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Lawyers in Imo Brand Okorocha ‘Threat to Democracy’
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Imo State Branch has described the State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, as a threat to democracy.
The NBA made the claim in a press statement signed by its Branch Chairman in Owerri, L.U.N. Nwakaeti Esq, saying that Governor Okorocha lied when he denied that he was owing the judges in the state.
“The Government of Imo State has shown that it is a present and looming threat to democracy and Rule of Law,” said Imo NBA.
Barr Nwakaeti lambasted the Governor for denying owing judges in Imo State, describing the denial as one Okorocha’s lies.
Former Governor of Imo State, Dr Ikedi Ohakim, had during a media interaction last Saturday, February 3, 2018, disclosed that Governor Okorocha was owing judges in the state for 16 months, vowing to lead a mass protest against the State Government if it fails to substantially pay the judges by the end of March 2018.
But in his response during a media chat at the Government House, Owerri, on Monday, Governor Okorocha denied owing the judges, saying that he does not pay them.
But NBA in its statement said that the Governor’s denial “represents one of the lies and propaganda for which this government has become known for.”
It further said: “For the avoidance of doubt, the payment of the various categories of allowances like housing, motor vehicle maintenance, security, welfare, (up keep) etc are borne by the state government from funds provided for that purpose, whereas the salaries of the judges are paid directly through the National Judicial Council (NJC).
“The Bar states with sadness that the issue of payment of the allowances of our Judges has been reduced to a political issue by the Government of Imo State in a bid to undermine, muzzle and intimidate the judicial arm of government contrary to the principles of separations of powers enshrined and guaranteed under sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“It is very sad that after accessing the funds meant for the above purposes, the government of Imo State in its characteristic manner misappropriates same. This has been going on for the past one year and some months.
“The Bar, being the spokesperson of the Bench, as a result instituted an action on behalf of the Judges of Imo State Judiciary at the National Industrial Court in suit No NICN/OW/58/2017, on behalf of our Judges.”
Imo NBA added: “Nigerians should note that the Government of Rochas Okorocha is hell bent on destroying all institutions in the state that are creations of the laws of the land and these are institutions that ensure the growth and sustenance of our democracy.
“This is a man that has consistently disobeyed the judgments of our courts in a way that calls to question his legitimacy to continue in office as Governor. For instance, the Pensioners of Imo State who are beneficiaries of a judgment of the National Industrial Court on the 5/7/2017 are still battling to get their pay cheques for over two (2) years arrears of pensions and gratuities. It should be noted that the former Chairman of the Pensioners Union for Imo, Mr. Ezeji, died in his sick bed clutching dud cheques issued to him by the Imo State Government.”
Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has congratulated Christians in Nigeria on this year’s Easter celebration, and urged them to emulate the noble qualities of Jesus Christ.
The company, in a goodwill message to the Christian faithful in the country, lauded their perseverance through the Lenten period which preceded Easter. It enjoined them to always promote the ideals of selflessness, love and peace among all as a way of demonstrating the virtues of the exemplary life of Jesus Christ.
“Peace, love and sacrifice are the central message of Easter. Christ offered himself in atonement for the sins of the world and he lived a life which made Him an eternal symbol of peace and goodwill for mankind”, Globacom added.
The company enjoined all Nigerians to share in the lessons of promoting selflessness, a necessary ingredient in the growth and development of every society. It also enjoined all Nigerians to join hands to make Nigeria a better place for all.
Easter is celebrated yearly at the end of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer considered as a ritual of purification for the Christian faithful. It also precedes the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus Christ on Good Friday and His eventual resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The company assured its customers of seamless voice, data and Short Messaging Service (SMS) during and after the Easter celebrations, while urging them to avail themselves of the various data and voice offerings on the network.
The Guild of Private Broadcast Managers has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary.
In a congratulatory message signed by the Guild’s National President, Ambassador Patrick Uzoyi-Peters, JP MNGRM, the guild described the milestone as a testament to the NUJ’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.
“For seven decades, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape, advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists, and ensuring that the voice of the people remains strong and unyielding. Your resilience, professionalism, and dedication to ethical journalism have been instrumental in fostering transparency, accountability, and national development”.
Celebrating this historic achievement, the Guild’s President, Uzoyi-Peters recognized the sacrifices and contributions of journalists across the nation who work tirelessly to inform, educate, and empower society.
The Guild reiterated it commitment towards collaborating with the NUJ in promoting responsible journalism and strengthening the media industry for the greater good.
While wishing the NUJ continued success, growth, and greater impact in the years ahead, President Uzoyi-Peters prayed that the anniversary serve as a renewed call to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and press freedom in our collective pursuit of a more informed and just society.
News
Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach
By Ikenna Oluka
The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.
The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.
The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.
The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.
“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.
Honouring his passion for education
The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.
Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor
At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.
Reaching out to orphaned children
The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.
The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy
Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.
“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.
The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.
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