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By Princely Onyenwe | Editorial Desk

Nigeria’s democracy cannot afford to become a theatre of personal ambition where elected leaders spend more time fighting over tomorrow’s positions than discharging today’s responsibilities. The growing controversy surrounding Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s ambition to retain his position in the 11th National Assembly and the reported interest of Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma in the same office has raised troubling questions about political maturity, institutional respect and the priorities of those entrusted with public leadership.

The problem is not that politicians aspire to higher office. Ambition is a legitimate part of democracy, and every qualified politician has the right to seek public office within the law. The problem begins when the pursuit of a position that will not become available until the next National Assembly turns into a public contest of warnings, endorsements, political manoeuvring and apparent attempts to intimidate potential rivals.

Akpabio, the incumbent Senate President, has made his intention increasingly clear. On October 14, 2026, during the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council at the State House in Abuja, he appealed to President Bola Tinubu to support his return as Senate President in 2027. He also called on the President to discourage Uzodimma from seeking to replace him, drawing public attention to a succession battle that should ordinarily be resolved through the appropriate political and constitutional processes when the time comes.

That intervention raises a fundamental question: why should the sitting Senate President appear so concerned about a political contest that has not yet formally arrived? If Akpabio believes his performance, experience and relationships within the Senate make him the strongest candidate for another term, he should allow his record to speak for itself. Leadership should inspire confidence, not create the impression that every potential challenger must be politically neutralised before the contest begins.

The situation became even more striking on October 15, when senators publicly declared their support for Akpabio’s return, with Senate Chief Whip Tahir Monguno and Senator Cyril Fasuyi among those expressing confidence in his continued leadership. Some lawmakers reportedly declared that there was no vacancy in the Senate presidency. But the question is straightforward: how can a position in the 11th Assembly be treated as though it were already occupied when the 10th Assembly is still in office and the next general elections have not yet taken place?

The 10th National Assembly was inaugurated on June 13, 2023, for a four-year legislative term running to June 2027. The Senate comprises 109 members representing the country’s 109 senatorial districts. Those senators will have to face the electorate or otherwise leave the chamber before a new assembly can be constituted. Consequently, the composition of the 11th Senate, the return of individual lawmakers and the eventual emergence of its leadership cannot responsibly be treated as settled matters in October 2026.

This is where the controversy begins to look unnecessary. Nigeria is approaching another general election, with political parties expected to negotiate interests, select candidates and mobilise supporters across the country. Voters need leaders who can explain their plans for economic recovery, insecurity, employment, infrastructure and the cost of living. Instead, a dispute over who may preside over the Senate after the elections is increasingly competing for national political attention.

Governor Uzodimma, for his part, has declared his intention to contest the Orlu senatorial seat, also known as Imo West, in the 2027 elections. That is a distinct political objective from becoming Senate President. His reported interest in the leadership of the next Senate has generated speculation, but a declaration to contest a senatorial seat should not automatically be presented as a formal declaration of candidacy for the Senate presidency. At the time of this editorial, the distinction matters because public commentary must not be confused with an official announcement.

Uzodimma has previously responded to speculation about the Senate presidency by saying he was not aware that his colleagues were proposing him for the position, while adding that when the time came, they would cross that bridge. The statement reflects a position that leaves room for political developments without confirming a formal bid. His opponents, therefore, should avoid treating speculation as an established candidacy, just as the governor should be encouraged to communicate clearly whenever he considers it necessary to put an end to mounting uncertainty.

Yet the incumbent Senate President’s public posture has created the impression of a race being fought before the starting whistle. Akpabio is entitled to seek another term, but his current office does not confer ownership of the Senate presidency in the next assembly. Equally, Uzodimma’s political influence, governorship experience and position within the All Progressives Congress do not automatically entitle him to succeed Akpabio. Neither man owns the office, and neither should behave as though the decision belongs to him or his political allies alone.

The Constitution provides the institutional framework for the Senate and its leadership, while the political composition of the next chamber will be shaped by the 2027 elections. The eventual choice of Senate President must emerge from the lawful process involving members of the incoming Senate. Presidential preference, governors’ influence, party negotiations and political endorsements may all affect the contest, but none should be confused with a constitutional guarantee that a particular individual will occupy the position.

The controversy also risks deepening existing tensions within the ruling APC. The relationship between governors, federal political officeholders and party leaders is already under pressure from competing interests ahead of the elections. Public disagreements over the next Senate presidency could further complicate efforts to maintain party cohesion at a time when the ruling party is preparing for a demanding national campaign. Recent reporting has also highlighted disagreements involving Uzodimma and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, illustrating how the succession debate is intersecting with broader political rivalries.

This is particularly concerning because Uzodimma chairs the Progressive Governors Forum, a position that gives him a significant role in coordinating APC governors. When a sitting governor is linked to a contest for a future legislative leadership position, it is reasonable to ask whether competing ambitions could affect relationships between state executives and federal lawmakers. However, claims of a direct split between senators and governors over the Senate presidency should be supported by clear evidence rather than inferred from political speculation or isolated public statements.

Akpabio must also understand that the dignity of the Senate presidency demands restraint. Nigerians expect the occupant of the office to demonstrate seriousness, sound judgment and respect for the institution, particularly when discussing issues that affect vulnerable citizens or the nation’s political future. Public jokes, pointed remarks and political exchanges may generate headlines, but they can also weaken public confidence when they appear to trivialise the responsibilities attached to one of the country’s highest legislative offices.

The Senate presidency is not a personal trophy. It is a position of institutional responsibility within a bicameral legislature whose duties include lawmaking, oversight of the executive and representation of the Nigerian people. The Senate’s 109 members have obligations extending far beyond choosing who will preside over their chamber in 2027. They must scrutinise public expenditure, consider legislation, examine government policies and ensure that executive power is exercised within constitutional limits.

For this reason, the timing of the current political drama deserves criticism. Nigeria’s next general election is scheduled for 2027, and the immediate task for politicians should be to earn the confidence of voters. The electorate is entitled to know what candidates intend to do about unemployment, insecurity, the pressure on household incomes and the delivery of essential public services. The country should not be left with the impression that the most urgent concern of its political class is the distribution of offices among its own members.

Akpabio should stop using his position to turn a future leadership contest into a recurring public confrontation. He can campaign for another term through consultation, persuasion and a credible record of service. He should allow the 2027 elections to take their course and respect the right of other qualified lawmakers to participate in the eventual leadership process.

Uzodimma, on the other hand, should concentrate on his declared senatorial ambition and avoid allowing speculation about the Senate presidency to overshadow the immediate electoral task before him. If he eventually secures election to the Senate and decides to seek its presidency, he should make his intentions clear at the appropriate time and submit himself to the same process as every other aspirant. The people of Orlu deserve to assess his candidacy on its merits, while the incoming senators must be free to determine their leadership without intimidation or a premature declaration that the seat belongs to one political camp.

President Tinubu and the APC leadership also have a responsibility to prevent personal rivalries from damaging the party’s internal cohesion or distracting the government from national priorities. Political disagreements are inevitable in a democracy, but mature leadership requires mechanisms for managing them privately, fairly and within established rules. A ruling party preparing for a general election should not allow a contest over a future legislative office to become a permanent source of public division.

Our advice to both camps is simple: let the 10th Assembly complete its work, let the electorate decide who enters the 11th Assembly, and let the incoming senators choose their presiding officers through the proper process. Akpabio should demonstrate the restraint expected of an incumbent Senate President, while Uzodimma should make his senatorial ambition the immediate priority and allow any future leadership aspiration to be tested when the time arrives.

Nigeria has too many pressing challenges to surrender valuable political attention to a contest that has not yet formally begun. The Senate presidency must be earned through lawful political engagement, not treated as a birthright, a reward for loyalty or a prize to be secured through public pressure.

The question is not who will become Senate President in 2027; it is whether those seeking the position can demonstrate the maturity to put Nigeria before personal ambition. Until the appropriate time comes, both camps should lower the political temperature, respect the institutions they seek to lead and allow Nigerians to see leadership in action rather than ambition on display.

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• CARSPO 2026 in Owerri puts professionalism, intelligence and election security at centre stage

By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk

OWERRI, IMO STATE — The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has unveiled a six-pillar security roadmap for the 2027 general elections, as Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, challenged the Nigeria Police Force to maintain professionalism, neutrality and public confidence in managing the electoral process.

The positions emerged at the sixth Conference and Retreat for Senior Police Officers, CARSPO 2026, held in Owerri, Imo State, from September 21 to 23, with the theme, “Developing a Nigeria Police Roadmap for Effective Management of Security During Elections.” Imo hosted the strategic police conference for the third time.

Uzodinma said the integrity of an election begins with ensuring that citizens can participate without fear, intimidation or unnecessary interference, urging police officers to protect voters, candidates, rallies and electoral materials without becoming part of the political contest.

The governor also stressed that the lessons and strategies developed at CARSPO must reach every level of the Force, including the rank and file who would be deployed to communities and polling locations during elections. He said careless actions by security personnel could damage public confidence in the electoral process.

At the conference, Disu outlined six priorities that will guide police preparations for the 2027 elections: intelligence and early-warning systems; training and preparedness; joint command and inter-agency coordination; communication and technology; community partnerships; and strict political neutrality.

The IGP warned police personnel against taking sides in the elections, stressing that the Force’s responsibility is to protect citizens and enforce the law rather than determine political outcomes.

“We protect citizens and enforce the law. We do not decide political outcomes,” Disu said, warning that officers who collude with political actors, abuse their powers or take sides would be investigated and appropriately sanctioned.

He also directed Commissioners of Police to identify electoral flashpoints, criminal networks and emerging threats in their commands while strengthening early-warning systems and community-based intelligence.

Disu further warned politicians and their supporters against recruiting thugs, buying arms, intimidating voters or electoral officials and engaging in other activities capable of undermining the electoral process, saying the police would act against offenders irrespective of status.

Declaring CARSPO 2026 open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, conveyed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the Police ahead of the 2027 elections.

Tinubu stressed professionalism, impartiality, intelligence-led operations and effective coordination among security agencies, while pledging continued support in areas including training, technology, operational logistics, personnel welfare and institutional reforms.

The President’s position was that election security must extend beyond polling units and electoral materials to the protection of voters, electoral officials, candidates and the wider public, creating an environment in which Nigerians can participate without intimidation or violence.

The conference also featured an electoral perspective from the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who said adequate funding was critical to providing the security and logistics required for successful elections.

Amupitan said INEC’s responsibilities cover elections at the presidential, National Assembly, governorship and State House of Assembly levels, as well as voter registration and political-party registration, making sustained funding and security coordination essential to the electoral process.

He also stressed the importance of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCES, as a mechanism for coordination among INEC, the Police and other security and government agencies.

Beyond the election roadmap, the IGP presented an operational scorecard showing that since he assumed office in February 2026, police operations had led to the arrest of 251 terrorists and suspected bandits, 343 murder suspects, 566 suspected armed-robbery suspects and 483 suspected cultists. He also reported the rescue of 1,066 kidnapped victims, alongside the recovery of 947 firearms and more than 22,000 rounds of ammunition.

CARSPO 2026 also examined intelligence-led policing, digital technology, artificial intelligence, police-community partnerships and other contemporary approaches to election security, with the objective of translating the conference deliberations into practical measures before, during and after the 2027 elections.

With the conference now concluded, attention shifts to implementation. The effectiveness of the Owerri roadmap will ultimately depend on whether its principles of neutrality, preparedness, intelligence, coordination and accountability are translated into operational conduct across police commands and down to personnel deployed during the electoral cycle.

For CARSPO 2026, the message from Owerri was therefore not only about preparing the Police for the next election, but about defining how security personnel should conduct themselves while protecting the democratic process.

The roadmap has been unveiled. The real test is whether neutrality and professionalism will follow it from the conference hall to the communities and polling units.

For more inquiries on this news report contact 9News Nigeria on +234 08036856526

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• Former governor presents handover documents, denies liabilities, challenges government to produce evidence if..

By Princely Onyenwe | Political Desk

AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE — Former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi has rejected claims by the state government that his administration left behind outstanding debts, unpaid workers’ entitlements and a ₦2 billion ecological-related liability, challenging authorities to produce documentary evidence to support the allegations.

Obi, who served as governor from 2006 to 2014, made the clarification in a statement titled “Debunking the Phantom Debts and Ecological Loan Fallacy,” amid an escalating dispute over the financial position his administration left behind.

He maintained that his government systematically cleared historical gratuities and arrears dating back several years, amounting to more than ₦35 billion. According to Obi, Anambra owed nothing in salaries, gratuities or pensions at the point of handover, while contractors whose projects had been duly executed and certified had also been paid.

The former governor also disputed the description of the ecological money as a loan. Obi said about ₦2 billion was released barely three months before the end of his tenure for the Oko/Umuchiana erosion crisis, but that he deliberately refused to spend it because it was tied to a specific project and should be preserved for his successor.

He further claimed that the money was left intact in a First Bank account, which he identified as Account No. 2018779464, with a balance of more than ₦2.13 billion. Obi said funds earmarked for specific projects were separate from the more than ₦75 billion in savings he said his administration left behind.

The Anambra State Government, however, has rejected Obi’s account and presented a direct challenge to his claim concerning the ecological fund. Commissioner for Information and Value Reorientation, Law Mefor, said the government obtained a certified printout of the First Bank account cited by the former governor.

According to Mefor, the account was an Internally Generated Revenue Consolidated Revenue Account, not an ecological fund account, and the government claimed that records covering the account from its opening in 2011 showed no ₦2.13 billion balance or inflow as described by Obi. The commissioner consequently challenged the former governor to explain where the money he said he left behind was kept.

The state government has also disputed Obi’s broader claim that his administration left no outstanding financial obligations. Mefor said eight external borrowings contracted during the Obi administration remained outstanding, with their combined balance put at about ₦127.4 billion as of June 30, 2026, based on the government’s account of the debt records.

Mefor further alleged that salary, pension and gratuity liabilities connected to earlier administrations remained unresolved, including arrears involving retired teachers and workers of the former Water Corporation. He also disputed Obi’s claim of leaving more than ₦75 billion in savings, asking for records to substantiate the figure.

Obi, however, has stood by his account and thrown the issue back to his critics, declaring that if anyone can establish that his administration left the alleged liabilities, he would stop his 2027 presidential campaign.

