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Tag: Hope Uzodimma

  • Gov Uzodimma increases minimum wage for Imo workers

    Gov Uzodimma increases minimum wage for Imo workers

    Imo State governor Hope Uzodimma has approved a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for civil servants in the state.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the governor made the announcement during a meeting with labour union leaders on Tuesday night at the Government House, Owerri where he disclosed that wage adjustment raises the minimum salary for workers from ₦76,000 to ₦104,000.

    Other categories of workers also received upward reviews:

    • Doctors’ minimum pay rose from ₦215,000 to ₦503,000.
    • Teachers in tertiary institutions had their salaries increased from ₦119,000 to ₦222,000.

    Uzodimma said the decision was informed by the need to ease the economic hardship confronting workers.

    “When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows. This is our way of investing in Imo people,” he said.

    The governor stressed some of  the challenges faced since his administration assumed office in 2020, ranging from insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, subsidy removal, and disputes over wages.

    “We tried as a government to always put it behind our mind that there is no way any government will do well if it doesn’t have a friendly and cordial relationship with the organised labour,” Uzodimma stated.

    He added that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had increased from ₦400 million to over ₦3 billion per month, while allocations from the Federation Account grew from ₦5-₦7 billion in 2020 to about ₦14 billion.

    Uzodimma also disclosed that the state debt profile had reduced from ₦280 billion in 2020 to less than ₦100 billion.

    The governor acknowledged the hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal but insisted the policy had long-term benefits.

    “It is a thing of joy that we have started seeing the dividends of that bold decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove fuel subsidy. What government is confronted with now is how to ensure that the dividends of that policy trickle down to the common man on the street,” he said.

    Governor Uzodinma emphasized that ensuring transparency in resource allocation is crucial for sustaining reforms.

    He also announced that the state government will begin disbursing the final batch of gratuities owed to pensioners, totaling ₦16 billion, on August 27.

    Furthermore, he mentioned that his administration has introduced a health insurance scheme, improved health facilities, and has aligned with the Federal Government’s initiative to establish 1,000 businesses in every active INEC ward.

    The governor urged labour unions to foster unity with government and charged workers to avoid unethical practices and redundancy.

    The state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, described the wage increase as a major win for Imo workers.

    “Today, no worker in Imo will say you (Uzodimma) have not been fair to us. You rescued us from economic challenges and placed Imo among the highest-paying states in Nigeria,” he said.

  • Tinubu meets APC Govs as party shops for new National Chairman

    Tinubu meets APC Govs as party shops for new National Chairman

    Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has confirmed that consultations are ongoing to select a new National Chairman for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Uzodimma, who is the Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF), disclosed this to newsmen after a closed-door meeting of APC governors in Abuja on Wednesday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that this follows the resignation of Dr Abdullahi Ganduje as National Chairman of the APC.

    Ganduje, a former Governor of Kano State, resigned from his position on June 27, citing health concerns. He was elected as the sixth national chairman of the party on Aug. 3, 2023.

    Since Ganduje’s departure, Ali Dalori has been serving in an acting capacity as national chairman.

    Uzodimma explained that the process to appoint a substantive replacement would be guided by the APC Constitution and would ultimately be decided by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

    “It would be premature for anyone to speculate at this point. Consultations are still ongoing,” he said.

    He noted that the governors’ meeting was part of preparations for the upcoming NEC meeting of the APC.

    “This meeting was part of our regular consultations among governors and key stakeholders aimed at strengthening the party’s programmes and ensuring effective governance as the ruling party,” Uzodimma said.

    He added that the governors also planned to meet with the President ahead of the NEC session.

    “Tomorrow by 2 p.m., the NEC of our great party will convene to discuss matters crucial to the future of the APC and, more importantly, how best to serve Nigerians.”

    Uzodimma expressed satisfaction with the reforms initiated by the President, noting that the party is focused on ensuring that the benefits of those reforms reach ordinary Nigerians.

    “We are optimistic that these reforms will yield lasting prosperity for the country, especially at the grassroots level,” he said.

    ALSO READ || Tinubu meets APC governors ahead of NEC meeting

    Meanwhile, as the party shops for a new National Chairman, President Bola Tinubu met with the APC governors at the State House in Abuja on Wednesday.

  • Nigerian children have glorious future – Uzodimma

    Nigerian children have glorious future – Uzodimma

    Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo has reaffirmed the commitment of the state to ensure a brighter future for Imo children, saying the groundwork for protecting their future had already been established.

    Uzodimma stated this in a message he personally signed to commemorate the 2025 Children’s Day on Monday in Owerri.

