REVOLUTION AT FIRST APPEAR DIFFICULT

The President, in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework, submitted to the Senate on October 4, had said N1.2trn would be saved from the fuel subsidy removal that is to commence in January 2012. According to him, the money will be spent on providing ‘safety nets’ for the poor.

The government in Nigeria do not need to remove fuel subsidy to be able to provide ‘safety nets’ for the poor masses of this country.

This is a complete evidence to prove that this government is very insensitive to the plight of the masses. The government has themselves turned provocateur against the people,and the consequences will be au grand sérieux.

The only way to turn Nigeria into a Belle époque (beautiful era)country is to turn to revolution. This is true we can’t shy away from this.

The military came and made us to believe that the have come to fix the country they ended up leaving the country worst than the met it. We were clamoring for the civilian administration, they came in and raped the country dry.And not only that the made sure that their victims  were left naked.  In lieu of that the people of Nigeria are in the state of Cri de Coeur,and God is hearing us.

I state here today to tell you that, revolution dose not matter how many people that started it,or agree to participate, 10 or 15 people can agree with absolute faith.

It does not matter how small you are if you have faith and plan of action.

A great revolution in just one single individual will help achieve a change in the destiny of a society and, further, will enable a change in the destiny of humankind.

Let the few who are lionhearted and not pusillanimous, join this train. 

The removal of oil subsidy must be regard as Faux pas(a social blunder) committed against the masses of Nigeria by the government.

The Force majeure, of the Nigerian masses, this time around will be very Irresistible by those in power. Nigeria is in a deep state of misgovernment and therefore needed a deep mass action by the people to knock back the misalignment to it’s normal position.

Anything less than this the people will continue to cry or shout till thy kingdom come.

Let us have faith in the project of revolution in Nigeria.

I quote a great revolutionist Gandhi of India on faith he said:

 Faith gains in strength only when people are willing to lay down their lives for it....Faith is not like a delicate flower which would wither away....Robust faith in oneself and brave trust of the opponent, so-called or real, is the best safeguard....A living faith cannot be manufactured by the rule of [the] majority....What is faith if it is not translated into action?...Faith is not imparted like secular subjects. It is given through the language of the heart....Every living faith must have within itself the power of rejuvenation if it is to live. Just as the body cannot exist without blood, so the soul needs matchless and pure strength of faith....My effort should never be to undermine another's faith but to make him a better follower of his own faith....Even as a tree has a single trunk but many branches and leaves, there is one religion-- human religion--but any number of faiths.

With this faith quote,fellow Nigerian’s you must agree with me that in this revolution project, he who believes is strong; he who doubts is weak. Strong convictions precede great actions.

Dei Gratia(by the grace of God) this shall be my pride in the revolution veni vidi vici.

I rest my case.

NIGERIA: INSOLVENT STATES SHOULD BE DISSOLVED

BY OKEY IFEACHOR.

In human existentiality change is a natural phenomenon. The dynamics of life is such that nothing is permanent. Change is a reality beyond human understanding, control and manipulation. Man cannot stop change whether he likes it or not. When it becomes expedient man sometimes facilitate change. Change must always occur. That is the truth about life.


Nigeria is a country of thirty-six states and seven hundred and seventy- four local governments majorly created by military fiat in the years when the khaki men held sway the reins of political power. The Nigerian people were hardly consulted in the lumping of communities that make up the states and local governments and in the delineation of boundaries of those states and local governments. They accepted it however as they looked through futuristic prism with buoying hope in them for a better tomorrow of viability.


The fundamental reason for the creation of states and local governments is to foster speedy development anchored in the quest of the people for distinct identity that will give them a sense of belonging. Many people rejoiced when states were created. They thought that their dream of actualisation as a people with unique identity has manifested in reality. The vast majority of the people looked forward to a viable state they can proudly call their own.


However, several years after states and local governments were created; many Nigerians cannot say for certain whether the exercise conducted by the military was a blessing or a curse. Many compatriots are not shouting eureka because the zeal and optimism that greeted states and local governments’ creation has waned for the single reason that expectations have not been met. Centripetal expectations are more in the breach than in its fulfilment. Centrifugal forces have taken over and people hitherto united see themselves as beings without any commonality.


The recent sacking of civil servants who are not from Abia State by the state government readily comes to mind. Although, Abia state government was not the first to carry out such retrogressive exercise, many see it as engendering disunity and sowing dangerous seed of bitterness of brothers against brothers. It can now be said without equivocation that more states and local governments are akin to more divisions of a people once united. The problem of boundary delimitation; the challenge of assets sharing; and the palaver of who gets what in the state’s micro macrocosm; cumulatively become a cog in the wheel of progress and development.


Since after creation of states and local governments, development and progress of those entities are nothing to write home about as; there have not been any crystal clear differences in terms of meeting the expectations and enthusiasm that greeted the exercise then. Many state capitals are nothing but glorified local government headquarters. Roads are still in deplorable conditions, pipe-borne water pipes are still dry, hospitals are still mere consulting clinics, and many are still more in the dark than in the light as a result of epileptic electricity supply.


The states and local governments that are not performing blame paucity of funds as reason for non performance. Why wouldn’t funds be a problem when 70% of state’s funds go to recurrent sub head, while mere 30% is for capital development? There is no way development and progress can flower in a state where only meagre amount is earmarked for capital projects.


Recently the Nigerian senate observed that some states are in financial distress and called for more funds to be given them. The Senate revealed that Kano, Sokoto, Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, and Osun are distressed. And those in critical conditions are Ekiti, Plateau, Benue, Edo, Borno, Adamawa, Cross River, Enugu, Taraba, Ogun, Kogi, Yobe, Ebonyi, Ondo and Kaduna. Unhealthy ones are Bauchi, Bayelsa, Nasarawa, Gombe, Rivers and Oyo. Those that are tolerable are Imo, Kwara, Lagos, kebbbi, and Delta. Healthy ones are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra and Jigawa.


Going by the information emanating from the senate, 6 states are in distress; 15 are in critical conditions; 6 are in unhealthy state; 5 in tolerable conditions and 4 are healthy. In other words, only four out of thirty-six states in the country have clean bill of health. If that is so, one is inclined to ask; what is the essence of having litany of states and local governments that are not self-sufficient. I want to believe that self-sufficiency was one of the critical conditions that qualified the existing states to be created and not just political exigency.


