₦airaland Forum

December 10, 2024

Press Release

27 Imo PDP LGA Chairmen dissociate selves from Ugochinyere's purported appointment as State leader

*Describe reports as deceptive, send warning to impersonators

*Endorse Ugochinyere's expulsion from party for gross indiscipline

*Reiterate confidence in Sen. Anyanwu's leadership

The forum of LGA Chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Imo State chapter, has denied and dissociated itself from recent reports in some sections of the media purporting that the Chairmen appointed Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere as leader of the party in the State.

Describing the reports as false and deceptive, the 27 Chairmen in a communique issued after an emergency meeting on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, unanimously warned anyone or group against impersonating them, while also endorsing the expulsion of Ugochinyere from the party for gross indiscipline.

The Chairmen wondered how they could have appointed anyone as the leader of the party in the State when the party's constitution does not empower them to do so, declaring that leadership is earned and not bought.

The communique read: “EMERGENCY MEETING OF THE FORUM OF AUTHENTIC PDP 27 LGA CHAIRMEN OF OUR GREAT PARTY AS CHAIRED BY HON. EMEKA CHUKWU ALIHIE ON THIS 10TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2024.

“This emergency meeting is premised on the purported crowning of Hon. Ugochinyere Imo and member representing the good people of Ideato Federal constituency at the Green chambers of the Federal House of Representative as the leader of our great party in Imo State as circulated over the media.

“Based on this worthless and deceitful media circulation signed off by a faceless impostor with the name Barr. Uche Alisieigwe who claimed to be the Chairman of the forum of all LGA Chairmen in Imo State, we hereby resolve and state as follows:

“1.   That the faceless impostor Barr. Uche Alisieigwe is not in our records across the State as either a ward, LGA, Zonal or State executive member of our party.

“2.  That as a prerequisite, one must be a Local Government Area Chairman of our party before S/He can be elected to become the chairman of the forum of all Chairmen.

“3.  That the so-called faceless impostor Barr. Uche Alisieigwe could not identify which of the LGAs in Imo that he chairs to become the chairman of all Chairmen in the Imo State PDP.

“4.   We therefore warn this so called Uche Alisiigwe and his co-travellers to forthwith desist from impersonating the officers of our great party with false and malicious information with fake letterhead document of the party.

“5.  Because investigations have shown that such a name is one of the names deployed by Ugochinyere to cause disharmony within the Imo PDP and beyond, we therefore call on the leadership of our great party in Imo state to commence criminal proceedings against this so-called faceless Uche Alisieigwe.

“6.  We also urge the leadership of our great party to as a matter of urgency write to the Imo state chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to unravel and confirm the membership of this faceless impostor by the name Barr. Uche Alisieigwe with the revered legal profession

“7.  Because we believe in the sacredness of the legal profession to which no member can attempt to desecrate, we therefore urge the Imo state chapter of the NBA to commence disciplinary actions against Uche Alisieigwe who by the acronym attached to his name is presumed to be a lawyer bringing ridicule, disrepute and dishonour to the body.

“8.  On this note, we the forum of authentic 27 LGA Chairmen of our great party in Imo state hereby unequivocally disassociate, debunk and refute such malicious claims by the non-existent group with a faceless Chairman and impostor Uche Alisieigwe and state that we are not part of his charade and cannot be linked to his criminalities with that of his paymasters and co-travelers.

“9.  Let it also be stated that going by the constitutional provisions of our great party, it is not the forum of the LGA Chairmen that is responsible for electing who becomes the leader of the party as erroneously stated by the faceless and shameless Uche Alisieigwe. Leadership is earned and not bought.

“Let it also be on record that there is no leadership vacuum and neither is there a leadership tussle in the Imo PDP as we remain comfortable, focused and loyal to the leadership directions as provided by our leader, the undisputed and unopposed National Secretary of our great party and Candidate of the 2023 Governorship election in Imo state HE. Most. Dist. Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu.

“We therefore identify with the decision of the members and leadership of our Great Party PDP in Umuopia ward of Ideato North as regarding the expulsion of Hon. Ugochinyere Imo as stated in their expulsion letter”

Signed:

By the 27 LGA Chairmen with their names, LGAs and signatories

NAME        LGA          SIGNED

1.   HON. CHIEF EMEKA CHUKWU ALIHIE  -  OHAJI/EGBEMA  LGA    (CHAIRMAN OF CHAIRMEN)


2.   GODSPOWER APOLLOS -  OWERRI MUNICIPAL LGA

3.   BAR ONYINYE OBIAJU -    ISU LGA

4.   GODWIN DURU  -    EHIME MBANO LGA

5.   COMRADE. CHIDI ANASOMBA    -       ORU EAST LGA

6.   THANKGOD OKEKE   -    IDEATO NORTH LGA

7.   MAXWELL NNABUIHE    -    ABOH MBAISE LGA

8.   MIKE NKWOCHA  -    NGOR OKPALA LGA

9.     HON. ARIMNUTA CHIDI   -    NJABA LGA

10.  ENGR.   VICTOR ACHIGBU  -   NKWERRE LGA

11.  Chief SABINUS AMADI -  NWANGELE LGA

12.  PAUL IGBONEZU  -    ORSU LGA

13.  HON. EMMANUEL IKECHUKWU AJERO -    ISIALA MBANO LGA

14.  CHRIS EGBUKICHI  -  OBOWO LGA

15.  BAR. EMEKA OJIUIE   -   OGUTA LGA

16.  CHIEF OBIMA OKORO  -  ORU WEST LGA

17.  ONYEWUCHI EMEYIONU      -   OWERRI WEST LGA

18.  FRANKLYN AZUNYERE     -  OWERRI NORTH LGA

19.  UCHENNA OJINI -       MBAITOLI LGA

20.  HON GODSON CHIMA  -       IKEDURU LGA

21.  PASTOR EMMANUEL OKOYE   -   OKIGWE LGA

22.   CHIEF HON. INNOCENT ODOEMENAM -  ORLU LGA

23.  EHIRIWE FINIAN IKECHUKWU -       AHIAZU Mbaise LGA

24.  AMUKA POLYCAP BEKEE     -       IDEATO SOUTH LGA

25.  ANAYO ONONIWU  -     (IHITTE UBOMA LGA)

26.  CHIEF CHILAKA NWOKEDI NWAIMO  -       EZINIHITTE Mbaise LGA

27.   HON EMEKA ALEX UBENWUNNE   -    ONUIMO (SECRETARY).

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL, IMO PDP NEW MEDIA DIRECTORATE

November 6, 2023

Press Statement

Uzodimma Confirms Our Long-held Position That he is a Disaster

— Wasted Four Years Doing Nothing Other Than Destroying Imo State

Recently, we interrogated the sole campaign material of the outgoing Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodimma and his enslaved supporters which is the falsehood from the pit of hell that under his fascist regime, Imo bad roads have been fixed.

Funnily enough, they were using the reconstruction of two federal roads in the State, Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe roads as the springboard to sell the ugly propaganda.

However, following our intervention and our presentation of the dire state of Imo's road infrastructure to the world, the truth has become evident to everyone in Imo State. This includes diasporans who were previously deceived into believing otherwise.

It has become clear that Uzodimma has done very little in this regard, and the two road projects in question were funded and carried out by the Federal Government, with the State Government playing a supervisory role. Imo's residents are not as gullible as Uzodimma and his associates may have thought.

Defeated and disarmed, Uzodimma found himself without any substantial achievements to campaign on, resulting in him making promises as though he were running for Governor for the very first time. It's important to note that this is indeed his first genuine Governorship election, as in 2019, he essentially seized power.

Shamelessly, after four years in office, Uzodimma is telling ndi Imo that he WILL create jobs, he WILL bring Medicare (whatever that means), he WILL restore the school system, among other unimaginably petty promises.

The significant question arises: If Uzodimma has spent four years without addressing a single impassable road, failing to generate employment opportunities, and neglecting healthcare, what exactly has he been occupying the Government House for?

What Uzodimma has managed to achieve is transforming Imo into a battleground and a zone of violence, thus turning a once tranquil state that thrived as a hub of hospitality and entertainment into a hotspot for criminals, arsonists, and assailants.

Today, as more businesses continue to shutter, Imo has earned the unenviable title of being the unemployment epicenter of Nigeria, with an unemployment rate surpassing 58%. The extent of social distress in the state is immeasurable, leaving no room for doubt regarding the failure of leadership.

There is definitely an end to an evil. It is for this reason that the people of Imo have made a resolute decision to utilize the governorship election on November 11, 2023, as an opportunity to free themselves from the grip of insecurity and destitution.

For this noble cause, they have identified the candidate of the PDP, Senator Samuel Anyanwu as the man to lead the libertarian of the State from usurpers, murderers and bloodsuckers. Imo is free indeed as the people await PDP's glorious victory.


Signed:
Lancelot Obiaku
Director-General
Imo PDP New Media Directorate

Comfort Assembly Church Owerri to stage mega Men's Day Celebration

All is now set for Dominion Kings, the Men’s Fellowship of Platform of Comfort Ministries, Also Known As Comfort Assembly to hold their 2023 Men’s Day Celebration.

The Men’s Day Celebration will take place at the church headquarters located at 53/54 Okigwe Road Extension by Item Street on Sunday 29th October

Addressing members of the Dominion Kings during a crucial meeting, the Senior Pastor of the Church Rev. Barr. Princewill Odikanwa, (PhD) explained that the theme was divinely chosen to bring the minds of christians back on the need to embrace honesty, accountability and transparency as children of God.

He also charged men to allow the light of truthful life to shine in their lives for the world to see and glorify God.

Rev. Odikanwa, judged to be a true servant of God in character and conduct, stated that’ the theme of 2023 Men’s Day Celebration is The Truthful Men’ and it was taken from the book of Exodus Chapter 18 verse 21.

He viewed the event as a moment of spiritual transformation and a wake up call to all true children of God to follow the path of positive adjustment for advancement.

Available information from the leadership of dominion Kings showed that there will be drama, talk show, photo book launch and other special ministrations lined up to make the event insightful and impactful.

