SOME EXPERIMENT COULD BE DANGEROUS

Okorocha to sack heads of parasatals. Why I Romance Govt, Says NLC Chairman, Anyadike .As Workers State Grievances Against Okorocha .Why We Are On Strike – Imo Workers

2013-05-10T16:43:00.000+01:00

A holocaust is about sweeping non -productive government agencies in Imo State as the state Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has threatened to sack and relieve the appointments of heads of parastatals in the state.

Addressing heads of parasatals and workers in Imo establishments yesterday, at the Ahiajoku Centre, Owerri, over workers’ strike, the state Governor said that the problem in several parastatals are not from civil servants but from those at the helm of affairs who are not business – oriented adding that he would take over affairs of parasatals as overall manager except in case where the bosses have shown proof to cater for their respective parastatals.

Speaking, Okorocha said that the commissioners for Health, Agriculture and Chief of staff to the Governor will form a committee to pay outstanding salaries to the parasatals as he has made the approval for payment adding that most workers should not complain about any new designations the will be assigned to in the emerging scenario.

Reacting over the Governor’s new approach to the lingering labour issues, JNC leader in the state, Comrade Coleman Okwara described Okorocha’s new twist as wasted efforts that would not produce positive result.

According to Coleman “it is unfortunate that Okorocha wants to use shortcuts to settle the impasse. He is just worsening the matter. His efforts are anti-labour and an attempt to jump gun. The people he called are our members. The strike will continue since he is using the backdoor to solve the problem. The labour is an organized body that no government would use subterranean means to scuttle its struggle for workers liberation”.

Out of favour, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Reginald Anyadike has disclosed that his rosy relationship with the present administration is for the good of Imo workers.

Comrade Anyadike has been at the receiving end of workers backlash who defied his utterances to embark on a strike action this week. The aggrieved civil servants went ahead to throw shouts of “Holy Ghost Fire, Holy Ghost Fire, at him when he alongside the Head of Service of Imo State, Mrs Nkechi Onumajulu came to address them at the State Secretariat on Wednesday.

Speaking during a radio programme in the state moments after addressing the workers at the Secretariat, Comrade Anyadike urged workers not to misconstrue his relationship with key actors in the present government as he is exploiting an avenue to better the lot of Imo workers.

Comrade Anyadike in the Imo State Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) Radio programme anchored by Government House Comedian and popular entertainer, Uche Ogbuagu disclosed that contrary to popular views making the rounds, he cannot disappoint the workers as he has used the opportunity to intimate government of their grievances.

According to the NLC boss, “the issue of coming close to people in government is a personal thing. It has to do with my personal friendship with those in power. They are my personal friends before now and have continued. And there is nothing wrong, if I continue my relationship with them as a labour leader. I have a personal relationship with the Deputy Governor. It does not affect my role as labour leader. Rather, I have even used my friendship with those in government to get something for the labour unions in the state.

“There is nothing like settlement or graft. If I do something and they willingly give me, I will chop, but I will not demand for anything because it is against my wish and life. My salary is sufficient for me and my wants. I don’t live extravagant life to do certain things that are unexpected of me”.

On the raging strike action by the state work force which may have balkanized labour leaders in the state, Anyadike disclosed that he is not against using strike action to demand for better welfare but labour has a constitution and act which the leaders “Must not abuse or go beyond the limit of their powers.

“I will not support Government of the day to suppress labour and workers demand but normal procedures should follow in trade dispute. We are having meeting to resolve the problems arising from the dispute. I am also asking Government to look into workers’ complaints and solve them as the case may be. Workers should also know that no government can solve labour problems in one day”.

While expressing that the State Governor has constituently stated that he hasaraldite hand, Anyadike stated that Government is not all about embarking on capital projects, other issues like workers welfare and grievances also count.

Amidst the carrot and stick being dangled before Imo workers overtly and covertly to call off the strike and return to their duty posts by the Rescue Mission government, the strike action which began on Tuesday May 7th entered its third day yesterday Thursday 9th May, 2013.

The State Public Service Negotiating Council (Trade Union Side) Imo State Bulletin 3, captioned IS TRUE, YES IT IS TRUE released in Owerri yesterday stated that the industrial action would continue sine die.

It noted that the man who signed for TUC is now the principal secretary to the deputy governor now on the government side and therefore no longer the Chairman of TUC stressing that the acting Chairman has stepped into his shoes.

The release regretted that the advice to the governor portrays him as an illiterate whereas; the governor is a very intelligent and first class product while people are trying to use workers to merit political appointments.

It further reiterates that the Joint Negotiating Council is not an affiliate of either NLC or TUC but an independent body saddled with the responsibilities of negotiating for the working conditions of workers in the public service. For these reasons, the JNC cannot and will not take instruction from any body before proceeding on any strike action in the state or at the federal level.

Emphasizing that the JNC came into being in 1945 in place of the Whitely Council as against NLC and TUC in 1978 and 2005 respectively, the release pointed out that by Labour Law, NLC and TUC in Nigeria can not go on strike without the approval and awareness of JNC as NLC is not a striking body by law.

It further explained that what the JNC is fighting for is the interest of the entire Imo workers and called for their understanding so that workers can regain their rights and freedom.

The statement warned that no worker should be scared by the intimidating announcements and orders from the government and its agents.

Aware that what is happening in the state is high level of sabotage, the release noted that no weapon, no intimidation can vanquish the people when they have resolved to win back their rights.

Finally, it expressed joy that workers of the state have extended co-operation to the leadership of JNC which has promised not to disappoint the entire Imo workers.

Meanwhile, even the permanent Secretaries who had earlier threatened staff of their ministries if they failed to report for duties today could not enter their offices which are under lock and key.

In one of the ministries, some irate tore into shreds, sheets of paper which their permanent secretary gave them for attendance sheets. Source: Imotrumpeta

Rival Group Blasts Okorocha, APC over Imo Rally

2013-05-10T16:16:00.000+01:00

The African People’s Congress (APC) has described the “APC Rally” held in Owerri by what it says is a non -existing Political movement called All Progressive Congress as a show of shame and brazen assault to ambush the Nigerian judiciary .
A statement signed by the acting National Secretary of the rival party, Barrister Sa’ed Blalogun and made available to Newsdiaryonline in Abuja said beside legality, the so-called rally was a wasteful jamboree strictly designed to bolster the sagging morale of the merger partners who are presently facing a bleak political future in their evidently preposterous political adventure, while the Imo public continue to suffer the profligate excesses of Governor Rochas Okorocha.

The party also said since the ‘APC’ registration and acronym controversy is a matter still pending in the court of law, the rally therefore sign-posts a reckless descent towards anarchy, reflecting such desperation that blinds objectivity.

The statement further said it was not surprising that Imo state Governor, Okorocha, the host of the said rally, is famed for his penchant for lawlessness and chronic disdain for the rule of law.

“Okorocha’s recklessness and executive rascality knows no end, just like that of his co-travellers whose only motivation for the “All Progressive Congress” project is the burning desire to cling unto power beyond their usefulness”.

“We are not unaware of their desperate gambit; to procure a ridiculous injunction from a state High Court ordering INEC to register the All Progressive Congress and in turn, to rush off with the order to INEC and to their cronies already positioned at INEC to execute the order without legal scrutiny, clinging on the black market order to fraudulently register their contraption as a political party”.

The party assures Nigerians that this will also fail like all their previous black market purchases from INEC and elsewhere.

It also said that a people whose idea of governance and democracy largely borders on ‘buying and selling’, adding that they are either buying or selling: mandates, thugs, instruments of violence; court judgments, legislative motions, resolution and even impeachment. It will not also be far from the truth to infer that most of their partners know more about the festering terrorism in Nigerian northern states than they care to talk about”.

The party further stated that a brief look at the profile of the ‘Progressive Governor’ who hosted the rally, tells the ugly story of racketeering in governance.

“While Okorocha was receiving a (curious ) award from NLC on May 1, 2013, the same group in their May Day address listed arrears of unpaid salaries being owed staff of Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), Imo Newspapers, Imo Concorde Hotel, Oguta Lake Motel to mention a few”.

“And while eight industrial unions under the Joint Negotiating Council were on strike for the alleged criminal deduction of 1percent of the salaries of Imo workers by the state government for undisclosed reasons, Okorocha hosted eight pathetic governors whose only work and obsession in their various states is their re-election for 2015; hosting them to a jamboree that would further impoverish Imo workers”.

“It is indeed, a wonder how unconscionable and self-sided these emergency ‘progressives’ could be when one further considers the fact that Okorocha who seeks to erroneously brand himself the people’s governor is the same governor who totally ignored Imo workers sacked from Abia state despite a record 52 representations made to him by the group”.

“It was only until they dressed in all-black attires and openly shed heart-rending tears on May Day that Okorocha found space in his ‘progressive’ heart to ‘console’ them with more lies and bogus claims”.

It however warned that the African People’s Congress (APC) shall not tolerate the oppression and suppression of the people using its ‘APC’ acronym as a brand for executive mischief in various states of the federation.

All the more, the African People’s Congress would neither stand aside and watch the brinkmanship of INEC nor excuse the Commission’s romance with strange bedfellows whose grand standing and posturing amount to crude assault on the rule of law and constitutionality.

The leadership of the African People’s Congress has accordingly resolved to embark on a One-Million-Man protest march in Abuja to call to order, those dubious officials of INEC who have made themselves willing tools in the hands of anti-democratic elements who believe democracy and good governance can only be on their terms.

It said ‘the defining moments of the battle to save our democracy shall commence from next week as we are battle ready to monitor and ensure that nobody stampedes INEC into stealing our legal name which we are already at the verge of validating with the help of the Judiciary, where the injustices meted to us by INEC shall be reversed. The world and all of us at APC are going to watch and see how the merging desperadoes shall be humbled as INEC have no option than to stand on the side of the rule of law and reject any baseless application to merge in a name which its application process is subject of an advanced litigation process.

‘INEC must be vigilant and desist from making itself a veritable instrument in the plot to derail democracy, rule of law and plunge our country into anarchy and lawlessness,’the group said. By Ewache Ajefu NEWSDIARY

Imo workers begin strike over pay, others

2013-05-08T09:48:00.001+01:00

MO State workers Tuesday began an indefinite strike to press home their demands for regular salaries and improved working conditions.