Now that the states instead of finding ways of generating internal revenues and becoming economically solid; go cap in hand to the federal government soliciting for funds to keep them afloat, one is inclined to call for the dismembering all distressed states. One does not know how long such states should be pampered with oil money. If the government at the centre can and often authorise the merger and acquisition of distressed companies and even banks, one wonders why such measures should not be taken against states that are not performing in accordance to their constitutional obligations. I hold the opinion that unless such measure is taken; many states will continue to look up to the centre for funds from oil sale, which is spent as soon as allocations get to them.


Nigerians want viable states and local governments. They want states and local governments that will invest in developmental projects that will impact them. They want to see jobs created. They want to see roads constructed and repaired. They want to see electricity steady. They want to see hospitals equipped with modern gadgets and medicines and sundries. They want to see children and other students learn in clement environment. Nigerians are tired of highfaluting esoteric speeches of our politicians and government officials laced with deceit. They are tired of the opulence of few in the midst of penury of majority.


The lawmakers at the National Assembly as representatives of the people should as a matter of urgent national importance begin a process of enacting law that will give teeth to merger of distressed states with the healthy ones. Asking for more funds for unviable states is not a one off solution to the cancerous problem. Any state that wants to exist should seek viable ways to be solvent.


In this 21st century, proactive solutions should be found for cancerous challenges. Distress in states is a cancerous problem facing Nigeria and Nigerians that needs urgent surgical operation to remove the tumour of insolvency. Some few political beneficiaries may oppose such viewpoint but indefensible sentiments should not becloud the humanitarianism of opinion expressed in this piece. Let distressed states be merged with healthy ones. Let solvent states swallow insolvent states.

Government teaches the whole people by its example.

Subsidies can be regarded as a form of protectionism or trade barrier by making domestic goods and services artificially competitive against imports. Subsidies may distort markets, and can impose large economic costs.

In Nigeria contest  removal of subsidy is a sure way to impose high economic cost. Therefore, having said that removal of fuel subsidy is a total war against the masses of Nigeria. There are many different ways to classify subsidies, such as the reason behind them, the recipients of the subsidy, the source of the funds, can this government answer those questions,so that the people of Nigeria could know.

We have since decoded the promises without fulfillment of the governments in,

Nigeria,therefore all the fake promises of what they will do with the removal of fuel  subsidy this time will be resisted by the masses with all their strength.

All the promises of what they will use the proceeds to do are nothing but the more you look the less you see.

We will build roads, provide healthcare, fix electricity, provide jobs for the youths are all promises they have been making since 1960 Nigeria had independence. Since 51 years none of the promises has been fulfilled instead the create more poverty and hardship to the people of Nigeria. Corruption has continue to rise astronomically, both  in leaps and bounds.

Mr David Macrae who is European Union delegation leader to Nigeria, came supporting the federal government on the monster called oil subsidy, he has to do so because it will enslave the people of Nigeria the more, and benefits the western world.

We must not allow another western world slavery with the aid of visionless leadership in Nigeria.

If I may ask; why this same European leader’s do not ask or advice our leader’s to strife and put our existing refineries to be working? Why must they rush to support the said oil subsidy? We must not fold our arms and watch the nation descend into avoidable disintegration through the aid of their western cohorts.

I am leaving this legacy to all Nigerian’s ... to bring peace, justice, equality, love and a fulfillment of what our lives should be.

Without vision, the people will perish, and without courage and inspiration, dreams will die-- the dream of  good governance must be championed by we the people.

Government teaches the whole people by its example. If the government becomes the lawbreaker, by removing oil subsidy ,it breeds contempt for law; it invites every man to become a law unto himself; it invites anarch.

I SUBMIT MY CASE.

NIGERIA MASSES PROJECT- NIMAP: ORGANIZATION PROFILE NIGERIA MASSES PROJECT, WHAT ...

NIGERIA MASSES PROJECT- NIMAP: ORGANIZATION PROFILE NIGERIA MASSES PROJECT, WHAT ...: BE PART OF THIS CHANGE IN NIGERIA . ORGANIZATION PROFILE NIGERIA MASSES PROJECT, WHAT IS IT? Nigeria masses project (NIMAP) is an enl...

A FAILURE TO ACT ,AND ACT NOW……

   

The government should focus on the projects that will improve the business climate, in the country. It is very clear that the government do not have the willing power to address the infrastructural problems in the country. They most involve the private sector by providing a level play ground.

There is no way the private sector can come into an economy that is full of bump holes, of negative ratings. A country where there is infrastructural deficiency followed by high cost of transactions can not attract private investors.

A country such as Nigeria that has bottle neck, coupled with environmental hurdles to do business will never attract private participation in providing infrastructures.

No nation can have stability without having MICRO ECONOMIC STABILITY.

This will ensure that your fiscal activities correctly ordered, well prudential and with a good monitory policy that check mate inflation.

The government alone cannot address the infrastructure problem; it is going to involve the private sector, so there is need to have public private partnership.

The private sector cannot come into an economy where there is negative rating; it cannot come into a country where there is infrastructure deficiency and where the cost of transaction is too high. They will not come into a country that has a key bottleneck and in an environment with many hurdles in doing business.

I see future happiness in Nigeria if only the people can prevent the government from wasting and looting the treasury  under the pretense of taking care of the economy. Let us know that a bad situation could become dramatically worse. Nigeria  economy is in desperate straits. A failure to act, and act now, will turn crisis into a catastrophe.

TO DARE;THAT IS THE WHOLE SECRET OF REVOLUTION.

Nigeria deserve a good government, a thinking right leadership where they will know and feel the purse of the people of Nigeria and know what the want. One thing is common and for sure in Nigeria leader’s, self centeredness, greed, and uninterested to what is happening to the entire populace.  

It is time Nigeria government begin to look inwards on how to solve the hardship in the land. Federal government should commence a 0% interest loan to the low citizens of this country.

Yes the government  can do it, the resources are there to cushion it they only need the willing power to do it.

Nigeria government should be sincere in providing houses for the low class in the society. It is the duty of any government to provide accommodation and make it affordable to it’s citizens. It is the duty of the government to provide a level play ground for it’s citizens to commence a good life. The government can commence to provide, to every new married couple with some fiscal cash to start up their family as it is being done in some countries in the world, yes; Nigerian government have the resources to do it.

The government in Nigeria is capable of providing health insurance with human face, whereby the citizens of Nigeria can receive medical treatments only by presenting there medical insurance card. The people of this country is no longer ready to tolerate all the big campaign grammar promises without fulfillment. The civil revolution time has come. Nigerian people is hard pressed on the wall. When one is hard pushed on the wall he has no other option than to look for defense mechanism.

Education should be made free from primary to secondary level, while the University and Higher institutions can be heavily   subsidies by the federal and state governments.

