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Tag: Imo State

  • Court orders Imo govt to stop demolition of market

    Court orders Imo govt to stop demolition of market

    A State High Court sitting in Owerri, the Imo capital, has ordered the Imo government to stop the demolition of structures at the Central Market Layout, Owerri. The Judge,  I. C. Ibeawuchi, gave the order of interim injunction against Governor Hope Uzodinma and five others, on Thursday.

    The order of interim injunction barred the defendants from taking “any further steps in forceful demolition of the structures erected on the piece of land known as the Central Market Layout Owerri, Imo State”. The order of Court warned against forcefully ejecting the Plaintiffs from the structures erected by them (plaintiffs) on the piece of land known as Central Market Layout Owerri, Imo State.

    It also warned against further construction of the ongoing perimeter fencing work around the structures erected by the plaintiffs pending the hearing and determination of the motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction filed by the Plaintiffs/Applicants.

    It reads thus:  “Order of Interim Injunction is hereby granted restraining the Defendants either by themselves or through their agents, servants, assigns, heirs, privies or any other person acting on their behalf from taking any further steps in furtherance of the forceful demolition of the structures erected by the Plaintiffs on the piece of land known as the central market layout Owerri Imo State pending the hearing and determination of the motion on Notice for Interlocutory Injunction filed by the Plaintiffs/Applicants.”

    Speaking to newsmen, Counsel to the plaintiffs, Mr Christian Nwadigo, said his clients included the Incorporated Board of Trustees of Rhema Life Ministry International and Sunway Global Properties limited.

    Others were Zero-one Global Properties limited; Ekpereamaka Nwankwo and Nwankwo Emmanuel for themselves and on behalf of all owners of the land within the Central Market layout Owerri, in Imo. Nwadigo said that his clients were seeking the determination of a suit praying the Court to restore owner of their property as well as award due compensations for demolished property.

    Other defendants in the matter, however, included the Owerri Central Market complex Development and Investment Company limited as well as Donez Global Services Limited. Others were Joe Johnny Jayson Enterprises Limited, the Attorney General of Imo and the Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM).

  • LG election: Imo APC opts for consensus candidacy

    LG election: Imo APC opts for consensus candidacy

    Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo has said that the Chairmanship and Councillorship candidates of All the Progressives Congress (APC) in the September 21 Local Government Elections may emerge through consensus.

    Uzodimma said this on Tuesday while addressing aspirants and stakeholders at the party’s Secretariat in Owerri. He said that the decision to opt for consensus candidates was taken to promote unity and cohesion in the party as well as stability of politics in the state.

    He said: “Consensus will be conducted for the 27 chairmanship positions and the 305 ward councillors. The decision became imperative following the high number of interested candidates in the polls.

    “The number of aspirants today for councillorship is over 800, and over 200 for chairmanship. There are three ways of producing a candidate in the Constitution of APC – by direct primaries, indirect primaries and the third is by consensus.

    “We will look at the peculiarities of each LGA. Our first option will be consensus. Where it is difficult to arrive at a consensus, we will go into a contest, using either direct or indirect method to elect candidates,” he said.

    The Governor congratulated the party on its electoral victory at the Supreme Court, saying that the judgment had paved the way for the smooth conduct of the upcoming council elections.

    “Before now, it seems impossible because of the insecurity in various LGAs of the state,” he further said.

    The Governor, who reminded the party faithful that APC was one family in the state, urged them to make sacrifices for the victory of the party.

    “What I will consider this time is that cost of things are high. I will plead with the party to go into the contest with one spirit. Those who win, we will encourage them to work with those who didn’t win.

    “Those who didn’t win, because they are too many, and too much money is involved, we will do our best to refund your money,” he assured the aspirants.

    In a brief remark, the state Chairman of the party, Mr MacDonald Ebere, thanked the governor for his leadership role.

  • Imo State strikes the big one with digital SME – By Karmal Shittu

    Imo State strikes the big one with digital SME – By Karmal Shittu

    By Karmal Shittu

    The European Digital SME Alliance has announced a relationship with the Imo State Government, which will see the community members of the Alliance leverage on the pool of IT skills in Imo to enhance the activities and operations of its members.

