to-ihedioha-what-to-do-gives-reasons/

Following the abysmal performance of the All Progressive Congress, APC in Imo State, the State Deputy Governor, Eze Madumere has said the APC did not lose Imo State but rather it was the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha that lost.

The APC in Imo was the ruling party but lost ts hold of the State during the just concluded governorship and State Assembly elections. The Party lost the governorship and failed to produce a single member in the State legislature.

But Madumere who joined forces with “Imo APC Coalition” to back Senator Hope Uzodinma, the party’s governorship candidate for the governorship polls, believes the APC is still alive and kicking in Imo

He said “The truth is that we did not lose any election. Posterity will remember us well because we said no to bad leadership. We are on the side of the people. Our people surely will be appreciative of our effort in the journey to liberate our state from hands of Emperor. It is true that we are not on the saddle but we are rest assured that our people would always remember what we had to do to ensure they are not perennially enslaved and that their spirits are conquered by whims and caprices of just one man with his family.”

He spoke at his Lake Malinda, Achi Mbieri residence in Mbaitoli LGA when addressing party faithful.

He called on the leadership and members of the APC in Imo State to remain united, charging them to join hands to rebuild and reposition the party.

Madumere commended his party members for their resolute to rid the party of unpatriotic elements, including Rochas Okorocha who he described as a man who after eating a meal served him by the people of Imo state, chose not to say thank you but instead broke the plate.

He insisted that APC never lost any elections in Imo but that the party is more interested in producing a leadership that will stand for the people, empathize with the people and ultimately change their situation from worse to better.

Imo State Governor elect, Emeka Ihedioha has revealed why he will step on toes when he takes over the reins of government in the State on May 29, 2019

He said his commitment to rebuild the State is one of the chief reasons why he must clean up the system for the State to rebounce on the path of economic prosperity for the people.

Speaking at St. Peter’s Anglican Church Mbutu, Aboh Mbaise to celebrate his 54th birthday he said “I am very committed to liberating our state. I will strive to correct the ills in our state and make things work for the better. And in the course of it, I will step on some toes. I want to appeal to those that may be hurt, not to take it to heart but rather bear with us and accept it as a sacrifice in the rebuilding process. Our primary purpose is to get our state working again and I want to assure you that our government will give every Imolite, reasons to smile again.”

The plight of teachers will be of concern for the incoming Governor as he promised to set up a Bureau to look into issues of unduly sacked teachers who still have a lot to offer the State.

He frowned at the level of mismanagement of the finances of the State, vowing to set up a Transition Committee to evaluate the status quo and articulate the takeoff programmes of his government when he is sworn in


https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/ihedioha-gives-reasons-why-he-will-step-on-toes/

The incoming 9th Imo State House of Assembly may be robust and active considering how members elect have emerged. Many expect a non complacent legislature that will truly stick to its constitutional responsibility by keeping a check and balance on the Executives and cease to be their apron strings as it was in the past.
For the first time since democracy berthed in Nigeria in 1999, the ruling party does not have absolute control of the Imo State House of Assembly. Two opposition political parties, the Action Alliance and All Progressive Grand Party, APGA collectively have 14 members (AA 8, APGA 6).

The Peoples Demoratic Party, PDP which produced the Executives have more representatives with 13 members elect giving it a slight majority. The All Progressive Congress, APC which had over 20 members in the outgoing Assembly at the moment have no single lawmaker in the incoming House.

The race for Speaker of the House is the first litmus test for the new members elect. Some analysts say the opposition parties stand a chance of producing the Speaker if they unite against the PDP. This will be a major challenge for the incoming Emeka Ihedioha administration which will be seeking for a “friendly” legislator to propel the “Rebuild Imo Agenda”

The PDP cannot produce a Speaker of the House because it is shut out by the factor of zoning. The party has no elected member from Okigwe zone which is expected to produce the Speaker after Owerri and Orlu zones had produced Emeka Ihedioha and Gerald Irona as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively.

In Imo, the principle of zoning is strongly adhered to, to promote equity and fairplay among the zones. The race for the Speakership of the House seem to favour members from Okigwe zone mainly the AA and APGA members except strings are pulled to get one of the members from Okigwe zone decamp to the ruling PDP.

Ranking members are said to be considered but how this plays out remains a puzzle. Two or three names have continoulsy dominated the media as possible Speaker of the House. Hon Lawman Duruji (AA, Ehime Mbano) and Hon. Kennedy Ibe (AA, Obowo) are said to be higly favoured. They are returnee members.

However, there is no rule that makes it imperative that a Principal Officer of the House including the Speaker must be a “ranking member”

Certainly, Ihedioha, the Governor Elect will desire a “friendly legislature” and entrusting the Speaker in the hands of the opposition may not just be too good for him in a State so many banana peels litter the political landscape.

