The Western zone of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, (SSANU), has rejected the report of a panel which investigated and cleared the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti, (FUOYE) of se*ual harassment.
The union condemned the Governing Council of FUOYE, which set up the panel, for clearing Vice-Chancellor Prof Sunday Fashina of se*ual harassment allegations leveled against him by Engr. Folashade Adebayo, a Deputy Director at the institution.
The union has threatened industrial action across 26 universities in the zone unless an impartial investigative panel is established.
Dr Abdussobur Salaam, National Vice President of SSANU and Chairman of the Western Zone, condemned the council’s decision, accusing it of shielding the accused while further victimizing the complainant.
In a statement issued on Thursday, in Akure, Ondo state, Salaam described the exoneration as a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s university system, alleging that the investigative process was compromised from the outset.
“The Governing Council allowed Prof Fashina to remain in office during the investigation, which began over four months ago. This compromised the fairness of the process.
“Asking the Vice-Chancellor to merely recuse himself during the council meeting to present an illusion of impartiality is an attempt to deceive the public. The investigation was not a one-day event—it was a process tainted by his continued presence.”
Salaam expressed dismay at the council’s failure to address the Vice-Chancellor’s alleged disparagement of other principal officers, including the Registrar and Bursar, in a recorded conversation aimed at pressuring Engr. Adebayo to accept his advances.
“Is this how morally depraved we have become as a society?” he questioned.
The union rejected the council’s claim that Engr. Adebayo never formally accused Prof Fashina of se*ual harassment, calling it a “barefaced lie.”
It also dismissed the council’s reference to a Nigeria Police Force report purportedly absolving the Vice-Chancellor, noting that the Special Fraud Unit’s investigation focused on financial misconduct, not sexual offences.
SSANU further condemned the sanctions imposed on Engr. Adebayo for allegedly bringing the university into disrepute, arguing that Prof Fashina’s “immoral and unethical conduct” warranted punishment instead.
“His actions have desecrated the office of the Vice-Chancellor, undermined its disciplinary authority, and tarnished the university’s reputation,” Salaam asserted.
The union also rejected sanctions against the Chairman and Secretary of its FUOYE branch, Comrades Benjamin Faleye and Ayomikun Aluko, who were penalized for whistleblowing. “We will not accept this victimization of those who speak truth to power.
“The Governing Council, chaired by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has failed the integrity test. Its actions cast doubt on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to renewing hope in our educational institutions.”
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi has said that President Bola Tinubu should expect reciprocity from citizens of the state during 2027 elections.
The governor, apparently overwhelmed by the president’s gestures to the people, made this statement, while speaking at the official launch of the distribution of ATM cards to beneficiaries of the Federal Government’s second phase of the Cash Transfer programme in Dutse.
He noted that the Federal Government has initiated various policies and programmes through the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) to tackle poverty and hunger across the country, including Cash Transfer, N-Power, School Feeding, and the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP).
The governor explained that under the second phase of the Conditional Cash Transfer programme, about 23,000 less privileged persons in the state will benefit, receiving N27,000 each.
According to him, “The launch of the second phase is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Initiative,’ aimed at supporting the less privileged in society to improve their businesses.
“Our people have a good culture of repaying good deeds with good. I am sure the people of Jigawa will pay you back for what you have been doing for them.
“Therefore, on behalf of the beneficiaries in Jigawa State, we extend our appreciation to the Federal Government under Sen. Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the support, and we are confident that more of these initiatives will come.”
Governor Namadi emphasized his commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with the Federal Government, ensuring that Jigawa state continues to thrive under Tinubu’s leadership.
He reiterated that his administration remains dedicated to policies that uplift the welfare of Jigawa citizens, pledging unwavering support for national development initiatives.
In line with its promise to investigate the killing of some Hausa hunters in Edo State, last month, the Kano State Government has dispatched a high-powered committee to Edo State to commence fact finding about the incident.
The Committee, constituted by the State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, is led by Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo.
Members departed Kano on Thursday for Edo State to investigate the recent killings at Uromi Village, in Edo State and is expected to spend a week.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Ibrahim Garba Shu’aibu, the committee was tasked with a fact-finding and peace-building mission.
The committee includes prominent figures such as the Emir of Rano, Ambassador Mohammad Isa Umar; Commissioners for Religious Affairs, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Special Duties and Women Affairs; Chairman of Bunkure Local Government Area among other top officials
Shu’aibu explained that the committee was set up in response to outrage and growing concern over the violent attacks in Uromi, which claimed several lives and displaced many residents including indigenes of Kano State residing in the area.
Speaking at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport prior to departure, Gwarzo reiterated the committee’s commitment to justice, peace, and reconciliation.
“Our mandate is clear – to investigate, to consult and to recommend sustainable solutions. This is not just a fact-finding mission, but a peace-building initiative aimed at restoring confidence and preventing further violence.