The controversy has therefore shifted from political claims to a question of documentary evidence, with the disputed First Bank account, historical debt records, salary and pension arrears and the alleged savings now at the centre of the disagreement.

For now, the competing claims remain those of the former governor and the Anambra State Government. Independent verification of the underlying bank statements, debt records and handover documents would be required to conclusively establish the financial position of the state at the March 2014 transition.

Peter Obi has released his handover document in response to claims by the Anambra State Government that his administration left behind loans and other financial liabilities.

The document, dated March 17, 2014, reportedly shows the state’s financial position at the time of handover, including a net positive balance of over ₦86 billion. The Anambra Government, however, maintains that outstanding loans linked to previous administrations remain unpaid.

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• Coalition row deepens as FCT Minister keeps dilly-dalling to apologise. Let Minister Wike apologise to Progressive Governors while the head of principalities , President Tinubu wades into the matter. Both Uzodinma and Wike are important demigods in the prosperity re-election agenda, no doubt.

By Princely Onyenwe | Political Desk

ABUJA — Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, is facing calls for an apology after describing members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Governors’ Forum as “smart like the 419” but “politically lazy” over their opposition to his proposed Rainbow Coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Wike made the remarks while responding to the APC governors’ declaration that they would not support any political arrangement capable of undermining President Bola Tinubu’s re-election or weakening APC candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.

The FCT Minister insisted that he had never approached the APC Governors’ Forum to negotiate an alliance with the ruling party, maintaining that his Rainbow Coalition was established to mobilise support for Tinubu across political parties.

Wike said the governors were “politically lazy” because, in his view, they were failing to distinguish between supporting Tinubu for president and supporting APC candidates contesting governorship, National Assembly and State House of Assembly elections. He argued that politicians could support the President’s re-election while allowing their respective parties to contest other elective positions.

The minister also challenged Imo State Governor and Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum, Hope Uzodimma, over the voting pattern recorded in Imo during the 2023 presidential election.

Wike argued that Tinubu, despite being the APC presidential candidate, did not secure 10 per cent of the presidential votes in Imo State, where Uzodimma was governor and an APC politician. However, official 2023 presidential election figures show that Tinubu received 66,406 votes in Imo, representing about 14.21 per cent of the state’s valid votes, while Labour Party candidate Peter Obi polled 360,495 votes, Atiku Abubakar of the PDP received 30,234 and Rabiu Kwankwaso of the NNPP scored 1,552.

The correction is significant because Wike’s statement that Tinubu received less than 10 per cent in Imo does not match the officially reported percentage. His broader argument, however, was that the 2023 voting pattern demonstrated that voters could support candidates from different political parties in presidential and National Assembly elections conducted on the same day.

Wike cited Imo, Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi as examples of states where voters supported different parties at different levels of the 2023 elections. He maintained that his support for Tinubu in 2027 was specifically for the presidential election and did not amount to an undertaking that the PDP would withdraw candidates from governorship or legislative contests.

The minister also recalled that he and other members of the G5 governors supported Tinubu in 2023 without negotiating an alliance with the APC Governors’ Forum. He said the Rainbow Coalition was a cross-party mobilisation platform for Tinubu and was not an APC structure or campaign organisation.

The dispute followed a declaration by APC governors, led by Uzodimma, that they would not participate in, support or endorse any political arrangement capable of undermining Tinubu’s re-election, weakening the APC or adversely affecting the party’s candidates in the 2027 elections.

The APC governors’ position has since attracted support from party leaders in the South-East, who called on Wike to retract his comments and apologise to the governors. The statement was signed by APC National Vice Chairman, South-East, Ijeomah Arodiogbu, alongside the party chairmen in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states. The leaders said the governors, particularly those in the South-East, had demonstrated their ability to mobilise support for Tinubu.

APC chieftain and former House of Representatives Minority Leader, Farouk Aliyu, also criticised Wike’s remarks during an interview on Arise Television. Aliyu described the language as being in “bad taste,” rejected the description of the APC governors and urged Wike to exercise restraint and humility in his public comments.

Aliyu further argued that the APC wanted a unified campaign structure for its candidates while acknowledging that politicians from outside the party could support Tinubu. He said the disagreement should not become a distraction from the party’s political preparations ahead of 2027.

The controversy has also produced a different response from within the APC, with federal lawmaker and APC chieftain Abdulmumin Jibrin defending Wike’s political contribution to Tinubu’s project. Appearing on Channels Television, Jibrin described Wike as an “asset” to the APC and urged party members to avoid publicly embarrassing the FCT Minister, while acknowledging that Wike remains a member of the PDP.

The PDP, meanwhile, has defended Wike’s right to support Tinubu while retaining his political identity within the opposition party. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, said Wike’s support for Tinubu did not amount to an endorsement of the APC or mean that the PDP had abandoned its right to field candidates in the 2027 elections.

The PDP’s position followed Wike’s own clarification that his support for Tinubu’s re-election was separate from contests for governorship and legislative seats. He said the PDP remained free to field candidates for those elections and that the Rainbow Coalition was not designed to prevent other parties from competing against APC candidates.

Calls for Wike to apologise have centred on his use of the “419” description against elected governors, with critics arguing that political disagreements can be expressed without language that may be interpreted as questioning the integrity of public officials.

The controversy has also raised a broader issue about the effect of hostile language among senior political leaders on public confidence. While the competing sides disagree over the political implications of the Rainbow Coalition, the dispute has increasingly shifted from the substance of the proposed alliance to the language being used by the actors involved.

For now, Wike maintains that his political support for Tinubu is separate from the APC’s contests at other levels, while the APC governors and their supporters maintain that political arrangements surrounding the President’s re-election must not weaken the party, its candidates or its campaign structure.

Without doubt, President Tinubu, who is currently in France, is expected to engage the affected parties as part of efforts to prevent the disagreement from affecting his re-election bid.

A senior presidential aide familiar with the development said the President is expected to intervene directly in the matter.

The aide spoke privately because he was not authorised to publicly discuss the planned engagement. Let wike apologise to progressive governors while the head of principalities wades in. Both Uzodinma and Wike are important in the prosperity agenda,no doubt.

The disagreement is therefore likely to remain part of the wider political debate as parties, governors and other political actors intensify preparations for the 2027 elections.

For inquiries on this news report contact 9News Nigeria on +234 08036856526

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• Wike’s clash with Uzodinma may have opened a wider battle with APC Governors

By Princely Onyenwe | Editorial Desk

The latest war of words between Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma may appear to be another episode in Nigeria’s familiar political drama, but beneath the rhetoric lies a potentially consequential struggle over who will shape the political direction of the 2027 election. Wike fired back at Uzodinma after the Imo governor, speaking as Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, made it clear that APC governors would not support any political arrangement capable of undermining President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Wike responded in his characteristic combative style, questioning Uzodinma’s electoral pedigree and arguing that politics is no longer about coming from fourth place to become governor, but about mobilisation and winning votes at the polling units. There is political history behind the argument. Uzodinma’s emergence as Imo governor followed the Supreme Court’s 2020 decision that overturned Emeka Ihedioha’s election and declared Uzodinma the rightful winner of the 2019 governorship contest, while he subsequently secured re-election in 2023. Yet the bigger question is whether Wike has chosen the wrong political battle at the wrong time.

Hope Uzodinma is no longer merely defending his personal electoral record. As Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, he speaks from an institutional platform representing APC governors, many of whom have a direct political stake in the 2027 elections. The forum’s position is now clear: its members want to protect Tinubu’s re-election project while strengthening APC structures and candidates across the country. Wike’s Rainbow Coalition therefore presents a complicated proposition for the ruling party because he insists that supporting Tinubu for president does not necessarily mean supporting every APC candidate contesting governorship and legislative elections.

That is the fundamental fault line. Wike wants to retain his political independence while helping secure Tinubu’s return to the presidency, whereas APC governors naturally want an arrangement that protects not only the President but also the party’s candidates and structures. In practical electoral terms, supporting a presidential candidate while remaining free to influence contests against that candidate’s party creates an uncomfortable political equation. It is therefore unsurprising that APC governors would resist any coalition capable of becoming a parallel political machinery around an incumbent president.

Few politicians in contemporary Nigeria possess Wike’s record of political survival and influence. His role in the G5 governors’ revolt before the 2023 election demonstrated his ability to disrupt established political calculations, while his decision to support Tinubu despite remaining in the PDP showed that he could operate beyond conventional party boundaries. But 2027 is not 2023. Tinubu is now an incumbent president seeking re-election, the APC controls the federal government, and the ruling party has an extensive network of governors, legislators and political structures across the country. The terrain Wike must navigate has therefore changed considerably.

This makes his confrontation with Uzodinma potentially more consequential than an ordinary exchange of political insults. Wike is confronting a governor operating from the institutional platform of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, with the political interests of APC governors tied to the outcome. If he turns his disagreement with Uzodimma into a sustained confrontation with the governors as a bloc, he could inadvertently strengthen the very political establishment he hopes to influence. Elections are rarely won by rhetoric alone; they are won through structures, alliances, mobilisation, candidates and votes.

This is why reactions that the confrontation could “retire Wike” politically should not simply be dismissed, although it would be premature to declare him finished. Nigerian politics has repeatedly shown that politicians written off at one moment can return with renewed influence, and Wike himself has survived political battles that many expected him to lose. Political retirement, however, does not necessarily mean losing an election. It can also mean losing the capacity to dictate political outcomes, broker alliances and determine the direction of events.

That is the real test before Wike as 2027 approaches. If the Rainbow Coalition becomes a formidable political force capable of influencing the presidential, governorship and legislative contests, Wike could emerge from the election as one of Nigeria’s most consequential political power brokers. But if the coalition fails to build sufficient structure while APC governors remain firmly aligned behind Tinubu and the party’s candidates, Wike could discover that personal networks and political charisma have limits when confronted by a coordinated institutional structure.

Uzodinma, therefore, does not necessarily need to defeat Wike in a war of words. His greater advantage is the institutional platform from which he is operating and the network of governors whose interests converge around the APC’s 2027 strategy. Wike understands better than most Nigerian politicians that elections are ultimately about votes, mobilisation and structures. The coming election will provide the clearest test yet of whether his personal political influence can overcome a more coordinated political establishment.

For now, neither Wike nor Uzodinma has won this battle, and declaring Wike politically finished would be premature. But by attacking the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Wike may have transformed what could have remained a disagreement between two influential politicians into a broader confrontation with an organised bloc of governors. If that confrontation deepens, the question may no longer be whether Wike can influence the 2027 election, but whether the 2027 election will mark the beginning of the end of his extraordinary ability to influence Nigerian politics. That is the war Wike must be careful not to lose.

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By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has unveiled its expanded Presidential Campaign Council for the 2027 general elections, handing prominent responsibilities to several political heavyweights, including Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, former Imo Governor Rochas Okorocha and former Senator Uche Ekwunife.

The campaign structure, released by the Presidency on Saturday, comprises 223 core members and establishes a broad network of directorates covering election planning, mobilisation, finance, media and strategic communication, security, youth and women mobilisation, parliamentary affairs, grassroots engagement, stakeholders’ relations and other areas.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will serve as Chairman of the council, while Vice President Kashim Shettima and APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, will serve as Vice Chairmen I and II respectively.

Former Zamfara State Governor and serving Senator, Abdulaziz Yari, has been appointed Director-General of the campaign council, placing him at the centre of the APC’s operational drive for President Tinubu’s re-election bid.

Uzodimma, who has emerged as one of the APC’s prominent figures in the South-East, will serve as Secretary of the campaign council. Senator Ajibola Basiru and Hadiza Bala-Usman were named Deputy Secretary and Assistant Secretary respectively.

The appointment gives the Imo governor a strategically positioned role in the national campaign structure, coming as the ruling party begins preparations for the 2027 presidential contest.

Former Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha was named among the advisers to the campaign council chairman. He also appears in the contact mobilisation structure, underscoring the role assigned to the former governor in the APC’s wider engagement strategy.

For the South-East, former Senator Uche Ekwunife was appointed Zonal Director of Election Planning, Coordination and Mobilisation. Her assignment places her within one of the directorates responsible for coordinating the party’s electoral planning and mobilisation efforts in the region.

The South-East Zonal Campaign Coordinator is former Enugu State Governor, Ndubuisi Mbah, while Senator Osita Izunaso is listed as Zonal Coordinator for Support Group Coordination in the South-East. The structure also names Senator Anyim Pius Anyim as Zonal Coordinator for Stakeholders’ Mobilisation in the region.

Other senior appointments include Senate President Godswill Akpabio as Deputy Director-General, South I; Senator Opeyemi Bamidele as Deputy Director-General, South II; Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni as Deputy Director-General, North I; Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas as Deputy Director-General, North II; and Senator Barau Jibrin as Deputy Director-General, North III.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole was assigned Deputy Director-General for Mobilisation, while President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, will serve as Deputy Director-General for Administration. James Abiodun Faleke will oversee election planning, coordination and monitoring, while Minister of Works David Umahi will handle infrastructure, mobilisation and sensitisation as a Deputy Director-General.

The campaign council also gives considerable attention to media and digital communication. Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris, Dele Alake, Bayo Onanuga and Lanre Isa-Onilu are listed among the coordinating directors for media and strategic communication, while Segun Dada will serve as Director of New Media.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun was appointed Director of Fundraising, while Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will serve as Director of Finance/Treasurer. Other directorates will oversee youth and women mobilisation, security and intelligence, health, education, agriculture, manufacturing and MSMEs, creative industries, sports, diaspora engagement, faith-based mobilisation and labour relations.

The APC has further provided for campaign structures at state, local government, ward and polling-unit levels, effectively extending the presidential campaign machinery from the national leadership down to grassroots operations.

The constitution of the council marks a major organisational step by the ruling party ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the appointments bringing together serving and former governors, lawmakers, ministers, technocrats, party leaders and other stakeholders for Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

The development also places Uzodinma and other South-East political figures in strategic positions within the APC’s national electoral machinery as the party prepares to intensify its mobilisation across the country.

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Insists he never authorised anyone to respond to the singer’s appeal, says his role in Osun is strictly as APC campaign council chairman.

By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk

ABUJA, Nigeria — Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding Nigerian music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, declaring that he has no intention of influencing the outcome of the forthcoming Osun State governorship election and distancing himself from comments made in response to the singer’s public appeal.