He knows how to pull the strings in such dicey political puzzle when one remembers how he and Aminu Tambuwal, now Sokoto State Governor, upstaged the applecart to emerge Deputy Speaker and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively in 2011.The Governor’s elect legislative background gives him the cutting edge in the entire mix.

But Political analysts contend that democracy is at work in Imo as the present composition of the incoming House of Assembly provides a fertile ground for a legislature that will be alive to its functions and cease to be a plaything of the Executives as it was in the past.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/9th-imo-assembly-a-puzzle/

The All Progressive Congress, APC has failed to produce a single member of the incoming House of Assembly in Imo State.

The party at the inauguration of the outgoing 8th Assembly had over 20 members which made it the majority party in the legislative arm of government which enabled it produce principal officers of the House.

All that has changed with the conclusion of supplementary elections for the House of Assembly seats for Ikeduru, Oguta and Orlu State Constituencies held on Saturday.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP now have majority of members in the incoming House having swept the polls in these areas.

The party won 10 seats during the governorship and State Assembly elections held on March 9, 2019 but extended it’s membership by winning the Assembly race in Orlu, Oguta and Ikeduru LGAs at the weekend.

As it stands, the PDP now have 13 members, the Action Alliance, AA have 8 members while the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA have 6 members.

The inability of the APC to produce a single member of the incoming House of Assembly has been attributed to infighting, battle for supremacy, internal strife and chaos that rocked the party before the 2019 governorship elections in the State.

The crisis in the party began when a splinter group emerged known as Imo APC Coalition which took on the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha in a battle for the soul of the party.

The rift deepened when Senator Hope Uzodinma grabbed the party’s governorship ticket after Governor Rochas Okorocha son in law and preferred choice for the governorship ticket, Uche Nwosu, was rejected by the National Working Committee of the party led by Comrade Adams Oshiomole.

This led to the defection of Nwosu alongside loyalists of Governor Okorocha to the Action Alliance, AA which incidentally won eight House of Assembly seats in the just concluded governorship and State Assembly elections.

The APC also suspended Governor Okorocha from the party on allegations of anti party activities.

This is the first time the Imo State House of Assembly is not dominated by members of the ruling party. The opposition political parties, AA and APGA collectively 14 members against PDP’s 13 members.

Political analysts anticipate a robust and active State legislature in the incoming government of Hon Emeka Ihedioha , a departure from the past where the State Assembly have been adjudged to a rubber stamp and plaything in the hands in the Executives.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/incoming-imo-assembly-apc-have-no-single-memberpdp-produce-majority/

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu on Friday, 22nd March, 2019, laid the foundation for the take off of Bioresource Development Centre, and South East Zonal Centre of Nigeria Institute of Leather and Science Technology (NILEST)

Performing the foundation laying ceremony at Okwudor in Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, Onu said NILEST is an institute that will undertake training on leather technology.

He said the Institute when fully operational will contribute to national development. He enumerated the gains of leather technology in the country which he noted will compete favourably in the global economy.

The Minister said it is also part of Federal Government’s commitment to enhance and improve the leather industry which will significantly contribute in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on oil and gas.

Onu noted that it is also part of the Buhari administration's commitment to boost the leather industry which will add up to efforts to diversify the nation’s economy, revealingthat efforts are ongoing to link the Institute to the Bank of Industry just as he advocated for a Science and Technology Bank to aid in funding technology in the country.

He called on the host community to protect the two projects, adding that it is a reflection of the commitment of the Buhari administration to give the South East a sense of belonging.

According to him, the Bioresource Development centre in the South East will lead to creation of jobs and carry out workshops in addition to providing laboratories for students to carry out research.

In her remarks, the Acting Director General, NILEST, Mrs Eucharia Opara, said when the centre come on board, Nigerian leather would compete with Italian and other leather brands in the world. She said this will aid in helping the nation to be self reliant.

Speaking at the event, the traditional ruler of Okwudor Autonomous community, Eze(Barr) A.E.A Duruwuru said the foundation laying ceremony of the two projects is in furtherance of the Buhari administration's desire to cite key projects in the South East.

“This is proper remembrance of the Federal Government for the people of Njaba, Imo State and the South East. The South East should be grateful to the Federal Government for citing this project in the region

The Member representing Njaba State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon Uju Onwudiwe commended the Minister for attracting the project to the South East stating that the host community is committed in sustaining the eventual take off the project.

Among dignitaries who witnessed the event include Senator Osita Izunaso, traditional rulers across the State and many others.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/minister-lays-foundation-for-take-off-of-nilest-bio-resource-development-centre-in-imo/

For Emeka Ihedioha, Governor Elect, Imo State, victory at the Imo governorship election could be heartwarming but at the same time confer enormous responsibility on him. Navigating the ship of governance of a State as complex and dynamic as Imo can be intriguing. It’s a mixed grill.

