IMO NEWS UPDATES

MY GOVT HAS NOT BORROWED A DIME FROM ANY BANK – GOV. OKOROCHA

- TO MAKE LG CHAIRMEN’S TENURE 3 YEARS & NO MORE 2 YEARS.

- SPENT OVER N50 BILLION ON FREE EDUCATION

- SAYS HE WON’T RUN FOR PRESIDENCY IN 2019



Governor Rochas Okorocha has said that the Rescue Mission Government in the State which he Superintends has not borrowed from any bank, stating that opponents of his government have been talking about his borrowing from banks because of the numerous projects his administration has executed.



Governor Okorocha gave the hint when he had a breakfast meeting with Journalists in the State at his private residence in Owerri on Tuesday, March 24, 2017, adding that instead of his administration borrowing, what it had done was to pay the money borrowed by administrations before him and he has done that so that the State won’t be in debt after him.



He explained that his opponents have been imagining that he has borrowed money to be doing all that his administration has achieved in five years, stressing that the truth of the matter is that his government is not indebted to any bank.



His words “For posterity reasons, this government is not owing any bank or person, any amount except for the bailout fund that 100 million naira is been deducted from the source monthly. Any subsequent government that comes and says that Rochas borrowed is a criminal one”.





On 2019, the governor said “I will never run against President Buhari but would continue to support him in the overall interest of the nation, especially when he has stabilized the nation. I want to also say that those in Imo who made many political enemies should forget the Douglas House. We need people with free mind. I have killed the clannish nature of the state where people consider where you come from before doing anything for you. The politics of sentiment must be discarded and discouraged. It is shame for somebody to hope on zoning to win elections”.



The governor also informed that his admi

By Vivian Oluvaco

It is no longer news that Friday, the 17th day of February, 2017 will forever remain evergreen in the minds of FUTO students as the institution witnessed the worst form of protest/riot over the purported hike in tuition fees, no free Wi-Fi (as proposed), incessant increase in course registration fees and other pressing issues. The peaceful protest which was initiated by a well-known student activist, a former SUG PRO in the person of Comr. Ogbonna Collins popularly known as ‘Rochas’,turned to a violent one after he was arrested by the Department of State Security Service (DSS).
The protest began as early as 6am with mobilization of students staying off campuses before heading to the hostels to mobilize more angry Nigerian Students to join in the protest. Around 8am, the institution was lit with a peaceful march down to senate building with students on black outfit carrying placards written “Prof. F. C. Eze must go”, “Say no to hike is school fees”, “We need more banks in FUTO”, “Federal University of Money, Owerri”. No vehicle (especially staff vehicles) was allowed to enter the school; all went well not until security operatives (Police, DSS, SARS) stormed FUTO with full force like an angry lion looking for who to devour. The Vice-Chancellor on sighting the angry scampered for safety without uttering a single word to the student (which could have ended the protest).
Students later marched down to various lecture halls to make sure no lecture was ongoing. It is worthy to note that a lecturer (name withheld) was whisked out of a classroom and asked to stop his lectures for his own benefit. Everything that happened was a peaceful one. All hell went loose when our very own activist, Rochas was accosted, beaten and arrested by DSS after they engaged him in a shootout while trying to catch him. After he was whisked away, the whole protest turned violent.
Firstly, students marched to senate to destroy properties but they were stopped by the police who used tear gas to dismiss the mob. However, after much trial, students were able to destroy most of the vehicles parked at Senate, threw heavy stones on the aluminium windows, and broke the senate gate with other heavy damages. Later, the mob marched to Diamond bank where they destroyed most the facilities at the bank including vehicles parked at the bank. Before the police could intervene, the angry mob marched to the ICT building where they did the most fatal damage. Almost all the laptops, printers, UPS, scanners, and other accessories worth thousands of naira were looted in broad day. The building was vandalized and the windows were damaged. Other damages were also done at strategic buildings like Library, SEET and SMAT complex, SUG resource centre, SOSC building. Later, the police men came and intervened by arresting students, and shooting of tear gas. Sanity was later restored on campus and information came from Abuja that the students should vacate the hostels before 4pm or else face the law. Academic activities were also suspended till further notice.
Meanwhile, most students expressed their annoyance on the purported hike in tuition fee when interviewed by reporters from FUTO students’ society of Journalist. Read their reactions: “Our school fees has been unreasonably increased, imagine year one paying over 100 thousand naira for tuition and acceptance fee”, “it is a taboo for a Federal University to pay such a high amount”.
The school management is yet to make an official statement with regards to the protest, Rochas is yet to be released, students have vacated the hostels and academic activities has been shut down till further notice.
#SayNoToHikeInFees
#ReleaseRochas
#FUTOProtest2017

