Hon. Obioha Okwuonu

HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA TAKES SECURITY BACK TO THE PEOPLE

..employing bottom top security architecture in his meeting with the Traditional Rulers and IMC Chairmen.

His Excellency the Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma had a security council meeting with the Traditional Rulers across the state and the Chairmen of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Local Government Areas (LGA).

The meeting wasn't unconnected with the security challenges experienced in the state within the period under review. In attendance were the Leadership of the Imo Security Organization to form a synergy in establishing a Security Council within each community.

The Governor charged the Traditional Rulers and the IMC Chairmen to rise up to the occasion of securing their territory. In his words, "...this is the time to prove your rulership of your community". I believe that introduction of another authority (either from government or from the hoodlums) within the community, would hinder the operation of the Traditional Rulers.

"Intelligence available indicates that these hoodlums are not just from neighboring states, but some are known to you and the onus lies within the Traditional Rulers to ensure that unfamiliar and familiar faces and activities are reported for appropriate actions Governor uzodimma said.

The Governor stated that complacency would no longer be tolerated going forward. A benefit of the doubt on the complicity (in the security challenge) of any Traditional Rulers and IMC Chairman would be granted at the moment however, going forward tolerance would not apply and appropriate measure would be employed in dealing with anyone in authority found wanting.

The Security architecture which is anchored on the recently assented bill on Imo Security Organization establishment, which would have the Traditional Rulers as the Chairman in their respective Communities, Membership of this would have the President General, the Youth Leader and the Women Leader. youths per community into the Imo Security Organization.

His Excellency expressed commitment and resolve to decisively deal with anyone found culpable in the sponsorship of these criminals, irrespective of status.

He also said that "This security architecture being proposed would inject new dimensions in the fight and dislodgment of these criminals within the state thereby ensuring adequate immediate and lasting solution to the security challenge being experienced".

HAPPENING NOW

Governor Uzodimma meets with Traditional rulers and IMC chairmen over security issues in the State.

Governor Uzodimma: “We are about to implement the law of setting up security operatives from bottom to top”

“Any incident of complacency will be blamed on TC Chairmen and Traditional rulers”

“We have designed an application form for a local security council, 20 able bodied men will work and get secure intelligence, and vigilante in their respective communities “

“If you are sure of the character of existing vigilante, you can submit their list.

PRESS CONFERENCE BY GOVERNOR HOPE UZODIMMA ON THE GRUESOME MURDER OF AHMED GULAK



It is with a very heavy heart that I address you today. The pain of losing a person or loved one, the horror of holding your family member in his or her final moments, the anger of someone being so reckless, so thoughtless that their bullet destroyed your life, are emotions no individual should ever have to endure

I sympathize with the families of those who lost their lives through stray bullets during this period. As you know, the death of anyone diminishes mankind. But the brutal and callous assassination of Alhaji Ahmed Gulak yesterday, Sunday, May 30th, 2021 on his way to the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport, is painful because he did not deserve to die that way.

The death of this compatriot is a personal loss to me because he was an invaluable friend and brother whose sense of justice, fairness and uprightness endeared him to me. I was shocked to my marrows when the sad news of his callous murder was broken to me. I was getting ready to go to church when the sad news came and I could not attend the service again. It was simply one of the most devastating news I have had in my life and I am yet to recover from the shock. It remains a puzzle to me why anyone would want to murder him in this gruesome and vicious manner.



Alhaji Ahmed Gulak was in Imo State for a national assignment. He came to Owerri with the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendment. Being a humble man, he chose to travel incognito according to his friend who was with him. Someone must have trailed him from the hotel to the airport. That is exactly why his gruesome murder appears to be a clear case of political assassination.

According to reports by the police, he was shot in cold blood and the assailants did not remove a pin from him. It is most benumbing that people chose to waste such an innocent blood in such a dastardly and cowardly manner.

Let me make it very clear that everything will be done by security agencies to find those who murdered Gulak and their sponsors. They will not by the grace of God escape their deserved punishment. This is not in our character as Ibos, not in our tradition nor in our culture. We must condemn this callous act

I will urge everybody to exercise restraint and allow the police to continue with their investigations, which I understand is already yielding positive results as some arrests have already been made. I commend the police for their speed so far in handling this case.

It is reassuring that the President and Commander in Chief, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, has assured the nation that the perpetrators of this heinous crime would be apprehended and punished.

On our part as a government, we are not sparing any effort in ensuring that the murderers of this patriot are quickly arrested and prosecuted for their evil deeds.

Imo people are very hospitable. The events of the last few weeks do not represent who we truly are.