Chairman of the Public Service Joint Negotiating Council, Colman Okwara and Secretary, Roland Adebayo, had on Monday issued a statement directing workers in the state to commence indefinite strike until directed otherwise.

When The Guardian visited some offices, including the State Secretariat along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, the gates were under lock and key and no worker was seen around.

However, two earlier statements from the Secretary to the Government of Imo State, Prof. Anthony Anwukah and Head of Service, Mrs. Nkechi Onumajulu, warned workers not to embark on strike, stressing that any civil servant who kept off from work should consider himself or herself as voluntarily retired, while computation of retirement benefits would be carried out.

The statement also disclosed that Governor Rochas Okorocha has suspended the activities of the Public Service Joint Negotiating Council, for alleged financial impropriety, adding that any gathering convened by it was illegal. via Guardiannews

Imo guber tussle: Supreme Court fix June 4 to hear Okorocha’s application

2013-05-07T20:44:00.000+01:00

The Supreme Court on Tuesday fixed June 4 to hear an interlocutory application filed by the Imo Gov. Rochas Okorocha, to bar Dr Ikedi Ohakim from challenging his election.

Ohakim, an erstwhile governor of the state, and the PDP were granted leave by the Appeal Court in Owerri to challenge the constitutionality of the May 6, 2011 supplementary election held in the state.

The Imo Governorship Election Tribunal upheld the constitutionality and legality of the May 6, 2011 supplementary election and therefore returned the applicant as governor.

The applicant had also obtained victory at the Federal High Court, Owerri, as some parties, including Ohakim, were shut out of the trial.

Not satisfied with the decision of the Appeal Court, Okorocha and his party, APGA, approached the apex court.

The Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and its 2011 general election governorship flag bearer, Sen. Ifeanyi Ararume, challenged the decision in a suit against INEC and Okorocha.

At the resumed session, Mr Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), the Counsel to Okorocha, announced to the court that the interlocutory appeal was ripe for hearing, adding that the appellant (Okorocha) had done the needful.

He, however, said that substantial number of the respondents was yet to file their processes.

Efforts by the counsel to Ohakim, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) to compel the court to hear the matter, failed as the Court held that the matter was not listed for hearing.

Justice Christopher Chukwuma-Ene, a panelist, interjected, saying “Wole look at the list very well, the matter is not set for hearing today.

“It will not be possible to even hear your preliminary objection today because most respondents are not ready,’’ Chukwuma-Ene said.

Olanipekun argued that the non-filing of brief of arguments by some respondents should not be used to frustrate the expeditious handling of the application.

“After all My Lords, the traditional responsibility of respondents in a matter is simply to defend the decision or judgment of the lower court and therefore, we are on the same page.

“I urge the court to take judicial notice of the fact that the matter has time limit because it is challenging the election of a governor who has already spent two out of the four-year tenure,’’ he said.

Justice Walter Onnoghen, the Presiding Judge, held that the proceeding was meant to prepare grounds for the beginning of the hearing.

He explained that “we have fixed today to attend to motions and to ensure that parties have filed their brief-of-arguments, so hearing is out of the question’’.

Onnoghen further held that “in view of the circumstance, hearing of the interlocutory application is fixed for June 4 and parties are given 14 days to file and serve all processes. Source: Reporter-365

Jonathan/Amaechi Rift: Rivers Assembly Meet Monday

2013-05-04T23:12:00.001+01:00

MEMBERS of Rivers State House of Assembly, which had adjourned sina die, are compelled by the serial political crises rocking the state to reconvene Monday just as the Police continue to siege to Obio-Akpor Local Government Council secretariat.

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Dakuku Peterside, said the deployment of the Police to the council is a frank display of poor sense of judgment and flawed articulation of application of federal power.

Leader of the state legislature, Chidi Lloyd, revealed Saturday in Port Harcourt that lawmakers who through the speaker, Otelemaba Dan Amachree, on Friday called on the Inspector General of Police to redeploy Rivers State Commissioner of Police Rivers State, Mr. Mbu J. Mbu, will meet Monday to deliberate on pressing issues affecting the state. Follow link to readmore Jonathan/Amaechi Rift: Rivers Assembly Meet Monday

Nollywood actor tells own story

2013-05-01T14:10:00.001+01:00

On Saturday, April 13, Nigerians were shocked when the supposed wedding of Nollywood actor, Mr. Solomon Akiyesi, to Ms Uloma Agwu, turned into a major scandal in Lagos.

The ‘wedding’, which was taking place at the Overcomer’s World Outreach in Aguda, Surulere, was truncated when Solomon’s authentic wife, Lillian, stormed the church with some family members,
creating a scene and accusing the groom-to-be of abandoning her at home in Port Harcourt while he was busy, plotting an illegal wedding in Lagos.

It took the intervention of policemen to restore sanity. The wedding was eventually cancelled by the General Overseer of the Overcomers Church World Outreach, Bishop N.E. Moses.

Since then, many Nigerians have taken to the social media, raining unprintable invectives on the Nollywood actor, who was said to have been married twice before his latest failed attempt. In a chat with Daily Sun, Solomon tells his own story, explaining why he decided to take the actions that he took, concerning his marital life. Excerpts: Over the last one week, hell has been let loose on me.

I’ve not only suffered verbal attacks, but also vituperations and near fisticuffs, all because of another futile attempt of mine at my journey towards achieving that which I honestly and passionately desire – a peaceful home and family. Social network sites and blogs have been awash with how I left Lilian, my “pregnant” wife, to marry Uloma, my Lagos “mistress” whom they also claimed was pregnant for me. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

Only a mad or cursed man would simply leave his pregnant wife and elope with another one. And lest I forget, I urge you, as you read this, to have an open mind to listen to that which is true instead of taking sides and jumping into wicked conclusions with its attendant wicked insults and uncouth commentaries about how Solomon is running his life and how he is not. I’m not asking for pity or trying to buy anybody’s love at this time.

This is my life. If at my age I don’t know what I want, then I may just remain the dumb ass that I’ve been called over and over again. I don’t think I need anyone to give me any lecturing on how I should exercise my privileges.

For the record, I never planned on marrying more than one wife. And unlike the serial husband I’ve been labelled, I had dreamt and planned a lovely home and family.

And my quest for this dates back to 2003 after I had moved into Port Harcourt. I soon settled down with Ezinne, my university days girlfriend, whom I ran into in Port Harcourt during her National Youth Service. As fate had it, we couldn’t help reliving old times and one thing led to another. One fateful, rainy Thursday evening in October, 2002, Ezinne came to inform me that she was pregnant.

It was as far as I was concerned, a devastating blow to the new life I was living; rap music, cars, money and women. So, I told her the pregnancy was unacceptable to me. Besides, I only just started working and needed stability. But months later, Ezinne was to inform me that she was carrying a baby girl.

And knowing my attachment to baby girls and not wanting to ever have a baby outside wedlock, I repented and changed my thuggish ways and asked her to marry me, more so that I was mature enough in every ramification. Or so I thought.

And so, sometime in April, 2003, I hired a hall and invited a pastor to come officiate at my marriage with Ezinne and bless our rings. All done, we went home and started as husband and wife. God, the creator, knew how glad I was and looked forward to a happy home. However, five days after that marriage, I called my new wife on my way from work to ask what was up for dinner and she told me she had been in the hospital.

I rushed to the hospital and was told by Ezinne that she lost the baby. I got her discharged and took her home. But I was completely broken at the loss of a baby I had expected so much. Four days later, I asked my wife if she actually saw the dead baby. She responded by saying the doctor brought it but she gave instruction for it to be buried because she could not behold the sight. Instinctively, I called the doctor – both to thank him and to confirm because he wasn’t around when I went to pick her home. After thanking the doctor, I asked of the sex of my dead baby.

The doctor didn’t talk for like six seconds. I asked him the same question again and he said he’s been restless in his spirit and that he could no longer keep the fact that there was no baby inside Ezinne and that nothing like miscarriage happened in his hospital. I challenged him again and asked if he was not the same person, who confirmed her pregnant and that Ezinne had been attending antenatal in his hospital.

He responded that he had not set his eyes on Ezinne since October of the previous year. Meanwhile, Ezinne had always taken money from me for antenatal and had even shopped for the baby! It then became clear to me that this was a fluke all together.

Sadly enough, Ezinne denied any wrongdoing. For three years, I exposed opportunities for Ezinne to simply tell me the truth but she never took advantage of any of the opportunities. Alas! She was not pregnant. I decided to investigate myself and took her for HSG where it was discovered that there were no fallopian tubes in her and that there was evidence of previous surgery of the uterus. I independently probed further and found out with evidence that Ezinne had a life-threatening abortion in 1992 that resulted in the rupture and subsequent removal of her womb and tubes.

My biggest pain was not what I found out but the fact that Ezinne hid all this from me all these years and was still being economical with the truth even when confronted with hard evidence! In frustration, I moved out of the house but not before taking her to her mum in search of the truth.

Even the mum corroborated what Ezinne gave as excuse for the scar that runs from her navel down to her pubic region, i.e. she was operated upon due to menstrual irregularities. I then decided to stay out for good. While I was out, my relationship with Lillian whom I had known years earlier grew.

I was always going to see her in Enugu. I then got me another apartment and Lillian came around quite often too. Gradually Lillian grew from that little girl I was merely helping in her schooling, into a mature, witty and intelligent young woman. So, having taken my people to Ezinne’s place for the dissolution of the marriage – since we did only traditional marriage – I proposed to Lillian.

And, in 2007, we proceeded to the registry for marriage. And that was the day her father started troubling me. He insisted Lillian was not supposed to go home with me. For two years, he cut communication with me. Shortly after the marriage, my businesses ran into a crises and my entire life nose-dived.

There was tremendous loss in my finances. In my travail, Lillian’s father went to the police and told them to deal seriously with me because I was an “irresponsible son-in-law”. When the challenges kept mounting and seeing my life was at risk after I was badly shot, I left town to sojourn elsewhere. In 2010, I gradually re-emerged and we started finding our footing again.

