Imo still sick at 38

For those who see the bottle as half-empty, Imo State has nothing to celebrate at 38, except a string of failures, potholes and poverty. But for those of us who view the same bottle as half-full, Imo has a lot to applaud itself for, some of which are an enterprising population, improved standard of living, a chain of new development projects, and an education system recently out of coma. The state has good reasons to clap its hand and look to the next two years with great expectations, assuming life really begins at 40. Even if it doesn’t, Imolites may still jump for joy on February 3, 2016, when the state reaches the milestone –…

Governor’s Overseas Trip paralyses Imo

Imo State appears to have grounded to a halt and nothing seems to be moving since Governor Rochas Okorocha travelled to the United States of America, last month. Our investigations revealed that government activities were paralysed as most of his aides were neither empowered nor have any authority to transact serious business. Last week, the Deputy Governor ordered the contractor handling the Nekede-Ihiagwa Road to return to site immediately. The order was ignored as the contractor is yet to return to site more than a week the order was issued. Observers say the contractors feel the deputy governor doesn’t have a biting power to sanction. The Leader also gathered that a World Bank Project team…

Imo govt abandons Nsu tiles and ceramic industry -Equipment looted

The question agitating the minds of Agbahara Nsu indigenes in Ehime Mbano LGA is whether the Owelle Rochas Okorocha led administration in Imo State has abandoned the Nsu Tiles and Ceramic Industry. It will be recalled that the Governor informed natives of the community during a visit in 2012 that his administration is poised in establishing the Nsu Tiles Industry under a joint partnership with Italian investors who will provide machinery and technical expertise, while the government will provide the logistics, financial backing and enabling environment as the raw material is readily available in commercial quantity. A high powered government delegation led by  Chief Benjamin Uwajumogu, Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, accompanied by Hon….

No regret serving Under Rochas – Nnanna Okoro; As Governor grades ex-commissioners, aides

The erstwhile Commissioner for Community Government Council (CGC) and Chieftaincy Affairs, Imo State, Barr. Lady Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro said she enjoyed her tenure while it lasted and that she would not feel disappointed if she was not re-appointed. Nnanna-Okoro, popularly called the Lady of the Masses, spoke to THE LEADER while handing over to the Permanent Secretary, on Friday, July 19 as directed by Governor Okorocha.  The Governor had earlier dissolved the enlarged executive council, comprising commissioners and senior aides. Lady Nnanna-Okoro said dissolution of cabinet is a normal process of administration, explaining that dissolution is not “sack” as some press would like to put it because the chief executive could dissolve the cabinet for several…

Iwuanyanwu not responsible for Nekede Ihiagwa road disaster

The Chief Executive of Hardel and Enic Group of Companies, and frontline politician in Imo State, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, has denied the allegation making the rounds in the State that he abandoned construction work on Orji-Egbu-Naze-Nekede-Ihiagwa-Obinze road. Iwuanyanwu, in a statement issued by his construction firm, Hardel & Enic Group of Companies, described those who bandied such allegations against him as detractors who are bent on destroying and tarnishing his integrity. The statement signed by Bon Nwachukwu, Managing Director of the firm, blamed former Governor Achike Udenwa for the present condition of the road, arguing that Udenwa terminated the contract because he had a political misunderstanding with Chief Iwuanyanwu. The statement reads in part “He…

Why Gov. Okorocha sacked Commissioners

Governor Rochas Okorocha last Wednesday dissolved the Imo State enlarged Executive Council comprising Commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants. Observers say his interests in the emerging All Progressives Congress (APC) is a factor in the method and timing of this action. Again, a reliable source in Government House said that the Governor was aware of the people’s complaints over issues of slow pace of policy implementation by his political appointees and hence need to inject new blood. Critics have also claimed the Governors aids have been opportunists who have continued to corner whatever funds that got into their hands. Their sack, our source further revealed is in line with the agreement of APC leaders…

