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Archbishop Dares Okorocha: Your son-in-Law Can’t Be Imo Governor
The Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Archdiocese, His Grace, Anthony Obinna, on Saturday had a brush with supporters of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State for daring to condemn the apportioning of political offices to the family members and allies of Governor Rochas Okorocha.
The Archbishop was admonishing the congregation at the St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Ngwoma in Owerri North council area during the requiem mass for the mother of Mr. Alex Mbata. Obinna had, metaphorically told Chief Uche Nwosu, the Chief of Staff to Governor Okorocha, Mrs. Nkechi Okorocha, the Imo First Lady, and all others at the service that the state needed a seasoned administrator democratically elected and not a handpicked successor as likened to the governor’s son-in-law.
“It is like civilian dictatorship which is unacceptable. Not the governor, not his deputy, not even me can handpick and determine who governs Imo without recourse to the will and votes of Imo people,” the Archbishop said. Obinna urged the members of the congregation to endeavour to get their Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) and deploy them appropriately in 2019. Nwosu is married to Okorocha’s first daughter.
The Archbishop condemned the recent apportioning of positions to loyalists by Okorocha who had endorsed Nwosu as governor, announced his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere, for Senate and Commissioner for Information, Prof. Nnamdi Obiaraeri, for Senate; while Ozuruigbo Ugonna and Deacon Chike Okafor would go for House of Representatives.
But Okorocha yesterday said God has endorsed his son-in-law and that it was futile antagonizing him. Okorocha said: “This time, it is Uche Nwosu because they have seen that he is the man for 2019 with God on our side. And no amount of blackmail or tricks would change the plan of God on the young man to govern the state.
“It takes someone alive in the things of the Spirit to know that Uche Nwosu is a “child” of destiny. He has the divine mark. And anyone fighting him is fighting his God. And no one can battle with God.”
On his part, Nwosu said that power belongs to the people and only the people of Imo State can determine who governs them.
Trouble started when Obinna was lamenting the dilapidation of roads and infrastructure in the area and the increasing level of poverty and hunger in Imo State. An appointee of the governor from Oru West council area, Chief Chris Ekwueme, shouted that Governor Okorocha was working and doing his best.
Ekwueme was invited to the podium and was given the microphone. The APC stalwart stated that Okorocha was working and cannot finish all the developmental works in Imo in his tenure, noting that the concern of the Archbishop will be addressed. Another member of the congregation, who apparently was not sympathetic to APC, dashed off to the podium and requested to speak and was also given the microphone after Archbishop Obinna, who was sceptical about his intentions had quizzed him in low tones.
The man lamented that the APC government in Imo State is a tragedy which has continued to inflict pain and poverty on the people of the state.
He stressed that nothing under the Okorocha administration is working or functioning in the real sense of it as issues are driven by more of propaganda than truth. He called on the people to demand for change in government come 2019 and use their PVCs wisely. Angered by the man’s submission, APC followers started jeering and shouting in the church. Thereafter, it degenerated to raining insults on the Archbishop, forcing him to end his admonition.
The Archbishop handed over the microphone to the Monsignor as the APC supporters thronged out to the front and turned the church into a rowdy session. Priests and church workers formed a wall around the vestry with most of the young priests ready to defend themselves if the APC supporters breached the altar, but they didn’t. While the bedlam continued, the First Lady, Mrs. Okorocha, and Nwosu were still in the church and watched on.
The speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Acho Ihim; the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Paschal Nnadi, and many commissioners were also in the church. An eyewitness, Rev. Fr. Chika Opara noted that it was not the first time Okorocha’s men were bringing thuggery to the church.
“This was exactly what they did in 2015 when the Catholic Church organised a debate for governorship aspirants in the state. When things were not going their way, they sent in their thugs, attacked the organisers and destroyed the podium for the debate,” the cleric said. Reacting to the incident, the Association of Catholic Medical Practitioners of Nigeria (ACMPN) condemned the harassment of the Archbishop.
“These dastardly acts have become frequent occurrences in the current administration against leading religious leaders, human rights activists and social critics. The present event goes further to underscore that in Imo State under the current administration of Owelle Rochas Okorocha, there is suspension of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Religion as enshrined in Sections 38 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria,” ACMPN said in a statement by its chairman, Dr. Philip Njemanze.
A former House of Representatives’ member and onetime aide to Okorocha, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha, condemned the attack on the church. He said: “It is high time Okorocha called himself and his supporters to order. I understand Okorocha’s desperation to run for a third term, riding on the back of his son in-law, but there must be a limit to this madness. Priests are entitled to their sermons from the altar to the church. Imo State has not and cannot be allowed to degenerate to government dictating sermons for men of God.”
In his statement, the governor’s spokesman, Sam Onwuemeodo, said Nwosu is being blackmailed. “We say this for posterity sake. Imo people, including youths, students, men and women have thrown their unalloyed support behind the youthful Chief of Staff, Uche Nwosu, for the 2019 governorship in the state. He has become the subject matter as long as that issue is concerned, with APC officials and leaders from 24 out of the 27 local governments in the state having already endorsed him for the 2019 Imo guber poll.
“Now seeing Uche Nwosu as the guy to beat in the 2019 election, they now think that there is no other way to stop him than through unwarranted blackmail. That is the reason, such a quintessential gentleman and an embodiment of decency should be associated with whatever that transpired at the event in question,” Okorocha’s spokesman said.
The media aide to the Chief of Staff, Mr. Chikezie Nwadike, told our correspondent that APC members were not to be blamed for the disruption of the church service. Nwadike said: “It was the PDP member who started campaigning in the church that caused the uproar. He was insensitive to the point that he was asking people to vote against the state government in a church service where people were mourning their late mother.”
The Owerri Archdiocesan Director of Media and Communication, Fr. George Nwachukwu, however, said that the church has left the assault on the Archbishop and the church in the hands of God.
He said: “The Archbishop and the archdiocese have decided to take no action against the APC members who assaulted the church. “We have taken the assault on the archbishop the same way Jesus was insulted, assaulted and humiliated on the cross of Calvary. “The assault on the church and the archbishop was very painful, provoking and highly unwarranted, but we have resolved to leave it in the hands of God.”
Source: from New Telegraph.
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.
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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.
News
Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative
More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
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