“The tragic incident, which occurred last month, has heightened tensions in the affected community. As part of its assignment, the committee is scheduled to hold consultations with the Edo State Governor, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and civil society organizations during its week-long stay.
“This initiative forms part of a broader intervention by the Northern Governors Forum to demonstrate solidarity, promote national unity and respond proactively to rising insecurity across the country.
In a bid to calm frayed nerves following apprehension stoked by alleged demolition of a mosque at Aramoko Ekiti, the Ekiti State Government has met with Islamic Leaders, promising to intervene and resolve the raging crisis in the interest of peace, unity and justice.
Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Monisade Afuye, gave the assurance on Thursday while interfacing with the Muslim community, led by the leadership of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), to pacify the aggrieved adherents and fashion out ways to resolve the bedlam.
The Mosque under contention was said to have been demolished to give way for the construction of an ultra modern market, as part of the constituency project of the Senate Leader and senator representing Ekiti Central, Opeyemi Bamidele.
Interfacing with the Muslim Leaders, Afuye, according to a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, reiterated that Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration stands for religious harmony, promising to summon a meeting comprising of the stakeholders to nip the crisis in the bud.
The Deputy Governor pointed out that information at her disposal revealed that another plot of land had been allotted to the Muslim community by the Alara-in-Council, Oba Olu Adeyemi, to rebuild the mosque alleged to have been demolished.
She was emphatic that the allotment of a plot of land for the rebuilding process was a signal that the community holds the Muslims in high esteem.
To further placate the Muslim faithful, Afuye added that the modern market was conceptualised to advance the development of Aramoko Ekiti, where Muslims, as integral part, would benefit immensely.
The Deputy Governor added that the State Government would speak with Senator Bamidele and the Alara-in-Council on the issue and devise ways to assuage the feelings ot the Muslim community.
“Whatever might be your grievances, I want you to calm down. We will convene a meeting soon to speak with all the stakeholders. I am even happy that the Alara of Aramoko Ekiti is a Muslim leader. He can’t be in a place where you will be cheated.
“This Government can’t treat Muslims with contempt. You have always been supporting us and the senate leader too is a man of the people.
“He doesn’t believe in religious crisis. He has demonstrated this with the ways he has been interacting with people across religious lines.
“I am assuring you that we will get to the root of this matter and if your claims that the mosque was actually demolished and you had been offered another land to rebuild it, we will ensure you get justice.”
Speaking at the parley, the NSCIA President, Ekiti Chapter, Dr. Hameed Bakri, commended the Government for its swift action and mediation in the matter, saying this further buttressed the fact that the current Government stands solidly for religious balancing.
Bakri stressed that the entire Muslims of Ekiti are solidly behind Governor Oyebanji, advising that the matter shouldn’t be allowed to tinker with the solid religious harmony and brotherhood being savoured in the state.
“Muslims in Ekiti State are not hooligans and extremists. We are for peace always. We want this matter resolved timely and we believe in the leadership of Governor Oyebanji that he won’t allow this matter to fester.
“I plead with our people to be patient and allow the government to intervene and resolve it amicably. We have nothing to gain in crisis. Even if we are cheated, the government can still make a position that will pacify us.”
Shedding light on the incident, the Chief Imam of Aramoko Ekiti, Alhaji Abdul-Raheem Bamigbola, said it was vexatious that two mosques had allegedly been demolished in Aramoko Ekiti within a spate of six months, to give way for development, without commensurate efforts to rebuild them.
The Imam revealed that the Muslims appreciated Bamidele’s efforts to develop the community, but emphasized the expediency of him sticking to his promise and build another mosque to pacify the aggrieved muslim members.
The Muslim scholar added that he had discussed with the contractor handling the market project, whom he said confirmed to him that there wasn’t provision for the rebuilding of the facility in his scope of work, which prompted members to start the process of rebuilding before the community stopped them and ordered immediate demolition.
“We were then surprised over how the Alara-in-Council then ordered the stoppage of the work and ordered demolition of our Mosque, despite granting the rebuilding approval. We are for peace and we know the government will give us justice in this matter.
“What we want is for the mosque to be rebuilt for us and at a location that will be acceptable to us. We know the government can facilitate these for us to keep the tempo of religious peace we are enjoying in our dear State.”
The N50 billion suit instituted against the Federal Government by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has been thrown out by the Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The case was thrown out in a ruling on Thursday. The case was struck out, according to the Judge, because it was not properly followed up.
When the case came up in court, no lawyer showed up for either Kanu or the Federal Government.
Justice Ekwo pointed out that during the last hearing, Kanu had no legal representative, while the government was represented.
The Judge also noted that the case had already been delayed three times for the same reason.
Since there was no one in Court to continue the matter, the Judge decided to strike it out.
Recall that Kanu had sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Attorney-General of the Federation over what he called a violation of his rights.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/462/2022, was filed after Kanu alleged that he was kidnapped in Kenya and illegally brought back to Nigeria.