Guber Election: More LP members join PDP in Imo

— Declare total support for Samdaddy

At least 4,385 members of the Labour Party (LP) in Imo State have abandoned their party to join the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where they have pledged to partner with Senator Samuel Anyanwu (Samdaddy) and his running-mate, Hon. (Dr.) Jones Onyereri to secure victory in the November 11, 2023, governorship election.

The reception of the defectors into the PDP took place on Friday, October 6, 2023, at the party's State secretariat on Okigwe Road, Owerri, the State capital.

Spokesperson of the defectors, Lady Nkechi Manus Ogu, a former women leader of the Labour Party said the former LP members felt relieved to join the PDP which according to her represents the viable option for Imo State today.

Ogu promised that the defectors would give their best in delivering the PDP in the November 11 election.

She stated that their members across the 27 LGAs and 305 wards of the State decided to dump the Labour Party when the party presented the wrong candidate.

It would be recalled that many Labour Party members were among 50,000 members of other parties including SDP, APGA, APC and YPP who emptied into the PDP a fortnight ago.

The State Chairman of PDP Engr. Charles Ugwuh assured the defectors that the party would accord them all necessary privileges enjoyed by other members.

Ugwuh who was represented at the event by the State Organizing Secretary, Nze Law Biaduo charged them to go into the communities and mobilize Imo people for the PDP in order to bring back security, the rule of law, peace and unity in the State.

UZODIMMA, THE FACE OF CORRUPTION!

The appointment of a man with an inclination to fraud as Governor by the Supreme Court was the worst thing that has ever happened to Imo State leadership-wise.

It plunged the State into a reverse mode that will take years to correct.

Uzodimma must not be allowed to remain as Governor, as elongating his stay in the government house amounts to the perpetuation of sleaze and corruption in governance.

In one of his numerous indictments for corruption, the Punch on January 19, 2020, reported that the Obono-Obla panel had in line with Executive Order 6, placed a travel ban on 39 alleged treasury looters one of whom was Uzodinma.

The report said that “Uzodinma, according to the EFCC panel, allegedly perpetrated fraud to the tune of $12m (N4.3bn) when he failed to execute a contract worth $12m awarded to his company by the Nigerian Ports Authority for the dredging of the Calabar Channel.”

Saying NO to Uzodimma is saying NO to corruption.

©Imo PDP New Media

N250,000 Grant: Uzodimma Has Deceived Us Again, 15,000 Imo Youths Cry Out

—As Government begins debiting huge sums from their accounts

In June 2021, the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, announced that his administration would empower 15,000 youths with grants totaling N4 billion after it said it trained them in various skills. The scheme, which according to him is part of his regime's agenda for economic stability, will serve as start-up ‘grants’.

Enticed by the program, many imolites jumped into it and received N250,000 from the State government. It would be recalled that upon the application, the State government requested their BVN, account number and name, among other personal details. The grateful recipients of the 'grants' jubilated and have since committed the sum to various ventures.

However, to their shock, the State government in the wee hours of Thursday, September 7, 2023, commenced massive debiting of various amounts from the accounts of the beneficiaries using their BVN.

While some had over N200,000 debited at once, others lost amounts in excess of N100,000, while others were below that threshold depending on how much they had in their accounts. One of the beneficiaries had a combined total of N158,000 simultaneously debited across three accounts linked to his BVN.

The development has sparked fury among the youths of the purported grant who now feel deceived by the Governor and his administration.

One of them took to his Facebook timeline to express his disgust. He said: “The Governor called it grants and we jumped in, now what we see is a high level of pain. We have been deceived. Sen. Hope, is that how you are? Imo State government even recorded this deceit as achievement”.

A political analyst, Mr. Frank Obodo wondered why the government could act in that manner. He argued that even if it was a loan [the government said it is a grant], it ought to have come with a friendly moratorium.

“Let us assume that it was a loan to start up small-scale businesses, if you come in 2023 and take away N150,000 or N200,000 at once from the businesses, how do you expect them to survive? The approach is callous and the said beneficiaries will feel deceived and betrayed by the State government” he said.

Copyright: Imo PDP New Media Directorate

ONE YEAR AFTER: THE WHEREABOUTS OF ORIENT FM STAFF WHO PLAYED UZODIMMA'S “UDELE NA-ERI OZU” SONG UNKNOWN

The fate of the staff of Orient FM/Television Station owned by the Imo State Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) Casmir Uzomah, who erroneously played a bongo music calling the Governor of the State Hope Uzodimma “Udele Na-eri Ozu” is still unknown a year after the incident, his subsequent interrogation by the DSS and sack as IBC staff.

Following his sack, the young man was said to have gone out of circulation, a situation that has worried concerned Imolites as no one has an idea about his whereabouts and safety.

This has led to suspicions that the young man may have been harmed even after his release from custody.

The DSS reportedly picked up Casmir on August 4, 2022, for playing a song deemed ‘” offensive” to the governor. He was reportedly held in custody for over a month.

The State Commissioner of Information, Mr. Declan Emelumba described the song played by Casmir that led to his detention by the DSS, as very offensive and defamatory.

Emelumba, in a telephone chat with The ICIR, wondered the motive behind playing such a song on a State-owned radio station.

“I was told that he played a song on IBC which was very offensive, calling the governor a murderer. This man actually played a song that says the governor is a murderer and that blood is flowing in his hand.” he said.

“Even the NBC queried the IBC for playing such a song. I am not responsible for his arrest in any way; I was told he brought the song from outside and played it on the radio station. What is his motive for doing that?” he asked.

ALERT

Imo Government Does It Again, Embezzles N5bn Palliative Fund From Federal Government

—AS Gov. Uzodimma flags off the distribution of few and insufficient bags of rice

★The big question is, where is the 5 billion naira from the Federal Government?

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL, IMO PDP NEW MEDIA DIRECTORATE

PRESS STATEMENT

Campaign Council Leadership: Choice of Ikenga, Ozurigbo, Others a Masterstroke

★Appointments are notice of quit to Uzodimma, APC
★Proves PDP, Samdaddy's resolve to liberate Imo

We are delighted to see the overwhelming support and celebration from the people of Imo towards the appointment of Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere Ikeagwuonu as the Director-General of the PDP Governorship Campaign Council for the highly anticipated Governorship election in November. Alongside him, we have Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo (OZB), Hon. Chidi Ibe, and Hon. Ngozi Ogbu serving as Deputy Director-Generals, which brings a strong and diverse leadership team to the campaign.

Ikenga, a radical activist who has transitioned into politics, has consistently been on the front lines fighting executive recklessness, abuse of power, and the various forms of insecurity that have plagued our State due to poor leadership. Despite facing challenges such as State-sponsored arson and assassination attempts aimed at silencing him and his vision for a better Imo, Ikenga has remained resilient and ultimately became a member of the House of Representatives for the Ideato North/Ideato South Federal Constituency in the recently concluded National Assembly elections. He is genuinely beloved by the people of Imo State and beyond, as his popularity extends across various demographics.

Hon. Ugonna Ozurigbo (OZB) is a highly influential political leader in the state with a strong support base and a remarkable history of achieving positive outcomes. Similar to Ikenga, he managed to overcome a conspiracy by the State's adversaries who attempted to prevent his re-election into the legislature. Hon. Chidi Ibe, Hon. Ngozi Ogbu, and Prince Marshall Okafor Anyanwu, who was appointed Secretary of the Campaign Council, are also prominent politicians with impressive track records.

The fact is that these appointments showcase the strategic brilliance of Senator Samuel Anyanwu and the entire Imo PDP. They demonstrate the gubernatorial candidate's determination to unite key party stakeholders and the entire population of Imo to liberate the state from the oppressive grip of the Hope Uzodimma-led administration. Consequently, it has proven skeptics wrong, who had pessimistically predicted failure for the PDP in the state.

It is clear that now that part of the best hands in the party have joined forces with Senator Anyanwu and his running-mate, Hon. Jones Onyereri, a clear pathway for a PDP government to take charge in Imo has been created and with overwhelming support from the masses, the party aims to restore safety, security, and prosperity to the state.

Surely, Gov. Hope Uzodimma must be feeling the agony of his impending defeat as he witnesses his worst nightmare leading the campaigns across the state. We, on the other hand, rejoice at the prospect of the people of Imo wearing their dancing shoes and celebrating their long-awaited liberation from a tyrannical administration. This administration has brought nothing but poverty, hardship, destruction, decay, and deceit upon the people of Imo.

Imo must be safe again!

Lancelot Obiaku
Director-General
Imo PDP New Media

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL, IMO PDP NEW MEDIA DIRECTORATE

August 13, 2023

Press Release

2023 Guber: Uzodimma, Imo APC, Have Nothing To Campaign With

—They Deceived Imo People, Promised 3-R and Gave 3-D

Listening to the un-elected Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, on Saturday, August 12, 2023, say that he has kept faith with the people of the State and has enough to campaign with could not have amused the Imolites more.

To start with, in that ill-fated unveiling of his running-mate, Uzodimma spent the day casting aspersions on the opposition and blaming them for his failure to provide the desired good governance to the State. Those were the despairing cry of a drowning man who knows that his time at the Douglas House has come to an end.

Despite promises of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Recovery (3-R), what Imo has witnessed in the last 43 months under the Uzodimma regime is the complete opposite - Destruction, Decay, and Deceit (3-D). It is no longer shocking that our state has become a victim of rampant arson and violence. Beyond the devastating loss of lives and property, every aspect of governance and the state's economy have suffered significant damage.

To accurately situate the deteriorating state of Imo's economy, data from Dataphyte reveals that in the first quarter of 2023, the State only managed to generate a measly 3.78 percent of its projected revenue, amounting to a meager N3.16 billion. This positions Imo as the second-worst performer in revenue generation as it is ranked 35th out of the 36 States in the federation, despite the heavy burden of taxation imposed on businesses and individuals in the state. These alarming figures can be attributed to various factors including high unemployment rates reaching up to 60%, low productivity caused by the absence of robust agricultural and industrial programs and policies, and a lack of both public and private sector investment in Imo State.

