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Uzodimma Pledges Collaboration With Assembly Members To Develop Imo

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma - Imo State Governor
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State.:

Amid encomia by the 27 elected members of the Imo State House of Assembly who marked their one year in office, weekend, Governor Hope Uzodimma has pledged continuing collaboration with the lawmakers to ensure that under his watch, the State is developed.

It was a moment of solemn reflection for both members of the Executive and the Legislature who attended the occasion as they listened to Governor Uzodimma and the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe, make their remarks which centred on how Imo State could become the economic hub of the South East if both arms of government continue to work together.

“Let me assure you that I will strive to continue to provide the enabling environment for you to execute your legislative duties and support your training programmes and improvement. I will always have your back as we collectively render selfless service to our people,” Governor Uzodimma said while congratulating the lawmakers on their first anniversary.

The Governor added: “Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, let me reiterate that I am here today to demonstrate my deep respect for this institution and my genuine appreciation for your cooperation with my administration since I assumed office as the Governor of Imo State. I am also here to celebrate hard work, resourcefulness, and patriotism. You represent the best, and your constituents made the right choice in electing you. Your legislative excellence is in consonance with my commitment to serving our people with integrity, Transparency and accountability shall continue to be my watchword.”

Governor Uzodimma who explained that his administration is in hurry to turn around the economic fortunes of Imo State, said that the lawmakers have, through their bills and motions, shown that they are also in sync with his developmental plans for the State.

The Governor identified their motions on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) as particularly encouraging, noting that the lawmakers show clearly that they understand the dynamics of current global economic and development trajectory.

Part of the Governor’s remarks read:

“It gives me great pleasure to be at this hallowed Chambers today to celebrate with the representatives of our people, the all-important arm of government, the bastion of our democracy.  As a law-making body, the House of Assembly is crucial, critical, and essential in the preservation and sustenance of our democracy.  This particular Assembly has distinguished itself as a responsible, responsive, and cohesive House, thus engendering trust and hope among the diverse people of the state.

“Let me hasten to congratulate the Rt. Honourable Speaker, the leadership, and all other Honourable members on this historic occasion of your one year anniversary.  You have indeed acquitted yourselves creditably in the last one year, given your vibrancy and resourcefulness.  I salute you for being alive to your responsibilities.

“Within the last one year, you have justified the confidence your constituents placed on you by working assiduously towards achieving your core mandates of making laws, amending laws, and abrogating laws when necessary. I understand that you have successfully passed 12 bills and tens of motions within this period. I am proud of you indeed for the hard work, your sense of purpose, and your vision for a new Imo.

“This vision for a new Imo is what has welded all of us together.  We have been chosen by the people to individually and collectively serve them. As servants of the people, we are expected to be humble, focused, committed, and dedicated in the discharge of our various duties, be at the Executive, the Legislature, or the Judiciary.

“This service we render should be selfless.  It should be total.  It should add value to the lives of the populace. It should be devoid of pecuniary expectations.  It should be motivated by sacrifice, love, and a true sense of duty. It should be driven by passion with an eye on history, not on fleeting momentary gains or adulation. Since 1999, many illustrious sons and daughters of Imo State have sat where you are currently seated.  How many of them do you readily remember? That is the question.  You have to make your mark through selfless service so that long after you are gone, both from here and life itself, people would acclaim and say, yes, he was here.

“That, Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, is what is called a legacy. It is called leaving footprints on the annals of history. As David D Eisenhower once said, ‘The supreme quality of leadership is unquestionable integrity.’ That is what I crave that all of us leave for the people of Imo State when we leave the stage.  I am happy that this house is on the same page with me in achieving this goal.

“The motion you recently passed urging the Executive to engage in public, private partnership in the development of our dear state gladdens my heart. It demonstrates that you are in sync with me on the roadmap to the development of our state. I wish to sincerely commend you for that bold, timely, and visionary initiative.

