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Refinery: Ohakim Seeks Partnership with NNPC
• Urges FG to fast-track deregulation
The Imo State Government is to go into a strategic partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to establish a Greenfield Refinery in the state.Governor Ikedi Ohakim stated this over the weekend when he led a high-powered delegation from the state on a courtesy call to the Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Austen Oniwon at the NNPC Towers, Abuja.
Ohakim noted that the state has the highest number of unemployed graduates in the country and opined that the establishment of the refinery will go a long way in boosting the state economy and bring Federal Government's presence close to the people of Imo State.
"I have come here to see you on a single agenda and that is the Imo Refinery project. We want to resurrect this project and iron out modalities on how the State will partner with the Corporation in establishing a Greenfield Refinery in Imo State.
We want to eliminate any bottle neck or any likely bureaucracy that may come in the way of the proposed Refinery,'' Ohakim said.Ohakim stated that the Refinery when established would provide jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the state which has in the last 10 years recorded the highest number of university applicants in the country.
He argued that the attendant job creation would go a long way in reducing crime rate in the state.Ohakim pledged to provide adequate security for all NNPC installations in the state and disclosed that already his administration has invested over N6bn on the security of lives and properties.
The governor declared his total support for the deregulation policy of the Federal government and urged the Government to implement the policy without further delay, while lamenting the over N500bn reportedly spent on petroleum subsidy annually.According to him, "I am an apostle of deregulation and the earlier the country deregulates the petroleum sector the better for all of us. Nigeria spends so much on petroleum subsidy and we cannot continue like that as a country".
In his welcome address, Oniwon commended the governor for pursuing the industrialization of the state and expressed the readiness of the Corporation to partner with Imo State to establish a Greenfield Refinery.
Oniwon lauded the Imo State Government for providing security for NNPC pipelines in the state and implored the Government not to relent in its effort to safeguard the lives and properties of the people of the state.
" I must note with every sense of gratitude that the rate of attack on NNPC facilities in Imo State has reduced and I wish to use this opportunity to commend Governor Ohakim for instilling peace and security ," the GMD stated.
Source: This Day, 16th August 2010.
Imo to Partner NNPC on New Refinery
FROM COLLINS OLAYINKA (ABUJA) AND OBIORA ADUBA (LAGOS)
DETERMINED to boost the state's economy, the Imo State government has declared its intention to partner with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to establish a Greenfield refinery in the state.
Governor Ikedi Ohakim, who stated this at the weekend when he led a delegation on a courtesy call to the Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Austen Oniwon, at the NNPC Towers, Abuja, stated that the idea would reduce unemployment and boost economy in the state.
While noting that the state had the highest number of unemployed graduates in the country, Ohakim emphasised that the attendant job creation would go a long way in reducing crime rate in the state.
According to him: "I have come here to see you on a single agenda and that is the Imo refinery project. We want to resurrect this project and iron out modalities on how the state will partner with the Corporation in establishing a Greenfield refinery in the state. We want to eliminate any bottle neck or any likely bureaucracy that may come in the way of the proposed refinery.''
The governor pledged to provide adequate security for all NNPC installations in the state and disclosed that already, his administration has invested over six billion Naira on the security of lives and property.
He declared his support for the deregulation policy of the Federal Government and urged the government to implement the policy without further delay while lamenting the over N500 billion reportedly spent on petroleum subsidy annually.
He said: "I am an apostle of deregulation and the earlier the country deregulates the petroleum sector, the better for all of us. Nigeria spends so much on petroleum subsidy and we cannot continue like that as a country."
Oniwon commended the governor for pursuing the industrialisation of the state and expressed the readiness of the Corporation to partner with the state to establish the refinery.
He lauded the state government for providing security for NNPC pipelines in the state and implored the government not to relent in its effort to safeguard the lives and property of the people of the state.
"I must note with every sense of gratitude that the rate of attack on NNPC facilities in Imo State has reduced and I wish to use this opportunity to commend Governor Ohakim for instilling peace and security," the GMD stated.
NNPC had recently executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China State Construction Engineering Corporation to jointly seek debt financing from Chinese banks for the funding and construction of three Greenfield refineries and one petrochemical plant.
Source: The Guardian, 16th August 2010.
APGA Alleges Miscarriage Of Justice In Imo Guber Polls
FROM CHARLES OGUGBUAJA, OWERRI
FEW weeks after the Supreme Court upheld the election of Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State by confirming the pronouncement of Court of Appeal on election matters, the All Progressive Grand Alliance's (APGA) National Chairman, Chief Victor Umeh, at the weekend, in Owerri, insisted that there was "miscarriage of justice" against the governorship candidate of APGA in Imo State, Chief Martin Agbaso, and by extension, the party.
Speaking at the praying ground of Mount Camel Church, Emekuku, near Owerri, Imo State, at the official reception of Agbaso after his political legal fight to redeem his mandate claim at various courts, the national chairman, represented at the event by the national Secretary of the party, Alhaji Sani Shinkafi, said he was unimpressed by what has taken place in terms of development in Imo State so far, adding that, if APGA's candidate (Agbaso) was allowed to be in office, he would have met the aspiration of Imo people.
Umeh said: "I feel saddened as peoples' mandate was dashed. Enemy of democracy in Imo State truncated it. I see the governor making noise on the pages of newspapers; but we know that there was miscarriage of justice."
He urged the people to ensure they are registered for 2011 elections.
Agbaso and his supporters marched from the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, Owerri, through the major streets in Owerri to show solidarity and welcome to the politician after years of fighting through the courts of law to rule.
Source: The Guardian, 15th August 2010.
FRSC Closes Illegal Driving Schools In Imo
By Charles Ogugbuaja, Owerri
SECTOR Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Imo State, Mr. Angus Ibezim, has announced the approval of six driving schools, as part of efforts to boost safety standards. Ibezim directed all "illegal driving schools" operating in the state to close shop or face the wrath of the law. He said that any prospective driver must obtain a certificate of proficiency from an approved driving school, alongside a Driver's License. According to him, research has shown that illegal driving schools do not possess necessary and basic equipment to train drivers. This, he said, accounts for some road accidents.