  It was a moment of celebration, and more, a double one for sensational music act, Kelly Hansome and fast-rising media practitioner cum media director of Pot of Africa, Eze Chijioke when the duo marked their birthdays with the launching of an EP titled ‘4Play’ at Industry Nite. 
The event was held at the usual spot, Spice Route in Victoria Island, where guests were welcomed to the black carpet by members of the media and a cocktail bar which served just the right mix to set you in the mood for 4Play.

The media is abuzz with praises for the Chief of staff to the Imo State Government, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu as he made true his pledge to ensure that a former Super Eagles player, Kelechi Emeteole is not abandoned to a fatal fate as the former Heartland FC of Owerri, Enugu Rangers and El-Kanemi Warriors is being ravaged by a cancerous tumor in his throat.

The compassionate Chief Aide to Imo State Governor was moved by the pathetic story of the ex-international as reported in the Social media vowed never to delay in doing good to his fellow humans as long as it is in his powers to do so.
As early as 8:am today, a popular sports journalist and OAP, Solomon Mourinho got invitation to the Government House to lead a team of few aides of his to the house of Chief Emeteole who has unfortunately lost the use of his voice due to a remedial surgery performed on his throat.
The representatives of the Chief of staff presented a cheque of Three hundred thousand naira (N300,000) to the obviously elated Emeteole in the presence of his equally elated wife. The donation which is expected to cover the initial expenses for the surgery is a huge relief to the ailing soccer veteran who had almost lost hope of getting the necessary medical attention as the sickness had drained his resources long before the accurate diagnosis was carried out.
On what motivates him to extend help to those who are in need, the young real estate mogul turned politician said: "God blessed me that I may bless others. I did not get to where I am today by being too smart, too wise or too righteous, but by God's special grace and I shall remain an instrument through which God brings joy to homes and hearts of as many people as possible. I pray that God heals our own Caterpillar, for we have done the little we can do as humans, but the ultimate intervention shall come from the Most High God, who heals and saves lives."
Also, the Deputy Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ugonna Ozuruigbo donated the sum of 200 thousand Naira in support of the humanitarian intervention led by Chief Nwosu.

According to the wife, a hospital in Delhi India demanded 11 thousand dollars for the procedure but a Nigerian Professor in Enugu says about 2 million naira will do the job.
He now breathes with the aid of a pipe attached to his neck. He has been diagnosed with The  cancer of the voice box which has affected his heart. He needs surgery to save his life as soon as possible.

Kelechi Emetole served this nation effectively with the likes of Christian Chukwu ,Odegbami to mention but a few. He also served Imo, Abia, Enugu and Anambara through The Spartans Fc, Iwuanyanwu Nationale, Heartland and Rangers international. He led Heartland to the Finals of the Champions league in 2009.

El-kanemi and Rangers are owing him for services he rendered graciously including Heartland  since 2009.

Please send your donations directly to
Kelechi Emetole ,1007868369, UBA.

Well meaning Nigerians are also encouraged not to relent in making their donations to ensure the treatment and upkeep of the man popularly known as Caterpillar and his family.

May God Bless you as you help to save the life of one of us.

Manchester United fan and Imo state born  public affair commentator cum journalists, comrade Chidiebube Okeoma has expressed happiness over Manchester United for wining Southampton in today's league cup final, beating them 3 goals to 2.