Even though I tried to settle down again, I found that the centre could no longer hold, as Lillian had metamorphosed into a nag and had acquired a fire tongue with which she talked me down and reigned curses on me at any little provocation. There was no week we didn’t have a major fight, whether I was home or not.

At some point, she became religious. And having found her way into Winners Chapel, she suggested to me one day that it was necessary we took our marriage to God since we hadn’t a proper wedding. She said her church pastors were willing to help in blessing our marriage so there could be a turnaround. To this, I obliged. She said she would love for us to wear wedding costumes for the purpose of photographs. To this I also consented. And so, to Winners Chapel we went and were blessed and certificated.

But it was as if that blessing was what someone was waiting for before they would blow the whistle that would usher me into the hall of pain. Lillian became insatiable.

You would see tiny ingredients of marriage only when I could ensure her comfort. Once Lillian’s comfort was compromised, she would lampoon me and tell me my life history in graphic details and lecture me on what Mr. A and B have done for their wives that I’m not able to do.

It’s even worse when I try to remind her of the recent past that I laboured tenaciously to keep her happy. Once she told me that there was nothing I had done in the past that anybody couldn’t have done. Imagine sacrificing all you’ve got, including almost your life, for someone who would tell you it’s no big deal and that any other person could have done what you did. And then, suddenly, she wanted me to quit my acting career or she would divorce me. My phones were always her best companions at night. If she was not reading my texts, she was in my facebook or BBM.

I had no peace. My best moment was whenever I had to leave home for work. And after work I never wanted to go back home. On a trip back home sometime ago, I was praying that my aircraft should crash and I die instead of going home. Even when I was driving home, I was under strong temptation to ram into oncoming vehicles instead of going home.

It was either that a long list of demand would be waiting for me or an equally longer list of questions about whom I had been online with and whom I had been calling and not calling.

Then on the side was a supposed father-in-law, who claimed he regretted the marriage because he wasn’t getting anything from it and that I only came to destroy the love that existed in their family before the marriage. So, my joy knew no bounds when Lillian told me last year that she was pregnant. For me, it was a good thing. Maybe the baby would take her attention away from me at last. Then the heat started again. I must provide N2 million for her to deliver her baby, even though she knows my income and its source. When her pressure got to a head and to avoid the same road I travelled with Ezinne, I took Lillian to a gynaecologist. A scan was run on her and the result was declared before the two of us that she was not pregnant.

This was after she told me that she had done an independent scan and that she was carrying triplets! Even with the medical confirmation, Lillian never stopped her push for N2 million and money for baby shopping. I ended up suffering a partial stroke in January. Yet she would wake me up at 2am to ask me of my plans to raise N2 million for her, even while I was bedridden with stroke.

I knew then that I was going to die in that marriage and had to do something about it. Ladies and gentlemen, this is about my life. If what greeted the Internet and press was that I died, trying to please Lillian and my marriage, people would still insult me and ask why I didn’t take a walk. And taking a walk I tried to do but I did not do it right.

I tried to skip due process to avoid hurting anyone. More so, I did not have the political and emotional will to ask for divorce. Pray, people, divorce is not like going to a grocery store where you go to pay your money and come back with a bag full. What would have been my ground for divorce? I should also confess that I could not find an answer to what would happen to Lillian if I asked her to go because I was more than a husband to her.

So, I foot-dragged to the point of taking the easy way out. And the easy way is not usually the best way as I found out on Saturday, April 13.

Uloma did not just jump into the picture to “snatch” Solomon from Lillian. Uloma has been my friend since 2006. We met again in 2009 at the peak of my business crisis and have been seeing each other afterwards. Candidly, I was swept away by the love, understanding and the peaceful disposition Uloma proffered even as a friend, far from the opposites I was getting back home. The way Uloma treated me was the exact desires any man longed for in a wife. So, I was always running to her whenever Lillian lit her fires.

So, I asked myself why I couldn’t marry her. Far from the evil rumour that I wanted to marry Uloma because of her money, I wanted to marry Uloma to fill a vacuum in her life and make her happy and fulfilled because this woman with a heart of gold who has impacted many lives deserved to be happy.

If that was what I could ever do to plant some comfort in her life. If there was going to be any immediate gain for me, it would have been peace of mind and its attendant long life, not her money or any physical or material gains. I’m not a lazy man.

Apart from being an actor, I have been in business for almost fifteen years. Years back, when I poured millions of naira on exotic cars and a posh house in Port Harcourt, Uloma was a seventy thousand naira recovery staff in Sterling Bank. Today, even if Uloma gave me all her salary from where she presently works, it won’t be enough to put Internet credit in my tablets and phones. Someone even posted that I said I would have ‘hammered’ if I had married Uloma.

What could I possibly gain? Uloma wasn’t frustrated to the point of desperation to pay a man to marry her. There was no award for anyone who married her. She does not own an estate or anything willed to her by anyone that I was running after. Uloma is not the daughter of any rich man or top politician. She’s as much a hustler as I am.

Ok, yes, sincerely, maybe I actually would have ‘hammered’ long life, happiness, inner joy, a sense of being loved and long life. I also would have ‘hammered’ having her sisters as my sisters because they love me like their own brother – a far cry from what my own people give me.

If I had married Uloma, I know I would have had a good burial whenever I died because I’ve always been scared that at my level of loneliness, whenever I die, my corpse would probably have decomposed before my people would find me. I beg to be loved and appreciated. Nobody to call my own.

No one ever cared about me. I have always been alone and hardworking too. From way back, my joys, my sorrows I have always swallowed alone. But Uloma was the only person who truly listened to my heart and understood where I was coming from. So to say any of my failed marriages was for money is simply stupid and unreasonable. The first car Ezinne ever drove and financing for her first attempt at business all came from me.

Lillian was not born with a silver spoon. Her father is only a retired naval officer and the last time I checked he had no wealth ascribed to his name. On her 18th birthday, I bought Lillian an exotic Corolla car. At 300 level in school, I gave her a Mercedes Benz.

Then she graduated with an LS400 Lexus. This is apart from a lush apartment and school bills that God used me to help her take care of. So, who amongst these would I have married for money? Uloma stood out because she’s shared my pain even when it was because of me and that explains why it was a difficult task telling her Lillian was still in my tracks.

I couldn’t have deliberately gone out of my way to hurt Uloma, because that will be simply committing suicide. Hurting Uloma is like waging war against a nation. Is it her legion of admirers I will have to contend with or her nation of die-hard lovers who will be tumbling over each other to get a pound of flesh?

I wouldn’t give hurt for the love and hope Uloma and her family gave me. Unfortunately the same scandals I thought I was preventing by not doing what everyone is saying I would have done is now the same thing staring me in the face, and everyone is worse hurt.

And above all, my own life is now seriously at risk because I feared hurting anyone. I ask all concerned to please sheathe their swords of anger and find it in their hearts to forgive me. I will make restitution as much as the mercy of God permits me. It’s never too late to begin again as far as God keeps us all alive.

I’m a man on a mission for a peaceful marriage, a good home and family life. I guess my desperation took good reasoning off me. Again, I am humbly and truly sorry. I thank my friends who have stood by me through this trial. Your comforting words are like lights on my dark path.

And for the judgmental few, I urge you; work with the truth while the Almighty fixes that which went wrong in my life. Source: Sunnewsonline

THE UNTOLD STORY OF GOV.OKOROCHA'S RECENT MOTOR ACCIDENT

2013-04-26T16:33:00.002+01:00

Some years ago, I worked as Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of ImoState. I can vividly remember that at that time, I was also a victim of the usual exuberance that engulfs newly appointed political office holders. Then, I had a government driver assigned to drive me in my official vehicle. I enjoy driving a lot and I derived more pleasure in driving the official car myself. I usually drove myself in the deputy governor’s convoy to the admiration of some people.

I also saw driving myself for official assignments as a show of humility in office. Ironically, I thought I was doing the right thing.

In the year 2009, I drove my official vehicle to Lagos for that year’s Annual Bar Conference.

Unfortunately, I did not complete that journey to Lagos myself as I had an accident at Omotosho axis of Benin-Ore Road and sustained head injuries. After that experience, I still continued to drive my official vehicle unperturbed.

One day, the Principal Secretary to the Deputy Governor then, a seasoned bureaucrat Mr. Chukwuma Nwachukwu sat me down and told me why I should not drive myself while in office. He told me that as the Chief press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, I had a lot of mental work to do for optimum performance in office.

He said that that was why the government provided me with a vehicle with a paid professionally trained driver who would at my instruction take me to wherever I would want to go. He also said that driving myself would likely make me not to concentrate well and do my work effectively. He conclude by telling me that driving on my job, was adding the job of a driver to my already heavy work which he said was too dangerous for me, Â It was after Mr. Nwachukwu’s lecture that my foolishness and ignorance on driving myself in my official car while in office dawned on me.

Governor Okorocha’s vehicular convoy usually moves at a very high speed. Many at times, the Governor drives himself in the convoy. I have seen him do this in many occasions. Nevertheless, whenever I see this, I remember my days of ignorance as the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor. To be frank, if I see myself in a position where I am assigned a driver again, it will be a different ball game for maturity and experience in everything, including occupants of governorship positions, naturally come with age .

Civilized nations and people who fashioned out protocol for very highly placed government functionaries did not do it for the fun of it. Some of the reasons for instituting protocol are for ease of administration, security, safety and efficiency.

A busy Governor has memos from all the ministries, the Cabinet Office, Chief of Staff, his principal Secretary, Special Advisers, parastatals, agencies, departments, commissions, committees etc that needs his personal attention. He is also engaged in various meetings and activities of federal government, local government, autonomous communities, diplomatic corps, international bodies, contractors, political parties, security agencies, unionists, foreign investors and private and non governmental sectors. Further, he sees to appointments into various offices, the usual foreign trips “to attract investors”, has hundreds of phone calls andÂ text messages to attend to and private/family matters to handle. With the above activities, a serious minded Governor will not still border himself with the hectic job of driving himself unless the Governor is on a jamboree.

No matter how we see it, the position of a governor is still a position of honour, reverence, respect, power and embodiment of civilization that its occupier should not turn to that of a chauffeur. Once a governor is elected, he becomes a different class of person for the time he will occupy that position. His activities are supposed to be planned and executed by professionals like protocol officers, security details etc.

