ADMINISTRATION

Nigeria: President Defends Suspension of Central Bank Governor By James Butty, 25 February 2014 -- -Lamido Sanusi Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan said his suspension of Central Bank Governor Lamido Sanusi had nothing to do with the governor's allegations of corruption at the state-owned Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. Sanusi said over $20 billion had disappeared from state oil revenues. Although Sanusi said he would challenge the legality of his suspension in court, presidential spokesman Reuben Abati said Jonathan has made it clear he has the power to appoint and suspend bank governors. "President Jonathan made it very clear that what we are dealing with here is a case suspension, not dismissal. But, the question that has arisen from that is whether the president has the power to suspend without recourse to the National Assembly. The position expressed by Mr. President is indeed he who appoints also has the power to suspend," he said. Abati said Jonathan, during a news conference, also addressed the question of whether Sanusi was suspended over his corruption allegations. "Indeed, the investigation against him (Sanusi) first started as far back as February, 2013. As of April 2013, and also by May 4th, he had been given queries to respond to a number of allegations. His response was then forwarded to the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, which reported back to the federal government alleging many breaches and practically accusing the CB under Sanusi's watch of fraud, incompetence and of financial recklessness. And, on the basis of that, the presidency had to ask Mr. Sanusi to step down," Abati said. Abati said Sanusi's claim that over $20 billion is missing from state oil revenues is being investigated by the Nigerian legislature. He said Jonathan insisted his government would not interfere with an ongoing legislative investigation. "Indeed, Mr. Sanusi is free and is encouraged to continue to give evidence before the National Assembly. President Jonathan's commitment is to integrity and accountability. And, he has made it very clear that his government is also committed to transparency, both in the extractive sector and particularly in the NNPC," Abati said. Abati says the Nigerian government saw a brief jolt in the financial markets as reaction to Sanusi's suspension, the man considered as having brought some stability to Africa's second largest economy. "Immediately after the announcement, as a result of the uncertainty that quite a number of persons read into the development, there was a brief shock in the market. But, the position of government is that this has nothing to do with monetary policy. The Central Bank of Nigeria remains very strong and government is committed to continuing to strengthen it, and there is no need for anxiety about the country's financial policy," Abati said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nigerian Economy Keeps Growing and Creating Jobs By Goodluck Jonathan, 31 December 2013 document Exactly 100 years ago today, on January 1, 1914, the British Colonial authorities amalgamated what was then the separate Protectorates of Southern Nigeria and Northern Nigeria, giving birth to the single geopolitical entity known as Nigeria. For us therefore, today is not just the beginning of a new year, but the end of a century of national existence and the beginning of another. It is a moment for sober reflection and for pride in all that is great about Nigeria. Whatever challenges we may have faced, whatever storms we may have confronted and survived, Nigeria remains a truly blessed country, a country of gifted men and women who continue to distinguish themselves in all spheres of life, a country whose diversity remains a source of strength. We pay tribute today, as always to our founding fathers and mothers, and all the heroes and heroines whose toil and sweat over the century made this country what it is today. As I noted, a few days ago, the amalgamation of 1914 was certainly not a mistake but a blessing. As we celebrate 100 years of nationhood, we must resolve to continue to work together as one, united people, to make our country even greater. I assure you that our administration remains fully committed to the progressive development of our country and the consolidation of peace, unity and democratic governance in our fatherland. Despite several continuing domestic and global challenges, for us in Nigeria, the year 2013 witnessed many positive developments which we will strive to build upon in 2014. We have diligently carried forward the purposeful and focused implementation of our agenda for national transformation in priority areas such as power, the rehabilitation and expansion of national infrastructure, agricultural development, education and employment generation. You may recall that our 2013 Budget was on the theme, "Fiscal Consolidation with Inclusive Growth", and I emphasized the need for us to "remain prudent with our fiscal resources and also ensure that the Nigerian economy keeps growing and creating jobs". I am pleased to report that we have stayed focused on this goal. Our national budget for 2014 which is now before the National Assembly is specifically targeted at job creation and inclusive growth. We are keenly aware that in spite of the estimated 1.6 million new jobs created across the country in the past 12 months as a result of our actions and policies, more jobs are still needed to support our growing population. Our economic priorities will be stability and equitable growth, building on the diverse sectors of our economy. In 2013, we commenced implementation of the National Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) aimed at industrializing Nigeria and diversifying our economy into sectors such as agro-processing, light manufacturing, and petrochemicals. We have also negotiated a strong Common External Tariff (CET) agreement with our ECOWAS partners which would enable us to protect our strategic industries where necessary. I am pleased to note that as a result of our backward integration policies, Nigeria has moved from a country that produced 2 million metric tonnes of cement in 2002, to a country that now has a capacity of 28.5 million metric tonnes. For the first time in our history, we have moved from being a net importer of cement to a net exporter. Foreign direct investment into Nigeria has also been strong. In fact, for the second year running, the UN Conference on Trade and Development has named Nigeria as the number 1 destination for investments in Africa. We are witnessing a revolution in the agricultural sector and the results are evident. We have tackled corruption in the input distribution system as many farmers now obtain their fertilizers and seeds directly through an e-wallet system. In 2013, 4.2 million farmers received subsidized inputs via this programme. This scheme has restored dignity to our farmers. Last year we produced over 8 million metric tonnes of additional food; and this year, inflation fell to its lowest level since 2008 partly due to higher domestic food production. Our food import bill has also reduced from N1.1 trillion in 2011, to N648 billion in 2012, placing Nigeria firmly on the path to food self-sufficiency. The sector is also supporting more jobs. Last year, we produced 1.1 million metric tonnes of dry season rice across 10 Northern states; and over 250,000 farmers and youths in these States are now profitably engaged in farming even during the dry season. This Administration is also developing our water resources which are key for both our food production and job creation goals. In 2013, we completed the construction of nine dams which increased the volume of our water reservoirs by 422 million cubic metres. Through our irrigation and drainage programme, we have increased the total irrigated area by over 31,000 hectares creating jobs for over 75,000 farming families while increasing production of over 400,000 metric tons of assorted irrigated food products. Fellow Compatriots, I have always believed that the single greatest thing we can do to ensure all Nigerians realize their potential and play a full part in our nation's future, is to invest in education. The education of our young people is a key priority for this Government. We take this responsibility very seriously and I urge all other stakeholders in the sector to recognize the national importance of their work, and to help advance the cause of education in our nation. Between 2007 and 2013, we have almost tripled the allocation for education from N224 billion to N634 billion - and we will continue to vigorously support the sector. We have improved access to education in the country with the construction of 125 Almajiri schools, and the establishment of three additional Federal Universities in the North, bringing to twelve, the number of universities established by this administration. In 2013, we rehabilitated 352 laboratories and constructed 72 new libraries in the Federal Unity Schools; and also rehabilitated laboratories of all the 51 Federal and State polytechnics across the country. In the Health sector, we are building strong safety nets and improving access to primary health care under the Saving One Million Lives programme. In 2013, we recruited 11,300 frontline health workers who were deployed to under-served communities across the country. Over 400,000 lives have been saved through our various interventions. We have reached over 10,000 women and children with conditional cash transfer programmes across 8 States and the FCT and we intend to scale up this successful initiative. Our national immunization coverage has exceeded 80%. And for the first time in the history of the country there has not been any transmission of the Type-3 Wild Polio virus for more than one year. We have also eradicated the guinea worm that previously affected the lives of over 800,000 Nigerians yearly. In tertiary health care, we upgraded medical facilities across the country. Two of our teaching hospitals - the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital in Enugu, and the University College Hospital in Ibadan - commenced open heart surgeries this year after the installation of new facilities. Fellow Nigerians, I have dwelt on some of our administration's achievements in 2013 to reassure you that we are working and results are being achieved on the ground. As we enter our Centennial year, there is still much work ahead. We are determined to sustain our strong macroeconomic fundamentals, to strengthen our domestic institutions, and to invest in priority sectors. These investments will create more jobs for our youth. Government will at the same time, continue to scale-up investments in safety nets and the MDGs to take care of the poor and the vulnerable so that they too can share in our growth and prosperity. In 2014, we will continue to prioritize investments in key sectors such as infrastructure development, power, roads, rail transportation and aviation. In the past year, the Federal Government completed the privatization of four power generation companies and 10 power distribution companies. We are also in the process of privatizing 10 power plants under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP). We shall boost investments in transmission to ensure power generated is properly evacuated and distributed. In this regard, we have already mobilized an additional $1.5 billion for the upgrade of the transmission network in 2014 and beyond. Government will also strengthen regulation of the sector, and closely monitor electricity delivery to increase this beyond 18 hours per day. We will complete the privatization of the NIPP projects, accelerate work on our gas pipeline infrastructure and also continue to invest in hydro-electric power and clean energy as we monitor the effects of climate change on our economy. Our administration believes that the cost of governance in the country is still too high and must be further reduced. We will also take additional steps to stem the tide of corruption and leakages. We have worked hard to curb fraud in the administration of the pension system and the implementation of the petroleum subsidy scheme. We have introduced a Pensions Transition Arrangement Department under a new Director-General. This department will now ensure that those of our pensioners still under the old scheme receive their pensions and gratuities, and are not subjected to fraud. Prosecution of all those involved in robbing our retired people will continue. The Petroleum Subsidy Scheme is also now being operated under new strict guidelines to tackle previous leakages in the scheme and prevent fraud. Foreign travel by government personnel will be further curtailed. This directive shall apply to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government. Our strategy to curb leakages will increasingly rely on introducing the right technologies such as biometrics and digitizing government payments. I am therefore pleased to inform you that we shall complete the deployment of the three electronic platforms in 2014 - namely, the Treasury Single Account (TSA), the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) - which are all geared towards improving efficiency and transparency in our public finances. Through these reforms, we have already saved about N126 billion in leaked funds and intend to save more. To sustain Nigeria's ongoing agricultural transformation, we have planned further investments in the sector. We will provide input subsidies to five million farmers nationwide using the e-wallet system. This Administration recently launched a self-employment initiative under the Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP), called the Nagropreneur programme. This scheme would encourage our youth to go into commercial agriculture as entrepreneurs and we plan to develop over 750,000 young Nagropreneurs by 2015. We will also establish new agro-industrial clusters to complement the staple crop processing zones being developed across the country. In 2014, this Administration will continue to work with the private sector to improve financing in the agricultural sector. For example, we will launch the Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN) which will serve as a private equity fund to invest in agri-businesses across the country. Our Small and Medium scale enterprises (SMEs) will be the bedrock of Nigeria's industrialization. We have about 17 million registered SMEs, and they employ over 32 million Nigerians. When our SMEs grow, more jobs will be created for our youth. Therefore, in 2014, this Administration will focus strongly on implementing the Nigeria Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) to address the needs of small businesses. Our interventions will include helping SMEs with access to affordable finance, business development services, and youth training. In addition, our new CET policies will enable us to support our emerging industries. We will also intensify our investment promotion efforts abroad, to ensure we bring the biggest and best companies from around the world to invest in Nigeria. Dear Compatriots, the housing and construction industry is a critical sector in most developed economies. When the housing sector booms, it creates additional jobs for architects and masons, for electricians and plumbers, for painters and interior decorators, and for those in the cement and furniture industries. Today, I am pleased to inform you that this Administration is reinvigorating our housing and construction sector. We have established the Nigeria Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) which will increase liquidity in the housing sector, provide a secondary market for mortgages, and thereby increase the number of people able to purchase or build homes at an affordable price in the country. In 2014, we will work in a number of pilot states where the State Governors have agreed to provide fast-track land titles, foreclosure arrangements, and serviced plots. This new institution will enable us to create over 200,000 mortgages over the next five years at affordable interest rates. In addition, those at the lower end of the economic ladder will not be left behind as this new initiative will expand mass housing schemes through a re-structured Federal Mortgage Bank and other institutions to provide rent-to-own and lease-to-own options. I am confident that very soon, many more hardworking Nigerian families will be able to realize their dream of owning a home. In this our centenary year, we will continue our efforts, through the Saving One Million Lives initiative to strengthen primary health care services. We will scale up interventions in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, nutrition, routine immunization, HIV/AIDS, malaria elimination, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases, and non-communicable diseases. We will pay greater attention to the provision of universal health coverage. Besides the implementation of new initiatives such as my comprehensive response plan for HIV/AIDS, we shall continue to collaborate with global health partners to deliver our health sector transformation agenda. I am glad that the issues responsible for the long-drawn ASUU strike have been resolved and our children are returning to their campuses. We are committed to making our tertiary institutions true centers of learning for our young people. We will therefore focus on upgrading hostels, laboratories, classrooms, and halls. As the 2015 deadline for the Millennium Development Goals approaches, we will continue to expand access to basic education for all Nigerian children. Working with State Governments, we shall decisively tackle the problem of the large numbers of out-of-school children in this country. We will also invest in technical and vocational education to promote skills development for our youth across the country. Nigerian entrepreneurs still lack access to affordable financing, with medium-to-long-term tenors. To address this gap, a new wholesale development finance institution will be established in 2014 to provide medium-to long-term financing for Nigerian businesses. We are working with partners such as the World Bank, the Africa Development Bank, the BNDES Bank in Brazil, and KfW in Germany, to realize this project. Our existing Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry will be re-structured as specialized institutions to retail financing from this new wholesale development bank. In addition to the foregoing, our administration will also do all within its powers to ensure the success of the forthcoming National Conference. The report of the Presidential Advisory Committee on the Conference is undergoing urgent review and the approved structure, guidelines and modalities for the conference will soon be published as a prelude to its commencement and expeditious conclusion. It remains our sincere hope and expectation that the success of the national conference will further enhance national unity, peace and cohesion as we move ahead to the 2015 general elections. In keeping with our avowed commitment to progressively enhancing the credibility of Nigeria's electoral process by consistently upholding the principle of one man, one vote, our Administration will also ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) receives all required support to ensure that it is adequately prepared for the next general elections. As peace and security remain prerequisite conditions for the full realization of our objectives, we will also do more in 2014 to further empower our security agencies who are working in collaborative partnerships with our friends in the international community to stem the scourge of terrorism in our country and enhance the security of lives and property in all parts of Nigeria. The allocation of over N600 Billion to Defence and Policing in the 2014 Budget attests to this commitment. Fellow compatriots, the task of making our dear nation a much better place for present and future generations cannot be left to government alone. I therefore urge you all to be ready and willing to do more this year to support the implementation of the Federal Government's Agenda for National Transformation in every possible way. Let us all therefore resolve as we celebrate the new year, and Nigeria's Centenary, to place the higher interests of national unity, peace, stability and progress above all other considerations and work harder in our particular fields of human endeavour to contribute more significantly to the attainment of our collective aspirations. I urge all Nigerians, no matter their stations in life, to rededicate themselves to contributing meaningfully to further enrich our national heritage. The time for that re-dedication is now, not tomorrow. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander -in-Chief of its armed forces. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Okorocha presents N137bn budget to assembly Written by Saturday, 21 December 2013 00:00 Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, on Friday presented a budget of N137 billion for 2014 to the state House of Assembly in Owerri. Okorocha said the “Budget of Consolidating Rescue’’ was anchored on the four-year development plan of the rescue mission agenda of his administration. He added that the budget would give priority to development projects which would improve the economy of the state. The governor said the budget would also enable the creation of employment opportunities and increase the revenue generation capacity of the state. The breakdown of the budget showed that N746.5 million had been earmarked for commerce and industry while N32.1 billion was for projects in works, transport, housing and urban development. The sum of N671 million was set aside for town and country Planning, survey and community development while N3 billion was earmarked for culture and tourism. He said N14.16 billion was proposed for social services in education, health, information, women affairs, youth and sports development. The education subsectors of primary/secondary and tertiary/technology were allocated N3.5 billion and N5 billion respectively while health subsector had a proposal of N1.5 billion. General administration was allocated N15.4 billion and economic sector comprising of agriculture, commerce and industry, works and housing, transport and tourism, lands and road development received N45.9 billion. The governor commended the House for their support for his administration and called on members to expedite action on the budget. The Speaker, Mr Benjamin Uwajumogu, said the presentation was an opportunity to have a retrospective look at the achievements of previous years and setting new targets. He said obstacles which looked formidable at the inception of the Okorocha-led administration had been dismantled. “At the inception of the present administration, there were obstacles that seemed formidable and near-insurmountable. “By applying robust initiative and rare ingenuity, the whole obstacles have been dismantled,’’ he said. The speaker stated that the rescue mission agenda of the present administration had become clearer to the people and that the pace of development was sufficient proof. He urged public officials to ensure that resources entrusted to them were judiciously used. “We must ensure that all public resources entrusted to our care are judiciously used so that the dividends of democracy are felt by all and sundry. ADVERTISEMENT“All that is required is sacrifice, sincerity of purpose, understanding, courage and political will,’’ he said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Okorocha’s Failure To Implement Budgets Mars 2014 Presentation APC, PDP Lawmakers Battle As Gov Visits Assembly After Failed Attempt List of Budgets Not Yet Implemented Construction of New Gates = (N15 billion) Monumental Projects: Ecumenical Centre, Five star crystal Hotel, Princess Hotel, Akachi Towers, multi level car park, etc = (N29 billion) Construction of 100 sec school blocks/primary School blocks in 305 wards = (20 billion) Construction of 10 Industries = (10 billion) City Roads/15 klms LGA Roads = (N80 billion) Imo State University Permanent Site (N15 billion) Government House, Owerri (N10 billion) Posted by admin on Dec 19th, 2013 The economy of Imo State could be in a quagmire the coming year if reports reaching Trumpeta concerning reasons behind Tuesday’s botched presentation of 2014 budget by Governor Rochas Okorocha is anything to go by. Apart from announcements in the state-owned Imo Broadcasting Corporation, IBC, that Okorocha will present the 2014 budget Tuesday, office holders and heads of government establishments thronged the make-shift Imo State House of Assembly Complex at Ikemba Ojukwu Centre on Concorde Road for the event. After waiting for several hours without the governor showing appearance and lawmakers not in a mood for the budget presentation, it became clearer that the presentation of budget event has been cancelled for this week. Trumpeta exclusively gathered that the non presentation of the budget was hinged on the fact that the previous budgets approved for the governor by the Members of the House were either not executed or jettisoned by the governor to undertake unwarranted expenditures not catered for in the fiscal provision and appropriation. It was discovered that there was zero performance on budget performance as the state government never cared for budget review and assessment as well allowing oversight function from the state legislature. It would be recalled that Okorocha not only sent a four-year rolling plan budget of N190 billion to the Imo State House of Assembly leading to the approval and passage into Law of the 2012-2015 Imo State Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) known as “The Imo Rescue Development Plan” with a total size of N224 billion (Two hundred and twenty-four billion) naira but also on Monday, 3rd December, 2012, Okorocha approached the state legislature for approval of N197b for year 2013 budget. The 2013 budget christened “The Rescue Budget 2 was also anchored on the 2012-2015 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (Imo Rescue Development Plan). The capital allocations and projects in the budget are all part of the entire package. Trumpeta was informed by Assembly sources that the Members of the House are displeased that despite the express approval and passage of the budgets for the governor, most of the targeted projects in the four-year rolling plan and Imo Rescue Development Plan have not be met or realized by the state government. Annoying to the general public is the non-realization of