The operatives of the Economic Financial Crimes Commission have sealed Rochas Foundation College, Owerri, Imo State.
The anti-graft agency also sealed East High Primary and Secondary school, Owerri which belongs to Rochas Okorocha’s first daughter,Uloma Nwosu.
Also sealed is All-In Supermarket, Owerri, said to belong to a member of Okorocha’s family.
Okorocha who was governor of Imo State between 2011 and 2019 is currently representing Imo West senatorial district in the Nigerian senate.
Speaking with newsmen Okorocha’s media aide, Sam Onwuemeodo, said that he was putting a press statement on the development together.
Tag: Okorocha
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EFCC confiscate Rochas Foundation College, supermarket, daughter’s school
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Imo govt’s N50bn property allegedly missing under Okorocha
The Committee on the Recovery of Imo Government Property has alleged that about N50 billion worth of property belonging to the state was discovered to be missing after former Gov. Rochas Okorocha left office.
Mr Jasper Ndubuaku, the Chairman of the committee, said this on Wednesday at a press conference in Owerri, while speaking on the recoveries so far made by the committee.
He said that it was regrettable that after all the efforts by the committee to recover the missing property, over N50 billion worth of government property were allegedly still in the hands of Okorocha’s former aides and cronies.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the committee was inaugurated by Gov. Emeka Ihedioha shortly after assuming office to recover all government movable property from former functionaries in the last administration.
Ndubuaku said that three vehicles out of five allegedly taken away by Okorocha’s Aide-De-Camp had been recovered.
He said that 66 utility vehicles were missing from the Government House and that six of them were allegedly traced to the Wife of the former Governor, Nkechi.
He further disclosed that all the furniture in the Ministry of Happiness and Purpose Fulfillment, which had Okorocha’s younger sister, Mrs Ogechi Ololo, as the Commissioner, were also missing.
He said the committee had appealed to the former governor’s aides and other government functionaries to return all the government property in their custody.
Ndubuaku said that the committee might be compelled to adopt other measures to recover the missing property, should its diplomatic approach fail.
He attributed the huge breakthrough made so far to the whistle blowing policy adopted by the committee. -
Imo: Stop harassing my wife, children – Okorocha warns Ihedioha
Rochas Okorocha, Senator representing Imo West has warned the State Governor, Emeka Ihedioha to stop harassing his wife and children.
Okorocha, who is the immediate past governor of the state said harassing his wife and children by the Ihedioha-led state government was unacceptable.
The lawmaker’s warning was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on media, Sam Onwuemedo.
He challenged the governor to take charge as the leader of the State and halt the incessant harassment and abuse of his wife and children by his senior appointees.
The statement reads: Thugs believed to be working for the secretary to the State Government, Chief Onyeaguocha invaded a mechanic workshop around the Orji flyover and took away a vehicle undergoing repair and owned by the daughter of the former governor, Uloma Nwosu nee Okorocha.
“Even when she later sent her staff with the particulars of the vehicle they took away, to show that the vehicle does not belong to the State Government and to show that she bought the vehicle long time ago, they threatened to beat her and detain her and never cared to look at the particulars of the vehicle.
“If Ihedioha’s government wanted anything from any of the former governor’s children or wife they could do so through the Police or DSS in the State. Invading their houses or impounding their private vehicles even from the mechanics for any reason, is barbaric and should be frowned at.’
“We want to make this appeal and ask Governor Emeka Ihedioha to take charge as the governor of the State and halt the incessant harassment and abuse of the wife and children of the former governor of the State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha by his senior appointees and their foot soldiers. Specifically, Governor Ihedioha should call Uche Onyeaguocha and his thugs to order and stop them from their harassment and abuse of the wife and children of the former governor.
“Chief Ihedioha should not create an ugly history or set a very bad precedence as the first governor of the State who took delight in harassing the children and wife of the man he succeeded as governor.
“Chief Ikedi Ohakim never harassed or abused the children and wife of Achike Udenwa he succeeded as governor. Owelle Rochas Okorocha for one day, never harassed or abused the wife and children of Chief Ohakim who he succeeded also as governor. Ihedioha should follow those examples.
“His appointees have been harassing and castigating the children and wife of the former governor even at public functions and in the media. This is not good for the Office of governor. They can criticize or malign Rochas Okorocha on any issue which they have been doing, but to begin to harass the children and wife, is unacceptable to us and indeed, to all decent men and women in the society.
” Thugs believed to be working for the secretary to the State Government, Chief Onyeaguocha invaded a mechanic workshop around the Orji flyover and took away a vehicle undergoing repair and owned by the daughter of the former governor, Uloma Nwosu nee Okorocha.
” Even when she later sent her staff with the particulars of the vehicle they took away, to show that the vehicle does not belong to the State Government and to show that she bought the vehicle long time ago, they threatened to beat her and detain her and never cared to look at the particulars of the vehicle.