“Just like the defunct house, you have given a practical expression to the synergistic relationship between the Executive and the Legislature in the state.  You have behaved like the patriots that you are.  Although there is a constitutional separation of powers between the Executive and the Legislative arms, you have proved that the tongue and the teeth need to work together for a friction-free relationship inside the mouth. For that, I salute you again.

“In this regard, I am glad to inform you that we are working round the clock to tap into the rich potentials that abound in the Public, Private, Partnership space.  As you very well know, the era of governments running businesses is now history. It has been proven beyond all reasonable doubts that government is a bad manager of businesses. What is trending in the global economy is Public Private Partnership. This way, government provides the enabling environment and logistics for the private sector to invest and manage businesses. Consequently, my administration is exploring Public Private Partnership opportunities in the Power sector, Agriculture, Oil and gas, and Digital Economy.

“In the area of power generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity within the state and beyond.  I have set up the Electricity Regulatory Commission to ensure that all the necessary things are done. The first phase of the project, which is the commencement of electricity generation distribution and transmission, will be commissioned in January. The second phase, which will provide the 27 local governments in the state with 24/7 electricity, will be completed in good time. The exciting news is that this project is at no direct cost to the government except for the provision of the enabling environment and logistics to make power available to our people.

“In the same vein, the government has facilitated through Public Private Partnership another agreement for the building of a 200-bed and operations of Marriot Hotel in Owerri and the complete rehabilitation and operations of Concorde Hotel.  These are projects that would come in handy when our state becomes the industrial hub of the southeast.  Our tourist industry will become the immediate beneficiary with the attendant economic development, generation of employment and skills.

“As part of this effort to make Imo an industrial hub, the government is vigorously pursuing the dredging of Oguta Lake to the Atlantic Ocean. Already, the pre-dredging activities of the project has been completed.  The dredging proper is about to commence. This will surely open up the state for investment and facilitate the economic growth of the entire South East. A number of Gas-related small and medium scale international concerns have already queued up waiting patiently to take advantage of the free trade zone status of the area to invest in oil and gas. I believe that this House will in your usual manner collaborate with the Executive to ensure that there is no hindrance in the realization of the Orashi Free Trade Zone potentials and related matters.

“As you have noticed, my second tenure has taken off on a fast track just as the first tenure. As I declared during my second tenure inauguration, there would be no lethargy or complacency.  My mission of leaving enduring legacies still remains on course.  All the projects and policies necessary for the development of our state are on course.

“Indeed, the Assumpta Flyover is one of our signature projects.The road revolution is still ongoing all around the state.  Soon, another iconic project, the Owerri-Mbaise-Umuahia road, will be commissioned. In the next few weeks, the Imo State International Conference centre, an edifice to behold, will be commissioned. You are all living witnesses to the final completion of the night landing facilities for the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport awaiting official commissioning by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).  Upon commissioning, aircrafts will routinely land at night.  We are currently working on the extension of the runway to ensure that bigger aircrafts can land there anytime. This is in readiness for the full take-off of the airport as an international cargo airport.

“The empowerment of 300,000 youths through the Skillup Imo project in the digital economy is still ongoing, the same with payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities. I shall continue to meet all our statutory obligations.  Besides, our resolve to run an open, transparent, and accountable administration remains unshaken. Soon, I shall be convening stakeholders meeting to again render an account of my stewardship to the good people of Imo State.”

Earlier in his remarks, Rt. Hon Olemgbe welcomed the Governor with his entourage, reminding him of the number of bills and motions they have successfully worked on during the year under review.

He thanked God for the enablement to successfully complete the first session of the 10th Assembly which rounded off on June 16, 2024 and appreciated Governor Uzodimma for his “support and necessary assistance that have made our work easy and seamless.”

He described the Governor’s visit as a motivation for members of the House of Assembly and thanked him for finding time to celebrate with them.

The Speaker also acknowledged and appreciated his colleagues for their “cooperation, dedication to duty and unity of purpose,” saying he cannot take that for granted.

He promised better legislative years ahead where more bills and motions that will continue to better the lots and of Imo people will be enacted.

