GRPolitics
APC members see Okorocha as Devil says Ohakim
The immediate past governor of Imo state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, on Friday claimed that the chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Rochas Okorocha “is hated even in the political party he spent billions of Naira belonging to Imo people to build”, alleging that party members see his successor as Devil.
Aside describing the incumbent Imo governor as “a misnomer”, who has now become “an outcast in his own party”, Ohakim challenged Okorocha to a popularity contest on the streets of Owerri to see who is more loved by the people of Imo state.
Okorocha had identified the Ohakim administration in Imo as the most hated and devalued of all the past governments in the state, adding that ever since the ex-governor made public his intention to re-contest the governorship position in the state, he (Ohakim) has chosen to attack him in the media day in day out.
Responding in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Collins Ughalaa, in Owerri, Ohakim pointed out that Okorocha is already losing sleep over his (Ohakim’s) governorship ambition in 2019 right before the kick-off of electioneering.
The ex-governor said he “cannot run his mouth like a broken gong, the way Okorocha does” because both of them are not on the same level.
He added that he “cannot descend to the level of dishing falsehood, familocracy, land grabbing, conversion of public assets to private use, corruption, inordinate acquisition of wealth and mind-boggling stealing.
The statement reads, “No one should tell Governor Okorocha that he is anathema when members of his party see him as the Devil and dine with him with extraordinarily long spoon. And despite his rantings, Imo people know he has become afraid of Ohakim just before the race gets started. We can only assure him that his nightmare would end when Ohakim wins the 2019 governorship election and is sworn in the second time for one term only.
“We restate that Okorocha loathes the truth but feeds on the lie. That Imo people resisted his demolition/relocation of Eke-Ukwu Owerri, to the extent that a 10-year-old boy paid the ultimate price, that in 2016 a young man jumped from the pedestrian bridge at the Orlu Road Junction, Owerri, and took his life in broad daylight after cursing the Governor, are pointers that Okorocha has been deserted. No other sitting Governor in Imo State witnessed these. And perhaps these two are Okorocha’s “fantastic” achievements.
“To cover his shame Okorocha thinks that reeling out his so-called achievements could make Imo people like him, but they are in such a hurry to see him leave instead. Okorocha’s achievements are well documented, and they include: iberiberism (stupidity), the highest infant mortality rate in the entire Southeast, dead healthcare system, lack of potable water and rural development, contract failure, wastages and financial recklessness, land grabbing, converting public assets to private use, skyrocketing unemployment, bastardised economy, dead bureaucracy, N200bn judgement debt, over N700bn debt, non-adherence to the rule of law and due process, amongst others. Above all, the Okorocha family which had barely enough to eat has suddenly become stupendously rich after Rochas Okorocha became Governor. To Okorocha therefore, this, too, is an achievement worthy of celebration.
“Ikedi Ohakim served Imo State for four years without incurring a kobo judgement debt but Okorocha has wiped out in advance the entire 2019 and 2020 Imo State allocations for the incoming government just by recklessness and contravention of contractual agreements leading to massive judgement debts.
“It is Imo people’s money that will be used to pay the debts, not Okorocha family money. He is jittery that he will eventually be called to answer questions on how he had mismanaged the well over N1t while still incurring massive judgement debts.
“Governor Okorocha is ruing the fact that Imo people have chosen to stick with Ohakim. That Ohakim remains the issue in the politics of the state seven years after he left office shows he is well loved by the people who also voted for him in 2011. They are appreciative of his selfless service while he was in office as Governor, including his fantastic healthcare system, 1,395 water schemes, Imo Mass Transport Service (IMTS), Imo Housing Scheme, including the Nekede and Arugo gardens estates, Imo State Investment Promotion Agency (ISIPA), the 10,000 jobs, Imo Job Center, modernisation of the Judiciary, Agro Nova, Clean and Green, the new government at New Owerri and the Ahiajoku center, etc.
“Imo people are also grateful that Ohakim built 720km quality roads, including the road that leads to Okorocha’s house in Ogboko, while another 325km were at various stages of completion before he left office. If Ohakim had continued Imo State would have had a brand new government house, a refinery, Oguta Deep-sea Port, Oguta Wonder Lake and Conference Center, Imo Free Trade Zone, Imo Freeway of 150km linking 19 local government areas with toll plazas, housing scheme for all, etc.
“I hereby challenge Governor Okorocha that within one week himself (even though he is a serving Governor) and Ohakim should take a walk along major streets in Owerri and test who is more popular and who has been rejected by the people.
“Having failed the people these seven years, Governor Okorocha should stop blabbing and begin to write his handover notes to Dr Ikedi Ohakim in 2019. This alone will keep him busy instead of losing sleep over Ikedi Ohakim who has been the darling of the people.
“Imo people should wait for Ohakim’s next letter to Governor Okorocha which will contain full indisputable facts and figures of Okorocha calamity in the state. Only then can they know between Okorocha and Ohakim who is a disaster. Media propaganda and microphone theatrics will fail him this time like it has failed him all the time.”
GRPolitics
Minister Commends Guards Brigade for Exceptional Service in Securing the Seat of Government
The Minister of State for Defence, H.E. Dr. Bello Mohammed Matawalle, has expressed profound appreciation for the unwavering commitment and exemplary efforts of the Commander, officers, and personnel of the Guards Brigade in safeguarding the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2024 West African Social Activity (WASA 2024) held in Abuja, the Minister stated, “Your loyalty, sacrifice, and dedication in executing your Presidential security duties, coordinating ceremonial parades, and managing operational challenges are commendable. Your proactive approach in addressing security threats has ensured the safety of the Presidency as well as that of citizens, visitors, and diplomats alike. I urge you to continue embodying compassion and empathy in your operations, striving for excellence in all your responsibilities.”
