beamtopola:
Congratulation with their five states.

Col. Joe Achuzie, the leader of the group is from Delta State.

Jubilation as court assumes jurisdiction in Biafra sovereignty lawsuit
sunnewsonline.com Jul 16, 2017 3:45 AM
From GEORGE ONYEJIUWA, OWERRI

last week Tuesday, the Bilie Human Rights Initiatives (BHRI) recorded a first victory in the quest to obtain restoration of the sovereignty of Biafra through a judicial process, when the Federal High Court sitting in Owerri, the Imo State capital and presided by Justice Louis Alagoa, gave a ruling in its favour.

The court cast aside the preliminary objections by the Federal Government of Nigeria challenging the lawsuit instituted in 2013 by the BHRI, on behalf of the Supreme Council of Elders of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB.

To signify the central importance of the case to the Biafra cause, as early as 8am, members of the IPOB had already filled the court room to the brim anxiously waiting for the hearing to commence. Even when the court session, originally scheduled to start at 10 am did not commence, they sat patiently waiting until the presiding Justice Louis Alagoa finally made his entrance to the court and took his seat about 11 am.

Delving straight into the matter before him, Justice Alagoa reviewed the issues and the grounds for the preliminary objection of the Federal Government, finding that it government’s objection lacked merit, he proceeded to giving his ruling in these words: “The motion challenging the plaintiff’s locus standi to institute the suit against the Nigeria Federation is hereby struck out because the defendants since filing their motion have not deemed it fit to appear in the court and they have also not given any reason for their non-appearance. So, even if the defendants comes back that issue will no longer be entertained and so the hearing on the substantive suit will continue.”

Expectedly, the favourable ruling caused an eruption of jubilation as the decision of the court had effectively cleared the first hurdle, making the way open for hearing of the substantive suit.

Before the ruling, the lead counsel of Bilie, Prof. Francis Dike (SAN) in his submission had urged the court to strike out the preliminary objection of the defendants challenging the locus standi of the plaintiffs to institute the case in the first instance, saying that the defendants had deliberately remained incommunicado and had also not shown enough cause why their motion should not be struck out.

Bilie Human Rights Initiative had in 2013 sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria in suit No. FHC/OW/CS/192/2013 over the sovereignty of Biafra.

Reacting to the ruling of the court, Chief Joe Achuzie, member of the Supreme Council of Elders of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra said that it was what the IPOB had been saying that the remnant of Biafra people had the right to ask for the restoration of her sovereignty.

His words: “We are happy with the ruling and the case has only just began because we have always argued that the remnant people of Biafra who had survived the 30 months civil war have the right to demand that the sovereignty of the people of Biafra should be restored. We are not asking for secession but the sovereignty of the people within the Nigeria Federation and we are also not going to fight another war and have decided to use a legal means to achieve our goal. We therefore decided to toe this line of action, which is absolutely violence-free.

“What all the other groups that are agitating for Biafra want freedom and that is what we are here to do in this court through a legal means because we are not going to fight another war, but it is not that we are afraid to fight.”

Similarly, Prof Osuagwu said: “If the Judge felt that there was no merit in the case he would not have entertained it and he would have immediately dismissed it as an unnecessary distraction. Since he did not do that, it means that the case has merit and I think we will take it from there to its logical conclusion and know what happens thereafter.”

Prof Osuagwu also dismissed insinuations that there ought to be one central organ that should be championing the agitation for the freedom of Biafra people.

“All the groups that are agitating for Biafra whether it is the Nnamdi Kanu group, the MASSOB, BILIE or any other group what they are all asking for is the independence of Biafra because there is nowhere in the world where only one group spearheaded the agitation for independence of the people. During the Apartheid regime in South Africa, we had African National Congress, The Communist Party, Inkatha Freedom Party and so on. Even, during the independent movement in Nigeria we also had many groups fighting for independence and even now we have the Oodua People Congress, Afenifere and other groups agitating for the interest of the Yoruba.

“So, the number of groups that are agitating for the sovereign state of Biafra is a non-issue because we have the same objective. Yes, some have argued for the sovereignty of Biafra within the context of Nigeria while others have also argued that they want sovereignty outside Nigeria,” he said.

Chief Sam Ike who was elated by the ruling of the court said that it was the beginning of the legal struggle and that hopefully the independence of the people of Biafra would be soon realized.