Source: The Guardian, 15th August 2010.
Group Sues For Peace In Imo
A GROUP, in Imo State, under the aegis of 'Concerned Imo PDP Stakeholders', has urged alleged opponents of Governor Ikedi Ohakim to give the governor peace of mind, so that he can rule without distraction. The group also wants the immediate past governor of the state, Chief Achike Udenwa, to give his successor a free hand to govern the state. The body, in a statement issued at the weekend in Owerri, and signed by the State's Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. Kelechukwu Opkaleke, said consistent protests to Abuja by the opposition, led by a one-time Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart in the state, was unnecessary.
Source: The Guardian, 15th August 2010.
SSS Uncovers Alleged Plot To Kill Gaidam, Detains Catholic Priest Over Ohakim's Convoy
FROM NJADVARA MUSA, DAMATURU AND CHARLES OGUGBUAJA, OWERRI
THE State Security Services (SSS) in Yobe State has uncovered an attempt to kill Governor Ibrahim Gaidam.
Already, it has arrested four suspects with six inscriptions, wooden slates and photographs of the governor shrouded in white clothes to be buried at a graveyard in Damaturu, the state capital.
Other materials found on the suspects included a document on how to execute the assassination plot at a guest house in Damaturu.
In another development in Imo State, tension has mounted over the detention of the Catholic priest, Fr. Eustace Okorie by SSS officials in Owerri over alleged obstruction of the convoy of Governor Ikedi Ohakim.
The Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastic Province, Dr. Anthony Obinna, who condemned the detention of a priest, asked the government and human rights bodies to wade into the matter with a view to preventing some security agencies from abusing the rights of peace-loving Nigerians.
According to the Assistant Director (Operations) of the SSS in Yobe, Mr. Adeniyi Alfred, the attempt to assassinate Gaidam was uncovered following intelligence reports of the agency's surveillance team.
He told journalist in Damaturu that the surveillance team, following the sustained trailing of the four suspects and several others at large in Damaturu, recovered incriminating items after the masterminds fled the guest house.
The materials recovered, according to Alfred, include six slates, containing the name and small sized photographs of the governor wrapped in white clothes suspected to be shroud.
He added that there was also a small document that contained the instructions on how the recovered materials were going to be buried at the Damaturu cemetary.
Alfred said: "The burying of the materials found on the suspects was to depict the burial of the governor by the evil doers."
The suspects are Ahmadu Sagina (ring leader), Ahmadu Sabo, Aliyu Munkaila and Maniru Abbas, while one Ahmadu Mohammed of the Damaturu Government House and several other suspects are still at large.
Mohammed, according to Alfred, is suspected to be the brain behind the plot, stating that all the contact telephone numbers he provided to other suspects were not in existence.
In the Imo saga, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. Kelechukwu Opkaleke, told The Guardian that he was not aware of the incident. "I am not aware of it," he said.
Okorie was allegedly arrested at 6 p.m. by security officials attached to Ohakim last Sunday evening for not parking his car (a Nissan Infinity Salon) on sighting the governor's convoy in Orie Akabo, Ikeduru Local Council.
He was said to have been driven straight to the Chief Security Officer (CSO) to Ohakim at the Government House from that scene, who after interrogation ordered that he be taken to SSS office.
The cleric was detained till 8 p.m. on Monday before he was released and asked to return by 11 a.m. on Tuesday. Surprisingly, he was re-arrested and detained till the next day for allegedly refusing to write an apology to the governor.
Obinna regretted that a priest could go through the hands of security men in such an inhuman manner, adding that it was unfortunate that those who should protect people now turn against them.
Source: The Guardian, 14th August 2010.
Revisiting Imo lg polls
By Chidi Nkwopara
When Governor Ikedi Ohakim addressed Imo stakeholders January 4 this year, he promised that local government elections, which had been on hold in the last six years, would be conducted in August.
In making the promise, the Governor also gave his words that the reforms in the local council system will continue no matter whose ox is gored.
His words: "We would conduct elections when it is most auspicious and the conditions must be right. The laws will be in place, the reform processes fully institutionalized and the people, including political parties, properly orientated to ensure the emergence of credible leaders".
In line with the synergy between the legislature and the executive, Imo State House of Assembly enacted the enabling law, while Governor Ohakim reconstituted the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC).
The leadership of the reconstituted ISIEC went into business, fixed the date for the polls, commenced the sensitization of the citizenry, provided the guidelines for the polls, as well as had periodic dialogue with party officials.
On July 29, 2010, Ohakim again addressed Imo stakeholders. This time, he urged the citizenry among other things, to "shun all the lies told by enemies of the state", as well as disregard all the rumours they disseminate, while remaining calm and steadfast.
"You must all troop out en masse on Saturday, August 8, 2010, to vote in the local government election.
The election offers you a golden opportunity to elect credible leaders to serve you at the local governments. Agents of confusion must not be allowed to hold the state to ransom, distract or deter us from sanitizing and re-branding local government system in the state", Ohakim told Imo stakeholders.
Truth is that Ohakim's administration was getting crude bashing from the PDP family than from the other registered political parties. His supposed PDP compatriots filed several cases in different courts of the land. Some of the cases sought to scuttle the just concluded local council election. Some of them are still subjudice.
In one of the decided cases, an Owerri High Court presided over by Hon. Justice Nonyerem Okoronkwo, struck out a suit filed by a group of people, led by Mr. Vitus Onyeukwu, seeking to stop the State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) from conducting the August 7, 2010 local council polls in the state.
Justice Okoronkwo also granted the application filed by ISIEC and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Prince Ken C.O. Njemanze (SAN), who represented the state government in the suit.
It was the considered opinion of the fiery High Court Judge that the plaintiff did not disclose any reasonable cause of action and the in circumstance, struck out the matter.
Reacting to the judgment, Mr. Oneme Okudoya, who stood in for Mr. Obiora Obianwa (SAN, representing ISIEC, said that "all the parties are bound to respect the decision of the court", which he said "is the last hope of the common man".
Irked by the situation, the Association of Registered Political Parties (ARPP) in Imo State warned it will stoutly resist any attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to cancel the local government election slated for August 7, 2010.