In his victory speech in Owerri recently, he announced his zeal to take Imo State to the next level. He promised an inclusive government, perhaps to douse rising suspicion of likely dominance of his administration by his Mbaise kinsmen.

The Mbaise clan is the largest in Imo State and there are fears they will hold on firmly the levers of power under Ihedioha.Dousing such suspicion by the Governor Elect is a welcome development, a clear indication that he is genuinely committed to a united Imo.

Ihedioha must walk his talk when he assumes office as Governor of Imo State. Okorocha had made so many promises when he became Governor but ended up reneging on some of them. This cost him so much- goodwill and squandering public support. Some of his later day policies were harsh and unacceptable.It dislocated the Imo economy, impoverished the people and made the State a laughing stock.

The erection of statues of no economic value to the State attracted opprobrium for Okorocha’s government and made Imo, a pariah among other States in the federation.

Okorocha may have gotten an average pass mark in providing infrastructure especially in Owerri metropolis but his resort to erecting projects of poor quality remains a sore talking point about his government.However, his projects could re examined, upgraded and improved upon and not totally discarded.

Emeka Ihedioha must set a new foundation for the social rebirth and economic rearmament of the State. The dysfunctional state of Imo as a result of years of poor governance which Okorocha administration accentuated to an unprecedented level requires the urgent attention of the incoming government.

The Governor Elect must devote considerable importance to human capacity development which will lead to the overall welfare and prosperity of an already despondent Imo citizenry. Workers salaries and pension of pensioners which became a privilege under Okorocha must be restored as a right.This will eliminate hunger which ravage the average Imolite.

Steering the State away from a public service driven economy to one propelled by the private sector is a major factor that will change Imo for good, and more importantly restore the happiness of the people. Various sectors of an ailing economy- Education, Health, Youth empowerment require proactive attention.

Since the State lost Aba to Abia State, the commercial nerve centre of the South East, Imo State has been in economic limbo, in dire straits, which has swelled unemployment among the youths and set the State backwards. Industrializing the State is the recipe to get the State on a solid economic rejuvenation.

Ihedioha should give no attention to the multitude of “big men and women”, the political bigshots in Imo State who have been in financial and political wilderness since Okorocha was in power. Imo people crave for a new dawn, a new order. They should not have cause to regret stopping Okorocha’s desperation to foist his son in law as his successor.

This makes the task before Ihedioha enormous and daunting. He must resist the temptation of falling to the whims and caprices of political bigshots who have a pitiable mentality of seeing government as a honey pot to feast on the commonwealth of the people.

Former Governors of the State, Achike Udenwa and Ikedi Ohakim, fell prey to the desperation and antics of political big wigs who bestrode the seat of power and leaned on the resources of the State for survival.

Governance is for the people and Ihedioha must realize that Imo people have become so sophisticated and will not brook excuses if he gambles with their expectations. The bitter truth is, so much is expected from the administration of the Governor Elect. The magnitude of the problems facing the State is a call to duty not just to Ihedioha but to those who mean well for our beloved State. An inclusive government which he has promised is indeed a welcome development and a recipe to heal frayed nerves.

The Governor Elect is capable and trusted.He had proved his mettle when he was Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives where he made significant and landmark contributions to Nigeria’s socio economic and political advancement. His stay in the House for 12 years was adjudged impressive and remarkable which indicates he is equal to the task in liberating Imo from further ruins.

But he must walk his talk by strongly resisting the pressure of allowing Imo slip again into the bowels of political titans and godfathers.Tolerance must be the watchword of his incoming government. Past PDP governments in Imo State were associated with financial recklessness and lack of prudence in managing Government resources.One believes the State is not returning to such ugly and despicable era.

Ohakim and Okorocha enjoyed overwhelming support from the people when they came to power. Along the line, they went astray. Ohakim lost his compass mid way into his government. He was perhaps carried away by the paraphernalia and lure of public office. It was the same political big heads that came after him when he refused to play ball. This was dovetailed into the public domain which led to the fall of his government that nailed his second term bid.

Okorocha moved in the same pace- earned public appeal and goodwill- but lost his radar when he began his familocracy pattern of governance, a strange and alien system of government strange to the norms of modern democracy.

The Governor Elect has a burden on his hands, a big one for that matter.Expectation are high and results are expected, immediate results for that matter.

Imo people are known to be easy going. But like a tiger, you do not touch it’s tail and expect a friendly reception. They kicked Otokoto and his men away in 1996 when some men began to exhibit questionable wealth and oppressed them. They enthroned Okorocha into power in 2011 based on his impressive antecedents as a humanist but rejected his choice of his son in law as his successor in 2019 which they considered to be in tow his familorcracy agenda.

Ihedioha must understand that the burden of leadership is enormous. Imo People will not blink to serve him an alacat if he begins to deviate from the core objectives that made them entrust their future in his hands.