the construction of new city gates and construction of 10 industries in the state at the cost of N15billion each. According to a proposal read by the Speaker, Ben Uwajumogu during deliberations for the four-year rolling plan budget, it would have construction for 10 industries at the cost of N15 billion and construction of new city gates sitting also valued at N15bn. Till date, no ailing or new industry has been revived or erected even as the proposed city gates expected to be stationed at Major entrances to the state capital do not exist. It is only between Orlu and Njaba LGA where a gigantic gate was erected including the two gates on Concord Hotel road. With a year and some months left for the four-year budget to elapse, the lawmakers and indeed Imolites are querying if the cost of building the aforementioned gates can cost only N15 billion. More disturbing is the non implementation of the 2012-2015 Medium Term Development Plan (Imo Rescue Plan) agenda of monumental projects pegged at N29 billion, and building of befitting hospitals in each of the LGAs put at N15 billion as well as N20bn for construction of Model Primary School blocks in each of the 305 INEC wards and 100 Secondary Schools blocks in the state. Same applies to N15 billion and N10 billion voted for building of the permanent site of the Imo State University, Owerri and Government House, Owerri. After making the proposal public, the Speaker constituted a joint legislative/Executive Committee to handle the proposal. Membership comprised the House Committee Chairman on Budget and Appropriation, Hon Barr Eudora Igwe, as Chairman, other lawmakers are Stan Dara, Simeon Iwunze, Ikenna Emeh, Ngozi Pat-Ekeji and Samuel Anyanwu. Those from the executive arm are Commissioner for Finance, Chike John Okafor, the then Permanent Secretary of Poverty Alleviation bureau, now retired, Obinna Ufomadu and former Economic Adviser to the Governor and now Commissioner for Internal Generated Revenue and Pensions, Nick Opara Ndudi after which the Members gave the go-ahead for the implementation. Defending the four-year rolling budget, former Information Commissioner, now Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Chinedu Offor said that Okorocha’s budget has unique future because it has a rolling 4-year budget that has taken into account all capital projects within the tenure of the Rescue Mission administration. Two years after the budget was approved, the lawmakers are lamenting that no meaningful work is on ground so far to indicate the huge amount appropriated so far by the state government. On the issue of N29 billion mapped out for monumental projects, it was discovered that the no substantial work has been done at the various sites of designated areas for the monumental projects even as the relevant industries are in comatose without establishment for new ones. The much touted Princes and Crystal Hotels for Okigwe and Orlu Zones respectively, Ecumenical Centre known as Amarachi and Magnificent Towers (Akachi), Monumental Hotels projects for which the N29 billion was earmarked have been abandoned and contractors eloped after collecting about 70% of the contract sum for one of the legacy prospects. The projects are still at the foundation stages including the project at Ama JK called Heartland Centre for multi-level car parks, where the contractor also allegedly disappeared after getting mobilization fund of about N3bn. Since there was no review of budget performance of the previous appropriation, the lawmakers it was gathered realized that the 15-kilometre road project in each of the LGAs valued at N35 billion has not been executed whereas controversy trailed the N20bn mapped out for construction of school blocks in 305 primary schools and 100 secondary schools in the state. To worsen the situation, the N15bn voted for building of IMSU permanent site became a fiery tale with no site and work in place to justify inclusion. Trumpeta was further told that the lawmakers who are empowered by the constitution to make the approvals and engage in oversight functions of monitoring budget implementations are not satisfied that what is on ground does not justify the amount made available for the legacy projects expected to have put Imo in the Guinness Books of Record. The members are insisting that the performance of the previous budgets be ascertained before the 2014 presentation. It was this resolution that forced the House to ignore the coming of the Governor prompting the Chief executive of the state to shelve the event. After face-mending discussion among the members propelled by the leadership of the House early yesterday, the lawmakers later met to approve the Supplementary budget ahead 2014 budget presentation today. The sum of N44.6b was approved instead of the requested N57bn. However, the resolution to allow Okorocha have the supplementary budget yesterday and also be permitted to present the 2014 Appropriation Bill did not come easy with skirmishes characterizing the pre-plenary session meeting at the office of the Speaker. There was serious disagreement to either allow or stop the Governor have the supplementary budget and present the 2014 budget today. Sentiments flowed among party lives especially between PDP and APC members who greeted the development with discordant tunes. While Pro-APC members favoured the Governor,PDP cliques kicked against the move stating that was unwarranted. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kataka In State Assembly Imo Lawmakers Revolt Against Gov Okorocha ..Over Appointment of TC Chairmen, Supplementary Budget Approval Wades Into School of Nursing and Health Science Amaigbo Trouble Posted by admin on Dec 19th, 2013 By peter uzoma & ibezim samuel Apparently dissatisfied with the manner the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha is handling affairs between them and the executive arm of government, Members of the Imo State House of Assembly have vigorously refused to accede to certain demands of the Governor preferring a showdown. Unlike in the past where the Members willy-nilly agree and make approvals for any of the Governor’s requests, yesterday was a different case in Imo State House of Assembly complex where Members openly exhibited anger and annoyance over the manner the Governor is relating with them in recent time. The frosty relationship existing between the Lawmakers and the Governor nose-dived recently following reports that Okorocha is threatening to deal with any member not willing to be part of his APC political family. Consequently, the Governor changed gear by undertaking his functions without due regards and courtesy to the entire Members of the House. What however blew the trouble open was Tuesday’s nomination of Transition Committee Chairmen of the various 27 LGAs in the state, sent to the state legislature by the Governor for confirmation and a fresh request for supplementary budget preceding the presentation of the 2014 budget. Trouble started at the Executive session where the aggrieved members bared their minds concerning the ill-treatment being meted to them by the Governor who appointed the TC Chairmen without necessary inputs and consultations with the lawmakers. Apart from shouting on top of their voices to show resentment, the lawmakers vowed that the newly-appointed TC Chairmen will not be screened, adding that the necessary due process and regulations for appointment of TC Chairmen as enshrined in the law will be applied against the former pattern of accepting hook, line and sinker, any list of appointment from the Governor for appointment. Another issue that pitched the lawmakers against the governor was the request for the passage of fresh supplementary budget. The House Members frowned at the request stating that it is against their wish to endorse further budgetary approvals after the four-year-rolling plan budget, 2013 budget and non review of the previous budgets. The Members who arrived the new Assembly Complex early yesterday for the deliberation spent several hours for the marathon meeting at the Speaker’s office. Trumpeta learnt that verbal exchanges and abuses rented the air with disagreements shown on their faces which nearly almost led to fisticuff as few members sympathetic to the Governor almost got manhandled by their rampaging colleagues who were poised for a brawl. According to our correspondent, most of the Members like that of Isiala Mbano, Ehime, Onuimo, Oru East, Aboh Mbaise, Ngor Okpala and Isu, suspected to have no hand in the nomination of the TC Chairmen expressed reservation about the names forwarded to the House. Efforts by the Speaker to cage the aggrieved lawmakers proved abortive as most of them walked away from the Speaker’s office. Before, the discussion could end, the Minority Leader, Barr (Mrs) Ngozi Pat-Ekeji was spotted moving away from the complex, while others followed suit in anger. The lawmakers threatened not to succumb to any threat by the Governor expressing that they may resort to impeachment to check Okorocha’s excesses. A Member from Owerri Zone, (names withheld) was spotted telling his aides that “enough is enough from the Governor. We may not hesitate to use impeachment to call the governor to order and tell him that we are also elected by the people and has the constitutional rights to remove him if found incompetent”. By that action, the Members failed to observe normal plenary session and vacated the complex. Trumpeta further gathered that what may have prompted the reaction was the perceived liberation of the Members from the Governor’s jugular since majority declared intention not to join him in APC. Meanwhile the Imo State House of Assembly committee on health has intervened on the crisis rocking the Imo State College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Amaigbo in Nwangele LGA of Imo state. The House committee led by Hon Victor Mere stormed the health institution with journalists so as to meddle in the crisis and help resolve it for the smooth running of the school. In hand to receive the committee was the Acting Provost of the College, Princess Ngozi Duru. The Acting Provost narrated her part of the story on the crisis of the school and what she has achieved for the past one year of heading the institution. According to her, trouble started when she vowed to sanitise the school and restore it to its dignity. It brought about the change of some Head of Departments that have occupied the position for more than ten (10) years with no fruitful result. Lecturers and Staff that are of retirement age were retired. That the affected ones vowed to make the institution ungovernable for her. Again, her fight against examination malpractices, sexual harassment, extortion of students by lecturers and HOD’s, issuance of transcript by some departments with the management consent and giving of fake admission to prospective candidates are some of the problems that erupted the crisis. Princess Duru explained to the committee that her major headache are the staff from Ministry of Health that are on secondment to the institution as they among other things, did instigate the students to rebel against the constituted management policies that would reform salary from both the Ministry of Health and the Institution even when many of them are due for retirement. Also, that they oppose her move to register the school with the National Board Technical Education (NBTE) so that their graduates would start going for her National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) as they have not been participating since year 2001. That the reason is that many of them belong to West Africa Health Education Board (WAHEB) and that the body does not go on National Service. The Acting Provost showed the committee some of her projects that she embarked on for the development of the school which includes library renovation and furnishing, equipping of the laboratory after renovating it, borehole and electricity restoration, provision of Information Communication Technology (ICT), and staff room provision, among other things. She informed that the school will soon start going on service after connecting with NBTE. The House Committee also had a meeting with the students and staff comprising academic and non academic, where they itemized their problems with the management. Responding to their complaints, Hon Victor Mere said that the communication gap in the Institution caused the problem and that the House would ensure that the problems are properly handled. He confirmed that there are laudable projects in the school as they are physically present for all to see. He however, promised to look into the school fees issue so as not to pass wrong signal to the masses on Gov Okorocha’s free education scheme. It would be recalled that the health school has been thrown in turmoil for months as students and staff are protesting against the management over their high-handed way of handling matters without consulting them. These various petitions against the Institution to the government and Imo House of Assembly caused the constituting of a committee to look into the matter. Hon Eudora Igwe and Hon Victor Ndunagu were also present as they are part of the committee. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Imo: The story of Okorocha’s betrayal, by Agbasoon December 17, 2013 / in Politics 4:21 am / By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor Economist and politician, Chief Martin Agbaso is one of the leading lights of politics in Imo State. He was the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA in the 2007 gubernatorial elections following which he made claims of victory. Agbaso who passed over the 2011 contest in favour of Owelle Rochas Okorocha in this interview faults the actions and attitude of Governor Okorocha especially in the controversial impeachment of his own junior brother, Sir Jude Agbaso as deputy governor. Excerpts: The accusation If you recall in the third week of March this year, my brother, Mr. Jude Ikechukwu Agbaso then deputy Governor of Imo state, was accused to have received N458 million bribe from a Lebanese contractor. Then, I in very clear terms said that my brother had nothing to do with the money that was alleged to have been taken as bribe money. It was Rochas Okorocha who approved the contract, awarded it, paid the said contractor N1.3 billion of Imo State money without due process, without even an award letter or any form of advance payment guarantee. So the curious thing at the point was, why would a man who did all this, who got all the benefits that were unprecedented from the governor, go to the deputy governor who was away in India on official assignment, and give him a bribe of almost 40% of the money collected? That didn’t make sense to me. And I said that we as a family would do every thing humanly possible to get to the crux of the matter; we would do everything to find out who took this money, where the money is domiciled and who the beneficiaries we. Last week, the news broke. EFCC, after putting us through grueling, painful, eight months of investigation finally cleared my brother or any Agbaso for that matter of any wrong doing, of any involvement whatsoever in the alleged bribe scandal. Again, this man who went to the Imo state house of assembly and said to them: “I am a Lebanese journey man, criminal contractor. I have taken 458 million naira of Imo state money and given to the deputy Governor.” They kissed this man and told him to walk away. A man who said: “I have committed a crime against this state, against this nation,” they turned around and let him walk away, and began hunting a deputy governor who knew nothing. Okorocha’s beef He said that I, the deputy governor’s elder brother, tried to impeach him, so he was trying to retaliate. Later on, he said that as long as Jude Agbaso remained the deputy governor, his life was at risk, that Agbaso could kill him. This is someone whose deputy governor was impeached, someone who got into office on the same ticket as you, was impeached in the most brazen manner, malicious and mischevious manner, in a show of shame that this country had never seen before. Before the impeachment panel could even sit to look at the papers, a report had been sent to the House of Assembly, before the House of Assembly could finish the process, a deputy governor nominee had been selected. Before the man could say Jack Robinson, a new deputy Governor was sworn in and yet he said he didn’t know anything about it. Agreement on one term There has been a catalog of anomalies committed by the administration of Rochas Okorocha. They are all documented here. You are just determined to destroy my name in the eyes of the Imo people and of Nigerians. You had an agreement with me that you were going to be governor for four years and we both signed this agreement witnessed by the national chairman of APGA. And you made this pronouncement in churches, in halls, in stadia, everywhere you said to people that you had an agreement with Martin Agbaso that you would be governor for one term, and after that the governorship would go to Owerri Zone who rightfully should produce the next governor. Instead of doing that, you’re looking for a way to tarnish my image. But it’s not going to work because there is a God out there who rules in the affairs of men and women. You can’t continue to mislead the people, and lie your way through life as if it’s business as usual. Rochas Okorocha, it is no longer going to be business as usual, every step you make will be checked. On EFCC Clearance of Jude Agbaso For the first time in this country, somebody was accused of something and the person wrote to EFCC, ICPC to come and investigate him. He said: “If you find me guilty, jail me. But if you find me innocent, say it so I can clear myself. Now the job of EFCC is to investigate the matter. When they are through with investigation, if they find you wanting on any of the allegations, then they take you to court for prosecution. EFCC has concluded this investigation and found nothing. The money was said to have been given to you as bribe was lodged in two accounts, one in Dubai and one in Lebanon. We know where these monies are. EFCC has confirmed that he did not commit the crime. Joseph Dina himself has said in a written statement that he did not give him bribe. If Jude Agbaso committed any crime, EFCC would be prosecuting him in court. Apology to Ndi Imo First of all, I owe the people of Imo state a big apology. I was misled by Gov. Rochas Okorocha. I did not know his antecedents before I went into an agreement with him. By everything he has done in Imo state, he has shown that he is a person who does not honour his word. What I saw was a philanthropist who trains other people’s children. And I believed that if he could do that, when he gets into a position of authority, our people would be better off. Everything I did was to put Imo State forward. Because I was already in court for three and half years, fighting a legal battle over elections I won in 2007, I was not prepared to go into an election in 2011. This guy came and with his normal talk-talk I thought we had a good candidate. Please Ndi-Imo, I am sorry for bringing this man. He brought himself and I helped him. I thought it was the best thing to do at the time. But that is the limit of a human being. I could not see tomorrow. Now, he is saying that he (Jude Agbaso) was incompetent. How can you say that a man is incompetent when his boss, the governor was the one who brought the contractor, paid him, awarded the contract without any advance payment guarantee or letter of award. This money, N1.3bn of Imo State money that is still at large was not paid through the ministry, but on the directive of the governor, issued (through) to the principal secretary to the governor, commissioner for finance and to the accountant general. This payment did not go through the ministry at all. By the time the commissioner who was the deputy governor knew what was happening, the money had been paid. In fact, the first N200 million that was given to that man was paid in cash. So how do you say that such a man is incompetent? Apology from Okorocha I expected an apology from Rochas Okorocha? Yet instead of apologizing to someone who invested heavily in his campaign, and to the young man who has worked with you, you try to destroy him. Instead of apologizing, you’re even undermining the letter which exonerated him. The most shameful thing that has come out of Rochas Okorocha’s mouth is that he paid Martin Agbaso for APGA ticket. I gave Rochas Okorocha my word that I would help him become governor. I funded his campaign. I brought people to give money. I don’t want to mention their names so I do not embarrass them. How can someone who he is now owing money for funding the campaign be the same person he gave money for ticket? Everybody saw me canvass through every village canvassing for votes. My house was the command headquarters for the elections, everything was done in my house. What thank you do I get? You try to destroy my family name. And you see him singing church choruses and quoting the bible. When it’s convenient, he quotes the Qu’ran. Who is he to keep trying to mislead Nigerians and assume that we are foolish? -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ICPC alleges involvement of Okorocha’s aide in N74.4b contract scam Category: National Published: Wednesday, 30 October 2013 21:44 Written by From Abosede Musari and Terhemba Daka (Abuja) THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has alleged involvement of an aide to Governor Rochas Okorocha in a N74.4 billion Imo State contract scam. The development came as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Bala Mohammed, yesterday ordered the suspension of six FCT workers for their alleged involvement in alleged fraudulent activities. Four of the suspended workers are from the Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS) while two are from the FCT Land Administration Department. Details of the their involvement could not be obtained by newsmen, but the minister, in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday disclosed that the suspension takes immediate effect even as he said the alleged culprits were still facing further investigation. ICPC revealed in a statement yesterday that the governor’s Special Assistant, Prince Akano and former deputy governor, Jude Agbaso, were part of the scam in which a construction company allegedly got N1.45 billion for the project awarded for N1.15 billion and abandoned the work after executing it up to a point valued at just N300 million. The commission added that investigations at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) revealed that the governor’s aide who is also the chairman, Committee on Monitoring and Implementation of Road Projects in Imo State, Prince Akano, was a director in the allegedly erring construction company, JPROS International. ICPC which gave the revelation following the recent demonstration by women of Imo State against anti-corruption agencies, also revealed how state officials obtained a loan of N73 billion and used the allocations of all the state local governments for the next three years as collateral. The ICPC said it is not correct that anti-graft agencies merely wanted to witch-hunt the governor and state officials but that petitions were received from the state as far back as December 2012 and March 2013 to investigate the issues. The second petition, ICPC said, was received from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Imo State, alleging misappropriation of the N73 billion loan. “In a bid to frustrate further investigation, Akanno instituted a civil suit challenging the authority of the Commission and the investigation team led by Chukwura to summon him to clarify issues. “The second petition was sent to the Commission by the Association for Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Imo State Chapter, alleging misappropriation and diversion of N73 billion belonging to the 27 local governments of the state for which three years statutory allocation to the local governments were used as collateral.” The petition further alleged that “the Speaker of the House and his men were beneficiaries of these contracts in order to prevent them from carrying out their oversight functions on the projects.” It also stated that while several letters of invitation were sent to 12 functionaries in the state, only five of them honoured the invitation. Those who honoured the invitations are the Clerk, Imo State House of Assembly; the Branch Manager of Zenith Bank Plc.; Branch Manager of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc; Accountant-General of the State and Commissioner for Finance. “Seven others are yet to show up. They are the Secretary to the State Government; the Principal Secretary to the State Governor; the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources; the State Commissioner for Works; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Branch Manager of Diamond Bank Plc, Owerri,” ICPC said. Instead of honouring the invitation of the Commission, the suspects were said to have dragged ICPC and its investigators to court, seeking the enforcement of their fundamental human rights. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Danger Signals In Imo! Rochas Appointees Denied Approval Posted by admin on Oct 3rd, 2013 Lawmakers Shun Screening of New ISIEC, ISOPADEC, Judiciary Nominees As Lawyer Petitions State Assembly, Demands Process For Passage Of Outlawed “Abortion Law” The fate of persons nominated by Governor Rochas Okorocha for certain sensitive positions and boards of statutory commissions in Imo is hanging in the balance with the state lawmakers turning a blind eye to their final clearance. It would be recalled that Okorocha few weeks ago nominated some persons as Chairmen and Members of boards and commissions in the state. As part of programs to re-constitute the state executive council, Okorocha re-organized some statutory organs of government like the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission, ISIEC, Imo State Judiciary Service Commission, and the Imo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, ISOPADEC. In line with the constitutional provisions establishing the aforementioned agencies, the names of the nominees were forwarded to the state legislature for screening and clearance. An ad-hoc committee armed with the responsibility of scrutinizing the particulars of the nominees headed by Member representing Aboh Mbaise, Hon Mrs Ngozi Pat Ekeji was raised. At the appointed time for screening which was on Wednesday, the invited nominees who duly arrived the new Assembly Complex at Ojukwu Centre, Concorde Road, Owerri were shunned by the lawmakers, fueling speculations that Imo Assembly has jettisoned the statutory screening exercise to enable their inauguration. Most of the enthusiastic nominees were flaggerbasted and disappointed when members sighted them at the Assembly premises and kept mute. Signs that the nominees journey to the state legislature would be a wasteful venture emerged when Members entered the traditional “Executive Session” preceding the plenary session. Apart from an abnormal long hour spent during the Executive session, our correspondent who monitored the meeting observed that there were verbal exchanges among the lawmakers in the confided room which almost led to fisticuffs. It was further learnt that two principal officers of the House, Hon Donatus Ozoemena and Ngozi Pat Ekeji, Deputy Speaker and Minority Leader respectively were at the receiving end of thunderous attacks from other Members of the House for advocating for the nominees’ screening. The issue of screening the Governor’s nominees for the various positions was however “killed” at the Executive Session as the issue was not mentioned finally during the plenary session that followed later. Reasons for the indifference approach of the lawmakers to the screening of Governor’s nominees could not be made public during the plenary but the uncompromising act may not be unconnected to the seeming frosty relationship between the legislative and Executive arms in recent time. There were unconfirmed reports that the new disposition of the Members to subject the Governor’s request to normal legislative procedures would delay the screening exercise. Members were worried that the “Rescue” gospel has over stayed its welcome and everybody they are waiting for the “Mission” train to take off to enable them receive “goodies” associated with democracy dividends as elected representatives of the people. The Members were further irked that despite partnering with Okorocha in the “Rescue Mission” spirit two years plus, nothing tangible, in terms of welfare and the expected “public relations” like “Messages from the Governor” has reached the lawmakers’ table. Barely a year to intensive politicking for 2015 election and worried that this could be the last major cabinet reshuffle before Okorocha’s first tenure expires, the lawmakers have changed gear to apply all necessary rules and obligations before giving approval to the Governor’s recent nominees. Apart from requesting the Governor to “Play Ball” the new posture may be geared towards recognizing the position of the legislative arm in governance. Nominees like ISOPADEC Chairman designate, Engr Alex Ogwazuo and his ISIEC counterpart, Barr Amaechi Nwoha looked dejected on Wednesday, when they came with necessary documents but remained unattended till Members dispersed. Speculations were rife that they may wait for long to undergo the screening and confirmation when the House adjourned to October 16, for resumption of plenary. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- How Imo Governor Is Spending N300m For 51st Birthday, PDP Alleges Posted by admin on Oct 3rd, 2013 The Imo State arm of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has raised alarm on the amount of money the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha would allegedly spent for his 51st birthday celebration. In a statement made available to Trumpeta, the party noted that not less than N300m from the state coffers will be sunk into the project of celebrating the elaborate birthday bash held in Ibadan, Oyo state capital another parts of the country. According to the statement endorsed by the Publicity Secretary, Chief Blyden Amajirionwu “Okorocha, in a bizarre act of utmost impunity, shut down the government of the state on Sept 21, 2013, when he firmed top officials too far away Ibadan, Oyo State, to a ceremony marking his 51s+ birthday anniversary. The event, which was telecast live on national television, was held at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan. Incidentally, what was termed a private birthday party turned out to be a political rally, with chieftains of a particular political party in the South West having a field day with funds from the coffers of Imo State. “Apart from that, the live television broadcast cost Imo State the sum of N18million. Other expenses which included providing transportation and quartering politicians from across the country in choice hotels in Ibadan and Lagos, put the amount that Okorocha took from the State’s coffers for that show of shame at over N300million. “The Ibadan event was just the first leg of a planned nation-wide birthday carnival which will be held in all the six-geo political zones of the country. Already, the next carnival has been slated for Kaduna in the North West on Saturday October 13, 2013. The Kaduna event will be followed by four others that will take Okorocha and his court-jesters to Yola in Adamawa state, Minna in Niger State, Port-Harcourt in Rivers State and Ilorin in Kwara State. “At about N18million per live television broadcast, the six events at the six geo-political zones will remove from the State’s coffers a total of N108 million. At an average of N300million per zone, Imo State is being forced to part with at least N1.8billion by the time His Excellency, Governor Rochas Okorocha, finishes with his birthday carnival”. While condemning the act, the PDP wondered how a state Governor saddled with the problem of unpaid salaries and allowances to civil servants would go on such jamboree asking if the Governor was elected to embark on such degree of financial profligacy at this point in time? “The good people of Imo state should ask Chief Okorocha why he elects to embark on such a degree of financial profligacy at this point in time. What is the significances of a mere 51st birthday for a fellow who is not even known beyond Imo state in spite of his claims of national visibility? Has any Nigerian president or head of state ever embarked on a nationwide birthday carnival? “What is Okorocha taking Imo people for? This is a fellow who said initially that he does not receive salaries and does not make use of security votes. But through the back door, Governor Okorocha fleeces the state of amounts far in excess of the so-called security vote and the amount statutorily approved as salary for the Governor. “While the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is of the strong view that the people of the state should demand for an explanation from the Governor on these issues, it, nonetheless, urges them to remain law abiding and resolute on their unflinching support for the Party while it takes commensurate steps towards recovering the State from Okorocha and his co-travelers who, from available evidence, are determined to milk the state dry”, the statement added. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Activist, Kissinger Ikeokwu Seeks Records Of Monumental Contracts Payments From Imo Accountant General Posted by admin on Oct 3rd, 2013 A civil right activist and legal practitioner, Barr Kissinger Ikeokwu has applied to the Imo State Accountant General, seeking for the records of contracts awarded to several companies handling several monumental projects in the state. In a letter addressed to the AG, Imo State through his lawyers, Chyma Anthony & Co, Kissinger noted that “pursuant to Section 1, 2 & 3 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, Application for documents and further particulars for the records of the following contracts; MESSRS CONE INVESTMENTS LIMITED for the construction of proposed CRYSTAL HOTELS and AKACHI MONUMENTAL TOWERS. MESSRS ROCHE GROUP LTD for the construction of the 305 Model Primary Schools. Record of contract awarded to MESSRS ROCHE GROUP LTD for the construction of the City Model School Wetheral Road Owerri. Record of contract awarded to MESSRS GENERELIA CONSORTIUM NIFPS ICONO (SPAIN) & HORMIPRESA NIG. LTD for the construction of proposed HEARTLAND CENTER at former Ama JK Recreation Park. Record of contract awarded to MESSRS HANJIN CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD for the construction of proposed NEW OWERRI SKYCRAPPER at Area “H” New Owerri. Record of contract awarded to MESSRS NNUTOUCH GLOBAL VENTURES LIMITED for the construction of proposed NEW JUDICIARY COMPLEX at Area New Owerri”. According to him, “the documents needed include the following: Record of bidding by the company. The Tenders Notice and associated documents. Record of all monies paid on the project till date. Payment instructions/vouchers/performance evaluation. Evidence of Payment/Account Number of the company”. Ikeokwu further stated that “should you fail to grant the request as above, I shall proceed to seek appropriate redress in Court against you in line with Section 20 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011”. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nigeria: Deportation of Igbos, Fashola Tenders Unreserved Apology By Olasunkanmi Akoni, Monsur Olowoopejo and Anozie Egole, 26 September 2013 More on This Lagos Regret Over Deporting Igbos Lagos Governor Fashola Lagos — TWO months after the controversial deportation of Igbo residents, Governor Babatunde Fashola, Thursday, rendered an unreserved apology to the Igbos over the July 24 dumping of some alleged destitute in Onitsha, Anambra State by his administration, saying, "the action of our government was misunderstood." This came as President Goodluck Jonathan, deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha, and Catholic Bishop of Sokoto, Rev. Matthew Kuka, urged Ndigbo to continue to chart new developmental cause for the nation. However, speaking at silver jubilee symposium of Igbo think tank, 'Aka Ikenga,' at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Victoria Island, Fashola insisted that he could not allow differences on a subject matter tarnish the bond and friendship that were built overtime with the Ndigbo in the state. Rev. Kuka who was the guest speaker at the symposium, had earlier accused the governor of personally attending the event to settle differences with the Ndigbo speaking community over the controversial deportation saga. Responding, Fashola argued that his relationship with the Igbo remained solid and that many had misunderstood and misrepresented the actions of the Lagos State Government because of party politics. According to him: "The truth is that I do not have a problem with the Igbos, they know that because the largest herd of cattle I received during my father's burial came from the Ndigbo. Those people who came under their many colours are not people I have a problem with, they are my kindred and my people. "Also, there were people who did not clearly understand me and they have misunderstood words said or misrepresented actions taken in the way that it has pleased them to do so. To those people, I owe an explanation, not a defence of what has happened and that is partly why I am here. "We have built a relationship based on tolerance, mutual respect, trust and love. That relationship was started by our ancestors, it was handed over to us and we have nourished it with a lot of trust, with a lot of understanding and with a lot of fidelity. "Those who misunderstand that relationship, think that there is no value in that relationship I have come here to correct that because I place a lot of value on that relationship. If those people have misunderstood me or they have misunderstood actions taken by our government, here, now and today, I offer an unqualified and unreserved apology. "Why should people feel compelled to migrate from one place to the other? Is there one part of this country that is less endowed whether in human or natural resource? Is that the problem? Is it the case that perhaps some parts are so endowed or not adequately managed? "Those are the honest debates that we must have. The political storm is gathering and allusions have been made to the issues I address, not only by the chairman, but by the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo. How can development be so difficult in the part of Nigeria that gave us Ike Nwachukwu, Chinua Achebe, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Odumegwu Ojukwu, Alex Ekwueme and so on, how can development be so difficult in that part of this country? I think those are the real issues." "I think we have been in the news of our relationship for the wrong reasons in the last few weeks, but if you listen to the voices of those who speak the loudest, you would see that they do not speak about us, they do not speak about the problems, but about themselves. The majority of us are concerned about how to make it better, that is what concerns us always in Lagos, and it is not an easy decision for me." The pursuit of making it better makes us adopt policies which are always subject to the human text of fallibility". Also, Jonathan who was represented by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, in his address, tasked the group to continue to chart a positive course for the Igbo race, which he said has preserved the enterprise, history, arts and culture of the Igbo nation. Kuka in his lecture, said the Igbo race in Nigeria needed to cope with the excesses of globalisation which he said has thrown up many challenges and contribute its own quota to national development. "The greatness of any nation today lies in its capacity and ability to manage diversities and welcome strangers. The Igbo are very much welcomed strangers anywhere. Despite the tragedies and misfortunes that we have, we still have a great nation to build, the final step of the greatness of our nation is where we place integrity", he said. The event was well attended by notable Igbo politicians and icons including, Senator Ike Nwachukwu, who chaired the occasion, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Kanayo O Kanayo, Onyeka Onwenu among others. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tension in Police over transfer by Imo CP . Tuesday, 24 September 2013 00:00 From Charles Ogugbua News - National .THE transfer of senior police officers from Imo State Police Command to especially troubled northern states is generating tension among the rank and file of men in the command. Aggrieved officers who protested yesterday in Owerri, capital of Imo State, accused the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr. Muhammad Musa Katsina, of bias in transfer of about 60 officers. The protesters urged the Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr. Mike Okiro, who hails from Ohaji, Imo State, to immediately wade into the matter. When The Guardian called the CP on phone yesterday to hear his side of the allegation, he simply switched off his phone without any comment after listening to the request of the reporter. Efforts to get the reaction of Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, did not yield any result as calls placed to his number did not go through and he didn’t reply the SMS sent to him. Protesting on the issue, an officer who spoke with The Guardian on condition of anonymity said those transferred were from the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) upwards and mostly from Igbo ethnic group, whose names were submitted to the Inspector-General (IG) of Police by the CP. The affected officer said the transfer was targeted at perceived enemies of the CP, calling on the Police High Command to urgently intervene and investigate their plight in the command. He said: “We want the Inspector-General to look into what is happening in Imo State Police Command. How we are being treated like animals. This has never happened before. We have seen other CPs in the past and none treated us like this present one is doing. We want our case investigated. I just came back on transfer from a southern state and I am now transferred to the North while the indigenes from the North are here mostly,” he lamented. Meanwhile, traders around the markets near the police station are groaning over the recent order by the command not to sell beer or any alcohol-related drinks, accusing the commissioner of banning such. They regretted that over the years, they have been making brisk business selling without the previous CPs ordering that such should be barred. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nigeria: PDP Blasts Fashola Over Deportation of Ndigbo By Peter Okutu, 6 August 2013 Nigerian State Expels Igbos Lagos. Abakaliki — The Zonal Working Committee of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, South-East, Monday, described the action of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State over the deportation of Ndigbo as unconstitutional, despotic and dictatorial. In a statement by the zonal Publicity Secretary of the party, Ali Odefa, the PDP called on the leadership of All Progressives Congress, APC, to immediately recall, rehabilitate and compensate victims, whose rights were violated by the government of Lagos State. Odefa, who stated that the action of Lagos State government was capable of destabilizing the fragile peace in the country, pointed out that the PDP would continue to uphold the rights and aspirations of Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious, social and economic background. The statement read in part: "The Peoples Democratic Party, in the South East geopolitical zone strongly condemns this unconstitutional, dictatorial, despotic and unjustified criminal deportation of Ndigbo by Lagos State government. "We urge Nigerians and Ndigbo, especially, to be steadfast, calm as this act is just one of the many divisive strategies the APC has outlined in their unbridled quest to take power in Nigeria". "We also use this medium to call on the leadership of the APC to immediately recall, rehabilitate and compensate these Nigerians whose rights have been violently violated by the government of Lagos State. "The PDP will continue to uphold the rights and aspirations of Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious, social and economic background as we work to achieve one strong, progressive and united Nigeria. "This is evident in the unprecedented, unwarranted, and senseless divisive action the APC led government of Lagos State has taken by vigorously pursuing actions that can set the country on fire. "It is baffling that a party that is purportedly run by individuals who call themselves progressives can become so desperate to the extent of fanning the embers of ethnicity just to gain cheap popularity amongst its unsuspecting followers. "The new party whose promoters have been very active in media campaign to gain the support of Nigerians chose to launch out with a most barbaric, anti democratic and despotic criminal discrimination against fellow Nigerians. "The APC in Lagos State used the celebration of its registration to confront the rights of Nigerians to live in Nigeria by forcefully removing bona fide Nigerians of Igbo extraction from Lagos and dumping them in the midnight at the bank of River Niger. This unconscionable able act was termed deportation"! "This act of the APC led government of Lagos state is a frontal attack on the rights of these Nigerians and the Nigerian 1999 constitution which guarantees the right of every Nigerian citizen to live within any part of the country without molestation or discrimination. "It is to be noted that this act of the APC-led government in Lagos violates all the laws of human rights and dignity of man. "The APC is taking Nigeria to the cave age by fanning the ugly embers of ethnicity and nepotism. It is instructive to remind the APC and its promoters that Lagos state natives live in all part of Nigeria and it is unimaginable what would happen if states within Nigeria start deporting people that are not natives of the states. "The role of Ndigbo in the life and economy of Lagos State can never be over emphasised. It is a direct affront on the unity of Nigeria for the APC led government of Lagos state to start treating fellow Nigerians as illegal immigrants, who can be yanked off, dislocated from their families forced into dingy buses at gun point in the middle of the night and shipped to river banks-Nazi style without any provocation." ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Imo Assembly Clerk In ICPC Net .As Flood Take Over State Complex The list of public office holders and civil servants from Imo state visiting as guests of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, is growing daily with the Clerk of the Imo State House of Assembly, Barr Chris Duru joining the cue. Posted by admin on Jul 8th, 2013 As at the time of going to press, Trumpeta learnt that Barr Duru is reportedly telling the anti-fraud commission all he knows concerning the alleged contract scam that ravaged the state especially abuse of contract award. Our correspondent, who monitored events in the House of Assembly, learnt that the Assembly Clerk jetted to Abuja yesterday morning to face ICPC interrogators over certain allegations. The Clerk was absent from office and dependable sources confirmed that he was in Abuja for the ICPC invitation. It was further gathered that the Clerk and co-workers worked throughout the weekend to strengthen several files and documents related to the ICPC inquiries. Top sources in ICPC further confirmed the presence of Duru at ICPC headquarters in Abuja and reported that he is undergoing grills. Meanwhile, flood has again taken over most of the offices as a result of the open roof of the gigantic Assembly complex. For the umpteenth time; flood has occupied most of the offices as a result of rainfall that entered through the open roof. The offices where the lawmakers and staff do their business were mostly affected. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bad governance created Boko Haram - Obama •Promises to assist Nigerian military Written by Moses Alao with Agency Report Sunday, 30 June 2013 00:00 PRESIDENT of the United States of America, Barack Obama, has tactically lent his support to the school of thought alluding the growing terrorism in Nigeria to poverty, blaming the upsurge of terrorist groups on the fact that “countries are not delivering for their people and there are sources of conflict and underlining frustrations that have not been adequately dealt with”. He also took a stand against Nigeria’s employment of military option to tackle Boko Haram when he ruled out military solutions in tackling terrorism, urging governments “to give people opportunity, education and resolve conflicts through regular democratic processes,” noting that these would make it less likely for terrorism to take root. Obama, who was in South Africa as part of his week-long visit to Africa, made the positions known yesterday, while fielding questions from journalists and youths during a Town Hall Meeting with youths from African countries. Speaking on the importance of youths, Obama noted that “in terms of human capital and young people, I think the greatest investment any country can make, not just an African country, is educating its youth and providing them with the skill to compete in a highly technological, advanced world economy”. He further said “countries that do not do that well will not succeed,” noting that countries with limited skill will have “problems” in drawing international businesses. “This is a problem in the United State and not just a problem in Africa,” he added. He said the U.S. is willing to collaborate with Nigeria to train teachers and incorporate technology in the education system. “Across board we are having a rethink in education and work force training. And one of the things we want to do is to partner with a country like Nigeria and identify ways that we can provide direct value added, whether it is in helping to train teachers or helping to incorporate technology into the education process” The American president also praised his government for making a considerable effort in tackling insecurity and curbing terror with the death of Osama Bin Laden but was quick to recognise the existence of Boko Haram in Nigeria. “There is no doubt in the progress we have made in dealing with some extremist groups, for example core Al Qaeda and Bin Laden” stressing that “they have been greatly diminished”. He, however, noted that “what is also true is that in some ways the problem has also metastasised, we have more regional terrorist organisations like Boko Haram in Nigeria espousing an extremist ideology, showing no regard for human life”. He admitted that despite not having a transnational capacity like the other organisations “they are doing great harm in Africa and in the Middle East and in South Asia”. To curb such uprisings, Obama said “we have to build institutions, a lot of what we talked about in terms of responsiveness, governance and democracy; those things become defence mechanisms against terrorism, they are the most important defence against terrorism’. He charged the African Union to send peace keeping missions to countries that are likely to have such terrorist cells come up and nip them in the bud before they cause harm, adding that “we can provide advice, training and in some cases equipment”. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ IMO STATE UNIVERSITY (IMSU) VICE CHANCELLOR ARRESTED BY THE EFCC (ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION) Posted by: Information Nigeria From Naijaloft The vice chancellor of the Imo state university (imsu) has been arrested by the Economic and Financial crimes commission (EFCC). The vice chancellor of the Imo state university (imsu) Prof I.C Okonkwo and two other officials of the university were arrested by the economic and financial crimes commission (EFCC) for an alleged 70 million Naira fraud. EFCC which was acting on a petition against the Imsu vc searched his house and discovered 4.5 million Naira cash, 11,200 dollars and 700 euros in his Owerri apartment. During Interrogation the vice chancellor could not explain the source of the large amount of money found in his apartment. It was also discovered that he operated nine bank accounts in four different banks and had awarded several contracts over his N1million approval limit. The Imo state university vice chancellor was said to have awarded a contract for the purchase of six cars for N20million without bidding or placement of advertisement for such procurement. The vice chancellor allegedly collected the sum of N12million for refurbishment of his house without any sign of renovation till date. He was also alleged to have connived with the universities bursar and another official to extort N5000 each from graduating students totalling N25million without approval from the Governing Council of the Imo state university and the receipts used for the illegal collection were fake. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Two Imo State Government Officials In EFCC Net Posted by: daniel Two officials of the Imo state government have been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for fraud-related charges. The affected officials are are the state Commissioner of Finance, Deacon Okafor Chike John and the Accountant-General of the state, Eche Ezenna George. The duo were picked up in Owerri, the Imo State capital and flown to Abuja for further interrogation by EFCC operatives. The two officials are presently been quizzed in the Abuja office of the EFCC. Their arrest is linked to the operations of the state joint account with the local governments as well as the financial records of the state under former governor, Ikedi Ohakhim. Spokesman for the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren confirmed their arrest but did not give details. He said: “The officials have been arrested and it is possible that they are being detained here in Abuja. But I don’t have the details.” -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Okorocha Sets up Committee to Compensate Supporters 17 May 2013 Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, has inaugurated a 10-man committee christened ‘Committee of Don’t Forget’ aimed at reaching out to relevant persons that fought for his victory as governor. Inaugurating the committee at the Government House Owerri, Okorocha said the state’s Rescue Mission administration resolved to set up the committee to recognise those who gave their supports in the fight to ensure the enthronement of the incumbent government. According to the governor, government may tend to forget those who played virtual roles during the struggle, but asserts that the newly-inaugurated committee will ensure compensation to the deserving persons. He charged the committee with the responsibility of creating an interactive forum to enable him dialogue and reconcile with members of the groups where necessary. The group the committee is expected to interface with include the Gold Card members, Keke operators, artisans, youths, women, clergy and agenda group. The chairman of the committee and Deputy Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Donatus Ozoemena, stated that Okorocha would always rewards loyalty and good gestures. He, however, called for the data base of those public and individuals who supported the state government during election. Ozoemena also expressed happiness that the governor was keeping fate with his electioneering promises unlike what was obtainable in the past. He assured that the committee would do everything within its reach to ensure success in the assignment. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Okorocha declares for APC, marks two-year anniversary May 8, 2013 by Agency Reporter Governor Rochas Okorocha Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State on Tuesday formally pledged his allegiance to the All Progressives Congress, urging the people of the state to join him. Okorocha made the declaration at a rally in Owerri as part of activities marking his two years in office. He said his joining APC was to ensure that his people continued to benefit from the dividends of democracy. He explained that All Progressives Grand Alliance had engaged in the merger and not in alliance with any party, noting that a two-party system was good for the country’s democracy. The governor said the state had witnessed more development in two years than in the past 12 years. Okorocha added that APC would bring the state closer to the “federal eye”. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that moves by the governor to merge APGA with the APC has generated heated debate among APGA stakeholders. Seven governors were present at the rally to show solidarity with the governor. Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State commended Okorocha for his bold move, describing APC as the solution to the notion’s numerous challenges. Governor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State described Okorocha as a true democrat, who would not relent in delivering the dividends of democracy to his people. Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State observed that Okorocha had brought some noticeable changes to the state, saying he would through the APC bring more transformation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Plot to Impeach Okorocha Thickens as EFCC Quizzes Imo Govt Officials 19 Apr 2013 Governor, Rochas Okorocha Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Amby Uneze in Owerri and Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu The plot to impeach the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha gathered momentum yesterday when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) rearrested the Accountant General of the state, George Ezenna Eche and the Commissioner for Finance, Chike Okafor. In furtherance of the goal to remove Okorocha from office, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Turkur met with some select members of the Imo State House of Assembly on issues bordering on the political disharmony in the state. The two officials were arrested relating to petitions sent to the commission alleging that a construction company JPROS International Limited was paid over N1 billion for a construction contract. The company was alleged to have been paid the full cost of the contract even though work had not commenced on the project. The contract led to the impeachment of the former deputy governor in the state, Jude Agbaso. This is the second time the anti-corruption agency has carried out the detention of the two officials over allegations of fraud and abuse of office. The duo were arrested in January and granted bail but were never charged with a crime. At press time, the duo was still being detained by the EFCC. The commission plans to make further arrests in the state. Confirming their arrest and interrogation, spokesman of the commission, Wilson Uwujaren said their detention was part of the ongoing investigation of the N458 million scandal that led to the impeachment of the former deputy governor. Also Tuesday, EFCC quizzed Hon. Simon Iwunze, Chairman of the Imo State House of Assembly Ad-hoc Committee that investigated Agbaso. He was quizzed and released on administrative bail. Meanwhile, it was gathered that Tukur met with select members of the state assembly on March 5 at the PDP campaign office in Maitama, Abuja. A source from the Imo State Government who spoke to newsmen said the continued arrest and interrogation of senior officials of the Imo State cabinet and members of the state assembly were orchestrated attempts to incriminate the governor, and thus prepare grounds for his impeachment. “What that is happening is not new to us. It is part of the tactics to incriminate the governor and prepare grounds for his impeachment. We know those behind it. “This has intensified following the comment by the Speaker of Imo state House of Assembly, Benjamin Uwajumogu, that some politicians offered N3 billion to him to facilitate the impeachment of the governor, which he rejected.” Confirming the threats of impeachment, the deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere told newsmen in Abuja that what was happening was purely politics. He said: “The Rescue mission led by Governor Rochas Okorocha is clean and we are not afraid of any politically motivated investigation. This is just politics trying to discredit the administration of the Imo State government.” The deputy governor said the Okorocha administration had done what no other state government in the state had done in the last 14 years or anywhere in Nigeria. However, the leadership of the PDP in the south-east zone yesterday dismissed as “infantile, irresponsible and disingenuous” media reports alleging that the party bribed the speaker of the Imo assembly with N3 billion to impeach the governor. The party’s National Vice-Chairman (South-east), Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd), in a statement by his Special Adviser, Hon. Osita Igbe, denied the allegation which he said feeds into an emerging picture of politics in the state since April 2011, stating that "it is based on dishonourable propaganda and flagrant disregard for the truth.” The statement said: “The attention of PDP in the south-east zone has been drawn to a report entitled, ‘PDP offered me N3bn to impeach Okorocha – Uwajumogu’, and which was syndicated through some national dailies of Wednesday, April 16, 2013, and on the social media. "In it, the speaker of the state assembly, Uwajumogu, alleged that the national vice-chairman of the party of the zone, Akobundu, alongside other persons, offered him N3 billion to facilitate the impeachment of Okorocha. “The allegation in its entirety is infantile, irresponsible and disingenuous. It feeds into an emerging picture of politics in the state since April 2011, which is based on dishonourable propaganda and flagrant disregard for the truth. "Assuming that such a plot even existed, there is no chance that Akobundu, a former military officer who knows the value of loyalty, would entrust it to a political turncoat like Uwajumogu. It is another cock and bull tale from a discredited government of confidence tricksters who are clutching at straws for survival.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nigeria: Why House Impeached Former Deputy Gov - Imo Speaker By Levinus Nwabughiogu, 3 May 2013 The Speaker of the Imo House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ben Uwajumogu in this special interview responds to issues concerning the impeachment of the immediate past deputy governor of the state, Sir Jude Agbaso and allegations that the House did the bidding of the governor. Excerpt: Speculations were rife that the Executive Arm put the Legislature under pressure to act. How true was that? Well, usually that will be the situation but the truth is that the impeachment didn't start in one day. There was an investigation. No body forced or influenced the House of Assembly into removing or impeaching the deputy governor. Everything followed due process. The Elder brother to the victim has cried out saying that everything was targeted toward 2015? My response to that is that that is outside the scope of the investigation of the House of Assembly. The committee that was set up wasn't set up to investigate what will happen in 2015. 2015 is still within the realm of speculation. If he has some political issues with the governor, we are not informed of that and that was not the issue. If there were some political issues bordering on 2015 with the governor, we were not informed of that and that was not the issue. I can even reveal that in August 2012, the elder brother along with some highly placed persons from the PDP acting on alleged orders of the presidency tried to lobby and co-opt me into an impeachment plan to remove the Governor promising mind blowing sums of money to pave the way for the ex -deputy governor to ascend the office, I turned it down because there was no evidence of wrong doing. We have read in the papers that Agbaso senior has brought the call log detailing that there was no communication between them at the period under review. But he admitted. He admitted that the man came to his house. He also admitted that the man came to Agbaso senior's house. You see, for me this is all subterfuge and story. They had all the opportunities to clear themselves at the Committee. I wasn't a member of the committee but as the Speaker, I am the chairman of every committee. And the committee referred back to me. Don't you share the view that the impeachment will heighten the political tension in the state as it is now? Like I said, the position of the deputy governor is very influential position. It is far more influential than the position of the Speaker. In the speaker's position, you impeach him any minute and the House continues. But the deputy governor is a very difficult position than this one. So, there is no argument about the fact that in the state, there is a lot of tension. But the truth is that life goes on. The state is more important that anybody else. The speed with which the deputy governor was replaced within hours made some believe that it was all arranged? Well, I am not the Governor of the state. I can only account for what we do in the chambers. If the governor sent us his nominee, the moment the deputy governor is removed, from that minute there is vacuum. And if the governor said he wants the vacuum filled and he nominates somebody who the House already knows and in our opinion, there is nothing. Somebody who has been a Chief of Staff to the Governor and he has worked with the house for almost two years, we didn't think there was any other thing that was required because everything we wanted to know about him we already know. What do you really think about the politics of zones in Imo State? If you ask me, those are the wrong reasoning of the past. Today, if you ask me, I will tell you that poverty, underdevelopment, disease, lack of education does not recognize any zone. If you are hungry, it doesn't matter where the food is coming from. Massive development The emergence of Owelle Rochas Okorocha as governor of Imo State has proven to us, we Imo people, and we have to really be blind, even the blind have ears not to see that today Imo State, entire state is a witness to massive development going on in Imo State. You seem to speak so well of the governor unlike Speakers of Assembly... There is nothing I have said here that cannot be verified. I have not come to sing the songs of the governor but if a man has done well, let's us give him credit for what he has done. I will not for the sake of criticizing and just start criticizing a man. Of course, there are areas where he hasn't done well but that's not the issue here. ... and new twist in N458 million bribe saga It is an issue that is continuing to reverberate across the state. The hurried removal of the erstwhile deputy governor of Imo State, Sir Jude Agbaso over the allegation of collecting N458 million bribe from a contractor, Mr. Joseph Dina of J-PROS is an issue that will continue to bestir political circles in the state. Agbaso was removed from office by the Imo State House of Assembly last March upon the allegation by Mr. Dina, a Lebanese, that he, Dina diverted N458 million of the N1.3 billion awarded for the re-construction of the Dei Sam Mbakwe Avenue in Owerri to Agbaso. Dina had further alleged that Agbaso sent him text message on how to deliver the bribe and claimed to have offered a bottle of whiskey to Agbaso in the course of the consummation of the allegedly illicit transaction. Agabso, however, denied the claims and his defence was backed by the printout of his telephone log from MTN. As the controversy deepened at the beginning of April, Agbaso in collaboration with his elder brother, Chief Martins Agbaso hired financial forensic experts who remarkably traced the alleged bribe money to Dina's home country in Lebanon. Remarkably, just weeks after the impeachment of the erstwhile deputy governor, the Imo State government seemed to backtrack when it turned on Dina, when it arraigned him before a magistrate court in Owerri for allegedly obtaining N1.3 billion from the state government through false pretence. The case is remarkably a new twist given that Dina was the principal prosecution witness used by the House in the impeachment process against Agbaso. The claim by the Imo state authorities that Dina obtained N1.3 billion from the state authorities also raises questions among some stakeholders given the earlier assertions by the authorities in Imo that it does not pay mobilization fees to contractors. How Mr. Dina blinded the eyes of the authorities who parted with N1.3 billion of the state funds against the due process procedure of the Rochas Okorocha administration is raising questions. The state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Soronnadi Njoku, filed the charges against Dina at the Owerri Chief Magistrate court presided by Mrs. Victoria Isiguzo, on behalf of the government. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Accident: Okorocha leaves UK for Israel April 28, 2013 by Ozioma Ubabukoh, Enugu Governor Rochas Okorocha Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has left London where he was receiving medical treatment for Israel, SUNDAY PUNCH learnt on Saturday. Okorocha had left Nigeria on April 20, 2013, after he sustained a head injury in a car accident. When our correspondent made an enquiry from one of his aides on Friday it was learnt that Okorocha had left London for Israel. Okorocha’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Ebere Uzoukwa, confirmed that the governor had left London. “He has left London and he is doing very well. He is currently in Israel,” he said. Another top government official, who pleaded anonymity told SUNDAY PUNCH that the governor was in Israel for a second round of examination. Uzoukwa, however, denied that the governor moved to Israel on health grounds. “He only went to Israel to attend to certain matters and will be back soon,” he said. Okorocha was involved in a car crash on Orlu-Owerri Road in the state on April 19. The accident occurred when a Mercedes Benz 200 ran into the governor’s convoy and had a collision with his own car. Okorocha was on an inspection tour of projects in Orlu area when the crash occurred. “The accident led to a minor cut on the governor’s scalp,” Uzoukwa had said. He said Okorocha’s head was bandaged, but noted that he was stable and strong. Okorocha had said he would seek further medical attention due to the level of impact of the accident on him. “Although the accident left me with a cut and some minor injuries, I am fine. I will, however, seek further medical attention because of the degree of impact made by the crash,” the governor was quoted as saying after the crash. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Imo Assembly passes autonomous community bill . Wednesday, 24 April 2013 00:00 From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri IMO State House of Assembly on Tuesday in Owerri passed a bill on amended law on Imo State Autonomous Community Administration Law 2012. The bill, which was sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Mrs. Adaku Ihuoma, was passed after painstaking deliberations by the 27 members of the Assembly presided by the Speaker, Chief Benjamin Uwajimogu. The bill when assented to become law provides that the governor of Imo State is empowered to appoint members of the caretaker committee to manage the affairs of each of the autonomous communities in the 27 local councils of the state, numbering about 600, known as Autonomous Community Governing Council. The law provides that the Assembly would confirm the governor’s appointment in this regard. The committee members, according to the law, will manage the affairs of the communities in accordance with the provisions of the Autonomous Community Law. Sponsor of the bill, Ihuoma, said the law was necessary to avoid vacuum likely to cause break down of law and order in the communities, urging the caretaker committee members to be appointed to partner with the state government on projects execution. Elections scheduled last year December 15 by the state government for officials into the Community Government Council (CGC) was aborted due to court order. A clean copy of the bill is to be sent to the governor to assent. Author of this article: From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri .. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ EFCC arrests Imo commissioner, accountant April 19, 2013 by Kamarudeen Ogundele and Ozioma Ubabukoh Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, has arrested Imo State Commissioner for Finance, Okafor John, and the Accountant-General, Eche George. They were being detained as of press time at the commission’s office in Abuja. They were arrested on Wednesday. The arrest followed petitions written against them in connection with the over N1bn construction contract awarded to JPROS International Limited. Former Deputy Governor, Jude Agbaso, was recently impeached over the same contract. The anti-graft agency had in January quizzed the two over the allegation. They were later granted administrative bail after producing sureties. Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party in the South-East, has denied offering anyone N3bn to impeach Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State. Contrary to media reports, the South-East PDP also said it never contacted the Imo State House of Assembly Speaker, Mr. Benjamin Uwajumogu, to execute any impeachment plot. Uwajumogu had alleged that the PDP National Vice Chairman, South-East, Col. Austin Akobundu (retd.), alongside other persons, offered him N3bn to facilitate the impeachment of Okorocha. However, the party on Thursday said the allegation was “infantile, irresponsible and disingenuous.” A statement by Osita Igbe, Special Adviser to the South-East PDP National Vice Chairman, read, “It fits into an emerging picture of politics in Imo State since April 2011, which is based on dishonourable propaganda and flagrant disregard for the truth. “Assuming that such a plot even existed, there is no chance that Col. Akobundu, a former military officer, who knows the value of loyalty, would entrust it to a political turncoat like Uwajumogu.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PDP Chieftains offered me N3bn as bribe to impeach Okorocha- Uwajimogu Date Added: 2013-04-18 07:55:24 HON. BEN UWAJUMOGU The embattled Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Benjamin Uwajumogu, has revealed how the elder brother of the impeached Deputy Governor, Martin Agbaso, and some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), allegedly offered him N3 billion to impeach the State governor, Rochas Okorocha. Speaking during an interview with some journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Uwajumogu, alleged that Agbaso (Snr), millionaire business mogul, Emeka Offor, PDP National Vice Chairman, South-East, Col. Augustine Akobundu, and other high ranking PDP members, promised to give him the said amount of money if he would facilitate the impeachment of Okorocha to pave way for his deputy, Jude Agbaso, to become the governor of the State. According to Uwajumogu, “Sometime in August, last year, Chief Martin Agbaso, fondly called Ochudo, invited me for a meeting to assist me in the attempt by the PDP hierarchy from removing me from office. “I attended the meeting with him in Anambra State in the house of a high level member of the society, Sir Emeka Offor; we had other high ranking PDP members, including the current South-East National Vice Chairman of PDP Col. Augstine Akobundu. “I was shocked at the meeting. I was told that the Presidency has directed that impeachment proceedings be commenced against Governor Okorocha to remove him from office, so that the then Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso can take over. “The sum of N3 billion was offered to me and adequate protection. I now asked them to give me the evidence that was required to impeach the governor and up till today, they have not given me any required evidence”. The Speaker also debunked claims that the impeachment of the deputy governor was predetermined, stressing that, “I am actually surprised by some of the information being released by the Agbasos. “If there was any predetermined impeachment action, it was to be against the governor, which was to be sponsored by Martin Agbaso and the PDP, in line with the directives of the Presidency”. However when contacted, Akobundu said he is not aware of what he (Speaker) is talking about. In his words; “I am a member of the opposition in the State and can’t be talking about impeachment. PDP is concerned with restoring good governance in the State”. Also speaking, the State Public Relations Officer of the Party, Blyden Amajirionwu, described the Speaker’s claim as unfounded and total falsehood. He said: “The PDP is not interested in the impeachment of Okorocha because if he is impeached, the PDP will not takeover. “We are working to ensure that we win the next election and restore good governance in the State. “The PDP will remove Okorocha during the next general elections. We are not talking about impeachment”. In his reaction, Agbaso simply said, “I am not sure the Speaker can say anything like that”. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Diversion of N450m Bribe to Lebanon, Dubai Okorocha Breaks Silence “I Expect Imo Assembly, Not Traders to Query Me” . As Group Petitions Gov’s Aide, Akanno to Code of Conduct, EFCC Posted by admin on Apr 8th, 2013 and filed under Frontpage, News. Another dimension is beginning to emerge in the controversy surrounding the alleged N548m bribe which led to the impeachment of the Imo State Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso and his replacement with Prince Eze Madumere. It would be recalled that Agbaso was impeached for allegedly collecting N458m bribe from Joseph Dina of JPross, a firm handling road project in Imo. However, recent developments like the discovery that the N458m is in Dina’s account and has been transferred to his personal accounts in Lebanon and Durbar, continue to generate public reactions without the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha and members of his cabinet making an official reaction and statement. However, the State Governor was forced to speak on the matter by traders at the popular New Market on Douglas Road when one of them ask Okorocha during his visit to the market to react on the latest discovery that the N458m for which his former Deputy, Agbaso, was removed, has been traced to foreign account said to be owned by JPros. Okorocha while responding to the poser by the trader replied that he expects members of the Imo State House of Assembly to ask him such questions and not a trader in the market. The response sent shivers down the spines of the traders who were jolted by the response in New Market on Douglas Road, Owerri Meanwhile, concerned Imo citizens under various platforms have petitioned one of the JPross board directors and shareholders, Prince Macdonald Akano to the Code Conduct Bureau and Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions, EFCC. According to the details of the petition, the concerned Imolites are asking the Code of Conduct to prosecute Akano, who is Okorocha’s aide appointed to take charge of Project Monitoring and Implementation, for alleged perjury and failing to declare his shares in JPross in his Code of Conduct form for last year and this year. The petition requested Code of Conduct to verify why legal sanctions will not be visited on Akano for the alleged criminal act. The group also petitioned EFCC to investigate the involvement of the Governor’s aide taking into consideration the fact that Akano as a political appointee is also a shareholder and board member of a company that allegedly defrauded Imo State Government to the time of N900m, considering the value of the contract executed so far by JPross. While the group is worried that Akano has not denied his involvement in the whole affair, the concerned Imolites who petitioned EFCC and Code of Conduct Bureau, also accused the State Governor for keeping mute and maintaining incriminating silence over the involvement of his aide and disappearance of the N458 said to have been a bribe allegedly collected by his sacked Deputy Governor. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Uwajumogu Declares War on Okorocha For Dumping Him As D Governor Candidate Posted by admin on Apr 8th, 2013 and filed under Frontpage, News. The Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Benjamin Uwajumogu is said to be very angry with the Governor of the State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. Reason: The number one Lawmaker is said to have felt “used and dumped” by Okorocha who was alleged to have promised to appoint him the Deputy Governor, the moment his former Deputy, Sir Jude Agbaso was impeached from Office. However, Uwajumogu was shocked, pained and sad that after the exercise, he was dumped, and another person appointed. According to impeccable sources to this Newspaper, immediately the plot to remove Jude Agbaso was hatched, the first person to be contacted by the powers that be about the conspiracy was the Speaker, Hon Uwajumogu, who asked what would be his reward, and was assured the Deputy Governorship position. It was learnt that, Uwajumogu who was and is still facing the risk of losing his seat through cross-carpeting accusation, was implored to finish the assignment, and he would be Deputy Governor, and be free of the issue of his decamping to APGA from PDP. Following this promise, Uwajumogu was said to have given the impeachment project of Jude Agbaso everything, including lobbying his colleagues to expedite action on the plot. Uwajumogu got more elated when his name was continuously bandied about by the press as a possible candidate to replace Agbaso. This development spurred on the Ihitte Uboma born Politician, who started seeing himself as a prospective Deputy Governor. Therefore, with the speed of light, the matter when it got to the Assembly went so fast, from the Simeon Iwunze Committee, to the indictment of Agbaso, without even penalizing the contractor who agreed openly of giving out a bribe running into millions of naira. Eventually, Jude Agbaso was impeached, and Uwajumogu was very excited that minutes shortly after Agbaso’s removal, the Governor presented an envelop to the Assembly containing the name of Agbaso’s successor. However, believing that the name in the envelop was his, Uwajumogu immediately convened a meeting in his office, where he told members that they must finish the exercise in order not to create a vacuum, which may give room for chaos in the state. But Uwajumogu nearly fainted when he opened the letter in the presence of the members only to discover the name of Prince Eze Madumere, and was confused, but the members who were already “settled” for the whole exercise went on to clear the name of Madumere pronto. Since then, Uwajumogu has not recovered from the shock, and been scarce in circulation, even as sources said he is “warming up” to have his own pound of flesh from Okorocha whenever the opportunity presents itself. Unfortunately for the ambitious Uwajumogu, Trumpeta learnt that Okorocha is no more comfortable with Uwajumogu, as he senses that the Speaker may “retaliate”, and therefore has penciled Uwajumogu as the next target to kiss the dust, after deposing Jude Agbaso. Trumpeta reliably learnt that very soon, Uwajumogu will face the greatest challenge in his political career, as the Speaker of the State Assembly as the grand plot to remove him will commence soon. “The fund, available allegations and mechanisms to remove Uwajumogu are already in place. He will not last June this month” a reliable source told Trumpeta. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Agbaso, Imo state deputy governor sacked Agbaso, Imo state deputy governor sacked Published on March 28, 2013 by pmnews · •Sir Jude Agbaso: removed from office The Imo state House of Assembly, in the eastern part of Nigeria, has impeached the deputy governor, Mr. Jude Agbaso. Effectively, he has been removed from office. According to reports, a new deputy governor has been named. He is Prince Eze Madumere, the present chief of staff to the governor. Twenty five of the 26 members of the house voted for the impeachment, hours after a judicial panel probing the allegation against him, dismissed Agbaso’s bid to stop the impeachment. The Chairman of the Panel, Justice Godwin Ihekire, announced the rejection while ruling on the request on Thursday in Owerri, saying the request lacked merit and therefore the panel would continue with the investigation. The judicial panel of inquiry was set up on March 23 by the Chief Judge of Imo State. The panel is charged with the task of investigating the N458 million bribe allegedly given to the deputy governor by a construction company (J-Bros Ltd). Agbaso, in a letter to the panel through his counsel, claimed that he was not served any summons on the matter. He also drew the attention of the panel to two law suits he instituted at the Imo High Court on the “purported impeachment against me.” “From the foregoing, it is clear that I am not only challenging the purported steps or actions leading to the constitution of your panel but also challenging the appointment/constitution of your panel by the Chief Judge of Imo State. Since we are in a constitutional democracy where the rule of law ought to be upheld, all activities and or proceedings of your panel ought to automatically terminate or be suspended as a mark of respect to the State High Court, before which the suits are pending.” However, the counsel to the Imo Assembly, Mr Niyi Akintola (SAN), argued that the panel was not party to any suit in any court in Nigeria regarding the deputy governor. Akintola described the letter as premature and urged the panel to proceed with the investigation. He said that the deputy governor could not claim to be ignorant of the panel when he had instituted two suits urging the court to stop his impeachment process. Akintola explained that the panel was constituted by law and that Section 101 and 102 of the Constitution permits State Houses to regulate its proceedings and that ignorance is no excuse in law. “The letter holds no water. It is not binding on you (panel). You are not party to any suit in any court and have no need to adjourn because of the letter but to proceed with the investigation,” he said. The impeachment was predicated on an allegation that the deputy governor collected a bribe of N458 million from a contractor in the state. Mr. Agbaso consistently denied the allegation and also claimed that the move was connected with the impending 2015 election. Agbaso and Governor Rochas Okorocha were elected on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA in 2011. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Imo deputy gov, Agbaso, impeached •Okorocha’s Chief of Staff, Madumere, to step in Written by Idowu Samuel and Joe Nwachukwu - Owerri Friday, 29 March 2013 02:07 THE Imo state House of Assembly on Thursday impeached the state’s Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso on alleged misappropriation of the sum of N485 million following the conclusion of an investigation on the allegations levelled against him by a seven-man panel With the impeachment, which took place at the close of working hours, it is now certain that the Chief Of staff to the state governor, Prince Eze Madumere would replace Agbaso, having been nominated already by the governor. Madumere may be sworn in next week after an approval by the House. Madumere, 48, hails from the family of His Royal Highness, Eze Henry Anorue Madumere and Ugoeze Malinda Madumere of Achi Mbieri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State. Meanwhile, the impeached Deputy Governor who was absent at the hearing by the Investigative Panel which sat at the Council of Traditional Rulers’ Secretariat Owerri, had earlier sent a protest letter through his lawyer, Emperor Iwuala, claiming he has not been served any summons as stipulated by law. Agbaso in the letter duly signed by him challenged the appointment and constitution of the panel by the Chief Judge of Imo State and the subsequent unlawful inauguration and swearing in of the chairman and members of the panel. He said that since the matter to be investigated are subjudice it behoves on the panel to respect the pendency of the suit by allowing the law to take its course, adding that doing otherwise will amount to pre-empting the decision of the High Court in the two pending suits. The House of Assembly which is the second witness represented by their counsel, Niyi Akintola tendered all necessary and certified documents including two votes and proceedings of Imo State House of Assembly number 42 and 44 that preceeds the issuance of notice of impeachment to the deputy governor. Akintola also tendered two affidavits of service confirming that the deputy governor was served by the House of Assembly before the panel. Reacting to the letter tendered by the deputy governor, Akintola intimated the panel that the suit 174 filed by the former deputy governor had been dismissed on Thursday, March 28, 2013 at the Owerri High Court, few hours before the panel hearing. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- PDP Legal Adviser Petitions EFCC . Says JPros Owner runs Restaurant in Jos, Imo Speaker owns an Asphalt Plant. (See full details of Aksolisa’s petition to Anti-Graft Commission) Posted by admin on Mar 14th, 2013 and filed under Frontpage, News. An alarming revelation emerged yesterday in the N458 million naira contract scam involving the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Sir Jude Agbaso when Barr C.O.C Akaolisa, Legal Adviser to the PDP, alleged that JPros is a contractor who runs a restaurant. In his petition to the EFCC/ICPC which was made available to Imo Trumpeta, Akaolisa said “the contractor who runs a restaurant as a business is not known to have done any road contract anywhere in Nigeria. His only qualification is that he is a close friend and partner of the Imo State First Lady, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha”. Part of Akaolisa’s petition reads “Thus he was merely used as a conduit to fraudulently withdraw money from the government coffers to be shared. The Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso took N458 million representing 40% of the contract value”. He stressed that the probe of the Deputy Governor of Imo has exposed the various schemes perfected by the Okorocha administration to unwholesomely divert public funds. He said that this act geared towards sharing public funds as largesse, was done through phantom award of road contracts without any contract document. He picked holes in the award of a 3 kilometer road at the cost of N1 billion naira, at N400 (four hundred million naira) per kilometer. According to him “this award did not have project design, no advertisement, no bidding, no bills of quantities, no tender at all, no evidence of prequalification of contractor, no provision for the project in the state budget and no exco waver”. He continued “In addition, 100% payment was made without performance bond nor advance payment guarantee in contravention of the Imo State Financial Instruction I & II, Imo state Public Procurement Law (Due process Law, Fiscal Responsibility Law, Imo State and the Public Procurement Act 2007”. Akaolisa requested that those directly or indirectly connected with the phantom contract such as the contractor, Mr. Joseph Dina, MD/CEO JPros International Nigeria Ltd, the Deputy Governor of Imo state, the Principal Secretary to the Governor, Dr Paschal Obi, the Accountant General of the State, George Eche, the Commissioner for Finance, Deacon Chike Okafor, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Mr. Alex Nebedum, the Director of Civil, Ministry of Works, Engr. Egbuka, Chief Okey Nwosu, (aka 101), the biological brother to Imo State First Lady who procured the contractor, the Imo State First Lady, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Eze Madumere should be investigated and accordingly prosecuted. The PDP Legal Adviser also called on the anti-graft agency to look into the state government approval for the sum of N256.6 million for payment to phantom contractors purported to be engaged in non-existent road contracts in Onuimo LGA. He alleged that “these payments were made on the 24th of April, 2012, long before the incorporation of some of the beneficiaries of the contract namely; Elason Global Enterprises, Incorporated on the 24th of December, 2012, Lufranza Engineering Services Company Incorporated on the 13th of December, 2012 and Elason General Supplies Company with no evidence of Incorporation. One wonders how a state government should award road construction work to unregistered companies if not to deceive the people and steal their money”. Akaolisa insisted that “there is nothing anywhere in Imo state to justify the payment of 40% advance as claimed by the governor for some projects in the state such as Imo Towers of 1,000 Housing Units targeted at High Network Individuals and Imo Citizens in Diaspora, the Ecumenical Centre known as Amarachi, the Magnificent Towers known as Akachi, the Five-Star Crystal Hotel, Ultra Modern Shopping Malls, Multilever Car Parks, Ultra Modern Judiciary Headquarters and Princess Hotel, Okigwe. The Legal Adviser took a swipe at the Imo State House of Assembly for maintaining graveyard silence being perpetrated by the Executive, saying it is a clear indication of criminal conspiracy and collusion to loot public funds. He further maintained that “it is now an open secret that the Honourable Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly awards road construction contracts in the state and has even installed his own Asphalt Plant in Owerri where almost all the asphalt used in the construction in the state are procured”. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Okorocha breached due process in awarding contract – Agbaso March 21, 2013 by Ade Adesomoju Leave a Comment Imo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Jude Agbaso www.imostate.gov.ng Imo State Deputy Governor, Jude Agbaso, on Wednesday accused Governor Rochas Okorocha of breaching due process in awarding the controversial N1.15bn road contract in the state. Agbaso is alleged to have received N458m bribe from a contractor, JPros Nig. Ltd, the cause for which the state House of Assembly has begun an impeachment proceeding against him. Addressing reporters in Lagos, Agbaso, who used to double as the state Commissioner for Works, denied collecting bribe from the firm or any other contractor in the state. He noted that the governor negotiated and awarded the contract in February 2012 without his knowledge. He said, “The contract in question that one JPros Nigeria Ltd was executing in Imo State was approved by the Governor of Imo State. It was really negotiated by the Governor, my boss, Owelle Rochas Okorocha. “While the approval was given, I was not really in the country. The Principal Secretary to my governor conveyed the direct approval of the contract and payments of the sum of N1.151bn to the Commissioner for Finance, who directed the Accountant General to make payments. “Also, recall that I had stated earlier that the normal process was that when such approvals are made, the money is paid into the coffers of the state Ministry of Works where due processes is now applied. Certificates will be raised based on those vouchers. “There are ways contracts are negotiated and awarded. Where the establishment in Imo State chooses to do it differently; where the governor makes the approval differently, I cannot control.” Describing the allegation of collecting bribe from the contractor as “laughable”, Agbaso maintained that he was an innocent man. He challenged the police and other anti-corruption agencies to wade into the matter, saying their investigation would reveal his innocence. He also denied having any link “directly or indirectly” with the companies or accounts into which the bribe was paid. Agbaso said the police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission, should be able to “establish who the actual promoters of the companies and accounts are”. “Such information can be sought to determine if there is a nexus or connection between these companies and my person directly or indirectly,” he said. However, the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Chinedu Offor, said Agbaso ought to be blamed if due process was not followed in awarding the contract. He said, “As the commissioner for works what did he do on realizing that due process was not followed? “He authorised the letter that requested the governor to approve the payment and so he has a question to answer as to his duties.” ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Impeachment moves against Agbaso •As Imo Chief Judge constitutes panel to probe him •Deputy Governor heads to court Written by Idowu Samuel- Asaba Sunday, 17 March 2013 00:00 The plot to impeach the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Sir Jude Agbaso, has reached a crescendo as the Chief Judge of Imo State, Hon Justice Benjamin A. Njemanze, has constituted a seven-man panel to investigate the allegations of misconduct brought against him by state House of Assembly. The particulars of allegations against Agbaso, signed by the Chief Judge, said that Sir Agbaso, with intent to enrich himself, did cause Mr Joseph Dina of JPROS international Nigeria Limited to transfer N458 million in instalments to two different accounts on the promise to award him two 15-kilometre roads in rural areas. The payment of the amount, observed the Chief Judge, led to the abandonment of contract awarded to the contactor who subsequently complained of lack of funds, whereas the deputy governor was unable to award the said two contracts to Messer JPROS international Nigeria Limited. He said that one of the allegations levelled against the deputy governor was that he received a Porsche from Messer Joseph Dina in February which conduct he said, amounted to gross misconduct. The deputy governor was accused of failing to ensure that Messer JPROS earned necessary certificate of payment of re-negotiated N1.150 billion in favour of JPROS, knowing that the governor’s approval means “approval and release” of money to the contractor, an action amounting to a gross misconduct. According to the Chief Judge, the panel would be inaugurated on March 19, 2013 at the Court Hall of the chief judge. Meanwhile, the Imo State Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso has dragged Imo State House of Assembly to Court over the bribe allegation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A deputy governor in the eye of the storm Written by Saturday, 16 March 2013 00:00 KUNLE ODEREMI and JOE NWACHUKWU write on the theatrics characterising the fierce political battle in Imo State between the deputy governor and the House of Assembly. Imo and Taraba states are caught in a similar cobweb. In case of the former, the state deputy governor is in the crucible over allegations of impropriety. In the latter, an impeached deputy governor is cooling his feet in the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja over a similar problem But while the Imo State deputy governor, Mr Jude Agbaso, is enjoying the privilege of fighting back while retaining his seat, his Taraba State colleague, Alhaji Sanni Abubakar Danladi, is fighting the political battle of his life from outside the corridors of power, having been removed from office last year by the state House of Assembly. However, the Imo case is more intriguing because of the admixture of melodrama, hyper politics and hide-and-seek among the dramatis personae. At a time, the embattled deputy governor temporarily relocated to Abuja, claiming his life was under threat. From there, he tried to open a can of worms in what is becoming the greatest battle in his political career so far. He did not only describe the allegations against him as lies, but also insinuated that he was a victim of blackmail by perceived adversaries ahead of the next governorship election. So far, there are four main forces involved in what critics see as naked dance in the market square. One comprises the loyalists of the deputy governor; another is the legislature, the third appears to be the executive arm of government and the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). Agbaso says he is a victim of harassment, persecution and harassment. The House claims he is culpable in a N438 million contract bribery. The executive absolves itself from the matter and has advised Agbaso to bear his cross, while APGA is accusing some extant forces of instigating the crisis. Specifically, the party has pointed fingers at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Throughout last week, reports that he had thrown in the towel ran in the social media. But he described the report of his purported resignation as the handiwork of his traducers and denied the allegation of taking a bribe from any one or firm. But after the report of the ad-hoc committee set up by the assembly that probed activities of Mr Agbaso, it has been a ding-dong affair in the political circle of Imo State, as the deputy governor doubled as the Commissioner for Works and Transport. The six-member committee, in its report, had alleged that Agbaso received a kickback to the tune of N458 million from a contractor handling some road projects in the state. The assembly concluded its sitting on the report on March 7 and announced the commencement of impeachment proceedings against the deputy governor. From the onset, the deputy governor had maintained what his supporters described as a dignified silence over the allegation. According to them, he felt unperturbed because he believed he was innocent of the allegation. But he soon broke his silence as the allegation became widespread in official and unofficial circles. The deputy governor has consistently stated that there was a subsisting agreement between his elder brother, Chief Martin Agbaso and Governor Rochas Okorocha to hand over power to the people of Owerri zone in 2015, adding that he was caught in the web of these political players in the state. “I have stories about the speculation of who runs in 2015. I know that there is a subsisting agreement which is in public domain in Imo State between my elder brother, who happens to be a politician and Governor Rochas Okorocha to hand over government to the people of Owerri zone by 2015. I am caught in the web between these two powerful political players in the state. I think sooner or later, the truth will emerge,” he said. “I have kept quiet all along, but felt it is time to state my own side of the story so that all that people hear about me would not be taken as true. I am not the governor and do not award contracts and there is no way bribe for contract award should be channelled to me. The facts are there to exonerate me from any charges being brought up now. If the House wants to impeach me, it should do it in a tidy manner and not trump up vain claims and charges. I know the House has possibly made up its mind to get me out of the way, but the world should know that it is politics and I did no wrong or took any bribe,” he added. The deputy governor has equally spoken on the issue of his purported resignation from office, asserting that his mandate from the electorate remained sacrosanct. “At this point, it has become absolutely necessary that I speak to the people of Imo State,who freely gave me their mandate that ushered me in as the deputy governor of Imo State. I owe them a duty at this point in time in the history of our state, given what is going on, to let them know what has actually transpired. I put it on record and very categorically that at no point in time have I contemplated ever resigning as the deputy governor of Imo State. As I stated earlier, the mandate was freely and massively given to me by the people of Imo State, who I still owe duties today. So, I never resigned and I do not intend to resign and I will continue to serve the people of Imo State as long as their mandate subsists.” But he has gone beyond making those clarifications. He has not only rejected the probe and its report, but he is strongly demanding an independent investigation into the allegation of his involvement in the alleged contract scam. He believes he is a victim of political blackmail and harassment. He says: “I have not been indicted by the police or the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) or any other related agency, so, why will the House prosecute me for a contract I did not award or pay for.” Some groups have joined the fray by either standing by the side of the embattled deputy governor or the assembly on the allegation. One of such groups is the Conference of Imo Progressive Youths (CIPY), which is backing the lawmakers on the probe of Agbaso. On another hand, the leader of another group called the Owerri Zone Political Forum (OZOPOF), Chief Charles Amadi, who led other members of the group on a solidarity visit to the Agbaso family, called for a proper investigation into the matter. He said though the group was not in support of corrupt practices, the assembly should spread its dragnet to all the parties mentioned in the allegation so that no one would be punished unjustly. Following the passing of a vote of no confidence by the assembly, some quarters are insinuating that Okorocha was indeed the mastermind of the plan to impeach his deputy. The camp of Agbaso believed that it was part of a ploy to tarnish his image and replace him with his Chief of Staff, Prince Eze Madumer, who hails from Owerri zone, the constituency of the deputy governor. But the state chapter of APGA has accused the presidency and the PDP of instigating the crisis in the assembly. Its state chairman, Mr Marshal Okafor-Anyanwu, said: “We recall that Chief Rochas Okorocha, a few days ago, suspended his overseas trip to intervene when events as regards this subject matter almost assumed a very negative direction. We, are, therefore, surprised with the way and manner the presidency and national leadership of the PDP unexpectedly showed interest in the matter and subsequently declared support for the deputy governor, who is not a member of the PDP. However, we gathered that the 12 PDP lawmakers in the state legislature, summoned to Abuja a few days ago, met with the national chairman of the party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur; and Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Chief Tony Anenih, at NICON Hilton, where the lawmakers were told in clear terms not to participate in the ongoing investigation on corrupt allegation against the deputy governor. This position is an aftermath of Chief Martin Agbaso’s recent deal with the PDP. The senior Agbaso had as part of the moves to save his younger brother, struck a deal with the PDP, promising to remain in APGA as against his earlier intention to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). For weeks, the various camps have been able to sustain the blame game. Who blinks first? Only time will tell. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PRESS RELEASE – Sir Jude Agbaso served Impeachment Notice Editor | March 13, 2013 | The Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) has finally served the deputy Governor Sir Jude Agbaso an Impeachment Notice. They claim he has note been seen in his office or official residence; hence, their decision to serve him in through the print and electronic media. Imo people are watching…. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ PRESS RELEASECategory: Special Announcements | Date Added: 2013-03-12 06:27:48 RT.HON BEN UWAJUMOGU The attention of the Imo State House of Assembly has been drawn to series of publications in National and State based Newspapers insinuating that the travail of the State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Sir jude Agbaso is not connected to failed and abandoned contracts but politically motivated. Ordinarily, the Imo State House of Assembly would not have bordered to join issues with the said publications but in order to set the record straight so that members of the public will understand the issues at stake, we state as follows: 1.That a State and Local Government Joint Monitoring Committee was established about six months ago to monitor the construction of roads in the three Zones of the State 2.That His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso as the then Commissioner for Works and Transport worked with the Committee and even inspected project Sites together. 3.That the State and Local Government Joint Monitoring Committee led by Hon. Bro. Stan Dara submitted their Report on the Floor of the House in February 2013. 4.That the Report of the State and Local Government Joint Monitoring Committee indicted the following Construction Companies. a.Timik Nig. Ltd b.J-Pros International Nigeria Ltd. c.And Others. 5.That due to the indictment of the afore-mentioned Construction Companies, another Special Adhoc Committee led by Hon. Barr. Simeon Iwunze was set-up to find out why the Construction Companies failed or abandoned their project Sites. 6.That the Special Committee invited the Companies to Room 201 (Conference Hall, Imo State House of Assembly) and questioned them on why they abandoned their Sites. 7.That in the cause of interaction and investigation, J-Pros International Nigeria Ltd (Mr. Joseph Dina, its Managing Director) confessed that they abandoned their Site because the Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso demanded and collected the sum of N458 million Naira only from him. 8.That the Committee thereafter invited Sir Jude Agbaso, and from the interview, the House found enough evidence and collaboration. It is therefore mischievous, sacrilegious and cheap blackmail for anybody or indeed group of person to try to divert attention from the real issues at stake. For the avoidance of doubt, the travails of His Excellency, Sir Jude Agbaso has nothing to do with 2015 rivalry, ethnic and zonal politics or indeed weeping up undue sentiments. The Imo State House of Assembly will therefore not allow external forces to influence its Constitutional duties. Imo Must Be Better Signed: Hon. Dr. Acho Ihim Chairman House Committee on Information ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I have NOT resigned; Why Okorocha is after me –Imo Deputy gov. The Imo State Deputy Governor, Chief Jude Agbaso has denied the allegation by the state House of Assembly that he took bribe from a contractor to award him contract. Agbaso whom the House is threatening with impeachment said during the weekend in Imo State that he never had any encounter with the contractor or collected any money from him. He rather said that he knew why the Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha wanted him out of the way. His claim was that the fight targeted at him was all about the 2015 gubernatorial race in the state. “The truth is that I am a victim of power play between two powerful political figures. I heard that there was an agreement reached between my elder brother, Chief Martin Agbaso that the governor should be in office for one tenure and give way for him to contest. It is possible the agreement is about to be breached and the best they want to make sure I am out of the office at all costs.” He denied every allegation of wrong-doing and also challenged the House to confront him with evidence of the bribe allegation. Agbaso also said the rumour of his resignation was unfounded as he never contemplated resigning and was still in his office and with all official paraphernalia. While addressing journalists, he said after the long battle and political gaming “ I feel it a duty to address formally the good people of Imo State who gave me their mandate a litle less than two years ago to be their deputy governor and set the records straight that all the allegations of wrong-doing against me that have been the issue for some time are completely false and unfounded. I have kept quiet all along but felt it is time to state my side of the story so that all that people hear about me would not be taken as true. “I am not the governor and do not award contracts and there is no way bribe for contract award should be channeled to me.” Agbaso also said that even after the contractor, as he heard, was quizzed on the allegation that he denied any involvement with him or did give him money as inducement to win a contract. “The facts are there to exonerate me of any charges being brought up now. If the House wants to impeach me, it should do it in a tidy way and not trump up vain claims and charges. I know that the House has possibly made up their mind to get me out of the way but the world should know that it is politics and I did no wrong or took any bribe.” Meanwhile, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Chinedu Offor, has denied that Agbaso had resigned. In a statement issued yesterday, Offor said, “the attention of the Imo State Government has been drawn to gross inaccuracies and outright lies by some section of the media about recent events as it concerns the ongoing investigation of corruption levelled against the Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso by a Lebanese contractor J-Pros. “I wish to state that contrary to reports in the media, the deputy governor continues to carry out the responsibilities of his office and in fact, joined Governor Okorocha on inspection of projects around the state on Friday, when speculations were rife that he has been impeached or that his office has been sealed off. “These deliberate attempts by some paid agents masquerading as media practitioners speak volumes of the level of desperation of some forces to overheat the polity and drag Governor Okorocha into what is essentially an attempt by the IMHA to determine the veracity of an allegation made against a senior government official in line with Governor Okorocha’s agenda of zero tolerance for corruption. “In fact, at the invitation of Sir Jude, Governor Okorocha has severally postponed his planned trip to wade into the matter with a view of finding out the truth through a process that is fair, lawful and constitutional. It is, therefore, mischievous and unprofessional for some section of the media to accuse Governor Okorocha of being behind the travails of the deputy governor. It is a known fact that Governor Okorocha lacks the powers to interfere in the constitutional duties of the IMHA and should not be linked to the ongoing investigation. Governor Okorocha’s interest remains to ensure Sir Jude gets the opportunity to prove his innocence. This is consistent with the zero tolerance policy on corruption of the Rescue Mission administration,” Offor said. Culled from The Sun ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Imo: APGA unveils plot to sack Okorocha, speaker All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Imo State has alleged a plot by the Presidency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to sack Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha and to distort the activities of the Imo State House of Assembly. The party also alleged plans to promote disaffection in the ranks of the state government and if possible execute the long conceived agenda of impeaching the Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Mr Benjamin Uwajimogu . In a statement signed by Prince Marshal Okafor Anyanwu, state chairman, the party said: “This ill-conceived move is not unconnected with the ongoing investigation by the state legislature over allegation of financial gratification leveled against the Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso by one of the major contractors handling the state government road projects. “Governor Rochas Okorocha, a few days suspended his oversee trip to intervene, when events as regards to this subject matter almost assumed a negative direction. “We are, therefore, surprise with the way and manner the Presidency and national leadership of the PDP unexpectedly showed interest on the matter and subsequently declared support for the Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso, who is not a member of the PDP. “However, we gathered that the 12 PDP lawmakers in the state legislature summoned to Abuja a few days ago, met with the National Chairman of the party and its Board of Trustee Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur and Chief Tony Anenih at Nicon Hilton, where the lawmakers were told in clear terms not to participate in the ongoing investigation on corrupt allegation against the deputy governor. “According to our source, this position was an aftermath of Chief Martin Agbaso’s recent deal with the PDP. The senior Agbaso had as part of the clandestine moves to save his younger brother, struck a deal with the PDP promising to remain in APGA as against his earlier intention to join the All Progressive Congress (APC). He also pledged to work for the PDP presidential candidate in 2015, which President Goodluck is favored to pick. “The lawmakers, our source further hinted, also met with the Political Adviser to the President, Alhaji Ali Gulak and National Vice Chairman of PDP, South-East, Col Akobundu (retd) in another location also in Abuja and were mandated to support the deputy governor even if he was found guilty of the allegation. They were also ordered to strategise and actualise the impeachment of the Speaker, Benjamin Uwajimogu and Governor Rochas Okorocha as both were perceived to be their problem and not the deputy governor.” Culled from The Sun ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- BREAKING NEWS: Imo State Deputy Governor Resigns The Deputy Governor of Imo State Chief Jude Agbaso has officially tendered his resignation letter as Deputy Governor of the state. The move is calculated to avoid the impeachment hammer looming over his head and which had gone to committee stage to be concluded by next week. This move is motivated by the need for the man to leave the Deputy Governor’s office and continue to be entitled to all honour and entitlements accruable to a former Deputy Governor of the State. However, it remains to be seen whether the letter would be accepted by the Governor, Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, as his fate now lies at his mercy now. If the Governor and members of IMHA rejects the resignation, they may go ahead with the impeachment moves which will totally obliterate Jude Agbaso’s name from history of people to live with the honour and entitlement of a former Deputy Governor. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Governor Okorocha reshuffles cabinet after merger of MinistriesCategory: Date Added: 2013-02-07 09:30:34 HIS EXCELLENCY, OWELLE ROCHAS OKOROCHA Governor Rochas Okorocha has approved the first phase of a minor cabinet reshuffle and merge of ministries designed to enhance service delivery and keep the ‘Rescue Mission’ train on track. As part of the plan announced after the Executive Council meeting today, some Commissioners swapped positions while others are to head merged ministries. According to a press statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Chinedu Offor,: The former Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Nick Opara Ndudu is now the Commissioner for Works and Transport. Mr. Uche Nwosu is now the Commissioner for Lands and Housing. Barrister [Mrs.] Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro, former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, is now the Commissioner for Community Government. Mr Chinedu Offor is now the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism. Professor Chima Iwuchukwu former Commissioner for Community Government is now the Commissioner for Planning. Dr. Iheanyi Nwachukwu former Commissioner for Special Duties is now the Commissioner for Public Utilities, Public Safety and Youths Empowerment. Prince Charles Onuoha who was the Commissioner for Housing is now Commissioner for Special Duties. Governor Okorocha has also approved the appointment of former Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Ichie Best Mbanaso as the new Deputy Chief of Staff. He is also to oversee the activities at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- EFCC summons Imo House Clerk . Wednesday, 23 January 2013 00:00 From Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri News - National .OFFICIALS of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stormed the Imo State House of Assembly, Owerri, capital of Imo State, Wednesday and quizzed the Clerk of the Assembly, Chris Duru, a lawyer. Though The Guardian could not get across to the Speaker, Chief Benjamin Uwajimogu, for comments as he was said to be outside the country, the media aide of the Speaker, Mr. Samuelson Iwuoha, confirmed to The Guardian that “the officials of the agency were in the Assembly to do their job, and never arrested Duru.” He said that the House Clerk was only invited to Abuja and he had gone to honour the invitation. Said he: “Yes, they are doing their job. The Clerk was not arrested, but he was invited to Abuja and he has gone. They have the right to visit any arm of government. Don’t mind those who are carrying the rumours that they came for house members.” Recently, both the Imo State government and the Speaker of the House, Uwajimogu, believed that the agency was on a political mission to Imo rather than the real legal job assigned to it. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- N62 BILLION FRAUD: GROUPS CALL FOR OHAKIM’S ARREST AND PROSECUTIONCategory: Special | Date Added: 2013-01-17 10:49:08 EX-GOVERNOR IKEDI OHAKIM Commercial activities in Owerri the Imo State capital was grounded for several hours today when hundreds of members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), women and youth groups and artisans staged a peaceful protest in Owerri, demanding for the immediate arrest of Chief Ikedi Ohakim by the Economic and Financial crimes Commission (EFCC). This action by the groups came few days after the report of Imo State Account Reconciliation from June 2007 to May 2011 was made public. The Accounts Reconcilation Committee uncovered a total of N62 billion naira fraud by the past administration under Ex-governor Ikedi Ohakim. The groups bemoaned the massive fraud and corruption by Ohakim and some chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Speaking on behalf of the NURTW in the State upon the arrival of the protesting groups at the Government House, Owerri, the Chairman, Comrade Chukwuemeka Obuh said that “it is regrettable that someone would spend years as governor of a State without any visible project to speak for the administration.” In addition to the need to recover the billions of naira allegedly stolen by the former Governor, Comrade Chukwuemeka Obuh called for the confiscation of the properties acquired by him and his partners in crime. Obuh said the union will not hesitate to ground movement in the State by shutting down all motor parks if EFCC fails to arrest Ohakim within 21 days. Also speaking on behalf of women in the State, Tina Abike said Ohakim’s arrest is long overdue considering the massive fraud and corruption that characterized his administration. She warned against moves to shield Ohakim from facing the full wrath of the law, adding that women in the State will consider going naked if EFCC continues to delay the arrest of the former governor. In the same vein, Comrade Okereke Emmanuel Ike said Imo youths will support every move by Governor Rochas Okorocha-led administration to recover all funds stolen by Ohakim and his cohorts. He wondered why EFCC is still foot-dragging in arresting the former governor whose fraudulent activities in government is quite alarming. In his response, Governor Okorocha urged them not to take laws into their hands as government has implicit confidence in EFCC and other anti-graft agencies to bring the former governor to book. He reassured that his administration will ensure that funds looted within the period by the former governor will be recovered for further development of the State. Governor Okorocha reiterated that his administration will remain focused in the ongoing transformation of the State as well as deliver on his electoral promises. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OHAKIM’S KINSMEN BACK ROCHAS’ MOVE TO RECOVER STOLEN FUNDSCategory: News Update | Date Added: 2012-12-07 13:23:20 OHAKIM’S KINSMEN BACK ROCHAS A group of political leaders from Isiala Mbano Local Government Area (former governor Ohakim’s LGA) led by Sen.B C Agunanne has declared its support for the efforts being made by Rochas Okorocha – led government to recover funds looted by the past administration in Imo State. The group took this decision less than 48hrs after Governor Okorocha addressed a group known as Joint Action Group (JAG), comprising of tricycle operators, motor mechanics, transporters and artisans who had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum for Ohakim's probe at the House of Assembly Complex, Owerri. During his address to the Joint Action Group, Governor Okorocha said that government has decided to make public the activities of the former governor within 14 days. Said he; "Let me inform you the decision of the present administration to bring justice to bear following your protest over the activities of the past administration. Nobody has negotiated to cover the activities of ex-governor Ohakim within the four years he governed the State, rather it may interest you to know that the panel set up to look into the activities of the former governor has just presented its report. Within the remaining 14 days of your ultimatum, we shall make Ohakim's activities in Government House known to the public". Governor Okorocha who expressed dismay that ex-governor Ikedi Ohakim did only 3 uncompleted projects and a total of 87 kilometer of roads, also uncompleted, in four years said that government will ensure that the funds stashed away by the former governor are recovered for the development of the State. In his words, "I want to thank you for your patience so far. Honestly, I agree with you that it is worrisome that Ohakim did only 3 uncompleted projects in four years and 87 kilometer of uncompleted roads project. So, the money must be somewhere and if that money is recovered, it will help to make health-care services free in addition to the free education programme". He urged them to be law-abiding as the security agencies and other relevant authorities are set to ensure that the former governor faces the full wrath of the law. Earlier, the leader of the group, Rev. (Mrs) Ngozi Amadi, said they are disappointed that the State government is yet to take position on the former governor after it issued a 21-day ultimatum last week. She said "Your Excellency, instead of arresting and trying Ohakim, we have his men still gallivanting and threatening fire and brimstone. Our leadership has been receiving threatening calls but never will that derail our call for justice. If this is democracy, then we have every right to call our leaders and ask for what is reasonably attainable. It is true that we commend your revolutionary feat in transforming our State; we surely will not rest on our oars until those who looted our treasury are brought to book". Rev Amadi maintained that ex-governor Ikedi Ohakim's squandered public funds on non-existent Oak Refinery, Midwest Airline, Dredging of Nwaorie River, Oguta Lake Resort as well as diverted substantial sum of the N18.5 Billion Bond. She, however, lamented that it has become worrisome and insulting to hear Ohakim claiming that he invested N25.7 Billion on President Goodluck Jonathan during his election as such would not be arrested by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC). . ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- US & Canada In 7 November 2012 Last updated at 10:17 ET Obama: "I have never been more hopeful" Continue reading the main story US Presidential Election 2012America reacts Live [/news/world-us-canada-20009190] Democrats hold Senate [/news/world-us-canada-20231832] World impact [/news/world-20233941] States approve same-sex marriage [/news/world-us-canada-20233841] US President Barack Obama has pledged "the best is yet to come", after a decisive re-election victory over Republican challenger Mitt Romney. After a hard-fought campaign which highlighted America's political divide, Mr Obama pledged, as he did four years ago, to work with his opponents. Mr Romney echoed that call for unity as he graciously admitted defeat. Voters also left the Democrats in charge of the Senate and Republicans leading the House of Representatives. In the electoral college, the state-by-state tally that determines US presidential elections, Mr Obama has won 303 electoral votes to Mr Romney's 206. 'People before politics' America's first black president sealed victory with a clean sweep of the most important swing states, including Ohio, Virginia and Pennsylvania. Continue reading the main story 303 Barack Obama -33 electoral votes needed for Democrat win 206 Mitt Romney 64 electoral votes needed for Republican win California 55 Colorado 9 Connecticut 7 District of Colombria 3 Delaware 3 Hawaii 4 Iowa 6 Illinois 20 Massachusetts 11 Maryland 10 Maine 4 Michigan 16 Minnesota 10 Nebraska 0 New Hampshire 4 New Jersey 14 New Mexico 5 Nevada 6 New York 29 Ohio 18 Oregon 7 Pennsylvania 20 Rhode Island 4 Virginia 13 Vermont 3 Washington 12 Wisconsin 10 Alaska 3Alabama 9Arkansas 6Arizona 11Georgia 16Idaho 4Indiana 11Kansas 6Kentucky 8Louisiana 8Maine 0Missouri 10Mississippi 6Montana 3North Carolina 15North Dakota 3Nebraska 5Oklahoma 7South Carolina 9South Dakota 3Tennessee 11Texas 38Utah 6West Virginia 5Wyoming 3270 to winResults in full Mr Romney could only snatch Indiana and North Carolina from his rival's 2008 grasp. The final swing state - Florida - remains too close to call. But the Democratic incumbent's lead in the popular vote count was much slimmer - he had 50.3% to 48.1% for Mr Romney. Thousands of Obama supporters hugged and cheered in the Chicago convention centre where he delivered his victory speech in the early hours of Wednesday. "We have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America the best is yet to come," said Mr Obama, 51. He was returning to the White House "more determined, and more inspired than ever about the work there is to do", he said. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Read more from Mark Mr Obama pledged to work with Republican leaders in Congress to reduce the government's budget deficit, fix the tax code and reform the immigration system. He also offered to meet Mr Romney to discuss how they could work together. The Republican admitted defeat with a brief speech shortly after midnight on Wednesday in Boston. "This is a time of great challenges for America, and I pray that the president will be successful in guiding our nation," Mr Romney said. The 65-year-old former Massachusetts governor urged politicians on both sides to "put the people before the politics". But Mr Obama's second-term agenda will lie largely in the hands of the Republican leader of the House of Representatives, Speaker John Boehner, with whom he bickered bitterly during his first term. 