Reading the riot act during a press conference in Owerri, the ARPP Chairman, Dr. (Mrs.) Ada Mere, also warned that PDP is one out of the over 50 registered political parties in the state and cannot force Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) to work according to its dictates.
Fuming with anger, the group further said that if the PDP was not prepared to take part in the polls, they should quietly withdraw their candidates, stressing that in 2007 general elections, the party told Imo people in clear terms that they had no gubernatorial candidate in the state.
"About 20 political parties are fielding candidates for the local council polls. If the PDP is not happy with the arrangement, they can as well stay without fielding candidates. They did it during the 2007 governorship election", Mere said.
ARPP also warned: "ISIEC is not a party controlled organization and cannot be influenced by any single political party. ISIEC is an independent body with full statutory and legal authority to conduct elections in Imo State. It has done its homework and is fully prepared to conduct the forthcoming election", ARPP leadership said.
ARPP recalled with grief that the enthronement of democratic principles at the local council level been effectively stalled in the state over the years, pointing out that people should come out, show their patriotism, allegiance and support for the progress of the state, despite their political affiliations.
The poll went on as planned despite the torrential rain that spanned through Friday and Saturday. Over 4,000 candidates fielded by 20 registered political parties took part in the election. Answering a question from Vanguard, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sanitation and Transport, Chief Willie Amadi, said he was pleased when the defeated Action Congress councillorship candidate of New Owerri Ward 1, Mr. Nnabuchi Okorie, congratulated the victorious PDP candidate as soon as the result was announced.
Okorie thanked his loyalists for the support they gave him and promised to try again in the next two years.
In his own reaction, the State Chairman of All Nigeria Peoples party (ANPP), Chief Vitalis Orikeze Ajumbe, lamented that voting materials were delivered late to all the voting centres in Ikeduru local government area, adding that PDP agents snatched ballot boxes in three out of the eight booths where materials were delivered. Vanguard could not confirm this allegation at press time.
Addressing a post-election press conference in Owerri, the Leader of the Presidential Monitoring Team, Prince Celestine Ekwe, said "the turnout was impressive and there was calm in various polling booths" monitored.
"Another area of serious attention was the effort of some criminally minded persons I inviting thugs to disrupt the election. The case in mind is the Isu local government area election where some men brought from outside the state for the singular purpose of disrupting the smooth operation of the election", Prince Ekwe said.
Continuing, Ekwe recalled that the Sole Administrator, Mr. Austine Mbanali, informed the police and the local vigilante, who fished them out for onward movement to the State Police Headquarters, Owerri, for investigation.
"We observed that prior to the election various communities had adopted zoning formula for effective distribution of political offices. The case in mind is Nkwerre local government chairmanship election had no rival, having been selected by the consigned communities", Ekwe recalled.
While saying that the team did not witness any intimidation to the electorate, Ekwe, who is the Director General, Centre for Leadership Organization, however recalled that "we met one or two who actually did not understand our mission in the state".
In his words: "The electoral process in Imo State, during this election, was based on the zoning formula as individual communities presented their candidates in line with the said formula. This has made the election free and fair without rancour".
Source: Vanguard, 13th August 2010.
Imo LG Polls: Alliance Group, PPA, Others Declare War On Ohakim
Written by Ebere Uzoukwa, Owerri
Barely 24 hours after the newly elected council chairmen in Imo State were sworn in by Gov. Ikedi Ohakim, an opposition group in Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), otherwise known as Imo Alliance for Good Governance, Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA) and a group of aggrieved PDP chairmanship and councillorship aspirants have drawn a battle line with the governor.
Addressing journalists in Owerri, the state capital, yesterday the chairman of the Alliance Group, Dr. Alex Obi, condemned the last Saturday election which he said was conducted in defiance of the advice of the national leadership of the PDP.
Obi made reference to a recent court ruling that declared the PDP primaries and the eventual candidates emanating from the exercise illegal and stated that his group would continue to fight the alleged injustice perpetrated by Ohakim's government.
Also, the PPA chairman in the state, Dr. Ford Ozumba, who led members of the party's state executive members and candidates for the election in a solidarity to imo Alliance for Good Governance, told journalists that the party had henceforth aligned with the Alliance Group for the purpose of fighting the injustice and bad government of the state governor.
He also claimed that PPA won the 27 local government positions following the protest votes against PDP by a majority of its aggrieved members.
Dr. Ozumba also described the election as a disgrace and terrible blow to democracy in Nigeria , and vowed that his party would stop at nothing to ensure that it reclaimed its stolen mandate by Ohakim and his candidates.
Similarly, a group of aggrieved PDP aspirants has called for a severe sanction against the leadership of PDP under Prince Marcellanus Nlemigbo for disobeying the directive of the national leadership.
The group under the auspices of 'Aggrieved PDP Chairmanship and Councillorship Aspirants' also called on the judiciary to invoke the appropriate orders on nlemigbo's led executive and save democracy from the doom of political rascality.
Source: Leadership, 11th August 2010.
PDP Asks Ohakim To Stop Council Polls
FROM JOHN ABBA-OGBODO
. Sacks Ogun Exco
. Obi, Others May Return
THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership has asked Governor Ikedi Ohakim to shelve the local Council election scheduled for today, until issues raised by some stakeholders in Imo State were addressed.
The party's national secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Kawu Baraje, in a letter to the national vice chairman (South East), Olisa Metuh said a team had been raised to harmonize the various interests in the state chapter. The party listed 30 stakeholders, including Ohakim, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, House of Representatives Chief Whip Emeka Ihedioha and the state chairman of the party, Marcelinus Nlemigbo to meet regularly with a view to sorting the differences between what they described as new and old PDP.
In the July 26, 2010 letter, the national secretariat advised that harmonization should be done in a way that the old PDP produces both party chairman and treasurer, while the new PDP produces deputy chairman and publicity secretary among others.
The PDP leadership advised that the template should be applied in the harmonization of local government and ward executive committees.
''Equally, the template should be used in harmonizing the local Council and ward executives provided that no group produces all the chairmen in all the local governments and wards,'' the letter read in part.