He said: “This is a good sign that the agitation for the total freedom of Biafrans has the blessings of God because if you recall this case was filed in 2013 and after several adjournments, the preliminary objection of the Nigerian government, which has been struck out by Judge, is a sure sign that we are going to achieve our objective which is solely to free ourselves from enslavement under the Nigerian federation.






http://sunnewsonline.com/jubilation-as-court-assumes-jurisdiction-in-biafra-sovereignty-lawsuit/amp/

ProWalker:


Read through your history in Nigeria.
Azikiwe boy boy to Sir Ahmadu Bello
Ekuweeme boy boy to Shagari
It took the magnanimity of your masters to allow your demigod Ojukwu to come back to his father's home or else he would have die in exiles
They easily killed 3 millions of you and nothing, I mean nothing happened
Read your history boy and you will know the slaves in Nigeria

Which Zik is boy to Ahmadu Bello? The same Zik of Africa that is seen as a thin god by Bello and his arewa kinsmen? Or another Zik? Prior to Nigeria's independence the north were nowhere near the Igbos in terms of accomplishment both in education and business they see Igbos as the next to the white man. The people that came a distant second to the Igbos were the Yorubas. That's why the northerns never wanted Nigeria's independence earlier, for the fear of being used as slaves by the more erudite southeasterns. If the Igboman was a slave to the north why then did Chukwuma Nzeogwu kill both the"Reverend" Ahmadu Bello and his brother Tafarawa Balewa?
It's because he saw them as bunch of never do wellers who should be nowhere near the seat of power!
Maybe they didn't tell you that the counter coupe of of July 1966 was carried out by the northerns to SECEDE from the "oppressive" Igbos and form their Arewa Republic until they were advised to rule the Igbos instead of leaving the country by The British. Britain practically fought the civil war for them. Left on their own Nigeria couldn't have defeated Biafra in the war. The only challenge the Igboman has and will continue to have is Britain who has continued to use Hausa/Fulani to checkmate the excesses of the Ndigbo and maintain their phantom " one Nigeria" not the malnourished northerners. They're no match to us.

There is a new awakening in Igboland today aimed at changing the predominant pattern of migration
which had increasingly resulted in brain drain, lost opportunities and a false sense of history. Some people believe that it is natural for Ndigbo to migrate to other cities outside their region, namely Lagos, Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Ibadan etc. to make a living. because the Igbo cities could not provide the opportunities required by Igbo youths to build what they regard as “a bright future”. It is often argued that Igbo cities such as Enugu, Onitsha, Aba, Umuahia, Owerri or Abakaliki have no requisite industries to provide employment for the youths.