The Governor, who chairs both the Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Osun State Governorship Campaign Council, said he never authorised anyone to respond to Davido or issue statements on his behalf, insisting that views credited to Ambrose Nwogwugwu were personal opinions that neither represent him nor the APC campaign council.

Uzodinma’s clarification came amid growing political debate after Davido reportedly appealed to him during a media briefing to use his position as Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum and Chairman of the APC Osun State Governorship Campaign Council to ensure peace during the August 15 governorship election in Osun State. The appeal quickly gained traction across social media and political circles, triggering varied reactions.

Responding through a statement issued on Thursday by his Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media, Oguwike Nwachuku, the Governor said Davido remains “his son” and deserves his respect, stressing that there is no personal dispute between them.

“I am not an Osun voter,” the Governor declared, explaining that his assignment in the South-West state is strictly political and limited to mobilising support for the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji. He maintained that campaigning for a party’s candidate is a legitimate democratic responsibility and should not be mistaken for interference in the electoral process.

Uzodinma emphasised that the APC remains committed to peaceful, credible, free and fair elections, noting that party leaders routinely travel across the country to campaign for their candidates without participating as voters in those elections.

The Governor further urged Davido, the people of Osun State and the wider public to disregard unofficial comments attributed to individuals claiming to speak for him, saying the clarification became necessary to prevent misinformation and stop attempts to misrepresent his position ahead of the keenly contested governorship poll.

The controversy has nevertheless sparked fresh political conversations nationwide, with questions emerging in political and media circles over why Governor Uzodimma was specifically mentioned in Davido’s public appeal despite no public allegation that he intended to influence the conduct of the election beyond his recognised role as Chairman of the APC Osun State Governorship Campaign Council.

The development has also prompted debate over whether the singer made the appeal solely as a concerned relative of Governor Ademola Adeleke or as a public figure expressing his personal views.

As political activities intensify ahead of the August 15 election, observers say the exchange underscores the heightened political atmosphere surrounding the Osun governorship race, with major political actors continuing to emphasise the need for a peaceful, credible and transparent democratic process.

As of the time of filing this report, Davido had not publicly responded to the Imo State Government’s clarification.

For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria on +23408036856526

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By Princely Onyenwe | News Desk

The Imo State House of Assembly (IMHA) has commenced its annual legislative recess, with plenary sittings adjourned until Tuesday, September 29, 2026, following a resolution reached during Thursday’s sitting.

The announcement was made by the Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Chike Olemgbe, Thursday, after members unanimously adopted the motion for the Assembly’s recess at plenary.

Before proceeding on recess, lawmakers passed the Imo State Data Protection Bill through its second reading. The bill, principally sponsored by Rt Hon Kennedy Ibeh and co-sponsored by 14 other lawmakers, seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework for the protection, processing, storage and management of personal data within Imo State.

During deliberations, Deputy Speaker, Hon Chyna Iwuanyanwu, highlighted critical areas requiring further refinement, stressing the need to eliminate ambiguities and strengthen the proposed legislation before its final passage.

A petition through the Deputy Speaker Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu was also formally laid before the House for legislative consideration in accordance with the Assembly’s Standing Orders.

The lawmakers further conveyed an outstanding message of congratulation to the Governor Hope Uzodinma CON, through Hon Nze Ihezue’s motion commending Uzodinma’s administration’s extensive road construction and infrastructure renewal projects across the state, describing them as a major boost to economic development and improved connectivity. The bill was supported by all the honourable members present at the plenary.

The Leader IMHA, Chief Kanayo Onyemaechi, played a key legislative role in moderating proceedings and subsequently moved the motion for the adoption of the Assembly’s recess, which was unanimously approved by members.

Although plenary sittings have been suspended until September 29, the House noted that committee assignments and other essential legislative activities will continue throughout the recess, while Honourable Members and their legislative aides observe the scheduled legislative break.

The Assembly is expected to reconvene on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, to resume plenary and continue deliberations on pending bills, motions, petitions and other legislative business, including the Data Protection Bill.

For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria on +234 08036856526

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Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo has signed the state’s year 2026 appropriation bill of N1.43 trillion into law.

The governor performed the signing in a brief ceremony at the new Government House Annex, in the Orlu council area of Imo, on Wednesday.

9news Nigeria reports that the governor, on Dec. 23, presented the budget estimate of N1.43 trillion christened “Budget of Economic Breakthrough” to the state’s Assembly.

 The lawmakers subsequently approved the budget on Dec. 24, without any alterations of the presented figures.

Uzodinma thanked the Assembly members for expediting the scrutiny and approval of the budget for passage.

He expressed delight that the year 2025 was ending on a high note for the state and promised to consolidate its gains.

 “I’ve just signed into law the 2026 budget in fulfillment of the constitutional requirement of checks and balances between the executive and the legislature.

 “We must now go to work and make this money before we can spend it for our people,” he said.

The governor assured Imo people that no more new projects would be delivered adding that all ongoing projects in the state would be completed before the end of his term in office.

He also thanked the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for providing the enabling environment for states of the federation to make more money, and pledged judicious use of resources available to the state.

Speaking, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Amara Iwuanyanwu, assured the people that the assembly would meticulously follow the implementation of the budget for the optimal benefit of the people.

 “We promise a more robust monitoring of the implementation of the budget,” he said.

9news Nigeria reports that present during the signing were the state’s Deputy Governor, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, the Acting Chief Judge, Justice Ijeoma Agugua, members of the state assembly and members of the state executive council.

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9News Nigeria

The governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma and FCT minister, Nyesom Wike are reportedly locking horns in a quiet supremacy battle; both determine to out muscle each other to assert their political dominance, and expand their political influence.

The conflict between Nyesom Wike and Hope Uzodinma stemmed from Wike’s alleged impasses on the presidency to make his long-standing political ally, Sam Nnaemeka Anyanwu (Sam Daddy), former national secretary of the People’s Democratic Party and PDP governorship candidate in the Imo State 2023 gubernatorial election, the All Progressive Congress (APC) governorship candidate in November, 2027. Nyesom Wike aims to secure the governorship ticket of the APC for Sam Anyanwu at the expense of Hope Uzodinma who also wants to singlehandedly nominate his successor who will fly the APC governorship ticket in 2027. Governor Hope Uzodinma’s supporters accuse Nyesom Wike of trespassing, trying to determine the political future of Imo State.

Former governor Wike argues that Sam Daddy deserves to be compensated with the APC Imo State governorship ticket for his role in incapacitating the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a strategy aimed at giving president Bola Ahmed Tinubu leverage in the 2027 presidential election.

As a result of Nyesom Wike’s interest in Imo State, governor Hope Uzodinma in retaliation, threw his support behind Rivers state governor and Nyesom Wike’s political son, Sim Fubara in his bid break off from the shackles of Wike’s grip. Governor Hope Uzodinma reportedly facilitated Sim Fubara’s recent hitch free defection to the All Progressive Congress, a strategy aimed at weakening former governor’s Nyesom Wike’s overwhelming political influence especially in Rivers state.

The duo are reportedly positioning themselves for vice presidential nomination in 2031. Nyesom Wike and governor Hope Uzodinma reportedly have their eyes on the APC vice presidential ticket in 2031 when the north will produce the party’s presidential candidate. Hence, the duo see each other as rivalries and are determined to out muscle each other by building political leverage upon which they will negotiate for the vice presidential ticket, citing their political relevance in Imo State and Rivers state as the case may be.

Hope Uzodinma’s supporters have described Wike’s desperate attempt to lobby the presidency into imposing Sam Anyanwu on the Imo State APC as the party’s next governorship candidate as “mission impossible”, asserting that Wike over rates himself by thinking that he can extend his political maneuvering to Imo State where a high ranking first class governor in the person of Hope Uzodinma is charge.

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9News Nigeria

The National Economic Council has expanded the mandate of its Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control to cover illegal mining.

This is just as the council raised the alarm that the nation’s solid minerals, including gold, are being mined and stolen.

Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, who chairs the committee, disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents after the 153rd NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.

Uzodimma said the expanded mandate is part of the government’s efforts to curb resource theft and increase revenue from Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

“The National Economic Council Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control, which I chair, presented an interim report today to the Council.

“NEC received our report with satisfaction and expanded our Terms of Reference to now also take interest in solid minerals, because our solid minerals are being mined and stolen and not adding to national revenue,” said Uzodinma.

He noted that the expanded role would enable the committee to coordinate with the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and other federal and subnational institutions to combat widespread illegal gold mining and other forms of mineral smuggling that have deprived the country of much-needed foreign exchange.

“Going forward, our committee, working with other government agencies, will look at how to ensure that the revenue of the country arising from solid minerals like gold and other forms of solid minerals are not allowed to be stolen,” the governor added.

NEC’s Ad-hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control was first established under former President Muhammadu Buhari in August 2022.

It was reconstituted under President Bola Tinubu in December 2023 with Uzodinma as chairman.

The committee was initially mandated to address the challenge of crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism.

Its creation followed rising oil theft that had crippled national production and forced international oil companies to shut down key pipelines.

At the time, oil production had crashed to around 700,000–800,000 barrels per day, far below Nigeria’s OPEC quota, costing the government billions of dollars in lost export revenue.

Uzodimma explained that through what he called a “collaborative approach” involving regulators, operators, and the security forces, the committee had helped raise daily crude oil production to over 1.7 million barrels per day in the past 22 months.

The governor stated, “Before May 29, 2023, when President Bola Tinubu was sworn in, our crude oil production was around 700,000 to 800,000 barrels a day.

“Working with stakeholders, the regulators, operators in the industry, and the Navy, we were able to involve all the governors of crude oil-producing states and raise different security organisations.

“You would agree with me that as I speak, daily production is now in excess of 1.7 million barrels a day, and cases of pipeline vandalism and vandalisation of oil assets have also been on the decline.”

The council, he said, was satisfied with the progress and decided to deploy the same model of intergovernmental coordination, private-sector partnership, and multi-agency surveillance to the mining sector, plagued by resource theft.

“We are determined to ensure that crude oil production and gas are properly preserved for the benefit of our citizens.

“Now, with this new directive, we will also protect our gold and solid mineral assets,” Uzodinma added.

Nigeria’s illegal mining economy, particularly in gold, lithium, and other high-value minerals, has grown into a multibillion-naira shadow industry.

According to data from the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, the country loses an estimated $9bn annually to illegal mineral extraction and smuggling.

The Federal Government has linked several unlicensed mining operations to armed groups in the North-West and North-Central regions, where gold has become a source of illicit financing for bandits.

A 2023 NEITI audit also showed that over 80 per cent of mining activities in Nigeria were conducted informally, without licenses or environmental oversight.

In September 2024, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development revoked over 900 dormant licences and announced plans for a national gold reserve policy. But enforcement remains difficult, with weak surveillance, limited manpower, and overlapping regulatory mandates.

According to Uzodimma, the expanded mandate aims to integrate the fight against illegal mining into the broader national resource protection framework previously used in the oil sector.

“We have done well,” he claimed, adding, “Among other things, we recommended that NNPC, working with security agencies and their consultants, should strengthen security in all the creeks and extend coverage to offshore regions. That will help in curtailing and supervising illegal entries and exits of vessels into our export terminals. This same spirit will now guide our solid minerals sector.”

The committee is expected to submit its first progress report on the expanded mandate at the next NEC meeting in November.

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Imo State Governor, His Excellency Hope Uzodinma has reassured Rescue Government resolve to continue to drive robust support to critical sectors, ensuring inclusive growth and economic resilience in the state.

Governor Uzodinma stated this at the ongoing 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), in Sevilla, Spain.

Speaking at the conference, the Imo Governor hinted that the financing gap in Africa remains a critical issue with far-reaching implications for the continent’s development.

He added that this challenge continues to hinder the ability of governments to fully unlock their economic potential.

However, despite the immense pressure that global economic situations have placed on public budgets, in Imo State, government is seriously confronting this challenge head-on by championing what can best be described as “africapitalism”.

9News Nigeria reports that, Uzodinma made this known while speaking during a panel session at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), in Sevilla, Spain Thursday.

The Governor emphasized that homegrown solutions are the most sustainable pathway to bridging funding gaps.

He added that the adaptation of africapitalism has catalyzed a wave of entrepreneurship across key sectors, stating that the state is witnessing a surge of locally-driven businesses in agriculture, digital enterprises, renewable energy, fashion and creative industries, and manufacturing.

Imo State will continue to drive robust support to these sectors, ensuring inclusive growth and economic resilience, Governor Uzodinma assured.

For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria @08036856526

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At a stakeholders meeting held on Tuesday, the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, described his predecessor and the Senator representing Imo West Federal Constituency, Rochas Okorocha, as his biggest headache.

Recall that the governor had earlier promised to use the occasion of the stakeholders’ forum to name those sponsoring insecurity in the state.

However, speaking on the occasion, Uzodinma acknowledged that the statement from him heightened tension in the state.

He said that rather than naming them, he would allow security agents, who had identified them, to do so without interference.

The governor accused politicians and the media of “creating unnecessary tension and apprehension” in the state.

Uzodinma said, “You will recall that I have said that I will use the opportunity of this stakeholders meeting to name those behind insecurity in the state.

“Since then, many politicians have latched on that statement to cause problems in the state. Even the media, both mainstream and social, did not help matters.

“I want to tell you that instead of naming them I will allow security agencies who are are already investigating those identified to finish theirs. Naming them would jeopardise the work of security agencies who are already doing a great job.”

Uzodinma, however, accused Okorocha of usurping his (Uzodinma) role by not realising that his time had gone.

The governor added, “We have many former governors in the state. We have former governors Achike Udenwa, Ikedi Ohakim, Emeka Ihedioha and Rochas Okorocha. But Rochas Okorocha has failed to recognise that he is a former governor.

“Rochas Okorocha is my younger brother. I am older than him and today I am the governor. He should recognise that fact and accord me that respect.”

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

A sociopolitical group, the Global Association of Concerned Imo Youths, (GACIY) has accused the Imo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of working with the Rivers State Government to frustrate the efforts being made by the Governor Hope Uzodimma administration in the state to recover 17 Imo oil wells erroneously ceded to Rivers.

The group made the allegation in a press release signed by its convener, Collins Ughalaa, and made available to newsmen in Owerri on Monday, September 27th, 2021.

The government of Imo State had made a formal complaint over the attribution of 17 oil wells situated in communities within the state, particularly those of Oguta LGA, to Rivers State for 20 years.