    A Twitter message on X (@EUdigitalsme which celebrated the development said: “DIGITAL SME is glad to announce a partnership with Imo State (Nigeria) focussing in key actions in #skills development with specific planning of mentoring and #digital skills training. It marks an additional step in DIGITAL SME’s commitment to empowering #SME.”

    The Memorandum of Understanding with Imo State Government, Nigeria, according to DIGITAL SME, will cover the following areas: promote the uptake of advanced digital solutions and skills in Imo State; key actions in the areas of knowledge sharing  and skills development, with specific planning of mentoring programmes and digital skills training; and additional step in DIGITAL SME’s commitment to empowering SME innovators to lead digital transformation in Imo State and beyond, championing a human-centric to technology and standards globally.

    This is a good call for Imo State, whose governor, Hope Uzodinma, was massively misunderstood in the days running up to the elections last year, when he had boasted that his state would soon start to export some of its citizens abroad, without being able to tie such development to the SKillUp Imo IT skills programme that was training an impressive number of Imo youths for the local and international IT skills market.

    An excited Dr Oliver Grun, President, DIGITAL SME, said, “The partnership with the Imo State Government, Nigeria, will open up more opportunities for European Digital SMEs who will be able to benefit from insights into tech market dynamics in West Africa and access to local talent.  Cooperation between SMEs from like-minded regions is essential for an inclusive and innovative digital economy that benefits everyone, and this is just the beginning of our worldwide collaboration efforts.”

    Almost accepting the same enthusiasm from Grun, Dr Chimezie Amadi, Imo State Commissioner for Digital Economy and E-Government, whose of SKillUp Imo resonated in the governor ab initio declared that “this collaborative partnership with the European Digital SME Alliance will foster innovation and entrepreneurship while creating new market opportunities for Startups and innovators in Imo State.”

    Areas of special interest, according to the Memorandum are as follows:

    Freelancing Programme – will allow European companies to access a talent pool of digital professionals from Imo State, while providing these professionals with opportunities for professional development. This initiative seeks to contribute to the socio-economic of local communities in Imo State, and will prioritise available to local female workforce.

    Mentoring Programme – will link European businesses with young people in Imo State, providing them with insights and digital careers and knowledge necessary to succeed in the national and international markets.

    Digital Skils Training – is recognised as a means of increasing the quality of life in Imo State by equipping young people with relevant digital skills that can connect them to new job opportunities arising from the global digital economy. To this end, Digital SME will share best practices on upskilling and reskilling young people interested in working in the digital sector and through a train-the-trainer approach, support the creation of Digital Skills training hub.

    The European Digital SME Alliance, according  to Wikipedia, is a community of small and medium ICT enterprises (SMEs). Its members are national sectoral digital SME associations in 30 countries and regions in the EU and neighbouring countries, all together it associates more than 45, 00 SMEs. Established in 2007, the organisation was known then as Pan European ICT & eBusiness Network for SME.

    This is obviously a big haul for Imo State whose cardinal programme, SKillUp Imo, has trained 20, 000 Imo youths in two Cohorts, 5,000 were picked for further training by their tech partners. It will serve as a catchment area for DIGITAL SME. The SKillUp Imo project benchmarks the much bigger dream, Imo State Economic Agenda (IDEA) 2022 – 2026.

    “This agreement is an additional step by DIGITAL SME in collaborating with international partners, as part of DIGITAL SME’s  commitment to support efforts to establish a productive dialogue with public and private stakeholders and advance a democratic and human-centred approach to technology and ICT standards around the world,” the statement further explained.

    It is my hope that this development will further encourage Governor Uzodinma to commit more funds into building a tech future for the young people of Imo State who can now nurture a future in several worlds.

     

    Karmal Shittu writes from Minna, Niger State.

  • Imo State Police hunt for killers of Eze Umucheke’s cabinet members

    Imo State Police hunt for killers of Eze Umucheke’s cabinet members

    The Imo State Police Command has initiated a manhunt for the killers of Eze Umucheke’s cabinet members.