Funnily enough, Uzodimma's baseless assertion of improved security in the State was predicated on a function hosted by the Nigerian Army in Owerri, the State capital. Unfortunately, the Governor views the capital city as representative of the entire State, disregarding the fact that more than 70 percent of the population resides in rural areas. It is worth noting that since assuming office, the Governor has failed to organize any significant event in his own Oru East LGA. We urge his administration to hold functions in Orlu, Orsu, Okigwe, and other LGAs to truly gauge the situation. Despite a few unimportant events taking place in certain parts of Imo, it would be misinformed to assume that the State is now safe, as criminal activities such as killings, armed robbery, and kidnapping persist daily.

Uzodimma cannot claim to have improved the ‘decayed’ road infrastructure in the State when it is common knowledge that his regime has only concentrated on the construction of three federal roads, which they quoted at extortionate amounts, and have sourced the refund from the Federal Government government, while neglecting a plethora of dilapidated and impassable rural/state roads. Imolites will continue to ask them to account for over N10bn received from the World Bank for the 13.5bn mapped for 380.7 kilometers of roads under the Rural Access and Mobility Program (RAMP), of which the counterpart fund in the region of N2bn was paid by the last PDP administration which was dubiously truncated.

Additionally, it is crucial to highlight the deterioration of the education and healthcare sectors. A recent photograph circulated on social media, showing Emmanuel College students sitting on the floor while taking exams. This distressing image serves as a representative example of the crumbling infrastructure and inadequate learning resources in Imo public schools. Unfortunately, there is currently no clear plan or framework for advancing education in the state. Shockingly, over 60 percent of Imo public schools lack science teachers, let alone essential learning equipment and materials for both classrooms and laboratories. It remains unclear why the Uzodimma administration, since January 2020, has not constructed any new buildings or renovated existing public schools. The Governor must provide an explanation for this oversight, especially considering his claims of enhancing the educational standards in the State.

As soon as he assumed office, Uzodimma promised to revive the moribund Avutu Poultry Farm, Nsu Tiles Industry and the Standard Shoe Industry. Close to 4 years after, he is campaigning for re-election with the same promise. Nothing can better explain failure.

Today, we are glad that Uzodimma and his acolytes have exposed their failures. It was refreshing hearing the Governor sound like a crybaby during a rare visit to Imo over the weekend. This is after he was seen agonizingly running from one office to another in Abuja begging the powers that be to help him retain power. Clearly, he knows that the die is cast. He has been rejected both at the higher and lower places. Ndi Imo did not vote for him the first time and wouldn't do so now. The wave of PDP and its Governorship candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu and his running-mate, Hon. Jones Onyereri, are coming to sweep him out of the government house and Make Imo Safe and Secure Again.

The best days for Imo State are indeed near!

Signed:

Lancelot Obiaku.

Director-General,
Imo PDP New Media.

IRI JI: HUMILIATION OF UZODIMMA AT MBAISE DESERVING

—EVENT PROVED OUR STANCE THAT HIS DAYS AT DOUGLAS HOUSE ARE NUMBERED

—SAMDADDY STEALS SHOW, PROMISES TO RETURN GLORY TO MBAISE NATION

We are not surprised that the outgoing Governor of Imo State Hope Uzodimma was given the humiliation of his life at the Iri Ji Mbaise on Tuesday when the crowd gave a rousing cheer to the PDP governorship candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu (Samdaddy) and his entourage immediately they sighted them at the venue.

The PDP candidate's entrance into the arena coincided with when Uzodimma was making remarks but that did not stop the resounding chants of “Samdaddy is our Governor” from the enormous crowd, much to the Governor's dismay and the displeasure of his entourage. Analysts interpret the reaction as a stark reminder of what awaits in the upcoming governorship elections on November 11, 2023, where the people of Imo are predicted to sack the oppressive Uzodimma regime.

Eye witness account is that when Senator Anyanwu arrived at the venue with his message to make Imo safe again, the reception he got was a piece of evidence that the vast majority of Imo people support his idea. It would not be a gainsay that scores of the guests at the ceremony or their friends and relatives have been a victim of insecurity that characterized Uzodimma's administration, hence the earth-shaking ovation that greeted Samdaddy (a man whom they believe would make our darling state safe again) entrance.


The Governor and his men made a grave miscalculation to ever think that the Mbaise Nation will ever be receptive to him after dubiously robbing them of the deserved victory of their son Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha as Governor of the State. That the respected son of Mbaise is not Governor today is down to Uzodimma's mindless and selfish conspiracy with the judiciary.

Even after depriving Mbaise Nation of what deservedly came to them, Uzodimma's administration has marginalized the area. The Governor blatantly overlooked Mbaise when appointing key positions such as Chief of Staff, Attorney General of the State, Secretary to the Government of the State, Entranco Chairman, General Manager of OCDA, and numerous other influential boards and agencies. It is clear that Uzodimma cannot expect to have his cake and eat it too.

Instead of him accepting his faith, a beleaguered Uzodimma unleashed his thugs to attack PDP supporters and block the special space reserved for Senator Samuel Anyanwu and his entourage.

Uzodimma's resort to petty acts of violence only serves to highlight his frustration as he comes to terms with the fact that his political game is failing and his defeat is inevitable. The overwhelming support and affection that the masses are showing towards the PDP and Senator Samuel Anyanwu intimidate him.

We can only urge ndi Imo to remain upbeat as their oppressor will never evade his judgment on November 11, 2023.

Signed:

Lancelot Obiaku
Director-General
Imo PDP New Media

January 22, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

EXPOSED: UZODIMMA BEHIND THE SACKING OF JONES ONYERERI BY THE SUPREME COURT IN A DESPERATE BID TO CLAIM ORLU ZONE

*MANDATES AMARA IWUANYNWU TO WOO JONES FOR IZUNASO

The Orlu Political Front (OPF) has it on good authority that the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, who is notorious for his penchant for injustice, masterminded the nullification of Hon. Jones Onyereri's candidacy in the Orlu Zone senatorial race, to pave the way for a smoother ride for his candidate, acolyte, and party member, Senator Osita Izunaso of the APC.

OPF is aware that after Jones' emergence as the Senatorial candidate of the PDP was challenged by ThankGod Ezeani and Jerry Alagboso, Uzodimma swooped on the matter and hijacked it for selfish political reasons.

Knowing his way around the powers that be when it comes to reaping from where he did not sow, the Governor sponsored his contacts within the ruling APC to prevail on the Supreme Court to deliver a judgment against Jones Onyereri, the same way he smuggled his way into the Governorship seat of Imo State.

It will be recalled that both the High Court and the Appeal court cleared Onyereri. However, after Uzodimma's desperate hatchet job, the apex court caved in and delivered an unexpected judgment.

As a group, we are only bothered that Uzodimma's dirty political dealings in the State have hit Orlu Zone the hardest, yet his desperation and thirst for power keep growing.

As things stand, we can categorically state that the Governor, through his partner in crime, Amara China Iwuanyanwu, is meeting with Jones Jones to get him to work for Osita Izunaso. We surmise, and rightly so, that this is the plan from inception; to get Jones out of the way and then get him to support their own candidate and by that keep Orlu Zone under their control. It, therefore, makes rubbish the accusing finger pointed at other people.

The sacking of Jones Onyereri was only another travesty of justice manoeuvered by Hope Uzodimma who wants to assume control at cost. And now that he and members of his tag team have succeeded in taking Jones out of the way, they have positioned Amara Iwuanyanwu to hold meetings with Jones Onyereri.

OPF, as a group concerned about the political survival of our own Orlu Zone, advises that Jones should watch it and not fall for the Greek gift being flashed at him. A lot could yet lie ahead for him in Orlu politics. As for Uzodimma and his cohorts, a day of judgment will come and Orlu Zone will be liberated from his deadly siege.

Signed:
Nwagbara Emmanuel
Spokesperson, Orlu Political Front

The Storm is Over; Peace, Development Coming Back To Imo

By Adigwe Ossai

Sincerely speaking, the Storm is practically over in Imo State. What we hear now are the fading, faint distant claps of a receding thunderstorm. It is only developmental strides and ideas that are on the front burner of statecraft now. That is what Governor Hope Uzodimma has done.

The Government of Senator Hope Uzodinma is grounded on the principles of fairness, equity, justice, and credibility, which are the bedrock and backbone of the 3R mantra of Recovery, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction are exemplified in whatever the Uzodimma administration does.

At the recent second edition of the governor's phone-in programme held on Wednesday, 4th of January 2023, the governor reiterated that his government had awarded contracts for the construction of 5km roads in eacb of the the 27 LGAs of the State, which amounts to 135km. This project, alongside other people oriented programmes in the rural areas, will help open up the rural.

The government has also embarked on a robust industrialization policy while at the same time focusing also on youths empowerment programmes, especially the Skill-up Imo Project which is capable of unleashing the potentials of Imo people and enhance the state economy.

Recently, the government announced that it has lifted the embargo on worker's promotion. The last time Imo workers were promoted was in 2014, and this negatively affected the moral and overall output of the state workforce. Coupled with the reformation that has taken place within the three years of the Uzodimma administration, there is no question why encomiums are still pouring in as the governor put smiles on faces this last December when he paid his now traditional 13th month salary to Imo workers.

All the good news coming out of Imo is possible because our Governor Uzodimma has been able to rise above the war of attrition unleashed on Imolites in a most babaric fashion and focused on delivering tangible and intangible dividends for Imo people. In a situation where the peace loving, brotherly youths were radicalized to become cannibals and beheaders of their own people, Imo people can only but genuinely applaud their Governor.
The wicked supporters of non-state actors who masquerades as opposition never for one day condemned the gory kilings and decapitations. But Governor Hope Uzodimma has taken Imo out of the ashes and taken the state to an enviable height.