This led the National Boundary Commission to conduct a boundary review cum demarcation that recently saw the oil wells returned Imo State.

But Rivers State swiftly secured an order from the Supreme Court stopping the Revenue Mobilization Allocation and Fiscal Commission from releasing to Imo the financial benefit of the decision to the tune of around eight billion Naira (8bn) per month, pending the determination of the substantive suit.

And GACIY claimed that the Imo PDP was threatened by the huge impact such money would make on the state and the public perception of the Uzodimma administration, hence its move to sabotage the state government by conniving with the Nyesom Wike led PDP administration in Rivers State.

Part of the statement read: “Unfortunately, as Imo came on the verge of reaping the fiscal dividend of these recovered wells, the Imo PDP took sides with our opponent, Rivers State, to truncate it.

“This organization understands that some of these wells are situated in communities within Imo such as communities in Oguta LGA, yet “Rivers State, in collaboration with some selfish elements from Imo State who are benefiting from the scam, are bent on turning the table against Imo State.

“Any half-decent analyst knows “Selfish elements” to be the surname of Imo PDP. These elements want the wells to stay with Rivers State because, in their estimation, entry to Douglas House is through Wike’s wallet and not the will of Imo masses. We believe that Emeka Ihedioha is at liberty to submit to Nyesom Wike or any other PDP governor for that matter, but he will not service his masters with the future of the Imo people.

“Emeka’s PDP is also working to frustrate the recovery of these oil wells if only to stop Uzodimma from taking credit. A source of elation for our people, the recovery of these 17 wells is however the PDP’s albatross. With this extra revenue of N8bn per month Imo people will experience rapid road expansions, universal healthcare, watertight security, social cover for the vulnerable, modernised schools, gratuities, zero youth unemployment, affordable housing for the masses, safely managed water for every home, low taxation – prosperity in short.

“The “selfish elements” believe a prosperous Imo will cure Emeka’s Messianic complex and flatten his odds of ever winning any free election. This is why they retreated to Abuja to offer bribes, to roll on the floor, to smash their heads on the wall, to mortgage their souls or whatever it takes, to foil this recovery; to do whatever it takes to extinguish Imo’s bright light (Onwa Oyoko). But their path is dark and slippery, they stumble and fall.

“We cannot query the Almighty who has permitted the PDP to slide from democratic opposition to a militia pursuing the anti-rehabilitation, anti-reconstruction, and anti-recovery of Imo; ranking the comfort of strangers above the welfare of its own people.

“We, however, implore the Government of Imo State under the leadership of Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodinma to pursue these bandits, overtake them, and recover our commonwealth.”

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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9News Nigeria

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

Flood in Owerri municipality has continued to grab mix- feelings and reactions from various camps in the state.

The continuous rainfall mostly in the south-eastern region is becoming a thing of concern because its advantage is lesser than the disadvantage.

However, a source close to the Government house told 9News Nigeria in Owerri that the opposition wants the general public to begin to see GOVERNOR Hope Uzodimma’s constructions plan as the cause of flooding in the state.

In his words, “Flood or flooding is a natural phenomenon that encapsulates the dominance of nature over man. Centuries have gone by yet man and science have not been able to find a remedy for natural disasters such as flooding, bush burning, tornadoes, etc.

“This is why flooding is in every country in the world and not just every country but every sub-community in the world. There is no country that doesn’t experience flooding”

When asked the reason OPPOSITIONISTS are talking down on the Government having seen all the good works going on all over the zones of Imo state, he said that those OPPOSITIONISTS are blind and maybe bereft of knowledge to understand what exactly the Government of Hope Uzodinma has in stock.

He further stated that it is then comical to see an organization that says it means well for Imo people and Nigerians parade their charade of ignorance in the name of activism.

Meanwhile, the metropolis has been singled out for a proper drainage system that allows the accumulated rainfall to flow out of the metropolis.

THIS according to him is a significant improvement to the state.

He added that he wanted to see first-hand the issues that surround the drainage system in Imo while the drainages are working.

” The Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has made the difference in road infrastructure in the state by creating adequate and Sustainable Infrastructural development for our roads”

“Rain or no rain all service junctions can never be flooded. You can’t see floods at warehouse despite it adjourning two hilly terrains, you can’t see at fire service and at naze junction and that’s why Sen. hope Uzodimma should be applauded on grabbing the bull by the horn to effect the new URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT”

“Whilst it rains, the flow of deposited water is by the dictate of the drainage system. The fact that there’s no flood after 10 minutes of rainfall is a testament to the improvement which was met in 2020 where Imo would be flooded for hours and sometimes days”

“The oppositions are only after power and not the Development of Ndi Imo they seem to forget that the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in August 2021 made predictions that heavy floods will happen in Imo. A phenomenal that can only be managed”

In his parting words, “Would we have survived it in 2019? Do we need to recall the situation that led to a groundbreaking project of water balloon drainage initiated by the PDP?

“Why then did they initiate the project if there was no flood?

While stating the facts above, the source told the power desperadoes who he said failed at everything has shown their characteristics of failure in trying to rubbish what they initiated as a development strategy to mitigate flood in Owerri Imo state.

“It remains a testimony the capacity of this government in tackling what no government has been able to achieve in mitigating the effect of flooding in the state”

“For areas like world bank, there’s an ongoing construction and one side of the road is under construction from Yar’adua drive to Dreamland junction and from Umuguma junction to the end of that axis”

It is not negotiable that those in that area and other flood-prone areas will see a lot of flooding due to the blockages by the ongoing construction- the source REVEALED.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

The YOUTHS of Imo state Nigeria have been lauded by the number one citizen of the state, Senator Hope Uzodinma on the CELEBRATION of International youth Day in Imo.

9News Nigeria reports that marking the International YOUTH Day in Owerri, the state capital over the weekend, His Excellency Hope Uzodinma in his address described Imo YOUTHS as highly dedicated to worthy course, innovative and committed to success.

According to GOVERNOR Hope Uzodinma, “that communal spirit and desire to cause change for the overall benefit of the populace continues to dominate the traits of Imo Youths”

Uzodinma maintained that this accounts for the numerous youth empowerment schemes rolled out by the shared prosperity Government, encouraging the youths to go into Agriculture and other Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

This is for sure a policy which is in tandem with the theme of International youth Day,2021.

However, the governor further reaffirmed the value he placed on Imo Youths and the Future of Imo State, that he would stop at nothing in ensuring that their wellbeing is taken into consideration at all times.

Meanwhile, Imo Youths have thanked the GOVERNOR for helping them discover their talents.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

Imo state governor, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma has decried leadership decadence in Imo state by previous administrations and promised to Improve the state by his 3R leadership mantra in his tenure.

This statement was made few minutes before he left for an inspection tour at the project sites in the state.

While speaking with Newsmen in Owerri, the Imo state governor assured Imolites of quality leadership better than previous administrations that have governed the state.

In his words, “I will make Imo a better state to the envy of other states in the Federation”

Uzodinma maintained that under his administration, imo State will surely Improve in every sector of leadership to surpass previous administrations.

9News Nigeria reports that GOVERNOR Hope Uzodinma has stipulated the 3R time frame to synchronize the 3R policy of Recovery, Reconciliation and Rehabilitation to better Imo state NIGERIA.

Recall that Imo governor assured Imolites that his tenure will make Imo proud having showcased his elegance and service delivery on the few infrastructural developments in the state.

However, road construction is one major project among which the governor has promised to make Imo roads motorable.

Another major target in his administration is to restore the beauty of the streets in the municipality with the latest traffic light Project seen workable in the state.

The invention is said to be in line with the latest trend in the world’s developed countries where ROUNDABOUTS are outdated.

Meanwhile, the governor of Imo state also assured the state of maximum security and safety of citizens by resisting the dreaded unknown gunmen that came to ridicule the image of the state.

There is no doubt the Orlu zone of the state is raising unnecessary tension by the continuous attack on citizens by Hoodlums, the Government of Imo state has increased surveillance to curb crime in the area.

The recent killing of a DPO in a police station in Orlu is being seriously investigated by the law enforcement to bring to book the assailants.

Another pressing area is civil service welfare, which has been reported to the governor several times to help Imo workers and pay off arrears of salaries owed to them.

On this, governor Uzodinma has promised to keep to his Promise to pay imo workers and pensioners their salaries as at when due.

Also on sanitation, the Government has expressed RESOLVE to keep the state clean and free from health hazards.

At Douglas road owerri, roadside traders have continued to abuse the law imposed to get rid of unnecessary blockades along Imo roads.

Recent reports by our correspondence in Owerri was that the Douglas and Mbaise road in Owerri is always blocked because of roadside traders who have continued to ignore Government orders to make the roads motorable.

Besides, GOVERNOR UZODINMA at his Inauguration promised to make Imo a better state but regretted the continued setbacks by stubborn IMOLITES.

Moreso, at the time of this report, a source has it that few Imo political stakeholders have aligned with the former governors IHEDIOHA and Okorocha to truncate Imo Government while the quest for better GOVERNANCE trails.

A call in the right direction is to caution Imo political leaders to jettison further distractions and setbacks posed on Uzodinma’s administration to allow him to govern the state and make all Imolites live happily.

For now, it is confirmable that Imo state is wearing a new look while hoping to see more Improvements from Senator Hope Uzodinma.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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9News Nigeria

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

Yesterday, at the Imo Stakeholders Meeting with the 3R Government of His Excellency the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, members of the Imo State House of Assembly passed a vote of confidence on the Governor and his Shared Prosperity administration having scored well above expectations in governance.

The Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly who was present at the epoch event with Principal officers of IMHA and other members, expressed satisfaction over the management of Imo affairs under the Shared Prosperity administration, conforming with the rule of law and citizens yearning.

Having been mesmerized as His Excellency gave an account of his stewardship to the people of Imo State, the Speaker and his colleagues couldn’t hold back their amazement at the unprecedented achievements of the Shared Prosperity administration. While speaking on this, the IMHA unanimously, through the Speaker passed a vote of confidence on His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo State and his Shared Prosperity administration.

They expressed the happiness Imolites radiate with the quality of infrastructures being constructed by the administration and remain optimistic of an Imo State largely built on economic viability. He, therefore, beckoned on all to continue in support of the Shared Prosperity administration of His Excellency the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma.

On your mandate we shall stand…says Imo state house members.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

Governor Uzodinma has vowed to recover all Imo state government properties from previous governors who took the privilege of acquiring such properties that belong to the state and converted the same to private use.

The Governor said this while interacting with a cross-section of Imo Stakeholders at Eze Imo Palace in Owerri, to thank them for the restoration of peace in the state.

The governor said he believed that by the time he leaves office, the same measure would be used on him should he indulge in stealing government properties. He said he would not be deterred in the recovery process of government and private individuals properties forcefully collected from them.

According to Uzodimma, “As I recover Imo properties converted to personal ownership by those who have political power, back to Imo people the same awaits me when I leave office.

This is why I want to reiterate before you that I did not become governor to become richer than the state after my tenure but to serve you in truth and with fear of God. This been so, I will leave no stone unturned in my efforts to recover all Imo peoples stolen wealth.

“In the last couple of weeks, recoveries have been made on stolen lands, buildings and assets which hitherto were fraudulently converted to personal use by the past administration.

“Among the recovered was the former Eastern Palm University now K. O. Mbadiwe University, you will also recall that insecurity was heightened in the state immediately we opened the White paper reports on lands.”

Among the stakeholders that attended the meeting, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Professor George Obiozor, Elder Statesman Chief Emmanuel Iwuayanwu, Former governor of Imo State, Ikedi Ohakim, Senator Representing Imo North Senatorial District, Frank Ibeziem, the member representing Okigwe South, Chike Okafor, Former Presidential Candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, Jerry Chukwueke.

Present and former members of the National Assembly, Speakers of the Imo state House of Assembly, traditional rulers among others.

The Imo State Governor however assured Ndi Imo his resolve to restore good Governance while he reiterated that nothing would stop him from the recovery of Imo properties forcefully converted to personal ownership by top political leaders in the state.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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9News Nigeria

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

While His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma, the Governor of Imo State has continued to bring good governance and upgrade of Imo state to an enviable height amongst the states in the South-East zone, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and Action Alliance (AA) party counterparts have concluded serious plans to decamp fully in their numbers to APC to give support to the sincerity, simplicity and solidity in the administration of GOVERNOR Uzodinma.

This came as a wake-up call while briefing Newsmen on Sunday afternoon in an undisclosed hotel in Owerri, the capital city of Imo state Nigeria.

Recall that groups of Politicians and people of different political linings across the three zones of Imo state have continued to identify with GOVERNOR Hope Uzodinma while stating that his all-inclusive leadership pattern will surpass the previous administrations of both former Governors Rochas Okorocha and that of the few months leadership of Emeka IHEDIOHA with his 3R policies of the sincerity of purpose and doggedness in giving Imo the best and long-lasting infrastructural developments in the state.

Our correspondent reports that the OPPOSITIONISTS are now jostling around the government house to seek the face of governor Uzodinma and broker for peace and political relevance in APC Imo State.

However, our reporter confirmed that there is nothing like the Rescue Mission APC anymore since their Stakeholders and group leaders have decided to join hands with GOVERNOR Hope Uzodinma to make the state more better than they had left it then.

These groups of Politicians and their grassroots have sworn total solidarity to support the Government of Hope Uzodinma. This was also exemplified by the large turn out of party lovers who trooped en-masse to appreciate governor Uzodinma on his open arms given to Imolites in his policy implementation and the approval of the PRINCE OF OIL KINGDOM, PRINCE HENRY OKAFOR as his Special Adviser on Maritime Transportation, Waterways Security and Harbour Matters and others.

The appointment came as a product of a creative idea contrary to the diversionary views held by ignorant OPPOSITIONS who may have seen the creation of the office cum appointment as political – an erroneous impression that will later metamorphose into a success story.

This feat has been greeted with so much admiration and commendation across the political party lines who confirmed it as a good way to leadership.

Another sparkling package that captivated the sights and imaginations of the OPPOSITION political parties to join GOVERNOR UZODINMA is the recent traffic upgrade in the state, street to street Nunction Improvement, the connecting BALLOON DRAINAGE ongoing within Egbu area, restoration of peace in the state, massive road projects scattered in the three zones of the state, installation of solar street lights along the major roads in the municipality, workers welfare and recovery of looted funds and state properties from previous Governments.