Asking the state government to postpone the council election being held today (Saturday) the national secretariat said: ''The National Working Committee strongly advises that the state government postpone the August 7th local council elections. This would make way for the conduct of credible party primaries to be supervised by the national secretariat.''
The party in the state is torn into camps loyal to different stalwarts of PDP including the governor, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, Rochas Okorocha and Emeka Ihedioha.
However, a source that spoke to The Guardian on condition of anonymity said the State Electoral Commission (SIEC) had put in place the necessary machinery for the conduct of the election ''because PDP is not the electoral umpire''.
Meanwhile, some top members of the party who left on grounds of highhandedness by former leadership of PDP, particularly under the chairmanship of Col. Ahmadu Ali, have begun talks with the new leadership with a view to returning to the party.
To this end, Chief Ben Obi, running mate to former presidential candidate of Action Congress (AC) Atiku Abubakar, and Senator Uche Chukwumerije, formerly of Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) and now All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) were at the party secretariat in Abuja on Friday where they held talks with the national chairman of PDP, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo.
Speaking after the meeting, Obi said the new leadership of the party invited him and enjoined him to return and contribute to the rebuilding of PDP.
"I have come here with my colleagues from the Action Congress (AC) from the Southeast zone to honour an invitation by His Excellency, the national chairman of PDP, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo and the vice chairman of the Southeast zone, Chief Olisa Metuh and that is why we are here,'' he said
He, however, said his consideration to return to the party had nothing to do with the purported presidential ambition of Atiku stressing that he would discuss the outcome of the meeting with his associates before taking a final decision on the matter.
He said: ''That question does not arise because I am just concluding a discussion with the leadership of the PDP, and as it is, we have to go back to convey to our colleagues, our associates, discussions that have taken place here. I cannot just start talking about running with a candidate, when I have not come into the party. I don't know who and who are in the structure that you are talking about.
''For those of us who have been managers of political parties, the important thing is the kind of leadership. When you have a leadership that is focused, a visionary leader taking charge and trying to change the negative tide of the party, you cannot but listen to him.
"You will recall that I became a senator on the platform of the PDP and some of us left the PDP because we were deregistered. I have a history of not jumping from one party to the other. I don't do that. I stick to where I belong; we swim and sink but now a new dynamic and focused leadership is talking to us and we have to also consider what our people back home feel. Their quest is to move on. That is the situation in the Southeast. That is why we are here.
''My message to those who left the party with me is to understand that if they have the opportunity of meeting with the new leadership of the party, they should listen to them and consider like we are going back now to consider the message we have received from both the national chairman and the zonal chairman. We will convey it to our colleagues and associates and then a decision will be taken and we know where we will go from that point.''
Chukwumerije who also confirmed the discussion said he would take a position today after a meeting with his political associates.
His words: "We were invited here by the national chairman to appeal to us and in the implementation of his new policy of the reinvigorated PDP and democratized national organization, to join him. We listened carefully to his appeal and discussions were very cordial and very constructive. As individuals, we will make up our minds.
"I, personally, will make up my mind this weekend, after full consultations with the people. I have a meeting scheduled for this Saturday and just as I did when we decided on APGA, I give priority importance, just like the national chairman, to people's views and I have a comprehensive, large meeting of all the stakeholders in Abia North for Saturday''.
Asked why he is quitting APGA after a few weeks of becoming a member, he said; ''I am not in a hurry to go out. I want to go by the wishes of the people and that is why I want to consult them on Saturday. PDP wants us to come and we feel honoured by the national chairman for inviting us for this session. For our meeting here, absolutely, no condition was given to us. It is just an appeal to common interest of the southeast zone and Nigerians.''
In the meantime, the PDP's National Working Committee (NWC) yesterday dissolved the party's executive in Ogun State.
A letter on the dissolution was signed by the party's National Chairman, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo.
A statement by Nwodo's media aide, Ike Abonyi quoted the PDP chairman as saying: "It has become imperative that the Executive of the Party in the State be harmonized".
Abonyi added: "Nwodo also directed that the earlier directive for harmonization should be implemented forthwith.
"The National Chairman said that he expects that all parties will accept the discussion in good faith and work towards the restoration of peace in Ogun PDP."
"The letter announcing the dissolution addressed to Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, the National Vice Chairman (South – West) was copied to the former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Speaker, House of Representatives Hon. Dimeji Bankole, Governor of Ogun State Otunba Gbenga Daniel and Minister of Commerce and Industries Senator Jibrin Martins Kuye."
Source: The Guardian, 7th August 2010.
Political parties want Imo to release subvention, hold council polls
FROM CHARLES OGUGBUAJA, OWERRI
THE Association of Registered Political Parties in Imo State has appealed to Governor Ikedi Ohakim to release their three years' subvention to them. The association is made up of 42 political parties.
Addressing journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Owerri at the weekend, Chairman of the Imo State branch of Conference of Nigerian Registered Political Parties (CNPP), Mercy Ada Mere, said the subvention was statutory.
She urged the state government to consider the appeal necessary and release it to them to enable them discharge their obligations.
The chairman of the group, however, refused to mention the actual amount owed them since the inception of this administration. But she said the state government should check the records and calculate the amount and release it to them.
Mere noted: "They know how much they are owing us. It is not for me to stand here and say it".
She, however, admitted that the state had released a grant to them to enable the political parties participate in the August 7 local council election.
Mere said based on the agreement of registered political parties in the state, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led Imo State government should not postpone the council polls, stressing that there was an allegation that the PDP factional areas wanted the polls postponed.
According to her, any attempt to shift the polls could create problems.
The political parties said they had noted that the absence of non-elected executive council chairmen in the state was inimical to the growth of democracy, stressing that they had resolved to march to Abuja to urge the Federal Government to stop sending allocations to the third-tier of government in the state until elected chairmen in the 27 local councils of Imo State were enthroned.
The CNPP leader disclosed that out of the 42 registered political parties in the state, 20 parties had fielded candidates to the Imo State Independent Electoral Commission (ISIEC) for council polls.
On the absence of the leadership or representatives of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and the Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) from the press conference, Mere said attendance was not mandatory.
Source: The Guardian, 3rd August 2010.