Rt. Hon Olemgbe also assured of “continued open door policy, transparent and accountable leadership,” saying he will not disappoint the House, the Governor and people of Imo State with God on his side.

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady (Dr.) Chinyere Ekomaru, Senator Patrick Ndubueze ( Okigwe Zone), APC Deputy National Chairman (South), Chief Emma Enukwu, former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie and members of the Imo State expanded Executive Council joined the Governor at the ceremony.

Abia Governor Otti Says Allegations Against Suspended Health Commissioner Yet To Be Proved

By
Ayodele Oni
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Alex Otti - Abia State Governor
Alex Otti, Abia State Governor

By Ayodele Oni

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has spoken on the suspended Commissioner for Health, Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo. He said the allegations against her are based on suspicion.

The Governor also clarified that contrary to media reports, he did not sack his immediate past and pioneer Chief Press Secretary, Kazie Uko saying he was only affected by a reorganization.

The Governor disclosed this in Umuahia Friday night in a chat with newsmen, stating, “We did not sack the former Chief Press Secretary. We only did re-organization. No appointment is permanent.

“The Suspension of the Commissioner of Health is on allegation based on suspicion. Already, a committee has been set up and the result will come in.

“Nothing is wrong in suspending a person when there is a prima facie case. If found not guilty, she will return to her job, if not, she will face the consequences of the infraction.”

The Governor, who restated his avowed commitment to bringing to account anyone remotely or directly involved in the recent killing of soldiers at the Obikabia Junction a few weeks ago, said, “This government takes security seriously.

“We are leaving no stones unturned to ensure that everyone connected with that dastard act where soldiers were murdered is brought to book.

Ngozi Okoronkwo
Dr Ngozi Okoronkwo

“We have been getting the feedback. At the appropriate time, we will let you all know. We have empowered Operation Crush to crush crime anywhere in the state.”

Otti disclosed that he has engaged a Chief Information Technologist to prepare the State for digital transformation that would herald the broadband technology in the state that is already in its final stages of discussion.

Giving reasons for this appointment, Otti said “We are preparing our state for the next century. Wherever you are, you can have access to data.”

He further disclosed that his government plans to digitally transform Abia’s economy and boost technology in the State through the project that will be heralded by the broadband technology.

Otti assured that his infrastructural revolution will be extended to all the nooks and crannies of the 17 local councils in the next few months, and vowed to make infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, security and others the focus of his second year in office.

Labour Party Crisis: Abure, Apapa Faction Close Ranks, End Feud

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Lamidi Apapa and Julius Abure

By Akinwale Kasali

The crisis rocking the Labour Party, LP, for several months is gradually waning as the National Chairman of the Party, Julius Abure has extended its olive branch to the Lamidi Apapa led Faction of the Party.

It was gathered from sources close to Abure and Apapa factions that there was need to close ranks between both factions after months of legal tussle over the leadership and Control of the Party’s structure.

Abure was said to have felt the urgent need to close rank with the Apapa’s faction following the open revolt and media war from its Presidential Candidate, Peter Obi as well as the pressure from the NLC.

According to the source, “It is the only logical way for him to have a united front against the threat of the NLC in particular. I believe you already know Abure has a long history with Lamidi Apapa and Abayomi Arabambi before now,” the source explained.

Confirming this development, the factional spokesman of the Apapa’s camp, Abayomi Arabambi, disclosed that they had no problem with Abure from the outset because they knew he was being influenced and misled by some leading officers of the NLC.

He said, “We are together to stop all those political hawks from taking over our party. We thought they (NLC) were fighting for a just cause. But it is very obvious they only want to take over our party and we are not going to accept that. We in the Lamidi Apapa group are not lawbreakers like those who supported Abure in disobeying the court order. I have said this several times on air.

“It was because of this threat that Abure extended an olive branch for all of us to bond together. It was obvious that these people were not only with him to fight us but to take over the control of the party. So we cannot be outside and allow some people to take over our party. That was why Abure asked us to come together in the party’s interest.