The Minister highlighted that the WASA event serves as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria, as showcased by the personnel and families of the Guards Brigade. “The traditional dances and local delicacies on display tonight not only enhance our appreciation of our diverse cultures but also play a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage and distinct identity,” he added.
In conclusion, the Minister called upon the Guards Brigade to uphold the trust placed in them by consistently meeting the challenges of their duties and ensuring that the flag of the Nigerian Armed Forces continues to fly high.
Earlier, Major General Adebisi Onosayan, Commander of the Guards Brigade, delivered a welcome address expressing gratitude to the President for his unwavering support of the Brigade’s operations, training, and welfare. “Thank you, Your Excellency. I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff for their relentless guidance and support. We pledge our unwavering loyalty and readiness to contribute effectively to the security of lives and property in the Federal Capital Territory and its surroundings,” he emphasized.
General Onosayan further noted that the 2024 WASA highlights the social diversity, cultural identity, values, beliefs, and rich heritage of the Nigerian people, resonating with the ethos of the Nigerian Army. “This event provides an opportunity to showcase various cultural dances, traditional cuisines, languages, attire, and ethnic groups of our great nation in a relaxed atmosphere,” he stated, adding that today’s event marks the Brigade’s Grand Finale.
GRPolitics
Matawalle Commends President Tinubu for Positive Economic Reforms
…Matawalle urges critics to be positive in their narratives
The Honourable Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammad Matawalle, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his robust economic policies and reforms, which are yielding significant positive results for the nation. According to Matawalle, these initiatives are contributing to a turnaround in the economy that will benefits all Nigerians.
In the light of ongoing criticism, particularly from some quarters in Northern Nigeria, according to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director information & PR at the Ministry, Matawalle urged critics to be positive in their narratives and called on citizens to remain steadfast in their support for the President and to reject divisive narratives.
“It is crucial for Nigerians to stand united behind Mr. President, who is diligently working hard to revitalize our economy through a series of effective policies, programs, and reforms,” he stated.
Matawalle specifically highlighted President Tinubu’s tax reforms as a pivotal element in the country’s economic turnaround. He explained that these reforms are designed to create a more equitable tax system, which will enhance revenue generation for the government while easing the financial burden on ordinary citizens and small businesses.
“By broadening the tax base and ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, President Tinubu is laying the groundwork for sustainable economic growth. These reforms will not only increase government revenues but also stimulate investment and job creation across various sectors,” Matawalle elaborated.
He further noted that the tax reforms aim to simplify the tax administration process, making it easier for individuals and businesses to comply. This will foster a more business-friendly environment, encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation, which are essential for driving economic progress.
Matawalle also highlighted several key achievements across various sectors, particularly noting improvements in national security. He emphasized that President Tinubu has made substantial strides in enhancing the capabilities of the Nigerian military through the provision of modern hardware and equipment. Additionally, he assured that military personnel have received timely payment of their allowances and salary increases, which has significantly boosted their morale.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, we are witnessing a renewed commitment to the safety and well-being of all Nigerians, and I encourage everyone to recognize the positive changes taking place,” Matawalle concluded.
The Honourable Minister of State Dr. Mohammed Bello Matawalle has disclosed that the Nigerian Armed Forces have achieved a lot in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other groups that are enemies of the Nigerian State since the advent of this administration but a lot of these success stories are not in the public space due to security reasons so as not to expose the gallant men and women of the Armed Forces who are in the forefront of this fight to danger.
According to a statement by Henshaw Ogubike, director, information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Dr. Matawalle disclosed this during the engagement with the Special Assistant to President on Policy and Coordination/Head of Central Result Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU) Hadiza Bala Usman with the Ministry of Defence when she presented the 1st – 3rd Quarters 2024 Performance Assessment Report on Implementation of Presidential Priorities and Ministerial Deliverable at the Ship House, Abuja.
The Minister also informed the SA to Mr. President that before now, the Nigerian airwaves was always full of news of oil theft, bunkering, piracy and all forms of kidnapping.
But since they assumed office, the country has recorded low occurrence and reduced reports of those activities just as he assured Nigerians of their resolve to do more to make our society safe for all.
Matawalle assured Hadiza Bala Usman of early submission of achievement data to her office for their reviews.
In a similar development, the SA to President advised the Ministry of Defence to put out more data into the public space to avoid doubts and negative feedbacks on the successes achieved by our Armed Forces in the fight against insecurity.
Adding that, regional tour of the troubled areas could be conducted to carry out on-the-spot interviews and first hand assessment of rescued individuals whose response will serve as raw and real data to the populace and as evidence that government is not resting on its oars.
Speaking further during the review of the Q1 – Q3 Report, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence, Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana mni gave a detailed submission on the achievements of the Ministry and promised that the Ministry will do more to surpass previous quarter’s report as he poured encomium on the Chief of Defence Staff and all Service Chiefs for their consistency and tireless efforts in making Nigeria a peaceful and safe place.
Dr. Kana tasked the Directors of the Ministry not to relax in their quest to give their best to the service of our dear country.
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