Protocol provides that a professionally trained police driver with cognate experience should drive the Governor. Even the sitting arrangement in the Governor’s staff car is fashioned for certain purposes. The Governor sits in the area we commonly call “owner’s seat” while the aide-de-camp sits beside the Governor on the other side of the back seat. The orderly stays in passenger seat in of the vehicle and it is his duty to open and close the governor’s side of the car door. On the other hand, security vehicles stay in front and at the back of the Governor’s staff car for maximum protection. These things are so for security, safety, effective coordination and honorarium sake. It is not something one can wish away as far as such positions of importance exist.

Recently, Governor Okorocha was reported that a car driven by a private person crashed into a staff car occupied by the governor car crash with his staff car while on an official function in OrluImoState.

Unfortunately, some people have tried to give the incident various interpretations. Some people who feel frustrated by the Okorocha administration say that the incident was as a result of nemesis. Some of them who called me include the sacked Ten Thousand Job beneficiaries, those whose house were demolished, contractors who did various contracts and are being owed many millions of naira, retired primary school teachers who are being owed more than nine months arrears of pension, previous government officials whom the Governor stopped the payment of arrears of salaries and severance benefits. more are the sacked statutory commission members, Local Government Chairmen, coordinators of Local Government Development Centers, victims of revocation of plots of Lands, Area K and Avu people who are alleging that the Governor illegally took their. Another group include supporters of the Agbasos, Chris Anyanwu, Victor Umeh, Ralph Uwazurike, C.C. Nwaka, Emeka Offor etc.

Who feel they contributed to getting the Governor elected in 2011 but now feel sidelined from the government.

Another group is saying that the accident did not actually happen but is another intelligent gimmick to attract sympathy to the ongoing investigation by the EFCC over the =N=458 Million JPROS Scam whereby senior members of the government are being interrogated on daily basis. Others in this same category say that the accident was framed for reasons not yet known. In justifying their postulations, these sceptics are asking the following questions: Who else was in the crashed vehicle with the Governor? What is the identity of the driver that was alleged to have crashed with the Governor? Why was the vehicle of the supposed driver that crashed with the Governor taken to the Government House as the governor claims and not the police? Why the rush in removing the supposed crashed vehicles from the scene of the accident without the assessment of traffic personnel? Why should the Governor be flown abroad for treatment when he claims that the injury was minor? Why didn’t the Governor take advantage of his highly clamoured and advertised provision of the best health facilities in ImoState?

However, some people from the Governor’s camp, his lovers and positive minded people are full of sympathy and thanksgiving for sparing the life of the governor and his team.

On my part, I have a different approach to the whole story. When I initially heard about the incident, I was not disturbed because car-crash is a normal thing in Nigerian roads. But I became more concerned when I heard that the Governor received laceration in his head probably from the broken windscreen of the crashed car. At this, I started smelling rat on how an acclaimed minor car crash would make a state governor have a sutured head. My mind went straight to the fact that the governor might have driven himself on that fateful day as usual.

When I called the Imo State Commissioner for Information Mr. Chinedu Offor, he told me that the governor did not drive himself on that fateful day the accident occurred but was sitting in front of the crashed vehicle. At this answer, I knew that the commissioner was being economical with the truth because it is known everywhere that many at times, Rochas Okorocha as a Governor, not minding his slight physical deformity, drives himself in his convoy.

Ironically, assuming the incident really happened and also happened the way the Imo Government described it, was it even right for the Governor to seat in a position meant for his orderly as Mr. Offor said while on an official function?

What of the issue of putting on seat belt? We all know that aggressive security vehicles always stay in front and back of the vehicle the Governor stays. How come a car from nowhere rammed into the convoy to the extent of crashing on the Governor alone as claimed by government report? Many more questions begging for answers and it is only the handlers of the Governor that can provide the correct answers if they wish to do so and objectively too.

Interestingly, I hear that one of the reasons while the Governor drives himself is to show people that he is humble. However, I have heard many of his security personnel and protocol officers complain that he does not take their advice when it comes to issues of protocol and security. One of them who is very close to me also told me that sometimes, the governor is always in the habit of diverting the movement of his convoy to routes at will and without security information from his advance security team. This I think is very wrong and risky too. Such can expose the governor and his team to unprecedented mishap that can be very disastrous. But God forbid. Yet, heaven will only help those who help themselves.

The 5th Edition of the oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines “Protocol” as a system of rules governing formal government activities.

Government is not a private estate. It involves laid down rules and decorum practised for ages and designed for order, safety and better service delivery in public service. Therefore, as far as the Governor claims not to believe in protocol and due process, his administration will continue to witness untold strange episodes. For instance, the =N=458 Million Scandal was as a result of lack of due process. The recent acclaimed car crash is also suspected to be as a result of lack of observing rules on protocol.

However,not minding the frailties of man, we must thank God immensely for delivering our Governor. As I join many to wish our governor quick and full recovery, it is still the opinion of yours truly that the Governor should learn a lesson from this incident. He should start dropping his poor attitude towards security and protocols. He should always listen to his security and protocol aides for his own good and that of his family for the remaining time he has in Douglas house. A word the say, is enough for the wise.

Barr. Emperor N. Iwualawrites from Owerri 08037247295, emperoriwuala@yahoo.com

culled from pointblanknews

Sorry Governor: It was not a stage managed show

2013-04-25T16:03:00.001+01:00

Imo must be better and all Imolites must continue to clap for Jesus as Sam Onwuemeodo always say. Jesus shed his blood for the rescue of mankind and all the Jews who never believed in his kingship were witnesses to his sufferings on the cross of Calvary yet they never felt sorry for our lord.

As an Imo man and as a patriot, I wish to call on all Imolites to commit our governor Owelle Rochas in prayers as he has started shedding his blood for the rescue of Ndi-Imo. Last Friday evening, Imolites were shocked to hear according to government sources that a judas with a Mercedes Benz tried to betray our governor who is Jesus of Imo and deliver him unto death in Orlu zone near a banana junction. Banana is known for its slippery nature and for that point to be chosen by the devil as the Golgotha for our governor, we say God forbid. That both the judas and the devil should decide not to follow due process to deliver our governor to death at a slippery location is not a testimony that the government indeed is a government averse to due process.

For who was in a bullet proof jeep, a sophisticated SUV with air-bags all over to have gotten a head injury is an indication that the devil and the judas never wished the governor a second chance. Well we thank God the commissioner for information, Mr Chinedu Offor did not waste time informing Ndi-Imo that the governor had an accident and was in a stable condition. In fact that was the fastest reaction to any issue in the state by government spokesperson since the inception of the rescue government in Imo.

On behalf of many Imolites who may not have the opportunity of seeing Governor Okorocha to say sorry for whatever may have happened, I say sorry our dear governor. I am saying this sorry from my heart because in our Igbo culture we are taught to sympathize with our brethren when they are in pains and also to rejoice with them when they are happy. When Owelle was declared winner in the 2011 guber-election, all celebrated with him but in his present predicament, many people seem very skeptical sympathizing with him. Many are of the view that the governor and his spokesperson may have stage managed the said incident or story concocted to draw sympathy to the government whose commissioner for Finance, Accountant General and some key members of the House of Assembly are being drilled by the EFCC on what they know about on the N458 or N1.5Billiom contract scandal.

Many still insist that Governor Okorocha is as slippery as the banana spot where the incident happened and that he could act the best James Bond to convince the already hypnotized Imolites that somebody may have planned to kill him. They are perming 3 from 3 that the governor will soon call the Keke operators to narrate to them what happened and may also tell them who may be behind the crime. My question is, who wants to kill our governor? In recent time, the government seems to have taken actions that seem to many, as irrational, and for an accident on the governor which was reported to have touched his head, thank God the scan done abroad according to government sources confirmed that his skull was ok because if it had otherwise, Imo would have been in for more trouble in the future, because the state would have been governed with a more unstable mind.

As you read this piece, many Imolites are still insisting that the whole accident story is a stage managed drama. The reason adduced is that Imo people are yet to be shown the video clip of the incident as the government in Imo has been famous for film shooting and that since the governor travels with press crew the people look forward to watching the video clip. Till this moment, there is no sign that there was an eye witness at the scene of the accident. Some have argued how possible it could be that a mere Mercedes Benz could see a governors convoy, by pass the dispatch riders, the press crew bus and other protocol vehicles to ram straight onto the governor’s Jeep? How did that driver know the particular vehicle carrying the governor when all the vehicles are with tinted glasses? How on earth did the convoy of the governor which dealt seriously with Sen. Chris Anyanwu’s convoy last Christmas for not clearing well off the road for the governor to pass, allow a mere Mercedes Benz 200 an old one for that matter to nearly snuff life off our governor? One thing that baffles many Imolites is how the governor’s Jeep will ram on a Mercedes Benz without inflicting heavy casualty on the occupants of the car? Again on the police angle, the only reaction is that they are to investigate the accident to ascertain what happened. The Imo Police Command has assured Ndi-Imo that as soon as investigations are completed, it will be made public. As Imolites await the report of their investigations, the question on the lips of the people is, who is the driver of that vehicle? Who hired him? Is he an agent of a rival political party or his political opponents? Is the PDP involved because in recent time all misfortune suffered by Okorocha’s government is quickly labeled on PDP as the cause even when the misfortune is as a result of the rescue government’s lack of due process, kleptomania in governance, reckless decision or any of such. The people are asking, where is the driver of the vehicle detained, in the police cell or in a hospital?

As I am writing this piece, I know governor is still in pains. Sir I say sorry. Last Friday, before the said accident, I was opportuned to see Gov. Rochas at Naze/Poly round-about when he alighted and in his usual showmanship, he took one or two pictures and his convoy moved not spending about 5minutes. It was a shock to me that after about 3hours, I heard he had an accident.

Yes many Imolites have come to know their Governor as a Nollywood star, a Maradona of a sort, an orator who could mesmerize his listeners at any time with my people, my people theory. I still recollect that on the same dark Friday, when His Excellency visited Naze, the onetime helper of the less privileged was not welcomed with the usual ovation of Owelle Ndi-Igbo.