     

    Unidentified assailants shot and killed eight people on Saturday, leaving three others seriously wounded in the attack.

     

    Commissioner of Police, Aboki Danjuma, visited the Umucheke Community in Onuimo Local Government Area, where the tragic incident took place. Accompanied by representatives from other security agencies and local vigilantes, Danjuma vowed to apprehend the perpetrators.

     

    Danjuma condemned the killings as “barbaric, inhumane, and senseless” and extended his condolences to the families of the victims. He assured the community that the Command’s tactical unit would be stationed there permanently to prevent further attacks.

     

    Preliminary investigations indicate that six gunmen, suspected to be members of the proscribed IPOB/ESN, carried out the attack on three motorcycles.

     

    The CP urged residents to report any suspicious activities to the police, stressing the importance of community involvement in combating violent crimes.

     

    He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to enhancing the safety, security, and well-being of Imo State residents, which is vital for economic growth and prosperity.

  • 4 policemen, POS operator dead as gunmen wreak havoc in Imo

    4 policemen, POS operator dead as gunmen wreak havoc in Imo

    Dare-devil gunmen, on Monday evening, struck at Irete axis of the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway, killing four police operatives and a female Point of Sale (POS) operator.

    It was gathered that the policemen were attacked while on duty at a checkpoint near SaveMore Market Place, Irete in Owerri West Local Government Area.

    An eyewitness account said that the tragic incident occurred at about 6:30p.m.

    “The security personnel were taken unawares as the gunmen suddenly opened fire on them, killing four and a female POS operator nearby.

    “It was a terrible situation as people around ran for their safety when they heard the gunshots.

    “The horrifying event has left the Irete Community in shock and mourning,” the account further said.

    It was further gathered that the gunmen fled the scene after the attack, leaving the victims in the pool of their own blood.

    It also learnt that the gunmen shot severally at the patrol van and its tyres to prevent any surviving security personnel from using it to chase them.

    “It is disheartening, honestly, to see lives being wasted for whatever reason in such a horrific manner.

    “This senseless killing of our security personnel and innocent citizens by faceless, non-state actors must stop,” another eyewitness said on the condition of anonymity.

    It urged the State Government and security agencies to beef up security in the state and ensure that the assailants were arrested and brought to justice.

    In a reaction, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in the state, Aboki Danjuma, “condemned the attack and gruesome murder” of his men and a civilian.

    A statement issued in Owerri by the command’s Spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, and made available to NAN, accused the proscribed Indigenous People of  Biafra/Eastern Security Network of being the masterminds.

    Okoye disclosed that the CP “has deployed the command’s Tactical Units with the available operational assets and intelligence to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and hunt down the hoodlums responsible for the attack”.

    According to the statement, the operatives were ambushed while on a routine patrol at Irete on the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.

    “They fought gallantly but, unfortunately, four paid the supreme price, while a civilian was fatally hit.

    “On receipt of the unfortunate incident, the CP immediately mobilised to the scene for an on-the-spot assessment of the ugly incident,” Okoye added.

    He also explained that the remains  of the deceased had been  evacuated and deposited at the mortuary, while the injured person was rushed to a nearby hospital “where he is currently responding to treatment.

    “The CP expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident and vowed that the command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the perpetrators are all arrested and brought to justice,” he further stated.

    The statement described the tragic incident “as a painful reminder of the daily risks and sacrifices police operatives face in their unwavering commitment to public safety.

    “CP Danjuma commiserates with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls,” it added.

    It quoted the state police chief to have called on the general public, particularly the residents of Ogbakwu, “who may have any information that will assist in apprehending the assailants to report the same to the nearest police station.

    Okoye stated that the report could also be made available to the command via it’s emergency lines 08034773600 or 08098880197.

  • 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.

  • NAFDAC raids Imo market

    NAFDAC raids Imo market

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Friday confiscated alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets and pet bottles below 200ml worth millions of naira in Imo.

    Some of the alcoholic beverages confiscated by the agency include: Action bitters, ballamour bitters and Chelsea London dry gin.