    The governor assured the children that President Bola Tinubu and the state governors were committed to building a progressive future and lasting development filled with opportunities.

    Uzodimma said, “the groundwork being laid for today’s children would ensure that one day Nigerian children would inherit a prosperous and peaceful nation.”

    The governor urged the children never to lose hope or give in to despair, despite the tough economic times facing the world and the country in particular.

    He said that the economic reforms being carried out by the current administration would strengthen Nigeria’s growth, especially in building roads, schools, hospitals and other vital infrastructure.

    He said that in Imo, his administration had begun to revitalise the health and education sectors, which according to him are the two pillars that essentially help children grow, learn and thrive.

    Uzodimma, urged Nigerian children to believe in their country, stay in school and acquire useful skills to build a better future through hard work.

    He further, urged them to stay away from bad influences such as cultism, theft and other harmful behaviours capable of ruining their future.

    The governor encouraged the children to appreciate the sacrifices their parents make by showing them love, respect and obedience.

  • Uzodimma sacks Imo Attorney-General

    Uzodimma sacks Imo Attorney-General

    Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has sacked the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Cyprian Akaolisa.

    This was contained in a statement signed on Monday in Owerri by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation, and Strategy, Mr Declan Emelumba.

    The statement, made available to newsmen however, did not disclose reasons for the removal of Akaolisa.

    The erstwhile commissioner was directed to hand over all government property under his care to the state Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, immediately.

    Emelumba later told NAN that the sack was part of moves to rejig the cabinet.

    However, the commissioner denied the speculations that the removal was sequel to the controversies that followed the appointment of a Chief Judge for the state.

    “Honestly, I don’t want to speculate. All I know is that His Excellency (Hope Uzodimma) in his wisdom appoints his commissioners and removes them; when it is auspicious, he will give reasons.

    “But this is part of a minor cabinet reshuffling,” he said.

    Recall that the National Judicial Commission (NJC) in November 2024 directed the sack of Justice Theresa Chikeka over alleged age falsification.

    Justice Theophilus Nzeukwu, who was later appointed Acting Chief Judge of the State was equally removed on grounds that he was not the most senior judicial officer in the state high court.

  • Supreme Court affirms Uzodinma, Ododo as Governors

    Supreme Court affirms Uzodinma, Ododo as Governors

    The Supreme Court on Friday, affirmed the re-election of Hope Uzodimma of Imo in the Nov. 11, 2023 governorship election.

    A five-member panel of the apex court, in a lead judgment delivered by Justice Mohammed Idris, dismissed the appeal filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its governorship candidate in Imo election, Samuel Anyanwu, for lacking in merit.

    Justice Idris resolved all the issues raised for determination in the appeal against the appellants. Justice Idris equally dismissed the appeal by the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Athan Achonu, for being unmeritorious.

    The judge, who authored and read the lead judgment, resolved the three issues identified for determination against the appellants.

    He found that the appellants as petitioners at the election tribunal, failed to prove their case as required.

    He proceeded to affirm the judgment of the Court of Appeal, which upheld the decision of the Imo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which dismissed the appellants’ petition.

    The Court of Appeal, Abuja had, on July 16, dismissed the appeal filed by the PDP and  Anyanwu, challenging the decision of the Imo State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which affirmed the election of Hope Uzodinma as the authentic governor of the state.

    The three-member panel led by Justice Bitrus Sanga held that the appeal lacked merit having resolved all issues formulated against the appellants in the suit.

    In the same vein, the appellate court also dismissed the appeal by the Labour Party and its candidate, Achonu Nneji, and that of the Allied Peoples Movement for also lacking in merit.

    The appellants, who were dissatisfied with the election tribunal judgment, had approached the Court of Appeal on grounds that the Nov. 11, 2023 election, was invalid because of non-compliance with the provision of the Electoral Act.

    The appellants also challenged Uzodimma’s qualification with an allegation that his West African Examination Certificate (WAEC) result was forged.

    While delivering that judgment, the court of appeal held that the appellants in their appeal, failed to prove the allegation of non-compliance as alleged.

    The panel also held that the appellants failed to prove that the governor submitted a forged certificate.

    Supreme Court upholds Ododo’s election, dismisses Ajaka, Braimoh’s case

    Similarly, the Supreme Court on Friday, affirmed the victory of Usman Ododo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Nov. 11, 2023 governorship election held in Kogi.

    A five-member panel of the apex court, in a judgment, held that the appeal by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and  its candidate, Muritala Ajaka, marked: SC/CV/654/2024 was without merit and proceeded to dismiss it.

