₦airaland Forum

Imo state Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has been chosen, by the grace of God and by the consideration of the management and staff of Radio Nigeria, as the guest lecturer at the 2015 edition of the corporations annual lecture series.
The topic of the lecture is "MANAGING CHANGE IN A DEMOCRACY: THE NIGERIAN SITUATION" and the date of the lecture which is the ninth edition, is Monday November 16, 2015, at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) Conference Center and Resort, Plot 496 Ahmadu Bello Way Kado Abuja.

Former IGP, Ibrahim Commassie (Chairman of the Occasion) and Minister of Information Lai Mohammed in attendance.

All is set as Gov Rochas Okorocha delivers the 2015 Annual Lecture of Radio Nigeria at NAF Conference Centre Abuja.

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The Speaker was accompanied by House Leader, Hon Gbajabiamila, Hon Jones Onyeriri, Hon Ezenwa Onyewuchi, Hon Obinna Onwubuariri etc. The Speaker is in Imo to attend the Civic Reception of Hon Austin Chukwukere by his Ideato North and South Federal Constituency. Speaker Acho Ihim, DSP Ugonna Ozurigbo, Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere, SGI, Sir Jude Ejiogu, COS, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu and other top government functionaries were at the event.

"You are a true ambassador of change in this country. I call on all Imo sons and daughters to put aside political differences and support Gov Rochas Okorocha" Speaker Dogara

"While thanking you for the committee Chairmanship we deserve much more as the only South East APC controlled state" - , Gov Rochas Okorocha

Gov Rochas Okorocha host Speaker Dogara & the leadership of the Federal House of Representatives.
More details. ..

IS THE RESCUE MISSION GOVERNMENT A “FAMILIOCRACY”?

Recently too, the word “Familiocracy” became so popular among the ever enlightened Imolites. Something peculiar to this administration is the emergence of many popular mantra, words and phrases, unlike in the past ones. For instance, during Udenwa we heard “Tripod Vision”, “Kashim Formula”, “Orlu Wu Eze”; under ex-Gov Ikedi Ohakim Imo got saturated with “Clean and Green”, “Ikiri”. Under Owelle Rochas Okorocha, we are hearing “Education Must Be Free”, “Imo Must Be Better”, “Corruption Must Stop”, “My People My People, My Governor My Governor”, “Imo My Pride”, the super mantra “Industry Industry Industry, Job Job Job”, etc. Then, “Familiocracy” has filed-up in these litanies, though coined by the opposition but if you ask me, truly, the Rescue Mission Government is a “Familiocracy” and I will tell you more.

In Imo State, it has been observed keenly that every government came up with a form (style) depending on the body language of the Team Leader. In the past 12 years before the emergence of Rescue Mission Government led by Owelle Rochas Okorocha, we completely left democracy and operated Aristocracy; the elites who believed they were born to rule others because they were born into the highest class. We also experienced Oligarchy; where few wealthy people ruled the state. For instance, The Kashim Formula under the Udenwa led PDP government was a method that guaranteed the ceding of local governments to certain god-fathers to deal as they wish including their monthly federal allocation. Even during the time of Ohakim, the formula held sway with a mixture of Authoritarianism. We embraced hardship without options, many people lost all they had, it was alleged that in that era people who did not have up to N200,000 in their savings were asked to pack home, and education was declared for the rich alone because we were told to SACRIFICE A LITTLE AND ENJOY FOREVER. Today, Okorocha’s government has been described as a “Familiocracy”.

The term “Familiocracy” is derived from the stem word “family”. The term, according to users, is when a state is ran as a family. Like our various families, everyone is recognized, loved, cherished and given equal opportunity devoid of sex, size, status, educational background, level of intelligence, etc. This is in tandem with the original Igbo form of government, “Ohacracy” from where “Democracy” sprouted. The united families came together to form an extended family-like communities where decisions were taken unanimously. They formed the “Oha” from where their patterns became “Ohacracy” which has been adjudged the best form of government. What then do we say about the CGC? A fourth tier of government where the various hitherto neglected communities are now given opportunities to decide issues affecting the state. The common village citizens are given strong mouth in the government they are originally part of; the “Familiocracy”.