“We are here to fight those people who want to use the Labour Party to foment trouble and destabilize the country. That is what we are against. Nobody is contesting or running for any election now. We know the next race is in 2027. Why should we now be seeking ways to bring the nation down? We are averse to that.”

He added, “I also want you to know that there is nothing like Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign here anymore. It has been dissolved. Everybody has reverted to former governorship and presidential candidate. We don’t want disinformation at the Labour Party.

“Again,  you recall that there was a crisis in APC and the PDP. Yet, the warring parties came together and resolved it. So what stopped us from resolving ours? When you are fighting, there is no permanent enemy. It is all about permanent interest.”

Also confirming the reunion is LP National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, who stated that there was nothing out of place for Abure to extend olive branches to aggrieved members of the party.

He said, “Labour Party is united. We do not have a division in the sense that as a party that came out of the election hugely successful with a lot of results to show, several people would want to have a stake in the Labour Party. The implication is that a lot of stone-throwing and interest will begin to manifest. But the Labour Party has a constitution and it has a rule completely spelt out.

“Anybody that tries to go out of it will get his hand burnt because the law will not support what you are doing just as the NLC is doing. Besides, we have never seen the Lamidi Apapa people as having their camp because there’s only one camp. That is the one led by Julius Abure.

“Of course, they have the right to be aggrieved and take positions that are not aligned with the interest of the party. But as soon as they discovered it was not the right way, I think they took the better decision to begin to retrace their steps. That is what we have seen.”

He stated further, “Many people who were involved in anti-party activities in the past are beginning to discover that the laws are not on their side. The best thing is to retrace their steps and return to the fold.

“So many other persons have indicated interest in returning to the party. LP does not have any problem with that. Our doors are wide open. If you are out in the cold and you need shelter in the Labour Party, we will bring you back and shelter you.

“The distinguished gentleman you just mentioned (Arabambi) is still our member. He has also recognised Julius Abure as the only national chairman. The party is coming together and I can tell you that the party is a lot more united now than ever.”

Police Occupation Of 23 LGAs: “It Is An Insult To Rivers People” – 40 Coalition Groups, CLO Give Seven Days Ultimatum

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Kayode Egbetokun - IGP

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

A coalition of over 40 Rights Groups led by the Civil Liberty Organization, CLO, on Friday, June 21, 2024, issued a notice of an imminent showdown with the Nigerian Police Force should it fail to vacate the premises of  the Rivers State Local Council Headquarters within seven days.

The Source reports that the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, had, on Tuesday, June 18, in the wake of the expiry of the tenure of the elected  Council Executives, ordered the takeover of the Secretariats of the 23 Local Councils by  Police Operatives.

He had premised the development on the need to maintain peace, stability and security in the state.

The political temperature of  Rivers State had soared following the unwillingness of  the Council Executives to vacate  their offices, just as some forces loyal to Governor Sim Fubara were set to force them out.

An attempt by the pro- Nyesom Wike legislators to elongate their tenure by six months crashed following the  ruling of a Rivers State High Court that  declared the move a nullity.

Justice Dagogo-Jack while delivering judgment on a motion on notice filed by the four pro- Fubara Lawmakers led by Victor Oko- Jumbo declared the seats of the pro-Wike members of the Assembly loyal to the vacant.

The trial Judge held that the Lawmakers are no longer members of the legislative body, having earlier resigned their membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that sponsored them for the election in to the office.

Similarly, he had, also, declared illegal, null and void all their legislations after their defections to the All Progressive Congress APC, including the elongation of the tenure of the elected Council Executives.

A last ditch effort to overturn the Lower Court’s verdict by the defected Lawmakers could not sail through at the Appeal Court sitting in Port Harcourt .

The Appeal Court’s three- man Justices led by Jimi Olukayode ,had on June 14  opted for the maintenance of status quo, rather than  a reversal order as prayed by the embattled pro-Wike legislators in their appeal notice .

The Appeallet Court’s judgement paved  the way for Governor Fubara to appoint Interim Council Leaders on Tuesday June 19.