He asked the Court to decide “whether the way and manner in which the plaintiff was abducted in Kenya and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria is consistent with extant laws.”
He specifically mentioned, “the provisions of Article 12 (4) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act Cap A9 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Article/Part 5 (a) of the African Charter’s principles and guidelines on human and peoples’ rights while countering terrorism in Africa.”
Kanu also wanted the Court to rule on “whether by the operation of Section 15 of the Extradition Act Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the plaintiff can be competently/legally tried for offences stated in counts 1 to 14 of the 15-count amended charge.”
He claimed those charges were not the same as the ones he was extradited or brought back for.
In the original suit, Kanu sought 11 reliefs.
He asked the court to order his release from the Department of State Services’ custody and stop the government from continuing his trial in the current criminal case, FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, before Justice Binta Nyako.
He also asked for N100 million as compensation “as the cost of this action.”
However, in a notice of preliminary objection filed on June 27, 2022, the Federal Government and the AGF asked the court to dismiss the suit. They called it “an abuse of court process.”
They argued that Kanu had already filed a similar case before the Federal High Court in Umuahia, marked FHC/UM/CS/30/2022, with the same parties involved. This, they said, meant the Abuja court should not hear it again.
The Presidency has admitted errors in the list of appointments made so far by President Bola Tinubu.
It has, therefore, retracted the list, earlier released by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, on Wednesday.
The presidency faulted numbers on the list earlier released to assure Nigerians that the appointments reflect the federal character.
Dare, who had posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle that President Bola Tinubu had appointed 71 Northerners and 63 Southerners into key positions, later acknowledged inaccuracies in the breakdown.
“We have noticed a number of errors in the list of appointments tweeted. We are sorry. We will provide an updated list later. Thank you,” Dare wrote.
The initial list had been shared in defence of President Tinubu’s commitment to national inclusion and adherence to the principle of federal character principle in his appointments.
In the original post, Dare argued that the President’s track record, both as governor of Lagos State and now as Nigeria’s leader, shows he is a “detribalised” leader who prioritises competence over ethnic or religious considerations.
“People tend to isolate new appointments so far made by the President and examine them with a tribal lens. But it is too early to conclude that appointments are lopsided.”
The regional breakdown had also suggested the South-West had received 26 appointments, the South-South 21, and the South-East 16.
It’s a most unlikely crime scene. I travelled by road from the Benin airport to Uromi, Esanland’s most significant town, for a wedding about three years ago.
The fear of kidnappers is a constant worry for road users. I was nervous for nearly four hours of the taxi ride, especially as we turned off the busy Agbor Road and veered onto narrow, lonely roads meandering through many forested small towns and villages.
I was nervous. When the driver ran into a pothole, and a loud noise suggested we might have lost a wheel or something, I insisted he should keep moving, as long as the car could still move, until we later discovered it was the wheel cover.
Entering Uromi
It was not until we passed Ubiaja, the hotspot between Biafran and Federal troops during Nigeria’s civil war and cultural capital of Esanland, and reached Igueben, the rusty town of one of Nigeria’s famous politicians, Tom Ikimi, about 20 minutes’ drive from Uromi, that I started breathing easy. It was my first visit to Uromi, a town I had known and heard about since my teenage years.
Memories from the past
My earliest memory of this town was when my mother worked as a cook at St. Theresa’s Hospital, Kirikiri Ajegunle, Lagos, owned at the time by Dr. Okoli, an Igbo man, and his wife, a nurse and an Esan from Uromi. Occasionally, when there was some social event in Uromi, the Okolis took my mum along to cook, and she returned with plenty of palm oil, large tubers of yam, and fresh fruits.
But there’s another memory of Uromi apart from my mother’s work and travels. It’s the historical significance of this town in the old Benin Empire. More contemporary references might be about the exploits of some of Uromi’s notable people, such as the three Anthonys – Enahoro, Olubunmi-Okogie and Anenih – whose footprints in politics and liberation theology cannot be easily forgotten.
Innocence lost to rage
Yet, these notable persons were inspired by the town’s extraordinary heritage of struggle and resistance to oppression. Uromi resisted the expansionism of the Benin Empire during Oba Ozolua’s reign and fought the British colonial invaders.
Though many of the town’s original settlers are believed to have come from central Nigeria, migrants from other places also settled there, highlighting its tolerance for visitors and diverse heritage as the town grew into one of Esanland’s most important agricultural trading posts.
That diversity, enterprise and welcoming spirit now seem like a story from a bygone era. After the tragic killing of the 16 travellers reportedly going to Kano to observe the Eid on March 28, the town has lost its innocence. For a long time, it will be remembered not as that place my mother frequented as a cook or the homestead of Enahoro, one of Nigeria’s greatest patriots and nationalists, but as a crime scene.