However, times are changing. Igbo leaders and business men are beginning to rethink the sad situation. Aware that the present scenario was a product of Nigeria’s colonial history and post-civil war policies by those who ruled Nigeria and ensured that the Igbo territories remained land-locked and prostrate, those who should know better are thinking differently. In the midst of the crisis of the national question and the attendant politics of quit notices, some experts believe that Igboland and the territories around it can be transformed to become the industrial hub of the West Afican sub-region. Nigeria’s first Minister of Aviation, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi recently stated that “the only reasonable thing to do is for the Igbo to use what God has given them, the gift of hardwork, the gift of entrepreneurship, trading expertise and the gift of their technological superiority to exploit and look inwards and develop Igboland industrially and technologically to such an extent that Nigerians will be forced to depend on Igbo technology, expertise and industry”.
Chief Amaechi was right. The colonial policy of concentrating economic and industrial investments outside the Eastern region of Nigeria was articulated by the British who believed that the people were too
creative to be allowed to be conscious of their natural and human potentials. They wanted the land, rich with mineral resources but wished that the people never existed on planet earth. This richest part of Africa, namely Igboland and the Niger Delta territories, were subjected to deprivation, impoverishment and a special type of colonization which ensured that their enormous natural resources would never lead to the industrialization of their region. The Eastern region was closed to the import-export trade. Instead of industrializing the region in tandem with their gargantuan mineral resources, such as oil and gas (which the colonialists started drilling and selling secretly in 1906), they laid the foundation for poverty, divisiveness, bitterness and internal rivalries. The local indigenous ruling class which took power from the British colonialists continued with the foundation laid. The favoured Northern rulers were referred to as the “well-conducted youth”, on account of their ‘peaceful disposition’ which made indirect rule possible. The so-called “Nigerian interest” ensured that the resources from Africa’s richest territory were siphoned to other regions of Nigeria to enrich others who were not party to the sources of the wealth in question. No matter how diplomatic some analysts may want to be, the point is that the struggle to return the nation to genuine federalism or fiscal federalism will ultimately lead to the peaceful resolution of the contradictions of Nigeria’s political economy.
However, for anything positive to happen, the Igbo elite must change their uncritical attitude of external investments by hearkening to the quality advice articulated by Chief Amaechi. The principle of fiscal federalism would require that federating units fend for themselves economically. Such a practice would compel the regions to exploit their own resources. The Lugardian philosophy of using resources from the Eastern region to administer the other parts must be jettisoned. It is in the light of the afore-mentioned realities that Igbo businessmen, political actors and youths are realizing the need to think home and invest home (aku ruo ulo).
For the past two years, a Pan-Igbo socio-cultural organization, Alaigbo Development Foundation (ADF) has been involved in the “Invest At Home” Campaign. The ADF has held a number of consultative meetings with captains of industry, investors and entrepreneurs of Igbo extraction where strategies for home investments were discussed. On the 21st of June 2017, ADF visited some industries located in the Nnewi-Onitsha axis for first-hand assessment of efforts being made by indigenous Igbo investors to invest at home. Some of the companies visited include Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited at Umudim Nnewi. The Company Managing Director, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, who conducted the Igbo leaders round the facilities said the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing plant was commissioned on 15th October 2010 by former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, during the tenure of Mr. Peter Obi as Governor of Anambra State. It is the foremost vehicle manufacturing plant in Africa, specializing in the manufacturing (not just assemblage) of big and medium buses (luxurious buses inclusive), hilux vans, pick-ups, motorcycles and tricycles, ambulances etc. The company has a subsidiary – Innoson Technical Company located in Enugu where some accessories are manufactured. The batteries are sourced from the Ibeto group while glasses are procured from local plants. There is also the Innoson Kiara Academy for the training of vehicle manufacturing and automobile engineers, panel beaters, designers and technicians.
Onyike writes via abiaonyike2000@gmail.com
The company has staff strength of 7,200 workers. But Chief Chukwuma promised to employ additional 2,000 workers if he opens a new factory currently under construction.
Speaking on his motivation for venturing into the vehicle manufacturing enterprise, Chief Chukwuma explained that vehicles were expensive in Nigeria because of the reliance on importation. He blamed the high price on importation processes and stated that the prices of his vehicles were cheaper than those of imported ones. Secondly, he said that the vehicles produced by Innoson have durable shock absorbers because they are built for Nigerian roads.
Chief Chukwuma was full of praises for the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi who did a lot to provide his company with incentives required for breaking even. “Former Governor Obi supported us ceaselessly. He gave us order to supply vehicles to the State Government. We supplied buses to all the secondary schools in the State. He bought more for all security points in Anambra State. He equally bought jeeps for all Traditional Rulers and some Town Union Presidents in addition to ordering refuse disposal vehicles. He paid for everything in full, most times up front. That was how our company broke even”
Chief Chukwuma equally commended the Governor of Imo State, Chief Rochas Okorocha, whom he said was patronizing the company. He disclosed that his organization had commenced the building of a bigger vehicle manufacturing plant in Owerri, the Imo State capital. He equally promised to venture into the manufacturing of vehicle engines if the business climate keeps improving and regretted that engine manufacturing in Nigeria was an expensive venture because of the absence of steel rolling mills.
Other enterprises visited by the ADF delegation included the Interfact Beverages Company, Golden Oil Company, Grand Cereal Company Ltd and the Modern Living Products Limited – all in Onitsha, Anambra State.
One important observation of the tour of business enterprises in the Onitsha-Nnewi axis was the relative improved quality of access roads in the area. Peter Obi’s administration undoubtedly did a marvelous job in cleaning up Onitsha town and the industrial zone of the city. Obi’s exemplary leadership acumen in this regard should act as a model to other South-East Governors. The urge to return home for investments by some up-coming Igbo entrepreneurs should be stimulated by the conscious commitment of the State and Local Governments in the South-East geo-political zone through the provision of access roads, electricity and other social amenities.
The National President of ADF, Prof. Uzodinma Nwala, saluted the courage of Chief Innocent Chukwuma and the owners of other companies visited and noted that they came on the inspection to get first-hand information on the brains behind the “Invest At Home” drive in Igboland.
He called on the Federal Government to include the South-East in the reactivation of the Railway Project articulated in the 2017 budget and reminded the Federal Ministry of Aviation to fine-tune the International status granted the Akanu Ibiam Airport Enugu, to facilitate international flights to all parts of the World. Prof Nwala identified the problems of doing business in Igboland to include: the closure/abandonment of the Eastern sea ports by the Federal Government leading to high cost of importation to Eastern territories, Destruction of basic economic infrastructure in Alaigbo such as power, gas and coal; absence of a functional international airport; war of attrition against Igbo businessmen and the subversive activities of anti-Igbo elements who are committed to having Igboland remain economically land-locked and postrate.
The ADF delegation was made up of Prof. Nwala, Dr. Dozie Ikedife, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, Mr. Peter Obi, Mr. Abia Onyike, Col. Justino Ezeoke (rtd), P.C. Chukwu, Dr. Jerry Chukwu-Okolo, Chidi Ugwu, Barr. Max Ozoka, Okechukwu Chukwuemeka, Barr. Maxwell Onyeukwu and Prof. O.M. Iheduru.