If Ihedioha’s government wanted anything from any of the former governor’s children or wife they could do so through the Police or DSS in the State. Invading their houses or impounding their private vehicles even from the mechanics for any reason, is barbaric and should be frowned at.
“It is also important to remind those who have got appointments for chewing election result sheets that no human being has the monopoly of thuggery or lawlessness and the most dangerous situation could arise when people are pushed to the wall. It also gives the wrong impression that those who want to be Secretary to the Government of the State should only need to tear or chew election result sheets.
Okorocha’s wife and children never committed any crime by remaining in the State after he had left as governor, when the children and wives of those before him are all at overseas.
“They are here because they believe in the State and Owelle has an addiction for the good of the State. Finally, people should not see Rochas Okorocha’s penchant for peace and tolerance as weakness. A word should be enough for the wise.”
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Rochas Okorocha: Senate welcomes its newest member
Owelle Rochas Okorocha, former Imo state governor has been sworn in as the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District.
He was sworn in on Thursday by the Clerk to the Senate, Nelson Ayewoh.
After withholding the certificate of return for more than two months, the Independent National Electoral Commission grudgingly gave Okorocha the certificate hours after his colleagues were sworn in and took part in the election of the Senate President Ahmed Lawan and his deputy, Ovie Omo-Agege.
Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court ruled on 7 June that it was illegal for INEC . to withhold the certificate.
INEC complied but served notice it would appeal the judgment. There are two orders by two courts in Okorocha’s Imo state, asking INEC not to release the same certificate.
INEC said it would appeal Abang’s judgment.
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INEC vows to appeal judgment ordering issuance of certificate of return to Okorocha
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will appeal the judgment directing it to issue a Certificate of Return to former Governor of Imo, Rochas Okorocha.
Okorocha received his certificate of return as winner of Imo West Senatorial District election held Feb. 23.
INEC made the disclosure in a statement issued by Mr Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee of INEC on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said the commission issued the certificate to Okorocha in compliance with an Abuja Federal High Court that directed it to do so.
Okoye said the issuance of the certificate to Okorocha once again demonstrated its commitment to obeying court judgment, including those it might have reservations.
He said that the decision was reached on Tuesday after the commission met and considered 14 Memoranda involving judgments and orders in pre-election matters relating to the issuance of certificates and or withdrawal of certificates already issued in pre-election matters.
“Amongst the memoranda considered, is the one concerning the judgment on the Imo West Senatorial district by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
“The Commission decided to comply with the court judgment by issuing a certificate of return to the plaintiff, Rochas Okorocha in compliance with the judgment and Orders of Hon. Justice Okon Abang.
“It will also appeal against the said judgment.”
Okoye said that in arriving at the decision, the commission also took into consideration, the orders issued by two High Courts in Owerri Judicial Division.
He said the orders were issued in suits No. HOW/ 596/2019 issued on May 23, 2019 and another dated the June 11, 2019 issued in suit No. HOW/663/2019 restraining the commission from issuing certificate of return in respect of the said senatorial district.
The national commissioner said that INEC noted that both were interim orders issued ex parte and not final orders of court.
Okoye said that in obeying the judgment, the commission was demonstrating, once again, its longstanding commitment of complying with all orders of court, including those with which it may have reservations.
“However, the commission must put on record its very profound concerns about the likely consequences of this judgment for our electoral process in particular and our democracy in general.
“Obviously, persons who seek elective offices can perceive in this judgment an irrelevance of due process and acting within the law.
“It is not far-fetched that some of them can in future disregard laid down processes, including voting, arm themselves and mobilise thugs and compel Returning Officers to declare them elected, irrespective of the true outcomes of elections.
“Moreover, it may become increasingly difficult for the commission to convince its officials that they are safe to carry out their legitimate functions without fear of being harassed, held to ransom or visited with bodily harm,” he said.
Okoye restated INEC’s commitment to due process and obedience to the Rule of Law in its dealings with all parties and candidates.
“We assure Nigerians that we will not waiver in our determination to enthrone a credible electoral process in Nigeria.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that INEC had earlier issued certificate of return to Okorocha around 6 p.m. on Tuesday.
Okorocha, who commended INEC for issuing him the certificate, said that he saw it as God’s time.
Okorocha commended the judiciary for doing the needful and for being there at the needed time as well as serve as the last resort for the common citizens or anybody that felt oppressed.
“I also want to thank INEC for taking this bold step against all odds by issuing my certificate of return, which goes a long way to confirming that the allegation of duress was unfounded by a delay tactic by my detractors to slow down the process.
“I believe this is God’s time and I take it as God’s time. I am happy that finally the matter is resolved,” Okorocha said.