It is heartwarming, therefore, to note that the governor has been able to deliver on all fronts irrespective of the politically contrived insecurity. The strong will and sheer determination to deliver have made all the difference. Those who laid the landmines, thinking that he would mis-step and get consumed are now gnashing their teeth. The governor has proved that one with God is more than a majority. God is God, and one with Him is victorious always.

No wonder Imo stakeholders on Thursday, January 5, 2023, unanimously endorsed the governor for a second term in office because the reward for good work is more work.

Attack in Imo: Don't Succumb to pressure from hoodlums, Imo Youth tell INEC

Following Monday's attack on the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Imo youths under the auspices of the Global Association of Concerned Imo Youths (GACIY) has called on INEC not to succumb to pressure from hoodlums who think they can overrun the Commission and derail our democracy, especially the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

In a statement in Owerri on Wednesday signed by the Convener, the group said they stand with INEC in this trying period. "We stand with INEC at this hour and urge her to remain resolute and resist every attempt to subvert the elections", said GACIY.

The group noted that it is impossible not to link the opposition to the insecurity in the State because they would be the beneficiaries should the government crumble.

"To GACIY, and many other stakeholders, it is impossible to exculpate opposition elements from this crime wave afterall, they stand to benefit the most if this administration crumbles not to mention their seditious statements exposed in leaked audio tapes", said the group, eveb as they prayed for God smite those causing trouble.

The youths also commended the efforts of security agencies in the state, saying: "We praise our gallant officers of the Nigeria Police Force and sister agencies for foiling Monday morning's attack on the state headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri.

"In the encounter, three of the armed assailants who charged at the INEC facility, perhaps hoping to reenact the Owerri Prison break of Easter Monday 2021, perished at the hands of our battle ready officers while two assailant was captured alive.

"This feat destroys the myth of invincibility around gunmen who put their trust in voodoo, ammulets and cannibalism. We believe that had this attack succeeded, citizens', not to mention voters', confidence would have been badly tempered. Thanks to our heroic officers, it did not.

"We have also taken proud notice of the synergy among security agencies in Imo State under the leadership of our dear Governor Hope Uzodinma. In tribute to their collaboration, our security men rescued the two expatriate officials of Craneburg Constructions abducted on-site on Friday December 9, 2022 along Okigwe Road, and presented same to Governor Uzodinma Monday morning at Government House Owerri.

"While we expect bandits and their collaborators to continue to pay a heavy price for their recalcitrance, we ask our youths to resist negative peer pressure and gang culture no matter the temptation".

Hope Makes All The Difference

By Collins Ughalaa KSC

On Thursday, December 8, 2022, history was made in Imo State. Governor Hope Uzodimma feted our revered monarchs and gifted them jeeps. This is epochal, being the first in history. The scenario we were used to was that a certain former Governor found pleasure in denigrating our monarchs. If he was not asking them to bring palmwine he would order them to file out for a march-pass and give him salute, he would invite them to meetings by 10am and show up by 10pm, insult them and send them home thoroughly humiliated.

The bastardization of the traditional institution under Okorocha is something we should pray not to happen again. Under that ignoble reign, tradional rulers were striped of their self-worth. Many of them were dethroned, suspended and even banished from the State on flimsy grounds. Even in-laws of the then Governor delighted in humimiting and _suspending_ monarchs. Traditional rulers were imposed on communities by the Governor. It was so bad that some communities got their traditional rulers through casting and picking lot, whereas some spectators were suddenly picked and crowned as Eze by the Governor. The outcome of this rascality was that anarchy enveloped the communities.

Today, under the watch of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Imo is rapidly making a clean break from the ugly past. Monarchs now hold their shoulders high and are now treated as traditional rulers and accorded all the respects and privileges due to them. They are no longer treated shabily but properly recognised "as heads of the institution that uphold and nurture our traditions as a people". Our well bred Governor Uzodinma pours encomiums on our monarchs, saying that "the Traditional Rulers have continued to play this important role [of upholding and nurturing our tradition] in partnership with the Government for the development of our communities and sustenance of peace and tranquility". Not done yet, the Governor described the monarchs as "citadel of Justice at the community level."

Traditional rulers in Imo no longer bring palmwine to the Government House and salute the Governor. They now come to the Government House and take jeeps home. That is the wonder that Hope works; the difference Hope makes. One can now better appreciate the excitement on the face of the traditional rulers who for the first time in history were gifted 31 jeeps by the Governor. And you could see a man who is desirous to make impacts and change history. Those who benefitted from the car gifts are the Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers Council, three Zonal Chairmen and monarchs who are Chairmen in the 27 Local Government Areas of the State.

"The traditional institution is a very critical and very important institution. They are the holders and managers of our heritage. They represent our culture and they interpret our traditions. Therefore in terms of the identity of an average Imo person, they can be called the citadel of justice.

"We met a lot of challenges. In the course of addressing the challenge of insecurity, some of them paid with their lives as the supreme prize. May I therefore urge all of us to stand for a minute silence, for the traditional rulers that lost their lives during this period. May the souls of those traditional rulers who lost their lives in defence of the security of Imo State, rest in peace. Amen.

"I want to thank our traditional rulers.
I want to encourage them not to relent. The reason is very simple - we have no other place to go - this is our state - and this is the only state we can call our own. In good times, it is our state, in bad times, it is our state. When the times are challenging, it is our state. I think on the aggregate, we have seen that in Imo State, we have hope. We have hope because two years ago or few months back, many did not believe, that even when we are able to procure vehicles to give to traditional rulers, that we will come here, with shoulders high, to celebrate and present the vehicles".

All can now see that times have changed. Governor Hope Uzodimma has recovered public assets hitherto in private hands, including a university, estates, lands, etcetera. He has reformed the civil service and enhanced the welfare of civil servants. Perennial problem of corrupt payment of salaries and pensions inherited by the Shared Prosperity Government has been resolved and pensioners and civil servants now smile to the bank. Water now runs in taps in Owerri. The Governor’s infrastrure revolution is second to none. Good roads now smile at Imo people and our visitors at every corner you turn. Above all, Governor Uzodimma has recovered our state from hoodlums and their collaborators who wanted to steal and destroy our land. Today, the traditional institution in Imo has witnessed yet another touch from our Governor.

There is hope for our traditional institution and our traditional rulers. Apart from the Governor's promise that "from time to time a strong welfare package will be made available to the Royal Fathers of the State as a way of cushioning the effect of their non-participation in some activities that would have made them more comfortable", the Governor assured our monarchs that they will be given constitutional roles soon. He said: "As the Constitutional Amendment is concluded the Royal Fathers in the country, Imo State inclusive, will be assigned constitutional responsibilities."

Imo people cannot thank the Governor enough for the numerous good he has been doing since 2020. We have seen wisdom. We have seen tact. We have seen empathy. We have seen resolve. We have seen a leader. We have seen an enigma. When insecurity reared its ugly head, not many people gave him a chance, but today all can see that those who wanted to destroy our state are now being decimated. Those who thought they could play politics with insecurity can now testify that they were meddling with forces they did not comprehend.

Thank you, Governor Hope Uzodimma. Thanks to God you are our Governor.

Civil Society Organization Tackles Anwuka Over Anti-Uzodimma Comment

By Collins Ughalaa

A certain man called Anthony Anwuka on Sunday, December 4, 2022, tried to crawl back to relevance by defaming Governor Hope Uzodimma with the boring cliché of having a hand in the insecurity that Imo State like another parts of the country has witnessed for sometime now. Anwuka, a so-called Professor, former Vice Chancellor of the Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri, former Secretary to the Government of Imo State and former Minister of State for Education, granted interview to Sunday Punch where he tried to splash mud on Governor Hope Uzodimma unprovoked.

He began his fruitless interview by claiming that he would not reconcile with Governor Hope Uzodimma, accusing the Governor of depopulating "Orlu by inviting soldiers to allegedly come and shoot people there". Not even the interviewer's insistence "that the Governor has always said that he does not have a hand in the killings in Imo" could sway Anwuka. He retorted: "Maybe he is talking to infants who don't understand or talking to people who did not lose relatives".

Anwuka would switch gears, saying: "Remember that at a point my son was shot and I had to fly him to the U.S for treatment for about three months and I spent millions of Naira to get him well again. The Governor was my friend, but when he got to power he began to think that every other person doesn't matter. But we will see. Power is transient".

For the records, there is no security report suggesting that Anwuka's son was shot any time in Imo or elsewhere. He was not shot by either security men deployed to restore peace and order in troubled communities or by even hoodlums. No security report to that effect. Available report suggests that Anwuka's son probably made himself a thug and joined his inlaws to break into Royal Palm Spring Estate, Owerri, a property legitimately sealed by the State Government on February 21, 2021, leading to the arrest of Okorocha. In a widely shared statement published by www.vanguardngr.com, then PPRO Orlando Ikeokwu of the NPF Imo Command, said it "took Okorocha to its custody to explain why he led violent breaking into the government sealed Royal Palm Spring Estate". Sighting the police, Anwuka's son reportedly scaled the fence and got himself injured.

Obviously, Anwuka tried to cowardly weave the mischief of his son into the insecurity story to revise history, make him some sort of hero and supply "proof" that people are being shot and killed in Imo. But he lied. He should rather be telling Imo people whether his son has become a thug or is still a medical doctor, whether he properly brought up his son to be law abiding or a thug, and not prevaricate. And we are even tempted to ask whether Anwuka is actually a Professor. Professor of what, by the way? A Professor talking like village palmwine tappers during age-grade meeting?

Anwuka has joined the league of disgruntled Internally Displaced Politicians (IDPs) who erroneously think that the best thing to say in Imo that could turn the people against Governor Hope Uzodimma is blame the Governor for insecurity in Orlu. And this brings his professorship to question.

Anwuka should know better, that it is impossible for any Governor to invite soldiers against his people to depopulate his State or Zone. But he had to say it because he had boxed himself into a rancid corner and doesn't know how to crawl out of obscurity. In the end he sounded like a broken record, a sick person, paranoid and out of touch with reality.