In a short message, Okeoma the over excited ManU fan  shared on his Facebook, reads:

"Having seen off every determined Southampton FC today in a league cup final , there is no gain saying the fact that Manchester United (the pride of English football) are very determined, focused, ready, energized, spurred and eager to win the remaining two trophies they are gunning for.

"Despite the strong opponents, United would emerge the Champions of the FA and Europa cups at the end of the current season.

"Winning laurels have a long way of spurring a team to go for more glories and what United have done this evening, treble at the end of the campaign will not be an impossible feat.

Glory glory man UTD......." he stated.

The atmosphere of Owerri, the Imo state capital will not only be filled with "Love" tomorow February 14th, which is set aside as Valentine's day, but also will witness an innovation in the world of entertainment, as House of Freeda; the biggest mall brand, East of the Niger unveils its newest attraction, known as "Game zone".
Game zone, located at House of Freeda premises, Mcc Uratta road, Owerri which is owned by Lolo Uloma Nwosu and it's said to be one that will bring leisure to Imo youths, and south east at large.

According to Mrs. Nwosu, "We love the fact that the games we have at Game zone can be enjoyed by the entire family, and we are looking forward to give a lot of people who have never been abroad or to a major gaming attraction, to come and get their first experience".
She also said that Owerri city which is known as a community of game lovers need to enjoy the social entertainment, adding that children in the state need to participate in the game which she described as a global phenomenon.

Again she hinted that Game zone is partnering with KekeAds, an advertising service provider, availed that 400 tricycle operators in the state  will be empowered to promote the gaming centre around the state.

As listed by her, games to watch out include, Arcade games, Car Racing, Fast and Furious, Terminator, PS4, Light House, Sports Bar amongst other games.

PDP National chairman, Ali Modu Sheriff has denied media reports that former president Goodluck Jonathan has asked him and senator Ahmed Makarfi to resign their positions as a way of resulting the protracted leadership crisis of the party.

There were media reports yesterday that Jonathan had prevailed on both men to resign their positions so that a new convention can be held were another chairman of the party would emerge.


However in a statement released by the acting publicity secretary of PDP, Bernard Mikko last night, Sheriff said the report is false.
“The general public, PDP members and the media are hereby informed that the issue of the National Chairman’s resignation as the political solution has never been discussed nor was it put up for discussion with former President and other stakeholders. The general public; PDP members nationwide and the media are hereby informed that shortly before the Court of Appeal judgement of 17th February, 2017; all parties and stakeholders agreed that on the receipt of the court of appeal judgement whichever way it goes; members will be prevailed upon and urged to support the judgement and orders of the court of appeal and rally round the successful party to conduct; as soon as possible a national unity convention for the election of officers; the modalities of which shall be worked out by all stakeholders of the party. As law abiding citizen and advocate of the rule of law, the National Chairman, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff hereby calls on all stakeholders including but not limited to PDP governors; national and state assembly members; Board of Trustee members to make themselves available and give their input on how we can; as quickly as possible conduct a national unity convention; where our national officers will be elected. The National Chairman has promised and undertaken not to contest” he said

As the APC state congresses are being awaited, Governor Rochas Okorocha, as the leader of the party in Imo State, has announced new leadership structures for the three senatorial zones.

According to sources, Owerri zone has Prince Eze Madumere, the Deputy Governor as Zonal Leader,  while the Secretary to the  Government,  Sir George Ezenna Eche as the  Facilitator.
In Okigwe zone, the Speaker Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Acho Ihim becomes the zonal leader while Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu becomes the Facilitator.

However, that of Orlu zone is said to be peculiar with the Governor's cronies serving in the two capacities. While Hon Uche Nwosu, Chief of Staff Government House and Okorocha's Son-in-Law becomes the zonal  Apex leader, the elder sister to the Governor, Mrs Geraldine Obinali is the Facilitator.