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BREAKING:Finally, INEC issues Okorocha Certificate of Return
Finally, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has issued Certificate of Return to ex-Governor of Imo state, Rochas Okorocha.
A Federal High court in Abuja last Friday directed the commission to issue the former governor the certificate.
The commission obeyed the directive after its management meeting on Tuesday.
The meeting also discussed other sundry issues.
Details shortly…
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Inauguration: NASS management denies Okorocha entry
Former governor of Imo State Rochas Okorocha arrived National Assembly premises at 7:40.am on Tuesday ahead of the inauguration but was denied accreditation.
Okorocha, who was declared winner of the Imo West Senatorial District, was not issued certificate of return by INEC.
However, a federal high court in Abuja last week ordered that he be given his return certificate.
It was, however, gathered that Okorocha was not accredited by the National Assembly management to attend the inauguration.
It was not clear if INEC had complied with the court’s directive.
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INEC has not issued me certificate of return as senator-elect yet- Okorocha
Immediate past Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha, on Monday said that the Independent National Electoral Commission had yet to issue him with a Certificate of Return as the Imo West senator-elect despite a federal High Court’s judgment ordering the electoral umpire to do so.
Okorocha in a statement issued in Owerri, the state capital, by his media aide, Sam Onwuemedo, said that the picture circulating online where Okorocha was holding a Certificate of return was “fake”.
He said that Nigerians would be duly informed when INEC issues him(Okorocha) his certificate of return.
The statement read partly, “The attention of the former governor of lmo State, His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha has been drawn to fake photo news showing where he is holding what appears like a certificate purportedly issued to him by INEC.“The photograph in question expectedly has been trending on social media. And we have been receiving calls from well-meaning Nigerians to that effect, either congratulating the former governor or to confirm the authenticity of the photo news.
“The truth is that the photograph is fake and didn’t emanate from us. On our side, we don’t engage in awkward actions.
“When the former governor and the senator-elect for lmo West senatorial District receives his certificate of Return, we will duly inform the general public.
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Court judgment: We’ll do the needful on Okorocha’s Certificate of Return – INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Friday said it will do the needful regarding the judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja which ordered it to issue a Certificate of Return to the immediate past Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha as the Senator-elect for Imo West Senatorial District.
Festus Okoye, National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voters Education Committee, INEC, in a statement, said the commission had been drawn to the judgement of the Federal High Court, Abuja, presided over by the Hon. Justice Okon Abang, directing the Commission to issue a Certificate of Return to Okorocha.
He said the commission was also aware of and had been served with the order of a High Court of Imo State, presided over by Hon. Justice Njemanze, directing the Commission not to issue a Certificate of Return to any of the candidates who contested the Imo West Senatorial District election.
“The Order from the High Court of Imo State was issued on 23rd May, 2019 and the suit has been further adjourned to 26th June, 2019.
“The Commission is aware that the judgement delivered by the Federal High Court, Abuja is the latest in time and determined the rights of the parties in relation to the subject matter of the Certificate of Return, in respect of the Imo West Senatorial Election,” he said.
According to him, INEC was currently undertaking State level reviews of the 2019 general elections and that all the National Commissioners were either in or heading to their States of supervision to coordinate activities relating to the said review.
“In view of the import and directives of the said judgement, the Commission will meet as soon as practicable to do the needful. As a law-abiding institution, the Commission will continue to obey judgement of all courts of competent jurisdiction,” he stated.
Okoye, however, noted that the Commission’s overriding consideration was the safety of its ad-hoc staff, electoral officers and collation/returning officers and was worried that if electoral impunity was allowed to flourish, any individual could harass, intimidate and put the Commission’s officers under duress, procure a favourable declaration and be rewarded with a Certificate of Return.
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Certificate of return: I’ve forgiven Ibeabuchi – Okorocha
Immediate past Imo governor, Rochas Okorocha, says he has forgiven Prof. Innocent Ibeabuchi, the returning officer for the Imo West senatorial election, in the 2019 general elections.
Okorocha said this in a statement signed by his media aide, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo, and made available to newsmen in Owerri, on Friday.
The statement came shortly after Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to isuue Okorocha the Certificate of Return as Senator-Elect for Imo-West
Okorocha said that he had forgiven Ibeabuchi, who had alleged that he declared him winner under duress.
He thanked the court for affirming his victory, describing Justice Abang as one of the exemplary ambassadors of the judiciary in Nigeria.
The former governor dedicated his victory to the people of Imo West Senatorial district and Imo state in general, for their unflinching support and steadfastness.
He said that he would continue to play politics devoid of rancour, malice and bitterness.
Abang had ruled that the INEC had no right under any known law in the country to withhold the certificate of return of a candidate who had been announced and returned as winner of an election by the returning officer.
The Judge had also ordered the INEC to immediately issue a certificate of return to Okorocha, as winner of the said election.