All the talk about his son being shot and how he was flown to the U.S were just conjectures meant to incite hatred against the Governor and thereby curry unmerited sympathy for himself. What else could explain Anwuka's claim that Governor Hope Uzodimma is his friend but that he has let power get into his head, if not that Anwuka is suffering from penis envy? Governor Hope Uzodimma represents everything Anwuka dreamt to be but failed to even try. He can rue his failure but he should not insult the sensibilities of Imo people by hiding under penis envy to rain invectives on the Governor. He should not raise a finger!

On Easter Monday, April 5, 2021, the custodial center in Owerri and the State Police Command were attacked and set ablaze by hoodlums in daredevil operation, setting loose about 1,844 inmates against the society. In a short while the countryhome of the Governor, that of the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo - a real Professor - George Obiozor; that of the Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Hon. Declan Emelumba, that of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr C.O.C Akaolisa, that of the Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Prince Ford Ozumba, among others, were attacked by hoodlums. Countless people from Orlu have been sent to the early grave by the hoodlums. Some people were beheaded and human heads displayed at market places. There were reports and evidence of cannibalism by the hoodlums but Anwuka sees nothing, says nothing.

Recently, a prominent traditional ruler, HRH Eze Dr. I.O. Asor, and others in Anwuka's Oguta LGA – where he reigned as a fief for years – were gunned down right in the Palace. Izombe and other communities in Anwuka's Oguta LGA are almost being overcome by hoodlums as police stations and markets have been attacked and police officers killed in their prime, yet Anwuka is not perturbed and has no word for the hoodlums. Is it not time we asked Anwuka to explain his true intentions?

Anwuka should not give us reason to believe that he was a bad husband and abused his wife while she lived. He should not make us believe those who say he ruined IMSU. He should not remind us to check his cupboard for skeletons as IMSU VC, to even believe that he was indicted by a whitepaper, and his tortuous era as SSG. All those years he conveniently forgot that power is transient but allowed it consume him.

Anwuka should focus on taking good care of himself and not bring ant-infested firewood home, because according to Chinua Achebe of blessed memory, "The man that brings ant-infested gays into his hut should not grumble when lizards begin to pay him a visit". Next time we would not be this lenient on Anwuka. We will expose him to the entire world for what he is.

Uzodimma flags-off 'Skill-up Imo Project', urges youths to tap into digital economy

The Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma has flagged-off the 'Skill-up Imo Project' organized by the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government and targeted at training more than 100,000 Imo youths in digital skills on entry and advance levels.

The ceremony which took place on Friday at the Ministry of Digital Economy and E-Government office (former ICAPs) on Egbu Road, Owerri was used to enlighten the youths on the need to imbibe digital skills as the future economy goes digital.

Addressing the mammoth audience which comprised mainly Imo youths, the Governor said the future of Imo State depends on the youths who registered for the training.

He highlighted that the "world economy is changing very fast and 95 percent of the world economy is now digital and the only market available today for any business to thrive is digital market."

He said that his interest as Governor of Imo State and in the future development of the State rests on the youths, asserting that his belief is dependent on the fact that “when you develop and prepare the youths you have developed the State and if you jettison the youths then you have jettisoned the State.”

There is ‘’no government infrastructure that is as important as development of the youths."

He reiterated that the major ideas that rule the world today are digital economy, climate change, or carbon-credit, hence the "need to re-align ourselves so that we can get to the global destination.",

Governor Uzodimma told the youths to understand that the digital programme they are getting into is a road to the digital world and a form of finishing school notwithstanding once profession.

He then advised them to choose among the several programmes and master them as an opportunity to key into the digital world economy.

Governor Uzodimma promised the participants that once they graduate they will have equipment from the State Government to start live.

"This is because our government is already working with international companies such as Apple, Zinox Computers and others to partner the State Government in getting the graduate youths engaged on the acquired skills."

He assured them that there are ready made jobs out there that will promptly engage some of them who learnt technical skills such as: repair of telephones, IPADs and others on graduation.

The Governor further noted that "the primary objective include; reduction in crime, criminality and idleness and making the youths to be more focused."

He emphasized and also warned that the Skill-up programme is not about politics.

His words: "It is for the development of the youths, the development of their lives, the lives of their families and that of the State in general. When the State achieves this laudable programme Imo will be peaceful and the youths of Imo State will come up to be role models in Nigeria and Africa in general."

In his address of welcome, the Commissioner for Digital Economy and E- Government, Dr. Chimezie Amadi explained that 'Skill-up Imo Project' is a programne conceived by Governor Uzodimma which is specially designed to provide free training and support to 100,000 Imolites, particularly the youths, in new, innovative, and economically viable skills needed for them to be productively employed or self- employed.

He noted that the first set of 5,000 learners will be engaged for training for 12 weeks in various areas of application which include - Web Development, Business Innovation, Mobile App Development, Cyber Security and Forensics, Networking and Hardware, and Engineering. Others include; Robotics and Mechatronics, 3D Technology, Drone Technology, Social Media and Digital Marketing and Animation and Multimedia among others.

He therefore thanked the Governor for thinking it wise to establish the Ministry as the first of its kind in any State of the federation with the objective of reducing crime and criminality, improving economy and connecting Imo State to the outside world.

The Governor was accompanied to the event by the Deputy Governor, Prof. Placid Njoku, the Speaker, Barr. Emeka Nduka, members of the State House of Assembly, the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie and members of the State expanded Executive Council.

Okigwe Zone Speaks: Ohakim is our Consensus Candidate for Senate

The Convener of Okigwe Leaders and Elders Forum, Dr. Sir. EJK Onyewuchi, on Wednesday announced that former Governor Ikedi Ohakim is the consensus candidate for Imo North Senate, calling on his challengers to sheathe the sword, embrace Ohakim for the peace, unity and development of the Zone.

The meeting which held on Tuesday at the countryhome of former Governor of Imo State, the late Barrister Samuel Onunaka Mbakwe in Avutu, Obowo LGA, was attended by the creme de la creme of Okigwe Zone, including Amb. Eddy Onuoha, Elder Statesman Chief Enyiogasi (OK 2000), Dr. EJK Onyewuchi, H.E. Engr. Ebere Udeagu former Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dr. Maxwell Duru and Chairmen of Traditional Rulers Councils in Okigwe Zone, amongst others.

Speaking to Journalists in Owerri on the sidelines of the meeting of Okigwe Zone leaders on Tuesday on the way forward for the Senate seat, Dr. EJK who is the Chairman Okigwe Elders Council, President of Odimma Okigwe, Convener of Okigwe Leaders and Elders Forum, former Chairman of Imo State Elders Council, and Chairman Imo APC Elders Council, said the interest of Okigwe Zone is larger than the interest of any individual.

He said: "Okigwe Zone met on Tuesday and took far reaching decision on who we should send to the Senate to represent us. We have no apologies for the decisions we took and we make no pretences in order to please any particular person. Rather we are interested in what would work for the entire people of Okigwe Zone. We decided that the person we should send to Abuja must be someone who would work through fire and water to ensure that things work for the people, someone that will work closely with Governor Hope Uzodimma and provide the kind of representation and leadership we all will be proud of.

"Without any misgivings, Okigwe people decided that Ohakim has passed the acid test in terms of humility, accountability, accessibility, courage, probity, capacity, competence, experience, name recognition and industry, and decided that he is the consensus candidate for the Zone. We also considered who among the aspirants has contributed to the development and empowerment of the people of Okigwe Zone and agreed to speak with one mind to present Dr. Ikedi Ohakim as our consensus candidate come rain, come shine. In taking this decision we considered that we need peace in Okigwe Zone and that there should be no acrimony in selecting who should represent us at the Senate. We should not waste our resources.

"Ohakim has been supportive of the State Government and he enjoys a cordial relationship with the Governor. This is a critical moment for not just Okigwe Zone or Imo State but Ala-Igbo. As such we need to send someone whose voice and name will be recognised, someone who can stand out in the comity of legislators".

Speaking on those who are opposed to the decision, the elder statesman said that it was impossible for everyone to agree with their position, adding that they are happy that 90% to 95% of Okigwe people agree with them and are supporting the former Governor.

He called other aspirants to drop their ambitions and wait for another time, adding that it is in the best interest of the people of the Zone for everyone to join hands and make the "Okigwe Project a reality".

While thanking the sons and daughters of Okigwe Zone that turned up for the meeting in their numbers, Dr. EJK said that anyone who tries to do anything contrary to what they all agreed to do would be embarrassing Okigwe Zone. He called on all and sundry to put the interests of Okigwe Zone first.

By Jonathan Amadi

Ugochukwu Hilary Nwachukwu is asking to be elected Senator for Imo East (Owerri) District so that he can eliminate the practice of prostitution in the area.

Nwachukwu who goes by 'Ugosly' told stakeholders during a series of meetings with party leaders in the senatorial district that he would sponsor bills and motions that will directly impact the lives of his constituents, with special emphasis on tackling prostitution, if elected.

Ugosly who failed to clinch the PDP Senatorial ticket in the 2019 election (he was screaned out due to false academic status) is vying under the APC ahead of 2023, insisting he is familiar with the problems of Owerri Zone, prostitution being central, according to him.

"I am a homeboy. I grew up in Owerri and I know the yearnings and aspirations of the people," he told party leaders in Ezinnihite, recently.

"I know all the joints, I know where the prostitutes hang out, I know them and they know me. I go to club and I mix up. I know all the bunks in Owerri. Once I become senator, I will quickly sponsor a bill that will make it impossible for prostitutes to operate in Owerri. I believe that with this, we can begin to reduce the level of restiveness among our youths.

"This is why I am asking you to make me your flag bearer for Senate. I will roll up my sleeves from day one and get to work."

However, an activist and community leader, Austin Chikezie, wondered when prostitution became such a problem as to form the agenda of a senatorial campaign.

"I really do not understand some of these politicians. What does he mean by sponsoring bills to eliminate prostitution? Of course, one does not endorse prostitution, but there are far more pressing issues bothering Ndi Owerri that this man could take on," he told this reporter in an interview.

