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Tag: Hope Uzodinma

  • South East Governors to hold summit over security challenges

    South East Governors to hold summit over security challenges

    Governors from the Southeastern region of Nigeria have resolved to hold a summit over security challenges besetting the region.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Hope Uzodinma, Chairman of the South-East Governors Forum made the disclosure on Thursday.

    According to Governor Uzodinma, details of the security and economic summit would be communicated on a later date.

    The South-East Governors Forum on Thursday held its first meeting in Enugu State after inauguration of the new administration.

    It was also the first meeting since the emergence of Gov. Uzodimma as the Chairman, Southeast Governors Forum.

    All the Governors from the five states were present at the meeting, including Prof Charles Soludo of Anambra, Alex Otti of Abia, Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi and the host governor, Mr Peter Mbah of Enugu.

    In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, the Governors resolved to deal decisively with perpetrators and sponsors of insecurity in the region individually and collectively.

    The communique read by Governor Uzodinma, stated that the perpetrators and their sponsors were criminals and should not be seen as legitimate agitators.

    Uzodimma said upon the arrest of those criminals, they would be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land.

    “We wish to state categorically that the perpetrators of the insecurity in our region and their sponsors are criminals and should not be seen as legitimate agitators,” he said.

    He added that the forum firmly resolved to fight insecurity decisively in the region in partnership with the federal government and other stakeholders.

    He further commended the security agencies for their cooperation so far and encouraged them not to relent.

  • Gov Uzodinma, IPOB disagree on who is responsible for attack on Imo community

    Gov Uzodinma, IPOB disagree on who is responsible for attack on Imo community

    There is a back-and-forth between the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma and the lawyer to the leader of IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor over who is responsible for attack on Orsu-Ihiteukwa community in Orsu Local Government Area.

    IPOB released a set of gory videos and pictures of the attack allegedly carried out by members of the Ebubeagu security outfit in Imo State and blamed it on Governor Hope Uzodimma.

    Ejiofor made the allegation in a statement titled, “Black weekend in Orsu-Ihiteukwa, Orsu LGA of Imo State.”

    The body accused the Governor of ordering the security operatives to carry out the incident which included attacks on buildings, killing of citizens and burning of houses and shops.

    But the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Oguwike Nwachukwu, washed the hands of government off the incident, saying people make allegations against Uxodinma for the fun of it.

    Also Read

    Ebubeagu security personnel invade community, burn houses in Imo

    “People can allege anything against the governor because it gives them joy to do so.Governor Uzodimma has never and will never instruct security operatives or anybody for that matter to kill innocent people,” Nwachukwu said.

    He added, “Please, get in touch with security agencies because the concern you have raised bothers on security.

    “However, let me say it is unfortunate that we often ignore the operational rule of the engagement that exists within the security agencies, with their different hierarchies taking responsibility for their actions; but it’s not fair to resort to mischievous finger-pointing at Governor Uzodimma.”

    But the lawyer said the formerly peaceful community was last weekend, invaded by the combined team of Ebubeagu and the Nigerian Army.

    “It is heart-rending that at this period of economic downturn, the only available daily market in the community, where the downtrodden go to for communal trade in search of their daily bread, was completely razed to the ground, and homes burnt by these evil monsters acting on behalf of the state government.

    “Indigenes of the community were thrown into this unexpected horror, and out of fear, they fled from their homes. Right now, Orsu-Ihiteukwa is a ghost town.

    “We ask the governor if there could there be any justification, whatsoever, under any known law in Nigeria, as well as the international jurisprudence, that sanctioned this oppressive, barbaric, wicked, soulless and evil destruction of the lives and property of his people that he swore to protect.

    “We, therefore, call for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in these inhuman, wicked, and barbaric acts.”

  • Suspense as Buhari visits Imo to commission projects

    Suspense as Buhari visits Imo to commission projects

    President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to visit Imo State today to commission some projects executed by the administration Hope Uzodinma.

    Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said the projects would boost the economic and social life of the state, adding that the state government spent billions to execute them.

    Recall that Buhari paid an official visit to the state on Thursday, September 9, 2021, where he launched projects and had talks with Igbo leaders.

    His second visit is expected to base “sundry matters but largely for the commissioning of completed projects by the 3R Government.”

    Emelumba listed the projects as the first phase of the Owerri-Okigwe Road, the Owerri-Orlu Road and the rebuilt state House of Assembly complex.

    However, the Indigenous People of Biafra declared Tuesday as sit-at-home over Buhari’s visit and in solidarity with its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who will appear in court.