Ohakim To Set Up Task Force On Kidnapping
FROM CHARLES OGUGBUAJA, OWERRI
GOVERNOR Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State has disclosed plans to set up a 'Terror and Kidnapping Task Force' to combat the menace of abductions rocking the state, even as he swore in a three-man Judicial Service Committee (JSC).
The Governor said the trend has become a source of embarrassment to the state. He promised that, henceforth, government would wage an offensive.
Ohakim cautioned monarchs who harbour dubious people in their communities, adding that the state government will strengthen its security apparatus, code-named 'Operation Festival.'
He threatened also that the state government will demolish any building used in harbouring kidnapped victims, and warned that, as Chief Security Officer, he will, without delay, approve the death sentence on any kidnapper that is apprehended.
Set to enhance the administration of justice in the state, Ohakim, at the weekend, swore in a three-member Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
They include, a former Vice Chancellor of then Imo State University (now Evan Enwerem University, Owerri) Prof. Thomas Ndusizu, Justice Jonas Iwuagwu (rtd), and former Majority Whip in the Imo State House of Assembly, Chief Nkem Nwankwo (Jnr.).
Still in Imo State, wife of the President, Dame Patience Jonathan has urged women to rise against violent crimes.
Addressing women at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, during the formal launch of "Women for Change Initiative," Mrs. Jonathan said that the movement, which is non political, was put in place to ensure that credible women are no longer marginalised, but placed to play critical roles in the country.
Source: The Guardian, 1st August 2010.
Ohakim Assures Corps Members on Security
By Chidi Nkwopara
OWERRI—Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State has assured all serving members of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, in the state of maximum security as they move into the hinterland for their primary assignments.
Ohakim made the pledge in a message read on his behalf by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Chief Tony Uzoukwu, during the closing ceremony of the orientation course for the 2010 Batch 'B' members at Umudi, Nkwerre local council area of the state.
"My dear patriots, as you move into Imo hinterland, we assure you of maximum security. Imo State has been harvesting the benefits of the NYSC scheme in the area of education," Ohakim said.
He hinged his conclusion on the numerical strength of Imo indigenes who write the Unified Tertiary Martriculation Examination yearly, as well as corps members of Imo State extraction moving to serve in other parts of the country each service year.
"Corps doctors, pharmacists and other paramedics posted to the nooks and crannies of the state to take care of the health needs of the citizens and the practice has drastically reduced the mortality rate," the governor said.
In her own address, the State NYSC Coordinator, Mrs. Helen Achille, appealed to corps employers to be sensitive to the welfare of the corps members, stressing that they could only get the best out of the corps members if they were adequately motivated.
She called on the state government to comprehensively renovate the Orientation Camp, provide a multipurpose hall, fence the camp, connect the camp to the national grid, as well as equip the camp with basic facilities.
Source: Vanguard, 30th July 2010.
Electricity Consumers Protest in Owerri
FROM CHARLES OGUGBUAJA, OWERRI
FOLLOWING consistent power cut for three months, residents of Area N' in World Bank Housing Estate in Owerri Municipal Council, Evan Enwerem University, Owerri (former Imo State University, Owerri), near Okigwe Road, Works Layout and Chisome Estate, Okigwe Road, Owerri, protested at the weekend in Owerri.
The affected consumers marched to the premises of the Imo State-owned broadcast outfit Imo Broadcasting Corporation (IBC), protesting what they called non-supply of power to their homes and the release of high bills for services not rendered.
Led by their leader, Mrs. Nkuwu Iwuji, the protesters regretted that they were not supplied power for about three months while bills were distributed to them. They also sought to know if they were not eligible to be supplied electricity.
Their placards read: "Why does PHCN supply power to others and leave us in Area N' World Bank Estate?; Why is it that we in IMSU and Works Layout and Orji end of Okigwe Road are not having power supply?; Are we not Nigerians and entitled to power supply?; Enough is enough; No more estimated bills; We need constant power supply".
Residents of IMSU/Works Layout, Okigwe Road particularly were irked that last year alone, around the period late President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua visited Imo State in July till six months, no power was supplied to them. They said power was brought about late November/December, regretting that they had continued supplying power about two days in a week in the area.
Source: The Guardian, 26th July 2010.
Ohakim Faults World Bank's Report On Imo
Written by Abiodun Oluwarotimi
Imo State governor, Dr. Ikedi Ohakim, has faulted the recent World Bank's report on the state, stressing that his state is one of the best states where business could be successfully transacted in the country.
It would be recalled that the report, "Doing Business in Nigeria, 2010", which was launched in Abuja last month, had indicated that Imo and Ogun States were the worst states for business transactions in the country.
The report, which was a collaboration between the World Bank Investment Climate Team for Africa, the sub-national Doing Business team and the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID), also declared Borno, Gombe and Jigawa States as the best places for business in Nigeria.
In a telephone interview with our New York correspondent, Mr. Chinedu Okpareke, the director-general of Imo State Investment Promotion Agency, who spoke on behalf of Governor Ohakim, said that the report was faulty, adding that the state government had done everything to promote the structural development and re-integration of the state into national limelight and also apply its material and human resources to a comprehensive development scheme that will defeat the long-standing paradox of scarcity in the midst of abundance that persistently plagues the region.
Mr. Chinedu Okpareke further told our correspondent that Governor Ikedi Ohakim, in his bid to serve the needs of the people and businesses, looking towards Africa as a future area of investment, had convened a two-day investment summit in Owerri, the state capital, between the 8th and 9th of June, 2010.
He noted that key decision makers at the last month summit provided a platform on which the future economic success of the region would be built, stressing that many companies were able to schedule business meetings with the state government commissioners.
Speaking on the Ohakim Power Initiative (OPI), Mr. Okpareke said that every effort was in motion in order to ensure that Imo State citizens enjoyed the fruits of the programme soon.
Source: Leadership, 24th July 2010.
Police arrest trigger-happy cop
FROM CHARLES OGUGBUAJA, OWERRI
THE Imo State Police Command has arrested a police corporal for allegedly shooting the tyre and windscreen of a tanker at the weekend in Owerri, Imo State.