However ,the appointed Council Officials have been operating from different unorthodox locations since being sworn into office, due to the police barricade of the Councils’ Headquarters.

The IGP has insisted that the Police presence will only be vacated after the Appeal Court would have delivered its final verdict on the appeal filed by the Speaker Martins-Amaewfule led pro- Wike law makers.

The Appeal Court on Thursday, June 20, reserved ruling for a date to be communicated to the parties later .

But the Civil Society Groups led by Comrade Enefaa Georgewill, South-south Zonal Coordinator of CLO, are not persuaded  by the position of IGP Egbetokun. They have, therefore, issued a seven-day ultimatum for the Police to withdraw from the various Council Headquarters or face a Statewide mass action.

“It is insulting and demeaning to the people of the State for the Police to occupy the Secretariats of the Local Governments. The police should stop turning Rivers state into a police state.

“A competent Court of jurisdiction has ruled that the Martins Amaewhule led House of Assembly  has no right to extend the tenure of the past Chairmen and the Police should obey the subsisting judgement and remain neutral in the matter pending the final ruling by the Appeal Court” Enefaa stated.

Workers Demand Payment Of Arrears Of Wage Award By FG, Threaten Disruption Of Services

By
Ayodele Oni
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu - President
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

Federal Government Workers may not wait for the stand of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) on the proposed new minimum wage as they have resolved to embark on nationwide protest to press home their demands.

They accused the present administration of not fulfilling payment of wage award occasioned by the sudden withdrawal of fuel subsidy.

In a communique at the end of their virtual meeting, the workers resolved that “The Federal Government should pay up the arrears of wage award for the months of March, April and May within 72 hours else Federal Government workers nationwide will embark on a continuous mass protest.”

The communique, signed by  Andrew Emelieze, National Coordinator (FWF), stated that “₦62,000 minimum wage proposal is no way near a living wage, hence it is totally rejected by the Federal workforce.

“That we have heard from Mr President concerning the new national minimum wage and that the NLC/TUC has nothing to wait for order than to immediately resume the suspended indefinite national strike.

“That on Monday 24th June 2024, if the outstanding three months wage award arrears is not paid, federal workers should commence continuous mass protest in all federal government secretariats across the federation.

“There are many more outstanding arrears of payment owed the federal workers by the federal government, all these must be considered including promotion arrears and the recent 25% / 35% pay adjustments for some public sector workers.

“We the federal workers are ready for another round of indefinite national strike and protest, labour should not hesitate to take action if the federal government continues to remain adamant in paying a living wage.

“Federal workers have suffered enough, it is now very difficult for us to cope, we urge the federal government to reason with us.

“The Federal Government and President Tinubu should put themselves in the shoes of the Federal workers and stop promoting poverty among workers with poor pay.”

Minister Assures On Development Of Fish Market In Ilaje, Ondo To International Level

By
Ayodele Oni
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Ayodele Olawande - Minister of State for Youth Development

By Ayodele Oni

Elated by the high economic activity at the popular Ilaje fish market in Ondo State, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has assured that the market would be developed to meet protein demand not only in Nigeria but in Africa.

The Minister explained that the ‘one LGA one product’ initiative is aimed at advancing the most dominant economic activity in each local government area to create jobs and sustainable livelihood especially for economically active youths at the grassroots.

The Minister stated this at the weekend when he paid a working visit to one of the biggest fish markets in Nigeria situated in Ilaje, Ondo State. He appraised the huge potential of the market and applauded the founder for his foresight.

Olawande, who could not hide his excitement with the level of economic activities going on at the market and the number of youth engaged, said he was proud that his vision to reduce youth unemployment, especially at the grassroots, is already taking root in Ondo State.

“I’m proud this is happening in Ondo. I believe, firmly, that we cannot address unemployment by simply driving interventions in the urban centers alone, which in most cases benefit only the educated formal youth.

“I believe we must do our utmost to carry the informal youth in our local communities along by factoring them into all our job creation plans.

“Almost all our local government areas have one outstanding product or economic mainstay.

