Uzodinma appealed to the people not to judge him by the records of past leaders but rather with what he would achieve as governor.
imo
For Sneezing, Imo Speaker Orders Lawmaker Out Of Plenary
The speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Collins Chiji has ordered the member representing Nkwerre State Constituency, Mr. Obinna Okwara to leave the hallowed chambers when he suddenly started coughing and sneezing during the plenary.
This came as the speaker also has advised the member representing Owerri North State Constituency in Imo State, Mr. Philip Ejiogu to observe strict self-isolation following his recent return from the United Kingdom.
At the House’s last plenary for the week, Mr. Okwara’s sudden sneezing caused pandemonium as his colleagues who sat close to him started shifting away from him.
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Other lawmakers in the chambers quickly reached out for their nose masks and handkerchiefs and wore them.
When the sneezing became very constant and started distracting the proceedings at the plenary, the speaker ordered Okwara out of plenary, advising him to check himself properly.
The lawmaker was seen walking into his office and never came back to the plenary afterwards.
Earlier on Tuesday, the speaker also ordered the member representing Owerri North State Constituency, Mr. Philip Ejiogu to observe strict self-isolation following his return from the United Kingdom recently.
Ejiogu had returned to the country last week after he had visited the United Kingdom.
He joined his colleagues during the plenary and was seen hugging his colleagues, especially Amara Iwuanyanwu and Uche Ogbuagu who were elected the deputy speaker and majority leader of the house respectively.
READ ALSO: Coronavirus: Buhari’s Daughter Self Quarantined
According to the speaker, the lawmaker may have been exposed to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) during his visit to London.
Chiji explained during the plenary that the lawmaker may have come in contact with one of the confirmed cases in the United Kingdom, where the virus is spreading faster.
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The former Imo State Universal Basic Education Board (IMSUBEB) Chairman, Dr Mrs Uche Ejiogu has finally opened up on the alleged school building contract scam during the Okorocha administration.
Ejiogu appeared before the judicial panel of inquiry sitting at High Court Owerri, on Monday and revealed that she did not partake in the execution of the 91 school building project neither did she know the nature of the buildings or where the buildings where sited in Imo State.
Ejiogu who is the former member that represented Ihitte/Uboma State constituency in the Imo State House of Assembly who was poetic and dramatic during her presentation at the witness box on Monday maintained that the former Commissioner in charge of Finance (Deackon Chike Okeafor) allegedly forced her to pay the sum of N3.2bn to a named firm White Label account which she complied to the directive.
She confessed that Deackon Okeafor insisted that she will be sacked if she did not do as the former Governor directed.
In her words, “when I returned from Abuja, I went strength to then governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha to show him the N5.4bn that I came back with while I returned back to my office at IMSUBEB located along Porthacourt road Owerri, thereafter, Chike Okeafor came for the money forcing me to process a mandate for the payment of N3.4bn to White Label, I went back to governor Okorocha who then told me to go ahead up panel that will execute the job for the state.
Read Also: Imo: Okorocha Stole N1trillion – Ihedioha
“In my mind I believed Chike Okeafor to be one of them and based on that I complied with his demand”, Ejiogu submitted.
Ejiogu who once served as Commissioner for Education accepted that due process was not followed in the awarding of contract for the 91 schools also submitted that it was her Financial Director, Mr Augustine Duru that processed the mandate as 75% of the contract money was released without delay to please Chike Okeafor.
Continuing, Ejiogu said she left N900m when she was redeployed in 2013, adding that the remaining part of the Action Plan fund of N5.4bn which she came back with from Abuja may have been use in the execution of other projects like the supply of Mats, School Desk and other materials as listed in the Action plan of IMSUBEB.
She further told the panel that governor Okorocha while at Ahiajioku Convention Centre then in one public functions held there directed that female party loyalists should be given the contract to supply the items mentioned above. She disclosed that based on Okorocha’s Directives. The female party loyalists were compensated with the contract as their name were listed and forwarded to IMSUBEB.
“Chike Okeafor lied if he actually said that he was not part of the contract execution” Ejiogu also said.
Read Also: Okorocha Dares Imo Panel To Probe Him
She further submitted that it was Chike Okeafor who introduced White Label company to her and the account number to pay in the N3.4bn.
The panel questioned her on Barr. Kennedy Ibe and she denied knowing him as at the time she was the chairman of IMSUBEB.