Meanwhile, Uzodinma has attracted a lot more love for himself and the state at large by attracting foreign investors to invest in Imo State, the Eastern Heartland.

We report that no doubt, the Shoe INDUSTRY located along Orlu road will soon commence its full operation while Improvement of state security outfit is on course to restore decency, the safety of properties and good life in the state.

It is no longer a rumour that the OPPOSITION political party Stakeholders have seen the free mindedness and sincerity of GOVERNOR UZODINMA to have invited the 27 local government areas in turns to restore peace and security in the state.

Furthermore, the discussions with the OPPOSITIONISTS across political parties in Imo State took another dimension when they showered more encomiums to the governor for his wonderful policy that captured the empowerment of Imo youths.

They however requested for the sustenance of these kind gestures of the Imo Government under Uzodinma and prayed God to help Imo grow higher than we met it.

When asked about the possibility of making Imo a model state, the PDP, APGA, AA and many other structural groups in attendance reiterated that the 3R policy of GOVERNOR Hope Uzodinma can make Imo the envy of the South Eastern region if the governor can be able to give room for good ideas, constructive criticism and listen to the plights of the IMO people.

They however called on GOVERNOR Hope Uzodinma to employ better hands in all the departments of Government agencies to Improve Imo.

In their words, ” Douglas and Mbaise road owerri are very important entrances to the state posed to smoke off all the traders and illegal motor parks along the road and provide parks and good markets where the traders can relocate their goods”

They also suggested the need to fix bus stop shelters on the road to give public motor passengers a place to run for shelter while waiting for cabs.

” The payments of Imo workers and pensioners must not be fooled with a further delay while looking up to the Contractors to complete all road projects as at required time to make Ndi Imo enjoy the traffic light brought by Uzodinma.

“Moreso, since we have nothing to speak against this administration, from the look of events and massive road projects going on in Imo state, Uzodinma has come to serve the state better than others. Let us join hands and support his golden steps to remodel Imo State”

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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9News Nigeria

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

The wisdom and vision of His Excellency in creating the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition upon resumption of office, transcends beyond an increase in available space for appointment, into expansion of Imo State economy through the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

This became glaring when the Ministry began series of trainings for the youth, who enrolled for the various skills acquisition programs, rolled out by the Shared Prosperity administration of His Excellency the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma.

To cap it all, His Excellency launched the Imo State Youths Empowerment Program where in 15,000 trained youths have been empowered with N250,000 each today, 26th June, 2021 as startup grant to their various businesses.

This, totalling N4b, would be injected into the Imo State economy at various sectors simultaneously by the beneficiaries of this program. Imo State economy is so diverse and fertile that with well trained entrepreneurs, the injection of N4b would transform the economy beyond projection, in geometric proportions.

This would introduce an influx of investors and economic transactions capable of transforming the state economy with a GDP growth in competition with comity of performing economies.

With the N4b disbursed to beneficiaries, Imo Economy is gearing towards an upward growth beyond imagination.

Imo can move on with this recent tempo to empower the youths and make them self reliant.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma has switched into unscheduled inspection of road projects all over the state aimed at checkmating contractors and as well to ascertain the progress of work done at various construction sites.

9News Nigeria reports that the ON-THE-SPOT INSPECTION OF ROADS was on IHECHIOWA ROAD & OTHER ADJOINING STREETS.

Governor Hope Uzodimma said this the promise he gave to the state to see Imo people heave a sigh of relief.

He futher stated that he has kept the road revolutionary projects ongoing in numerous parts of the State even as the rains continue.

Governor Uzodimma went on an on-the-spot inspection to the ongoing reconstruction of Ihechiowa road and other adjoining streets namely, Okenze street, Golden child and Abiriba/Oguzie streets.

The Governor while briefing Journalists, stated that the people’s administration is spiritedly poised towards changing the narratives on the state of roads in Imo while expressing confidence that the 3R Reconstruction Agenda, will cut across all the nooks and crannies of the State with road revolution, he added.

His Excellency, the Governor was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, His Excellency Prof. Placid Njoku, the Commissioner for Works, Ralph Nwosu, The Chief of Staff, Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie; SA to the Governor on Special Duties, Nze Chinasa Nwaneri; and other senior Government functionaries.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

Today in the State House of ASSEMBLY imo state NIGERIA, Distingushed members made good Presentations to catch up with the recent developmental issues to cushion the effects of governance.

Our correspondent in Owerri reports that
today, thursday 24 June 2021, Sen Hope Uzodimma, the Executive Governor of Imo state took it upon himself to show examplary leadership by Implementing 100 percent financial autonomy for Imo State House of Assembly . This is Victory for Democracy.

This is with the directives of President Muhammadu Buhari and in-line with section 121 (3) of the 1999 constitution of Nigeria, as amended and Executive Order 10 mandates all the 36 states governors to Implement fully the financial autonomy for state legislators since 2018.

By this , Imo State House of Assembly are now to be paid directly for the benefit of the legislators and the management of the House.

This also allows the State Houses of Assembly to operate like the National Assembly, because the National Assembly does not get its budget from the Executive.”

In a similar Development, 9News Nigeria earlier reported that the BILL FOR A LAW TO ESTABLISH THE KO MBADIWE POLYTECHNIC, ARONDIZOGU AND FOR OTHER RELATED MATTERS PASSES 2ND READING IN THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.

THE BILL WAS PRESENTED BY IMO MAJORITY LEADER, HON KANAYO ONYEMAECHI TODAY JUNE 24, 2021 ON THE FLOOR OF THE HOUSE.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE,IMO

Reactions have continued to dominate the airwaves all over the states of the Federation on the vote of confidence passed on the Imo peoples’ GOVERNOR Hope Uzodinma.

However, Chief EMMANUEL IWUANYAWU had again urged the governor to sustain the good works he is doing in Imo state, stressing the need for all aggrieved persons to close ranks and support the Shared Prosperity Government to succeed, adding that bitter politics wouldn’t fetch Imo people any dividends of democracy.

While speaking to 9News Nigeria correspondent in Owerri, the chieftain and BOT member of the opposition PDP, Chief Engr. Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu expressed his satisfaction on the leadership style of Governor Hope Uzodimma, describing it as having human face.

The notable state man however maintained that GOVERNOR Hope Uzodinma IS WORTH CELEBRATING BY IMOLITES ACROSS PARTY LINES.

Speaking at a meeting wherein Governor Hope Uzodimma hosted Ikeduru Local Government leaders, the Igbo Nationalist said that he had taken notice of the developmental strides of Governor Hope Uzodimma, which according to him, are geared towards making life meaningful to the people.

“Hope Uzodimma is one of the few leaders in politics who has obeyed the social contract he had with the people, Hope has supported the Igbos too much, he has become a bridge between the North and East. Ahaejiagamba noted.

” Hope Uzodimma is one of those I will celebrate, he has shown capacity, love and respect, Imo people should be grateful for our Governor, am proud of him.

The Elder statesman added that there is a remembrance day for every human being and this is time to remember the good works of Governor Hope Uzodimma and celebrate him.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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– Kelechi Mejuobi

The dominating activity in Government House, Owerri, the seat of power of Imo State Government is the visit of stakeholders from each LGA in Imo State.

In the wake of the Unknown Gunmen menace in the State, the only prominent activity the governor, Hope Odidika Uzodinma, has been chanced to perform is playing host to stakeholders from each LGA.

A select team comprising politicians, religious leaders, and youths from each LGA engage in roundtable discussion with the governor where issues related to their areas are discussed. The program which started weeks ago is yet to be completed among the 27 LGAs.
Very noticeable during the visits is the subtle schemes of suspected office seekers who tried to show their faces and attract governor’s attention.

Uzodinma had few months ago sacked about twenty commissioners before sending other appointees in the Special Adviser, and Senior Special Assistant categories packing from office.

While outlining steps to reconstitute the State Exco, Uzodinma hinted about stakeholders from LGAs contributing to the nomination of fresh appointees.

This revelation about stakeholders inputs may have fired the zeal of opportunists interested in getting appointment take front seat at the gathering.

A cursory survey of the names from different LGAs present when Uzodinma had audience with them have identities of those angling for either fresh calling or reappointment in the 3R administration.

Others too who cannot be ruled out in the struggle for recognition are some heavyweight political leaders. The governor, since coming on board in January of 2020 may not had the chance to observe a one-to-one interactive session with many leaders. The lofty services, the office of the Governor provides may have curtailed his movements and social interaction.

Therefore, the LGA visit has become a rare opportunity for the topshots to be noticed.
Despite what may have motivated the number one citizen of Imo State coming up with the arrangement of the visit, it has provided his allies in other parties as well as politicians who do not have the knack to be in opposition camp, chance to come close for a political romance.

A notable hallmark the visit has exposed is the rumoured marriage some prominent PDP chieftains have started with Uzodinma. Apart from the initial defectors who joined him to APC moments he became governor, there is palpable fear in the umbrella party of loosing strong members to the APC.

Aside Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, an elder statesman and formidable PDP chieftain who has not hidden support for the governor, a former National Vice Chairman of the party. South East Zone, Ozichukwu Fidelis Chukwu, Chris Anyanwu, a Senator and former State Chairman of the Party, Eze Duruiheoma (SAN) are within spitting distance of joining Uzodinma in his APC.

Already, the likes of Willy Amadi, a household name in PDP has declared for the ruling party. Those present when they spoke indicate that their choice of words while addressing the audience show change of party platform outside PDP.

Available information also has it that other relatively unknown leaders who can’t live without being part of the ruling party in the state are using the opportunity to stealthy crawl into the APC. There is this spectacular political class in the state who strive to be in the ruling party irrespective of who is incharge.

From the time of Achike Udenwa in 1999 till date, the “anywhere belle face” politicians have always thrown support to the ruling party in the state. They were with Udenwa, migrated into Ikedi Ohakim’s government and shifted base to Rochas Okorocha.

Even the brief period of Emeka Ihedioha saw them show interest in governance before re-aligning to Uzodinma.

Their move is solely to gain political positions hence they are in the front row in the current LGA visits to the incumbent governor.
One major importance the visits have settled is the perturbing issues of apex leadership of the various LGAs.

The emergence of Uzodinma has seen most of his followers and those of APC who didn’t “shift” alliance to former governor Okorocha, embark on internal schisms over who should dictate the pace of party affairs in their respective LGAs. But during the visits, the designated apex leaders became delegation leaders thereby resting the battle for apex leadership.

Photo Gallery: Diary of the interface between Governor Uzodinma’s Government and the people of the various LGAs in Imo State

There is hardly any LGA where leaders of CampHope; the political family of the governor do not have intra-party squabbles related to who takes charge as apex leader.

There is no gainsaying the fact that those entrusted with the task of Delegation Leaders position in the ongoing visits have emerged de facto Apex leaders of the party under Uzodinma’s set up.
Very interesting in this aspect is the Ikeduru LGA example.

Before now, two known political gladiators; Charles Amadi (Chalvon) and Uzoma Obiyo have been at crossroads over who should call the shots in APC.

The war of attrition afflicting them reached alarming crescendo when their verbal exchanges became public, before the governor intervened. Despite Placid Njoku, from the LGA holding Deputy Governorship position, both had supremacy combat over the soul of Ikeduru politics. As observes watched who would get upper hand before Uzodinma as the apex leader, it was rather the elder statesman, Iwuanyanwu that led the delegation.

The Ikeduru power play further manifested as the son of Chalvon, said to be using his Akarachi foundation for 2023 Mbaike (Mbailtoli and Ikeduru) House of Reps position, reportedly doled out N100m to the governor as support for the empowerment program of Mbaike youths.

More striking in the Ikeduru visit was the absence of Uche Ogbuagu.

The comedian turned politician who represents the state constituency in the House of Assembly. Ogbuagu was of PDP descent before jumping into APC cruising boat moments the party governorship candidate, Emeka Ihedioha lost the seat to Uzodinma of APC.

Ogbuagu quickly dumped PDP for APC and was handsomely rewarded with Majority Leader position until recently he got removed. The comedian’s absence before the governor has raised several speculations about his continued stay in the party, relationship with Ikeduru leaders and future political permutations.

It is believed that these disturbing trends listed above may have made LGA Leaders who attended the several parley easily forgot ailments worrying their localities.

Reports have it that most of the LGAs who visited Uzodinma concerned their interest to ephemeral matters, leaving behind challenges affecting their communities and councils.

The opportunity to tell Uzodinma their problems which should be the main focus of the program became squandered due to partisan proclivity and quest to be recognized.

Reports of skirmishes arising from the millions of naira, the governor gave out to appreciate each LGA after the visit is another sour point that can’t pass unnoticed in this review. Each LGA suffers breakdown of law and order when it was time for sharing of the millions of naira.

Except for few where sanity prevailed, it witnessed theatre of absurdities.
At the end of the visits, it is expected that the score card of the program would have recorded its importance and achievements for public evaluation.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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CHIEF EMMANUEL IWUANYAWU EULOGIZED GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA FOR HIS GIANT STRIDES IN DEVELOPING THE STATE AS IKEDURU VISITS

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE,IMO

Few hours ago, governor Hope Uzodinma received Stakeholders and politicial leaders from IKEDURU local government area of Imo state in their turn to show total solidarity to the administration.

9News Nigeria reports that Ikeduru stakeholders led by a Distingushed son Chief EMMANUEL IWUANYAWU had audience with Governor Hope Uzodimma, assuring him of their unflinching support.

The delegation which comprised of the Elder Statesman, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu, Apc leaders in Ikeduru, Chief Charles Amadi, Dr. Uzoma Obiyo and Chief Jude Opara amongst many others, were in Goverment house, in solidarity with the Governor.

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu eulogized Governor Hope Uzodimma for his giant strides in developing the State, reiterating that Imo people should be proud of him for being amongst the very few leaders who has honured his social contract with the people.

He said that governor Hope has supported the Igbos too much and has become a bridge between the Igbos and the North in the politics of NIGERIA.

Responding, Governor Hope Uzodimma appreciated Ikeduru stakeholders for coming to identify with him, adding that his administration is working out modalities to ensure that the Oil deposits in the Local Government is maximized for the good of the people and the state at large.

I am proud of Governor Hope Uzodimma, Imo people should be grateful to him, Chief Iwuanyawu maintained.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE,IMO

His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma has maintained his readiness to revoke all the RAMP projects going on within the state on the grounds of the COMPLACENCY of the CONTRACTORS handling the work.