http://www.nigeriatoday.ng/2017/07/making-igboland-an-industrial-hub/amp/

lalasticlala move this thread to front page please

The Special Adviser on Health to the Governor of Imo state, Dr Edward Ihejirika has said the redesigning of 27 general hospitals in the 27 local government areas of Imo State by Governor Rochas Okorocha will not only turn the state into a medical hub, but will redefine healthcare in Nigeria.
He said the hospitals, which are built to international standards and have the same outlook across all LGAs, have at least 100 bed space capacity each, and would be driven by a public private partnership arrangement; a difference from what obtains mostly in the country.
Dr. Ihejirika, who spoke in Lagos during the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria round table on the healthcare strategies in the federal government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), said with most of the hospitals ready, plus an enabling environment, investors were required to key into it, design the kind of services they want and then run the facilities at no profit to the government.
“We know investors are often worried about getting involved with government, as they prefer to do their thing, but Gov. Okorocha saw this, and then decided to put political will to this project, by first removing it from the State Ministry of Health, and put it directly under the government house.
“So we then made sure we put in a tax rebase, liaise with the Federal Ministry of Finance so that if perhaps our investors are foreign they will not have issues in terms of remittance of whatever profit they make.
‘We don’t demand anything from the investor, instead we ask them to build what ever they have for the government into their corporate social responsibility and give back to the society, Nothing like signature bonus or bidding fee is asked of investors. All investors need is to come in, see the infrastructure and decide what kind of services they need to provide,” he added.
He said the investors were also at liberty to recruit their staff as long as such staff are also from the state, adding that, this on its part will be a source of job creation for the locals as well.
He said already the Nigerian Army, Navy and the Police have already indicated interest in some of the facilities, and that the governor has given one each to each of the security outfits that requested for them. “The facilities are already in stages of being equipped by these institutions to provide the kind of services they want.”
While stating that other private sector players from the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, India, among others have indicated interest, he called on other investors to take advantage of the arrangement, as the model will not only benefit Imo indigenous but will be medical destination for other neighbouring states.

For many people in the south eastern part of Nigeria, especially those who are politically inclined, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) is not just an ordinary political party. Little wonder, the saying “APGA bu nke anyi” (APGA is our own) owing to the rich history of attachment that brought the party into existence.
Till date, the footprint of late ex-Biafran leader, Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, on APGA still looms large on the image of the party.
Founded in 2003 with endless potentials, APGA has recorded a long history of leadership crisis that has depleted its rank and influence despite being tagged the third biggest and the second biggest opposition party in Nigeria.
More than any party in the country, the political fortunes of APGA plummeted and it only has the control of Anambra State Government House. After the 2015 general elections, the party could only muster four House of Representatives seats; two in Anambra State, one in Taraba State and one in Abia State.
The party, however, recorded more success in the House of Assembly elections as it won 40 seats across the country: 27 seats in Anambra State, 11 seats in Abia State, one seat in Bayelsa and Taraba states respectively.
It was expected that the party will consolidate on its modest success at the poll and work towards a national spread ahead of the 2019 general elections, but that was not to be as the various gladiators are already scampering to instill interest ahead of advancement in the party’s scheme.
Although the chain of crises is not a new phenomenon in the party, the shade of the current crisis, however and the likely outcome of the bickering, if not fittingly addressed might rock the boat the party, especially its existence.
It is on record that the myriads of crises in the party started with the tussle between the founding chairman, Chief Chekwas Okorie and the then National Treasurer, Chief Victor Umeh. At the end of the squabble, Umeh, who reportedly had the support of the then governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, had the upper hand and Okorie was forced out of the party. He (Okorie) later formed and registered the United Progressives Party (UPP).
But with a dip in the relationship between Umeh and some other gladiators in the party, a new foe in Chief Maxi Okwu, arose against the leadership of Umeh, who thought all was done and dusted with Okorie’s exit from the party. But the fairytale was just for a while and the leadership crisis became protracted with another round of litigations, which eventually ended at the Supreme Court. Just like before, Umeh had the upper hand.
With Umeh superintending the victory of Chief Willie Obiano as Anambra governor on the platform of APGA, he decided that it was time to call it quit at the party level and move to elective politics. He shifted his interest to Anambra Central senatorial district and handed the reins of the party to Chief Victor Oye.
Interestingly, the seat has so far been hot for Oye. He had purportedly been removed on different occasions by a section of the party’s Board of Trustees (BoT), stakeholders and part of the National Executive Committee (NEC). But with the support of Obiano, he has been able to keep his seat regardless of the pressure on him to quit.
However, the crisis took a twist on May 22, 2017, when an Enugu State High Court presided by Justice A. R. Ozoemena, sacked Oye as APGA’s National Chairman and ordered that Chief Martin Agbaso, a former APGA governorship candidate in Imo State, be recognised as the party’s Acting National Chairman.
The court also directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop further dealing with Oye and that his removal since 2016 was in order.
The decision of the court followed a suit by the secretary of the party in Enugu State, Mr. Mike Alioke, who challenged the continued stay in office by Oye after the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party affirmed his suspension on October 5, last year.
Alioke asked the court for a declaration that by Section 4 of the Police Act, both the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Enugu State Commissioner of Police (CP) were bound to ensure the compliance of the decision of APGA regarding Agbaso’s purported appointment as Acting National Chairman to forestall breakdown of law and order.
He also prayed for an order prohibiting INEC and its privies from recognising or accepting any other person as APGA National Chairman, except Agbaso. Justice Ozoemena granted the three reliefs sought.
Chief Agbaso is a foundation member of APGA as well as an acolyte of the late Dim Ojukwu. He was largely instrumental to the victory of Owelle Rochas Okorocha in 2011 over Governor Ikedi Ohakim on the platform of APGA in Imo State.
Expectedly, Oye dismissed the High Court ruling, describing it as a “miscarriage of justice and abuse of court process.” He queried: “How could a judge issue such an order when we were not notified of the existence of the suit ab initio? The next thing we heard was a judgment. We are studying the judgment and will react appropriately. But know this: the order will not stand and whoever is involved in this charade will face the full weight of justice. I remain the national chairman of APGA.”
Elucidating further, the National Publicity Secretary of the Oye faction of the party, Barrister Ifeatu Obi-Okoye, called on the party and its members to discountenance the ruling of the Enugu High Court, which he described as a ‘kangaroo judgement’.
But, the National Vice Chairman of the party (South-East), Chief Okechukwu Nkoloagu, said: “Oye’s administration is gone and APGA will be re-engineered to play the leading role expected of it in the polity and by her founding fathers. Whatever has happened in court will not affect the Anambra election because it is an internal matter of the party. It will also not affect the chances of the party in the election. What is important is having a formidable party which Oye has denied the party for sometimes.”
Already, tongues are wagging on where the bickering will leave the Anambra State governor, Obiano, who is a strong backer of Oye. For many, the centre is not holding for APGA especially as the November governorship election inches closer.
Speaking with New Telegraph, a member of the party’s executive in Imo State, who pleaded anonymity, decried the manner at which the various the gladiators are toying with the future of the party, stating that posterity will ask questions if anything happens to the existence of the party.
“Why is it difficult for us to play our party politics out of the confines of the courts? Must we always approach the court to settle our internal differences? I want to believe that the ruling of the Supreme Court last week that removed two federal legislators will keep us in check. We shouldn’t do anything untoward with this election in Anambra, otherwise, we would have ourselves to blame.”
As it stands, the key question is what the kernel of the crisis all about? Are there external forces stoking the crisis in the wake of the Anambra election? Will the gladiators sheathe their swords and put their house in order? What will become of Obiano’s second term aspiration if the pendulum eventually swings to Agabso’s camp? Would he move to another party or mend fences with Agbaso? The answers to these questions are certainly lying in the belly of time.

