TheNewsGuru

Tag: Imo State

  • Imo governor, Uzodinma signs bill extending teachers’ retirement age to 65

    Imo governor, Uzodinma signs bill extending teachers’ retirement age to 65

    Hope Uzodinma the governor of Imo state on Wednesday, signed a legislation establishing a new retirement age of 65 or 40 for teachers employed by the state.

    Previously, the retirement age for teachers was  35 years of service or 60 years of age.

    Shortly after signing the bill, the governor said the new law would motivate teachers in the state’s public schools.

    “Having given the teachers an extra five years, they are expected to bring out their time and work harder to give Imo children the best form of teaching and learning and graduate them as the best in Nigeria,” he said.

    He called the gesture “value addition” and urged the teachers to be more committed and serious about their jobs.

    Uzodimma congratulated them and stated that the “law is intended to encourage teachers to have a sense of job security and to be more effective and efficient in their duties.”

  • Imo: INEC replies Labour Party over delay to access election materials

    Imo: INEC replies Labour Party over delay to access election materials

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has explained reasons behind the delay in granting the Labour Party access to election materials in Imo State.

    INEC disclosed it is assembling all the materials the Labour Party requested for and that its legal department would estimate the cost of certifying all 33 items they requested for.

    The electoral umpire stressed that after this process, the party could then make payment for the election materials to be released.

    A statement by INEC reads: “The attention of the Management of the Commission in Imo State has been drawn to the statements from the Labour Party in Imo State, which claims that INEC has refused to issue the Party with a certified True Copies of Election materials, and wish to make clarifications on the matter.

    “INEC however acknowledges the receipt of the application for the certification of documents from the LP, and had held active correspondence with them, informing them that the legal department would estimate the cost of the certification of all 33 items they requested for.

    “The Commission is assembling all the needed documents to assess the cost so that payment could be made. Management clearly understands the right of parties to request for CTC of documents and would work assiduously to issue them”.

  • Imo election: Labour Party accuses INEC of delaying access to documents

    Imo election: Labour Party accuses INEC of delaying access to documents

    The Labour Party (LP) in Imo has alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is delaying its access to Certified True Copies (CTCs) of documents used for the November 11 governorship poll in the state.

    The party’s allegation is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Media and Publicity of the Athan Achonu Campaign Organisation, Mr Chibuikem Diala, and made available to newsmen in Owerri on Saturday.

    Diala stated that the official request already made by the party’s solicitors to INEC for the CTCs was duly acknowledged and received on November 15.

    He wondered why the release of the documents had been delayed.

    He urged  the INEC National Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to prevail on the commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Imo, Prof. Sylvia Agu, to release the documents, saying, “time is of essence“.

    “INEC was as so efficient to announce the results of 27 LGAs of Imo in less that 12 hours after the election, one wonders why the commission is taking over 144 hours to release the documents backing their pronouncements.

    “One would expect a better and efficient approach from the electoral body.

    “We sincerely hope that this delay is not a decoy by INEC in Imo and agents of the APC led-government to tamper with sensitive materials in INEC’s possession,“ Diala stated.

    He called on security agencies to remain vigilant and do all they could to ensure that the CTCs were released as requested and in good time.

    He thanked LP supporters for their unalloyed steadfastness and assured them of the commitment of the party’s candidate, Sen. Athan Achonu, to retrieving the mandate through due process.

    INEC’a Head of Voter Education in Imo, Mrs Emmanuella Ben-Opara, however, said that the LP, just like other political parties, is entitled to copies of the documents, adding that the documents would be released within the stipulated timeframe.

  • 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.

  • I dedicate my victory to God, Imo people, says Uzodimma

    I dedicate my victory to God, Imo people, says Uzodimma

    Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo says he dedicates his victory in Saturday’s Governorship election to God and the people of the state, “who turned out in masse to vote for me”.

    Uzodimma said this on Monday in a state-wide broadcast in Owerri.

    He said, “I humbly accept the great honour and privilege to serve as your governor for a second term of four years.”

    The governor said that the massive vote for him was “an emphatic vote of confidence” on his performance in office in the last four years.

    He said: “I must confess that I am truly humbled and deeply appreciative of every single vote I received across the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

    “They all contributed to giving me a clear, historic and unprecedented victory over my opponents.

    “This historic statement is a clear confirmation that all the different stakeholders, who had earlier endorsed me for the governorship election because of our superlative performance in office, have walked their talk.

    “To all of you, including, but not limited to the youths, women, traders, road transport workers, all other stakeholders, particularly Imo workers, through their different unions, such as the Nigerian Labour Congress, the Nigerian Union of Teachers, the Nigerian Union of Pensioners and the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees, I say thank you very much indeed.

    “I sincerely appreciate all of you, you have made me proud, indeed.

    “It is now my turn to keep my own side of the bargain,” he said.

    The governor assured the people that he would serve them with utmost honesty and the fear of God.