Nigerian’s should be encouraged  to become farmer’s, government should provide farm lands,

Farming equipments, seedlings, lives tocks to those who wants to take up farming as career.

In some other parts of the world the government sponsor it’s citizens on medical treatment abroad whereby such facilities or equipment is not available in that country, no form of tax collected for such patients in the process of the treatment abroad. The government of this country has what it takes to commence this all the need is the political willing power to do it.

The Nigeria government only need to remove selfish interest to commence paying graduates who are yet to get a job or employment after graduation some professional monthly salary till such person gets employment. This is being done in some countries of this world some African countries inclusive. Nigeria is not out of this world the government can do it only if they are sincere to the Nigerian people.

Nigerian’s let us not become sheep’s for the visionless government to prey on us, because, a society of sheep must in time beget a government of wolves.

An oppressed people are authorized whenever they can to rise and break their fetters. All men recognize the right of revolution: that is, the right to refuse allegiance to, or to resist, the government when its inefficiency are great and unendurable.

Let us begin now there may be no better time than now. Civil revolution is the answer.

Revolutions are not made; they come.

Today the president made us to understand that he has kicked of Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) good idea. He said they have approved seed capital of $1 billion dollars to kick start. But the big question is what happened to the federation account? Why creating another different account? While there are several secret oil accounts that are not accounted for. What is the guarantee that this is not another opportunity to enrich some few privileged persons in government. What happened to such similar programs initiated by the former government Olusegun Obasanjo, IBB and the late Abacha.

The most laughable thing in this present government is that they are planning to save money for the future generation while the present generation are dieing of hunger and starvation. Do they not know that such fund they are calling FUTURE GENERATION FUND, could be used to create more job opportunities for the present generation thereby securing future for the yet unborn. There is no way you can develop a notion with out first developing the human resources; there is no way you can save for the future with out securing the present.

Nigerian people needs the right thing to be done to bring a change in the nation,those window dressing polices can not bring in any change. Even when we know that Nigeria is an artificial entity put together by the British,we may decide to make it work if we so much desired. We cannot save future for our generation yet unborn, but we can save our generation yet unborn for the future. Let the government in Nigeria know today that; action without vision just passes the time.

While vision with action can change the nation within a shortest possible time. Change is not merely necessary to life - it is life.

The people in government may frowned on my believe, but I have strong feelings on how few individuals who are privileged to be in government loot the treasury. People can Jump up being ill-informed or naïve,but I have the right to say what I believe.

We need a revolutionary change, if a may quote John F. Kennedy he said “those who  make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.”

NIGERIA MUST BE BETTER.

Revolutions never go backwards

Civil revolution is eminent  in Nigeria, for how long could we shy away from the truth. The government of this country have continue to preach change in their policies just in words and pronouncements, but practically refusing to implement change or put action to their words.

They are being obsessed by a delusive nation of fantasy, or it can be better said that they are being preoccupied by a whimsical or perverse fancy. This government have continued to compromise their oath of office on accountability. Ethics and prudence has become a scarce commodity before those in governance in Nigeria.

This people legalized illegality by unashamedly continue to divert, misappropriate and corruptly enriching themselves with public funds, thereby impoverishing the people of Nigeria. Their hobbyhorse attitude in looting has become de trop thereby using the same looted money making the people looks very déclassé before them. The Nigeria leader’s are faux amis to the people of Nigeria, in lieu of that we must resist them.

The propose petroleum subsidy is a way of  in reaching some privileged individual and express rue to impoverish the poor masses the more.

Oil subsidy is a direct consequence of government corruption.

If the say they are not corrupt and professional mis- manager’s can they tell us why all our refineries can not work for so many years now?

In Nigeria today there is a malaise or a general sense of depression or unease, due to the continuous insensitivity of the government towards the so called common man in the country.

There is one thing we can not run away from, every generation needs a new revolution. The more there is revolution, the more repressive action will take place, and the more closer  right-people will takeover the mantle of leadership.

Revolution is a serious thing, the most serious thing about a revolutionary's life. 

When one commits oneself to the struggle, it must be for a lifetime. Revolution is not a dinner party, not an essay, nor a painting, nor a piece of embroidery; it cannot be advanced softly, gradually, carefully, considerately, respectfully, politely, plainly and modestly.

There is no better time to carry out revolution than now.

NIGERIA MUST BE BETTER.

NIGERIA MUST BE BETTER.

The time has come when the Nigeria people must come out from their comfort zone to seek for their right from the government of this country.

Putting our trust in the hand of the organised labour in the past has proved to be in effective.

The only little way the poor masses are breathing in Nigeria is the subsidy in fuel, therefore any attempt to remove it by the government must be resisted my the people of Nigeria. Rise up the people of Nigeria, think about the hardship created by visionless leadership in this country. Think about the present generation, and the ones yet on born. How would the view our generation for not fighting for the betterment of this country.

Stand up, tight your belt, guard your rapper, lets move to the street and protest for our right, the right of our children born and un born. No Nigerian is more Nigeria than the other’s, we all have one vote, be that as it may, we must take what belongs to us.

The enemies of the Nigeria people are those who has continued to create hardship to it’s people. The economy today is in the state of  comatose, heath facilities are in the state of awkward predicament, millions of youths out of  job.

Oil has been  the mainstay of our economy, yet people do not know how much is produce or soled in a year. 

What this cheaters and rogues declare is what we get; and this has been the beginning and the bases of our problem in Nigeria.

This has been worst than tragedy that we have not added a single value to the product Nigeria  have been producing since 1950s. The issue of corruption is not only about the subsidy, it is about not knowing how much oil we the Nigerian people produce in a year.

People out of job is telling the government, I want to be financially independent, I want to work. The government in Nigeria is best describe this way, If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. 

And if it stops moving, subsidise it.

You must agree with me that in any period of severe unemployment as it is in Nigeria today, was as a result of the government mismanagement rather than by any inherent instability of the private economy. 

The economy depends about as much on economists as the weather does on weather forecasters.

Lets us bring down the walls of boundary that demarcate us and come out as one voice to agitate for our rights.

NIGERIA MUST BE BETTER.                                 

BUNCH OF YO-YOS

A look at petroleum subsidy, exporting jobs via offshore refinery,#18,000.00 naira minimum wage debate. Promises of steady electricity supply that never be, million of youths out of job.
Take a look to our Nigerian leader’s: they're a bunch of yo-yos. The presidency is now a cross between a popularity contest and a high school debate, with an encyclopedia of cliches the first prize.

NIMAP A CHILD OF NECESSITY

After we continue to receive news on looting of our treasury by our leaders. Misappropriation and maladministration of public fund, State Sponsored fraud, Embezzlement, Money thirsty Vamp airs, Cronyism, Money laundry, allegation and counter allegation. 