The ball is in his court.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/ihedioha-must-walk-his-talk/

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said he decided to keep mum after the conduct of the Presidential election in the country because the matter was already in court

It would amount to sub judice if I speak on Presidential election result since the matter is already before the court” he said

Obasanjo who had criticized President Buhari before the presidential vote spoke at the public presentation of a book entitled “ Election In Nigeria: The Long Journey to Democracy, writteh by Abdullahi Shehu.

He said “I will not dabble into the details of what I call current aspect of Professor Shehu’s book because since the emphasis was on the national elections, particularly the presidential election, and the presidential election is now taken to court.

“I think talking about it would become sub judice because it has been taken to court,” Obasanjo added.
https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/buhari-vs-atiku-obasanjo-reveals-why-he-kept-silent-after-presidential-election/


https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/buhari-vs-atiku-obasanjo-reveals-why-he-kept-silent-after-presidential-election/

Those seeking appointments into various positions of the incoming government in Imo State have reportedly besieged the Governor elect of Imo State, Hon Emeka Ihedioha.

Newspaper reports in Owerri said the Civic centre residence of the Governor Elect has become a mecca where those who either came to congratulate him or seeking appointments have taken over the Owerri private home of the Former Deputy Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives.

According to the report published by a local tabloid in Owerri, it said leading politicians, their godfathers and lobbyists are in rat race to secure one appointment or the other thus have constantly visited the home of the newly elected Governor of the State.

Not limited to appointment seekers, there are clear indications that those jostling for leadership position in the next House of Assembly have been also thronging Ihedioha’s home in droves.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/appointment-seekers-lobbyists-besiege-imo-governor-elect/

This newspaper had reported recently that members elect of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA and the Action Alliance, AA especially those from Okigwe zone may decamp to the PDP in a bid to grab the Speakership position of the House.

The Governor’s elect Peoples Democratic Party, PDP did not produce a House member from Okigwe zone. His Deputy, Gerald Irona is from Orlu zone thus leaving Okigwe zone to produce the Speaker.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP in Imo State and State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, at the weekend, exchanged fireworks over alleged withdrawals from the State Treasury.

PDP State Chairman, Charles Ezekwem, Friday accused Governor Okorocha of withdrawing N17 billion naria from the state coffers within three days.


He said that the withdrawals, which was meant to frustrate the incoming PDP administration, were made between Tuesday, March 12, 2019 and Thursday, March 14, 2019 from Unity Bank, Polaris Bank, Access Bank and Zenith Bank.

“In the last two days alone, Governor Okorocha and his cronies transferred ownership and re-registered more than 150 government vehicles to individuals.

“Government property including furniture and electronics in Government House, Owerri, are being moved out to Ogboko, Ideato South, the governor’s country home.

“About 300 uninstalled transformers have been moved to the governor’s home in Ogboko.

In swift response on Sunday, Okorocha said
the PDP were making careless statements.

According to Sam Onwuemedo, his Chief Press Secretary, he said the allegations were unfounded.

“Blackmail or propaganda which the PDP invested heavily in during the 12years they governed the State have become old-fashioned in the State at the moment” he said

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/pdp-okorocha-fight-dirty-over-state-treasury/

Former Imo State Governor and governorship candidate of Accord Party, Ikedi Ohakim has assured that he Will stay around and remain with the people of Imo State despite losing the 2019 governorship election in the State.

He said he is going nowhere.

Ohakim governed Imo State from 2007- 2011. He sought re election in 2011 but lost to Rochas Okorocha. In 2015, he also lost the governorship ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP to Hon.Emeka Ihedioha, the eventual winner of the party guber primary.

He dumped the PDP in 2018 and joined the Accord party where he picked the party’s governorship ticket and took part in the polls.

After losing the 2019 Imo governorship election won by Emeka Ihedioha of the PDP, Ohakim says he will continue to interact with the people.

A statement signed by his media adviser, Collins Ughalla reads:

“His Excellency Dr. Ikedi Ohakim has assured the people of Imo State that he remains with them and would be going nowhere.

“Ohakim made the assurance on his Facebook wall on Friday, saying that he will continue to interact with the people.

“According to the former governor: “I’m still here, I’m not going anywhere. We’ll still interact as we used to and I’ll always share ideas with you as you have always shared with me on ways we can make Imo better for all of us.

“I don’t have unlimited and overflowing wealth but God has given me enough to help out when I can afford to, and as I have always done in the past, I’ll always help out when I can.

“Please don’t feel bad if I can’t help you always. I can only help as much as I can afford to.

“My concern has always been to ensure a better future for the good people of Imo State and in any way we can work together to achieve it, we will.

“I’m still here, my dear brothers and sisters. I’m not going anywhere.”

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/ohakim-reveals-what-he-will-do-after-losing-imo-guber-election/

As a means of fast tracking development and guarantee people oriented governance, the traditional rulers in Imo State have given Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, the newly elected Executive Governor of Imo State six points agenda that if religiously implemented will uplift the state before its contemporaries in the country.