The governor while speaking to Ehime Mbano Stakeholders who paid him a solidarity visit at the Government house Owerri however stated the Immediate plans of his administration to recall RAMP contractors on the basis of unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies when it comes to safety and implementation of their work description.

Gov. Uzodimma has reiterated that the road construction going on in the state will not be restricted to the urban centers alone.

Responding to contributions by the people of Ehime Mbano local government at the ongoing local government stakeholders meeting, Uzodinma disclosed that the true intention of the donor agencies involved in the RAMP projects was to award them to indigenous contractors from the various Local Government areas and communities.

This expectedly will guide the contractors to build the roads as state with the hope that they will do so with passion and can be held responsible.

9News Nigeria reports that regrettedly the immediate past administration awarded the projects to outsiders and despite governments effort at paying the certificate presented by the contractors some have refused to go back to site till the time of this report.

The governor had earlier assured the people of Ehime Mbano of his moves to fast track the reconstruction of the rural roads, warning that any contractor who has refused to move to site and commence work, will have their contracts revoked.

He futher commended Chief Tony Chukwu and the stakeholders from Ehime Mbano for attracting NDDC road projects and urged him to attract more for the good people of Ehime and the state in general.

The visit showcased Dignitaries from the local government area too numerous to mention.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

Owerri West APC Members are grieved of the way and manner the ten (10m) million naira dolled out to commensurate their courtesy visit to the governor on Friday was mis managed while APC was said to have no party office in Owerri West.

I have been duly informed that Owerri west local government money dolled out by governor hope Uzodinma was hijacked by the so called leaders and shared among themselves together with our traditional rulers without recourse to some of us who are the movers and shakers of APC In Imo state.

This is not the best way to move forward and Improve APC. I think the same source that brought out the money have to be told on how his cash was mismanaged by APC leaders in Owerri West.

How can an individual get upto 95 thousand naira and above while majority of party followership did not go with a kobo?

This kind of segregation and sectionalism amongst the APC family cannot do us any good than harm.

Media personalities and technocrats are recognised in other LGAs but Owerri west in their usual way have decided to trial on the old narrative after the warning by the governor to take the party to the GRASSROOTS.

It is indeed shameful that after 24hrs of this share no single person in Owerri West has called to tell us how our money went. But I’ve got the facts here on our table.This is Terrible indeed.

Meanwhile,a reliable source told the press that on Friday in the course of his engagement with the Government he became aware of the visit of Owerri West to the Governor.

According to the source, “This visit was for the indigenes from these areas.The visit was preceded by Owerri Municipal and today again other LGAs were invited.

Each LGA was given N10 million. The question is in Ward 7, how were the delegates selected?

He futher asked, Is it an all APC affair in which case we should be informed?

“Our 3- traditional rulers from Nekede were there in person and no doubt they got their fare shares.

“Unfortunately it was more like a market place and it ended up as a farce. I wasted almost 5 hours of my time achieving absolutely nothing. It was all politics.

A Stakeholder from the zone who pleaded anonymousity told the press that he was given only N2000 at the Government House and he refused taken it.

Hear him: “I later learnt that some leaders moved to Concord Hotel to share more than N5million. This is terrible.

“Our apex leader, LGA Party Chairman and other stakeholders have questions to answer.

“There were lists of 20 leaders from every ward and believe me not up to 30% was privy to the Concord Hotel lootocracy.

“No money was given to the PROs of the LGA talk more of ward leaders. The people are seriously wondering how APC can improve with PUBLICITY at the GRASSROOTS.

The people are therefore calling on the governor on whose elbow lies these pains to recall these leaders to give a proper detailed account of how the money went and something must be done before things go awry, our source hinted.

This is highly condemable of APC leadership in Owerri West. And if care is not well taken the party will be rubished at the GRASSROOTS.

PHOTO GALLERY FROM IMO STATE GOVERNMENT

Futhermore, BASED ON HON. KANAYO ONYEMAECHI’S REQUEST FROM HIS EXCELLENCY ON THE NEED TO STOP OWERRI MUNICIPAL FROM ENCROACHING ON OWERRI WEST, THE FOLLOWING REVELATION GOT TO ME FROM A RELIABLE SOURCE.

“On the case of boundary adjustment between Owerri West and Owerri Municipal, Hon. Victor Muruako should have reminded them and the Governor that a boundary inspection was carried out during Chief Achike Udenwa’s regime by the then Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Barr Jude Nnodum (SAN).

Then Hon. Victor Muruako was the Executive Chairman of Owerri West LGA.

Some persons led Umualum Nekede then during this inspection because Late Eze J.K. Agumanu travelled, Dibia 1 led his Community while Eze Emmanuel Njemanze and Chief Analin Nwaneri led Owerri Municipal.

The report was in favour of Owerri West as revealed to us by an insider but the powers that be in Owerri Municipal would not allow it be made public.

However, I am a little consoled by the enlistment of Udenwa Estate and Area H in the new published Polling Booths in Nekede Ward-7. It should have been more if the past LGA Chairmen and the Leaders of Owerri West were committed to getting the report of the boundary inspection released.”

This was revealed by Hon. Chidi Uneze (Apiti Uzoubi).

However, Hon Amako pleaded with the organisers of Owerri West outing to as a matter of importance, next time, to be fair.

It is really quite unfair, not that it is a big deal,but we should learn to carry everyone involved along, incase of next time, Amako posited.

He thought the leaders would have removed 1 million naira and rented an office space for APC Owerri west and then share the balance per ward.

“As leaders we should be seen as leaders of the people and leaders that will position to siphon people’s rights.

The narrative must change for good to build a better APC.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE,IMO

The Director of DSS Imo State Command, Dr. Idaminabo Wilcox has assured Governor Hope Uzodimma that they are poised to provide critical intelligence that will help secure the state if need be, double effort would be applied in actualisation of this.

This statement was released to the press during the governor’s visit to the State Command of the security agent earlier today to familiarize with the DSS.

The press was told that this is as part of the peaceful restoration move by the Shared Prosperity administration by His Excellency the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma.

The governor however expressed the readiness of his administration to work in synergy with the Department of State Security (DSS) in the areas of inteliigence gathering and maintainance of internal peace across the state.

In his words, “I extend to you my full hands of partnership as this State deserves peace and tranquility”.

The Governor futher commended the DSS for rising to the occassion in discharge of their duty, contributory to the restoration of peace and order in the state, stressing that it is the desire and wish of the Imolites for a continous synergy across board for the overall interest of the citizens.

Meanwhile, the Director of DSS Imo State Command, Dr. Idaminabo Wilcox assured Governor Hope Uzodimma that they are poised to provide critical intelligence that will help secure the state if need be.

DSS boss also stated that his double effort would be applied in actualisation of of Security in Imo state.

This is an extension of support by GOV. UZODIMMA TO THE DSS Imo state.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma yesterday has confirmed the recommendation report of the judicial commission saying it is worthy of implementation.

The Imo State governor received the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Police Brutality and related matters yesterday.

Recall that governor Uzodinma promised the ENDSARS protesters that his Government will look into the complaints of the alleged extra killings and police Brutality and thus has led to the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Police Brutality and related matters.

Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodimma, on a journey in search of the truth and assuage the feelings of aggrieved Imo people following the protests of the youths, set up the Commission on the 3rd of November, 2020 headed by Hon. Justice Florence I. Duroha-Igwe.

The Governor during his address commended that Committee members for a job well done even with divers challenges they had to face.

He further stated that the recommendation by the commission is worthy of implementation and that the Shared Prosperity Government will look into it and implement accordingly.

Speaking earlier, Hon. Justice Florence I. Duroha-Igwe, the chairman of the Commission, presenting the report disclosed that the report is in 3 Volumes:
Volume 1 is the main Report embodying the findings and recommendations, Volume 2 contains petitions and Volume 3 contains records of proceedings.

She urged that the report be implemented promptly to restore the confidence of the public in the ability of the Government to right the wrongs, correct the errors of the past and allow the dead to rest in peace.

Present at the event were the service Chiefs in Imo State and Imo State Government officials.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

Governor hope Uzodinma has assured the people of Imo state of his readiness to stamp down criminals and their sponsors and very READY TO GO AFTER THOSE THAT WANTS TO MAKE IMO STATE UNGOVERNABLE.

This statement was made by the governor while few moments ago while he was addressing the state in his broadcast.

The governor pointed out that the menace of insecurity which rocked Imo state in the last two months, which saw to the loss of lives and properties of imo people is now a thing of the past as the state is now peaceful as it used to be.

Meanwhile, while Imo state is enjoying the peace which came to be through the pragmatic leadership of Gov. Hope Uzodimma and the selfless sacrifices of our security agencies in which some of them lost their lives, Uzodinma Insists that it is never justice to these men and women if the Government allow the individuals behind the sponsorship of these unknown gunmen to go free and unpunished.

He however frowned at the situation unknown gunmen has thrown the state into the situation of terror through disgruntled persons who out of their greed amassed through the state treasury and public properties and refused to return them despite several indictments by the panels of inquiries especially that of the abuses and sales of land in the state.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma no doubt was eager to release and implement the white paper and restore back the Owerri master plan but the provocateurs decided to launch their series of attacks just to distract the state government which thankfully was but for a while.

Now, the stage is set for Gov. Hope Uzodimma not just to implement the white paper to the latter but has declared that it is time to go after those who think the can make imo state ungovernable.

He added that by no means this is a witch-hunt or personal vendetta but a clear justice to those that we lost during the imbroglio and to Imolites as a whole.

The people of the state have expressed happiness for this gesture of the governor to fight Insecurity HEADON and according to them, this shows that the governor is a man of courage and cannot be cowed for any reason.

“The riot act has been read to the enemies of the state as their identities have been revealed in a preliminary investigation and very soon justice will prevail.

This will sound as a warning to all those that may have some plans of causing violence in the state to desist from it as Gov. Hope Uzodimma is ever ready to give them a run for their violence and has shown readiness to defeat them in every manner to bring back the peace of Imo state, our source revealed.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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DEMOCRACY DAY: GOVERNOR UZODINMA RE-ASSURED IMO STATE OF BETTER GOVERNANCE AND PAID OFF 16MILLION NAIRA ISOPADEC ELECTRICITY BILL

BY PRINCELY ONYENWE,IMO

Governor hope Uzodinma of Imo state have stated his resolve to improve the state and give Imo people of better Governance in his administration.

The governor made this statement on a radio phone-in program on Orient-fm Owerri few hours ago.

The governor while addressing the state reminded the people that the dualization of the Owerri-Okigwe and Owerri-Orlu roads will continue and be completed in no distant time.

He however reinstated government’s responsibility of safeguarding lives and properties and ensure Imo people enjoys the dividends of this hard-won democracy.

In his words governor Uzodinma maintained that the country marked this 2021 Democracy Day to reminisce on the need to promote national peace and unity amongst the various tribes and religions in the country.

“The situation is no different in Imo state as I enjoined Imolites to always embrace peace as it is a panacea for development in the state.

“It is remarkable that this year’s Democracy Day is coming at a time the state is faced with several security challenges which goes ahead to threaten the age-long democracy enjoyed by the people. It is imperative that as a people we must learn to tolerate one another and ensure we seek for ways to resolve issues and conflicts amicably.

“Today, Imo State has been counted as one of the places with unrest to be due to the heightened security situation which the police announced to have a political undertone.

“This situation led to the loss of lives, destruction of properties by unknown gunmen and further escalated by scaremongers that resulted to the constant living in fear by Imolites.

The governor however sympathized with the families of those that lost their lives and those whose properties were destroyed as well as a cash compensation of 5million naira each to the families of the security operatives that lost their lives while combating the unknown gunmen in the state.

While on interview with our source close to Imo Government who told us that governor Uzodinma is good leader who is deeply committed in restoring peace back to the state and in the spirit of democracy, the governor has reminded the Imo people that the dualization of the Owerri-Okigwe and Owerri-Orlu roads will continue and be completed in no distant time among other road projects all over the state.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma have declared his willingness to accept any meaningful dialogue that would bring an end to the violence in Imo State and appealed to all warring parties to sheath their swords and come together rebuild the state and her economy.

It was on this governor Uzodinma the broadcast to assure Imo people of his plans in providing uncommon leadership and governance to Imo state.

In his resolve to develop ISOPADEC COMMUNITIES in imo state, Uzodinma was applauded by ISOPADEC leaders who said that within one year of the shared prosperity government, has given a facelift and the area is being the true taste of governance.

ISOPADEC under this administration have began to match words with action especially in coming to the rescue of the people with foods, beddings, cash aid, etc as witnessed during the last flood that submerged communities from the oil regions amongst many other things.

ISOPADEC Communities have posited that the sincerity of Gov. Hope Uzodimma in making sure that resources for the development of the oil regions are used for their development is becoming conspicuous day by day and the regions are not left out in attesting to the truth of this manifold manifestation.

“We paid 16million outstanding electricity bills in ISOPADEC communities, currently we are constructing Oguta-Mgbidi road and soon we will move in to improve hospital and schools in the area, Governor Uzodinma stated.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

Government of Imo State has issued out a Press Release signed by Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor stating that Imo governor cannot do the security alone.

In the release, the governor stated that the time has come for all leaders in Imo State to join hands with the government to restore security and peace in the state.

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State dropped the hint and more Tuesday in Abuja when speaking with State House Correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on the state of insecurity in Imo.

“Only me cannot restore security in Imo State. I cannot guarantee security alone in the state. And that is why I am engaging the traditional rulers, the Town Unions, the Church leaders, the youth and women, to ensure that together we brainstorm on how we can secure our state,” Governor Uzodimma said.

However, the Governor regretted that most leaders in the country in general and Sout East in particular are not speaking out as should be expected of them on the (in)security development in the country and the region.

He said it was expected that leaders who had held critical positions in Nigeria should have been at the forefront of the condemnation of the criminality that is giving vent to insecurity in parts of the country and of late the South East.

Governor Uzodimma noted, for instance, that past Senate Presidents, House of Representatives Speakers, Ministers, Governors and the likes should have been holding town hall meetings with the people in their localities to draw their attention to the dangers of what criminal elements in our midst are doing to abridge the peace of the society

They must do so in the spirit of patriotism and for national interest.