    The apex court also dismissed the appeal by the Action Alliance (AA) and its candidate in the Nov. 11, 2023 governorship election in Kogi, Olayinka Braimoh, seeking to void the victory of Gov. Ododo in the poll.

    A five-member panel of the apex court, in a judgment delivered by Justice Sadiq Umar, held that the appeal by the SDP and Ajaka, marked: SC/CV/654/2024 was without merit and proceeded to dismiss it.

    Justice Umar, who wrote and read the lead judgment, resolved all the three issues identified for determination in the appeal against the appellants.

    In the same vein, the panel, in a unanimous judgment in the case marked: SC/CV/653/2024 filed by AA and Braimoh, held that the appeal was incompetent, the notice of appeal having been filed outside the 14 days allowed by law for the filing of such notice.

    Justice Umar, who also read the lead judgment, held that since the preliminary objection filed against the competence of the appeal was meritorious, it was of no use for the panel to consider other issues raised in the appeal.

    The judge proceeded to dismiss the appeal and awarded a cost of N5 million against the appellants and in favour of the respondents.

    A three-member panel of the Appeal Court, in a unanimous judgement delivered by Justice Onyekachi Otisi on July 11, had upheld the decision of the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

    The appellate court held that the SDP and its governorship candidate, Ajaka, failed to prove the allegations contained in their appeal beyond reasonable doubt as required by law.

    The court equally dismissed the appeals filed by the AA and Braimoh; and that of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and its governorship candidate, Dr Abdullahi Bayawo, challenging Ododo’s victory.

    Justice Otisi, while delivering judgment on SDP and Ajaka”s appeal, agreed with the election petition tribunal which sat in Abuja.

    The judge said the tribunal was right to have expunged the evidence of the 1st prosecution witness (PW-1) called by the petitioners on the ground that the evidence tendered by the witness was a documentary hearsay.

    She said witnesses, whether subpoenaed or normal, are supposed to front-load their witness statements on oath as required by law.

    The judge held that the petitioners’ witnesses were incompetent because their statements did not accompany the petition in line with the electoral laws

    She agreed with the tribunal that there were inconsistencies in the case of the appellants.

    According to her, the allegation of forgery of document that Ododo submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a pre-election matter which is handled by the Federal High Court and not the tribunal.

    The said action, Justice Otisi held, happened before the conduct of the Nov. 11, 2023 governorship election in the state and as such, cannot be legislated upon by the lower tribunal.

    The judge also held that allegation of forgery of document ought to be proven beyond reasonable doubt.

    Justice Otisi subsequently resolved all the issues raised in the appeal against the appellants.

    The tribunal had, on May 27, affirmed the victory of Gov. Ododo of APC in the Nov. 11, 2023 Kogi governorship poll.

    The three-member panel of justices, headed by Justice Ado Birnin-Kudu, held that the petition was bereft of substance and accordingly dismissed it.

    The tribunal held that SDP and Ajaka failed to prove the allegations of over-voting and non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022 in the petition.

    The panel, in a unanimous, decision held that all the witness evidence filed before it were incompetent and full of inconsistencies.

    It also agreed with the submissions of the respondents that the allegations of forgery raised in the petition were pre-election matter, which ought to have been raised 14 days after the documents were submitted to INEC.

    Kogi had, on Nov. 11, 2023, held its off-cycle election in which Ododo of the APC emerged winner, beating his closest rival, Ajaka of the SDP with a wide margin.

    Unsatisfied with INEC’s declaration of Ododo as winner of the poll, Ajaka and his party dragged the electoral umpire, Ododo and APC to the tribunal as 1st to 3rd respondents respectively.

  • Imo gets 10 new High Court, Customary Appeal Court Judges

    Imo gets 10 new High Court, Customary Appeal Court Judges

    Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo on Monday swore-in seven new judges of the State High Court and three Judges of the Customary Court of Appeal.

    Their appointment followed a recommendation by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

    The newly sworn-in High Court judges are Uchenna Njoku, Cletus Akowundu, Mathew Ijezie, Chukwumaeze Chibuogwu, Adaego Nnosiri, Linus Ononogbo and Emeka Orafu.

    The three judges of the Customary Court of Appeal sworn-in are Uchenna Ofoha, Greenman  Eleanya and Ibeh Oluehi.

    Addressing them after they took oath of office at the Government House, Owerri, Uzodimma urged them to join in the sacred duty of serving the people by delivering unbiased judgments.