More drama in the matter came up again when Uche Ejiogu and her Director of Finance could not agree on the actual amount paid to White Label company. While Uche Ejiogu insisted it was above N3bn, her Financial Director (Mr Duru) said it was below that amount.
She was asked to tell the panel if the buildings are upstairs or downstairs and she told the Court point clear that she did not witnessed any of the build, therefore there was no need to supervise what she did not see on ground.
Even the contract value, she revealed that she did not know anything about it.
Uche Ejiogu who said further that she was mandated to push the money for the building of 91 schools disclosed that she never handled any one at this point her voice changed.
When the panel member were not hearing her clear, jokingly, one of them demanded that she should use her political campaign voice and everybody burst into laughter.
There was confusion in the presentation but later it was traced that Ejiogu signed two mandates the same for the White Label which led to N3.4bn she earlier said she was sure to have been given to White Label.
When Mr Duru came up and was unable to pronounce some of the figures correctly, the chairman of the panel warned him to be very careful.
The chairman of the panel explained that the want to ascertain the truth and not to victimize anybody at all, adding that those invited should be plain in their submission.
The panel demanded that the record of what consumed the N5.4BN Action Plan Fund that Ejiogu brought from Abuja should presented.
The panel asked Mr Duru to provide the name of the PAYEE’S (Contractor), Bank and Account number from 2011 to 13 April 2018.
Duru was also asked to explain more on how he came up with the calculation of the value added tax (VAT).
The panel asked Duru and Ejiogu to come back next week for further submissions.
It could be recalled that the past administration of Rt Hon Emeka Ihedioha started with the probe panel and Senator Hope Uzodinma continued with it. Chike Okeafor, Kennedy and Paul Roche as we gathered have made their own submissions to the panel.
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Gov Uzodinma Urges Civil Servants Above 45 years To Work From Home
Gov Uzodinma while addressing a press conference said, “we will continue to update us as to the precautionary measures as we find it necessary to do so.” He said, Imo is safe and in the hands of God.
He also released the following numbers for the public to contact in the event of an emergency . They are 09059995559 (Glo), 0904005164 (Airtel), and 07043954215 (MTN)
Prof Iwu said the committee has been working proactively since it was inaugurated by the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma and has done a lot to educate and inform the people of the State in a bid to prevent the killer virus.
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Chaos In A Burial Ceremony As Police Officer Shoots Mourner In Imo
The unidentified Policeman was said to have shot the man and fled, for fear of possible mob attack.
According to eyewitness account, the man shot was reportedly “jirating” following the burial ceremony procession of his kinsman who was to be buried that fateful day.
Investigations revealed that, that the policeman had allegedly confronted one of the men and a quarrel ensued which allegedly led to a close range shot to the victim.
The man whose name remains unknown was later taken to the hospital (Federal Medical Center, FMC).
When contacted the Police Public Relations officer, SP Orlando Ikeokwu said the victim is responding to treatment and is alive.
It would be recalled that an 18 year old boy, with name Awuzie Duru, was allegedly killed within the premises of a new generation bank branch at Umuaka on Sunday, December 1.
According to reports, Awuzie, popularly known as Aboy, from Isiozi Aka in Umuaka, Imo state, had gone to the bank to withdraw money from the bank’s ATM gallery. The boy took his space on the line and other newcomers took their place behind him.
Against this back drop, Imo may be shut down like other states did last weekend.
Out of fear, parents have stopped their children from going to school, market and other social places as People are increasingly being afraid to exchange hand shake.
Retired Catholic Arch Bishop of Owerri, Most Rev Anthony Obinna has issued a statement on the corona virus pandamenic directing the fruitful on precautionary measures to take.
The Bishop in his address to members of the Owerri Archdiocesan pastoral council at the Jublee Hall recently said due to the rapid spread of the Coronvirus into different countries of the World, Fear and panic have gripped many people.
He said the position of the Arch Diocese now is that people should keep their environment clean, wash their hands regularly and that handshake during mass will now be with those near your seat.
While preaching during Sunday mass at Annunciation Catholic Parish Road one, Imo Housing Umuguma New Owerri, the parish priest, Rev Father B.C Chinemerem said it is good to take proactive measures adding that church members should now distance themselves from school gatherings and unnecessary activities.
He advised his parishioners to be very careful this time around to avoid danger.