It was gathered however that sooner or later, the 27 LGAs will have facilitators comprising of a Secretary, Youths and Women. All appointments according to the sources will be formalised at an inauguration to be announced soon.
Our sources however said that the affairs of APC are trusted in the hands of the Apex leaders and Facilitators, an indirect way by Okorocha to have sacked or dissolved the entire APC leadership structure across the state put in place before now.

There was pandemonium at Tetlow road in Owerri, the Imo State capital, when members of National youth service corps clashed with suspected Northern fraudsters, believed to be money swindlers.

The corps members who reportedly returned from Abia state where they participated in the 2016, batch B, stream 11 orientation program clashed with the alleged fraudsters for allegedly using mystical means to swindle them of their 40,000 (forty thousand Naira) which included their first monthly allowance which was paid them on camp.

The corps members numbering about eight told our correspondent at the scene of the crime that the two Northerners operating with two monkeys, unknowingly to them pretentiously rammed into them with their monkeys, that was how the forty thousand Naira they were returning with got disappeared.

According to the enraged fresh graduates, when the two accused persons who were looking very unkept rammed into them, they quickly apologized to them, but minutes later they realized that the money that was in the pocket of one of them was missing.

Curious to recover their missing money, they confronted the suspects, but they denied knowledge of the crime.

They raised the alarm which attracted the attention of passersby who queried the suspects and threatened to administer jungle justice on them before they finally owned up to the crime.

But the situation became intense when the suspects could only bring 28,000 (twenty eight thousand Naira) out of the acclaimed missing 40, 000.

The corps members insisted that the suspects must complete the amount, holding them, while the people threatened to beat up the accused persons.

The suspects who were begging the corps members together with the mob not to attack them, resulted to self defense by using their two monkeys to prevent the crowd from attacking them.

The situation degenerated into a rowdy one, as the road which is a commercial nerve center was temporarily locked down, with traders and shop owners forced to close shops over fear of their goods being destroyed in the ensuing crisis.

Some people around said that the suspects were known for using the monkeys in a pretentious manner to swindle people of their money on the Bank road.

When contacted, the police Public Relations Officer in the state, Andrew Enwerem, said that the matter had yet to be reported to him.

- Chidiebube Okeoma

It was a thrilling moment at the Winners' Chapel, Owerri, as Hon Dcn Chike Okeafor thrilled the congrgation on Sunday 19th February, 2017, as thousands of Christian faithful gathered to experience the presence of God during the Priase and Worship progranme of the Winners' Chapel Youths Alive Fellowship.

The programme was a praise and worship, through which the congregation sought to experience God's presence in a more tangible way.

The Worship and Praise programme which was nicknamed "WAP Season 4", was tagged "BOW BEFORE HIS THRONE".

It featured ministrations from dazzling trend setters; Deacon Chike Okafor, Preye, Obele, Friends, etc.

Both the Church main auditorium situated at #1 Winners' Ring Road, Off Port Harcourt Road, Owerri Imo State, and it's overflow, were filled with the awesome presence of God as the Youth organised  Praise and Worship Team, WAP Season 4, opened heaven through praise ministered in songs.

The praise and worship ministration comprised a selection of highly anointed and musically gifted members of the church performing live, which included Arch Angel and Winners' Youth Choir.

Through the ministration of music the worship team led the church into the presence of the Lord and prepared their hearts for the entrance of God’s word.

The magnificent church building was livened with special songs rendition and was highly electrified with an atmosphere of praise, worship, comedy and choreography.

Ministering during praise and worship was a special guest and sensational soul singer, Deacon Chike John Okafor, member of Nigerian House of Representatives, who declared that "God is my Foundation and Cornerstone", proclaiming: "If praising my God makes me irresponsible, I better remain irrepressible".

Concluding, the Chairman House of Representatives  Committee on Health Matters and former  Commissioner for Finance Imo State, Hon Dcn Chike Okafor charged all Christians to always find time to praise and worship him, not minding one's position, situation and challenges in life.

The Youth Alive Fellowship was a glorious moment of spiritual impartation as God manifested himself in different ways, and the congregation was blessed.