HRH Eze Chidume Okoro, the President of Owerri Traditional Rulers Association and the Immediate Past Deputy Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers, Imo State disclosed this in Owerri on Thursday during an interaction with newsmen on the traditional rulers’ expectations from the incoming government.

Eze Okoro who is the traditional ruler of Amano Autonomous Community in Ahiazu Mbaise Council Area of the State said “Imo Traditional rulers and their subjects will be glad if His Excellency Rt Hon. Emeka Ihedioha will give priority attention to rural infrastructural developments, mechanized agricultural revolution, job creation opportunities, qualitative educational system, functional health sector and sanitization of the traditional institution among others that history and posterity will write his name in gold” he assured.

While congratulating the Governor-Elect, the Royal father recalled that Ihedioha as a member of House of Representatives for Twelve years attracted and executed legacy projects in all the 27 council areas in the state.

He decried the level of infrastructural decay in the state as well as the suffering the citizenries have been subjected into for the past 8 years and assured that the Governor will ameliorate their sufferings through purposeful and visionary governance.

Eze Chidume who is popularly called Ugo Amano was emphatic on the need for the state government to encourage agriculture, informing that Imo State is the largest producer of cassava just as Nigeria is the highest exporter of the agricultural product.

The first class traditional ruler also expressed disappointment on the level of bastardization being experienced by the traditional institution and re-affirms his conviction that the new administration will restore hope and happiness to the good people of the state.

He further enjoined Imo people on the need to be patient and supportive noting Ihedioha as a man that honours agreement and committed to due process.
https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/imo-traditional-rulers-list-six-points-agenda-for-imo-governor-elect/

Governor Rochas Okorocha and Imo State Governor Elect, Emeka Ihedioha Friday bickered over Imo State funds.

Ihedioha had at a world press conference warned individuals and financial institutions from having further monetary dealings with the Okorocha administration.

Ihedioha had defeated Okorocha’s anointed candidate, Uche Nwosu of the Action Alliance, AA, in Saturday’s nail biting governorship election.

Ihedioha gave a clear direction of what his government will look like by saying that those features the Okorocha administration are noted for will not be accepted.

Okorocha in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemedo, said Ihedioha statement is an act of hostility.

He said the financial institutions in the State should disregard such directive.

Okorocha had in 2011 when he was elected as Governor of Imo State warned the then outgoing Ohakim administration not to engage in any financial dealings with any financial institution.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/okorocha-ihedioha-bicker-over-imo-state-funds/

VICTORY SPEECH OF HIS EXCELLENCY, RT. HON. CHUKWUEMEKA NKEM IHEDIOHA, CON ON HIS ELECTION AS GOVERNOR OF IMO STATE:

Protocols:

1. On Monday, March 11, 2019, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced the results of the governorship election held in Imo State on March 9, 2019 and I was declared Governor-elect of Imo State.

2.​It was a resounding victory for the good people of our State. I thank all those who contributed in one way or the other through prayers, voluntary service and hard work of staying in the queue and voting. Yes, this victory belongs to the ordinary men and women in Imo – the traders, artisans, clergy, labourer, farmers, teachers, students, youth and women of all ages.

3.​I thank you for the great honour of electing me the Governor of the state and Hon. Gerald Irona, the Deputy Governor, for the next four years. Though you have collectively given us your mandate, this victory belongs to all of you who not only bought into our vision of a great renaissance but also toiled endlessly to ensure that the dream for our dear state is realised. With utmost humility, on behalf of the Deputy Governor-elect, we accept this call to service.

4. I am humbled by your trust in my leadership. For me the mandate which you have bestowed on me is sacred and I shall do all in my capacity to uphold that thrust. For your trust, we owe you unalloyed service.

5.​This election is as epochal as its outcome is momentous. It is a fervent protest against impunity and the celebrations in all the nooks and crannies of the state is a testimony to your belief in the rightness and wisdom of our vision for Imo state and the new path to progress which we shared with you during the campaigns.

6.​To our indefatigable team, men, women and youth who worked tirelessly, and gave their time, talents and resources freely in furtherance of the greater Imo dream, we say thank you.

7.​My gratitude also goes to the leaders, faithful members of the PDP who not only found me worthy of the governorship ticket, but worked assiduously to realise this dream. Without your incomparable sense of duty, this moment would have been but a mirage. And to my darling wife, Ebere, your sacrifices and prayers have been my staying power. For being my pillar of support, I say, thank you. My dear mother, children, siblings and family members and friends I say thank you for all your sacrifices. To officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the security agencies as well as other officials who conducted, observed or monitored the election, I say a big thank you, for conducting a credible election. To fellow contestants, I salute your sportsmanship. You fought gallantly but like in every contest, a winner must emerge. I extend my hand of fellowship to all of you as the urgent and gargantuan task of rebuilding Imo is a collective responsibility.