“You should endavour to pray very well and ask God for forgiveness of Sin” father Chinemerem told his parishioners
Governor Hope Uzodimma constituted a 9-member Committee on Prevention of Corona Virus disease (COVID-19) with Prof Maurice Iwu as chairman.
Prof. Maurice Iwu Declares Zero Coronavirus Case In Imo State
He also released the following numbers for the public to contact in the event of an emergency . They are 09059995559 (Glo), 0904005164 (Airtel), and 07043954215 (MTN)
Prof Iwu said the committee has been working proactively since it was inaugurated by the State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma and has done a lot to educate and inform the people of the State in a bid to prevent the killer virus.
He advised residents to maintain regular hand washing, use hand sanitizers and keep social distance in order to protect themselves against the virus.
Prof Iwu said the symptoms of the virus are easily identifiable, assuring of the committee’s readiness to checkmate the virus in the state.
In his words “We are prepared to take any proactive measure. Henceforth, wash your hands with soap and water; wash frequently after having contact with people, use sanitizers when there is no water.
“Keep social distance to protect yourself and people around you, minimize over -crowding and unnecessary travels, because you do not know who you are going to meet and the Taskforce is trying to make it public to avoid over-crowding”
He continued “Measures have been taken to treat any case and we are working closely with government to save lives. We are fully prepared and we do not want to be caught unawares.
“We are ready to prevent and fight other diseases. From 23rd of March,2020 any public school which refuses to close would be sanctioned” he said
Harping on the need for public safety, Iwu revealed that the committee is liasing with the State Civil Service to explore the option of closing the state workforce or not.
A member of the committee and Managing Director, Federal Medical Centre, Owerri, Dr. Achigbu Kingsley said the medical Centre, has enhanced the use of chlorine, soap solution and hand washing hygiene, stating that Isolation Facilities have been put in place in the event of any eventuality.
Manager, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Rejoice Ndudinachi, who is also a member of the committee, said the airport management has introduced some measures to check the virus at the Airport.
Prof. Maurice Iwu said passengers now wear face mask, wash their hands and temperature indicators have been put to use, in addition with jingles to inform passengers on the need for hygiene.
“We also fumigate the Airport. Passengers are thoroughly screened to prevent coronavirus” he said
The Committee enjoined people, particularly within age bracket of 60 years to stay at home to avoid being vulnerable to the pandemic, assuring the general public that there is no cause for panic.
Ihedioha’s Wife Celebrates Husband As He Clocks 55
Chief Emeka Ihedioha may have taken a bad hit in the Imo governorship petition, but he remains a winner each day with his wife, Ebere.
A former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Ihedioha, who lost his bid to review the Supreme Court ruling ousting him as Imo governor, turned 55 today.
To celebrate his 55th birthday, Lady Ebere took to social media to serenade her husband, gushing over how ‘loving and courageous’ he is.
Taking to Twitter Tuesday, she prayed that her husband be blessed with Solomonic wisdom and God’s peace as he enters his new age.
She wrote: “Happy birthday to my darling Husband @EmekaIhedioha, Thank you for being a loving husband, an excellent father, a worthy son and a courageous leader.
“My prayer for you is that your new age be crowned with the wisdom and guidance that only God can give.”
Read Also: Joy In Imo PDP, As Ihedioha Returns To Owerri
Anaedoonline.com reported that the apex court sacked the the former governor of Imo state and declared Hope Uzodinma of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the validly elected governor of the state.
While addressing Imo citizens regarding the striking out of his application by the Supreme Court, Ihedioha added that the verdict was a miscarriage of justice.
The court subsequently upheld it’s ruling by describing Ihedioha’s application for a review of the judgment as “lacking in merit.
But Ihedioha said that the dissenting judgement of the Supreme Court by Justice Centus Nweze in the matter was proof that the motion he filed was founded on facts.
Ihedioha also lauded the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party as well as his lawyers and well-wishers for standing behind him.
He said that although his governorship mandate had been taken from him, he would still play active role in ensuring that Imo state progresses.
Ihedioha also reminded those laughing at him due to his political ordeal that God was the ultimate judge.
Names Of Imo State Commissioners, LGA’s And Their Portfolios
The governor of Imo state, Sen. Hope Uzodinma has assigned portfolios to the 23 appointed commissioners and their portfolios that would assist him to run the affairs of the state.