“We must harness the peculiar and comparative economic activity in each local government area to create jobs, which is the thinking behind the ‘1 LGA, 1 Product’ initiative.”

The Minister, assured of his commitment to facilitate the required support and collaborations that would improve the productive capacity of Ilaje Fish market and enable it to fully take advantage of the surging protein demand in Nigeria and across Africa.

“I Am Not Owing You” – Gov Otti To Agitating ABSU Staff, As Criminals See Hell In Aba, Umuahia

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Government has said that the staffers of Abia State University Uturu, like other members of the State workforce, are up to date in the payments of their salaries and other emoluments.

There has been disquiet within the University community and a few other extra- ministerial establishments over alleged non payment of their salaries.

But in his monthly interactive session with the Media Friday evening, June 21, 2024, Governor Alex Otti, insisted that the Abia State University Workers, as well as others in the State, have been receiving their monthly wages as at, and when due since the inception of his administration in May, 2023.

“As at today, (Friday June 21), every member of staff of Abia State University has received his/her salaries up to date. Anyone who has not received may be having issues with his/her bank.

He revealed that as a matter of policy, his administration has been intentional in ensuring that all legitimate members of the State workforce receive their monthly salaries promptly and regularly.

Governor Otti had during the one year anniversary  of his administration on May 29, 2024, emphasised the  imperativeness of prompt and regular payments of salaries as an integral and important component of the wider blueprint of his administration to fast track the growth and development of the State’s economy.

“When you put money in the hands of those who will spend it within, you are boosting the economy.That is why in Abia, we are putting money in the hands of those who will spend/ invest it in the state and not those who will take it abroad.

“We have said that never again, will a labourer be owed his legitimate wages in Abia under our watch, unlike what obtained in the past .

“It was part of our promises during the electioneering campaigns and we have kept faith with the promise”, the Governor stated .

While speaking on the security sector, Otti asserted that his administration from inception prioritized the provision of a strong security architecture, and has so far worked assiduously with security agencies to ensure adequate protection of lives and property in Abia State

Specifically, he announced that his administration is collaborating with security agencies to ensure that those behind the infamous and dastardly killings of five Nigerian soldiers  at Obikabia junction on May 30, 2024, are rounded up and brought to justice accordingly.

“On security, all of us are aware that this Government takes security seriously. Unfortunately, there was a breach on May 30.

“We all know the story. But the most important thing we have to say is that we will ensure that everyone who was involved in the murder of those five soldiers must be brought to book.

“I have visited the families of the deceased. I have placed a bounty on the heads of the perpetrators and we are making progress. Suffice it to say that nobody connected with this crime will go unpunished.

“We are getting reports on criminal activities within Aba and Umuahia. So far, we have given enough warning and this time, we are not warning anyone again.. From this night (Friday night) you will see what will happen. Our resolve is stronger than ever” Governor noted.

“We Will Encourage You To Climb, Dont Be Afraid” – Uzodimma To Chief Promoter Of Owerri Central Market Complex

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma on Owerri Central Market Complex

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has said that the Owerri Central Market Complex cited along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri,  will be a source of blessing to Imo State and Nigeria at large when completed.

Governor Uzodimma made the remarks on Friday during the ground breaking ceremony of the market project at Umuohiadagu Umualum in Nekede area of Owerri.

Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was the Special Guest of Honour at the event and led the ground breaking ceremony with Governor Uzodimma.

The Imo State Governor regretted that the construction of the Owerri Central Market Complex was stalled for a very long time as a result of many challenges, including illegal balkanization of the land.

He said in the wisdom of the government, a Commission of Enquiry was set up which led to the recovery of the land, noting that going forward, government will play its role not to betray the confidence of those who have elected to invest in the project.

The Governor further noted that the project is a product of Foreign Direct Investment, “as the investors are coming with money from outside Nigeria to invest in it,” insisting that “it is the responsibility of government and people of Imo State to provide enabling environment for them.”

“And that we shall do,” he promised, maintaining that “consequent upon that, all illegal construction that will stand as obstruction to this project will be removed.”