Friday Olokor , Jos
Taraba State Governor , Darius Ishaku , on Friday faulted claims by the Vice Chairman , Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Yusuf Abubakar Yusuf, that over 50 Fulani herdsmen and 20 cows had been killed in the ongoing clashes in Ngoroje community , Sarduana Local Government Area of the state .
Yusuf is representing the Taraba Central Senatorial District in the Senate .
Ishaku also described as satanic the demands by Fulani herdsmen for a declaration of a state of emergency the state .
The governor said , “ Those calling for an emergency rule are giving the fake impression that the entire state is engulfed in an uncontrollable crisis . Well , that is not true and they know it . How come these same people did not call for emergency rule a few weeks ago when Fulani herdsmen unleashed mayhem in Ussa and Takum ?
“ We didn ’ t hear of emergency rule when people were killed at Agatu , Katsina Ala and all the other places where Fulani herdsmen had unleashed hell . But now , because of an unfortunate crisis that the state has promptly dealt with, we are hearing the clarion call for an emergency rule .
“ The agitators are trying to drag negative attention to Taraba State so that people would join them in calling for the withdrawal of the bill against open grazing . Happily, almost everyone of goodwill is favourably disposed to the bill . In our state , the bill enjoys 99 per cent support from the masses, who have been at the receiving end of the unwarranted attacks by Fulani herdsmen . ”
Ishaku said that from the senator ’ s actions , it was obvious that he ( Yusuf) was only representing the Fulani ethnic nationality in the Senate .

sekxy:

who is this frustrated old hag ...are u an Imolite NO...do u live or work in Imo state No...do u know the current happenings in Imo state NO...do u know how much none indigenes pay in IMSU absolutely NO,do u know the acceptance fee in IMSU NO,Do U know the hostel fees in Owerri...NO...do u know the fate of the retired civil servants and even the present ones in IMO STATE...I can deduce u are the dounce here. ..I have mates like u at home who reason with their brain not with their nose...nonsense!!!