Which is the cost of no job for our teaming youths, no food for the poor masses, people living at bellow poverty level, no housing to live ,no good health program for the masses ,no good road ,no electricity etc. 

We decided to rise up to kick out this monster in Nigeria, to seek for the right of the masses, through this movement NIGERIA MASSES PROJECT (NIMAP).

A LITTLE CIVIL DISOBEDIENCE.

My good people of Nigeria this is the time for us to seek for our rightful position in the scheme of this in this country.

Still, if you will not fight for the right when you can easily win without bloodshed; if you will not fight when your victory will be sure and not too costly; you may come to the moment when you will have to fight with all the odds against you and only a precarious chance of survival. 

There may even be a worse case. You may have to fight when there is no hope of victory, because it is better to perish than live as slaves. This country belongs to the people and whenever they shall grow weary of their government they can exercise their constitutional right to amend it, or revolutionary right to dismember it  through civil disobedience.

We say no to proposed removal of subsidies from petroleum products and any building of petroleum refinery outside Nigeria. This Machiavellian act must be checkmated. There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest. 

While agitating for people’s right if the like, let them call me a rebel and I welcome it; I feel no concern from it. Nigeria must be free from the mephistophelean cabal and anachronistic leader’s,who has made us anathema in our own land.

Another insensitivity on the highest level in Nigeria.

A country that have millions of youths with out Jobs creating job opportunities for another  country. Director of Ministry of Industry in Indonesia informed a newspaper in his country that Nigeria government has agreed to build three refineries in his country Indonesia. The said refinery will gulp staggering US$2.68 billion, what a shame.

Let this present administration assure Nigerian’s that they are capable of steering the ship of this nation. Their odoriferous excesses has reached to a level where the masses can no longer contain it. Creating room for some level of civil disobedience.

Before such decision should be taken the government should have informed the Nigerian people and inform them of the deal and also tell them how it will benefit the people of the nation. The policy hiccups of this administration is becoming vexed, last month the federal government announced that South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy, will build multi-billion shipyard in Bayelsa State that would create thousands of jobs. 

The following day, Hyundai Heavy denied any such arrangement. This administration  is contradicting themselves, the people of this country deserves a government with human face.

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE IMO STATE GOVERNMENT

ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE IMO STATE GOVERNMENT FROM MAY 29TH 2011 – SEPT 5TH 2011 (1ST100 DAYS IN OFFICE OF GOVERNOR ROCHAS OKOROCHA)

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ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE IMO STATE GOVERNMENT FROM MAY 29TH 2011 – SEPT 5TH 2011 (1ST100 DAYS IN OFFICE OF GOVERNOR ROCHAS OKOROCHA)

PUBLIC UTILITIES
Rehabilitation of Water Schemes in Imo State, namely:
1. Otamiri Head –Works
2. Egbu Water Scheme
3. Orji Water Scheme
4. Umuoba Water Scheme
5. Ubachima Water Scheme
6. Mgbidi Water Scheme
7. Umuowa Water Scheme
8. Osuama Water Scheme
9. Nsu Water Scheme

COMMERCE & INDUSTRY
Adoption of Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the execution of some projects, namely:
10. International Electrical, Electronics and Auto-Parts Market, Naze
11. Central Market for general goods, New Owerri
12. Imo Free Trade Zone, Ngor Okpala
13. Development of Industrial Clusters, Phase 2-4, Naze
14. International Trade Fair Complex/Exhibition Center, New Owerri
15. Transformation of Okigwe Regional Cattle market into Okigwe International Market
[The projects mentioned above are starting points, as the present government in Imo State has entered into agreements with their developers who are expected to commence work on the sites between September and October 2011, while Phase 1 of the Industrial Cluster has been completed.]
Adoption of Private Public Partnership in the re-activation of some moribund industries, namely:
16. Owerri Shoe Industry
17. Nsu Tiles and Ceramics Industry, Mbano
18. Ezinnachi Clay Products Industry

EDUCATION
19. Establishment of the Imo College of Advanced Professional Studies
20. Secured approval of 922 million(Nine hundred and twenty two million) naira from the Education Trust Fund (ETF) to be used for projects in Educational Institutions in Imo State
21. Commissioning of a well equipped Information Communication Technology (ICT) Laboratory at Girls Secondary School, Ikenegbu, Owerri
22. Secured approval for the establishment of National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) Study Center in Imo State
23. Release of 138 (one hundred and thirty-eight) million naira for payment of arrears of CONTISS/CONUAS (Academic & Non-academic) staff entitlements in Imo State University, Owerri
24. Provision of 100 (one hundred) million naira for the accreditation of courses in the Faculty of Engineering and Nursing Science in Imo State University
25. Reversal of the proposed 150,000(one hundred and fifty thousand ) naira school fees for students of Imo State University by the past administration
26. Increased subvention to the Imo State University from 57.56 million(fifty-seven million, five hundred and sixty thousand naira) to 100million(one hundred million) naira monthly
27. Commencement of the building of the Young Scientists’ College in Owerri
28. Declaration of free and compulsory primary and secondary school education in Imo State

HEALTH
29. Upgrading of General Hospital Owerri to a Specialist Hospital.
30. Connection of the Owerri Specialist Hospital to the National electricity grid
31. Provision of Solar energy as well as Solar-Powered borehole in the Owerri Specialist Hospital
32. Constitution of a Task-Force group on counterfeit and fake drugs and unwholesome food items
33. Purchase and distribution of medical equipments worth 90,000,000(ninety million) naira to health institutions in Imo State.
34. Approval of the payment of 100% CONMESS/CONHESS (salary structure) for all doctors and health workers in Imo State University Teaching Hospital.
35. Facilitating the return of some specialist doctors who left Imo State University Teaching Hospital (IMSUTH) before May 29th 2011
36. Reviving the Academic Curriculum of the Imo State University Medical School by ensuring the graduation of the 3rd set of medical doctors from the school in August 2011. It will be recalled that IMSU/IMSUTH have not graduated medical doctors in the last 2 (two) years owing to protracted industrial strikes by staffs of the institution
37. Purchase of 2 new ECG machines as well as 2 new Anaesthetic machines for use by IMSUTH
38. Successful implementation of 89%DPT3, 107%OPV3, 80%BCG,77%HBV and 96% anti-measles vaccination coverage of targeted children during the first round of the 2011 Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week held from 28th June2011 to 3rd July 2011

FINANCE
39. Payment of 12 years arrears of pension owed retired staffs of Imo State government
40. Release of 2.7 billion (two billion, seven hundred thousand) naira into the State and Local Government Joint Revenue Mission Bank Account for the development of Imo State rural schools and infrastructure