8.​We shall run an open, transparent and accountable government with due process as its hallmark. I believe strongly that those in positions of authority must render account of their stewardship to the people. The era of brazenness in Imo State is gone.

9.​My fellow citizens, I will be governor to all Ndi-lmo both those who voted for us and those who did not. No part is greater or more important than the other. We are equal stakeholders in the Imo project and must therefore ensure that our people are united in the pursuant of the common good. We look forward to the future with hope. It is my duty and responsibility to ensure that we remain brothers and sisters with a common destiny. I am certain that with all hands-on deck, we shall achieve the Imo of our dreams.



10. We will run an all-inclusive government and not a government of exclusion. Ours will be a government that will promote the unity of the state, rather than accentuate the fissures that have characterized our relationship with each other in recent times. As the popular saying goes, “let us not listen to things that will divide us, let us rather listen to things that will unite us, for united we stand, divided we fall.”

11.​All we need to do to realise this vision is to aggregate our skills, talents, and sundry resources in our collective basket of goodwill in productive cooperation as Imo is indeed a land of peace, known for the political sagacity of its people.

12.​Our priority will be the reclaiming of the dignity of our people. We shall no longer be the laughing stock of Nigeria as only positive, productive and progressive stories will be told of the new Imo. Imo has always been known for the right things, with a huge reservoir of human capital waiting to be exploited for the great leap forward.

13.​The elections are over. What remains is the fulfillment of the promises we made to our people. We entered into a social contract with you with our manifesto and we shall remain faithful to our obligations in that contract. This contract seeks to substantially improve the welfare, security, property rights, economic and social advancement of our people. We shall find creative ways of funding our ambitious infrastructural projects and give Imo the quality education, healthcare and general good governance that you desire.

14.​The level of decay in the last eight years makes it imperative that the redemptive work starts immediately. To kick-start the rebuilding process, I shall set up in the coming days, a Transition team with clear terms of reference. This team will liaise with the outgoing government to collate and collect information on the state of affairs of our State. They will recommend the structure of our government. They will translate our campaign promises into actionable executive and legislative policies with clear time lines. In summary, they will be charged with making far reaching recommendations on the way forward for our dear state that has suffered from years of brigandage, lack of direction, Ad-Hoc approach to governance and lack of due process.

15.​Finally, may I also use this opportunity to warn all those who may be tempted to do illegal last-minute transaction with the outgoing government, particularly financial institutions, which may result in further burdening the state with unsustainable liabilities that they will be doing so at their own peril.

16.​All I seek is your continued support. Together, we will create the Imo of our collective dream. We shall not fail you.

17.​Thank you.

Rt. Hon. Chukwuemeka Nkem Ihedioha, CON
Governor-elect, Imo State


https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/for-imoa-new-dawn-by-emeka-ihedioha-governor-elect-imo-state/

Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has reacted the to the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to withhold his certificate of return.

He said INEC’s decision after being declared winner of the Imo West Senatorial election is unfortunate and unconstitutional.

He spoke at Government House, Owerri, claiming that INEC was being used by those fighting to stop him from going to the senate.

INEC had recently said it would not issue Okorocha certificate of return on the basis that he was declared winner of the election under duress.

He said it is only the courts that have powers to nullify any election after a winner has been declared, stating that the electoral umpire does not have such power.

He said: “In my own case, my Certificate of Return has not been issued and I wonder why INEC will withhold my Certificate for a frivolous reason, without hearing from me. I am not a violent person and those who know me know that. This is why we have peace in Imo State.

“The Returning Officer could not have done that under duress under the watchful eyes of the Police, DSS and party agents. I am not unmindful of the facts that those who are fighting me from Abuja are anxious to see me removed as a Senator. I urge INEC to do the right thing immediately by releasing my Certificate.

“Let me tell every Nigerian that I fought no one and no one should fight me. If anyone fights me, he will be the loser at the end of it all. My INEC Certificate cannot be touched or seized, doing so is belittling democracy in Nigeria. It is only the Tribunal that has the right to say otherwise once a result is declared. INEC cannot seize my Certificate by mere petition written by somebody in a case I was not given the opportunity to present my own side of the story.”
https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/okorocha-reveals-why-inec-lacks-power-to-withhold-his-certificate-of-return/

The Imo State House of Assembly after May 29, 2019 will be dominated by members of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and the Action Alliance, AA in the next political dispensation in Imo State.

The PDP will have the majority of members having elected 12 members closely followed by the Action Alliance, AA which produced 8 members. Reports though unconfirmed say there will be re run in Ikeduru Local Government

The All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA which have no representative in the present Assembly will now have 5 members, while the All Progressive Congress, APC will have 3 members.

The composition of the next House of Assembly is a fallout of the keenly contested governorship and State Assembly elections held on March 9, 2019 in the State.