"For instance, Owerri faces staggering youth unemployment. What is his plan to address it? This is the sort of rhetoric we expect to hear and not this idle talk of eradicating prostitution. What does that even mean?"

Ugosly, a Lagos-based businessman, hails from Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State.

Imo State State Government has assured that measures are being taken to ensure that the menace of illegal oil bunkering are brought to an end in the State.

The State Government gave the assurance as the Commissioner for Petroleum Resources, Rt. Hon. Goodluck Nanah Opiah, addressed the press in Owerri in the aftermath of the illegal oil bunkering site explosion in Abaezi Community in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of the State on Friday night, killing scores.

While commisserating with families of those who lost their lives in the explosion, Opiah prayed for the repose of the souls of tbose who lost their lives. He said that illegal oil bunkering is a crime that can not be justified, adding that those responsible for the mishap must be called to account.

The Commissioner had on Saturday morning visited the site of the incident on the directive of the Governor, who also ordered the immediate arrest of the owners of the illegal oil bunkering site, Victor Ukwe and Okenze Onyenwoke.

He said that Goveenment will no longer treat those who engage in illegal oil bunkering with kidglove, assuring that no matter how stubborn the challenge of illegal oil blundering is, it remains surmounattable, and the Government will surmount it. He called on the people to collaborate with the Government in the fight against the menace.

"In as much as the challenges always encountered in the fight against illegal oil bunkering are stubborn, they are also very much surmountable. In other words, illegal oil bunkering can be effectively stopped. But then, this can only be achieved through strong commitment and collaboration between the people and government. The truth is, if we can always expose criminals amongst us, constantly and reasonably demand for accountability from government(s) while staying true to our civic responsibility of always ensuring we elect responsible and responsive leaders into government, the issue of illegal oil bunkering and indeed other crimes will be drastically reduced.

"Government will no longer view illegal oil bunkering as a tool for blackmail, sabotage, bully or agitation against government. Rather, it should be righty taken for what it is - a fundamental crime and therefore existential threat", he said.

He called on the youths of the oil producing communities to ignore the allure of illegal oil bunkering. "I appeal to all of us, citizens of oil producing areas, to ignore the unnecessary attraction or allure in the illegal oil bunkering business and embrace the call by Government and well meaning citizens of the state in the advocacy against the menace. I invite every Imo State citizen especially people of the oil producing areas to support and appreciate His Excellency’s struggle to recover the hitherto lost oil wells to our neighbouring state, Rivers.

"The effect of the uncommon fight is that Imo State will be counted among the top highest producers of oil in the Niger Delta. The benefits of this leap jump are huge in material and non material terms. Illegal oil bunkering has the potential to make nonsense of the whole efforts of His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma as the menace can simply keep Imo State’s contribution to the National Crude allocation to zero thus making us the least in the comity of oil producing states".

He said that in few days to come Government will be meeting with critical stakeholders in the oil producing communities as part of finding solutions to the menace of illegal oil bunkering, in addition to announcing others measures to address the situation.

Those who import doors and other home fittings, especially bathroom and toilet accessories may have had their work cut out with the opening of Mall of Istanbul, in Nigeria. They don't need to go to turkey again.

Mall of Istanbul, the home of all kinds of quality Turkish and English doors, Water Closets, Jacuzzis, Showers, and other Toilet and Bathroom accessories, was opened in Owerri, the Imo State capital, on Friday, February 4, 2022, amid much celebration.

The talk-of-the-town multimillion Naira business is located at South Africa Line, Timber Market (Ọgbọshishi), Naze, Owerri, and has been described as a welcome development by many in the State.

Not only does the trailblazing enterprise encourage potential investors to look towards the State, but it also creates jobs.

Products at Mall of Istanbul are irresistible. One cannot afford to look elsewhere if one desires the best for one's house.

Visit today and get value for your money.

�They can be reached on: 07064001994 or 07065567517.

A massive investment, Mall of Istanbul, has hit the city of Owerri, Imo State.

They are dealers on all kinds of Turkish and English doors, Water Closets, Toilet and Bathroom accessories.

The coming of the business has cheered up Imo people who once again feel confident that the state can attract huge investments after recent security breaches.

A source said, "One interesting thing is that they mean business. The CEO, an enterprising son of the soil, has come prepared. They've got products that those who have taste for quality cannot resist.

"This is just impressive for a business that just arrived.

"Talk about the jobs they would create. This is" for Owerri, Imo State, South East.

"I have no doubt in me that this huge investment would be embraced by all and sundry.

"This is what we have been preaching. Think home. Invest at home.

"Mall of Istanbul is at South Africa Line, Timber Market (Ọgbọshishi), Naze, Owerri. Call 07064001994 or 07065567517 for inquiries"

*GLOBAL ASSOCIATION OF CONCERNED IMO YOUTHS (GACIY)*

*PRESS RELEASE*

*HOLD EMEKA, PDP, LIABLE FOR ANY SECURITY BREACH DURING AND AFTER THE YULETIDE*

Emeka Ihedioha and the PDP which he claims to command have flashed their cards, warning the Imo diaspora to boycott the usual yuletide homecoming or risk being 'slaughtered like chickens'.

This flippancy, which comes on the heels of the Governor's recent invite to Imo people worldwide to visit for the Christmas and New Year holidays without fear of molestation, is calculated not only to contradict Governor Hope Uzodimma, but also to cancel the State's reputation as prime hospitality/investment destination.

GACIY resolutely rejects this falsehood knowing it to be the work of idle hands acting out the script of tin gods of the most toxic, embittered, soulless, and diseased political opposition ever to afflict Imo.

Imo, like every dwelling place on the planet, is not without its own fair share of bad eggs, but contrary to PDP's perverse imagination, the situation has been brought under control by Governor Hope Uzodimma.

If Imo State under Uzodimma is truly the Hobbesian nightmare the party claims, how come it was able to stage its 4th anniversary of Egbu Declaration last Saturday without any security breach? How come Mr Ihedioha stood on an open-air platform singing, dancing, clowning, groping, lying without any skirmish?

Or was it a case of sheep obeying shepherd? Did the 'assailants' stand down because their master was present?

When Emeka boasted to the audience that he will be governor in 2023 without campaigning "because the campaign has already been done", didn't he mean state sabotage in order to be seen as Messiah?

Is it not curious that barely 24hrs after Emeka spoke in parables at the Egbu Declaration anniversary, the PDP tactfully issued that fake 'travel advisory' warning Imo diaspora to shun Christmas in Imo? Is it not obvious that the party eats from the same bowl as men of the underworld?

This is precisely why the party never condemns violence, but would quickly hit at the government for stemming insecurity.

This recent threat, disguised as 'travel advisory' is meant to precede a planned social upheaval so that the party can say to revelers, "we told you so". But like always, they will meet their waterloo.

GACIY will not sit idle and watch a resentful, overly ambitious entity pour petrol on our land and strike a match. Therefore:

1) Emeka and his PDP are to be held responsible for any breach of the peace during and after the yuletide.

2) the security community must rise up, nip this threat in the bud, and bring masterminds to book.

3) Imo diaspora who wish to visit for the yuletide should visit assured of a serene heartland with improved security.

4) Governor Hope Uzodimma and the Government he leads should not take the PDP threat lightly. The Government should do all it can to nip it in the bud and ensure that there is peace and security in the state throughout the yuletide and beyond. Furthermore, Government should take urgent action to unmask those behind the security breaches in the State, no matter how highly placed they may be.

God bless our homeland, Imo.

Signed:

Collins Ughalaa KSC
(Convener).
November 17, 2021.

Some youths in Imo State have alarmed the general public and security agencies over what they termed a "fresh plot by politicians to destabilize Imo"

The youths, who belong to the Global Association of Concerned Imo Youths (GACIY), said that the aim was to compel the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the State and frustrate the State government.

In a press statement signed by its convener, Collins Ughalaa, the youths alleged that the plotters are aggrieved and disgruntled opposition politicians who are still miffed by the emergence of Governor Uzodimma and his subsequent initiation of recovery of looted government properties.

They called on security agencies to swing into action immediately and stop the planners of mayhem in their tracks.

The statement reads: "GACIY receives Government's disclosure of a "fresh plot by politicians to destabilize Imo" with a mix of concern and frustration.

"The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, told newsmen on Tuesday that "a former governor of the state and other disgruntled politicians have voted a hefty N5b with which to trigger another round of security crisis in the state."

"Emelumba went on to add that "a serving member of the House of Representatives from Imo State is coordinating the destabilization plot." That "part of the plot is to raise a petition to the Inspector General of Police that security has collapsed in the state and that the government has been overwhelmed by the challenges. They are going to use the recent unfortunate fate of our two Royal Fathers from Njaba to anchor their campaign."

"These terrorists, looters and mandate thieves want to force the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in Imo, leading to the removal of the Governor. Their grouse is that the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma recovered his mandate from the Supreme Court and is committed to recovering looted assets of the State. For these, they are calling down thunder and lightning, fire and brimstone upon our peaceful State.

"GACIY expresses concern, aware that further social unrest will rewind the current rapid economic progress and take us back to the wilderness. Our frustration arises from the fact that we have raised the alarm on many occasions yet security agents hesitate to round up these masterminds for reasons best known to them.

"We are constrained to remind security agencies and indeed the discerning public not only that security breaches in Imo are artificial, they are scripted, perfomed, marketed and distributed by a group of vampires, desperate politicians perched on Abuja who are now regrouping for a sequel.

"Recall that on the strength of painstaking investigations, GACIY had raised the alarm on September 15, 2021 in a press release titled POLITICIANS FUNDING A PROXY WAR IN IMO WILL MEET A DISGRACEFUL END. In it, we detailed how this group of strangers, united only by blinding hate for Governor Hope Uzodimma, recruited, groomed, tooled, and commissioned hoodlums to set fire to Imo, waste innocent lives to such a degree that Uzodimma will be marched out of office.

"We had warned the world that in their satanic desperation, they had set out to clone both the Eastern Security Network (to give their evil enterprise a separatist disguise), and national dailies (to legitimize their falsehood).