    The governor, who congratulated them on their appointment, also urged them to uphold high level of integrity and honour in the discharge of their duties without fear or favour.

    “Judges must be very sensible and solemn; therefore, I charge you not to be less.

    “You should not only have to be circumspect, but ensure that you do your job with the fear of God,” he said.

    He noted that for some time now, judges and others who served in the temple of justice had been under scrutiny as a result of perceived indiscretion in justice dispensation.

    “You should never conduct yourselves in a manner that will make the public to doubt your integrity.

    “Always remember that you are the last hope of the common man,” he stressed.

    The governor promised to provide the judges with the needed support to help them discharge their duties efficiently and effectively.

    He noted that since he assumed office he had done a lot to enhance the welfare of the judges and the judiciary in general including clearing of arrears of salaries.

    Uzodimma also said he had provided vehicles to the judges, renovated judicial buildings and equipped them with state-of-the-art infrastructure.

    The governor further announced the donation of 16 new Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) to the 16 judges including the newly sworn-in 10 judges.

    He appealed to relations and friends of the judges not to place undue pressure on the judges that could make them derail in their averred duties.

    In an acceptance speech on behalf of the judges, Justice Uchenna Njoku, expressed gratitude to God for their nomination and subsequent approval.

    Njoku also thanked the governor for “proving dependable”  as well as appreciated the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Theresa Chikeka for her support.

    She assured the governor that they would deliver on their mandate and contribute their quota to the development of the state.

    Earlier,  the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Cyprian Akaolisa, lauded the governor for appointing the judges as recommended by the NJC.

    Akaolisa said their appointments would go a long way in making justice easier and accessible to the people of the state.

    He described their appointment as a good thing happening to the judiciary in Imo and noted that before now the State Judiciary had been in short supply of judges.

  • South East Governors condemn attack on soldiers

    South East Governors condemn attack on soldiers

    The South East Governors’ Forum has condemned Thursday morning attack which left two Soldiers dead at a check point at Aba in Abia State.

    It was gathered that the attack, which occurred at Obikabia junction in Aba, was reportedly carried out by suspected members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in a bid to enforce sit-at-home.

    They also burnt down security patrol vehicles while enforcing the sit-at-home directive meant to commemorate Biafra Day.

    Addressing newsmen in Owerri on Thursday, Chairman of the Forum, and Imo governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, described the attack as “unfortunate”.

    “On behalf of my brother governor’s in the South East Governors’ Forum, I condemn that incident and loss of the lives of soldiers who were on their duty posts.

    “Without any provocation, they were attacked by the men of the underworld.

    “The unfortunate thing is that it is going to act as a major set back to the peace process being pursued by the governors from the zone with the Federal Government, security agencies and other critical stakeholders on how best to resolve the problem of security in the region,” he said.

    According to him, the incident will also portray our people in bad light as if we do not have sympathy for human beings.

    The governor condoled the Chief of Army Staff and the families of soldiers, who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident.

    “We here in the South East will ensure that we leave no stone unturned to ensure peace in the region needed for development,” he added.

    Uzodimma urged security agencies to go all out to ensure that those behind the dastardly act were caught and prosecuted.

    He noted that people of the South East, out of fear of the unknown and memories of the past, obeyed the directive of the proscribed group.

    He urged them, particularly those in Imo, to find courage and understand that a lot had gone to providing security for them.

    “We have peace in Imo; I want people to go about their businesses without fear of being molested by anyone.

    “We are after the perpetrators. Those who think we shouldn’t live should not live,” he said.

  • Edo 2024: Drama and confusion as 3rd APC guber candidate emerges

    Edo 2024: Drama and confusion as 3rd APC guber candidate emerges

    More confusion continue to trail the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress in Edo State as another aspirant, Anamero Dekeri became the third person to claim victory.

    One Ojo Babatunde who said he was acting on behalf of all the local government returning officers, said that Dekeri polled 25,384 votes to beat Dennis Idahosa who polled 14,127 votes to second place.

    Babatunde said, “Hon. Dekeri having met the requirements of the law and scored the highest valid votes cast have been declared winner of the election and returned elected.”

    Dekeri is the member representing Etsako Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives.

    A total of 12 aspirants were screened and cleared for the direct primary by the National leadership of the party, while three, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, Lucky Imasuen and Ernest Umakhihe withdrew before the election.

    Meanwhile, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State and Chairman of the primary election committee also declared Idahosa winner of the exercise while the returning officer for the primary, Stanley Ugboaja, declared Senator Monday Okpebholo as the APC candidate.