He thanked former President Obasanjo for continuously having the interest of the country at heart and for the support he has always shown to Imo State, through successive Governments.

While appreciating Imo people who trooped out in their numbers to show solidarity with the project, the Governor encouraged the Chief Promoter of the project, Nze Ozichukwu Chukwu, to remain resolute, as the State government will support the efforts. “We will encourage you to climb. Don’t be afraid, we will support you.”

Earlier in his address, President Obasanjo said with the assurances the Governor had given to the team, “the promoters can now go out in full force to look for investors who will bring money for the development.”

Obasanjo said he is confident that the money invested will be recouped through profit from the investment.

He noted that the project was well planned by a committee of international standard, disclosing that “the Owerri Central Market Complex has been planned in a way that when completed, it will attract business men and women from across the country and beyond, as there will be facilities, variety, opportunity, prosperity, security, among others.”

“So whoever wants to come will have a sense of participation, belonging and security. It will be opportunity to create jobs, wealth, harmony, unity and development for Imo State and Nigeria at large.”

Obasanjo described Owerri as the Eastern Heartland and recalled how Nigerian troops, under his command during the Nigeria/ Biafra war, needed to conquer Owerri, to conclusively bring the civil war which he said was necessary to unite the country, to a conclusive end.

In their separate but similar remarks, Nze Chukwu as the promoter of the project and the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Investment, Barr. Rex Anunobi thanked Governor Uzodimma for his untiring effort to see Imo State experience development in all areas and expressed confidence that the Owerri Central Market Complex will change the business and commercial outlook of Imo State when completed.

Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, Speaker, Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe, Senators Ezenwa Onyewuchi (Owerri zone), Patrick Ndubueze (Okigwe Zone), former Governor Ikedi Ohakim, Majority Leader of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Dele Onyemaechi, Deputy Chairman, South of APC, Chief Emma Enukwu, Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze EC Okeke, top government officials, captains of industries, heads of religious bodies in Imo State, among others attended the occasion.

Alert On Imo Kidnappings:  Handiwork Of Mischief Makers – Police

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Henry Okoye

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Imo State Police Command has reassured of its commitment towards properly securing the State, as well as ensuring peace and security.

This is just as it, on Friday, June 21, 2024, dismissed as unfounded and clearly misleading a recent security alert call suggesting that there is an upsurge in kidnappings and other criminal activities in some parts of Imo State.

A statement issued by the Command’s Spokesman, Henry Okoye, attributed the false security alert to the handiwork of mischief makers out to create panic and erode public trust in the ability of security agencies to protect law abiding citizens and residents of the State.

The Source reports that in the last two days some  nebulous entities have been issuing social media statements warning residents and visitors alike to be wary of Avu and Obinze areas of the state.

Some of the warning notes mentioned how kidnappers and  other criminal elements have been  abducting travelers and others along the Port Harcourt/Owerri road indiscriminately.

“The Command views this recent publication as the  handiwork of mischief makers who are trying to create unwarranted panic, negativity and palpable fear in the minds of Imolites

“We assure residents that we have been working tirelessly to ride the areas and the entire state of all forms of crimes and criminality

“We urge the citizens and residents of the  state ,particularly those living in the Avu and Obinze communities to disregard the publications and go about their normal daily businesses and activities without fear of harm and or molestation

“We are committed to making sure that all roads and areas in the state are safe for Imolites .We encourage well meaning citizens to  assist the Command with relevant information that will help to achieve a crime-free Imo State”  the   Police stated.

For Deliberately Omitting His Picture In 2024 Calendar, Fubara Sacks Rivers Traditional Council Chairman

By
Adesina Soyooye
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Siminalayi Fubara - Governor of River State
Governor Similanayi Fubara

By Adesina Soyooye

A sure-footed Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has sacked the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers.

His Royal Highness, Eze Ohna Sergeant Chidi Awuse, is the Paramount Ruler of Emohuo Kingdom, and a very close friend and political ally of the immediate past Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.