    “I am aware of your desires and expectations.

    “In this regard, let me reassure you that I will continue to deliver the dividend of democracy to Imo people under our 3R mantra of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Recovery.

    “I will continue to provide a transparent, accountable and transformative leadership to Imo people.

    “I will continue to provide an inclusive platform for all Imo people to have a say on how they are governed.

    “These are my promises, and I believe this was why you voted for me and I will keep to the promises,” Uzodimma said.

    He called on his opponents at the election “to join hands with him to continue to build the Imo of our collective dream”.

    He also commended APC agents across the 305 wards in the state as well as the political appointees for standing firm in the defence of APC votes.

    He also thanked religious leaders for their relentless and fervent prayers for peace in the state and, particularly, for the election.

    “It is also to your credit that you initiated the Charter of Equity, which was designed to reduce tension and acrimony in governorship elections in the state.

    “In the same vein, I thank the Elders Council for adopting the Charter of Equity document wholehearted and for tirelessly marketing it to our people in the 27 LGAs.

    “I also wish to thank our traditional rulers for all their prayers for the peaceful conduct of the election.

    “For INEC, the security agencies and others, who saw to it that the election was peaceful, free and fair, you are the true heroes of the election and worthy defenders of our democracy, I thank you all,” the governor said.

    INEC declared Uzodimma winner of the election, after he polled 540,308 votes to defeat his closest rival, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu of PDP, who scored 71,503 votes.

    The Labour Party candidate, Sen. Athan Achonu, came third with 64,081 votes, while the APGA candidate, Mr Anthony Ejiogu, came fourth with 6,392 votes.

  • BREAKING: Labour Party rejects Imo election results, heads straight to court

    BREAKING: Labour Party rejects Imo election results, heads straight to court

    The Governorship Candidate of the Labour Party in Imo, Sen. Athan Achonu, has rejected the result of Saturday’s election, saying he will seek redress in court.

    Achonu said this on Sunday, while addressing newsmen in his Umulomo country home in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state.

    He alleged that the election was  “marred by irregularities, including vote buying and physical assaults of LP agents, and thus deserving of outright cancellation”.

    He further alleged that voting in many locations was done without BVAS accreditation, contrary to the assurances by INEC before the election.

    Achonu also alleged compromise on the part of security personnel, adding that “recorded evidences abound, such as that of a police officer who was beaten by voters for attempting to snatch a ballot box”.

    He commended LP supporters for their steadfastness in the face of provocation and assured them that they would get justice through the courts.

    “Our democracy was raped in the full glare of security personnel, whose salaries we pay from our commonwealth.

    “Collation was suddenly moved from the ward to LG centres, and only APC agents were allowed to enter, while agents of other parties were locked out.

    “And to you my supporters, thank you for your doggedness and steadfastness, you fought hard and I am proud of you all.

    “I have not lost hope in the judiciary, there are so many men of integrity therein, and we shall reclaim our mandate,” Achonu said.

    He condemned the assault and detention of the LP Chairman in Imo, Mr Callistus Ihejiagwa, at the state collation centre, and called for the immediate arrest of those who manhandled him.

    “My party chairman was beaten up at the collation centre, as it  is evident in a widely circulated video.

    “And instead of arresting those who beat him, the police arrested and detained him.

    “Let’s save the drift into anarchy, let’s save our country and her democracy.

    “There was no election yesterday and we call on the INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, to cancel the purported results,“ Achonu said.

  • How Uzodimma won Imo governorship election in 2nd term comeback

    How Uzodimma won Imo governorship election in 2nd term comeback

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has officially declared Governor Hope Uzodimma as the winner of the Saturday election conducted in Imo State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Uzodimma polled a total of 540,308 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Samuel Anyanwu, candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the election.

    Anyanwu polled a total of 71,503 votes while Athan Achonu of the Labour Party polled a total of 64,081 votes.

    TNG reports Uzodimma won all 27 local government areas of Imo State and was declared winner by INEC returning officer, Abayomi Fasina, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Oye Ekiti

    “That you Hope Uzodimma of APC having satisfied the law is hereby returned elected,” Fashina declared.

    Declaring the result of the Saturday’s off-cycle election, the State Returning Officer, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, said that Uzodimma polled 540,308 votes to defeat 17 other candidates.

    Fasina, who is the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, said that the PDP Governorship Candidate, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, polled 71,503 votes.

    He also said that Sen. Athan Achonu of the Labour Party, came third with 64,081 votes, while Mr Anthony Ejiogu of APGA scored 6,392 votes to occupy the fourth position.

    In a reaction, the APC State Collation Officer and Attorney-General of the State, Mr Cyprian Akaolisa, commended INEC and security agencies for the peaceful conduct of the poll.

    “It is clear that INEC did their best to ensure a free and fair election, from the distribution of election materials to the conduct of the election, it was peaceful.

    “Security agencies did their utmost best to ensure that the process was smooth and we had a credible, free and fair election.