Plans are under way to hold an orderly room trial for the arrested cop, who allegedly demanded money from the tanker driver at a checkpoint on the Port Harcourt-Owerri Road and pulled the trigger on the vehicle after the driver refused to part with his money.
Following the incident, other tanker drivers mobilised themselves and blocked the road, creating a massive gridlock on the road for hours, which only cleared after the intervention of law enforcement agencies.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aloysius Okorie, who condemned the shooting, said the police command would not condone such "irresponsible and unprofessional" act from any of its officers and men.
The commissioner who spoke to journalists in Owerri stressed: "I do not see any reason for the policeman to do that."
Okorie disclosed that the state police command had paid for the damaged tyre and windscreen, apologising for the action.
He assured that the command would continue to protect the lives and property of the people, urging motorists and individuals not to succumb to policemen's extortions, adding that "bail is free."
Source: The Guardian, 21st July 2010.
Owerri Varsity Qualifies For SIFE Global Contest
BY FELIX KUY
The Federal University of Technology, Owerri has emerged the overall winner of the just concluded 2010 Students in Free Enterprise {SIFE} Business competition. The school will represent Nigeria at the SIFE World Cup in the United States on October 11 and 12 this year.
More than 1,000 undergraduates from 36 tertiary institutions across the country participated in the competition that was held at the Ladi Kwali Hall of the Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.
According to a statement, the 36 institutions were shared through balloting system into six leagues namely; GT Bank League, First Bank league, MTN League, KPMG League, Coca-cola League and Indomie League.
In the panel of judges that evaluated the projects presented by the teams were Mr Peter Clauseen of the US State Department Office; ED Flynn of the US Embassy, Abuja; Tara Fela-Durotoye of House of Tara; Mr Olumide Olayinka, Partner, KPMG; Bode Agusto of Agusto and Co Ltd; Dan Shuaib, DGM GT Bank and Tayo Itseumah of GT Bank. Others were Abdul Bello of UAC; Mrs Folashade Adefisayo, Executive Director, Corona Trust Council and Peter Ekunkayo of Coca- cola Africa.
The University of Ado-Ekiti won the MTN League, Kaduna Polytechnic won the First Bank League, Bayero University, Kano won the GT Bank League, Adekunle Ajasin University won the KPMG League, University of Uyo won the Coca Cola League and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri won the Indomie League. The other award presented at the event was Spirit of SIFE that went to the Federal Polytechnic, Oko.
All the winners qualified for the final round. At the end of the whole competition, Bayero University emerged the first runner up and Kaduna Polytechnic emerged the second runner up, while FUTO (Owerri) emerge as the overall winners to represent Nigeria at the SIFE world cup competition.
The competition is an opportunity for SIFE teams to tell stories of how they have made remarkable changes in their communities by empowering individuals and changing lives through businesses.
Source: The Guardian, 18th July 2010.
Imo Needs People-Driven Projects
Written by Stanley Nkwocha, Abuja
A gubernatorial aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State, Barr. Ike C. Ibeh, has lamented what he termed the 'suspended development' in Imo State , saying what the people of the state needed at this time was people- driven projects that have direct bearing on their lives.
Ibeh, said this has become pertinent because of the complex nature of communities that have different needs in terms of social and infrastructural requirements. He lamented the dearth of leadership and foresight in Imo State, saying the business of politiking has taken centre stage, while the business of governance relegated to the background.
Speaking at the weekend, when he played host to members of the Ngor Okpala Journalists Forum in Abuja, the former speaker of the Imo State House Of Assembly and the State's trade representative to the United States, said that expenditures such as security votes be minimised as developments could rapidly take place if such funds were diverted to other sectors of the economy.
He said the success of most governments across the world largely depended on the forthrightness and political will of leaders, cautioning that except a leader sets the right standards, and de-emphasises corruption, it may be difficult for the growth and development to be achieved.
Source: Leadership, 18th July 2010.
Supreme Court seals victory for Ohakim
By Kamarudeen Ogundele
Supreme Court Friday sealed the victory of Imo State Governor Ikedi Ohakim in the April 28, 2007 governorship election.
It set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which ordered retrial in a suit filed by the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate, Mr. Martin Agbaso.
Agbaso had gone to court to challenge the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for cancelling an earlier election held on April 14, 2007.
He was seeking an order to compel the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to announce the results of the governorship elections held in the state on April 14, 2007.
INEC cancelled the said election believed to have been won by Agbaso on account of alleged irregularities and conducted a fresh election which Governor Ikedi Ohakim then of Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) and now a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won.
The Federal High Court which first heard the suit declined jurisdiction.
But in its December 12 2009 unanimous decision, the Justice Rabiu Danlami-led panel ordered the trial court to hear the matter on its merit and also granted accelerated hearing.
It held that the trial court was wrong for holding that the suit was a spoke in the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in the state.
Dissatisfied, Ohakim approached the Supreme Court. He contended that the Appeal Court ought to have dismissed Agbaso's appeal
Delivering judgment yesterday, four of the five-man panel presided over by Justice Mahmud Muhammad held that Ohakim's appeals were meritorious in that Agbaso could not seek an order of mandamus to compel a public official (INEC) to carry out its constitutional functions without first of all asking the officer to comply with the call of his office.
In the lead judgment, Justice Walter Onneghen said it is when the call to the public officer fell on deaf ears or refused that a sustainable cause of action could arise to the extent of praying a
court of law for a judicial review of what the public officer did not do according to the law or failed out-rightly to do.
Besides, the Court held that since the complaint arose in the cause of conducting the election, it is a post election matter which could only be heard by an Election Petition Tribunal.
It said the Court of Appeal erred in law by assuming jurisdiction in the matter. It held that the trial court was right in declining jurisdiction.
With this judgement, all legal disputes over the April 2007 governorship election in Imo State are now over.
In the dissent judgment, Justice Chukwuma Ene contended saying that there were two distinct issues before the court.
To him, the fact that Agbaso participated in the elections of April 14 and April 28, 2007 does not deny him the right to insist on the release of the result of the first election.
Justice Ene added that there was no provision in the Federal High Court rules that equates order for a judicial review to order of mandamus stressing that the two issues are clearly different.