Awuse, a one-time Governorship Candidate in the State, combined his rulership of his Kingdom with the high profile position of the Chairman, Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers. But on Friday, June 21, 2024, Awuse was stripped of his Chairmanship position.

In sacking Awuse from the position during a special meeting Governor Fubara had with members of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at the Banquet Hall of Government House Port Harcourt,  the Governor accused him of incompetence. He said Awuse is not capable of running the affairs of the Council. Awuse, Fubara noted, has neither been able to promote cordial relationship amongst the Tra Council members nor provided “effective leadership.”

But worse, the Governor accused Awuse of being disrespectful to the Rivers State Government, the office of the Governor, and that of the Deputy Governor.

One example, among others: The Governor said that Awuse insulted the Government, the Governor and the Deputy Governor by deliberately not using their photographs in the 2024 Calender of the Council of Traditional Rulers. The leadership of Awuse, the Governor insisted, would never meet any expectations.

Putting all that into consideration, Fubara, with immediate effect, replaced Awuse with the Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom, Eze Chike Worlu Wodo.

Fubara: “I want the Council to live up to its responsibility. From my observation, the Council is moribund. So, I can feel that the Council, for a while now, has been very inactive. Inactive because, maybe, the Chairman has decided not to be responsible as a Chairman. I think that is the best way to describe it.

“I am not talking about other things that have been happening. But I feel there are responsibilities of the Chairman, and so far, I have not felt it and you can also attest to that, that you are not seeing that leadership that you expect.

“I would like to draw your attention to a special insult that was meted to this Government. The Council produced a Calendar for the year of our Lord 2024, and the Governor’s picture and the Deputy Governor’s picture are not in the calendar.

“I want to ask you: does it show any sign that, that leadership is working with this Government? I hope you have a copy of it. Does it show that your Chairman is working with this Government?

“So, I have decided today, we have to move forward. By the special grace of God, the administrative life-span of the Chairman is one year, which is renewable. So, at this particular time, I have to say that with the power vested in me, I announce that the tenure of Chief Sergeant Awuse has been terminated.

“So, going forward, there is a need to have a leadership that will accommodate everybody and move this council forward.

“Let me, before saying other things, announce here that the new Chairman from this particular moment will be Eze Chike Worlu Wodo, Eze Ohna Apara, Paramount Ruler of Apara Kingdom. He will be the Chairman, of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, and I believe strongly that he is going to do better and accommodate everyone.

“Traditional Rulers are the closest to our locals. If you want peace in the community, we must work with the Traditional Rulers. And our Government is a Government that pays serious priority to peace. So, I want every one of you to ensure that we maintain peace in our localities.

“Let me request from our new Chairman that: please, as we leave here, there is every need for you to call for a meeting immediately and commence the process of uniting the council.

“I am not bothered or interested in your political affiliations, but when it comes to issues of the Council, that should bring you together, your decision should, and must flow in the direction of Government.

“If you are doing anything outside, that is your own, but you cannot, I repeat that when it comes to the issues of the Council, the Government has given you recognition to belong, you cannot go against the Government, it’s very wrong.

“You can be in whatever it is, but when it comes to our own interest as a State and Government, you must work with our interest. I remember when we went to Ahoada-East, in Ekpeye land to perform an activity, a former Governor openly threatened one of you and warned that if you try it, I will do this, I will do that.

“But I am not going to warn any of you because you are our fathers. I will appeal to you to please give us all the necessary support and cooperation so that we can have a united State that every one of us will be proud of.

“Let me appeal to every one of us, today is an opportunity that God has provided to Eze Chike Worlu Wodo. Tomorrow, it can be any other person’s. You need to give him the respect. You need to give him the support to succeed; so that when it comes to your turn, that same measure will be given to you.”

Not  a few people agree that the former Chairman was caught in the crossfire between Fubara and his estranged political godfather, Wike.

Said one of the Traditional Rulers: “Our former Chairman was unable to draw the line between his relationship with Wike and his role as the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers. His loyalty was to Wike and not to the Rivers State  Government. His removal is in order.”

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