TheNewsGuru

Tag: Imo State

  • BREAKING: Gospel singer, Chinedu Nwadike is dead

    BREAKING: Gospel singer, Chinedu Nwadike is dead

    Popular gospel singer, Chinedu Nwadike is dead, TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) learnt.

    TNG reports Chinedu Nwadike died of blood cancer a few hours ago at the National Hospital, Abuja.

    Nwadike, born June 26, 1983, is a Nigerian Igbo gospel artist from Imo State.

    He was seen in a video last week, saying that he had been miraculously healed of kidney disease.

    But unfortunately, he was rushed to the hospital again after a few days.

    Nwadike was billed to proceed to India for treatment of the blood cancer/leukaemia.

    The gospel singer was married to Sorochi Dora and they are blessed with three children.

  • We’ve put a seal on abolition of Osu caste in Igbo land – Archbishop Obinna

    We’ve put a seal on abolition of Osu caste in Igbo land – Archbishop Obinna

    The outgoing Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Owerri, His Grace, Most Rev. Anthony Obinna, said that the Church has completely abolished the Osu caste system in Igbo land.

    Obinna said this while addressing newsmen in Owerri as part of activities marking St Patrick’s Day celebration.

    The Apostolic Administrator who mentioned the abolition as part of his achievements while he served as Archbishop, said that the diala/amadi – osu – ume – ohu caste systems are no longer in existence.

    According to him, the practice had negatively affected marriages and Chieftaincy titles as well as various offices in church, public and community life, hence the need to abolish it.

    “On Thursday, March 10, 2022, the Catholic Bishops of lgbo land in Onitsha and Owerri Ecclesiastical Provinces, jointly issued a pastoral directive to end the idolatrous, inhuman and painful discrimination among Ndiigbo (Igbo people),” he said.

    He, however, said that he would continue as the Archbishop Emeritus and Apostolic Administrator of the vacant seat of Owerri Archdiocese until Archbishop Lucius Ugorji takes over the Archdiocese of Owerri on June 23, 2022.

    “We pray for Archbishop Ugorji, who was elected the new President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), on Wednesday, 9 March, 2022, and wish him all the best as he takes up his multiple responsibilities,” he said.

    Speaking on the recent invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Obinna called for prayers for an end to the war.

    “The war in Ukraine, a pandemic worse than COVID-19, is in the air and affecting even lgbos and other citizens of the world.

    “People are intensifying prayers to God between bombs and death. Let us all join in praying for Nigerians, Ukrainians and Russians for an end to this annihilation and brutality,” 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.

  • ‘Concerned Nigerians’ accuses Gov Uzodinma of rigging, urges INEC to cancel Ngor Okpala bye-election

    ‘Concerned Nigerians’ accuses Gov Uzodinma of rigging, urges INEC to cancel Ngor Okpala bye-election

    A civil rights group, Concerned Nigerians has on Monday filed a petition to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to condemn the process that led to the emergence of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Blyden Amajirionwu, as the winner of the House of Assembly bye-election which was held on Saturday.

    The group in a letter titled, “Hope Uzodinma: A threat to Nigeria’s Democracy” and signed by its convener, Deji Adeyanju alleged that Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodima turned the election into a battleground and accused him of rigging the process in favour of the APC.

    Recommending steps to INEC to prevent the recurrence of such electoral flaws, the group called for the immediate cancellation of the Ngor Okpala state constituency election and advised INEC to immediately sensitise on the salient provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, which particularly as it relates to its powers to review and cancel elections.

    The statement reads, “Our attention has been drawn to the fact that a few hours ago, President Buhari yielded to the cry of the average Nigerian citizen and signed the Electoral Act Bill into law.

    “We commend the President for this positive and courageous step. As we had earlier stated in various press releases, it is not too late for the President to retrace his steps and leave a positive legacy that will be talked about for years to come. This Electoral Act and the innovations it will bring into our electoral space will be considered as one of the President’s greatest legacies.

    “Notwithstanding the attempts by politicians with vested interest to mislead the President into refusing assent, we are happy that the president has behaved like a statesman. Nigeria is bigger than every political office holder and we must always put this into consideration in taking decisions that affect the country. It should be noted that the Electoral Act has introduced very innovative and far-reaching clauses, some of which are the institutionalisation of electronic transmission of results, card reader usage, the conduct of primaries not later than 180 days before the election, and more significantly, the resignation of political office holders before the conduct of primaries.

    “We note that while signing the bill into law, the President requested the National Assembly to immediately amend the Act and expunge section 84 which provides that political office holders must resign before the conduct of primaries. We urge the National Assembly to reject this request, as the principle behind that section was well thought out. Any political office holder who seeks to contest for a public office should resign and concentrate on the electioneering process, rather than using public funds to fund his election. This section is in consonance with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999), as amended.

    “In addition to the foregoing, we urge the President to take a step further by immediately ordering the release of the election funds to INEC, to enable it to commence preparation for the elections. We are optimistic that the signing of the Electoral Act Bill into law will yield a new dawn for Nigeria, and perhaps, a better legacy for the President.”

  • INEC declares APC winner of Imo state Bye-election

    INEC declares APC winner of Imo state Bye-election

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared Amajirionwu Blyden Okanni of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the winner of the just-concluded state assembly by-election into the Ngor-Okpala constituency of Imo State.