Today, Imo is run like a family; every Sunday, political appointees and ordinary Imolites enjoy breakfast with the Governor and mingle freely with him. Many get their pressing problems solved directly. The Governor operates like a father, he can sign a document for you after perusing it thoroughly even while standing. He can be approached at any time and get his attention without waiting for the cozy confines of his Pentagon office. The governor treats his aids as hids younger brothers and sisters, they stay together, pray and eat together at least every Sunday after church service. He listens to them, encourages and even helps them to succeed in their private lives. This is what a father does to the children and the elderly one does to the younger in a happy, united family.



His policies like the Community Government Council, CGC is a “Familiocratic” system derived from his concept of “Ohashierism and Ofushierism”. Gov Rochas Okorocha believes that government should be run from a bottom- top system with the people’s voice, feelings and opinion counting; their interest protected as well. CGC is an ideal model of democracy the rest of Nigeria needs to embrace.

The Free and Qualitative Education program is another FAMILIOCRATIC System where the society, that is the state in this case takes care of the children collectively. This program is first of its kind in black Africa where children go to school without paying a kobo, get their uniforms, sandals, lockers etc free and even get stipends from the state. Imo is now training a crop of citizens who will forever be indebted to the state for training them, FREE OF CHARGE with a quantum leap in the literacy level and enlightenment of her citizen reaching for the rooftop. This indeed is familiocracy.

His Excellency, Rochas Okorocha treats the school children like his biological children. He goes to schools regularly to give them moral education and motivational talks to inspire them to greater heights. It is not seen anywhere else except in a “familiocracy”. The governor does not see these students as just Imo children but as his biological children and that perception largely informs how he treats them. Governor Okorocha believes that if these are his children, he should train them in school without asking them to pay; in fact, an obligation of the father in the family and that must be done in a conducive environment. In Imo State, no sane head will deny the overwhelming transformation in our public schools today.



Members of a family have access to their father. Owelle Okorocha is the most accessible governor Imo State has ever recorded. It is not exposing a secret if I tell you that the other past governors, all their aids did not have access to them let alone ordinary citizens. Most aides in previous governments go through the Chief of Staff or Secretary to the State Government but Gov Okorocha allows unfettered access to him. Often, we see the governor relaxing, chatting, eating and even playing in the Government House with those who never dreamt of coming close to the Douglas House gate in the nearest future. I will lack space here to talk about that of the governor’s wife, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha who like we see in Familiocratic settings has built over 150 houses for poor abandoned and dejected widows all over the state under her She Needs a Roof program, SNARP. Her Women Of Divine Initiative, WODI assists women to be better mothers and home builders. Hers is an episode entirely. An equal opportunity for everyone in a good family setting.

The Rescue Mission Government of Owelle Rochas Okorocha, a “familiocracy” where the state is governed as a family and every member of the state relating to one another as a member of a progressive family for a common purpose. Yes, we accept that the Rescue Mission Government is a true “FAMILIOCRACY”.

Ik Ogbonna, anipr
is the Special Assistant to Imo State Governor on Information & Communications Technology, ICT

Today's News:

-Amaechi confirmed Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
-Supreme Court throws out Ihedioha's suit challenging the victory of Gov Rochas Okorocha

Re: Governor Names Government Building After His Daughter.


My attention has been drawn to the above captioned story beibg circulated on social media.

My initial response was to ignore the usual ranting of Wailing Wailers but it is also vital to put the record straight as a lie told several times unchallenged, starts wearing the garb of truth.

It is unfortunate that such cocktail, false, deceitful and libelous story meant to bring the governor of Imo State to public ridicule as packaged by some social media practitioners who are purveyors of blackmail and lies.

Let me state as follows:

1. That the said building is the property of the Imo State Command of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) located along Okigwe Road, Owerri.
2. That the owner of the building, a federal government body, reserves the right to name same after any individual it so wishes.
3. That there is no iota of truth that the state government named the building after the governor’s daughter as it is not a state owned building.
4. That discerning and intelligent reading public should beware of the enemies of the state who will stop at nothing in their bids to tarnish the image of the governor and the state government.

Imo Is Already Better.

Ik Ogbonna, anipr
Special Assistant on Information & Communications Technology, ICT, to the Imo State Governor

RE: UNPAID SALARIES: IMO GOVERNOR BEATS WIFE TO PULP

 
The attention of the Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has been drawn to an online report with the referenced Caption.

 

The summary of the lengthy but unfounded story or claim was that Imo Governor “had beaten the wife to Pulp because she asked him to pay Civil Servants their Salary arrears”.