Agony of bereavement
The heart-breaking story of Hauwa Bala (whose husband, Isah, was among the Uromi 16) who went into premature labour upon hearing of her husband’s tragic death or Sadiya Sa’adu, who lost a brother and a nephew will haunt the community, as will the stories of each of the dead, and indeed the unfolding horror in Uromi now under siege and a brutal crackdown. The security services are poised to forget their complicity and instead crush the town in a mocking search for justice.
Journey to anomie
How did we get here? Kidnapping and banditry have grown from a fringe business to a N2.23 trillion naira industry, and hardly any part of the country is spared this misery. In the last 10 years, clashes among rival cult gangs have been rife in Edo State, as have been reports of severe violence as a result of farmer-herder clashes. One report said in 2020, Edo was the third most affected by violence in the Niger Delta after Delta and Rivers States.
Violent clashes between farmers and herders have led to significant loss of lives. In February alone, 27 farmers in Edo were reportedly killed by herdsmen. This figure is only atiny part of the bloody trail that often includes grotesque stories of rape, murder and wantonness wrecking many farming communities across the country as herders roam southwards for pasture.
Politicians’ fake outrage
While the affected communities writhe in anguish, official response, especially by politicians and the police, has ranged from chewing the microphone with empty promises of justice to sheer indifference and, in fact, alleged complicity in supplying weapons to the herders in some cases. We’ve seen this repeatedly across the country, from Uromi in Edo to towns in Benue and Plateau States.
When the state, expected to guarantee security and maintain law and order, abdicates its responsibility, turns a blind eye or becomes complicit, people take the law into their own hands. What happened in Uromi on March 28 is one of the tragic outcomes.
The appearance of shock and outrage amongst politicians and the security services is hypocrisy disguised as empathy. They can fool themselves all day long. Unless they begin to rebuild trust in communities and people – whether farmers or herders – can see that there are consequences for breaking the law, Uromi will not be the last tragic crime scene.
Citizens’ dilemma
Yet, while many communities are under attack, residents are on their own. The Supreme Court recently gave a judgment upholding the death sentence on Citizen Sunday Jackson and criminalising self-defence even in the face of a clear threat to life. The judgment is an absurdity that compounds the dilemma of communities coping with security services often unwilling, unable or unavailable to protect citizens.
If unarmed Jackson had known that self-defence against herdsman Boua Bururo, who stabbed him seven times on his farm, would not avail him, that if he didn’t die by his attacker’s knife, he would have still been killed by the law, he might have surrendered to his attacker. What a fate!
What kind of society gives the victims the short end of the stick? If communities cannot trust that the police can defend them and courts will not provide justice, self-help prevails. As things stand, respect for life and private property rights is endangered, and to pretend otherwise is to enable jungle justice further.
No excuses
What happened to the Uromi 16 stands condemned, but sadly, the fake outrage by politicians obscures the history behind the tragedy. It neither guarantees that a proper investigation will be done and the perpetrators brought to justice, nor does it assuage current tensions and paranoia in many communities across the country.
Open, unrestrained must stop. The Federal Government must also fast-track community/state policing, which will hopefully use modern surveillance tools and techniques to prevent and fight crime. The current security system is unfit for purpose.
Burden of kindness
I’m sorry for the truck driver who, after driving past the stranded passengers early on, turned back nearly two kilometres to pick up the Uromi 16and other stranded passengers from the roadside. Even though he escaped the mob attack in Uromi, he now lives with the guilt of a bloody reward for his act of kindness, the tragic consequence of a society where trust and compassion have declined.
Neither the Uromi I read about in history nor the one my mother visited is the same as the present crime scene. Something is broken, and false outrage won’t fix it.
Ishiekwene is the Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP and author of the book Writing for Media and Monetising It.
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has said that it was unfortunate that some elders in Rivers State, that played ostrich when suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara was acting like an emperor are now speaking like “children who lost their most priced toys.”
Wike, in a statement on Thursday, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications, Lere Olayinka, while reacting to remarks by a former governor of the state, Ada George,
described as funny and unfortunate for him to blame the minister for the political crisis in the state.
“A former Governor of Rivers State, Ada George, who was among those clapping for Fubara, when he was sitting on the salary and other entitlements of fellow indigenes of Rivers State, who are members of the State House of Assembly is now speaking on who should be blamed for the state of emergency in the State.
During a media briefing, Ada George, had accused the FCT Minister of orchestrating the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, including the imposition of a state of emergency and the appointment of sole administrators in all 23 local government areas.
Responding, the FCT Minister’s Spokesperson, said; “unlike these people masquerading as ‘Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum’, genuine elders sit in position of neutrality when there are conflicts among younger ones so that they will enjoy credibility and respect while sitting on the high table to resolve the issues.
“When Fubara was orchestrating the burning and demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly, supposed elders like Ada George were hailing him.