"Now that the government has obtained this sensitive piece of intelligence, GACIY expects that security agencies will go after the masterminds in high places; whose ox is gored in the ongoing recovery of looted assets through the implementation of relevant White Papers, those who want to rule Imo by all means, those for whom the agony of the masses is a sonorous song.

"We demand that the security agents lock them up whole with their funny caps, garments, bracelets, and mufflers until Imo knows peace again."

GOVERNMENT SHALL EXPEDITE ACTION ON UMUGUMA ROAD ONCE THE RAINS ARE OVER, WORKS COMMISSIONER, RALPH NWOSU REASSURES

The Commissioner for Works, Ralph Nwosu, has received in audience representatives of Umuguma community led by HRH Dr. George Ugorji and the President General of Umuguma, Mr Benjamin Dallas Nlem amongst other members of the community.

Mr Benjamin Dallas Nlem in his opening address to the Commissioner commended the Works Commissioner on his invaluable contributions so far recorded courtesy of His Excellency's 3R development agenda on roads infrastructure.

Continuing, the President General applauded the administration of His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma on the tremendous success achieved especially on key roads within the municipality hitherto abandoned since the creation of Imo State, roads like Mbonu Ojike, Lake Nwaebere, Federal Secretariat road amongst other roads noting that those landmark achievements cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

Presenting there demand, the President General appealed to the Commissioner to come and salvage the sufferings of Umuguma residents as the road has become death trap to road users while calling on the state Government to prioritize the road for immediate construction once the dry season sets in.

Responding, the Works Commissioner thanked the Traditional Ruler and other members of the delegation for their visit adding that the World bank/ Umuguma road remains a strategic road stating that the road will receive urgent attention once the weather becomes favorable.

Ralph Nwosu in his words " l feel your pains and i sincerely sympathize with the people of Umuguma but be assured that Government is determined in giving a facelift to your road as soon as dry season sets in". I'm optimistic that that in the coming weeks, the situation there will become a thing of the past.

The Works Commissioner noted that already construction of drainages are ongoing to control flood waters from World Bank to Umuguma and from Umuguma to New Owerri for onward discharge to Otamiri River, calling on residents of these areas not to continue to dispose refuse on drainage gateways to avoid silting up the manholes.

He further charged the good people of Umuguma and other road users to excercise a little patience as machineries and other earth moving equipments will set in on the road in the coming days as His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma is committed in changing the narrative on the state of Umuguma road and other critical infrastructures across the state, he added.

Imo Youths insist Ihedioha must account for N3.5bn loan allegedly obtained without approval

Youths under the platform of the Global Association of Concerned Imo Youths (GACIY) are adamant that Chief Emeka Ihedioha, who governed Imo State between May 2019 and January 2020, must give an account of a N3.5bn loan allegedly obtained by his administration without the approval of the State's House of Assembly.

The youths had in a statement last week signed by its convener, Collins Ughalaa, said that they uncovered the "top secret" loan which the Ihedioha administration allegedly secured.

In a swift response, the Ihedioha camp through a press release signed by Barr. Uche Onyeagucha, admitted that the Ihedioha administration initiated a move to obtain the loan facility but said that it followed due process.

Onyeagucha stated that a committee was set up to source the loan. However, he denied that it was paid before the administration was sacked by the Supreme Court on January 14, 2020.

In a counter statement on Monday, October 25th, 2021, GACIY wondered why the Ihedioha administration did not seek the approval of the State's House of Assembly before seeking the loan.

The youths said that they can confirm that the sum was withdrawn by the Ihedioha regime which did not account for the money before it was dismissed by the court.

The statement read: "GACIY has noticed that after getting bent out of shape, Ihedioha's handlers finally squared up to GACIY's request to explain why that administration secretly yoked Imo to a bogus N3.5b loan. But to our surprise, Team Ihedioha through a statement signed by former SSG, Barrister Uche Onyeagucha, one of at least three captains during that regime, not only confirmed borrowing the said sum from a commercial bank, but boasted that it was approved by a mere committee of 8 stooges. What could be more irresponsible?

"As if it weren't bad enough, Mr. Onyeagucha had the guts to perjure that the N3.5bn wasn't cashed till that illegal administration was rightly removed by the Supreme Court four months after taking the loan. Such illogic, and he is supposed to be a lawyer?

"We can confirm not only the so-called rebuild Imo regime withdrew the sum, it also spent it all on spurious 'judicial expenses' trying to resuscitate its lifeless briefs at the courts, as well as shopping property for Emeka. If these men could borrow and splurge a whopping N3.5 billion using the name of Imo youths, and go on to capture community lands under some fictitious agricultural scheme, we wonder what else that administration could have done to betray Imo people. We also wonder why despite being an impulsive borrower, Ihedioha would sit idle while his hirelings insult Governor Hope Uzodimma for obtaining special facilities from the CBN.

"We had said that our expose of the "top secret" borrowing of N3.5b by the deposed Ihedioha regime stunned the entire rebuild Imo team. That was why they held an emergency meeting and summoned Mr. Onyeagucha to try to clean up the mess. But as they tried to clean up and cover tracks, they exposed themselves the more.

"By our expose we uncovered how reckless, lawless, dodgy, opaque the deposed Ihedioha regime was. Truly, Ihedioha ran Imo by committees, cult-like and like a mammy market. Otherwise, why did the illegal regime not seek the approval of the state assembly for the borrowing of a humongous N3.5bn, whereas the state assembly is the arm of government saddled with the responsibility of making appropriations? Why did the deposed Ihedioha regime resort to using a committee, according to their hitman, Mr. Onyeagucha? Why did they resort to using emergency exco meeting, that is, using 8 of Ihedioha's stooges, to approve N3.5bn loan? The answer is that it was a top secret. And they also obtained the loan as a top secret.

"Imo people can now appreciate what God did on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 when Ihedioha was deposed and Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma installed as Governor, else Ihedioha could have sold Imo State 10 kobo.

"The confession from the rebuild Imo team is a start, but when Emeka is truly ready, he will:

"1) tender to Imo people an unreserved apology for running government like a mammy market while he held sway.

"2) apologize to his misguided followers for giving them the impression he was prudent with state resources.

"3) return all he illegally took from Imo people.

"4) turn himself over to the EFCC and other anti-graft bodies."

GLOBAL ASSOCIATION OF CONCERNED IMO YOUTHS (GACIY)

PRESS RELEASE

NOW THAT IHEDIOHA HAS CONFESSED TO BORROWING N3.5B, WHAT NEXT?

THE CONFESSION SHOWS IHEDIOHA RAN GOVERNMENT LIKE MAMMY MARKET, CULT

GACIY has noticed that after getting bent out of shape, Ihedioha's handlers finally squared up to GACIY's request to explain why that administration secretly yoked Imo to a bogus N3.5b loan. But to our surprise, Team Ihedioha through a statement signed by former SSG, Barrister Uche Onyeagucha, one of at least three captains during that regime, not only confirmed borrowing the said sum from a commercial bank, but boasted that it was approved by a mere committee of 8 stooges. What could be more irresponsible?

As if it weren't bad enough, Mr. Onyeagucha had the guts to perjure that the N3.5bn wasn't cashed till that illegal administration was rightly removed by the Supreme Court four months after taking the loan. Such illogic, and he is supposed to be a lawyer?

We can confirm not only the so-called rebuild Imo regime withdrew the sum, it also spent it all on spurious 'judicial expenses' trying to resuscitate its lifeless briefs at the courts, as well as shopping property for Emeka. If these men could borrow and splurge a whopping N3.5 billion using the name of Imo youths, and go on to capture community lands under some fictitious agricultural scheme, we wonder what else that administration could have done to betray Imo people. We also wonder why despite being an impulsive borrower, Ihedioha would sit idle while his hirelings insult Governor Hope Uzodimma for obtaining special facilities from the CBN.

We had said that our expose of the "top secret" borrowing of N3.5b by the deposed Ihedioha regime stunned the entire rebuild Imo team. That was why they held an emergency meeting and summoned Mr. Onyeagucha to try to clean up the mess. But as they tried to clean up and cover tracks, they exposed themselves the more.

By our expose we uncovered how reckless, lawless, dodgy, opaque the deposed Ihedioha regime was. Truly, Ihedioha ran Imo by committees, cult-like and like a mammy market. Otherwise, why did the illegal regime not seek the approval of the state assembly for the borrowing of a humongous N3.5bn, whereas the state assembly is the arm of government saddled with the responsibility of making appropriations? Why did the deposed Ihedioha regime resort to using a committee, according to their hitman, Mr. Onyeagucha? Why did they resort to using emergency exco meeting, that is, using 8 of Ihedioha's stooges, to approve N3.5bn loan? The answer is that it was a top secret. And they also obtained the loan as a top secret.

Imo people can now appreciate what God did on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 when Ihedioha was deposed and Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma installed as Governor, else Ihedioha could have sold Imo State 10 kobo.

The confession from the rebuild Imo team is a start, but when Emeka is truly ready, he will:

1) tender to Imo people an unreserved apology for running government like a mammy market while he held sway.

2) apologize to his misguided followers for giving them the impression he was prudent with state resources.

3) return all he illegally took from Imo people.

4) turn himself over to the EFCC and other anti-graft bodies.

We thought it was the bird, little did we know it was the witch's cry. May Almighty God spare Imo a second affliction of Ihedioha's mis-governance.

Signed:

Collins Ughalaa KSC
(Convener).
October 25, 2021.

GLOBAL ASSOCIATION OF CONCERNED IMO YOUTHS (GACIY)

PRESS RELEASE

UNCOVERED: IHEDIOHA BORROWED N3.5BN, SEPTEMBER 2019 AND DID NOT ACCOUNT FOR IT

GACIY has uncovered loan facility of N3.5bn obtained by the deposed Emeka Ihedioha administration of the People's Democratic Party in September 2019. The N3.5bn loan remains unaccounted for.