    Some others are Squad 5 dark rum, Yagor milk cream liquor, Captain Jack, Banjinotu Alcoholic bitters, Tombo bitters, Big Ben, Rocket ginger, Yaahu blended gin and Eagle Aromatic Schnapps.

    The agency’s Coordinator in the state, Mrs Mercy Ndukwe, led the enforcement team to the popular Rotobi Market in Owerri, the Imo state capital.

    Ndukwe told NAN after the raid that the Federal Government had issued a directive banning the production of alcoholic beverages in sachets and pet bottles below 200ml.

    She added that “in 2018, the agency, in collaboration with Federal Ministry of Health met with the National Union of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE), Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN) and Consumer Protection Council (CPC), among other stakeholders.

    “During the meeting, an agreement was reached that companies should start packaging above 200ml.

    “The committee and the agency agreed to a moratorium of five years to phase out such packaged drinks by Jan. 31, 2024.

    “They also agreed to reduce production by 50 per cent by 2022.”

    Ndukwe added that NAFDAC had equally stopped the issuance of market authourisation to producers of alcoholic beverages below 200ml, while enforcement commenced on Feb. 1, 2024.

    However, she said, most producers continued producing with expired licences or illegally.

    She explained that “here in Imo, we gave time to see if they would reduce supply and sale of the particular sized products, but instead of reducing, it is increasing, which means the distillers and blenders are still producing and selling.

    “We cannot watch things go wrong, especially when the deadline has elapsed. This is a policy of the Federal Government and it must be enforced.”

    She said an examination of the alcoholic beverages confiscated showed some with NAFDAC registration numbers, but failed date marking like the production and expiry dates.

    “This is an indication that the producers are conscious of what they are doing, it is even a violation on its own,” she stressed.

    She said the agency had carried out regular sensitisation to educate the people, especially traders, on the ban and dangers of alcoholic beverages below 200ml, as well as plan to carry out enforcement.

    The agency had also carried out enforcement on water producers who sell sachet and bottled water in open space at the Spibat roundabout in Owerri without regard to stipulated guidelines.

    The coordinator said “we gave conditions before we register them, that water must be stored in a cool, dry and wooden platforms and not on bare floor, exposed to sunlight from morning till night.

    “You don’t store water anyhow because the packaging materials are prone to certain reactions from sunlight.

    “You may produce clean water but in the process of storage and distribution, it becomes contaminated.

    “People don’t bother to wash the sachets before drinking water, so anything on the surface of the sachet can be consumed as well.”

    Ndukwe advised them to erect makeshift shades and use wooden platforms, if they must sell outside their factories.

    “You hear the story of cholera everywhere, we don’t want residents to fall victims.

    “The enforcement is not to witch-hunt any individual or company, but to safeguard the health of the nation,” she maintained.

  • Former Imo governor aide nabbed for kidnapping, armed robbery

    Former Imo governor aide nabbed for kidnapping, armed robbery

    A former Special Adviser on Motor parks, Orlu zone, to the ex-Governor of Imo State, Emeka Ihedioha, Elias Igboayaka Dikeigbo, has been arrested for alleged kidnapping and armed robbery in the state.

    The suspect was arrested by the State police command during the weekend after the confession of some of his gang members who local vigilantes had earlier arrested in his Umuna community.

    Some of the gang members, according to Sahara Reporters, identified Elias as their leader.

    Igboayaka is said to own properties suspected to have been acquired through proceeds from illegal and criminal activities.

    The source said, “Elias who serves as the Community Youth leader of his town has been named in several criminal activities in Orlu and its environs, and has been on the police wanted list over a series of armed robbery operations.

    “People are jubilating and appreciating both the vigilantes and the police for a job well done, even as they appealed to the authorities not to release the suspect back to society as has been the case in his several arrests in the past.”

    Confirming the arrest on Sunday, the public relations officer of the state police command, Henry Okoye, said Elias’ case had been transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit for further investigation.

    He said, “He has been transferred to Anti-Kidnapping Unit and further investigation has been initiated. More suspects have been arrested in connection with the case and we are currently carrying out comprehensive investigation.