How come the governor got visa to travel to London in a flash? How serious was the matter that no hospital in Nigeria could have been affordable and with the right facility to scan his skull? Is Gov. Okorocha afraid of his shadows that he felt unsafe in the hands of Nigerian doctors? How will Imolites have confidence in the new hospital he is building if their governor could jet to London with tax-payers money just to do a head scan? Is that not a waste of resources by a government which claims to be prudent, yet #458 million or #1.5 Billion of Imo people’s money is lost in one transaction traceable to his approval for payment before execution of the actual job?

The PDP has so far sent their sympathy massage, wishing him well and quick recovery.

That is what is expected from any responsible party. Members of CNPP and APC should follow same path. In all that is happening in Imo State, people seem to be getting tired as no one knows the direction of the state ship. Demolition is now the order of the day in a bid to restore Imo to its original master plan which can only be found in the custody of the government. Pensioners are owed many months arrears, Civil Servants in Imo are suffering in silence. Members of Imo House of Assembly are smiling to the bank while Imo is burning. I must tell every Imolite that the only thing that must be said at this period no matter what anybody thinks, Governor Okorocha’s convoy had an accident and only the vehicle the governor was inside had a head on collusion with an old yellow-coloured Mercedes 200, according to police sources and nothing happened to the occupant(s) of the Mercedes but the Governor had a minor injury on his head. Again, that the governor had gone to London for a head scan which doctors confirm there is no cause for alarm and that the governor has been discharged and advised to be coming for check-up as an out-patient, meaning he will be travelling from time to time now to London for a check-up. All these are very marvelous in the sight of man and to God, nothing is impossible. Even if it is true as one man argued vehemently at a newspaper stand that Governor Rochas was under tension to travel to quickly arrange some funds outside Imo for rescue purposes so the only way to loot or cart away money is to stage manage a story.

For me, whether he went out to starch away looted money or looted money wanted to cart away our governor, the most important thing is that there is always looting of public treasury by government official but ‘one day, monkey go-go market and e no go return’. The wall of Jericho has it indeed fallen? Only time will tell. Meanwhile, I must tell Ndi-Imo that the only thing we must say is; Sorry Governor. It is not a stage managed accident. Source: imotrumpeta

Imo Assembly Passes Autonomous Community Bill

2013-04-25T09:57:00.000+01:00

IMO State House of Assembly on Tuesday in Owerri passed a bill on amended law on Imo State Autonomous Community Administration Law 2012.

The bill, which was sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Mrs. Adaku Ihuoma, was passed after painstaking deliberations by the 27 members of the Assembly presided by the Speaker, Chief Benjamin Uwajimogu.

The bill when assented to become law provides that the governor of Imo State is empowered to appoint members of the caretaker committee to manage the affairs of each of the autonomous communities in the 27 local councils of the state,
numbering about 600, known as Autonomous Community Governing Council. The law provides that the Assembly would confirm the governor’s appointment in this regard.

The committee members, according to the law, will manage the affairs of the communities in accordance with the provisions of the Autonomous Community Law.

Sponsor of the bill, Ihuoma, said the law was necessary to avoid vacuum likely to cause break down of law and order in the communities, urging the caretaker committee members to be appointed to partner with the state government on projects execution.

Elections scheduled last year December 15 by the state government for officials into the Community Government Council (CGC) was aborted due to court order.

A clean copy of the bill is to be sent to the governor to assent. Source: guardiannewsngr

Debby Sempaka shows her bikin wear

2013-04-19T14:41:00.000+01:00

Debby Sempaka, Ugandan model based in South Africa, shows her bikini wear in this photo. She does
modeling as a profession and she is available for fashion, fetish, lingerie, and promotions and editorial/magazine. Below is her profile;

Name: Debby Sempaka
Date of Birth(dmy): 10/10/1987
Country: South Africa
Marital Status: In a Relationship
Height-Feet 5
Height-Inches 6
Weight Kgs 50
Bust 34B
Waist 27
Hips 28
Hair Colour: Black
Eyes colour: Black
Skin Tone: Black African
Dress Size 3
Shoe Size 6

Debby has a piercing around her navel area

Live Debby and want to know more about her? Visit Debby ugandaonline

UGANDA'S FEMALE SINGER ALLOW FANS TO TOUCH HER PRIVATES ON STAGE

2013-04-19T13:37:00.000+01:00

This is a picture of a Ugandan Singer Iryn Namubiru, performing on stage, and later at a point in time, she bent down close to the fans and hurriedly the fans started deeping their hands into her sewer, and to my greatest shock she didn’t even bother to escape and later said she had a fun performance, can you
imagine?:talkofnaija

Irene or Iryn Namubiru as fondly called started her professional music career approximately twelve years back. Together with Juliana Kanyomozi, they formed I-Jay group. After discovering that the group was not yielding the much needed success, Iryn and Juliana dissolved the crew and went for solo careers. The decision of disbanding I-Jay eventually paid off as Iryn became a popular name in Uganda's music industry. Up to date, Iryn Namubiru is still solo and doing extremely well. She has several music awards for her great songs. Iryn Namubiru has worked with several big names in Uganda's music industry. These include Sweet Kid, Bebe Cool and Doctor Jose Chameleone.

2010 Review; was a period Iryn Namubiru Reigns Unchallenged, as she was one of the many 2010 success stories in Uganda's music industry. After having a bad 2009, Iryn Namubiru went and read her notes again. Her failure in 2009 was a result of a few mistakes that she corrected in 2010. hipipo

Plot to Impeach Okorocha Thickens as EFCC Quizzes Imo Govt Officials

2013-04-19T12:42:00.000+01:00

The plot to impeach the Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha gathered momentum yesterday when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) rearrested the Accountant General of the state, George Ezenna Eche and the Commissioner for Finance, Chike Okafor.

In furtherance of the goal to remove Okorocha from office, the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Turkur met with some select members of the Imo State House of Assembly on issues bordering on the political disharmony in the state.
The two officials were arrested relating to petitions sent to the
commission alleging that a construction company JPROS International Limited was paid over N1 billion for a construction contract.

The company was alleged to have been paid the full cost of the contract even though work had not commenced on the project.
The contract led to the impeachment of the former deputy governor in the state, Jude Agbaso.
This is the second time the anti-corruption agency has carried out the detention of the two officials over allegations of fraud and abuse of office. The duo were arrested in January and granted bail but were never charged with a crime.

At press time, the duo was still being detained by the EFCC. The commission plans to make further arrests in the state.
Confirming their arrest and interrogation, spokesman of the commission, Wilson Uwujaren said their detention was part of the ongoing investigation of the N458 million scandal that led to the impeachment of the former deputy governor.
Also Tuesday, EFCC quizzed Hon. Simon Iwunze, Chairman of the Imo State House of Assembly Ad-hoc Committee that investigated Agbaso. He was quizzed and released on administrative bail.
Meanwhile, it was gathered that Tukur met with select members of the state assembly on March 5 at the PDP campaign office in Maitama, Abuja.

A source from the Imo State Government who spoke to newsmen said the continued arrest and interrogation of senior officials of the Imo State cabinet and members of the state assembly were orchestrated attempts to incriminate the governor, and thus prepare grounds for his impeachment.
“What that is happening is not new to us. It is part of the tactics to incriminate the governor and prepare grounds for his impeachment. We know those behind it.
“This has intensified following the comment by the Speaker of Imo state House of Assembly, Benjamin Uwajumogu, that some politicians offered N3 billion to him to facilitate the impeachment of the governor, which he rejected.”
Confirming the threats of impeachment, the deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere told newsmen in Abuja that what was happening was purely politics.

He said: “The Rescue mission led by Governor Rochas Okorocha is clean and we are not afraid of any politically motivated investigation. This is just politics trying to discredit the administration of the Imo State government.”
The deputy governor said the Okorocha administration had done what no other state government in the state had done in the last 14 years or anywhere in Nigeria.

However, the leadership of the PDP in the south-east zone yesterday dismissed as “infantile, irresponsible and disingenuous” media reports alleging that the party bribed the speaker of the Imo assembly with N3 billion to impeach the governor.
The party’s National Vice-Chairman (South-east), Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd), in a statement by his Special Adviser, Hon. Osita Igbe, denied the allegation which he said feeds into an emerging picture of politics in the state since April 2011, stating that "it is based on dishonourable propaganda and flagrant disregard for the truth.”

The statement said: “The attention of PDP in the south-east zone has been drawn to a report entitled, ‘PDP offered me N3bn to impeach Okorocha – Uwajumogu’, and which was syndicated through some national dailies of Wednesday, April 16, 2013, and on the social media.
"In it, the speaker of the state assembly, Uwajumogu, alleged that the national vice-chairman of the party of the zone, Akobundu, alongside other persons, offered him N3 billion to facilitate the impeachment of Okorocha.

“The allegation in its entirety is infantile, irresponsible and disingenuous. It feeds into an emerging picture of politics in the state since April 2011, which is based on dishonourable propaganda and flagrant disregard for the truth.
"Assuming that such a plot even existed, there is no chance that Akobundu, a former military officer who knows the value of loyalty, would entrust it to a political turncoat like Uwajumogu. It is another cock and bull tale from a discredited government of confidence tricksters who are clutching at straws for survival.” Culled from .thisdaylive

PDP chieftains offered me N3bn to impeach Okorocha –Speaker

2013-04-17T13:10:00.002+01:00

Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu, yesterday made a startling revelation of how the elder brother of the impeached Imo State deputy governor, Chief Martin Agbaso and some chieftains of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, offered him a whopping N3 billion to impeach the state governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

According to nationalmirroronline, speaking during an interview with selected journalists in Owerri, the Imo State capital, Uwajumogu alleged that Chief Agbaso, a business mogul, Sir Emeka Offor, the PDP National Vice-Chairman, South East, Col. Augustine Akobundu and other high ranking PDP members promised to give him the money if he would facilitate the impeachment of Okorocha to pave way for his deputy, Jude Agbaso, to become the governor.

His words: “Sometime in August, 2012, Chief Martin Agbaso, elder brother to the former deputy governor, invited me for a meeting to help stop the PDP hierarchy from removing me from office.