His words: “Leaders must speak out. And the time to speak out is now. This is not about politics… If they are not doing so it means covertly or overtly something is not adding up and that obviously affects our national interest.”

The governor maintained that in the spirit of the sovereignty of our country everybody must get involved in solving the security problem confronting us, in national interest, or ensure that those causing the problem for everybody are made to face the law.

He reiterated, in the case of Imo State, that if all the key players come together the problem of insecurity will be over and the state restored to her peaceful status.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

-WE WILL FIGHT INSECURITY HEADON- UZODINMA

His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State, has enjoined Imolites to KEEP HOPE ALIVE, stressing that IMO STATE GOVERNMENT HAS DEFEATED INSECURITY BEDEVILLING THE STATE .

This statement was made at a church service held at the Government house Chapel Owerri on Sunday.

Meanwhile the governor maintained that he is dedicated with his life in ensuring that lives and properties of Imolites are safely secured, opining that all security challenges threatening the peace of the State has been defeated.

During the Sunday service at the Imo State Government House Chapel, His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma addressed Imo people on the victory of Ndi Imo as the Security agencies yet again repelled an attempted attack on the Imo State Police Headquarters.

Governor Uzodimma in his statement disclosed that there was an attempt by the same group of unknown men to release some people under the custody of the police, particularly most of those ones that made confessional statements.

Governor Uzodimma in thanksgiving to the Almighty God also enjoined Ndi Imo to pray and be thankful to God as He has taken control of the security situation “ in our dear State, Imo “.

“I wish you a very happy sunday and urge you to join the government of Imo State to continue to thank Almighty God for haven taken control of the security situation in Imo State.” Uzodimma stated.

The Governor further disclosed that Security agencies were able to not only repel them, but apprehended all of them and recovered 7 Ak47 riffles, 3 pump action guns, and one bus load of explosives that was supposed to be used to burn the place.

His Excellency, making a heartfelt plea, stated to Imolites “I know it is not easy…We are paying the price of the callous nature of some people and the hostility we don’t deserve that is being visited on our people”.

He also used the opportunity to once more reassure the people of Imo State that government is on top of the security situation in Imo State and people should go about their normal businesses without fear of molestation.

“Government will not fold its hands and allow the security and welfare of our people to be trampled upon” Uzodimma stated.

He added that Government will do everything possible to step up all actions to ensure there is peace and tranquility in Imo State and our economy will not diminish by the grace of God.

Imo has come to Improve than to be destroyed by Hoodlums while our intelligence response team are at red alert to fight Insecurity HEADON- the governor harped.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE, IMO

Yesterday Friday dated 04-06-2021 the Special Advisers and Senior Special Advisers to the governor of Imo state, his Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma were dissolved to reinforce the cabinet.

This is in a bid to regig and strengthen the performance of his administration ,the imo state Governor, Sen Hope Uzodimma on Friday 4-06-2021 dissolved his team of special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.

The Governor, who announced the dissolution during a meeting at the government house, appreciated his former Aides for their services to the state.

Speaking shortly after the dissolution, the commissioner for information and strategy, Chief Declan Emeluba disclosed that the dissolution was necessitated by the recommendations of the committee set up to appraise the performance of each SA and SSA and possibly give way for robust leadership and optimum service delivery.

The dissolution is coming barely a month after 20 out of the 28 Commissioners were relieved of their positions.

Gov Hope Uzodimma urged former members of his expanded exco to continue to work for the betterment of the state , adding that his administration is committed to deliver on its campaign promises to the people.

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Former Aviation Minister, Hon Femi Fani Kayode (FFK) has demanded that the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma should throw more lights on some scepticism surrounding the murder of Ahmed Gulak.

Self-acclaimed “Lover of God, Servant of Truth and Voice of the Voiceless,” Fani Kayode @realFFK asked five questions that could raise dust against the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma who played host to the deceased before he was assassinated.

One of FFK’s five questions was: “Why did the Governor of Imo not provide security for Gulak? Why was Gulak dressed in jeans and a baseball cap as if he was in disguise? I knew Gulak for over ten years and I never saw him wearing jeans and a baseball cap.”

Fani Kayode also said that the suggestion that IPOB or ESN killed Gulak is nonsensical and absurd.

“These are just some of the questions that need to be answered but whether they are answered or not one thing is clear to me: the suggestion that IPOB or ESN killed Gulak is nonsensical and absurd. “

The controversial questions engendered a harsh and defiant response from the ‘team Uzodinma’ who had already made a public address giving assurance that justice will be served to the perpetrators of the heinous crime.

In response, Fani Kayode as well retorted with this tweet: “Instead of attacking me why doesn’t Governor Hope Uzodinmma and the Imo State Government simply answer the questions that I raised? It appears that I have rattled their cage. If you have no skeleton in your cupboard why are you so badly shaken by my innocent questions?”

Ahmed Gulak was murdered by unknown armed men who waylaid the car carrying him to the airport in Imo State on 30th May 2021.

Before his death, the former Special Adviser on Political Matters to President Goodluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak was a close friend of governor Hope Uzodinma and had notably made several visits to Imo State on official assignments.

READ ALSO: Video Emerges of How AHMED GULAK was murdered in Imo State after meeting with Governor Hope Uzodinma (VIDEO)

FANI KAYODE’S QUESTIONS TO GOVERNOR HOPE UZODINMA ON AHMED GULAK’S MURDER

Why did the Governor of Imo not provide security for Gulak? Why was Gulak dressed in jeans and a baseball cap as if he was in disguise? I knew Gulak for over ten years and I never saw him wearing jeans and a baseball cap.

Why did he sneak out if the hotel in a car hires without any form of security? Who were the men in the car with him and who was the driver? How come we have not heard from them?

Why did the Governor not supply him with a car to drop him at the airport? Is it true that they fell out badly over some unresolved issues?

Why did the Governor quickly say that this was a political assassination within 24 hours of the incident? How did he mange to conduct this investigation in record time?

Why did they try to give the impression that IPOB and ESN killed Gulak and how can we be sure that those they killed later and claimed were Gulak’s assasins really were Gulak’s asssasins?

These are just some of the questions that need to be answered but whether they are answered or not one thing is clear to me: the suggestion that IPOB or ESN killed Gulak is nonsensical and absurd.

I do not believe that for one minute. Someone is trying to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it.

9News Nigeria

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BY PRINCELY ONYENWE,IMO

The executive Governor of Imo state, his Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma has doused the tension trending on the social media that his Official convoy was Attacked in the state.

He however cautioned those peddling such rumors about the Government and the Security situations in the state and Nigeria at large to say the truth and stop parading false stories.

The governor while addressing the press in a conference few hours ago has maintained that Imo state is safe and that work continues without any atom of fear or attempt by any group or individual to molesting any persons.

The governor maintained that his convoy was not attacked.That is the wish of those who murdered Gulak.

The original copy of the release reads as thus:

PRESS CONFERENCE BY GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA ON THE GRUESOME MURDER OF AHMED GULAK:

It is with a very heavy heart that I address you today. The pain of losing a person or loved one, the horror of holding your family member in his or her final moments, the anger of someone being so reckless, so thoughtless that their bullet destroyed your life, are emotions no individual should ever have to endure

I sympathize with the families of those who lost their lives through stray bullets during this period. As you know, the death of anyone diminishes mankind. But the brutal and callous assassination of Alhaji Ahmed Gulak yesterday, Sunday, May 30th, 2021 on his way to the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, is painful because he did not deserve to die that way.

The death of this compatriot is a personal loss to me because he was an invaluable friend and brother whose sense of justice, fairness and uprightness endeared him to me. I was shocked to my marrows when the sad news of his callous murder was broken to me. I was getting ready to go to church when the sad news came and I could not attend the service again. It was simply one of the most devastating news I have had in my life and I am yet to recover from the shock. It remains a puzzle to me why anyone would want to murder him in this gruesome and vicious manner.

Alhaji Ahmed Gulak was in Imo State for a national assignment. He came to Owerri with the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment. Being a humble man, he chose to travel incognito according to his friend who was with him. Someone must have trailed him from the hotel to the airport. That is exactly why his gruesome murder appears to be a clear case of political assassination.

According to reports by the police, he was shot in cold blood and the assailants did not remove a pin from him. It is most benumbing that people chose to waste such an innocent blood in such a dastardly and cowardly manner.

Let me make it very clear that everything will be done by security agencies to find those who murdered Gulak and their sponsors. They will not by the grace of God escape their deserved punishment. This is not in our character as Ibos, not in our tradition nor in our culture. We must condemn this callous act

I will urge everybody to exercise restraint and allow the police to continue with their investigations, which I understand is already yielding positive results as some arrests have already been made. I commend the police for their speed so far in handling this case.

READ ALSO: Breaking: Unknown Gunmen Attack and Shoot Sporadically At Governor Uzodinma’s Convoy (Video)

It is reassuring that the President and Commander in Chief, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, has assured the nation that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be apprehended and punished.

On our part as a government, we are not sparing any effort in ensuring that the murderers of this patriot are quickly arrested and prosecuted for their evil deeds.

Imo people are very hospitable. The events of the last few weeks do not represent who we truly are.

I believe that the ongoing police investigations will uncover the whole truth; it is common knowledge that those who are innocent need not be afraid. But the guilty will never go scot-free, certainly not in this instant case.

Let me also through this medium commiserate with relations and families of victims of kidnapping, armed robberies, banditry and stray bullets in Imo state and to inform you that the government has been reaching out and will continue to reach out to all other victims

May I on behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Imo state convey my heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, the government and the people of Adamawa state and the families of our brothers and sisters in Imo state who lost their lives during this period.

Let me reassure you that Imo State government is committed to finding and punishing the killers.

Above all it is our fervent prayers that God in his infinite mercy shall grant us the fortitude to bear these devastating and shocking losses of our beloved one, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak; a great Patriot and Nationalist and others.

Finally, let me also clarify the story trending on the social media platforms, that my convoy was attacked, my convoy was never attacked. That is the wish of those who murdered Gulak.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

9News Nigeria will continue to bring to our readers the best and authentic news ever. We do not rush to peddle false information.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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Report reaching us now has it that some gun-wielding unknown gunmen have attacked the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma’s convoy.

In a video that was shared on the 9News Nigeria platform, the governor’s special official convoy was ambushed by some unknown gunmen who started shooting sporadically at the convoy.

Attempt to stop the car carrying the governor was scuffled after the car drove through some barricades before escaping the attack. The gunmen were seen running after the governor’s car and shooting at it.

A reprisal attack ensued from the governor’s security men as they drove through the barricade.

Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodinma has made a press release saying that there was no attack on his convoy.

9News Nigeria Imo State correspondent is still tracking the story to ascertain the authenticity of the video and the story behind it.

READ ALSO: STOP FAKE NEWS: GOVERNOR UZODINMA’S CONVOY WAS NEVER ATTACKED AS SPECULATED

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• Modestus Nwamkpa

HE IS A BIG MAN WITH A GOOD HEART AND SOUND REASONING,” Nwamkpa.

One of the parameters to measure a comfortable big man is his ability to use his wealth to assist the less endowed in the society. A big man in its right connotation, does not think lowly. Any man who is rich must not use his wealth to cause trouble or instigate such in his state else you are petty and a misplaced big man. And that is why I love Leo Stan Ekeh. He is exemplary and a quintessential gentle man.

This digital guru and the CEO of Zinox Group is an illustrious son of Imo state, not just in name but in action. He is an asset to the state by every stretch of assessment. He is open minded, well behaved, always helpful, thinks positively and respects himself. He is intelligent yet humble. He is excessively rich yet calm. All he thinks is how to better his society particularly his home state Imo and his operational base Lagos.

Perhaps, unknown to many people Chief Leo Stan donates huge sums of money running into over N250 million yearly on Lagos state government alone as his way of assisting the Lagos state government in maintaining security.

However, Chief Leo Stan Ekeh is supporting Governor Hope Uzodimma to succeed having seen that the Governor is sincerely committed to developing the state using the scarce resources available to the state. As a development expert himself, he is deploying his resources and intellectual property in developing and helping his society. This is quite exemplary and worthy of emulation. Others would prefer to use their little money to be causing problem for the state just to destabilize the state and score no point.

When you engage Leo Stan in a discussion or go close to him, you will understand the man is too loaded intellectually and you will also see how a patriotic Nigerian should reason. He does not insult any government. He is not mischievious and he does not harbour malice in his mind. Ofcourse, he has never been known to be castigating any government before neither has he been found among those plotting evil against the government. He is a comfortable man and does not seek for any help from government instead he helps the government.

Chief Leo Stan is a good man and that I can say without mincing words. He is supporting Governor Uzodimma full time. You hardly can see him come to government House unless on invitation. He is too busy to engage in trouble. He knows Governor Uzodimma has a good heart and he tells this to anybody that cares to listen. Leo Stan is not known for prevarication on issues. He talks it the way it is always. Ofcourse, he has no reason to say things the other way. After all, what will you do for him? He is a typical case of a rich man with rich intellect and clean spirit.

I love the man and his ways. He keeps a long distance to trouble even when he has all the resources to prosecute it if he wants. He proffers his ideals freely to the state on how things should be done better. He is a good friend of Governor Uzodimma and the two great men have one thing in common- they are both men of good heart. I encourage all these big men in Imo state in particular that are causing trouble in the state to emulate him and pray to God to give them the kind of spirit that Governor Hope Uzodimma and Leo Stan have.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo State @08036856526

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By Princely Onyenwe, Imo

A few moments ago at an undisclosed hotel in Owerri Imo, political analysts reiterate that the possibility of good governance in Imo state is to instil stiffer penalties to stop unnecessary stubbornness and recalcitrant attitude of the majority of Imo people to make them accept good governance to salvage the state mostly at this time when His Excellency Governor Hope Uzodinma has taken charge of the state completely.

In a media talk with 9news Nigeria correspondent in Owerri, a former contestant of Imo state governorship and an academic professor made this known from a media interview with him.

Also, another social critic inline with the recent day politics made his point clear to state that Imo people need a strong hand to govern. He hinted that the firmer governor Okorocha tried his best to put the state on a development track by his hard mindedness which brought good to Imo state and advised the governor to change his way of governance to achieve the best for the state.

Recall that governor Uzodinma promised to work for the state to surpass the footprints of his predecessors as enclosed in his 3R mantra.