Another post full of name calling and insults. This justifys my earlier claim that you lack proper upbringing. Can't you type something without insults? Well, I am an Imolite resident in the state. I thank God you said non indigenes which means the indigenes are still charged considerably lesser fees by the man you prefer to describe as"Okoroawusa". Do you know the amount my cousin paid just to secure admission in ESUT- #240000. Imo used to charge non indigenes in the state university very low fee but the government decided to increase the amount when they realized that other states were not willing to return the favor to Imolites in their states schooling. Imo is only owing two months salaries to their civil servants which will be cleared by the end of this month because they are always paid on two months intervals. compared to an oil rich state like Bayelsa that is owing up to five months salaries. As for the issue of pensions it has been a thorn in the flesh of successive governments in the state, due to the large number of pensioners in IMO state. The pension burden is too much for any governor to handle-#1.4 billion which is the highest in the country. Even If you make Ambode the governor of Imo State today he will still find it difficult to pay pensioners with the meagre amount we receive as allocation and low IGR. Do you know how much pension arrears Rochas inherited from the past government which he cleared? Do you know that Imo State has the best public school structure in the South East courtesy of Rochas? what of the new general hospitals in all the local government areas of the state built by Rochas? Do you know that the Imo State airport is now the busiest domestic airport in Nigeria and it is now being transformed into a cargo airport by the same Rochas you call all sorts of unprintable names? Do you know that Imo State today is among the few States to have two state universities? Rochas' only sin is his membership of APC and his detribalized personality and not poor performance. I have been an observer in nairaland for up to five years now and I joined earlier last year but I seldom make comments here because of the poor mentality of most nairalanders that cannot make sound arguments without resorting to insults. Regrettably you're one of them and I want you to change.

sekxy:
useless okoroawusa..u are useless to us Imolites...God please punish this man for us AMEN

Okorocha is not useless to Imolites. If he is not good for anything else he is at least good in the education sector where he is sponsoring over three thousand Imolites in free secondary school education through the two Rochas Foundation Colleges in the state. you're the only useless fellow I can point at in IMO state presently. I wonder how a young and beautiful lady like you will be calling a man that is old enough to be your father useless just because he said his opinion in an issue bordering his people. It can only be as a result of improper parentage and excessive intake of hate speeches from radio Biafra. I have sisters both younger and older but they don't behave like you better learn manners, it will
help you in the future.

Owerri—Scores of Imo youths, yesterday, protested inside the government House, over the youth empowerment programme of Governor Rochas Okorocha, alleging that they were “intimidated and sidelined” just as some praised the governor for lifting them out of abject poverty.
The youths registered their displeasure, in a protest letter, a copy which was made available to Vanguard, during an interaction between Governor Rochas Okorocha and beneficiaries of the three hundred and five million naira empowerment funds.
Chief Rochas Okorocha
Trouble started when Okorocha asked them to narrate their experiences before they emerged winners for the one million naira empowerment programme.
Annoyed by the processes involved, Mr. Obinna Agulanna, Mr. Jude Emeka Echefu and Mr. Alia Boniface, demanded for the cancellation of the exercise.
Their protest letter read:
“Sir, the above Youth Association in Otulu /Aguneze ward in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Council wants to express their gratitude to your rescue mission government and the youth empowerment programme in the state. “In this ward, youths were not carried along during the exercise including the two CGC youth leaders.
“The boy who emerged as the winner of the One million naira youth empowerment became a member of APC a day to the final selection in the state.
“Sir, the leaders of our ward including the two president generals, secretaries in the two communities were not consulted before and after the exercise.
“Therefore, we demand an automatic cancellation of this ugly selection exercise in our ward.
“If this ugly exercise is not well attended to, it will affect the 2019 general elections in Otulu/ Aguneze ward as our APC members, especially the youths are being discouraged.”
Speaking, Governor Rochas Okorocha assured the affected youths that he would intervene in their matter.
He also warned the beneficiaries that the money was not to marry more wives or start visiting brothels but to create a new world and new vision.
He said: “My children, all of you will succeed with this money. You will bring a mentor and sign, then we will pay the money into your account. Let me tell you that the money has no condition attached to it.
“I want you to succeed and I want you to run for electoral positions. Some of you who are confused, we will guide you to succeed.”