“I attended the meeting in Anambra State in the house of a high level member of the party, Sir Emeka Offor, we had other high ranking PDP members, including the current South-East National Vice-Chairman of PDP, Col. Augstine Akobundu.

“I was shocked at the meeting. I was told that the Presidency has directed that impeachment proceedings be commenced against Governor Okorocha to remove him from office, so that the then deputy, Sir Jude Agbaso, can take over.

“The sum of N3billion was offered to me and of course adequate protection. I now asked them to give me the evidence that was required to impeach the governor and up till today they have not given me any required evidence.”

The Speaker further stated that; “While Chief Agbaso was trying to sponsor the impeachment move against Okorocha, the governor got wind of it and confronted him (Agbaso) and myself. I owned up having heard their discussion and there was no evidence but I didn’t think it was anything to worry about.”

Uwajumogu also debunked claims that the impeachment of the deputy governor was predetermined, stressing that, “I am actually surprised by some of the information being released by the Agbasos. If there was any predetermined impeachment action, it was to be against the governor, which was to be sponsored by Martins Agbaso and the PDP in line with the directive of the Presidency.” When contacted, Akobundu, said he was not aware of the Speaker’s allegation.

“I am not aware of what he (Speaker) was talking about. I am a member of the opposition in the state and can’t be talking about impeachment; the PDP is concerned with restoring good governance in the state.”

Also speaking, the state Public Relations Officer, PRO, of the party, Chief Blyden Amajirionwu, described the Speaker’s claim as unfounded and total falsehood.

He continued: “The PDP is not interested in the impeachment of Okorocha because if he is impeached the PDP will not takeover, however, we are only working so that we can win the next election and restore good governance in the state.

“The PDP will remove Okorocha during the next general election; we are not talking about impeachment.” In his reaction, Chief Agbaso simply said, “I am not sure the Speaker can say anything like that.” Culled from nationalmirroronline

NOLLYWOOD ACTOR SOLOMON AKIYESI'S WEDDING DISRUPTED BY EX-WIFE

2013-04-17T12:37:00.001+01:00

Solomon Akiyesi

The wedding scheduled to take place last Saturday, April 13 at the Overcomer’s Church, Aguda, Surulere, Lagos between Nollywood actor Solomon Akiyesi and one Miss Uloma Agwu now bares many names, shame, sham, disaster, tragic if you want to go too far and that’s because Solomon unknown to many is a married man and when his eight months old pregnant wife Lilian Akiyesi based in Port Harcourt got wind of the wedding taking place in Lagos, she stormed the venue and all hell was let loose.

This sounds like the synopsis of a movie but it is not; it happened in real life. According to reports, Solomon and Lilian Akiyesi have been married for seven years and are based in Port Harcourt. After years of childlessness, Lilian finally got pregnant last year…but unknown to her, her husband was already having an affair with a Lagos based lady, Uloma Agwu.

According to Vanguard report, Uloma got pregnant for Solomon and the two started planning this botched wedding. Fortunately for Lilian, she got wind of the wedding plans a few days to the D day.

Lilian along with family members and friends got to the church in time just before Solomon and Uloma were pronounced man and wife; she wrestled her way through security at the church entrance, invaded the church and went after her shocked husband. It was a war that ended only after police officers were contacted, they too stormed the church to bring sanity to a situation fast spiraling out of control.

However the man at the centre of it all, Solomon Akinyesi probably the most hated Nollywood actor in the country at the moment gauging reactions pouring all over social media and blogs has reacted via his facebook page

“Every man has a right to take away that which truncate his life. My marriage was one of the many things limiting and retrogressing me. If I find a better alternative I doubt why I won’t take it. So people should leave me alone pls.”

We do not know where Solomon is holing up at the moment as he may not be able to return to his Port Harcourt home but we know that his marriage to Lilian may be next to over.

Will Solomon be able to ever convince anyone why he did what he did? You can share your thoughts.
Spource: vanguardngr.

Church responds to Solomon Akiyesi's disrupted wedding

Overcomers World Outreach , the church where Nollywood actor, Solomon Akiyesi attempted to marry another while still legally married, has responded to the incident that happened yesterday. See their statement below, written by Chika Moses, who is a journalist and the daughter of Bishop N.E. Moses, the General Overseer of the Overcomers Church.

What was meant to be a day of celebration – the wedding ceremony of one of our members Uloma Agwu to Mr. Solomon Akiyesi at the Overcomers Church World Outreach in Aguda – was sullied by an ugly incident. Immediately following the praise and worship session and before the officiating commenced, a woman who claims to be the lawful wife of the groom disrupted the ceremony. She was accompanied by people who sought only to wreck havoc in the church. They were unruly and violent.Continue...

We regret the ugly series of events that followed this brash display. At the Overcomers Church, we do our due diligence to ensure a couple set to wed is right in the eyes of the law and in the eyes of God. To the best of our knowledge, Mr. Akiyesi, was unmarried. The Overcomers Church World Outreach regrets that the woman who disrupted the wedding chose such a time to do so. There is no ideal situation here, but it would have been right that she bring the case before church officials in a manner befitting a house of worship. This was not the case.

The groom, Mr. Akiyesi, has apologized to the Church, his bride-to-be, Ms. Agwu, and family and friends that gathered for the wedding. “This happened because I tried to cut corners,” he said. He admits he did not properly dissolve his previous marriage to his first wife and says he is determined to do what is necessary to rectify the awful situation. We apologize for the ugly scene this caused at our Church and apologize to those who witnessed it. It is not exemplary behavior and not who we are as a Church.

The General Overseer of the Overcomers Church World Outreach, Bishop N.E. Moses, addressed the congregation after order was restored.

Bishop Moses prayed for the couple, Mr. Akiyesi and Ms. Agwu, but he did not legally wed them – no documents were signed so as not to disobey the law. Mr. Solomon Akiyesi and Ms Uloma Agwu will not be legally joined together until the matter is properly settled by lawful authorities.

Our Bishop has urged us to take a lesson from this and be careful of the decisions we make in life, so the consequences don’t hurt us in the future. It is a lesson we take well.
We stand by Ms. Agwu. She has been a dedicated member of the church and we will continue to support her and Mr. Akiyesi. It is our hope and prayer that in all of this, God is glorified and His house of worship above reproach.

Chika Moses
Media Representative,
Overcomers Church World Outreach

Source: alekunleabiodun.blogspot

NUC shuts down 50 fake Universities…Says Parents beware

2013-04-17T10:51:00.000+01:00

THE number of fake universities operating in the country has risen from 44 to 51, National Universities Commission (NUC) has alerted.

According to the weekly news bulletin of NUC, eight of the universities had been taken to court, while some are currently undergoing investigations.

The eight illegal universities, either in court or currently being investigated, according to the Executive Secretary Julius Okojie, are National University of Nigeria, Keffi, Nasarawa State; North Central University, Oturkpo, Benue State and Christ Alive Christian Seminary and University, Enugu State.

Others are Richmond Open University, Arochukwu, Abia State; West Coast University, Umuahia, Abia State; St. Clements University, Iyin Ekiti, Ekiti State; Volta University College, Aba, Abia State as well as illegal satellite campuses of Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma, Edo State.

The list of the remaining illegal universities include, Christian of Charity American University, Science and Technology, Okpor Anambra State, University of Industry, Yaba, University of Applied Science and Management; Blacksmith University Awka, Volta University College, Royal University, Abakaliki, Atlanta University, Kogi, and Sunday Adokpela University, Oturkpo.

Others are United Christian University, Imo State, United Nigerian University College, Anambra, Samuel Ahmadu University, Benue, St Augustine University of Technology, Jos International, University, Kano and Lagos Columbus, Tiu International University, Pebbles University, London External Studies, Pilgrims University, Lobi Business School,Benue, West African Christian University, and Bolta University College, Aba.

Other fake university according to NUC include JBC Seminary Inc, Kaduna, Westland University, Kwara, EC Council University, Ikeja, Atlas University Akwa Ibom, Coocept College/University, Ilorin, Halifat Gateway University, Ikeja, Kingdom of Christ University, Abuja, Acada University, Oyo State, Fifom University Imo State, Houdegbe North American University, Atlantic International University, Okija, and Open International University, Akure.

Also identified among the illegal universities are Middle Belt University, Oturkpo, Leeway University, Ugheli, Metro University Bwari, Abuja, Southend University River State, Olympic University, Nsukka, Federal College of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Abuja, Temple University, Abuja, Irish University, Busi- ness School, London, Nigeria and National University Technology, Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Okojie, told The Moment that the universities were closed down for lack of minimum Academic Standards and the violation of Universities Act CAP E3, Law of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The NUC said the reason for going to court was to ensure the prosecution of the proprietors of these universities, adding that the public had been warned against patronising the institutions.

Okojie warned that no certificate received from any of these institutions would be recognised for either employment or otherwise.
‘We do not call them degree awarding institutions, we call them degree mills and we have been warning the public against patronising them because whoever does that does it at his or her own risk’, he said.

Okojie disclosed that the list was not exhaustive, adding that the proprietors of these illegal universities, had continued to operate underground, deceiving the ignorant citizens and collecting their hard earned money.

Culled from : thenewsnest

Give up luxury cars, Archbishop Tutu tells South Africa government ministers

2013-04-12T09:44:00.000+01:00

Desmond Tutu

“The world really thought that we were the cat's whiskers,” Tutu, who is seen as South Africa's moral compass, said referring to the period after the advent of democracy in 1994.

“We can't pretend that we have remained at the same height,” he added with “a plea that we for goodness sake recover the spirit that made us great”.

While some Nigeria's clergy men, Governors, and other political appointees are busy spending billions
acquiring private Jets, luxury cars, and houses, when million of people in the country are poor, and many dies of hunger, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, has called on government ministers to give up their luxury vehicles to prove they are serious about narrowing the gap between rich and poor.

According to euronews, the 81-year-old said those in government should renounce their “opulent, ostentatious cars” to symbolise sharing the nation’s wealth. “People go to bed hungry in this land,“ he added.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark his winning the Templeton Prize for promoting forgiveness and justice, he said the country had “the horrendous distinction of being the world’s most unequal society”.