    Ameh Dennis Akor, a Professor of Drama and Critical Theory from Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi state, and the returning officer, announced the results at Umuneke in the Council Headquarters of Ngor-Okpala LGA on Sunday morning.

    He said that the APC candidate of polled 9 248 to defeat Jeff Nwachukwu of the PDP who polled 7 071 votes.

    He stated that the total registered voters across the 11 existing electoral wards in the area was 94,060, and the total number of accredited voters was 18 083, noting that polling commenced as early as 8:30a.m and ended at about 2:30p.m, noting that all accredited voters with Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) cast their votes.

    The election results were published, displayed and transmitted electronically using the forms EC60E and EC8A through the INEC’s portal.

    He further stated that the number of total votes cast was 17 862 and the total number of valid votes was 17 280 with rejected votes being 582.

    He commended the efforts of security agencies especially the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Rabiu Hussaini and all stakeholders who participated before, during and after the elections for their maturity and understanding.

    No fewer than eleven registered political parties participated in the election.
    The parties included the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party (LP).

    Others were the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), National Rescue Movement (NRM), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Allied People’s Movement (APM), Action Democratic Party (ADP) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

  • Low voter turnout marks Imo constituency bye-election

    Low voter turnout marks Imo constituency bye-election

    The Ngor Okpala Constituency bye-election conducted in Imo on Saturday witnessed a low turnout of voters in many polling units.

    Eleven candidates are contesting in the by-election for the House of Assembly seat declared vacant following the long absence of the former occupant.

    Correspondents, who monitored the exercise, report that sensitive and non-sensitive election materials arrived at the polling units as early as 8:30 a.m.

    Some of the areas visited were Logara/Umuohiagu, Ndiuhu Umuokoada Logara, Umuorisha Umuohiagu, Umuchoko Junction, Umuohiagu, and Community Primary School, Upe.

    Accreditation and voting started 9:25 a.m. at Central School Umuoye 2 in Imerienwe, but witnessed a low turnout of voters.

    There was a noticeable presence of security operatives at the voting points and checkpoints on major roads in the areas including at Upe Autonomous Community.

    The Presiding Officer at Ward 5, Central School Umuoye 2, polling unit 003, Mr Qassim Usman, told NAN that accreditation and voting started 8:30 without hitches.

    Miss Esther Ewuru, the Presiding Officer at Polling Unit 007, Ward 5, said about 25 voters had been accredited as at 10 a.m.

    Appraising the process, a community leader and observer, Mr Athan Agbakwuru, commended INEC for starting the exercise early.

    Agbakwuru expressed confidence that the process would be hitch-free.

    It was observed that commercial activities were going on unhindered in many areas.

    INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Imo, Prof. Chukwuemeka Ezeonu, had said 94,060 registered voters, the figure as at 2019, were expected to cast votes in the bye-election.

  • Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma’s loyalist dump APC for PDP

    Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma’s loyalist dump APC for PDP

    The governor of Imo state Hope Uzodinma will no longer enjoy the services of one of his loyalists in the south eastern state .

    The Imo state immediate past commissioner for foreign affairs, Fabian Ihekweme, on Wednesday dumped the All Progressives Congress, APC, and joined the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

    The defection took place at the Kanu Nwankwo stadium in Owerri, during the reception organised by the PDP, to welcome home the National Secretary of the party, Senator Samdaddy Anyanwu, along with the National leadership led by the National Chairman, Iyorchia Ayu.
  • BREAKING: Cubana Chief Priest appointed SA to Gov Uzodimma

    BREAKING: Cubana Chief Priest appointed SA to Gov Uzodimma

    Celebrity bar man, Paschal Okechukwu popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest has been appointed as Special Adviser (SA) to Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports this is contained in a letter signed by the Secretary to the State Government of Imo, Chief Cosmas Iwu.

    According to the letter dated 14th of January, 2022, Cubana Chief Priest was appointed SA on Social Media Influence.

    The appointment was approved by the Governor and he is to begin work immediately, the SSG stated in the letter.

    The letter read: “His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, Governor of Imo State, has approved your appointment as Special Adviser to Governor on Social Media Influence.

    “This appointment is with effect from 10th January, 2022”.

    Gov Uzodimma instructed me to make 1,000 Imo youths successful like me – Cubana Chief Priest

    Meanwhile, Cubana Chief Priest has expressed excitement over the appointment, revealing that the Imo State Governor has instructed him to make 1,000 Imo youths successful like himself.

    Sharing the news of the appointment via his official Instagram handle, Cubana Chief Priest stressed that the task would be easy for him to do.

    He asked for grace, wisdom, energy and guts to tell Governor Uzodimma the unfiltered truth he needs to hear at all times.

    Cubana Chief Priest wrote: “Just Picked Up My Letter Of Appointment As Special Adviser To His Excellency @he_hopeuzodimma On Social Media Influence & Social Events Management.

    “I Have An Instruction From His Excellency @he_hopeuzodimma To Make Over 1,000 IMO Youths Get Super Successful Like Me From The Almighty Social Media Which Made Me In Just One Year, It’s So Easy For Me To Do And I Will Do Just That Through Christ Who Strengthens Me Amen.

    “May God Give Me The Grace, Wisdom, Energy & Guts To Tell His Excellency The Unfiltered Truth He Needs To Hear At All Times Amen”.

  • 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.”