“They were telling him it was normal for three members to run a House of Assembly of 32 members, with 11 as quorum of one-third that can sit and 22 as two-third that can pass budgets.
“When the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, intervened in the crisis and resolutions signed by all parties, it was this same Ada George that described the President’s intervention as ‘executive rascality.’
“He (Ada George) went further to say that the intervention by the President ‘contravened the doctrine and practice of separation of powers and unilaterally suspended the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.’ They were everywhere calling the President a meddlesome interloper and hailing Fubara.
“Even when the Supreme Court ruled and made clear and unambiguous pronouncement, Ada George and his so-called elders still saw no reason they should tell Fubara to come down from his high horse of arrogance and lawlessness.
“Rather, they watched as he reeled out threats upon threats, including openly saying that he would give instructions as to what to do at the appropriate time.
“True to his threats, Fubara gave instructions and Nigerians saw the outcome when oil pipelines started coming up in flames.
“Now that Fubara’s lawlessness has resulted in the imposition of emergency rule, the same elders who failed to stand and act like real elders are sobbing like children whose most priced toys have been taken away. It is funny and unfortunate.
“They have even turned themselves to monitoring spirits, monitoring when Wike comes to Rivers State and when he leaves as if it has now become illegal for a Minister to visit his home-state and associate freely with the people.”
While telling Ada George and his Rivers Elders and Leaders Forum to blame themselves for taking side when they should be neutral, the miniser said; “the moment an elder takes side in a conflict between two children, such an elder has lost the rights to intervene and resolve the conflict.”
Today, April 11, 2025 all roads will lead to the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where the Vanguard Media Limited, publishers of the Vanguard, will honour one of Nigeria’s most outstanding, committed and performing governors, Dist Sen. Hope Odidika Uzodimma of Imo State.
Governor Uzodimma, CON, Chairman of Progressives Governor’s Forum, Chairman of South East Governor’s Forum, among others, was chosen to be honoured in the 2024 Vanguard Personality of the Year Award for Good Governance.
Uzodimma’s is in the area of Infrastructure.
And the organisers have taken note of Uzodimma’s giant strides since he assumed office in 2020 before choosing him for the honour.
In what has become public knowledge as regards road revolution and other legacy infrastructural facilities that have germinated at different parts of the State and consequently, redefining the image and landscape of Imo State, the award also tells a lot about the personality of the recipient.
It is important to note that Vanguard had traced the history of infrastructural development embarked upon by Governor Uzodimma’s administration against the sordid State of roads he inherited on mounting the saddle, January 15, 2020.
For instance, they observed that Governor Uzodimma had not only constructed and reconstructed more than 100 roads, including the dualisation of the popular Owerri-Orlu Road, Owerri-Okigwe Road, Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road, among numerous others, but gone ahead to revive other decayed infrastructure and initiated new ones.
In her own publication communicating the public on the choice of Uzodimma the Vanguard had noted that, “the Governor also made a significant difference in urban renewal, provision of night landing facilities at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri and rehabilitated the Owerri Water Works which had been abandoned for more than 15 years.”
“The interesting phenomenon about the Uzodimma’s road revolution is that they have added value to the economic development of the State as well as connecting Imo to all the neighbouring States,” the medium had added in the said publication to defend the choice of the Governor as worthy of their honour.
The Vanguard gladly expressed satisfaction that Governor Uzodimma recorded such feats in infrastructural development without neglecting investment in human capital development and social services, noting, for instance, that the training of more than 40,000 youths in the area of digital technology by his administration with the aim of boosting the economy of the State, was highly commendable.
They, therefore, concluded that given what Governor Uzodimma had done with infrastructure in Imo, he has set the State on the path of economic revival.
Let me be clear. This award by the revered Vanguard Media Limited is not the first to be received by Governor Uzodimma since he became the Chief Executive Officer of Imo State five years ago. Rather, it has added to the numerous awards, both locally and internationally, he has been receiving, including the 2021 Governor of Year Award by the Sun.
But we thank the Board, management and staff of the medium for, again, leaving up to the expectations of the public as their mirror in relation to governance and government activities.
The reality is that Governor Uzodimma’swell-deserved recognition as the 2024 Vanguard Governor of the Year for Good Governance (Infrastructure), was not handed over to him on a platter. He earned it. And we are happy he did because he has proven beyond reasonable doubt, that he is history in the making in Imo State.
Oguwike Nwachuku is Governor Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary/ Special Adviser, Media
Perhaps I should use this opportunity to correct a recent mischievous assertion by one of Vanguard columnists who alluded that the Supreme Court handed the governorship of Imo State to Uzodimma on a platter in her final judgement on January 14, 2020 on the contentious 2019 Imo governorship election.