Ohakim had asked the apex court to set aside the decision of the Court of Appeal or in the alternative to remit the matter to another panel of the Court of Appeal for re-hearing.
Counsel to Agbaso, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who led Chief Patrick Ikwueto (SAN) asked the court to allow their application and to dismiss Ohakim's appeal in its entirety.
The PDP candidate in the election, Chief Ifeanyi Ararume, wanted the Apex Court to dismiss the appeal and order for a re-run election excluding Ohakim.
In its reaction to the judgment, the Lagos branch of the League of Imo Professionals, a pressure group, commended the judiciary for "again demonstrating it is the last hope of the common man''. In a statement, it urged all the political actors in the state to bring an end to the "politics of hate and distraction" for the common good of all.
Signed by its Publicity Secretary, Architect Luke Igbokwe, the League's statement read in parts: "We join other well-meaning citizens of Imo State in saluting the judges of the Supreme Court for this historic and reasonable verdict in spite of the vicious blackmail and intimidation by some powerful interests who have sworn that our state will not know peace until they have their way.
"We congratulate Governor Ikedi Ohakim for yet another victory even as we urge him to remain focused and continue to work for the good of our state and give accommodation to anyone with genuine contributions for the overall benefit of our state.
Sources: The Nation, 17th July 2010
IMO: States Creation Tops Agenda
FROM CHARLES OGUGBUAJA, OWERRI
One thing that remained remarkable in the Imo Assembly debate is the demand for creation of additional state in the Southeast.
Members resolved that four clauses in the proposed constitution be addressed properly. They rejected the issue of educational qualifications on sections 65 and Section 16 sub section 131, independent candidacy as in section 10, sub section 106 and section 23, sub section 177.
They agreed that the document should be returned to the National Assembly with strong indication of the areas opposed by them.
In the public hearing, Prof. Nnamdi Obiareri, a law teacher at Evan Enwerem University, Owerri (former Imo State University, Owerri), Emma Ibediro, a Commissioner in the Imo State House of Assembly Service Commission, Emma Dike, a former member of the Imo State House of Assembly, the Imo State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Fidel Onyeneke, representatives of women made contributions.
Most people accused the National Assembly of not organizing public debate at both senatorial districts and federal constituencies for people to air their views on amendment matters.
Ibediro and Opiah who consistently regretted the omission of state creation however urged that the process by included without further waste of time.
Ibediro said: "It is highly regrettable that the additional state creation in the Southeast was not included in this document. This should be included because this is the only opportunity."
Onyeneke regretted that the NUJ was not consulted properly in the amendment process, stressing that issues of professional hazards ought to have been addressed.
Commissioner designate in the Imo State Judicial Service Commission, Nkem Nwankwo (Jr.), harped on the need for the opinion of the majority of the people is reflected in the document.
"From all indications, people from the Southeast want additional state. This should be listened to. Let this request be granted to the people as opportunity of such exercise is at hand now." He said.
Legal practitioner, Donald Chika Denwigwe regretted that human rights issues are not addressed in the amendment.
The document has since been returned to NASS.
Source: The Guardian, 11th July 2010.
Imo Begins Campaign on Environment
FROM CHARLES OGUGBUAJA, OWERRI
FOLLOWING the growing level of environmental degradation and flooding of farmlands in Imo State, Governor Ikedi Ohakim has set up a committee to begin an awareness campaign through the electronic and print media, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. Kelechukwu Okpaleke has disclosed.
Briefing journalists on Tuesday on the outcome of the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting chaired by the Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Ada Okwuonu, Okpaleke said the governor had approved N1.5 million of the recommended N3 million for the project, adding that he had begun liaising with the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources in the state, Chief Longers Anyanwu on the assignment.
Okpaleke said five persons emerged winners in the New Face of Imo Quiz, Edward Lewanya (Onuimo Local Council, Imo State), taking the first position, Rosemary Uneze of Nnewi South, Anambra State, second position, Joy Jesil Onwuewu , third position, Anukem Kingsley (Owerri West), fourth position and Obinna Chinaza C. (Ngor Okpala local council), had fifth position. Five of them went home with a total of N45,000.
Okpaleke said in compliance with the directive from the Federal Government that each state government should build a monument of golden jubilee of Nigeria's independence, the state government set up a four-man committee headed by the state Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development to work out a befitting legacy.
Source: The Guardian, 8th July 2010.
State Rejects World Bank Report,
As Workers Protest In Imo, Borno
FROM CHARLES OGUGBUAJA (OWERRI) AND NDJADVARA MUSA (MAIDUGUR
IMO State Government has formally disagreed with a recent World Bank Report, which ranked the state as one of two states in Nigeria with the most unfriendly business envoronments, even as workers in Imo and Borno States over salaries.
A World Bank report published recently had penciled Imo and Ogun States as the most difficult states to do businesses in. The report was subsequently carried in some national dailies.
Briefing journalists at the weekend, in Owerri, three Commissioners— Planning and Economic Development, Chief Levy Oguike, Information and Strategy, Dr. Kelechukwu Okpaleke, Health, Dr. Vin Udokwu, and the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Mr. Calitus Ekenze, insisted that the current United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) from its 2009 – 2012 publication placed the state in better stead.
Oguike disclosed that, at the moment, there are 17 UN agencies carrying out business in the state, adding that the government would formally write the World Bank Country Representative to register its feelings and ask that the impression be addressed in favour of Imo State.
Oguike insisted that the publication must have been done before the recent investment climate put in place by the Ikedi Ohakim administration.
Source: The Guardian, 4th July 2010.
NAPEP offers N147m to Imo households
FROM CHARLES OGUGBUAJA, OWERRI
AS part of measures at reducing poverty in Imo State, the National Poverty Eradication Programme (NAPEP) has earmarked N147 million for more than 500 households in the state, Mr. Oliver Enwerenem, state coordinator of the programme, has disclosed.
In an exclusive interview with The Guardian at the weekend, Enwerenem said N30 million has already been disbursed in the past 12 months to beneficiaries spread across 10 local councils in the state towards the education of their wards.