    In a statement on Saturday, the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, said IPOB was simply implementing an existing order to lock down Biafraland any day its leader would appear in court at Abuja.

    The statement read in part, “The global family and movement of IPOB wishes to announce to the general public, especially Biafrans, that Tuesday, September 13, has been declared a day of civil action in the form of sit-at-home in Biafraland.

    “Tuesday’s civil action is very important for two reasons: First, our leader’s Appeal Court hearing that was supposed to be on October 11 has been brought forward to September 13, 2022.”

    But Emelumba said security operatives were ready for Buhari’s visit to Imo State.

    “Nobody can threaten Buhari. He is the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Imo is one of the states he governs and he is free to visit it. Security is in top gear and I can assure you that his visit will be successful,” the commissioner stated.

    He noted that Buhari was visiting the state to inaugurate three signature projects executed by the Governor Hope Uzodimma administration.

  • 2023: APC members in Imo are obedient to APC – Gov Uzodinma

    2023: APC members in Imo are obedient to APC – Gov Uzodinma

    Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has said members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his State are obedient to the party while deflecting a question that the Labour Party will sweep the South East States in the 2023 presidential election.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Uzodinma maintained that his business is to market the presidential candidate of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the South East and that he will not join issue with the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi.

    Speaking during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, monitored by this medium, Uzodinma noted that there are many loyal members of the APC in the South East.

    “I am a politician and my party is APC and I have my candidate in the party. And I know we are consulting and speaking to our people to vote for our candidate. I am concerned with campaigning for my party.

    “I don’t want join issue with Peter Obi whom you know is not a member of my party. But I know members of APC are obedient to APC,” Uzodinma said.

    He added that the APC government in the state has done so much, saying he is confident that the reasonable minds in Imo State would vote for APC.

    “I am very confident that the reasonable minds in Imo State will vote for my party. In 2021, I came here as a governor, 99% of our major roads were not passable. Today the major economic roads in Imo State have been managed in a very first class manner that even the opposition party members are commending my effort.

    “From 1999 to date, the members of Imo House of Assembly have no place in the state to sit. They were attached to one local government secretariat here in Owerri. The Imo House of Assembly building that was abandoned for many years has just been rehabilitated,” he added.

  • Uzodinma counters Matawalle, says we’ll not allow our citizens bear arms

    Uzodinma counters Matawalle, says we’ll not allow our citizens bear arms

    Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo says the State Government will not allow its citizens to acquire weapons for self-protection, saying security agencies should be allowed to perform their duties.

    The governor made his position known to State House correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday.

    Uzodinma, who was reacting to the recent call by Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara that his citizens should apply for guns for self-protection, said there was no need for such actions in Imo.

    He said: “The situation in Imo is not the same with that in Zamfara State.

    “However, on the Governor’s call for individuals to apply for licences, I think the authorities will only give licenses to a qualified and a legible candidate.

    “But I don’t think there is a need for individuals or unauthorized people to carry arms.

    “The situation in Imo State is currently being managed and we have seen relative peace for the past weeks in Imo and normal businesses have incrementally resumed in Imo State.

    “I am not in Zamfara State to know the situation there but I don’t think that the security situation in Zamfara State or any other part of the country is beyond our security agencies.

    “In Imo State, the security agencies have risen to the occasion, they are working in synergy and the situation has been controlled to a barest minimum.” he added.

    The governor also used the opportunity to condemn recent attacks on Churches and the kidnapping of some clergymen.

    “Regrettably, of recent, some Catholic Priests became victims of the banditry saga in Nigeria. It is an unfortunate incident and condemnable.

    “It is not as if other people being killed are not important but we detest any form of violence or taking of lives.

    “The Church condemns that and Islam is also against that, likewise our local traditions,’’ he said.

    Uzodinma called on security agencies to do everything humanly possible to fish out those behind these ungodly and wicked acts for prosecution accordingly.

    The governor revealed that he was in the Presidential Villa to update the president on security situation in Imo as well as thank him for allowing the State to host the 2022 Nigerian Army Day celebration, saying “this is a good omen for residents of the State’’.

    According to Uzodinma, the hosting of the event will help address the security challenges the State is passing through.

    “Basically I came to see the President to thank him for his gracious approval for Army Day celebrations to be held in Owerri, Imo State, South-East of the country.  That of course you know will help strengthen the measures that are already on ground to curtail the effects and excesses of banditry and insecurity in the region.

    “So for me it is a good thing and for the people of Imo State, we are indeed very delighted over that.