While we owe the public a duty to inform them accurately, it is important we are wary of reckless allusions and deliberate innuendos and falsehood peddled by fith columnists.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Supreme Court only ensured that the then helpless and hapless Uzodomma got justice following his mandate that was stolen through political gerrymandering, aftermath of complaints about electoral fraud that resulted in court processes which started from the tribunal through to the Appeal Court and finally ended at the Apex Court.
It is therefore preposterous for a Columnist to make such an allusion even when the facts of the matter are in public domain. Sorry I digressed.
Back to the Vanguard show, if anything, the prestigious award is a manifestation of a resounding testament to the Governor’s unwavering commitment to selfless service, exemplary dedication to duty, and profound dedication to the well-being of the people of Imo State.
The recognition further underscores his exceptional leadership, remarkable capacity, and undeniable competence in delivering the dividends of democracy to our beloved Imo State in particular and elsewhere at large, staying true to the oath of office he took.
For me, and may be other keen watchers of this enigma of a man called Hope Uzodumma, the award has helped to silence his sceptics, the naysayers, and underscores the fact that the Governor is indeed on a mission to reshape the ugly narrative that was called Imo State before he assumed the mantle of leadership.
Furthermore, the award vindicates the unwavering faith of Governor Uzodimma’s teaming supporters, who, early enough, recognised his unparalleled ability to address the infrastructure deficit that plagued our State before he arrived in 2020 to take charge.
Those who were familiar with the state of affairs in Imo when Governor Uzodimma assumed power, and the overt and covert strategies deployed by his political opponents and their uniformed critics to destabilise him and make nonsense of his well though out programmes, will understand why yours sincerely appears a bit emotional in serenading the Governor over this honour.
The sceptics in question did not just deride Uzodimma’s visionary “Reconciliation, Rehabilitation, and Recovery” mantra which, today, has resonated powerfully across Imo State because of its positive impact, but they followed up their hatred for the Governor without justification by instigating contrived insecurity to make Imo State ungovernable for him.
Fortunately, Uzodimma’s impactful leadership in Imo, five years on, has made a huge difference.
In his first four years – 2020 – 2024, Uzodimma made a difference in virtually all the sectors of the State, beginning in earnest with the recovery, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the decayed infrastructure.
He built more than 120 solid roads traversing all the three senatorial zones of Imo.
Some of his signature roads in his first four years which is a study of quality and aesthetics include the hitherto intractable Owerri-Orlu Road, Owerri-Okigwe Road and the Naze-Ihiagwa-Nekede Road that connects two federal government owned institutions of higher learning – the Federal University of Technology, Owerri and the Federal Polytechnic, Owerri.
Uzodimma rebuilt from the scratch, during his first term, the Imo State House of Assembly Complex, an edifice built by former Governor Sam Mbakwe, but was left to rot by previous administrations who preferred to have the lawmakers make laws, either from bush bars, restaurants and shanties. Today, the wonder edifice called Imo House of Assembly Complex is not only the best in the country but has added to the dignifying status of our lawmakers as honourable members.
The reelection of Uzodimma in an historic landslide where he won in all the 27 local government areas of Imo State was a testament to his extraordinary performance in his first four years and made his swearing-in for a second term as the Governor of Imo State a carnival of sort.
All genuine Imo citizens, home or in the Diaspora, took part in celebrating Uzodimma’s reelection as his unprecedented electoral victory reflected the confidence of the people in the Governor who, previously, had impacted the State in such a manner as never witnessed before.
As was expected, at Uzodimma’s inaugural address for the second term, he had promised to consolidate on his record of achievements in the first tenure. He also pledged to work harder than he did in the previous four years. More importantly, he gave his word to continue to govern Imo with integrity, honesty, transparency, and accountability.
I can report that he has not deviated from any of his pledges.
Being in a transition within the same administration, Uzodimma did not waste time in continuously implementing his Shared Prosperity agenda encapsulated in reconstruction, rehabilitation, and recovery mantra. He also started the seamless transition to the industrialisation of the State, relying on the foundation earlier laid through an unprecedented infrastructural transformation in the first four years.
Uzodimma’s Road revolution has continued in the last one year in his second term with the Owerri-Mbaise-Obowo-Umuahia Road done and dusted and waiting for commissioning, and work progressing on the Orlu-Mgbee-Akokwa-Uga Road with the speed of light.
Work has also advanced at the iconic Assumpta Flyover which will decongest traffic at the busy Onitsha and Port Harcourt Roads.
What hitherto looked like a community town hall and mistakenly called Imo International Conference Centre, is today wearing the look of a real International Conference Centre after Uzodimma’s Midas touch was brought to bear. The now renamed Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre, completely rebuilt to world standards, nearing completion and ready for commissioning, has brought back the dignity of the citizens of Imo State as a people who are widely travelled and properly exposed to what international conference centres should be.
What about the dual carriageway to the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport that has been completed and commissioned, and the night landing facilities which have been installed by the State government to ensure night operation at the airport?