He said 50 beneficiaries were selected in each of the 10 local councils across the three geo-political zones of the state.
According to him, each of the beneficiaries will receive N84,000 from NAPEP to establish businesses in line with trades or skills acquired in the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) training programmes.
Enwerenem disclosed that the disbursement would kick off in Ohaji/Egbema Local Council this week.
He said: "This programme started about 12 months ago. The second phase will be completed this week with the flag-off of disbursement of N42 million to 500 households of 50 in each of the 10 local councils selected. This will help them start small-scale businesses in which they have been trained by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) in various skills. N84,000 will be given to each beneficiary.
"In the first phase, a maximum of N5,000 was disbursed to each of the identified 500 households in the councils for 12 months, making it a total of N30 million. The total now is N72 million".
Source: The Guardian, 29th June 2010.
10,000 Imo jobs: 12,630 candidates pass test
Emeka Ihiegbulem, Orlu
Project Director of Imo Job Centre (IJC), Prof Obioma Iheduru has said that out of the 19,642 candidates examined for the 10,000 jobs, 12, 360 passed the test.
Prof. Obioma disclosed this to journalists in Owerri during a press briefing and frowned at the news peddled by some Imo citizens that it was only 16 candidates that scaled through the test.
In his classification , Prof. Iheduru said 13 Master's , Bachelors and Higher National Diploma (HND) holders scored 80 and above adding that 265 candidates of the above-mentioned qualification with nine National Certificate in Education (NCE) holders scored between 70 and 79.
He said 1,424 graduates and 130 NCE holders totaling 1,554 scored between 60 and 69 while 3918 graduates and 530 NCE holders summing 4,448 had 50 to 59.
"The total of 6,071 and 4039 of the candidates scored 40- 49 and 30 39 respectively. Those who scored below 30 numbered 2,616 with 13.3per cent. There was the 627 unclassified of 3.2 per cent, " he divulged.
He said candidates who failed to shade test options and examination number had no result. He added that 49 per cent was the pass mark approved by the state Executive Council and was used in WAEC, NECO and university grading system.
The Project Director however, reiterated that the 10,000 jobs opportunity was not a mere joke but a serious business of the Ohakim led administration to reduce the level of qualified unemployed youths in the state.
He said: "The 10,000 job opportunity for Imolities is real. It was designed that 5,000 successful candidates will be absorbed in the Imo Civil service while the other 5,000 will be accommodated into the teaching sector, 2500 for Primary School and the other 2,500 for Secondary School".
He said owing to the importance of the project, the Catholic Bishop of Ahiara Diocese, Rt. Rev Dr. V.A Chikwe was made the Chairman of the Technical Committee while he was the Secretary.
"With the Catholic Bishop as the Chairman of the Committee everything surrounding the test was guarded by merit. The LG spread was also given due consideration by the committee," he stressed.
Source: Daily Champion, 29th June 2010.
I Inherited N4.7b Pension Arrears, Ohakim Tells Imo Workers
Written by By Ebere Uzoukwa, Owerri
As workers all over the country celebrate their day otherwise known as May Day on Saturday, 1st May, 2010, Gov. Ikedi Ohakim of Imo State has told workers in the state that he inherited N4.7b arrears of pension funds from the past government under Chief Achike Udenwa.
Addressing the workers during a rally at Dan Anyiam stadium, Owerri, the state capital, the governor also disclosed that apart from reducing the huge amount to the barest minimum, his administration had increased workers' salaries by 15 percent, paid minimum wage and promoted workers massively to boost their morale.
"In order to further vitalise the civil service, we have embarked on the recruitment of 10,000 new graduates into the civil and teaching services. We are creating opportunities for 5,000 jobs for non-graduates in order to minimise unemployment", Ohakim revealed.
The governor, however, urged the workers to disregard 'some disgruntled politicians' whom he accused of causing disaffection in the state with falsehood, rumours and smear campaigns and reiterated his commitment to the development of the state.
While urging them to re-brand their unionism by shunning strike action, Ohakim also charged them to always engage in progressive unionism that promotes productivity, manpower development, greater efficiency and wealth creation.
Source: Leadership, 2nd May 2010.
Auchi monarch flays recycling of leaders
By Chidi Nkwopara
OWERRI—The Chairman, South-South and South East Council of Muslim Traditional Rulers and Otaru of Auchi Kingdom, Edo State, Alhaji Aliru Momoh, has called for an end to what he called the "endless recycling of leaders in Nigeria."
The royal father made the call in an exclusive interview with Vanguard, in the palace of Eze Kierian Ejiogu, Ogbujioma autonomous community, Ogbaku, Mbaitoli Local Goernment Area of Imo State.
"I don't support the endless recycling of leaders in Nigeria. Any leader who has led and has led in a way that people don't appreciate him, why should people vote for the person again? People should allow one man one vote. This system will allow for the qualities of an individual to play a prominent role in determining if he will be elected or not," he said.
Saying that there should be a balancing factor between the young and the old, he, however, noted that "we cannot say because you are young, you have nothing to offer the country."
On the seeming security breach in parts of the country, Alhaji Momoh said that security agencies should be given the necessary equipment to fight crime and criminals in Nigeria.
"In all parts of the world, kidnapping is a very easy way of making money. Very soon and if we are serious about our security problem, as well as the security outfits that we have in this country, we will be able to fight crime," he said.
On the issue of periodic killing and maiming of Nigerians in parts of the country, the Otaru said "it is an experience we are passing through in the history of Nigeria," adding that "what is offensive about it all is that the people who have nothing to do with siphoning the wealth of this country are victims of these killings, kidnapping and other serious crime,"
He was of the opinion that the people, who started giving money to thugs to devour their perceived enemies and those who are opposed to them are the people they should have been gunning for.
Speaking also, the Chief Imam of Imo State, Alhaji Dauda Onyeagocha, said Islam abhors violence, stressing that anybody killing in the name of religion is a criminal and should be treated as such. "Islam is peace. We must learn to propagate peace in all we do and in all places we find ourselves. I also have a strong feeling that the killings in the Northern States are not religious in content," Onyeagocha said.
Source: Vanguard, 28th April 2010.
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