LOCAL GOVERNMENT
41. Implementation of the outstanding 2008 Local Government Staff conversion exercise in the various cadres
42. Actualizing the 2008 Local Government Junior staff promotion exercise

URBAN PLANNING
43. Commencement of negotiations with Messrs Roche Group from Ireland with a view to creating a demonstration layout which will pilot the provision of modular mass houses in Imo State
44. Commencement of negotiations with Hewlett- Packard Corporation, USA with a view to actualizing the computerization of the Imo State Land Registry
45. Commencement of negotiations with a Brazillian firm who is willing to partner with the Imo State government in providing power supply using natural gas
46. Commencement of discussions with Tummy Tummy Foods Industries Limited to facilitate their building a factory in Imo State, which upon completion, will provide employment for over 3000 youths
47. Commencement of discussions with TTI with a view to re-invigorating the IGIS Project

SPORTS
48. Imo State representatives at the just concluded Hockey Premier League championship held between 14th and 21st August 2011, came 3rd, thereby qualifying to represent Nigeria in India for the next World Hockey Championship
49. Renovation of the Indoor Sports Hall at Dan Anyiam Stadium.
50. Revisiting the contract for the construction of the Orlu Township Stadium
51. Imo State Weight lifting Team participated in the competition for junior and senior categories at Lagos State and won 3 gold, 3 silver and 2 bronze
52. Imo State Amateur Wrestlers won 1 gold, 3 silver and 5 bronze medals at the Continental Championship which ended on 30th May 2011
53. Imo contingents in the Karate Championship held in Ghana in August 2011 won a total of 3 gold and 1 bronze medals
54. Imo contingent that took part in the 17th National Sports Festival held in Rivers State in July 2011 came 14th on the medals table, having won a total of 61 medals, including 8 gold, 16 silver and 37 bronze.
55. Through sponsorship by the Imo State Government, the Heartland Football Club, Owerri recently qualified for the Finals of the 2011 Federation Cup.

HOUSING
56. Conversion of the Parliamentarian quarters to Concord Hotel Annex
57. Conversion of Banquet Hall to Government House Chapel
58. Design and construction of Heroes Square
59. Design and construction of Ikemba Ojukwu Convention Center, Owerri
60. Renovation of Commissioners’ Quarters
61. Reconstruction of Multi-Purpose Hall and V.I.P Lounge, Government House
62. Reconstruction of Imo State House of Assembly
63. Reconstruction of the Exco Chambers Building
64. Renovation of the Imo Concorde Hotel
65. Reconstruction of the Abuja Laison Office of the Imo State Government
66. Reconstruction of the Brigade Commander’s Guest House
67. Renovation of the Imo State Police Commissioner’s Guest House
68. Renovation of the abandoned Governor’s Lounge, near Concorde Hotel
69. Design and construction of Multi-purpose Hall at Oguta Motel
70. Reconstruction of the Customary Court, Owerri

Completion of some Housing Estates, namely:
71. Nekede Exclusive Garden Phase 11, Area ‘H’ New Owerri
72. Okporo Housing Estate , Okporo, Orlu
73. Obinze-Avu Lay out
74. Egbu Market, (Somachi)Lay- out
75. Acquisition of Iwuanyanwu Holdings Landed Property at Naze
76. Acquisition of land for Mass Housing at Azara Obiato

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
77. Seventy-five matrimonial cases have been treated and the couples re-united
78. On August 23rd 2011, Operators of “Hope House Child Center, Ngugo”,received one million naira, while Green Health Care Services received four million naira as their subvention from the Imo State Government
79. Installation of twenty-seven 40KVA Generator sets in the 27 Special Health Centers
80. Commencement of the procurement of customized Identity cards for all the Traditional Rulers in Imo State

SECURITY
81. Procurement of one hundred Hilux Vans manned by a combined team of Police, Army and State Security Service for the effective policing of the Local Government Areas
82. Empowerment of Local Vigilante groups to complement the efforts of the Police in combating crime in Imo State
83. Patrol of the newly acquired Security vehicles within and around the 27 Local Governments for sensitization

AGRICULTURE
Restructuring and revitalizing of the Assets of the Imo State Government-owned Companies that have been moribund or performing at a very low capacity, namely:
84. Imo Palm Plantation limited ( a.k.a Adapalm Ltd, Ohaji)
85. Imo Modern Poultry, Avutu, Obowo Local Government Area
86. Imo Rubber Estate limited, Obiti, Emeabiam and Umuekwunne
87. Development of cassava farms in all the 27 local Government Areas in Imo State
88. Commencement of the replication of Imo Palm Plantation project in the 3 zones that make up Imo State
89. Commencement of the replication of Imo Modern Poultry in the 3 geo-political zones that make up Imo State
90. Empowerment of over 100 FUGs & FCAs under the FADAMA 111 projects to increase food production in Imo State
91. Increasing the volume of fish production in Imo State through the Agro-Nova project of the Imo State Ministry of Agriculture
92. Improvement of the Oguta Fish Hatchery to produce about 50,000 fingerlings per year
93. Stocking of the Nekede Poultry section of the Agronova with birds
94. Delivering Agricultural Extension Services to the farmers in the Local Government Areas
95. Distribution of sufficient quantity of fertilizer to the farmers in Imo State during the last planting season

CAPITAL PROJECTS
96. Release of 180 million naira for development projects in Orlu and Okigwe zones in Imo State
Asphalting of some major roads within Owerri Municipal, including:
97. Assumpta Road,
98. Bank Road,
99. MCC Road through School Road
100. Restoring peace and confidence in the entire people of Imo State to the nation’s democratic process.