I believe that the ongoing police investigations will uncover the whole truth; it is common knowledge that those who are innocent need not be afraid. But the guilty will never go scot-free, certainly not in this instant case. Let me also through this medium commiserate with relations and families of victims of kidnapping, armed robberies, banditry and stray bullets in Imo state and to inform you that the government has been reaching out and will continue to reach out to all other victims

May I on behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Imo state convey my heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of Alhaji Ahmed Gulak, the government and the people of Adamawa state and the families of our brothers and sisters in Imo state who lost their lives during this period.

Let me reassure you that Imo State government is committed to finding and punishing the killers. Above all it is our fervent prayers that God in his infinite mercy shall grant us the fortitude to bear these devastating and shocking losses of our beloved one, Alhaji Ahmed Gulak; a great Patriot and Nationalist and others.

Finally, let me also clarify the story trending on the social media platforms, that my convoy was attacked, my convoy was never attacked. That is the wish of those who murdered Gulak.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.



Sen. Hope Uzodimma

Governor

GOV. HOPE UZODIMMA VISITS IMO STATE POLYTECHNIC OMUMA

The Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma paid a visit to the Imo State Polytechnic Omuma which is undergoing massive construction in order to set the institution running with the state of the art building and equipments.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma who was conducted round the premises by the site engineers took time to inspect the architectural master piece and encourage the contractor to ensure that the best materials that will stand the test of time are used.

He reiterated his firm commitment in ensuring that the Imo State Polytechnic becomes not just the pride of the state but the entire nation through the institutions structures and well partnered academic activities that will remain matchless in the country.

He added that when the polytechnic is completed, it will attract young school leavers from and outside the state, encourage polytechnic education and further bridge the admission gap in the country.

Gov. Uzodimma declared that academic activities will resume in September, 2021 and enjoined all those involved in the construction works to put in more efforts as the state government is unrelenting in making sure that the first set of students are admitted this year.

HAPPENING NOW

Governor Hope Uzodimma meets with Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Stakeholders

HAPPENING NOW

Governor Uzodimma signs a Condolence register for the Late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and other departed soldiers

HAPPENING NOW

Governor Uzodimma meets With Ihitte Uboma Local Government Stakeholders and leaders

Governor Uzodimma addressing:

It’s very painful that one of the largest water schemes in the local Government built by a former governor is now serving only Abia, I will take it personal.

In my government, nobody will get anything without the people. We must return power back to the Government, so whatever you want, go back to the people.

I remember when you came out under the rain during my campaign, I will not forget that, now that I am the Governor.

You that are the youths and the younger generation, visit your leaders house to house and carry them along, there is no conflict so that the appoints can go round. Erizuo onu ntarakwukwu alaa.

One thing I want you to go home with, I will never disappoint you people.

GOV. UZODIMMA ASSENTS A BILL

His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodimma in his proactive and innovative nature to meet up to the modern day challenges, has assented a law establishing Imo State Lotteries and gaming authority to regulate all lotteries and gaming activities in Imo State and for other related matters.

This bill repealed the pools, betting and Lotteries law No. 44, 2019 as the law did not meet up with the present day challenges and requirements of the gaming industry on the findings that there were some areas not covered by the former law yet will generate income for the state.

"The new pools, betting and gaming law has made provisions for the use of digital technologies and empower the State Government to employ competent hands on the management of the gaming Industry unlike the former law" Governor Uzodimma stated.

Governor Uzodimma commended the Imo State House of Assembly members for looking into the bill and for passing it expideously.

The Governor assured Imo people of his continuation in executing legislations that will boost the confidence of the people, improve quality of life and ultimately deliver our promise of providing good Governance and transparency in all our dealings

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT ON PROTOCOL AND PASSAGES.

Hon. Obioha Okwuonu Celebrates Imo Children.

Children’s Day is an international holiday that was first established in Nigeria in 1964.

The date it is celebrated varies between different countries.

The 27th day of May marks a celebration of children, raising awareness for issues that affect children and helping us appreciate that they are the future of our societies.

It is with a heart filled with Joy that I Celebrate our children today as we help in building a Nation where the Future will become Favourable for our dearest children.

"The Governor on the other hand has appealed to our youths to harken to the voice of reason, the wisdom of the elders and ensued for peace. He also encouraged everyone that in no distant time all will be well if we firmly remain committed to the unity of Nigeria"

On this note I urge everyone to stay safe while celebrating with our loved ones.

Parents should Endeavour to keep a close eye on our children and should be able to locate them at all point in time.

Once again,
Happy Children's Day to you all.

Signed.

D**e Blaise
Media Aide
SSA ON PROTOCOLS AND PASSAGES.
27th May 2021

HAPPENING NOW

Governor Uzodimma meets With Ihitte Uboma Local Government Stakeholders and leaders