Ministry to wade into Umunwaku CGC crisis

The Ministry of Community Government Council and Chieftaincy Affairs has disclosed plans to investigate the claims and counter claims that forestalled the inauguration of Umunwaku Community Government Council (CGC) in April this year when the councils of other communities in the Ohaji/Egbema LGA were inaugurated at Mmahu, the council headquarters. The Chairman of the Committee on the Resolution of CGC crisis, Pastor Onyema Ubaka, who represented the Commissioner for Community Government Council and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Barr. Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro at a meeting convened on July 9, 2013 at the ministry in connection with the crisis, disclosed this fact.  He assured them that the disagreement will be peacefully resolved. It would be recalled that two rival…

APGA Woman Leader blasts Okorocha

“He has no respect for rule of law, his free education is a Greek gift” The Imo State Woman Leader of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Mrs. Ijeoma Nwachukwu has come hard on Governor Rochas Okorocha for his political romance with All Progressive Congress (APC). In a release made available to THE LEADER, she observed that Governor Okorocha is at war with the power brokers who facilitated his victory in 2011 governorship election.  These power brokers include support from the political machinery of late Chief Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, the Agbasos, Senator Chris Anyanwu, Chief Emeka Offor, former Governor Achike Udenwa and what she called “the strategic support” from President Goodluck Jonathan who were all deceived…

Imo gets 16 new Perm Secs – Dr. Iwuagwu for Education

The Imo State governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha on Wednesday, July 03, 2013 at the Government House Owerri, swore in 16 new Permanent Secretaries for the Imo State civil service. The swearing in ceremony which witnessed a huge gathering of friends and well-wishers at the Government House was the actual confirmation of the senior civil servants who were appointed acting permanent secretaries about a month ago. Speaking at the occasion, Governor Okorocha congratulated the new Perm Secs on their appointment. He urged them to work hard to meet up with the expectations of his rescue mission agenda. He challenged them to brace up and be ready to work round the clock to deliver to the people….

Jonathan condemns irregularities in Oguta rerun election – As PDP, APGA trade Accusations

President Goodluck Jonathan, on Tuesday in Abuja, condemned the irregularities that characterized the rerun election to the Imo State House of Assembly in Oguta on Saturday, June 29, saying that the conduct of certain persons and groups involved in the election negated the spirit of one man, one vote, which his administration was trying to foster in Nigeria. Speaking at an audience with a delegation from the Nigerian Senators’ Forum, President Jonathan urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) and the nation’s security agencies to take immediate steps to bring all those who played any role in the violence and irregularities that marred the election to justice. The President said it had become apparent that…

Rochas Okorocha must hear this

One Dr. James Madubuonu, not real name has made very frantic efforts these years to see Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Governor Imo State, to help solve the most important problem facing the state but his aides have made it impossible for them to meet. The said citizen is a lawyer by profession specialized in security matters for 43 years in the U.S. but those who think that they matter so much feel that insecurity is not a problem in Imo State. This man, being a citizen of Nigeria feels that charity begins at home that is why he chose Imo State as the home of the program and he named it Imo Security System. It is…

OGUTA STATE CONSTITUENCY RE-ELECTION: Why I am not excited

On the 29th of June 2013, there will be a re-run election for the representative of Oguta State Constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly. This is as a result of the nullification of the election of Hon. Eugene Dibiagwu of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) by the court. The front runners in the election, the PDP and All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA)/yet-to-be registered All Progressive Congress (APC) have been campaigning and mobilizing in a very big way. The battle line seems to be drawn between both parties. On the side of the PDP are Senator Hope Uzodinma, Rt. Hon Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Author Nzeribe etc. while Governor Rochas is leading the other side…

I begin every programme with Novena – CGC Commissioner

The Commissioner for Community Government Council (CGC) and Chieftaincy Affairs, Imo State, Barr. Lady Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro has attributed the success of her ministry so far to the power of Novena. A Novena is a series of prayers that are said for nine straight days, usually as a prayer of petition. Speaking during an interactive session with the press on the ongoing chieftaincy dispute resolution in the state, Barr. Nnanna-Okoro said God is using Governor Rochas Okorocha to bring peace to several communities most of which have been in turmoil for decades following ezeship tussles. Emphasizing the efficacy of Novena prayer, Mrs. Nnanna-Okoro, a Lady of St. Mulumba, said trouble laden communities now enjoy peace, adding…