Corruption Unlimited

Corruption Unlimited in House of Representatives- Olu Famous Blog Bankole Buys Residence N45m, New Speaker to Rent it from Him at N40m Per Year. “Members were shocked when the speaker who does not have an official residence since he was elected informed the House that he intend to rent the official residence from its present occupant for N40million. It is scandalous that a house that was bought for N45million would be rented out at that amount. We must retrieve the House from the former speaker,” these were the words of a member of the House of Reps who was present at an executive session of the house were the issue was discussed. He pleaded anonymity. In fact, as you are reading this piece now,... a fall-out is imminent in the House of Representatives over the sale of the official residence of the Speaker of the House of Reps to the immediate past occupant of the office, Hon. Dimeji Bankole, for a paltry N45 million and a fresh move by his (Bankole) cronies in the House to rent the same property for the current Speaker of the House, Hon. Aminu Tambuwa, at a scandalous price - N40 million per annum. I hear some progressives in the House are already taking steps to ensure that the corruption does not stand and they also want the money paid by Hon Bankole for the property to be refund to him. Speaking further on the fraud, the Anonymous source said: “How can we sell the official residence of the presiding officers of the national assembly? These are like national monuments and they are not captured in the monetization policy of the federal government. If the official residence of the speaker and the senate president are sold to their occupants, then the official residence of the president and the Chief Justice of Nigeria should also be sold to their occupants too. The sale of these houses is a monumental fraud and we must reverse it. It cannot fly!” According to reliable sources, Bakole's former deputy, Hon. Nafada, also bought his official residence. However, it is yet to be ascertained if the Senate President, David mark and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, have also converted their official residence to personal property through this illegal acquisition. All these are coming at a time when Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the revelation that these guys are planning to spend hundreds of millions of the country's resources to buy exotic cars for themselves. In this illegality is allowed to stand, Nigerians should not be surprised to wake up one morning to realize that Aso Rock Villa and Aguda House have also been paid for by its occupants (present or future)... What kind of leaders are we really breeding in this geographical expression called Nigeria? God bless Nigeria!

By OBIORAH NWORJI

 Mr President Listen Carefully,I Want You To Understand That The Good And Development Of Nigeria Is In The Hands Of Nigerians That Elect You As A President To Be A Watch Dog And Protect The Poor Nigerians From The Hands Of Corrupt Leaders Who Don't Want The Progress Of The Common People That Don't Have The Opportunity To Join Those Of You When Sharing Our God gifted Resources Money In Abuja (ASO ROCK) Mr President Is Only Nigerians Can Decide Their Future As You And Your Corrupt Leaders (POLITICIANS) That Is Sharing Nigerians Money In Abuja And Converting It To Their Personal Pocket And Poor Nigerians Are Dying In Hunger Of Food,Good Road,Electricity,Quality Education,Quality Heath Care Etc. 


Few Of You Cannot Alone decide The Future Of Over 150 Million Nigerians. Mr President,Nigerians Cast Their Vote For You On Trust Believing That You Will Deliver As You Promised Them But Now We Realise That Your One Of Them Maybe You Use That System Of IF YOU CAN BEAT THEM YOU JOIN THEM. But I want To Let You Know That If You Decided To Join Them And Turn Against Majority Of Nigerians Dead And Alive That Suffer, Even Some Died In The Process Of Electing You As A President It Means The Majority Of Nigerians Dead And Alive Will Take You As a Dog That Eat Bone His Owner Hang On It's Neck Which Shows That Majority Of Nigerians Dead And Alive Will Not Take It easy With You At All,Maybe It Will Result To The Down Fall Of You And Your Government As You know That The Right Decision Of Nigeria Progress Is In 


The Hands Of Nigerians, You And Your Corrupt Leaders Alone Elected And Appointed Cannot Succeed On Those Evil Plans You Map Out To Punish Poor Nigerians. Mr President My Final Advise To You Now Is For You To Listen To The Voice Of Good People Of Nigeria Dead And Alive,Those People That Think Good For The Country That Is asking And Agitating For Sovereign National Conference (SNC) Which Is The Only Solution To Nigerian Problem Now And The Earlier You Listen And Call All Nigerian Ethnic Group To Elect/Appoint Elders That Will represent Them On The Round Table Conference For Them To Decided The Future Of Their People By Knowing If Nigeria Will Still Remain As One In Peace Or Nigeria Will Break Up In Peace And Have Peace,That Is Only Thing Nigerians Need From You Now Not Petroleum Subsidy Or Constitution Amendment And You And All elected Members In 


The Senate And House Of Rep.That Claim Their Are For The People That Elect Them While They Are Only For Their Pocket And Their Family Alone Cannot Bring This Peace This Sovereign National conference Will Bring To The People Of Nigeria. A Word Is Enough For The Wise,Who Have Ear Let He Hear What The Majority Of Nigerians Is Saying OR...........?

NIGERIA MUST BE WELL.

The petroleum subsidy of pms=#185 naira a liter, habaa Jonathan; Good luck Nigeria has turned to bad luck Nigeria. Nigerian people don’t deserve this Hardship forced on them by  visionless leadership. We will protest and say NO to this, because we have been pushed to the wall. When one is pushed to the wall it breeds defense mechanism.

Nigerian leader’s should note that Leadership is exhibiting influential discipline and not the same thing as dominion.

NIGERIA MUST BE WELL.

FUEL SUBSIDY ANTI PEOPLE.

Can the government give Nigerian’s account of the past fuel subsidy and publish those who benefited or still benefiting from it in the past years. Can they come out with a solid plans or agenda on how and what it will use the funds to gain from the fuel withdrawal subsidy.


Most Nigeria people can not afford three square meals a day,due to the hardship created by visionless past and present governments.

Any senator who is part of this withdrawal of fuel subsidy knowingly or unknowingly is anti people . 


The consequences of this subsidy is inflation, increase in crime rate, more degree of hardship. This must be resisted by people.

Lets look into what is called today Nigeria.

This is a land area which was initial consisted of a cluster of large and small nations who were independently on there own with some little degree of development.

In this groups were kingdoms of empires like the Oyo,Benin,Calabar and the Sokoto caliphate,which has some lose control over Kano,Ilorin,and Zaria.

On one of his commenting on the Nigeria nation,the late Obafemi Awolowo,wrote and said, it has been estimated that there are about 250 national or ethnic groups in the country each with its own distinct language.

In any case there are ten principal national groups namely;Husa\Fulani,Igbo,Yoruba,Efik\Ibibio,Kanuri,Tiv Ijaw,Edo,Urhobo.Nupe ect. 

These ten and the other national groups, who are still to be identified separately, are diverse in their origins, and speak different languages.  In many respects, their cultural patterns, political institutions, social standards and customary usages differ very widely” (Awolowo: 1966).

Came 1914 after series of diplomacy,imposition of protection treaties and violence, was introduces by Lord Frederick John Dealtry Lugard,he seal up the amalgamation of Northern and Southern protectorate of Nigeria. This was in line with the then Selbourne Committes which was appointed in 1898 to consider the future administration of Nigeria.

Then there was Federation of Nigeria

After Lord Lugard successfully amalgamated the Southern and Northern protectorates, experiment, British government successfully introduced a unitary form of administrative system in Nigeria. Be that as it may, with the 1950 General conference made up 25 unofficial  members drawn from the earlier regional conferences new constitution with a federal system Nigeria,was enacted for the first time.