The list of the newly appointees are:
Dr. Mrs. Damaris Osunkwo, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Ministry of Health. Dr Iyke Njoku, Aboh Mbaise LGA, Ministry of Environment. Prof. B. T. O Ikegwuoha, Orlu LGA Ministry of Education. Barr. Francis Dibiagwu, Oguta LGA, Ministry of Special Duties. Bar Doris Akubuo, Njaba LGA, Ministry of Tourism & Creative Arts. Hon Daniel C Oguh, Okigwe LGA,
Ministry of Youths & Social Development
Others are: Hon Noble Atulegwu, Owerri West LGA, Ministry of Entrepreneurship & Skills Acquisition. Engr C C Osuala, Nwangele LGA, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. Hon Lambert Orisakwe, Isu LGA, Ministry of Agriculture & Natural Resources. Mrs Obiageri Ajoku, Ohaji Egbema LGA, Ministry of Livestock Development
Others includes: Hon Mrs Nkechi Ugwu, Ideato South LGA, Ministry of Gender and Vulnerable Group. Simeon Ibegbulem , Ihitte Uboma LGA, Ministry of Special Projects. Bar Kingsley Ononuju, Mbaitoli LGA, Ministry of Commerce & Industry. Declan Emelumba , Oru West LGA, Ministry of information & Strategy. Bar Enyinnaya Onuegbu, Ngor Okpala LGA
Ministry of Lands. Bar Rex Anunobi, Nkwerre LGA Ministry of Transport
Hon Raph Nwosu, Oru West LGA, Ministry of Works, Fabian Ihekwueme —Obowo LGA
Ministry of Foreign/International Affairs. Tony Umezuruike, Owerri North LGA
Ministry of Public Utilities. Iyke Umeh, Ideato North LGA Ministry of Technology Development. Dr Elias Martins Emedom, Ministry of Social Welfare and Sanitation. Love Ineh, Obowo LGA, Ministry of Housing. Bar COC Akaolisa, Orsu LGA Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice
Read Also: Imo: Gov. Hope Uzodinma Makes First Appointments [See List]
He urged them to see their appointment as a privilege they could not afford to abuse, and to bring to the fore their wealth of experience to drive the shared vision of his administration anchored on the 3Rs of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery
Uzodinma who was declared the authentic winner of the 2019 governorship election in Imo State by the Supreme Court assured citizens of Imo state that they will be shocked within one year of of administration.
Senator Hope Uzodinma was then sworn-in barely 24 hours after the court sacked Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The number one citizen of Imo named the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Attorney, General, Chief of Staff, and Chief Press Secretary.
Chief Cosmas Iwu was appointed as the SSG of the State while Barrister COC Akaolisa steps in as the Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice.
Others are Chief Nnamdi Anyaehie, who was appointed as Chief of Staff and Oguike Nwachukwu, who takes the position of the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, CPS.
Ejiogu Washes Hands Off Okorocha’s Diversion Of N26billion Bailout Fund
Reactions has continued to trail the alleged diversion of the N26 billion bailout funds belonging to Imo State from the Federal Government.
One of such reactions was from the former Secretary to Imo State Government (SSG) under Rochas Okorocha, Sir Jude Ejiogu, who told reporters in Owerri that he only communicated to the state House of Assembly for its approval to collect the bailout funds, saying he did not participate in the assessment and disbursement of the funds.
When reminded that Okorocha’s administration announced him as one of the managers of the bailout funds, he replied:
“Okorocha announced a person that was not on seat. That bailout fund was assessed in 2015. It was in August and disbursed in September. Jude Ejiogu was not in the country then. I was on leave.
“As an SSG, I was to communicate the request to the House of Assembly for it to respond but I was already in the United States. By the time I came back, they had assessed the money and disbursed it. It is on record. Before you manage something, you must be there and not when you are outside the country.”
When asked by journalist of a report which was said to have emanated from Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC, on the alleged diversion of the bailout fund by two states in the federation, including Imo and Benue States, Ejiogu insisted that he had no hand whatsoever in the assessment and disbursement of the funds.
Read Also: EFCC Back For Sen. Okorocha And Family
In his defence, he said the mentioning of his name as one of the managers of the bailout funds was not the true representation of the whole story.
He called on the people of the state to disregard the story as he was not involved on how the funds were channeled.
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