Tutu is due to be awarded the prize in London next month.euronews

http://www.iol.co.za/news/politics/tutu-calls-on-sa-to-recover-its-greatness-1.1499052#.UWfCrqKsg6Y

Uwajumogu Declares War on Okorocha For Dumping Him As D Governor Candidate

2013-04-09T10:10:00.000+01:00

Flexzyfriends. The Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Benjamin Uwajumogu is said to be very angry with the Governor of the State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha.

Reason: The number one Lawmaker is said to have felt “used and dumped” by Okorocha who was alleged to have promised to appoint him the Deputy Governor, the moment his former Deputy, Sir Jude Agbaso was impeached from Office. However, Uwajumogu was shocked, pained and sad that after the exercise, he was dumped, and another person appointed.

According to impeccable sources to imotrumpeta, immediately the plot to remove Jude Agbaso was hatched, the first person to be contacted by the powers that be about the conspiracy was the Speaker, Hon Uwajumogu, who asked what would be his reward, and was assured the Deputy Governorship position.

It was learnt that, Uwajumogu who was and is still facing the risk of losing his seat through cross-carpeting accusation, was implored to finish the assignment, and he would be Deputy Governor, and be free of the issue of his decamping to APGA from PDP.

Following this promise, Uwajumogu was said to have given the impeachment project of Jude Agbaso everything, including lobbying his colleagues to expedite action on the plot.

Uwajumogu got more elated when his name was continuously bandied about by the press as a possible candidate to replace Agbaso. This development spurred on the Ihitte Uboma born Politician, who started seeing himself as a prospective Deputy Governor.

Therefore, with the speed of light, the matter when it got to the Assembly went so fast, from the Simeon Iwunze Committee, to the indictment of Agbaso, without even penalizing the contractor who agreed openly of giving out a bribe running into millions of naira.

Eventually, Jude Agbaso was impeached, and Uwajumogu was very excited that minutes shortly after Agbaso’s removal, the Governor presented an envelop to the Assembly containing the name of Agbaso’s successor.

However, believing that the name in the envelop was his, Uwajumogu immediately convened a meeting in his office, where he told members that they must finish the exercise in order not to create a vacuum, which may give room for chaos in the state.

But Uwajumogu nearly fainted when he opened the letter in the presence of the members only to discover the name of Prince Eze Madumere, and was confused, but the members who were already “settled” for the whole exercise went on to clear the name of Madumere pronto.

Since then, Uwajumogu has not recovered from the shock, and been scarce in circulation, even as sources said he is “warming up” to have his own pound of flesh from Okorocha whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Unfortunately for the ambitious Uwajumogu, our source learnt that Okorocha is no more comfortable with Uwajumogu, as he senses that the Speaker may “retaliate”, and therefore has penciled Uwajumogu as the next target to kiss the dust, after deposing Jude Agbaso.

Imo Trumpeta reliably learnt that very soon, Uwajumogu will face the greatest challenge in his political career, as the Speaker of the State Assembly as the grand plot to remove him will commence soon.

“The fund, available allegations and mechanisms to remove Uwajumogu are already in place. He will not last June this month” our reliable source said. Source: imotrumpeta.

Uwajumogu is not our member- APGA

2013-04-09T09:47:00.003+01:00

The Imo State Chapter of the ALL Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has disclaimed the purported membership of the State House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Benjamin reported in some sections of the media.

In a public disclaimer signed by the state chairman, Prince Marshal Okoroanyanwu, the party stated categorically that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu is not a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance.

The statement reads in part, “The attention of the Imo State Chapter of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), has been drawn to several print media publications presenting the Rt. Hon. Chief Benjamin Uwajumogu, the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, as a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Imo State. For the purposes of clarity, the leadership of the APGA in Imo State, under the able leadership of Hon. Prince Marshal Okaforanyanwu, as the State Chairman, without fear or favour wish to state as follows” stating further the party cited relevant sections of the party constitution to drive home the resentment over reports of the speaker's defection to APGA. It stated,

“Following the Constitutional Provision of our great Party, the APGA in page 5, Article 7,1 (b),(d),(e); Article 7. 2 Sub Sect, (b), (d); Article 7.3 Sub Sect, (a) page 6; Article 7,4 Sub Sect. A page 6. These Articles provide for the Right of Membership and as such, Rt.Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu does not possess.

That, following the report of the seven 7- man Investigation Panel set up in APGA Ihitte/Uboma LGA, as directed by the State Secretariat to investigate the said mediareports; and whose findings hitherto, revealed that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu's alleged decampment and as result, a member of our great party, could not be traced and therefore, false.

It is therefore, incumbent on us, as a party to state categorically, that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu is not a member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)”, the party concluded. nigeriahornnewspapers

Breaking News: APGA gets new National Chairman (How Maxi Okwu floored challenger)

2013-04-09T09:24:00.001+01:00

In what amounts to a vote of confidence, Chief Maxi Okwu, a radical lawyer and politician, has been elected substantive National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) after successfully leading the party in an interim basis for two months.

According to newsexpress report, Okwu, who was appointed Acting National Chairman following the sacking of erstwhile National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, by an Enugu High Court on February 8, floored his challenger, Chief Joe-Martins Uzodike, a lawyer
and the Anambra State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism.

Okwu won by a landslide in the election just concluded in Awka, the Anambra State capital, winning 790 votes as against 90 by Chief Uzodike.

The convention holding at the Women and Children Development Centre, is graced by delegates from various parts of the country. It started arriving around 10 O’clock last night while the convention started around one this morning following the conclusion of the accreditation of delegates.

It is being attended by delegates from various parts of Nigeria, among them Okwu, host Governor Peter Obi, serving state and national legislators as well as former Minister of Information and Communications, Prof. Dora Akunyili, among others.

Imo State Gvernor Rochas Okorocha, whose faction has joined the emergent mega party, All Progressives Congress (APC), and APGA’s estranged immediate past National Chairman Victor Umeh are, however, nowhere near the convention venue.
Source newsexpressngr

Breaking News Margaret Thatcher is dead

2013-04-08T15:02:00.003+01:00

Former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher.

She didn't put off the tough decisions. She spoke her convictions. And, together with Ronald Reagan, she changed the world.

Margaret Thatcher, who served three consecutive terms as Great Britain's prime minister, died Monday at the age of 87 after suffering a stroke. She was remembered in America, and in Britain, as a bulwark not only against Communism in the 1980s but against the growth of the state -- an ideology that will long outlive her on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

"She was really a fearless leader who always followed core conservative principles," said Nile Gardiner, director of the Margaret Thatcher Center for Freedom at the Heritage Foundation in Washington.

Thatcher is remembered for her controversial, but successful, efforts to rein in government spending, privatize state entities and take on the unions. The success of her policies in Britain was arguably a force multiplier for the strength of conservatism in the United States under Reagan.

"The foundations of the Reagan revolution were actually laid by the Thatcher revolution in Britain," Gardiner said Monday.

Her speeches and her convictions can be heard echoing today, in the modern conservative arguments on tax policy, on regulation and other areas in Washington. The idea that a rising tide lifts all boats -- to conservatives, the notion that encouraging wealth creation helps the economy as a whole -- was perhaps best articulated in her last House of Commons speech in 1990.

Challenged by a member who pointed out that the gap between rich and poor grew under her stewardship, she retorted: "All levels of income are better off than they were. ... What a policy, (the member of Parliament) would rather have the poor poorer, provided the rich were less rich. That is a liberal policy."

Former President George W. Bush, in a statement, called Thatcher an "inspirational leader who stood on principle and guided her nation with confidence and clarity."

U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev., said the people of the U.S. and Great Britain and all "believers in small-government principles" lost an "icon" Monday.

"With her strength of character and unfaltering conviction, she forged a new path forward along with another hero of the conservative approach to government, former President Ronald Reagan," he said.

Reagan biographer Craig Shirley said in a statement that "without Margaret Thatcher, all of us would be living in a far different and far worse world."

Thatcher made history as the first female prime minister and the longest-serving in almost two centuries.

But those accomplishments were overshadowed by her record in office. She took on the unions and won. She sold off state-owned monopolies and tackled inflation despite the dire economic consequences it caused in the short run.

"We are rolling back the frontiers of socialism and returning power to the people," she once said.

Together with Reagan, she confronted Communism, reaching out to former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Her alliance with Reagan was considered critical in defeating Communism, but also in strengthening the bond between Great Britain and America.

"Prime Minister Thatcher is a great example of strength and character, and a great ally who strengthened the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States," George W. Bush said. Story culled from foxnews

Everyone is talking about Rihanna

2013-04-02T17:58:00.004+01:00

A closer look at the pop star's antics in advance of her Vancouver show

Everyone has something to say about Rihanna. And they aren’t shy about sharing it. Two “jokes” making the rounds on Twitter are indicative of the level of public discourse: “Wonder if Rihanna flinches when Chris Brown claps?” and “Rihanna’s bus was stopped at the border and agents found pot. They saw her bloodshot eyes, thought she was just travelling with Chris Brown.”

Harmless laughs, right? Just quick blasts of 140 characters or less to pass a few minutes of the day. Except, of course, if you are a battered woman, or the loved one of someone who’s being abused, or you know, Rihanna, who — despite her inhabiting the stratosphere of the pop-music world — is an actual human being.

The way we — and the Grammy-winning pop star herself, who is now back with Brown — talk about “The Incident” has very real consequences for the people living in abusive relationships.

While the public nature of Rihanna’s assault by Brown was a rarity (a leaked photo of her battered and bruised face lit up computer screens around the world), the act itself is frighteningly common. One in two women in Canada will experience physical or sexual violence in their life, according to Statistics Canada.

Although the assault took place in 2009, the topic remains at the forefront of the pop-culture consciousness. On last week’s Glee, there was a debate over why Chris Brown songs were forbidden by a character, but she didn’t mind Bobby Brown tunes. A recent Law & Order: SVU episode mirrored the Rihanna/Brown saga.

So when the public discussion around the 25-year-old singer and her on-again boyfriend takes a turn for the worse (which it inevitably does), it has some very real consequences.