The PDP won the governorship election held on March 9, 2019 with Hon Emeka Ihedioha emerging victorious defeating the Action Alliance, AA candidate, Uche Nwosu.

The party is expected to produce the Speaker and other principal positions in the next House of Assembly.


https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/pdp-aa-dominate-incoming-imo-house-of-assembly/

Focus, determination and relentless pursuit for power were some of the cumulative factors which led to the emergence of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP governorship candidate, Emeka Ihedioha, to win the 2019 governorship election in Imo State.

Ihedioha had vied for the contest in 2015 losing to Governor Rochas Okorocha of the All Progressive Congress, APC. He staged another return to the bout in 2019 and won, defeating Okorocha’s son in law, Uche Nwosu, his main challenger in the governorship contest.

*Factor of Zoning*

The factor of zoning counted in the former Deputy Speaker’s favour. He comes from Owerri zone which has been lamenting over its marginalization in the power alchemy of the State since 1992. Orlu zone by the time Rochas Okorocha completes his tenure on May 29, 2019 will have done eight years on the saddle closely followed by Okigwe zone which had spent four years.

This could be attributed to be the reason why Owerri zone with nine local governments voted overwhelmingly for the PDP governorship candidate in the polls. He had polled over 100, 000 votes from Owerri zone alone which formed the major backbone of his victory.

*Confusion in APC, PDP’s Gain*

The confusion and endless political war in the All Progressive Congress, APC in Imo State also fueled victory for the PDP candidate.

Okorocha’s choice of Uche Nwosu, his son in law as his preferred candidate had set the stage for fierce altercations in the party. Senator Hope Uzodinma was later handed the party’s governorship ticket. Before then, Senator Ifeanyi Araraume had also left the APC for the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA after engaging in another round of political gymnastics with Okorocha. He came third in the election.

Nwosu’s move to the Action Alliance, AA where he emerged the governorship candidate and Okorocha’s suspension from the APC was also part of the fallout of the fierce battle in the party. This made the APC fail to muster the needed firepower to confront a rejuvenated PDP which was embraced by the populace as a vehicle for change. All these factors worked in Ihedioha’s favour during the polls.

*Okorocha’s Flip Flops*

The PDP benefited directly from some of the flip flops of the Okorocha administration. Some policies of the government such as demolition of properties without compensation, irregular payment of pensions and salaries were described as anti people policies. The PDP and the opposition made it a major campaign issue. This worked in its favour and swayed the electorate.

Also Okorocha’s insistence on Uche Nwosu, his in law never simmered down the masses despite some of the good reasons advanced for his preference.

*The Political Elites*

The political elites in the State which had remained in limbo in the last eight years contributed significantly to the enthronement of Ihedioha as Imo State Governor. The elites which cut across major political parties were in league with the PDP governorship candidate who was the most favoured of all the frontline candidates. They congregated under the former Federal lawmaker and gave him the needed push and backing. In the end, he won.

These elites had been in political wilderness since Okorocha’s reign. The endorsement of his candidature by key leaders of Orlu and Okigwe zones contributed significantly to his victory. The leaders of the two zones had openly supported Owerri zone to take over the seat of government in line with the charter of equity.

*Doggedness, Determination*

Many believe he lost the 2015 governorship election on the grounds that he relied on political big names. But all that changed in 2019. He engaged the grassroots and became a rallying point for them. Doggedness and determination were his unique selling points.

*Huge Burden, Big Expectations*

Indeed, the Governor elect has a huge burden. Expectations are high. He has a task to recover and rebuild Imo State. Many contend he should hit the ground running immediately in a State the citizens are yearning for a breather.

An all inclusive government is expected to heal frayed nerves, a no victor, vanquished mantra is the required tonic to give the State a fresh air.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/ihedioha-why-he-won-imo-governorship-election/

NORSIYK:
Tony Nwulu and Okey Ezeh have stepped down for Ihedioha

I Will Not Step Down For Anyone- Nwulu

The United Progressive Party, UPP governorship candidate in the governorship election in Imo State, Hon Tony Nwulu has made it clear that he has not stepped out of the contest for any candidate.

In a statement in Owerri, Nwulu said he is very much in the race, describing those peddling the fake news of being scared of his towering political profile and chances of winning Saturday’s governorship election.

He said having campaigned so hard across the nooks and crannies of the State soliciting for votes from the good of people of the State, there is no reason whatsoever for him to step down for anyone.

He maintained that throughout his campaigns across the State, he received overwhelming endorsement and support from various groups, associations, men, women, youths, workers, pensioners, artisans, religious leaders, traditional rulers who aligned themselves with his genuine aspiration to take Imo State to the next level when elected as Governor.

The Statement reads:

“My attention has been drawn to fake news on the social media that I have stepped down for an unnamed governorship candidate.

“There is no iota of truth in the report as I am very much in the governorship contest in Imo State. The report is fake and the handiwork of some desperate politicians scared of my chances of wining today’s governorship election.