On a general note, all the roads built by Uzodimma have economic values as virtually all of them lead to the neighbouring States of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Enugu.Today the Governor has a new sobriquet – Road Master. I have also heard some people describe him as “Infrastructure wizard.”
The internal roads that hitherto, were death traps when Uzodimma took over have been fixed, just as an aggressive urban renewal programme has changed the landscape of Owerri metropolis, returning it to the cleanest city in the South East.
Through the deployment of the balloon technology, the perennial flooding in Owerri has been checked, a development that helped in the recovery of abandoned property along MCC, Chukwuma Nwoha, Relief market, and Ihechiowa roads.
The massive turn around in infrastructure
by the Uzodimma’s administration is an intentional effort to prepare the State for an industrial revolution and make the economy of Imo one of the strongest in the Eastern part of the country.
Already, the foundation for this had been laid with the dredging of the Orashi River to the Atlantic Ocean, which will open economic development in the entire South East. Luckily, the Orashi Free Trade Zone is already in place, while other sectors connected to the take off of the project are being approached with the dexterity they require.
I will cite just a few.
For instance, Governor Uzodimma’s administration has signed pact with a Turkish firm for the electrification of the entire Imo State with a view to providing a 24/7 supply of uninterrupted power in the State. The target is that before the end of this year, Imo State should be able to generate her own light after the Governor took advantage of the law that removed power generation from the exclusive list of the Nigerian Constitution and put it on the concurrent list.
The moribund Concorde Hotel is also being rehabilitated in conjunction with Hilton Hotel. The renovation has also gone far as the contractors are committed to their one year target.
The government, under the leadership of Governor Uzodimma, keeps winning award from the World Bank for its enviable record of ease of doing business and for budgetary accountability. All these point to the governor’s dedication towards enhancing the economy of the State.
Since Uzodimma became Governor five years ago, he has continuously allocated more funds to capital projects as against what used to happen before his arrival.
To further drive home his seriousness in this regard, the Governor devoted 80 per cent of the 2025 State budget of N807 billion to capital projects to drive the diversification of the economy from what is currently available.
Conscious of the fact that the citizens are key in the implementation of his prosperity agenda, Governor Uzodimma has initiated policies and programmes that have impacted directly on the people.
At the inception of his administration, he embarked on the rehabilitation of 305 Health Centres across the State, instituted free mobile clinics in rural areas, and revived the dying Imo Specialist Hospital, Umuguma and Imo State University Teaching Hospital, Orlu.
Uzodimma built three brand new General Hospitals at Ohaji, Oguta and Omuma, and rehabilitated and equipped the existing ones across the State. He also revived and achieved accreditation for Schools of Nursing and Midwifery.
His interest in the areas of primary and secondary health care for the citizens led to the Imo Health Insurance Scheme, an idea that is globally known but only started getting attention with his administration. Today, thousands of Imo citizens – civil servants, pensioners and those in informal sectors – are proud beneficiaries of the great novel idea.
By and large, the needed difference has been made in the Imo health system, with the existence of two teaching hospitals, and the training and continuing graduation of medical doctors.
In education, against the one University Uzodimma met as Governor in 2020, he has increased it to three, thereby creating opportunities for students of Imo State origin to seek for admissions. Under Uzodimma, the State funds three Universities, one Polytechnic and one College of Education. It is on recorded that his collaboration with the federal government made the full upgrading of Alvan Ikoku College of Education to a University a reality.
Uzodimma has also engaged the Imo
youths not pursuing formal education via diverse empowerment programmes that have seen many of them emerge as employers of labour. Under the Skillup Imo Project, 40,000 youths have been primed to benefit from digital skills training. While many of the graduates of the scheme have already secured employment abroad, those at home are self-employed.
In the agricultural sector, Uzodimma has rehabilitated Adapalm Nigeria Limited abandoned many years ago. He has also revived the moribund Acharaubo Farm Settlements at Emekeukwu through public private partnership, thereby guaranteeing the employment of hundreds of people, and at the same time, supporting farmers with high yielding crops and other farm inputs to embark upon massive production of food.
These initiatives help to check significantly the migration from rural to urban areas and enhance food security.
Perhaps Uzodimma has received the greatest applause in the area of Civil Service reforms. Apart from the automation of the activities of the Service to tame the corruption that was previously prevalent in the payroll system, Uzodimma took the welfare of the civil servants more than seriously.
Today in Uzodimma’s Imo, nobody hears of non payment of salaries and pensions. Apart from civil servants receiving their salaries regularly (before the end of every month), they have continuously been paid 13th month salary since this administration berthed five years ago, with their promotions pending for the last 10 years approved and implemented.
In the early days of Uzodimma’s second tenure, he also approved the payment of gratuities to pensioners, which had been outstanding for 20 years. High Court, Customary Court judges, Magistrates, Permanent Secretaries now have official cars while the rank and file have been provided with free bus transport and one free meal a day.