    “The arrest is part of the command’s commitment to clean the state from all criminal elements.” 

  • Imo: IPOB fingered in the death of two police officers

    Imo: IPOB fingered in the death of two police officers

    The Eastern Security Network, ESN, a wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has been accused of being responsible for the killing of two police officers and a civilian on Tuesday morning at Akabo in Ikeduru Council Area of Imo state.

    ESN was accused by the Imo state Imo State Police Command.

    This was made known by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye via a statement to newsmen in Owerri while reacting to the killings.

    Okoye said the command had deployed a Special Tactical Squad and equipped them with the available operational resources to apprehend the killers.

    “The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has deployed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad and equipped them with the available operational resources and intelligence to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and clamp down on the hoodlums responsible for the unprovoked and unwarranted attack and killing of Police Mobile operatives conducting stop-and-search at Akabo in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State.

    “The tragic incident was perpetrated In the early hours of 11/06/2024 by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN) who attacked the operatives in their numbers firing sporadically. The operatives fought gallantly but unfortunately, two personnel and a civilian were fatally hit.

    “In the wake of the tragic incident, the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma alongside the DC Operations led Police Operatives to the scene of the crime for an on-the-spot assessment of the incident. Intense operation is ongoing in the area for possible apprehension and prosecution of the fleeing hoodlums responsible for the senseless act of violence.

    “Moreover, the Commissioner of Police has set up a high-powered investigation team and tasked them to carry out a comprehensive investigation to unravel the perpetrators of the attack. Meanwhile, the lifeless bodies of the affected officers and a civilian have been recovered and deposited in a mortuary for preservation.

    “The ugly incident serves as a stark and painful reminder of the daily risk and sacrifices Police officers embrace in their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of the good people of Imo State,” the police said.

    Sympathizing with the affected families on the death of their loved ones, the Commissioner of Police assured them that no stone would be left unturned in ensuring that the culprits are brought to book.

    He called on all and sundry who may have any useful information that would assist in the ongoing investigation to bring the culprit to book to kindly report at the nearest Police Station.

  • Unknown Gunmen kill police officers, Civilian, in Imo (photo)

    Unknown Gunmen kill police officers, Civilian, in Imo (photo)

    Unknown gunmen on Tuesday shot and killed two mobile police officers and a civilian in Ikeduru local government area of Imo State

    Eyewitness disclosed that the gunmen came in a motorbike and ambushed the police officers who were on a stop-and-search operation at Akabor.

    The Command’s Spokesperson, Henry Okoye confirmed the tragic incident, in which he disclosed that the Commissioner of Police (CP), Aboki Danjuma has deployed the command’s Special Tactical Squad to go after the killers of the officers in synergy with other security agencies.

    Okoye, while consoling the families of the bereaved assured them that no stone would be left unturned in his quest to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crime to book.

    He said: “The Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma has deployed the Command’s Special Tactical Squad and equipped them with the available operational resources and intelligence to go all out in synergy with other security agencies and clamp down on the hoodlums responsible for the unprovoked and unwarranted attack and killing of Police Mobile operatives conducting stop-and-search at Akabor in Ikeduru LGA of Imo State.

    “The tragic incident was perpetrated in the early hours of 11/06/2024 by hoodlums suspected to be members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN) who attacked the operatives in their numbers firing sporadically. The operatives fought gallantly but unfortunately, two personnel and a civilian were fatally hit.

    “In the wake of the tragic incident, the Commissioner of Police Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma alongside the DC Operations led Police Operatives to the scene of the crime for on-the-spot assessment of the incident.

    “Intense operation is ongoing in the area for possible apprehension and prosecution of the fleeing hoodlums responsible for the senseless act of violence.

    “More so, the Commissioner of Police has set up a high-powered investigation team and tasked them to carry out a comprehensive investigation to unravel the perpetrators of the attack. Meanwhile, the lifeless bodies of the affected officers and a civilian have been recovered and deposited in a mortuary for preservation.

    “The ugly incident serves as a stark and painful reminder of the daily risk and sacrifices Police officers embrace in their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of the good people of Imo State.”