Widow, family members, others escape death from food poisoning in Ohaji

-As couple dies after meal in PH The Ministry of Community Government and Chieftaincy Affairs has relocated to its permanent office at No. 14 Orlu Road Owerri, after being commissioned by Governor Okorocha. Commissioning the office complex, Owelle Rochas Okorocha said that Community Government Council (CGC) is government of the people for the people and by the people. He further said that development can only be achieved if powers are decentralized to the communities for them to manage their affairs. Responding shortly after the commissioning of the office, the Commissioner for Community Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Lady Barr. Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro reaffirmed her determination to actualize the ideals of CGC in the state. In another development,…

Okorocha, Contractor trade blames – over N1.3bn contract

A N1.3billion contract for the building of an ultra-modern judiciary commission headquarters in Owerri, the Imo State capital awarded to Nnutouch Global Ventures is now a source of sharp trading of blames between Governor Rochas Okorocha and the Managing Director of the company, Dr. Osita Okereke. Problem began last week when the Governor after an inspection visit to the project site said that he had resolved to terminate the contract awarded in April 2012 owing to the failure of the contracting firm to deliver by April this year as contained in the Contract Agreement. But in a swift reaction, Dr. Osita Okereke, the Managing Director, warned that the Governor dares not carry out his threat,…

Engr. Obinna Nshirim: Spread the Money…

For a man who’s been around politics for most of his life, Engr Obinna Nshirim should know when a politician is playing politics or playing to the gallery. Additionally, for a man whose dream of obtaining good education was nearly aborted by lack of a mere two naira, in 1970, Engr. Nshirim also knows how to praise a Governor who removes school fees and tries to clean up the education system, especially primary and secondary. Even when it seems Engr. Nshirim is contradicting himself, one thing is certain; he knows the terrain well, having been around political circles for long.  From his undergraduate days at University of Benin until now, he’s been in politics, although…

Angry Youths Disrupt Okorocha’s Convoy

The convoy of Governor Rochas Okorocha’s was yesterday attacked in Oguta LGA of Imo State by angry youths purportedly hired by a candidate for the postponed Imo House of Assembly elections scheduled for next week. Report has it that the Imo State Governor Okorocha, who was in Awa community in Oguta LGA to drum up support for the candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) – Chief Walter Uzonwanne for the upcoming election scheduled for next week met with opposition candidate driving into Awara on his way out of the community. An eyewitness reports that one of the motorcyclists on the campaign train of the PDP candidate was knocked down by one of the…

Okigwe Anglican diocese ends synod

The second session of the Second Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Okigwe has ended at Cathedral Church of Saint Barnabas Okigwe, Imo State. The theme of the synod was “Stewardship of Giving: Its Blessing Opportunities and Challenges”. In his presidential address, the Bishop of Okigwe Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Edward Osuegbu reminded Christians that they are stewards who are managing what God has provided for them.  He said whatever they have, money, time, talents etc., should be used in serving God, adding that as Christians they are expected to administer these gifts faithfully on behalf of God. He thanked God for Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha who through his rescue mission agenda has…

Abandoned Road Projects

Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha recently warned contractors handling road projects in Imo State to expedite action and ensure completion of their jobs to avoid disruption by the rains.  He said government will deal ruthlessly with contractors who fail to deliver according to specifications and on time.  The Governor gave the warning while inspecting state road projects at Okigwe town.  His Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Uche Nwosu had some weeks earlier issued similar warnings to contractors handling Government’s Monumental Projects in Owerri. We commend the present administration for its laudable achievements in construction of imposing edifices at several locations in the major cities of Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe such as the Multi-Million…

Extortion Rocks Junior School Cert Exam In Imo – Enraged Education Commissioner vows to punish culprits

A large scale extortion of candidates in the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination (a.k.a. Junior WAEC) by those charged with the supervision of the examination in Imo State, has been exposed Following public outcry, especially by parents of students involved in the examinations, who were shocked they were being demanded between N200 to N500 each examination day for their children and wards to “settle” their supervisor, THE LEADER embarked on a fact-finding tour of parts of the state including Isiala Mbano, Onuimo, Ehime Mbano, Ideato North and Ideato South Local Government Areas and made telephone contacts with Orlu, Oru West, Ihite-Uboma and Ikeduru LGAs. Investigations in three schools visited in Isiala Mbano – Aquinas Secondary…