'Failures or excesses' Mr Boehner told a gathering of Republicans: "The American people want solutions - and tonight, they've responded by renewing our [Republican] majority." Continue reading the main story US media reactionThomas L Friedman of the New York Times writes: "No one can know for sure what complex emotional chemistry tipped this election Obama's way… it came down to a majority of Americans believing that whatever his faults, Obama was trying his hardest to fix what ails the country." Dan Balz of the Washington Post says: "Tuesday's election produced an uncertain mandate, although Obama will attempt to claim one. Obama offered a plan, but not one that deals directly with some of the problems he will have to confront immediately." A Wall Street Journal opinion piece read: "[Obama] said little during the campaign about his first term and even less about his plans for a second. Instead his strategy was to portray Mitt Romney as a plutocrat… it worked with brutal efficiency - the definition of winning ugly." Doyle McManus of the Los Angeles Times writes: "If we're lucky, we will find that we elected a different Obama from the one who won four years ago - not just a grayer Obama but a wiser one too." Mitch McConnell, the Republican leader in the Senate, said voters had not endorsed "the failures or excesses of the president's first term". "They have simply given him more time to finish the job they asked him to do together with a Congress that restored balance to Washington after two years of one-party control," McConnell added. Mr Obama faces his first challenge when Congress returns next week to begin dealing with the so-called fiscal cliff, a package of automatic tax rises and cuts to military and domestic spending. Economists warn that the measure - set to be triggered in January unless lawmakers can find agreement - could plunge the nation back into a recession. Mr Obama's victory came despite lingering high unemployment - 7.9% on election day - and tepid economic growth. Turnout lower But voters seem to have given him credit for his 2009 rescue of the US car industry and for the commando mission that killed Osama Bin Laden in Pakistan last year. Mr Obama's re-election also safeguards his healthcare reform law, which Mr Romney had pledged to repeal. In other key ballots: Referendums in Maine, Maryland and Washington state approved same-sex marriage, while a measure in Minnesota to block gay unions failed Colorado and Washington state voted to legalise recreational use of marijuana California voters rejected a proposal to abolish the death penalty In a referendum, Puerto Ricans voted in favour of becoming the 51st US state, if Congress approves the move. Also on Tuesday's ballot were 11 state governorships, a third of the seats in the 100-member US Senate and all 435 seats in the House of Representatives. Mr Obama and Mr Romney, as well as their respective allies, raised more than $2bn (£1.25bn) - largely for adverts in swing states. Preliminary figures suggest fewer people voted than four years ago. With most ballots tallied, more than 117 million people participated, compared to record-breaking figures of 131 million four years ago. Turn-out was down sharply in some states, including Texas, as well as states on the US East Coast that were hit hard by super-storm Sandy last week. International leaders congratulated the president, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who vowed to work with Mr Obama "to ensure the interests that are vital for the security of Israel's citizens". ----------------------------------------- Home | Education | Okorocha Rochas, Imo State Governor To Build First Free University In Nigeria Okorocha Rochas, Imo State Governor To Build First Free University In Nigeria 11/06/2012 10:07:00 The Rochas Foundation, a charity organization dedicated to the educational development of the less-privileged, is developing facilities to open Nigeria’s first free university. The Foundation currently owns and runs five secondary schools around the country offering free education to indigent students. The schools are located in Ogboko (in Imo State); Owerri, Kano, Ibadan, and Jos. The Principal of the Rochas Foundation College in Jos, Mr Ugbobor Daniel, spoke of the ongoing preparation to establish the free university while receiving a bus donated to the Jos College yesterday. Daniel said the university is to be sited in Ogboko, the birthplace of founder of the Rochas Foundation Inc., Chief Rochas Okorocha. ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nigeria: Imo State Honours Zinox Group 10 JUNE 2012 Imo State Government has named its IT centre,Imo Centre for Advanced Professionals (ICAP), after Zinox Computers in recognition of the company's contribution to the development of information technology in Nigeria. The announcement was made by the governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, while receiving a donation of four fully-fitted security vans and equipment valued at over N50 million from the Zinox Group. Okorocha said the donation from a team of the Zinox Group, led by the chairman, Leo Stan Ekeh, was a further proof of Ekeh's commitment to the development of knowledge. The governor called on well-meaning citizens of the state to follow Ekeh's exemplary conduct, saying the situation in the state today calls for all hands to be on deck irrespective of political affiliation. Ekeh announced the donation of four fully-fitted security vans, 150 Jonta flash lights, 150 self-charging digital lanterns, and 150 I-Max radio sets to support the security monitoring functions of the government and add digital comfort to policemen on duty. In addition, Zinox, he said had released N10 million to the Imo Foundation launched by the governor a few months ago in support of structured overall social development of the state. Ekeh said that as a group of companies primarily concerned with knowledge development and building a new generation of Nigerians, the Zinox Group would also donate digital knowledge content encapsulated in Zinox WHIZKID version 2 to four schools in the state. This content would make kids from privileged and exposed public schools better while enhancing the overall academic performance of the underserved, he said. "We would also provide digital training sessions for teachers to improve the overall teaching and learning environment. Our expectation is that the total cost of this intervention would be N50 million," Ekeh stated, adding that recent developments in the state requires the support of all and sundry. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- NEWS COMMENTARY ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ROCHAS OKOROCHA-LED GOVERNMENT IN IMO STATE IN THE PAST ONE YEAR (JUNE 2011 – MAY 2012 Posted: 04-Jun-2012 [15:57:20] by BY AFAM OKAFOR His Excellency,Owelle Rochas Okorocha It’s exactly one year since Governor Rochas Okorocha took over the mantle of leadership in Imo State and today the people of Imo State are already counting their blessings as the entire State is witnessing an unprecedented transformation in all aspects. On assumption of office, Governor Rochas Okorocha wasted no time in embarking on numerous projects that are geared toward touching the lives of the people. The first step he took was asking the Imo State House of Assembly to reduce his official security vote from 6.5billion naira to 2.5billion naira. The free and compulsory education which was one of his campaign promises took off immediately with government providing the students and pupils with over one million school sandals, one million school bags, books and desks free of charge. As if that is not enough, Governor Okorocha also introduced payment of monthly allowances to pupils and students in public primary and secondary schools further encourage them. To underscore his belief in the role of education and capacity building in human development, Governor Okorocha within the first month in office visited all the schools in the State and on many occasions interacted with the students and staff to ascertain the various challenges confronting them and proffer solution. In addition to increasing the monthly subvention to the State University from 57 million to 100 million naira, the Governor also extended his free education programme to Imo State University and polytechnic to alleviate the plights of many parents, thus making Imo the first State to offer free university education in the country. Meanwhile work is already in progress at the university’s permanent site to relocate it within the shortest possible time. Several contracts were also awarded for infrastructural and general upgrade as majority of the State owned institutions were in a deplorable State, most of those contracts have been completed and some nearing completion. The security of lives and property of his people was equally heavy on his mind that Owelle Rochas Okorocha launched ‘Operation Rescue Imo’ with one hundred hilux vans equipped with modern communication gadgets to enable the security agencies in the State combat criminal activities. To further checkmate crime and any form of restiveness, the Governor has created several opportunities for the youths in the State to acquire skills and loans through the Bureau for Poverty Alleviation among others. Touched by the conditions of pensioners, the governor cleared the 12 years arrears of pension owed retired civil servants. The Construction of Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies (ICAPS) along Egbu Road Owerri and the Young Scientist College at the old IBC headquarters are testimonies of the Governors determination to make Imo the best in education and capacity building. Other projects the Rochas administration has executed include the new Deputy Governor’s office and the First lady’s office and total restructuring of the Imo State Government House. The expanded EXCO chambers which was ravaged by age and weather was also pulled down and totally rebuilt into an architectural master-piece. The construction of a 7 thousand seater pavilion called Heroes Square, a replica of Eagle square in Abuja for hosting public functions and the multi-million naira Ikemba Ojukwu Ojukwu Centre which consists of multi purpose halls, conference centres, a historic VIP lodge and facilities for symposia, skill acquisition and parking lot was also completed within seven months. Another demonstration of Governors Okorocha’s burning desire to make history can be seen in the reconstructed 58 duplexes near Concorde Hotels. The duplexes which were formerly called The Paliamentarian Quarters has been converted to Concorde hotel annex. Other projects completed include the multi million naira Imo Traditional Rulers’ Council chambers, the Freedom Square, the 5000 man capacity theater at Mbari street to mention but a few. The Governor also revamped and resuscitated the Imo palm plantation formally known as ADAPALM which has already absorbed over 2000 workers with the hope of creating over 5000 more jobs within the next 2 years. Plans have also reached advanced stage with some foreign partners for the resuscitation of Avutu Poultry which in addition to creating over 3000 jobs will greatly enhance the State’s internally generated revenue. Worthy of mention is also the Nsu tile manufacturing industry, a multi-million naira private partnership investment with an Italian company located in Ehime Mbano which upon completion will create over 5000 jobs and produce about 15,000 square meters of tiles daily. In road construction, the Governor has totally rehabilitated all the roads in the State capital and opened up new roads to ensure traffic decongestion and constructed several new roads in both the State capital and in the rural areas. The present administration has also constructed over one thousand kilometers of road across the 27 Local Government Areas in the State. Only last month the governor released 10 billion naira to mobilize the contractors handling rural roads in all the Local Government Areas. In the health sector, Owelle Rochas Okorocha released funds for the completion of all abandoned projects and the purchase of all ultra-modern equipment for the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Orlu while the Owerri general hospital has been upgraded to a specialist status. Contract was also awarded for the construction of 27 modern general hospitals in all the Local Government Areas and work has reached advanced stage on them. Last month, the health at your door step initiative of the governor was formally flagged off with over a hundred modern ambulances and health workers to be strategically positioned in all the Communities for rapid response to any emergency health situation. Presently, medical treatment is free for the aged, pregnant mothers and children in the State. Another significant development is the decentralization of power, thus making the Communities have a say in the way they are governed. Today Imo is the first State in the country with a Fourth Tier government. ------------------------ Write people-oriented constitution, Amaechi tells Reps On May 26, 2012 · BY EMMAN OVUAKPORIE & JIMITOTA ONOYUME, PH GOVERNOR of Rivers State, Mr Chibuike Amaechi yesterday blamed failed leadership for the current challenges of insecurity in the country. Amaechi said that, “what the ruling class has provided are political, social and economic violence but what the people want is social and economic reality by ensuring that the state is properly policed.’’ He spoke at a two-day seminar for members of the House of Representatives ad-hoc Committee on Review of the 1999 Constitution, asking the law makers to produce a workable document that will free the Nigerian people from the shacles of insecurity, poverty and poor development. Former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Adolphus Karibi Whyte who chaired the occasion also called for separate constitutions for the federal and state governments in the country saying such a move would strengthen the nation’s federalism just as he called for pruning down the number of Supreme Court justices and increasing their retirement age from 70 to 80, while their counterparts in the Court of Appeal retire at 75. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has however called for about 12 amendments to the 1999 constitution. National Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega in his address at the two day retreat in Port Harcourt said the Commission should be allowed to determine the order of the conduct of elections in such a way that no political party should have undue advantage over the other. But Amaechi said that, the Boko Haram, Oodua People’s Congress, OPC, and militancy in the Niger Delta were products of failed leadership. ”Iam not exonerating myself. Iam part of the failed leadership of the country but it started long time ago, please the amendment should be the one that suits the nation. History is in the making here and national issues should mount the centre stage as the autonomy of state assemblies can be resolved without a constitutional amendment,” he said. This was even as the House of Representatives Speaker, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said that the costitutional review exercise was not targeted at anybody or group of people. According to Tambuwal, ‘’this exercise is aimed at no individual, nor group of persons, rather we are making sure that we have a document that captures the yearning and aspirations of the Nigerian people and in certain cases strengthen democratic institutions.” ------------------ Nigeria: The Problem With the Nation - Gowon, Obasanjo, Shonekan BY UDUMA KALU, PROVIDENCE OBUH AND MONSUR OLOWOOPEJO, 23 MAY 2012 Lagos — Three former Nigerian Heads of State, yesterday, led the way as eminent citizens took critical assessment of the state of the nation and the ills plaguing the country. Notable among them were Gen Yakubu Gowon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the Chairman of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, who were among the group of eminent Nigerians that looked at the state of affairs in the country, 13 years after the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. The leaders expressed concern over the corruption in the country, especially in the judiciary and concluded that the problems facing Nigeria today were due to the failure of institutions and systems. They asked younger Nigerians to build on the labours of the generations of past Nigerian leaders. Specifically, the former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon urged younger generation of Nigerians not "to break Nigeria." Other eminent Nigerians at the 4th AES Annual National Conference 2012, with the theme, "Strong Systems: Necessity for Building a Virile Nation," included former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mohammed Uwais; Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; legal luminary, Prof. Itse Sagay; former Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe; President of Academy for Entrepreneurial Studies, Nigeria (AES), Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu and chairman of the AES Excellence Club, Dr. Nike Akande. The event was organised by Dr. Ausbeth Ajagu and was chaired by Gowon at the NIIA, Lagos. Don't break Nigeria--Gowon Gowon, who was decorated as a fellow of the Academy refused to accept the appellation, 'Father of United Nigeria', saying that "Nigeria was united before him and that his generation never thought of breaking the country." He said he fought to reunite Nigeria in a gentleman's way. He eulogised his generations and those before him for making their children believe in Nigeria. He told the younger generations never to stop criticising the leaders for the right thing to be done in Nigeria. "Never think of breaking this country. This country is good for all of us," Gowon said. What went wrong with Nigeria --Obasanjo Obasanjo in his reactions to comments earlier made at the conference went down memory lane to explore how the rot crept into the Nigerian polity. "We are concerned for Nigeria. Justice Uwais, I share your concern for the judiciary." Saying much comments about Nigeria are in the negative, Obasanjo asked: "Is there hope for Nigeria?" For him, there are also good things to celebrate in the country. He chided Nigerians for identifying with the wrong things about Nigeria and not what is right. He said Nigeria should identify what is right in the country and condemn the wrong ones. "Why are we not identifying and saying those things that are right with Nigeria and at the same time condemn those things that are wrong with Nigeria?", he said, adding; "You don't see and you don't hear as much as I hear, mainly bad things and some good ones, because what you hear is what is wrong with Nigeria. But the question I often ask myself is what is right with Nigeria? Is there nothing right with Nigeria?" Let's build on institutions, governance --Shonekan In his remarks, former Interim Head of State, Shonekan, said for Nigeria to become a great country, it must get its political and economic environment right. "In a population of over 150 million, one out of every six black in the world is a Nigerian, and the fact that when added to oil, agriculture, others, these things put together make us a natural leader in the continent. There is no reason why this country should not be a leader in the continent. "Ninety per cent of Nigeria's income still comes from oil and gas. To become a strong economy, the government must diversify the economy so that it can actually be the natural leader in the continent. "Going forward, I believe the future of Nigeria is bright, if we can all build on the various institutions put in place by government and build on governance. Nigeria wants to be one of the 20 leading countries in 2020. For that to be achieved, each and everyone of us must strive to do our own little bit." Democracy is built on strong judiciary --Fashola However, Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State said democracy is built on strong judiciary and that judiciary does not belong to the government, but is part of the government. Fashola said: "If we do not have efficient police, well remunerated police, well equipped policemen and have moral right to sanction, then judiciary will find its work very difficult. "When institutions succeed, great people have succeeded and when institutions fail, it is also men and women that have failed. So whether the men should come first or the institutions, it is proverbial. Institutions are determined by men with character and compassion that can build. We have chosen a form of government that is next to none, there is no alternative to it," he said. Fashola noted that the rot in the judiciary was exposed recently with the judgement of the British court that pronounced judgement on the former governor of the Delta State, James Ibori who was pronounced not guilty by the Nigerian judiciary. "On the same set of facts, our court said there is no case to answer but on the same set of facts, our citizen submitted to an English court. This raised a profound question about the value system in this country." On the solution to the challenge facing the Nigerian judiciary, Fashola said that there was need for increased federalism in the administration of justice. "It will be recalled that before our traditional system gave way for our present system of government, the regions had their courts and appoints their judges. "If the judicial system ensures that there is enforcement of law and order and the administration of criminal laws, it has a great effect on the efficiency of the police to conduct investigation. Therefore, if we do not have an efficient police that is well motivated to perform it duties diligently which can be sanctioned and if it failed to perform it duties, the judicial arm of government will find it difficult to function effectively." Uwais said, "When I was the Chief Judge of this country, I worked with the president to removed quite a number of the judges from office on the recommendation of the Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC). This is because they were found wanting. That was the standard we expect from the NJC. But unfortunately, judges who were corrupt are allowed to go scot free." Sagay posited that for the judiciary to function effectively, there was the need to give it more independence. He urged all Nigerians to give the judiciary the deserved respect. ---------------- KANSAS CITY, Kansas (Reuters) - Republican Kansas Governor Sam Brownback signed a bill aimed at keeping state courts and agencies from using Islamic or other non-U.S. laws when making decisions, his office said on Friday, drawing criticism from a national Muslim group. The law has been dubbed the "sharia bill" because critics say it targets the Islamic legal code. Sharia, or Islamic law, covers all aspects of Muslim life, including religious obligations and financial dealings. Opponents of state bans say they could nullify wills or legal contracts between Muslims. Supporters said the law will reassure foreigners in Kansas that state laws and the U.S. Constitution would protect them. Opponents said it singled out Muslims for ridicule and was unnecessary because American laws prevail on U.S. soil. Sherriene Jones-Sontag, a spokeswoman for the governor, said in an e-mail that the bill "makes it clear that Kansas courts will rely exclusively on the laws of our state and our nation when deciding cases and will not consider the laws of foreign jurisdictions." Legislators supporting the bill said there were many cases around the country where judges or state agencies cited sharia law in deciding cases, especially involving divorce-related custody and property matters where Islamic code differs from U.S. law. The Council on American-Islamic Relations in Washington denounced the Kansas law and said it is considering legal action. About 20 states have considered similar legislation but the Kansas law is the only one signed in recent weeks, council spokesman Ibrahim Hooper said. "It's unfortunate the governor chose to pander to the growing Islam-phobia in our society that has led to introduction of similar unconstitutional and un-American legislation in dozens of state legislatures," Hooper said. Hooper said legislators have often referred to sharia law in supporting such legislation, but he said they take the word out of the bill to stave off legal challenges. The Kansas bill does not mention sharia. Federal courts struck down an Oklahoma law voters approved in 2010 that barred state judges from considering sharia law in making decisions. The court called the law discriminatory. (Editing by Greg McCune and Stacey Joyce) ------------------- Imo Palm Plantation: Okorocha threatens to invite EFCC ON MAY 8, 2012 • IN NEWS 12:55 am By CHIDI NKWOPARA OWERRI—Imo State governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, has threatened to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to quiz and prosecute those found to have defrauded government-owned Imo Palm Plantation. Governor Okorocha, who read the riot act when he paid a visit to the establishment, also expressed anger over what he described as massive fraud perpetrated by the last administration. “The last administration left the establishment in a debt profile of over N1 billion. This includes about N450 million deposited for palm products that were not supplied and N750 million owed as salaries and allowances,” Okorocha said. He reassured the citizenry that government would make the alleged culprits face the full weight of the law, adding that he was resolute in reviving and repositioning Imo Palm Plantation. He directed the new management of the plantation to give five percent of the profit to the host communities, adding that the policy was in line with his proposed fourth-tier government. Welcoming the governor earlier, the Managing Director, Neil Danby, said the new management had introduced several innovations aimed at repositioning the establishment for optimal production. One of the highlights of the event was a tour of the plantation, the modern milling plant that would soon be installed and the inspection of the 85,000 improved palm seedlings imported from Cuba by the new management. ---------------- IMO STATE LAWMAKERS, APPOINTEES TASKED TO MONITOR ROAD PROJECTS Posted: 31-Mar-2012 [15:09:32] by Online Unit Gov Rochas Okorocha with Hon Donatus Ozoemelem, Deputy speaker, Imo House of Assembly at a function in Orlu recently. The Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has urged lawmakers in the State House of Assembly and political appointees of the State government to supervise road projects in their various Local Government areas and to ensure that contractors adhere to the specifications of the job. Speaking to Journalists after a meeting with the lawmakers and political appointees at the Government House, Owerri recently, the governor explained that such decision was taken because it has become increasingly difficult to ensure a central supervision, bearing in mind that over 1000 kilometer of roads are presently being constructed across the State. He stated that lawmakers and political office holders would be held responsible in the case of failure or poor execution of road projects in their respective Local Government Areas. Speaking further, Governor Okorocha explained that the Committee made up of lawmakers and appointees have been mandated to nominate engineers that will equally be involved in the supervision of the road projects. In a related development, the Imo State Deputy Governor, Sir Jude Agbaso assured that over 60% of the roads cleared for construction will be completed before the commencement of the rainy season. Agbaso, who is also the Commissioner for Works, however expressed confidence that the roads and other landmark projects earmarked for execution would be completed before the end of the present administration. ---------------
Okorocha declares free education in Imo