 

Let us begin our refutal by asking God to deliver innocent Nigerians from the onslaught of these heartless elements who have invaded the social media for the sake of inflicting cuts on their victims including those they even know, God has blessed.

 

The report of Governor Okorocha beating the wife because she asked him to pay Civil Servants their salaries was a mere fabrication by those expectedly in dire need of salvation. No true Christian or Muslim can tell such bare lies against any one.

 

In the first place, Governor Okorocha has paid the Civil Servants in the State their salaries upto the month of September. We stand to be contradicted or challenged on this Claim, with God also being our witness.

 

Again, Governor Okorocha has also paid teachers upto the month of September too. We also stand to be proved wrong on this innocent Claim.

 

The Imo governor has equally paid upto the month of September, the Salaries of workers in some government’s Parastatals and Agencies except some of those the government has Concessioned their Managements, including some of the Health outfits in the State and in the overall interest of Imo people.

 

The truth is that the Salary of the workers in the affected parastatals had been made available long before now, but the only outstanding issue is that the government and the leaders of the organized labour in the State were not able to agree at their last meeting what should be the fate of the affected workers in the Concerned Parastatals after off-loading their outstanding salaries.

 

The government had, during the meeting with the labour leaders given two options to the workers in the affected Parastatals that had their Managements Concessioned for efficiency and productivity. That, either they would be paid their remaining salaries and transferred out to other government’s establishments in the State or be paid off with all their entitlements.

 

The labour leaders could not give final answer till the end of the meeting. Another meeting was about to be fixed when the concerned workers were reported in the media to have rejected all the options and insisted on remaining put in the parastatals. No government can allow such affront.

 

To show where they were coming from, those behind the online false report could not say where the incident they had claimed took place because the governor’s wife, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha had travelled outside the Country for three months now to take care of the daughter who gave birth to a bouncing baby boy. She had gone for what the Igbos call “Omugwo”. She has been there alone without the husband. The husband (governor) has been in Imo since that period. So, where did the governor and the wife meet to begin to argue over the salary of Civil Servants to the extent of the governor beating the wife? The referenced incident must have only taken place in the imaginations of the authors.

 

You can see the naked lies. And at times one is forced to begin to wonder why some people trade on falsehood, and what could be their stake. This is unfortunate.

 

We want to state with every sense of sincerity that the report was totally false and should be seen and treated as such. While, we ask God to meet all these people taking delight in propagating or marketing falsehood against innocent people, like he met the biblical Saul and indeed, Change them to Paul of our generation.


Sam Onwuemeodo

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

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Abandoned equipments at the airport....

Today, after a successful visit to Cross River by His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, the president of Nigeria, Federal Government Delegation paid a Visit to Imo state as Governor Rochas Okorocha and the delegation inspected the abandoned Cargo Terminal at Imo Airport with the
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Aviation who arrived with her delegation on instruction of Mr President to ensure the airport resumes fully.

This is the first major gift of Change to Rochas from the Federal government. Governor Rochas Okorocha said, "The resumption of Imo Airport as a full cargo airport is one issue I raised with Mr President and thank God he acted swiftly".

It would be recalled that since the inception of the Imo airport, no cargo has landed there and with this major stride by the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari and Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, the Imo airport will commence full cargo status and will be flagged off within two months as everything has been put in place for this great step of change.

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His Excellency, Governor Rochas arrived at Cross River State to honor the invitation of the state government led by His Excellency, Sen. Prof. Ben Ayade to receive President Buhari who is on a state visit.

This visit is in line with the ground breaking ceremony for the 260km super highway and Bakassi seaport in the state. The former Governor of Cross river state, Donald Duke was also present for this ceremony. On His Excellency, the Governor of Imo state delegation is Hon Marcel Odunze and Member Representing Orlu in the IMHA Chief Chidi Ibeh.

These development projects ongoing at Cross River state is also in line with the Imo State Governor's industrialisation policy which is leading to the betterment of Imo citizens and development of the state.

As VC of Imo State University, he turned the fortunes of the university around positively. I was an Sug official then

PROFILE OF PROFESSOR ANTHONY ANWUKA,IMO STATE MINISTERIAL NOMINEE

Professor Anwuka was born on 22nd April, 1951 in Egbuoma Town of Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State. A seasoned Professor of Education and an experienced Public Administrator, he was once the Vice Chancellor of the Imo State University, Owerri for five years and former SSG to Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha.