    “This victory is victory for Imo people.

    “It is a victory for the continuation of the development the governor is providing for the people,” Akaolisa said in an interview.

    However, the State Collation Officer for the Young Progressives Party, Mr Kingsley Nwahiri, expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome of the poll.

    “The result of the governorship election that was declared today (Sunday) is a result of the  vote buying,” he said.

    Nwahiri said that the decision on the next line of action would be taken by the national leadership of the party.

    Earlier, Anyanwu had called for the cancellation of the election over alleged ballot box-snatching and violence.

    He further claimed that security agencies assisted officials of INEC to ensure victory for the APC governor.

    Similarly, Achonu had alleged that there were several infractions during the conduct of the election.

    The Labour Party governorship candidate described the election as “democracy under attack”.

    However, INEC’s Head of Voter Education, Mrs Emmanuella Opara, dismissed the allegation as unfounded.

    Opara said the commission had yet to receive any official reports on vote buying, ballot-box snatching or any other malpractice.

  • BREAKING: APC wins all 27 LGAs in Imo governorship election

    BREAKING: APC wins all 27 LGAs in Imo governorship election

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has won all the 27 local government areas (LGAs) in the Imo State governorship election conducted on Saturday by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Hope Uzodimma is the candidate of the APC in the Imo State governorship election conducted on Saturday.

    Uzodimma won all the 27 local government area results as announced and INEC is set to be officially announced the winner in a moment.

     

    Details shortly…

  • Labour Party calls for cancellation of election results in Imo

    Labour Party calls for cancellation of election results in Imo

    The Labour Party (LP) in Imo State has called for the cancellation of election results from some polling units over alleged irregularities.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports candidate of the Labour Party in the Saturday’s Imo governorship election, Sen. Athan Achonu, made the call.

    Achonu made the call while speaking with newsmen in his hometown, Umulumo, in Ehime Mbano council area of Imo, on Saturday.

    He said that agents of his party returned with disturbing reports of hijacking of ballot boxes and other electoral materials as well as vote buying.

    He added that the LP had officially written to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for requisite action and called for the cancellation of results emanating from the affected locations.

    He alleged “In parts of Ideato, the process was characterized by ballot box snatching and all manners of irregularities, including intimidation of voters.

    “This is unacceptable. We have already written to INEC to take appropriate steps to ensure that fake results are not uploaded,“ he said.

    He, however, decried the “absence of security personnel in certain places around Orlu and Orsu”, while commending the military for turning up to save the situation in some other areas.

    INEC’s Head of Voter Education, Mrs Emmanuella Opara, however said that the Commission was yet to receive an official report on the alleged irregularities.

  • Uzodimma, Anyanwu differ over Imo guber election

    Uzodimma, Anyanwu differ over Imo guber election

    Gov. Hope Uzodimma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, on Saturday expressed diverse views on the conduct of the Saturday governorship election in Imo.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both candidates spoke shortly after casting their votes at their various polling units on amidst low voter turnout.

    Uzodimma, who voted at 11:35a.m. at Polling Unit 032, Ekwenja Ukwu-Ozu ward, Omuma Community, Oru East Local Government Area, said reports he received showed that the election was peaceful in most parts of the state.

    “The election, contrary to what they said on the social media, is going on free, fair and very peaceful.

    “You can see how freely I have gone out to cast my votes and also how INEC was able to process my accreditation under few minutes.

    “It is evident for all of us in the country to know that the patriotic people of the state are desirous of having Imo state blossom,” he said.

    However, the governor urged those in the opposition allegedly sponsoring mischief and other forms of criminality to repent.

    ”Some of us are in politics to serve the people and are in politics for the interest of the people. We say things as they are really on ground.

    “Some are out to confuse the populace. They just go to the social media and fabricate stories and publish.

    “But when you visit the polling units, you will now see that there is peace there,” he said.

    Uzodimma commended INEC and security agencies for ensuring proper deployment of material and personnel for the election.

    “The entire space is manned and occupied and people are responding positively. I have not heard any knockout, so I think Imo state is safe and it is good to go.

    “I have just voted and some people are still voting. At the end of the day, whatever God approved will be announced by INEC,” he said.

    On his part, the candidate of the PDP, Sen. Samuel Anyanwu, expressed worries over reports of alleged ballot box snatching in some areas of the state.

    ”Though they started very late which was the problem we had here where others started by 8:00am, I just cast my vote at about 10:25am.

    ”This is my home town and my people are excited to cast their votes because one of their own is coming out for election”, he said.

    He alleged that materials and votes were catered away at about seven wards in Orlu.

    He said similar incidents were reported at Orsu and parts of Oru West, wondering why opposition parties would not allow free and fair election in the state.

    “We should not encourage hooliganism. When you bring people like that to help you win. That is not the type of society we want and a responsible government should not encourage such.

    “Imo people are desirous of change but some people are trying to truncate it. It will never work,” he stated.