     

  • Gov Uzodimma dissolves cabinet

    Gov Uzodimma dissolves cabinet

    Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has dissolved the State expanded executive council members following the commencement of his second tenure in office on Monday.

    Addressing them at the Government House in Owerri on Tuesday, the governor, who said the dissolution was with immediate effect, explained that his decision was in tandem with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    Those affected by the dissolution include all Commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special Assistants.

    Also affected were the Sole Administrators (SolAds) of the 27 local government areas of the state.

    The Governor, however, commended them for their support and contribution that led to the success of the Nov. 11, 2023, governorship election in the state and his subsequent inauguration into office for a second term.

    Uzodimma said it was because of their support that his administration commenced the dredging of Orashi River, rehabilitation of public schools, established digital economy and completed highway road projects, among other projects.

    “This second tenure will offer us the needed opportunity to consolidate on the solid foundation put in place.

    “I want to remind you that whether you will be directly involved in the new dispensation or tangentially involved, wherever you are, you will be proud to have been part of this government,” he said.

    He promised to ensure a symbiotic relationship with them in the second tenure, saying “we have become a family – politically, economically or otherwise”.

    Uzodimma emphasised that the war against insecurity would be intensified in the second tenure.

    According to him, the second tenure in office is for us to leave a legacy and do things that we will be remembered for.

    “It is for us to really and completely build a new Imo state,” he added.

    The Governor appealed to them to appreciate his limitations as human by not being able to meet up to their expectations, and promised that he will strive harder in the new dispensation to do better.

    He further promised that he would accommodate those of them who distinguished themselves in their service during his first term in the new cabinet, which will be constituted soon.

    The Governor reminded them that political appointees are expected to live above board and should guard against corrupt practices, looting of public funds and assets, and other sharp practices.

  • Imo: INEC issues certificate of return to Uzodimma

    Imo: INEC issues certificate of return to Uzodimma

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Friday, issued the certificate of return to Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, following his victory at the November 11 Governorship poll.

    In a remark at the brief ceremony in Owerri, Uzodimma promised to enthrone a legacy that ensures rancour-free politics in the state.

    He also pledged to run an inclusive government “where the interest of every Imo man and woman would be accommodated”.

    He acknowledged the contributions of all segments of society that ensured his victory.

    He commended his running mate, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, who also received a certificate of return at the event.

    The governor said that her emergence made her the second female deputy governor since the creation of the state in 1976.

    He also commended INEC for conducting the freest, fairest and most peaceful election in the history of the state.

    “I also acknowledge and thank the security agencies for working hard to deliver what has been widely adjudged a credible poll, the integrity of which cannot be questioned.

    “By holding the sanctity of the electoral process, INEC has deepened our democracy with assurance that our votes will always count,” he said.

    The governor urged his opponents in the election to see beyond their immediate environment and commend INEC for doing a beautiful job.

    “As usual, critics have been weaving their conspiracy theories without taking into consideration the factors that shaped my victory.

    “I am glad to say that I deserve this victory because not only that Almighty God made a way for me, I strategised and worked very hard for it,” he said.

    Uzodimma, therefore, said the grace of God, his sterling performance in four years and his initiative of the Imo Charter of Equity propelled his victory at the poll.

    Earlier, INEC’s National Commissioner for South-East, Mr Kenneth Ukeagu, said the issuance of the certificate was in compliance with Section 72 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

    Ukeagu said that the commission remained independent, non-partisan and committed to its constitutional mandate in conducting free, fair, credible and transparent elections.

    “In the execution of this mandate, the commission is permitted to deploy technologies to strengthen the process, including the use of the BVAS, iRev portal as well as capacity deployment of its entire staff,” he said.

    He assured Nigerians that the commission would continue to build and improve on the gains recorded so far.

    The national commissioner further said that the commission would not waiver in upholding the sanctity of the ballot as well as the continuous improvement of the electoral process.

    In an address of welcome, the state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Sylvia Agu, commended the various stakeholders for their roles in the first ever off-cycle governorship election in the state.

    Agu said the victory recorded at the poll was an evidence of the hard work of the winners and a reflection of the trust the electorate have placed in their leadership.

    “As the time for campaign has ended and time for governance is ahead of you, I encourage you, sir, to be the leader and governor for all.

    “Let the trust that Imo electorate bestowed on you at the polls propel you to deliver on your campaign promises to them.

    “May it also spur you to live up to your mandate as the governor of all.

    “I call on all our stakeholders, regardless of your political affiliations and ideologies, to remain united as brothers and sisters and harmoniously build a state, where peace, progress and inclusivity will be a priority,” she said.