EDUCATION:

His academic prowess had taken him outside Nigeria for higher studies. He did his doctorate degree programme in General Curriculum, System Analysis and Social Studies at the University of Washington Seattle, USA in 1977. Prior to this, he did his Masters in Educational Administration and Planning at the University of Portland, Oregon USA in 1975. At Fourah Bay, University of Serra Leone, (1974), he studied English Language and Literature and had Second Class (Hons) degree, Upper Division.

JOB HISTORY:

Professor Anwuka had in August 2001, participated at the Commonwealth Vice-Chancellors Leadership Conference, Dundee Scotland UK.Professor Anthony has worked as a Teaching Assistant, University of Washington, Seattle 1976-1977, Curriculum Resource Person/Instructor, Specialist Seattle Opportunities Industrialization Centre (SOIC) 1977- 1978; Senior Lecturer, University of Maiduguri, 1983-1985; Reader, University of Maiduguri, 1986 1998;Curriculum Resource Person/Consultant, Nigerian National Teachers Institute, (NTI), Kaduna, 1983 -1986. He acquired the prestigious rank of Professor of Education from former Imo State University, now Abia State University Uturu, 1989-1993.He was one time Dean, Faculty of Education, Imo State University Owerri, 1993 – 1994 and also the Vice Chancellor of the University for 5-yrs during ex-governor Achike Udenwa's regime.

MEMBERSHIP OF PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS:

1. National President, Curriculum Organization of Nigeria (1990-1994).

2. Member, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASDC) United States of America.

3. Executive Member (Editor-in-Chief), Nigeria Association of Education Administrators and Planners, (1992-1998).

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Interestingly, Professor Anwukah has overtime extended his Professional service to-

1. Member, Governing Council, Federal College of Education, Kano (1992 1994).

2.Member, former Imo State University, now Abia State University Governing Council, and Council Representative in the University Secondary School, (1994- 1996).

3.University Orator, Imo State University, (1994-2000).

4. Member, Imo State University Governing Council, (1999-2005).

5. Former SSS to Gov. Rochas Okorocha(during Okorocha's first tenure).

RELIGIOUS/SOCIO-CULTURAL AFFILIATIONS:

1. A knight of the Order of St. Mulumba – a highly respected Order in the Roman Catholic Faith.

2. President, Rotary Club of Okigwe, (1992).

3. National President, Egbuoma Town Progressive Union, Oguta (1990-1994).

Professor Anwuka for the past twenty years has served as External Examiner for undergraduates and post graduate programmes in the Nigerian Universities and Colleges of Education. He has also served as External Assessor for positions of Professor and Readership in both Nigeria and foreign Universities. He is happily married to Hon. Justice (Mrs.) C. U. Anwuka of Imo Judiciary Owerri and blessed with three children.

I have seen in Okorocha a chip of the old block like Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, a detrabalised Nigeria. Like Zik, Okorocha was born in the north. He like Zik is a true Nigerian. We must learn from his move to unite Nigeria using the most important weapon, education. He is offering free education to all Nigerians.

Through this children of this college, a see a new Nigeria, the future of change and vanguard for a new Nigeria. I call on other wealthy Nigerians to bring back their wealth home to develop this nation. Okorocha, I am proud of you. Okorocha I will give you new names, Okorocha the Zik, Tafawa Balewa, Awolowo.
-
Amb Maitama Sule, distinguished statesman

I have seen in Okorocha a chip of the old block like Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, a detrabalised Nigeria. Like Zik, Okorocha was born in the north. He like Zik is a true Nigerian. We must learn from his move to unite Nigeria using the most important weapon, education. He is offering free education to all Nigerians.
Amb Maitama Sule, distinguished statesman

I am here to build a bridge of love and brotherhood between the people of Imo and Kano State. I believe in education and I believe education must be free so that the children of the poor can go to school.

Rochas Foundation is purely for the less privileged. Over 70% of our students are orphans.

- Gov Rochas Okorocha

Rochas Foundation College was founded 14 yrs ago. With branches in Owerri, Ogboko, Jos, Kano, Ibadan. Sokoto and Nassarawa schools are under construction. It is funded by the Rochas Foundation with Owelle Rochas Okorocha as her President, Motivator, Founder and Sponsor.

It's philosophy is encapsulated by the well known speech of her founder: "Education Must Be Free So That Children Of The Poor Can Go To School".

As Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has shown it is possible as education is free at all levels in the state.

Rochas Foundation College was founded 14 yrs ago. With branches in Owerri, Ogboko (Rochas village), Jos, Kano, Ibadan. Sokoto and Nassarawa schools are under construction

Imo State Indigenes Association, Kano led by Mr Iwuoha Okey stormed the Kano Airport to give Gov Rochas Okorocha a befitting reception. With them is Ex Gov Saminu Turaki of Jigawa state, Speaker Acho Ihim, DS Ozurigbo Ugonna, Majority Leader Lugard Osuji,
Lady Nma-Nzeribe Michaels, DCOS External Relations & Mr Ik Ogbonna, SA ICT etc

Special Reception in honor of Gov Rochas Okorocha by the Kano State House of Assembly. This is the first time, the current House is according anyone this honor

You Are An Outstanding Statesman - Kano State Governor to Owelle Rochas Okorocha

I know the pains it took you, to leave regional politics and embrace change.

Your foundation in Kano is an indication that there is hope for Nigeria and we can remain one united country.

We are in the process of declaring free education in line with your policies. You can say that your foundation is the genesis of free education in Kano State.

You are an outstanding statesman
- Gov Umar Ganduje, Kano State Governor to Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

Kano State Governor Gives Heroes Reception To Visiting Owelle Rochas Okorocha

The entire cabinet, lawmakers and elites of Kano State trooped out en mass to receive Dan Jikan Sokoto, Owelle Ndigbo, Rochas Okorocha who is visiting the state.

Prominent dignitaries from across northern Nigeria include Gov Tambuwal, Amb Maitama Sule,
Sen Saminu Turaki, ex Gov of Jigawa state, Emir of Lafia etc.

Governor Okorocha’s Goodwill Message On Nigeria’s 55th Independence Day Celebration

 

The governor of Imo State and by the Grace of God, the chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governors’ Forum, Owelle Rochas Okorocha is delighted to join millions of patrotic Nigerians all over the world to wish the country and her citizenry happy 55th Independence Day Celebration.

 

Governor Okorocha said for Nigeria to have remained one indivisble nation for 55 years inspite of all the challenges that have been confronting her as a multi-ethnic nation not only deserves to be celebrated but also calls for thanks-giving to God Almighty.

 

At 55, Nigeria as a nation and Nigerians as a people should begin to see the unity of the country as a development that has become indellible, which should also encourage the citizenry to think less about tribal and religious differences, and think more about the harmony and progress of the nation.

 

Nigerians should equally begin to take the wordings of the National Anthem and the National Pledge more serious than they had never done before. The truth is that the wordings of the National Anthem and the National Pledge should stand as the creed of all Nigerians of goodwill. The National Anthem should not be seen and treated as an ordinary music and the National Pledge shouldn’t be seen and said as an ordinary poem. Their wordings call for sober reflections on the part of Nigerians.

 

As a matter of fact, at 55 years of age, Nigerians should also grow beyond ethnic war songs. Hence, ethnic associations and groups beating ethnic war drums should put a halt to that. Even the quest for sovereignity by some zonal or ethnic bodies should also be dropped since such tendencies have no meaningul contribution to make to the unity, development and prosperty of the nation.

 

Nigeria has come to stay as a nation and there is nothing anybody can do about that. What is expected is that all hands should be on deck to build a Nigeria of our collective dream where freedom, peace and unity abound, and where the labour of our Heroes past, shall never be in vain.

 

It is also important that Nigerians leverage on the 55th Independence Day event to pray for the leadership of the nation at the moment, and the leadership at the state levels, and also pray that the lofty desire of President Mohammadu Buhari to rid Nigeria of corruption should produce the needed result. May the good Lord bless Imo people in particular and Nigerians in general on this momentous period of Nigeria’s 55th Independence Day Celebration.

 

Sam Onwuemeodo

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

Rt Hon Speaker of Children's Parliament thanking Gov Rochas Okorocha on behalf of Imo students

Cake

More surprise birthday reception awaited Governor Rochas Okorocha as he stepped into Douglas House after his return from Abuja. Nneoma Nkechi Rochas Okorocha in consultation with political appointees planned and executed the surprise low key reception for the governor. It was a moment of praise and worship plus prayers to God for the governor.

Owelle acknowledging the birthday songs