“Are we having a conversation that encourages someone to come forward? Let’s say I’m talking with a friend, and I say, ‘Oh, that Rihanna. What was she thinking going back to Chris Brown?’ Meanwhile, this friend hasn’t disclosed to anyone that she is dealing with an abusive relationship,” says Lissa Samantaraya-Shivji at the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter.

“That signals right there, ‘I should really keep this to myself because it’s clearly not safe to share. If she says this about a perfect stranger, what is she going to say about me?’ ”

That initial reaction is the largest determinant as to whether or not somebody goes on to get help, says Lisa Falkowsky, executive director of the CWES. If that person hears, “He’s such a nice guy, I can’t believe it,” that pretty much shuts the door. “Tell me what’s going on. How can I help?” opens the way for a conversation that includes how the person can access resources.

“The key is that people have information so they can make the choice that is best for them,” Falkowsky stresses. “At the end of the day, we can’t look into somebody’s head and heart and know what’s going on. And you have to trust that if they believe they can get the support they need, they are making the best choice for themselves.”

Sometimes, that means staying in or returning to an abusive situation. It’s hard to understand why Rihanna, in particular, would choose to go back to Brown. She has the power and the resources to never again breathe the same air as him. (Of the women’s shelter clients who return to an abusive partner, one-third say they do so because there is no place else for them to live.)

In an article in January’s Rolling Stone, Rihanna said, “I decided it was more important for me to be happy. I wasn’t going to let anyone’s opinion get in the way of that. Even if it’s a mistake, it’s my mistake.” And she told Elle magazine in Britain that “I have my own reasons, very, very private reasons. Very personal ... (but the) bottom line is I know him.”

Brown is persona non grata at my house. A few months back, one of his songs came on the car radio, and my elementary-school-aged children piped up, “Chris Brown! We like this song.” I promptly flipped the channel. “We don’t listen to Chris Brown songs.”

A convoluted conversation followed, in which they learned what he had done, and to whom. Then they wanted to know why Rihanna, whose Diamonds song they love, would be Brown’s girlfriend again, after he did that to her.

“Good question,” I dodged, and talked about people making mistakes (his? hers? both?), forgiveness and the possibility of change. (Although his misogynistic Twitter war with Jenny Johnson last year makes me doubt that he’s gotten a handle on his rage.)

Just this week, Brown said on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show that he’s worked for his girlfriend’s forgiveness. “I just tried my best to be the best man I could be over the years and just show her how remorseful and sorry I was for the incident and that time was probably the worst part of my life.”

No doubt, you have an opinion about that. But before adding your voice, consider what is being said.

“When you are part of that conversation, when you’re Tweeting about this, you have to recognize that people who are experiencing that abuse, literally their lives are in danger. Their children’s lives are in danger. There is a responsibility around that,” Falkowsky says.

Rihanna is the most famous battered woman in the world. She’s said she doesn’t want that to define her and it shouldn’t. But as someone who has also said she doesn’t want to be above her fans, Rihanna owes it to those who don’t have her resources to speak up on the issue of domestic violence, to let them know they aren’t alone, that there is help and hope. Source: calgaryherald

Madumere sworn in as Imo State Deputy Governor

2013-03-30T23:17:00.002+01:00

Prince Eze Madumere MFR, the immediate past Chief of Staff to Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha OON was around 10:45 am today, March 30, 2013, sworn in as the 6th Deputy Governor of Imo State by the Chief Justice of Imo State, Justice Benjamin Njemanze.

In his speech after oath of office, the Imo new Deputy Governor reading in parts; “Circumstances have made me today a Deputy Governor of Imo State.

To God be the glory. I was comfortable with my job as Chief of Staff to the Governor, which kept me in close contact and relationship with His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, OON, who for long has been my remained my mentor and leader. …Here I am standing before you, taking an oath as the Deputy Governor of Imo State.”

Imo Deputy Governor further assured that his task as the Deputy Governor of Imo State will be easy because he is an apostle of Rescue Mission Government. He promised to remain focused and committed to the doctrines of Rescue Mission Government led by Owelle Rochas Okorocha while abiding to the Rochanomics leadership principle.

He said he will remain a humble servant as he knows the dangers of power and its transitory nature. He called for partnership of cabinet members and other appointees whom he described as colleagues. Prince Madumere further sought the cooperation of other arms of the government requesting their partnership to move Imo State forward.

He however wished his immediate predecessor, Sir Jude Agbaso well despite the unpleasant circumstances that saw him out of office.

The event which was greeted by a sea of people despite its short notice, which includes the Speaker of Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ben Uwajumogu, members of the expanded Exco with Traditional Rulers and other associates, friends and well wishers was colourful.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha OON in his remark said the new Deputy Governor Prince Eze Madumere MFR emerged for his belief in selfless service and sacrifices for which Rescue Mission Government is known. He encourages the newly sworn-in Deputy Governor to remain resolute in the path of honour. He reminded him that he will succeed when he thinks less of self.

He however reiterated his confidence in prince Madumere as he is an apostle of Rescue Mission Agenda while maintaining that his administration is human oriented and reaching out to the down-trodden and less privileged ones. He wished the erstwhile Deputy Governor well in his future endearvour. Source: pointblanknews

Agbaso contests impeachment at Appeal Court

2013-03-30T14:05:00.000+01:00

Sir Jude Agbaso

Sir Jude Agbaso, who was removed as deputy governor of Imo State through impeachment by the state House of Assembly on Thursday, has vowed to explore all legal avenues to contest what he described as, ‘unlawful’ and induced impeachment by the state House of Assembly. Agbaso, noted that Governor Rochas Okorocha had set out from the beginning to ensure that he was removed from the office of the deputy governor, adding that nothing could have made the House, which he said was induced by the Executive to exonerate him, even though his innocence was established.

Speaking on behalf of the impeached deputy governor, who was said to have gone into hiding to evade possible arrest, his media consultant, Barrister Emperor Iwuala, said that Agbaso had already filed notice of appeal to challenge the controversial ruling of an Owerri High Court, which dismissed one of the suits filed to stop his impeachment. The suit, which was dismissed for lack of jurisdiction, sought to enforce the fundamental rights of the deputy governor and to restrain the House from continuing with the impeachment proceedings. Meanwhile, the Special Adviser on Media to Governor Rochas Okorocha, Mr. Ebere Uzoukwa, said that further investigations and possible prosecution of the former deputy governor are now the responsibilities of the relevant anti graft agencies. According to him, “the government has done its job.

We cannot do the job of the security and anti graft agencies. They know what to do since case of misappropriation of funds has been established against the impeached deputy governor”. But, the chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and elder brother to the impeached deputy governor, Chief Martins Agbaso, said yesterday, that his brother can never go in into hiding as rumoured, but that it is the officials of the state government and those in whose accounts the controversial N458M were traced to should be the ones to go into hiding. Chief Agbaso pointed out that his younger brother was actually the one that invited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) into the matter and so cannot be the one that should be hiding. He maintained that the judgment and impeachment would be contested in the law courts as they have filed notice of appeal against the High court ruling. Source:sunnewsonline.com

BREAKING NEWS FINALLY : JUDE AGBASO IMPEACHED AS IMO DEPUTY GOVERNOR

2013-03-28T19:13:00.002+01:00

FINALLY : JUDE AGBASO IMPEACHED AS IMO

DEPUTY GOVERNOR- PRINCE EZE MADUMERE’S
NAME SENT TO HOUSE FOR CLEARANCE AS
REPLACEMENT

It was a dramatic twist in Imo State as the Panel setup by the Imo Chief Judge to investigate allegations of misconduct against the Imo Deputy Governor submitted its report today 28th March 2013. The report
followed the failure of the Deputy Governor to appear before it to answer to the charges against him.
Consequently the Panel submitted its report indicting the Deputy Governor and upon which the House sat and formally ratified the report and impeached the Deputy Governor. Twenty-five out of the 26 members of the Imo State House of Assembly approved the impeachment.

The drama however was that the Speaker IMHA Hon. Ben Uwajimogu announced to the House that the Governor has forwarded the name of his Chief of Staff, Prince Eze Madumere as replacement. More details later.

Imo Security Network Brutalizes Teenager in Orlu .Loses Eyeball after Surgery

2013-03-27T18:02:00.000+01:00

When on assumption of office, Governor Rochas Okorocha instituted the Imo Security Network to help secure the life of Imolites, little did we know they will be a harm to the people.

According to a petition to the Police Area Commander, Orlu Area Command and made available to Imo Trumpeta, one Master Paul Duru (Jnr) Ikenna an ex-student of Okwudor Secondary Tech. School, also an indigene of Umuduruogba Okwudor in Njaba LGA, has petitioned the Area
Commander Nigeria Police Force, Orlu Area Command of assault and brutalization by the Imo Rescue Mission Vigilante Group Njaba on Monday, March 18, 2013.

Speaking to Imo trumpeta reporter on the matter, the father of the victim, Barr Paul Duru, stated that his son, Duru Junior was a witness in a matter tabled for investigation before the Rescue Mission Vigilante Group, Njaba.

He continued by saying that Duru Jr. was invited by one of the complainants so as to explain to the security outfit what he knew about the matter so as to expedite investigation. But surprisingly one James Osuji (aka Man Alone) of the outfit allegedly splashed sachet water on the young witness and kicked him on the legs.

As that was not enough, another member of the security outfit, one Justice Ahamefule (aka Jojo) also reportedly hit Duru Jr. on the eye which resulted in a very serious uncontrollable gushing of blood from the young lads (right eye).

Some days later, at the Imo State University Teaching Hospital, (IMSUTH), Orlu, the parents of Duru Jr. were informed that the eyeball (globe) of their son who recently entered for JAMB exams was ruptured.

They were subsequently referred to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Owerri, were a surgery was conducted and the ruptured eyeball extracted.

Barr Duru who was fuming with anger however described the brutal act on his lovely son as cruel, inhuman and a violation of the young boys fundamental right of dignity of the human person and therefore shall apply for redress in court on behalf of his son.

When the imo trumpeta reporter called on the coordinator of the Security Group, Mr Chidi Nwamadu Sango on his phone numbers 08037644000, he promised to get his subordinates (James Osuji and Justice Ahamefula) to come to our office to state their own side of the incident. But up until the time this paper went to the press none of them was seen or heard from. Source: imo trumpeta