“I could not have stepped out from the race after receiving overwhelming endorsement and support from various groups, associations, men, women, youths, workers, pensioners, artisans, religious leaders and traditional rulers in Imo State who have aligned with my genuine aspiration to take the State to the next level.

“I wish call on all my supporters to ignore the fake news and go out and cast their votes for me in the governorship and for all UPP candidates taking part in the State Assembly elections.

“My resolve to serve the people of Imo State is driven by my passion to take the State away from its precarious and sorry condition to a State where all citizens will be happy and be proud to call their own. With your votes, we shall succeed.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/imo-guber-i-will-not-step-down-for-anyone-nwulu/

The United Progressive Party, UPP governorship candidate in the governorship election in Imo State, Hon Tony Nwulu has made it clear that he has not stepped out of the contest for any candidate.

In a statement in Owerri, Nwulu said he is very much in the race, describing those peddling the fake news of being scared of his towering political profile and chances of winning Saturday’s governorship election.

He said having campaigned so hard across the nooks and crannies of the State soliciting for votes from the good of people of the State, there is no reason whatsoever for him to step down for anyone.

He maintained that throughout his campaigns across the State, he received overwhelming endorsement and support from various groups, associations, men, women, youths, workers, pensioners, artisans, religious leaders, traditional rulers who aligned themselves with his genuine aspiration to take Imo State to the next level when elected as Governor.

The Statement reads:

“My attention has been drawn to fake news on the social media that I have stepped down for an unnamed governorship candidate.

“There is no iota of truth in the report as I am very much in the governorship contest in Imo State. The report is fake and the handiwork of some desperate politicians scared of my chances of wining today’s governorship election.

“I could not have stepped out from the race after receiving overwhelming endorsement and support from various groups, associations, men, women, youths, workers, pensioners, artisans, religious leaders and traditional rulers in Imo State who have aligned with my genuine aspiration to take the State to the next level.

“I wish call on all my supporters to ignore the fake news and go out and cast their votes for me in the governorship and for all UPP candidates taking part in the State Assembly elections.

“My resolve to serve the people of Imo State is driven by my passion to take the State away from its precarious and sorry condition to a State where all citizens will be happy and be proud to call their own. With your votes, we shall succeed.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/imo-guber-i-will-not-step-down-for-anyone-nwulu/

The Imo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ have elected new executives.

Mr. Chris Akaraonye who emerged the new Chairman of the Union and other members of the executives were sworn in by the Senior Asst National Secretary of NUJ, Gbemiga Bamidele supported by the Zonal secretary Kenneth Ofoma who stood in for NUJ zonal Vice President Zone C.
READ MORE:https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/imo-nuj-elect-new-executives/

The plight of displaced Persons affected by the rash policies by past and present governments in Imo State will receive great attention if Hon.Tony Nwulu becomes Governor.

This was disclosed by UPP governorship candidate during his visit to mechanics in Akabo, Ikeduru Local Government Area.The Mechanics had narrated to Nwulu sordid tales of how they were sent packing by Okorocha’s government at their site at Orji in Owerri North Local Government Area.

https://innonews.com.ng/2019/03/upp-imo-guber-candidate-nwulu-reveals-plans-for-displaced-persons/

As Imolites go to various polling units to elect a new Governor of Imo State on March 9, it is uncertain which key factor will influence the outcome of the polls. There are arguments that the elections would be influenced by the character of the candidates or the factor of political party which they belong to.

More than 60 governorship candidates are taking part in the polls in Imo State flying the flag of about 60 political parties.
READ MORE:https://innonews.com.ng/2019/02/imo-guberkey-factors-that-will-shape-its-outcome/

The governorship election in Imo State is on March 9th 2019. The Presidential and National Assembly elections may not necessarily have an impact on the governorship elections in the State

In Owerri zone, a region agitating for the governorship for a long time, key governorship aspirants from the zone are good to get considerable votes thus set to give big time candidates a run for their votes in the zone.
READ MORE:https://innonews.com.ng/2019/02/imo-guber-how-the-battle-will-be-fought-in-owerri-zone/

Barely days to the Imo governorship election, the United Progressive Party, UPP governorship candidate, Hon. Tony Nwulu, has continued to receive accolades from key stakeholders in the State as he hit the hinterlands to speak the message of restoration to Imolites.
READ MORE:https://innonews.com.ng/2019/02/jewish-community-monarch-endorse-nwulu-for-imo-guber/

60% of voters in Imo State are undecided on whom to cast their vote in the forthcoming governorship election in the State. This is according to a report conducted by a political study group, Imo Awareness Coalition, IAC.

The group had predicted last year that the governorship election in Imo State will be keenly contested for and there will no clear winner at the first ballot.
READ MORE:https://innonews.com.ng/2019/02/imo-guber60-of-imo-voters-undecided-whom-to-vote-for-group/