In Imo, there is this popular saying within the workers rank that “under Uzodimma there is industrial harmony.” Of course the harmony and peace for the entire State have also been the preoccupation of the Governor since he assumed office because he believes that development can only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace.
Unfortunately, there are those who have sworn not to see Imo develop. They are the ones who have reduced everything to politics thereby vowing to make Imo ungovernable for him and for all us.
They had contrived insecurity in Imo State with bandits, sponsoring all manner of restiveness in collaboration with non state actors in an attempt to overrun the State.
But with the help of God, the assistance of the federal government and security agencies, Uzodimma has been able to check their excessive unbecoming demeanor and the menace up their sleeves.
Today, many citizens can return home to participate in any event of their choice and enjoy the peaceful celebration of such event. We saw it happen during the last Christmas celebrations and are confident the situation will be the same during the coming Easter holidays.
Expectedly, Owerri has once more reclaimed it’s status as the hospitality headquarters of Eastern Nigeria with many conferences and workshops now holding therein. Not only are the citizens indeed heaving a sigh of relief that Owerri has bounced back to life as the hospitality capital of the South East, their teaming visitors and guests to the city also do so.
Lest I forget, Uzodimma as the head of the executive and government has worked harmoniously with the legislature and the judiciary, the two other arms of government in a democracy to deliver on the mandate given to him to serve. Not only does he respect the independence of the different arms, but he appreciates their partnership as the hallmark of democracy, accountable leadership and governance.
What is significant, though, in what Uzodimma has been able to achieve so far that attracted the honour from Vanguard is the fact that the Governor has remained faithful to the oath of office he took, and his covenant with God, to serve Imo honestly, accountably and transparently.
This recognition is nothing but a fitting tribute to Uzodimma’s transformative leadership, the unprecedented infrastructure legacy he is forging in Imo State that is marked by remarkable road development and transformative facilities, as well as the Governor’s unapologetic intention to leave Imo State better than he met it after a fulfilled eight years on the saddle.
Nwachuku is Governor Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary/ Special Adviser, Media
It was a day of pride and cultural awakening as the Igbo Book of Records was unveiled Wednesday in Enugu, in a colourful ceremony attended by eminent personalities, scholars, traditional leaders, and cultural enthusiasts.
The highlight of the event was the address by the former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, represented by his Media Adviser, Mr. Valentine Obienyem. Obi described the book as “unique in many ways.” Unlike the usual autobiographies, biographies, or political commentaries that dominate book launches, Obi noted that the Igbo Book of Records stands out for its collective celebration of Igbo excellence and cultural heritage.
“I am somebody who loves records because they authenticate our viewpoints,” Obi stated. Drawing parallels with the “Guinness Book of World Records” and the “Indian Book of Records”, he said, “Such books celebrate the best in various fields of life. Among the Jews, it is through such records that we know that over 200 of them have won the Nobel Prize, mostly in medicine and sciences. Through these records, we learn about their great prophets, philosophers, and scholars who have contributed immensely to civilisation.”
He expressed hope that the Igbo Book of Records would not be reduced to celebrating one “Ukwaachinaka,” but would honour individual and the collective excellence of the Igbo people. Commending the authors, Obi called for widespread support to ensure the success of the publication.
The chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ben Nwoye, described the project as a “remarkable effort by the Igbos to tell their own story.” He urged all Igbo sons and daughters to obtain copies of the book, emphasising its importance in preserving cultural identity.
In his welcome address, Nze Sam Nwanze, co-author of the book and President of the Hall of Igbo Achievers Foundation, described the publication as “a compendium of authentic and well-researched insights into Igbo culture, tradition, events, and genuine achievers.” According to Nwanze, the Igbo Book of Records will be an annual publication, accompanied by an award for the best-performing governor, under the chairmanship of Archbishop Emmanuel Chukwuma (Retired). He also announced plans to introduce an online monthly publication, Igbo Digest, and to erect a building in Enugu that will house a library, gallery, and research centre dedicated to Igbo affairs.
The book, co-authored by Nze Sam Nwanze and renowned journalist Mike Ubani, has been lauded for its depth and cultural significance.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Rebecca Nnamani called the event a moment for deep reflection and an opportunity to reignite the Igbo Renaissance. She challenged the audience to consider whether they still uphold the values of their forebears, urging a return to the Igbo virtues of hard work, entrepreneurship, and community spirit.
Reviewing the book, Barrister Uche Maduemesi described it as “a collector of Igbo treasures,” highlighting its role in preserving cultural artefacts and stories for future generations.
Also in attendance was the traditional ruler of Amuri community, Igwe Charles Nwoye, who lent royal dignity to the occasion.
The unveiling of the Igbo Book of Records marks a significant stride in chronicling the achievements and cultural richness of the Igbo people, with high hopes that it will inspire future generations to uphold the proud legacy of their ancestors.