Members of the House of Representatives from the South- East geopolitical zone have called for a provision for referendum in the Nigerian constitution to open up avenues for discussions on self -determination by Nigerians .
They also insisted that Nigeria was due for restructuring and that it would be done , no matter how long it would take.
The 1999 Constitution makes no provision for a referendum , leaving the National Assembly as the only legal representative gathering for deliberations on the governance of Nigeria .
But South - East lawmakers , who spoke with Sunday PUNCH , said a provision for referendum was long due because it was part of the fundamental rights of the people to self - determination .
They noted that a referendum and the debate on restructuring of Nigeria were tied together .
The members were embittered that a South - East Development Commission Bill , which they introduced as a vehicle to develop the region , was thrown out by the House on Thursday .
According to them, such actions are largely responsible for the cries of marginalisation and agitation in the South - East and other parts of the country.
One of the lawmakers , Mr . Igariwey Iduma- Enwo , who is from Ebonyi State , told Sunday PUNCH that a referendum would further open up the democratic space .
Iduma- Enwo , a lawyer , said , “ A referendum is an element of human rights . It is an avenue to feel the pulse of the people about a particular issue or issues .
“ We should have it in our constitution because a referendum also falls within the context of the restructuring of Nigeria , which a lot of people are today talking about .
“ Other countries and advanced democracies , including the US , have it in their constitutions . So , why can ’ t we have it in Nigeria ?”
The Chairman , House Committee on Works, Mr . Toby Okechukwu , also supported the idea of a referendum if the “ merits” of such a provision would be favourable to Nigeria .
“ We have to discuss it on the basis of the merits. If we find it justifiable to use a referendum to discuss a progressive agenda for Nigeria , why not ?” he added .
Okechukwu , who is from Enugu State , recalled that the country’ s constitution in the 1960 s , after independence , made provision for referendum and wondered why it was removed from the later versions .
“ Why was it in the independence constitution in the 1960 s ? If our founding fathers , in their own wisdom , included it in the constitution , why was it removed ?
“ We should look at the issue of referendum and juxtapose it with the United Nations Charter on the Rights to Self - Determination , ” he stated .
Reacting to the decision of the House on the South- East Development Commission Bill, Okechukwu told
SUNDAY PUNCH that the zone was denied a rare opportunity to advance its development .
“ This was an avenue to encourage development of infrastructure and investments , but it was thrown out just because of other factors , ” he said .
In a similar vein, Jerry Alagboso said there was nothing wrong in having a referendum in the constitution .
He explained that all Nigerians would be better off with it, besides the Igbo , who were denied a development commission “ for no justifiable reasons. ”
Alagboso described the rejection of the development commission bill as “ unfortunate , ” noting that lawmakers from the North had a wrong impression that it was an agenda to promote Biafra .
However , when contacted, the Chairman , House Committee on Media and Public Affairs , Abdulrazak Namdas , said , “ The National Assembly is for all Nigerians . It is a representative assembly and every Nigerian is represented here .
“ Whatever the grievances are , channel them through your representatives and they will be adequately addressed . ”

vargasvictory:
Proudly IMO

Shame we have Okoroawusa as a leader


If you from IMO Holla!!

The reverse should be the case here. It should be shame we have you as an Imolite. You should be proud to support your state government like other southeasterns are doing for their respective governments. But it is quite unfortunate that you are the one portraying your government in bad light. If I may ask what exactly did Rochas do that is outrageously wrong? Is it owing of pensions? Do you know that Enugu state government is owing over 77 months pension arrears but you don't see their people attacking their governor the way we Imolites do. Today Imo state has the best public school structure in South East courtesy of Rochas' government. He is building world class general hospitals in all the 27 local government areas of the state. He has built a new university known as Eastern Palm university to help admission seekers get admission. He has transformed Owerri to a modern city and tourism destination of choice. I just mentioned a few. Yet a lot of people criticize him not because of his poor performance but a way of dragging him down

Godswillnwaoma:
shatap and keep quiet, rochas is the wost thing that ever happened to imo state.

Nope! you're the worst thing that ever happened to Imo state not Rochas. He has left lasting impressions in IMO through his stellar performance in the education sector and transformation of Owerri to a modern city. It is unfortunate that e-rats like you have decided to go any length to tarnish his image because you feel intimidated by his growing popularity. Don't worry quoting me because I don't argue with e-rats.

Rochas Wu onye ishi okanga! The greatest man from the east, on a class of his own.

viviangist:


Stop deceiving yourself!! We all know you are a political tug! Step out from your hut and go to that road now. Stop posting pictures of when the going was good as the recent pictures. Unizik students here should please testify. Because of people like you, this country will never be good. Get a life!!

If it is any part of IMO state now that the picture was taken now, you would have seen "Okoroawusa" up to twenty places and other sorts of demeaning names directed at the Governor by all these hired e-rats and poorly trained creatures that don't know there left from there right. Now it is there "highly esteemed" Obiano, they are trying to exonerate him. Is that not hypocritical? It further justifys my claim that all the attacks and media blackmails hauled at Rochas are not because of his poor performance but are simply politically motivated out of sheer envy and malice.

biz2get:
Boy!!!.

Go Back to Your Momma,

You Lack the Space to THINK ACCURATELY .

It amazes me that most of you don't even know that boy. He is another chino we have here in the East. He specializes on talking down other states to promote his Enugu state. Imo state has the least number of mud houses in the East followed by Anambra. Enugu and Ebonyi States have highest number of mud houses in the East. The boy just opened this thread to spite Imolites. It is very rare to see mud House's in IMO state. Mud houses are common site in his state.