It is true that the General conference,which met in Ibandan,from the 9th of January 1950 to about end of that month,did not resolve that it agreed to a federal system;however,from its recommendations to the secretary of state of the colonies,it was clear that it favored a form that loose the federal system as opposed to a fully centralized system with all legislative and excutive power concentrated at the centre.

Today after 97 years amalgamated,51 years as independent nation,Nigeria has continue to surfer structural constraints,socio-economic development and anti system manifest in different ways and forms. To say the fact Nigeria is still plagued by the political instability, tension and conflict caused by the ethnic and religious bigotry, militant groups, manipulation of census figures, corruption, abuse of office,subversion of rule of law,crime and violence state sponsored inclusive.

Electoral promises without fulfillment,politicial motivated murders. It is quite unfortunate that since the existence of Nigeria we have had 18 different leader’s without much success to show for it.

The past  and present leader’s are:- Sir Lord Frederick Lugard

Sir Bernard Bourdillon

Sir John Macpherson

Sir James Roberson

Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe

Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa

Johnson Thomas Umurakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi

Yakubu Gowon

Murtala Ramat Muhammed

Olusegun Obasanjo

Alhaji Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari

Muhammadu Buhari

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida

Ernest Adekunle Oladeinde Shonekan

Sani Abacha

Abdulsalam Abubakar

Olusegun Obasanjo

Umoru Musa Yaradua

Dr.Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

The score card of all this past administrative leader’s is a mixed feeling. In the other words the Nigerian economy remains basically and structurally a mixed one which promoted and generated underdevelopment, poverty, ignorance and diseases more than ever in the history of the country.  Put differently, the series of development plans after political independence, namely the 1962 – 68 National Development plan, 1970 – 74 Second National Development plan, and the 1975 – 1980

Third National Development plan, merely translated to further underdevelopment, unemployment, waste, primitive accumulation of public wealth due to lack of commitment, lethargic and lackluster approach to developmental projects by successive governments.

Today what are we talking about concerning the present leadership, all is heading towards impoverishment of the people of Nigeria.

Tell me why any right thinking president should try to remove petroleum subsidy when the poor masses are already suffering beyond human comprehension.

The federal government is trying to make life more difficult for the people of this country.

How this government government planning to remove subsidy without a palliative plan,is there any thing to show that after removing this subsidy the petroleum price will not go up. Adding more hardship to the already difficult condition Nigeria people has been subjected to. The people of Nigeria should note that this is  sabotage against there well being, and should close ranks and make sure that this monster called subsidy will not succeed.

Let the people’s representatives in the national assembly work against this bill and make sure that it did not see the light of the day in the assembly.

May God help the people to live and see a better Nigeria.

Comr.Evan O.Akahson.

Manifesto of His Excellency, Governor Rochas Okorocha

REFRESHER: Manifesto of His Excellency, Governor Rochas Okorocha

s

MY VISION FOR IMO PEOPLE

To build an Imo State of our collective dream for this and indeed the future generations.

MY MISSION IN IMO STATE

To rescue Imo people from irresponsive leadership and imminent collapse.

MY MANDATE

To save the lives of the numerous poor ndi Imo while protecting the interest of the few rich.

MAJOR AREAS OF FOCUS – Our Policy Thrust

• BASIC EDUCATION

“A mind is a great thing to waste”. Indeed, a child’s right to education cannot be denied irrespective of background. Education is the greatest gift any responsible government can give to the society. Looking at the streets of Imo State, many children who should be in school are unfortunately roaming the streets hopelessly. These Children, if given the right opportunity can become responsible leaders in different fields of human endeavor.

Dear Imolites, it is gratifying to note that our mission in education is well known to all. All children of Imo State must have free and compulsory basic/ secondary education. In our administration, Every Child Counts (ECC).

As at 2008, Imo State had about 1,296 Primary Schools. Because of proximity and age of pupils, the number will be maintained and our Government will spend between 8.5 and 9.2 Billion Naira over a period of four years; for the refurbishment of the said primary Schools to meet with today’s standard of learning environment.

In addition to this, we will as a priority spend 2.4 Billion Naira on re- training of teachers at this formative all important stage of learning. In our Teach-The-Teacher Program (TTP) we will lay emphasis on Science and Technology to meet the challenges of today.

• SECONDARY EDUCATION

In recent times, Our State has witnessed over 28% dropout rates for female and 34% for male. This worrisome development must be checked with Radical Education Re-engineering Program (RERP) which will in the first phase require government investment of 21.6 Billion Naira over a 4 year period to set up 120 world class Secondary Boarding Schools equipped with the most advanced facilities in the areas of science and technology.

Our Government will re-organize educational system to be in tune with modern trends and technology. We will rebuild our educational system to focus on the following areas:

1. Entrepreneurship and Wealth Creation (EWC)

2. Practical Education System (PES) which will address such strategic areas as creative writing, Film production and editing, Fashion designing, mechanic, carpentry / Joinery / Craft Making, neighborhood Security / Surveillance Inter- alia. All these and more will be established within the Imo Vocational Village (IVV) to be established in the three senatorial zones.

3. An innovation of Teach-The-Teacher Program (TTP) will be set up to reshape and upgrade our present falling standard of education.

4. Introduction of a Culture Based Education System (CBES) which will bring back our cultural values.

5. The re-introduction of craft and civic education in our primary schools.

• TERTIARY EDUCATION

Our tertiary institutions now moribund will be upgraded and maintained to compete with others in line with learning and research, through collaboration and exchange programs with Tertiary institutions within and outside the Country. We will make our University Education entrepreneurial and result oriented.

Our graduates shall no more end up with theory only, but in addition acquire practical education to function in the global market. Our Government will review downward the present high cost of school fees paid in our State tertiary institutions.

• HEALTH CARE

“Health is wealth and a healthy person is a wealthy person” Dear Imolites, it is indeed regrettable and unacceptable that less than 10% of our population have access to the first intervention basic healthcare.

Unfortunately, pregnant women and their babies die during childbirth and infant mortality is very high due to inadequate and often times non-availability of first intervention medical facilities. Our Government policy is anchored on, Health At Your Door Step (HYDS)

We will provide functional and sustainable healthcare centers within the reach of the rural communities through a Well Equipped Container Clinic (WECC) powered by solar energy and manned by well trained and certified medical personnel. Children within the age of 1- 10 years, pregnant women and elderly people from 65 and above will have free Medicare.

All emergency cases must be attended to without pre-conditions under our administration. We will ensure that there is a functional and well equipped General Hospital in each Local Government Area of Imo State. The government under Owelle Rochas Okorocha will re-introduce Health Education and Sanitary Inspection Program. We will as a matter of health policy priority build a world class Referral Hospital in the State to attract patients and health seekers from other states and outside the country. The referral hospital will also earn foreign exchange for the country.