The governor has rolled out good policies to improve the state but cannot achieve anything good unless he uses hard measures since the public range has remained recalcitrant to obey the laws.

Meanwhile, 9news went round to check the state of Douglas, Mbaise and Okigwe roads and found out that the problem Imo government has is the market people who feel that they are above the laws of government.

9news was shocked by the recent deposits of waste along the roads and the replacement of walkways along Tetlow by Okigwe drainages to ridicule the efforts of IMSWAMA and ENTRACO.

It is a call in the right direction to ask the government to match their words and policies with action to achieve the desired leadership Imo needs.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo state @ 08036856526

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– Gov. Uzodinma, Chief lwuanyanwu, Bishop Obinna Or Imo Workers & Others?

By Onyenwe Princely, Imo

Press statement as written by former Imo state CMS Onwuemedo:

At the recent reception organized for Governor Hope Uzodinma, by a group in Owerri zone of Imo State, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, one of the key leaders of the State and a member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who was the Chairman of the occasion told those in attendance that, though Owerri Zone people didn’t vote for Gov. Uzodinma in the 2019 election, the reverse would be the case in 2023. He assured, without mincing words, that the zone would vote for the Orlu zone born governor in 2023.

Aside members of his Party, the PDP, other illustrious sons and daughters of Owerri zone had descended on Chief Iwuanyanwu for that statement. They regretted that such Comment could come from him. They however added that he had spoken for himself and not for the people of Owerri zone.

In spite of the attacks over his assurance of Owerri zone votes for Uzodinma in 2023, Chief Iwuanyanwu in a memo, he personally wrote and signed, entitled, “Imo Politics and Ohaneze Ndigbo” made public on Thursday, December 24, 2020, Stated that the Imo State Governor, “Senator Uzodinma has done well, both in appointments and in developmental efforts”. Do not forget, whose account or report do we believe?

Archbishop Anthony Obinna whose opinions on matters concerning the State over the years had mattered a lot, had also spoken on two occasions in recent time eulogizing Governor Uzodinma and his administration.

The first was when the governor worshipped at Assumpta Cathedral. At the Service, the Archbishop praised the governor for paying workers and Pensioners in the State their salaries and entitlements up to date. That statement from the Archbishop didn’t go down well with a lot of Imo people. The Condemnations were avalanche.

But the Archbishop was neither bothered nor deterred.

At the Christmas Carol, organized by the State Government, which held at the Victory Chapel, Government House Owerri, built by the former governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, Bishop Obinna, who had earlier branded the Chapel, a mosque, in his speech, said that Governor Uzodinma had “Continued to surprise him with his good governance”. Remember, whose account or report, do we believe?

Governor Uzodinma in his own speech at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church Omuma, his home town, on December 25, 2020 told the Congregation that he would not owe Imo workers and pensioners their entitlements during his tenure as governor of Imo State.

Before this outing, he had at the same Carol where the Archbishop spoke, claimed that he had paid 99% of the Civil Servants and Pensioners in the State their Salaries and Pensions. He equally rated his administration high in terms of achievements. Follow me closely. But, whose account or report do we believe? We are making progress.

Before December 2020, the Organized Labour in Imo State had given the State government ultimata on two occasions over their demands. There was no information on whether Governor Uzodinma or his government responded to any of those ultimata or the demands. Or, whether he or his government had met with the workers through their representatives on the issues they had raised. There was no information to that effect.

But a clearer picture came up on Thursday, December 17, 2020, when the Organized Labour in the State issued a Statement, telling Imo Workers to embark on 8-Day warning strike, with effect from Monday, December 21, 2020 and to end on Thursday, December 31, 2020. Whose account or report do we believe?

In the letter conveying the Notice for the 8-Day Warning Strike, which was signed by the Secretary of the State branch of the NLC, Comrade Kenneth Onwuemeodo, the Workers listed ten points as the reasons for embarking on the warning strike.

And also stated that, the warning strike was necessitated by the “failure of the Imo State Government to address the issues contained in the 14-day ultimatum given to it by the Organized Labour in Imo State”. Whose account or report do we believe?

In the letter, the workers talked about non-payment, staggered payment, and underpayment of Imo workers’ salaries since February 2020.

Non-payment, staggered payment and underpayment of Imo Pensioners since February 2020.

Demand for immediate conclusion of the N30,000 National Minimum Wage negotiation in the State and its immediate implementation.

Demand for the reversal of the payment of Salaries to the Office of Accountant-General through the payroll System.

Demand for the reversal of pensions to the office of Accountant-General under the supervision of the Head of Service Imo State.

The immediate stoppage of the use of Consultants for the payment of Salaries and Pensions.

The immediate Commencement of Promotion/Conversion exercise and implementation of incremental date.

The implementation of the 2014 promotion exercise in the Parastatals

The rejection of the extension of service for Retired Permanent Secretaries and others and Non-remittance of Check-Off dues to Industrial Unions”.

The 8-day warning strike as stated earlier, was to begin on Monday, December 21, 2020.

But on Friday, December 18, 2020, the governor hurriedly made a broadcast, using the Covid-19 stuff as a cover, and asked the workers to leave or go home without telling them why and when they should come back. He also didn’t wish them Merry Christmas.

In the broadcast and in other speeches, the governor never denied or reacted to any of the issues the workers had raised as their reasons for embarking on the warning strike.

And the governor also never did anything to prove the workers wrong on all the issues they had raised. No denial. No counter claim. A case of, as the Court pleases.

But I make bold to ask again; looking at the workers’ demands and the already embarked 8-day warning strike and also looking at the approach the governor had adopted in asking the workers to go home without wishing them Merry Christmas, whose account or report do we believe on the issues Concerning the Salaries and entitlements of workers and Pensioners’ in the State?

Do we believe the Governor? Or, Chief Iwuanyanwu? Or, Archbishop Obinna? Or, the workers and the rest of Imo people who apparently have sympathies for the workers? Whose account or report do you believe or do we believe?

And if the governor had paid ninety-nine (99) Percent of the workers and Pensioners their Salaries and Pensions, would there have been need for all the ultimatums, Correspondences and finally, the warning Strike?

The governor had also accused the leaders of the Organized Labour in the State of sabotage and blackmail. He talked about some of them being retired personnel as if that had gotten anything to do with the issues at stake.

In case the government does not know, most Imo people seem to believe the workers, until the government comes up with a more Concrete proof against the claims of the workers.

Even the use of Consultants in the Payment of Salaries and Pensioners, should be marked exhibit-one against the governor and his government. Whose account or report, do we believe?

The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Imo State Chapter, has been on strike. The government has Continued to have issues with Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) Orlu.

The government has got issues with Imo State University (IMSU). The government has issues with both students and staff of Imo Polytechnic Umuagwo. The government has got an issue with ISOPADEC.

The government has issues with NLC, NUJ and other Sectors or Institutions in the State. And none has been resolved. And we are talking about the governor’s first one year in office.

Go to the market, the topic is governor Uzodinma and his government. You enter bus or taxi, the same thing. You walk on the streets, the same issue. And all in the negative.

So, whose account or report do we believe? Governor Uzodinma? Archbishop Obinna? Chief Iwuanyanwu or the people?
The governor also has scores to settle with majority of APC members and leaders in the State.

His party. Even in his Camphope, members have issues to settle with him. In his Cabinet, aside those in the juicy ministries and establishments, he has issues with the rest.

The former governor, Rochas Okorocha had raised the alarm that the governor has Continued to demolish the projects he built for Imo people as governor, without his building new ones.

The governor also has issues with the hawkers in the State who are also complaining that government activities that had encouraged their businesses, have all gone under as we write.

In the face of all these, whose account or report do we believe? Do we believe the account of the governor? Do we believe the report of Archbishop Obinna? Do we believe the account of Chief Iwuanyanwu?

Or, do we believe Imo Workers, Pensioners and the rest of Imo people? Or, do we sit on the fence by not believing any?

For me, I do not believe the report of the governor. I do not believe the account of Archbishop Obinna. I also do not believe in Chief Iwuanyanwu’s account. You can fathom whose account or report I believe. What of you? Merry Christmas. While we Continue to Clap for Jesus.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo state @ 08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Princely Onyenwe, Imo

Amidst the festive season and COVID-19lockdown in Imo, governor Uzodinma has released another package targeted at reduction of more workforce in the civil service.

Hear him;

The continuous campaign for a redress and restitution of the civil service dignity and rules of service to the state and humanity cannot be overemphasized.

His Excellency the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has continued to reiterate at every fora, the need for introduction of hygiene within the civil service. However, this cannot materialize without enabling atmosphere and that informed the Governors maiden visit to the state Secretariat upon resumption of duty.

In a recent expository by His Excellency, he bared open the rate of civil servants complicity in perpetration of frauds by politicians. While urging the politicians to redress, the civil servants shouldn’t be of exclusion. The Governor reassured that while the problem is big, yours truly who has come to solve it, is bigger.

His Excellency the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, made it clear that we can’t afford to have all that we desire if we do not jettison fraud and corruption in the civil service. We desire quality road construction while some people are receiving pension but never worked for the state; we desire infrastructure while some people receive multiple salaries from various government agencies. All these were made possible by the complicity of the civil servants.

In the midst of propaganda and misdemeanor by purported Union leaders, whom are presumably retired, the government would continue to fight these set of cabals who have sworn to milk the state dry for selfish reasons. Profit cannot be actualized without proficiency, the successful elimination of corruption from our system would guarantee governments delivery of quality infrastructure.

The Shared Prosperity administration of His Excellency the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma would not relent in the drive for zero tolerance in governance and administration. Imo must be better.

In addition, the true test of governance is to come see for yourself what is actually happening in the state secretariats located within new owerri area. The true beauty of civil service is no more while the stress of rush for Imo Bus has reduced the actual time of service.This is confirmable.Something need to be done to rescue our civil service before the system will collapse.

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo state @ 08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

By Princely Onyenwe, Imo

Stakeholders in Imo state have continued to criticize the continuous struggle for the survival of state edifice built by previous governors to improve the state.

This statement was an outcome of a technical meeting held in an undisclosed hotel in owerri few hours ago.

Information revealed to newsmen has it that Imo state governor would have kick start with more important projects than the continues breaking of state edifices built by his predecessors.

They however berates the state legislators who have allowed the governor to endulge in such a wastage of state resources on breaking of roundabouts than to channel the funds to construction of major busy roads in the state.

Recall that a few months ago, the famous SOMTO HOSPITAL built in the former Eke Onunwa popular market was demolished by governor Uzodinma and till the time of this report no serious work was done to replace the structure.

Roundabouts in the municipality are taking their turn. One could notice that the roundabouts at shop Rite along egbu road, Emmanuel college bus stop, Naze/Aba road and many others are demolished without recourse to the millions of allocation released by the state in the previous government to build these structures.

Another fault expressed by Imolites is the delay of commencement of important projects which was shortchanged with demolitions all over the state and the house of Assembly is keeping mute over it.

9News Nigeria swiftly took a trip round the state to ascertain the level of work done on the Former Flyover tunnels along owerri portharcourt road to buttress my point and it was confirmed both flyovers are demolished without any iota of serious work done till date.

Record has it that the politics of Imo state is bedevilled with bitterness, anguish, greed, bickering and ill sentiments to make choices.God fatherism is also a deadly factor that has led the state backwards in development.

Also visitors at this festive season have criticized this anomaly and call on the house of assembly to do the needful to call the governor to order to avoid wasting of state resources on continuous demolitions than facing the real leadership the people has called for.

Likening this ugly scenerio to the developments seen in place in Ebonyi and Enugu state, Imolites will continue to ask if the allocation and IGR of Imo is equal to its brother under developing state “ABIA” judging by the insensitivity of government to the needs of the people.

Furthermore, the statement that the government is a continuum may just be a mere rhetorics, since it is difficult for succeeding governors to consolidate good works of their predecessors.

More update is loading…..

9News Nigeria (Owerri)
For inquiries on this news contact 9News Nigeria Imo state @ 08036856526

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Shared Prosperity Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma has launched the 2021 Emblem in honor of the fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed forces at the Exco Chambers, Government House, Owerri, Imo State.

In the his speech, he commended the Nigerian Legion in the manner they have organized and conducted themselves.

Governor Uzodimma disclosed that the Government has a responsibility to ensure the welfare of Children and families of the Fallen heroes, to support and assist them.

The Governor assured them of inclusion in the Imo state empowerment programs, the Covid -19 Palliative and other assistance provided by the Federal Government to cushion the effects of dwindling economy in the country.

He further assured them that the Shared prosperity Government will not abandon them.

“I want to assure you that in us, you have a partner” Uzodimma stated.

Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for women affairs, Hon. Lady Mrs. Nkechi Ugwu who made the opening remark, disclosed the need for the event as she stated that it is to mark and remember the sacrifices made by the Nigerian Armed forces fallen soliders and to raise funds to support and assist the families they left behind.

Present at the launch were : The Deputy Governor, Professor Placid Njoku, Commissioner for women affairs, Hon. Lady Mrs. Nkechi Ugwu, SA to the Governor on New and Electronic media, Mrs. Nneamaka Okafor, Executive Chairman of the Nigerian Legion, Comrade Alfonsus Anyanwu with retired and serving members of the Nigerian Armed forces and other Exco members of the Imo State Government.

Also a minute silence was observed in honor of our nation’s fallen heroes.

GOV. UZODIMMA LAUNCHES THE 2021 EMBLEM IN HONOR OF FALLEN HEROS OF THE ARMED FORCES

9News Nigeria

9News Nigeria

The Shared Prosperity Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma met with delegates of the International World Peace Advocates.

Due to the need to capture and Eye-mark the face of His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the International World Peace Advocates moved to Imo State to meet with the SDG Governor of the year.

Gov. Uzodimma appreciated God Almighty and commended the International World Peace Advocates for finding him worthy of the Honor.

He also assured them that the Shared Prosperity Administration is committed to the values and mission of the Sustainable Development Goals by improving and impacting positively in the lives of the less privileged.

Gov. Uzodimma also urged the United Nations to see the sustenance of SDG as Africa is a major benefactor. He furthered reassured that Imo State Government will continue to support the partnership of SDG in the State.

Earlier, His Excellency, Ambassador Pa Stancy from Denmark, the president of the International World Peace Advocates, stated that their choice of the honor was the Development projects like Refinery built in Imo State and many other Senator Hope Uzodimma started up in few months of his Administration.

9News Nigeria