Which part of Enugu state are you from? I know that if there are ten mud houses in IMO state, there should be more than fifty mud houses in your Enugu because Imolites have a higher standard of living than Enugu. Mud house should not be strange to a man from Enugu because you guys and Ebonyi state have the highest concentration of mud house in the East. Stop coming here to form big whatever to massage your ego because we know ourselves down here in the East.

lalasticlala move this thread to front page please!

The 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) has been filled with a lot of buzz, ranging from the record breaking numbers to the many hiccups associated with the registration process.

NAIJ.com earlier reported that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) spokesperson has announced that a new record has been set by the body. A record 1.7 million people have registered for this year’s UTME.

The spokesperson said: “We registered a number that has never been done in the entire 39 years of the existence of JAMB within a time frame Nigerians were skeptical about."

Below is a list of the top 10 states with the highest registration numbers:.
1. Imo state - 101,868

2. Osun state - 88,655

3. Oyo state - 87,811

4. Ogun state - 81,349

5. Delta state - 81,108

6. Anambra state - 77,253

7. Kaduna state - 72,104


8. Kano state - 70,276

9. Kogi state - 70,150

10. Benue state - 68,916

Below is part of the statement released by JAMB:

"The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, has concluded the sale of 2017 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, application document in grand style recording over 1.7 million candidates at the close of the site by 12 midnight on Friday May 5 2017.

"The Board urges Nigerians to have trust in its processes as they are meant to enhance productivity, eliminate examination malpractice and promote transparency to an unprecedented level.

"We registered a number that has never been done in the entire 39 years of the existence of JAMB within a time frame Nigerians were sceptical about.

"The highest we have ever had was 1.5 million, this is record breaking. We will look at the system so far and make adjustments where necessary to ensure a full proof process of registration and examination.

"We are always sure of our systems and will continue to expand our frontiers of thinking to transform the Board to an agency that Nigerians will be proud of." https://www.naij.com/1103830-top-10-states-highest-number-jamb-candidates.html

Owerri—Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, yesterday, said the state was able to maintain its record as a state with the highest Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, applications due to his free education programme.
Okorocha stated this while reacting to a statement credited to the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, that Imo State has again topped the JAMB applications this year with 101,868 applications of the total of 1.7 million applications.
According to a release issued to newsmen in Owerri by Okorocha’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo, “the Rescue Mission Government in the state with Governor Rochas Okorocha on the driver’s seat, has acknowledged the report credited to the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede that Imo State has again topped the JAMB applications this year (2017) with 101,868 applications out of the total of 1.7million applications.
“Prof. Oloyede had said at a press briefing in Abuja, Tuesday that Osun State came second with 88,653 applications, while Oyo State came third with 87,811 applications.
“This beautiful development would make it the sixth time since 2012 that Imo would come first in JAMB applications.
“The enviable records did not come by happenstance. They are all products of the free education programme in the state which occasioned the astronomical increase of the school enrolment in the state from 280,000 in 2011 to more than 800,000 at the moment.

Owerri—Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, yesterday, said the state was able to maintain its record as a state with the highest Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, applications due to his free education programme.
Okorocha stated this while reacting to a statement credited to the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, that Imo State has again topped the JAMB applications this year with 101,868 applications of the total of 1.7 million applications.
According to a release issued to newsmen in Owerri by Okorocha’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo, “the Rescue Mission Government in the state with Governor Rochas Okorocha on the driver’s seat, has acknowledged the report credited to the Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede that Imo State has again topped the JAMB applications this year (2017) with 101,868 applications out of the total of 1.7million applications.
“Prof. Oloyede had said at a press briefing in Abuja, Tuesday that Osun State came second with 88,653 applications, while Oyo State came third with 87,811 applications.
“This beautiful development would make it the sixth time since 2012 that Imo would come first in JAMB applications.
“The enviable records did not come by happenstance. They are all products of the free education programme in the state which occasioned the astronomical increase of the school enrolment in the state from 280,000 in 2011 to more than 800,000 at the moment. http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/05/imo-remains-highest-jamb-applications-okorocha/

linearity:


I dare to say None, else the media would have carried it like this one.

These nowadays men of God, always want their left hand to know what their right hand is doing.

Pastor Chris oyakhilomie gave a young man #100m during 2015 IPPC in Lagos Nigeria. I witnessed it live. so be careful of what you say.

Schematics:
What is this poor clown yapping? 3yrs of Obiano has surpassed the wasted 8yrs of Okorocha. Imo state under Okorocha has become a failed state. Let Okorocha go and pay ordinary salary arrears of over 10months first, not to talk of infrastructures before he can challenge a technocratic Obiano. Your limping one-legged failed ugly governor Okorocha is everything a governor should not be.

[s][/s]

Your usual rhetoric, it has become stale. Okorocha paid March and April salaries on the 24th of April this year. so he is not owing anyone. And chino don't quote me again because I don't argue with lunatics that lack sound logic.