Wednesday, 15 February 2012

THERE was jubilation in Owerri, the Imo State capital, as the state governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, on Tuesday, declared that no student or pupil of the state origin studying in any institution owned by the government would pay fees henceforth.
The governor also announced scholarships for all students of the state origin from primary to tertiary institution.
Speaking at the Imo Freedom Square, Owerri, Okorocha promised to pay scholarship of N100,000 to each student of Imo origin in Imo State University, adding that each recipient would get N70,000 free and N30,000 as a loan to be paid upon completion of studies, with no basis for collateral.
He also said students undertaking National Diploma (ND) at the state polytechnics would receive N60,000, with N40,000 free and N20,000 as loan, while those undertaking Higher National Diploma (HND) would get N60,000 free and N20,000 loan.
The governor disclosed that the scholarship fund would be paid from the next academic session, adding that by September, every school in the state would be autonomous.

----------------------
Why Rochas is buying 1 million shoes – Duruji

On January 24, 2012 · In Politics ..
By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor

The Imo State Commissioner for Information, Barrister Obinna Duruji at a parley with newsmen spoke on the strides, successes and challenges of Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State. He also spoke on issues emanating from the Governor’s recent victory at the Court of Appeal. Excerpts:

EIght months in office, what can you say are the attainments of the administration?

The governor on assumption of office declared free and compulsory education in both primary and secondary levels in Imo State which PDP and Ohakim told Imo people was impossible, placement of order to procure one million school scandals and ordered procurement of 600,000 school bags and desks to boost free education in Imo State.

The governor also ordered the payment of backlog of pension arrears owed for over 12 years by the past administrations, establishment of Imo Pension/Senior Citizens’ Club and donation of vehicles to the club, release of N450 million bailout fund to missionary schools in Imo State, increase of government monthly subvention to IMSU from N57m to N100m, revival of the Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) abandoned by Ohakim’s administration.

Community speakers

He introduced fourth tier Government and appointment of community speakers, which have brought governance closer to the grassroots, reformation of the vigilante outfits by restricting their operations in the communities rather than using them to fight political opponents, establishment of General Security Council and Local Government Security Council and Local Government Security Council in the 27 LGAs, reconstruction of Commissioners’ Quarters abandoned by Ohakim’s administration.

Reconstruction of ALGON and Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers Secretariats, construction of 405 rural roads at 15km per L.G.A, introduction of Health-at-your-door-steps programme in Imo State, the first of its kind in Africa, upgrading of Umuguma General Hospital to a Specialist Hospital, reformation of the State Civil Service Local Government System, blockage of revenue leakages thus saving billions of naira for capital projects in Imo State, construction of International Conference Centre at Oguta Blue Lake of Treasure (formerly known as Oguta Wonder Lake).


Mr Duruji
It is worthy of note that the Oguta Wonder Lake project only existed in the internet during Ohakim’s regime. These are some of the tremendous achievements of His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha in less than one year of his administration, which is an eloquent testimony that Imo Rescue Mission has come to stay.

The last administration of Governor Ikedi Ohakim took N18.5b bond from the Stock Market. What does the current administration of Governor Rochas Okorocha intend to do with the bond?

Government is a continuum. We are going to redirect the bond and ensure that it is used for meaningful development projects.

The bond was to be used for the rehabilitation of the Imo state water scheme, rehabilitation and construction of major roads, financing the Imo State government’s equity investment in Imo Wonder Lake and conference centre in Oguta. Okorocha’s administration has started work in all these areas and that’s why I said government is continuum.

There were speculations that APGA wasresponsible for the transfer of the governorship election tribunal to Abuja. Is this true?

No, we are a responsible government and our priority and focus is the delivery of dividends of democracy. You can see that even on the day of the tribunal verdict on the 12th of November, 2011; the governor was not bothered; he was driving his government bus to various sites inspecting projects.

I was shocked when I came from the tribunal and I saw him at the gate of the Government House in shorts, addressing the crowd and I was curious and I said your excellency are you addressing Imo citizens on shorts, he said it doesn’t matter and that he was coming from the project sites.

So that’s how unruffled he is. His mandate was ordained by God and delivered on the planet earth. It is not our own making. Imo citizens for the first time expressed their wishes and aspirations in the mandate delivered to the Governor.

It was not their making, it was ordained in heaven. So what we saw on earth was the manifestation of the heavenly intervention. So, the governor is loved by his people and those who came to the court were there to show their solidarity to the mandate they gave to him. Neither our party APGA nor government influenced the move to Abuja.

The governor is accused of formulating policies in the state without due process; they cited as example the creation of community speakers without the input of the house of assembly. What is your reaction to this?

He didn’t have to. What people don’t understand is that the only constant thing in life is change. This is a man who is a change agent; he is a catalyst, a facilitator for change and development. He is not going to be held hostage by protocol and mundane understanding of the rule of law.

Law trails development, development does not trail laws unnecessarily, and law trails development all over the world. I am a senior advocate in the Unites States and I do know that law follows development, development does not follow law; otherwise society will not move forward.

As events are happening, law catches up, you don’t wait to make the law for the average human thinking before you can implement, it is only as you evolve that the law trails behind, and all over the world, the due process is a twin sister or brother of democracy.

So the two are not mutually exclusive, they are mutually inclusive. Once you see democracy, the government of the people, for the people and by the people, you are talking about rule of law.

So once he envisions, he conceptualizes and then the legal process takes place. If he does not envision, conceptualize, articulate the polices before the implementation, how can the Legislative house formulate. The House formulates based on the fine prints of articulation of the policies and programmes that emanate from the executive arm whenever necessary.

It is only then that the policy is transmitted to the house for articulation of an enabling law. It cannot be the other way round; otherwise the House will be dictating to the executive. So there is no violation of the rule of law, I challenge any opponent of this administration to come up with a clear indication of where we have violated the law.

Imo indigenes sacked in Abia. Why is the problem still lingering?

Well it is not an Imo problem; it is the South East problem as a matter of fact. But the issue is still pending before the South East Governor’s Forum. So Governor Okorocha has advised us to be cautious in our approach, that dialogue will be a better approach to resolve the quagmire and as obedient servants we so obliged.

Cushioning of effects of the sack

He has also cushioned the effects of the sack, which is our major concern and apprehension about the fate of the Imo indigenes, by assuring us in no mistaken terms that at the appropriate time, if the obnoxious decision is not rescinded, that Imo citizens would be absorbed in the Imo workforce. So that is the last resort and that’s by way of assurance.

What is your reaction to Court of Appeal decision?

Owelle’s victory at the Court of Appeal recently in Abuja is a further manifestation of its divine origin and a revalidation of Imo people’s mandate. The judgment has also rekindled our faith and confidence in the Nigerian judiciary. Imo people applaud the judges for remaining resolute in their determination to uphold Imo people’s mandate despite pressure to the contrary.

Given the wisdom of the tribunal and court of appeal, we are confident that the dismissal will stand Supreme Court scrutiny. To God be the glory.


------------------
Imo Assembly okays N10b for infrastructure development

TUESDAY, 20 DECEMBER 2011 00:00 FROM CHARLES OGUGBUAJA, OWERRI BUSINESS SERVICES - BUSINESS NEWS

IMO State House of Assembly, numbering 26 members has recently granted approval for the executive arm to spend N10 billion for infrastructural development in the areas of health, education, housing, security, massive construction and rehabilitation of roads in the 27 local councils of the state among others.
The State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, had a few weeks ago asked for N5 billion approval and latter N12 billion loan sourcing from financial institutions. The requests were granted by the assembly members.
The Secretary to the Government of Imo State (SGI), Prof. Anthony Anwukah, had few days ago submitted to the assembly on behalf of Governor Rochas Okorocha for the utilization of such funds for the stated purposes, mainly for “urgent and critical areas of need”.
Same SGI had sent a proposal of about N190 billion for four-year -rolling plan for the development of the state.
Approving the said amount (N10 billion), the assembly members lead by Speaker Benjamin Uwajimogu, urged the executive arm to utilise the funds strictly for the purpose in which they were applied for and approved.
Also, the Imo State Tourism and Infrastructure development levies and other related matters” bill sponsored by the minority leader of the assembly, Mrs. Ngozi Pat-Ekeji has started deliberation.

----------------------
LIST OF APPOINTEES - SSA, SA, COMMITTEES
Posted: 28-Jul-2011 [12:38:49] by Online Unit

IMO STATE GORVERNOR [ELECTED 2011]
Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha

SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANTS

1. Mr. Chinedu Offor - SSA Media
2. Barr Okey Okorocha - SSA Security Admin
3. Pst. Mrs Henrietta Jacobs - SSA Religious Affairs
4. Ibezim Sebastian - SSA Assets & Liability
5. Prince Charles Onuoha - SSA MDG
6. Mrs. Queeneth Okehie - SSA Finance
7. Engr. Chuks Ololo - SSA Info-Tech & Statistics
8. Hon. Chiadi Sunny - SSA Special Duties
9. Dr. Kachi Nwoga - Senior Technical Assistant (SSA)
10. Hon. Ngozi Njoku - (DG) Imo Foundation
11. Princess Gloria Akobundu - SSA Abuja Liaison
12. Daniel Kanu - SSA Agriculture
13. Ibebuchi Ethelberth - SSA Administration
14. Barr Benjamin Okemire - SSA Justice & Fairness
15. Barr Lady Rebecca Anozie - SSA NDDC
16. Chinyere Uwandu - SSA Lagos Liaison


SPECIAL ASSISTANTS

1. Gedion Mefo - SA Niger Delta
2. Mr. Chimezie Duru - SA NEPAD
3. Onyema Onyebuchi - SA General Duties (DGov)
4. Mrs. Chinwe Victoria Ike - SA Administration (First Lady)
5. Barr. Mrs. Joy Oluchi Umealor - SA Legal Affairs (First Lady)
6. Pst. Bunmi Babs - SA Govt. House Chaplain
7. Donatus Ewe Ejifugha - SA Advance Protocol
8. Mrs. Ogechi Ololo - SA Domestic
9. Chiekezi Dozie - SA Investment
10. Roy Amadi - SA International Donor Agencies
11. Alh. Abubukar Ozuh - SA Inter-Party Relations
12. Mr. B.B. Ibekwe - SA Intra-Party Relations
13. Nze Ben Osuji - SA Chieftaincy Affairs
14. Pst. Frank Clement Onwumere - SA Production & Studio Documentary
15. Onyema Opara - SA Media (DGov) Chief Press Secretary
16. Mr. Alfred Ononugbor - SA Protocol
17. Prof. Emma Okoronta - Technical Assistant
18. Mr. Raymond Duru - SA Transport
19. Barr Chukwuma Ume - Asst. Chief Legal Officer (Gov.)
20. Mr. Ebere Uzoukwa - SA Media (Print)
21. Liza Asumugha - SA Public Affairs
22. Nnanyereugo Onoaji - SA Diaspora
23. Chief Ebonyi Ohiri - SA Orlu Zonal Security
24. Engr. Cletus Amaraegbu - SA Igbo Affairs
25. Mr. Ugochukwu Onyekwu - SA Owerri Zonal Security
26. Mr. Innocent Okpokoro - SA Okigwe Zonal Security
27. Mrs. Florence Nwaife Anichebe - SA Special Duties (First Lady)
28. Mrs. Marie Ihediwa - SA Events (First Lady)
29. Wilson Nwachukwu - SA Non Formal Sector
30. Henry Nwabueze - SA Youth
31. Nkiru Sylvanus - Lagos Affairs
32. Uche Ogbuagu - Chief Comedian of the state


MAYORAL AFFAIRS
OWERRI DEVELOPMENTAL ZONE COMMITTEE

1. Chief Jonathan Anukam - SSA Owerri Mayoral Affairs
2. Mrs. Esther Ebuche - Member
3. Hon. Chidiebere Augustine Ezeigbo - Member
4. Chief Bona Ibebuike - Member
5. Lucky Charles Ukachi - Member
6. Mr. Chima Anumnini - Member
7. Arnold Iheanyichukwu Nelson - Member

ORLU DEVELOPMENTAL ZONE COMMITTEE

1. Ichie Mbanaso Uche - SSA Orlu Mayoral Affairs
2. Mrs. Njideka Akuma - Member
3. Chief Ezesor Williams - Member
4. Mr. Tochukwu Udoeze - Member
5. Capt. Chris Ibekwe (Rtd) - Member
6. Mrs. Ngozi M. Obiefule - Member
7. Mr. Celestine Aladum - Member

OKIGWE DEVELOPMET ZONE COMMITTEE

1. Engr. Ifeanyi Ukachu - SSA Okigwe Mayoral Affairs
2. Mrs. Colllins Obi - Member
3. Hon. Chukwuemeka Anayoyi - Member
4. Mrs. Comfort Obi - Member
5. Mr. Julius Onyeneho - Member
6. Philip Amadi - Member
7. Chief Igna. M. Owums -Member

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ON SPORTS

1. Kanu Nwankwo - Chairman
2. Emmanuel Babayaro - Member
3. Benedict Akwuegbu - Member
4. Mobi Oparaku - Member
5. Mr. Tony Dike - Member
6. Goddy Agbarakwe - Member
7. Mrs. Godstime Egbuchulam - Member

COMMITTEE ON PROJECT MONITORING & EVALUATION

1. Prince Akanor Macdonald - Chairman
2. Engr. Frank Nwachukwu - Member
3. Engr. Charles Egwim - Member
4. Johnson Anyozie - Member
5. Engr. Chibuzor Njoku - Member
6. Engr. (Mrs.) Angelina Nwole - Member
7. Barr. (Mrs.) Patricia Nwole - Member

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ON DUE PROCESS & BUDGET ADMINISTRATION

1. Hon. Agwu Ifeanyi - Chairman
2. Mr. Lawrence Nwaobodo - Member
3. Mrs. Queenet Okehie - Member
4. Mrs. Umar Ngozi - Member
5. W.A.C. Uwakwe - Member
6. Mr. Asonye Igwe - Member

COMMITTEE ON RECOVERY OF GOVERNMENT PROPERTIES

1. Chief (Dr.) Placid Ekwueme - Chairman
2. Pseter Onu - Member
3. High Chief Uche Njoku - Member
4. Chief Ugochukwu Nnawuihe - Member
5. Hyginus Nwosu - Member
6. Hon. Larry Ajaero – Member

Directory of Ministries, Departments & Agencies

Ministry of Agriculture
Block 2 New Secretariat Complex
Port Harcourt Road, Secretariat Owerri.

Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Block 8, New Secretariat Complex
Port Harcourt Road Secretariat, Owerri
P.M.B. 1262.

Ministry of Culture and Tourism
Orlu Road Secretariat, Owerri

Ministry of Education
Block 3, New Secretariat Complex
Port Harcourt Road, PMB 1309, Owerri
Phone No. 083-230147, 230020.

Ministry of Finance
Block 4, New Secretariat Complex
Port Harcourt Road, PMB 1189, Owerri
Phone No. 083-230940 - Direct
083-231688, Fax 230397, 230505 Direct, 230826

Ministry of Health
Block 9 New Secretariat Complex
Port Harcourt Road, Owerri

Ministry of Information
Block 10, New Secretariat Complex
Port Harcourt Road, PMB 1540 - Owerri
Tel: 083-230650

Ministry of Justice
Block 10, New Secretariat Complex
Port Harcourt Road, PMB 1145, Owerri
Tel: 083-230851, 230041

Judicial Service Commission
Orlu Road, Owerri

Ministry of Lands, Survey and Urban Planning
Block 6, New Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt Road
PMB 1532, Owerri
Phone No. 083-2343121

Ministry of Public Utilities and Rural Development
Block 8 New Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt Road
Owerri
Phone No. 083-233396

Ministry of Petroleum & Environment
Orlu Road Secretariat
PMB 1299, Owerri
Phone No. 083-230460

Ministry of Women Affairs
Block 7 New Secretariat Complex
PMB 1597, Owerri. Tel. 083-230121

Ministry of Works, Housing & Transport
Block 6, State Secretariat, Port Harcourt Road, Owerri
Imo State. Phone No. 083-230820, Fax 30694

Ministry of Youth and Sports
Block I New Secretariat Complex
Port Harcourt Road, Owerri
PMB Box 1049
Phone No: 083-233432, 083-232491

Imo State Liaison Office
Plot 1221B Bishop Olumole Street Victoria Island
PMB 5107, Lagos.
Tel: 01-2629052 - Liaison Office - 01-2629051

Office of the Secretary to the State Government
Executive Governor's Office
PMB 1183, Owerri

Local Government Service Commission
Block 5, New Secretariat Complex
Port Harcourt Road
PMB 1257, Owerri.

Imo State Privatization & Investment Bureau
Chief Executive Quarters (CEXIO)
(Behind Imo Concord Hotel)
PMB 1176, Owerri
Tel: 234-083-230553, 232447

Imo Orientation Agency
Block 2, New Secretariat Complex
Port Harcourt Road, Owerri

Secondary Education Management Board
Block 3, New Secretariat Complex
Port Harcourt Road, Owerri.

Imo State Independent Electoral Commission
Orlu Road
PMB 1824, Owerri
Phone: 083-233967

Imo State Marketing Company Ltd.
Orlu Road Secretariat
Owerri.

Imo Essential Drugs Service
General Hospital
Umuguma Road, New Owerri
Hospital Management Board
Block 9 New Secretariat Complex
PMB 1445

Imo Health Population Project
Umuguma Road, New Owerri
PMB 1586, Owerri
Judicial Service Commission
Orlu Road, Owerri

Imo State Economic Planning Commission

Block 6
New Secretariat Complex
Port Harcourt Road, Owerri

Imo State Consumer Protection Committee
Orlu Road Secretariat
Owerri

Bureau for Youth Mobilization
Government House Annex
Orlu Road Secretariat
Owerri

Bureau for Poverty Alleviation
Government House Annex
Orlu Road Secretariat

Bureau for Political Affairs
Government House Annex
Orlu Road Secretariat

Imo Orientation Agency
Block 2, New Secretariat Complex
Owerri

Customary Court of Appeal
Port Harcourt Road
PMB 1081
Owerri

HIV/AIDS Programme Development Project (World Bank Assisted)

Public Health Lab. Building Complex
Umuguma Road, Off Port Harcourt Road
Owerri.

Bureau for Science and Technology,
Government House Annex,
Orlu road secretariat,
Owerri.