    “Basically that is why I am here and the President is also very comfortable with the visit.”

    The governor reiterated his earlier call on bandits and trouble makers in the State to surrender or be dealt with.

    “Only two days ago I called on the criminal gangs operating in any part of Imo State; the unknown gunmen, bandits who are hiding one way or the other in our forests and the bush to come out.

    “I granted a 10-day period during which if they lay down their arms, we will grant them pardon. As of this morning, I am told that some people are already surrendering their arms and it is a good development,” he said.

    Commenting on the general security of the South-East, the governor said all the Governors in the region had been working in synergy to address the problem, adding that the sit at home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was not effective in Imo State.

    “We the Governors in the South-East are all working to ensure that security is guaranteed, for people to go about their businesses.

    “The sit at home order is not operational in Imo State neither is it working in Owerri, the State capital.

    “Really, it is still in operation in some parts of the South-East but the governors are also working in synergy to ensure that it becomes a thing of the past,” he assured.

  • 2023: Religion should not be factor in determining running mate – Uzodinma

    2023: Religion should not be factor in determining running mate – Uzodinma

    Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo has advised Nigerians to shun religious politics and avoid fanning the embers of ethnicity ahead of the 2023 general elections.

    The governor gave the advice when he addressed State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday.

    Uzodinma, who was reacting to speculations that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was planning to feature a Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, said religion should not be factor in determining who becomes the President or who becomes the running mate.

    According to him, the decision to choose a running mate lies with the presidential candidate of the ruling APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, not with the governors.

    He said: “There is nowhere in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria where religion is a factor or characteristic as to who becomes a president or a running mate.

    “We are looking for a united Nigeria where governance will be the issue, where a President will be adjudged by his capacity to deliver democratic dividends and develop Nigeria to look like other parts of the western world where democracy is working.

    “I don’t want us to reduce governance in Nigeria to certain things that will encourage divisiveness, rather we should remain a united Nigeria, be our brothers’ keepers and have a president of Nigeria, representing every tribe, religion and denomination.

    “The decision also to choose a running mate does not reside with any of us, the governors.

    “It is the presidential candidate that will look at the local characteristics and every factor – political and apolitical – that will make him win his election and take the decision.

    “So it’s not a decision that we will sit here and take for the candidate.”

    On the possibility of selecting a serving governor as a running mate to Tinubu, Uzodinma said:  “Why not? Ahmed Tinubu, have you forgotten he was a governor for eight years? If he chooses a governor so be it, we will support it.

    “For now, we are no longer talking about who becomes running mate and who is not running mate. I have told you whose decision it is.

    “The next thing as party leaders now and opinion leaders, is for us to rise up, mobilise the voters and get members of our party to commit to a successful election by 2023, so that our president that is leaving will also be handing over to our own president of APC.

    “This is our preoccupation now, that is, how to win the election.”

    The governor disclosed that he was in the presidential villa to update Buhari on socio-economic development in Imo.

    He announced that the president would soon visit Imo to inaugurate some debelopment projects executed by his administration.

    The president also met behind closed doors with some governors elected on the platform of APC.

    The agenda of the meeting was unknown to newsmen as at the time of filing this report.

    When accosted, the affected governors declined comment on the outcome of their meeting with the president.

  • Imo INEC attack: Two suspects arrested

    Imo INEC attack: Two suspects arrested

    Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo has updated President Muhammadu Buhari on security situations in the state, including the recent killing of staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by bandits in the state.

    The governor, who spoke to State House correspondents after the closed door meeting with the President, said two suspects were apprehended on Monday in connection with the incident.

    According to him, the suspects are currently helping the police in their investigation.

    The INEC Staff were attacked while carrying out the on-going continuous voter registration exercise on the fateful day.

    “To of the bandits were arrested on Monday and are helping the Nigerian police command in the state , to do a very thorough investigation.

    “Until that is done, I will not speak much on that,” he said.

    The governor, however, stated that the initial plan of the bandits was not the INEC Staff but the Correctional Centre Facility in Okigwe.

    He said on getting the information on that, the state government in collaboration with security agencies fortified security around the centre thus frustrating the bandits, who later vented their anger on the INEC Staff.

    He said: “The incident that happened, that involved the INEC Staff, regrettably, INEC was not the target.

    “We had the information that the Correctional Centre Facility in Okigwe was to be attacked by bandits and we caught their conversation so we fortified the facility.