According to a memo dated Friday, 17th September 2019 which conveyed Exco approval of the loan, the document which was tagged TOP SECRET by the administration shows that the loans were obtained in two segments: (1) N1.5bn loan from Fidelity Bank for Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS); and (2) N2bn Commercial Agricultural Credit Facility from Fidelity Bank.

The memo further shows that an emergency exco meeting was held on Friday, September 17, 2019, starting from 11:05 and Opening Prayer said by Hon. Jones Onyereri, the SA Political, to endorse Ihedioha's instructions concerning the loan facilities.

The documents further show that the former Deputy Governor, His Excellency Engr. Gerald Irona, presided over the meeting because Ihedioha travelled outside the State.

"His Excellency, the Deputy Governor presided over the meeting in the absence of His Excellency, the Governor who was on official trip outside the State. The deputy governor welcomed members present. He stated that the day's emergency meeting became necessary in order to deliberate and consider 4no memos amongst them were 2no urgent memos sent in by the honourable commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources on the offer of N1.5billion Term Loan under central bank of Nigeria (CBN) Accelerated Agricultural Development Scheme (AADS) from Fidelity Bank PLC and the proposed N2.0billion Commercial Agricultural Credit Facility Summary of Indicative Terms and Conditions from Fidelity Bank PLC.

"The Commissioner for Agriculture disclosed that His Excellency, the Governor had granted permission [before the meeting] to the Agricultural Team to visit the CBN concerning the Agricultural Loans.

"Council approved that the loans should be accessed by State Government."

On the strength of this startling revelation any decent shrink would diagnose that the PDP's chronic emaciation is not ordinary, but the product of trembling, of drifting, of running from the ghost of its haunting past.

If the party wasn't so high on hypocrisy it would have noticed the log in its eyes before pointing its leprous fingers at the 3R administration for sourcing finance to meet critical state needs.

We are scandalised that after having seized inumerable hectares of land from vulnerable communities in the pretext of a farming project, Ihedioha had the temerity to convene a sham exco meeting with only a handful of lackeys to rubber stamp loans for his escapades while remote controlling proceedings from the comfort of his love nest.

We will never forget the indignities that profligate regime inflicted upon Imo people. We will not forget the disguises Ihedioha embraced just to plunder our treasury; the strange, senseless, impulsive projects he undertook all with the intent to steal.

As a matter of urgency, GACIY demands that the government and people of Imo ably led by Sen. Hope Uzodimma

1) tear from Emeka every asset of Imo to which he helped himself during his illegal stay in office.

2) enlist the help of every audit firm, every antigraft agency, every judicial panel of enquiry until Emeka is shaken free of every kobo belonging to the government and people of Imo.

3) pursue the 3R agenda of rehabilitation, reconstruction, and recovery until Imo prospers again.

Signed:

Collins Ughalaa KSC
(Convener).
October 23, 2021.

Imo: ISIEC Commences Processes For Local Government Election

By Duru kizito

The Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) has commenced moves to conduct local government election in Imo State.

The Commission has held meetings with Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC), on when the local government election in the State will take place.

In the meeting with IPAC, legislative framework and modalities to ensure credible election was discussed.

It would be recalled that His Excellency, Governor Hope Uzodimma, recently announced that local government election would soon be held in Imo State.

Addressing the press after the meeting, the Publicity Secretary of IPAC, and Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Imo State, Mr. John Iwuala, harped on the need for democratically elected local government chairmen and councillors in the 305 INEC wards and the 27 LGAs in the state.

Mr. Adimelechi Henry, the ISIEC Acting Operational Commissioner, in his speech stated that the meeting with IPAC was to carry every relevant stakeholder along in the democratic process to ensure a credible and transparent election.

Imo Youths differ with PDP over govt borrowing claims

Youths under the Global Association of Concerned Imo Youths (GACIY) have countered members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo State over the claim that the State House of Assembly clandestinely approved a supplementary budget and loan for the State government on the Governor's request.

In an article that was circulated on social media, the Director General of Imo New Media Directorate, Collins Opurozor, alleged that a supplementary budget of N31bn and loan of N18bn were requested by the State Governor.

Opurozor claimed that a the State's legislator met at the residence of the Speaker, Paul Emeziem, and approved the requests without forming a quorum.

But GACIY in a statement described the the allegations as mischievous. The group flayed members of the opposition party for inability to distinguish supplementary budget for virement which they said is "merely the movement of money from one part of a budget to a different one".

"We have noticed Imo PDP's disgraceful attempt to radicalize public opinion over Gov. Hope Uzodinma's attempt to finance the evolving needs of our dear state, Imo," the statement signed by the group's convener, Collins Ughalaa, read.

"In an error-strewn pamphlet released Thursday evening, the cyber terror party falsely accused the legislature of "secretly" passing a supplementary budget of N31bn and approving Uzodinmma's plan to borrow additional "N18bn from the black market", all in one night.

"Not only are the twin allegations mischievous, the PDP lacks both moral and cognitive integrity to discuss them for obvious reasons.

"First, there is a difference between SUPPLEMENTARY BUDGET and VIREMENT.

"A supplementary budget is a request for additional funds during the course of the year. Virement on the other hand is merely the movement of money from one part of a budget to a different one. In a supplementary budget, the executive presents a fresh spending proposal for approval leading to an expansion of budget size; in virement the executive seeks to re-order the existing budget to reflect new priorities while retaining the budget size. The latter is what the Imo legislature considered and approved on Wednesday evening through an executive bill presented by the Majority Leader.

"Governor Uzodimma requested the virement (re-ordering of the budget) to scale-up funding for security in view of the situation in Imo. The House convened, considered and approved the request to boost ongoing efforts to address insecurity in the state. How else will the Governor's promise to reconstruct destroyed houses in Izombe materialize if not through legitimate appropriation?

"We are no longer shocked that the PDP opposes any attempt to subdue insecurity in Imo. As of mid January 2020, the party began to issue threats to Imo people after reinventing itself as spokesman for riff-raffs, hoodlums, bandits, and arsonists. So the push back is expected. Our only surprise is that the party failed to spot the difference between supplementary budget and virement despite pursuing the latter when it held sway in 2011; despite claiming to have lettered members in its diminishing fold. If it could trip over such simple concepts, we wonder what other misinformation the PDP has inflicted or intends to inflict on unsuspecting Imolites. Indeed, "malice is only another name for mediocrity" (Patrick Kavanagh).

"For the records, the government of Imo state requested approval from the legislature to key into an FGN midwifed bridging loan for the 36 states by the Federal Government through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to soften the effect of resumption in the payment of existing FGN loans such as salary arrears bailout facility, budget support facility, excess crude backed loan, etc. Each state is to access some N18.7b at 9% interest rate, a tenor of 30yrs, and two years moratorium.

"Contrary to the PDP's illiterate view, the CBN is not a black market, neither is strategic state borrowing immoral. If the PDP understood its role as opposition, it would champion the judicious use of borrowed funds and not labour over shaming the Governor for borrowing to solve chocking problems.

"While we advise that its agents of propaganda return to the classroom as their brain muscles can no longer grasp delicate matters, those who still listen to or follow the PDP must know that they do so at grave risk to their own mental health; the party has lost its way.

"GACIY insists that Governor Hope Uzodinma will continue to take every necessary step within the law to reconstruct, rehabilitate and recover our dear state, Imo".

Imo government brings succour to Izombe

The Imo State government has fulfilled its promise of giving relief materials to the citizens and residents of Izombe Autonomus community after a clash between the Nigerian Army and some youths of the community.

The Managing Director of Imo State Oil Producing Areas and Development Commission (ISOPADEC), Mr Charles Orie, who led other government appointees to the Izombe to deliver the relief materials said it was the first step by the state government towards ensuring that the community is taken care of and victims regain their lost properties.

Gov Hope Uzodinma who visited the affected community last week and assured them of government's support.

Gov Uzodinma promised that relief materials would be distributed to them while a committee would be set up to initiate plans of rebuilding houses that were burnt down during the crisis.

Orie said that the relief materials which include of food items, cash gifts, foams was in keeping to the promise of the state government.

He reiterated the state's government plan to rebuild infrastructures burnt down while urging the community to embrace peace.

Appointment of New AG Chief Judge a Step Towards Strengthening Imo Judiciary - Gov. Uzodimma

By Collins Ughalaa KSC

Governor Hope Uzodimma on Thursday swore-in a new Acting Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon. Justice Theresa Eberechukwu Chukwuemeka Chikeka, at the Government House, Owerri, saying that the appointment was a step towards strengthening the State's Judiciary.

"It is on that premise that I charge both members of the Bench and Bar to see the appointment of Honourable Justice Theresa Eberechukwu Chukwuemeka Chikeka as the acting Chief Judge of the State as a necessary step towards making Imo State judiciary stronger", said the Governor.

The Governor noted that the appointment of the new Acting Chief Judge "does not in any way signal the demotion or undue elevation of any member of the Bench - It is part of the continuing commitment to the procedural process in the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge of Imo State. Both members of the Bench and Bar are all aware of this processes".

He called on the new Acting Chief Judge to see his her appointment as "a solemn call to duty", stressing that "It is a call to an exemplary leadership that will inspire and unite the Bench and the Bar".

He said: "Henceforth, your colleagues in the Bench will look up to you as the rallying point for cohesion and synergy - likewise, your many colleagues in the Bar - they will also look up to you as the leading light and bastion of impartiality in the temple of justice. It behoves on you to live up to their expectations.

"Let me make it clear that the appointment of a new acting Chief Judge is part of efforts of government to fine tune the operations of the judiciary and encourage capacity building in the discharge of its constitutional role as the third tier of government. It is also part of the continuing commitment to the procedural process in the appointment of a substantive Chief Judge of the State.

"It does not in any way signal the demotion or undue elevation of any member of the Bench. Both members of the Bench and Bar are all aware of this processes.

"For this government that is the product of a democratic order - It is incumbent upon us to defend the constitution in all its ramifications. It is also our duty to encourage the judiciary being the last hope of the common man to preserve and shield itself from abuse and divisiveness because any bastardization of the institution will erode the confidence of the people with a serious  consequence on the survival of our democracy".