    “True to it, the bandits, while approaching Okigwe, saw how fortified the place was and they tried to escape through Ihitte-Uboma , where they ran into INEC Staff on continuous voter registration and out of anger and frustration, attacked them. ”

    On the insinuation in some quarters that the state government was responsible for some of the atatcks in the state and beyond due to internal wrangling within the governing party, Uzodinma dismissed such claims.

    According to him, a government in power cannot shoot itself on the foot by causing mayhem.

    The governor also dismissed the call by Prof. Afe Babalola that an interim government should be formed at the end of the Buhari administration on May 29, 2023 instead of conducting the general elections.

    According to him, the nation constitution does not provide room for the formation of an interim government.

    “By May 29, 2023, if there is no elected government, our constitution has not provided for an interregnum. So we shouldn’t give a gap otherwise, you will be creating room for anarchy.

    “What will be the process for selecting the interim government because by May 29, the President will not have the constitutional powers to function as a President anymore.

    “So, I don’t think we will decide to abandon our constitution and it should be the instrument guiding our actions as a country.

    “If there is any opinion that he thinks it is worthy to be canvassed, superior to what is currently in the constitution, such opinion should be taken to the National Assembly and they will through due process, amend our constitution, to factor in such an opinion,” he said.

    Uzodinma said he also updated the president on the progress of work on two reconstruction of federal roads located in Imo.

    He said he had gotten the president’s approval to work on the roads; Owerri-Orlu and Owerri-Okigwe and the affected roads would be due for inauguration in May.

    “The roads are almost 95 per cent completed and by next month, they will all be completed and the president has graciously approved that he will be there to inaugurate them,” he said.

  • I’ve begged Okorocha for forgiveness – Imo governor,Hope Uzodinma

    I’ve begged Okorocha for forgiveness – Imo governor,Hope Uzodinma

    Uzodinma, said this while featuring on a tv programme, saying that he has appealed to all and sundry and other people that matter to sheathe their sword and work for the state.

    He urged those still aggrieved to forget the past and work for the state.

    Uzodinma described Okorocha as his brother and friend who became a senator after his tenure as governor.

    “Okorocha is my brother. He is occupying the seat I left in the Senate. I have nothing personal against him.

    “All I’m asking is even if I have done anything that does not go down well with him or anybody, forgive and forget. Let us come together to work for our people,” he said.

    Since his emergence as governor in Imo, both men have been at loggerheads over the affairs of the state.

    Okorocha’s son -in-law, Uche Nwosu was arrested in January at a church service over instability and crisis in Imo state but was later absolved and released after thorough interrogation.

    Recall that recently, Uzodinma and Okorocha met at an event in Abuja where they hugged and talked passionately, thereby creating an impression that they had settled their rift.

  • BREAKING: Personal security officer to Imo Gov, Uzodinma arrested

    BREAKING: Personal security officer to Imo Gov, Uzodinma arrested

    The Chief Personal Security Officer to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, SP Adamu Shaba has been arrested and is currently in custody.

    He was said to have spearheaded the illegal arrest and abduction of former AA Governorship candidate in Imo State, Uche Nwosu.

    Nwosu, son-in-law to Sen. Rochas Okorocha representing Imo West was last Sunday arrested during the outing service of his mother who was recently laid to rest. His arrest at Saint Peters Anglican Church, Nkwere during service has since attracted condemnation with some describing it as desecration of God’s house.

    He was said to have been handcuffed and treated like a criminal before he was transported from Imo to Enugu and later Abuja on a hired private jet.

  • Don’t waste money, you won’t be re-elected – Primate Ayodele warns Uzodinma

    Don’t waste money, you won’t be re-elected – Primate Ayodele warns Uzodinma

    The Leader Of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, on Saturday, warned Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma ahead of 2023.

    In his new series of 2022 prophecies, Primate Ayodele warned Uzodinma against bidding for a second term as governor.

    He said God was not involved in his declaration as the governor of the State, adding that the prophecy that ushered him in was just a political game and not from the heavenly throne, describing Governor Uzodinma as a ‘Saul’ in the State.

    He said: ‘’In 2023, Governor Hope Uzodinma should not waste money for election, he will fail totally. I see a coalition coming together to fight against him. I don’t see peace in the state. I see bloodbath, killings, threat of lives in Imo state.

    ‘’The prophecy that ushered in Hope Uzodinma was a game plan, God has no hands in his emergence as governor, it was just a political game.

    “The cause of the destruction in Imo state is the circumstances that led to the emergence of Hope Uzodinma. He is a ‘Saul’ in the land and that’s why he is not enjoying the seat.”