• TRANSPORTATION

The present system of transportation in Imo State can only be described as chaotic. Our administration will effect improvement in the following areas:-

ROADS

The primary objective of our road network development programme shall be the construction and rehabilitation of all major roads linking the 27 Local Government Areas in the State. In addition, our Administration will re-introduce the Public Works Department (PWD), for the basic maintenance and rebuilding of roads. We shall also deploy the use of Enzyme organic soil stabilizer to tackle the deplorable state of rural or Local Government earth roads state wide. This technology will save the State Government over =N= 320,000,000.00(Three Hundred and Twenty Million Naira) annually on road maintenance.

We will ensure that all roads in the State have adequate drainage system to aggressively check the menace of soil erosion, which has isolated some communities and made farming impossible for others.

In addition, our administration will effect improvement in the following areas:

1.  Improvement of road signs, development of road maps, standardized street naming and numbering aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the cities of Imo State.

2.  Covering of all drainages within our metropolitan cities to provide pedestrian walkways.

3. The ring roads kept in abeyance will be completely resuscitated and new roads will be constructed to open up the rural areas for economic and social activities.

4. The regulation of the plying of heavy duty trucks (vehicles) within certain areas of the cities during certain periods of the day.

5.  Efforts will be made by our administration to actualize the status of Sam Mbakwe Airport as a functional International Cargo Airport.

• WATER RESOURCES

Presently, we have about 76 major water schemes and about 64 motorized boreholes in the state. We will aggressively embark on rehabilitation of existing schemes while working on an Independent Water Project to be solely financed by foreign Water Companies on a Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis.

• RURAL ELECTRIFICATION/ ENERGY POLICY

Our administration will ensure that rural electrification is adequately provided for in the communities of the State.

Accordingly, we will liaise with the Federal Government to ensure that the state is adequately covered in the National Grid map.

In addition to the above, we will initiate Public Private Partnership projects aimed at establishment of Independent Power Projects (IPP) in the State. We will in this regard vigorously pursue the development of an independent power generation scheme with a recognized international energy company. The project will target to provide a minimum of 100MW generating capacity necessary to meet our short and medium term growth in energy demand.

One of the key economic objectives of our Administration will be to have a state and economic system with secure energy supply sufficient to meet our projected economic growth levels. Since the national electricity supply system cannot be relied upon as a catalyst for industrial growth, we will pursue alternative options aimed at achieving energy supply security.

We will accordingly establish an Energy Projects Implementation Unit (EPIU) in the office of the Governor which will be charged with the responsibility of pursuing various energy related investment projects covering energy supply and conservation issues, demand, site management and as well as deal with issues in policy.

• The Imo Independent Power Project

We will in this regard vigorously pursue the development of an independent power generation scheme with a recognized international energy company. This project will target to provide a minimum of 100 MW generating capacity necessary to meet our short and medium term growth in energy demand.

Presently, supply of power by Power Holding Company of Nigeria PLC to Imo state is between 12 and 18 MW which is generally rationed.

• Natural Gas

The State has abundant natural gas reserves capable of supporting such projects (IPP) and there will be a coherent state energy policy in place to ensure prudent utilization of our natural gas resource. This will be pursued in conjunction with Power Holding Company Nigeria PLC. Our abundant natural gas resources will be utilized and leveraged upon to form a crucial backbone for the industrialization of Imo State.

• Waste To Energy

Working with a private sector operator, we will generate power through the over 300 metric tons of waste generated in our urban area daily . Our pursuit for the cheapest and cleanest source of energy will keep receiving attention till we achieve uninterrupted power supply at the lowest cost.

iv.)  Our Environment, Our Future

Currently, gas deposits are being flared by multinational oil companies operating at various locations within the country. These are associated gas found during extraction and production of oil. Imo State is no exception as we have over the past four decades witnessed the flaring of this key economic resource.

The environmental impact has been immense. Accordingly, our administration will be committed, in partnership with environment agencies, to the gradual reduction and elimination of gas flaring in our State.

v.)        Energy And Industrial Free Zones

Energy supply security will be intrinsically linked with the creation of industrial free zones in the State. These zones will be created to support manufacturing for domestic and export market, supported by carefully designed fiscal incentives and aimed at encouraging the establishment of various manufacturing operations within the State.

By guaranteeing secure energy supply and by investment in gas pipeline infrastructure, Imo State will have a competitive edge over many states within the country. Manufacturers want reliable and secure energy sources and our State can conveniently provide them with both.

vi.)       Gas Transmission System

The State will pursue the agenda of creating Industrial Gas Pipeline Network {IGPN}that will supply affordable gas to the industrial zones in Owerri, Okigwe and Orlu. These projects will be implemented through Public/Private Partnership (PPP).

By encouraging companies to set up manufacturing base in our State through a combination of a secure energy supply channels and generous tax regimes, the state will begin to witness a significant decrease/reduction in its unemployment rate.

vii.)      Bio-energy Policy

With increasing environmental awareness across the world, there has been renewed impetus and drive by various governments world-wide to diversify their energy sources. Imo State is well positioned to be a major producer of bio-fuel for local and export market.

We have arable land for cultivation of energy crops such as Jetrofer, Palm Trees, Cane, Cassava etc. we will through a Public Private Partnership, pioneer the research and development of bio-fuel for local and international markets and are determined to lay the foundation for a sustainable bio-fuel industry for the benefit of the State, its citizens

• WELFARE

We will within the first six months rebuild the Old Okigwe road secretariat and convert it to a hostel facility for Imo State University, to alleviate the sufferings of students.

Indigent but brilliant Imo Students will be awarded scholarships on a continuous assessment basis. Government will reward hard working civil and public servants by promoting deserving workers. All allowances and pensions / gratuities will be paid as at when due.

Imo State indigenes who are talented or who excel in sporting activities will receive adequate encouragement from our Administration. State wide competitions in the areas of sports, science, essays, mathematics, security (most crimes free community),most peaceful community, sanitation, arts and culture etc. will be organized periodically.

• AGRICULTURE & NATURAL RESOURCES

“Agriculture is the biggest employer of human resources”. Imo state which was self sufficient in agricultural products up to the Mbakwe’s regime, now depends on other states for up to 80% of her food supply. It is painful that such a situation exists while we have Urashi, Imo ,Njaba rivers etc, that have swamps for rice and other crops production all year round. Through these rivers, upland irrigation is possible and will be made so. Our administration’s agricultural policy will be based on specialization.

Every Local Government Area will be charged to embark on a particular agricultural product. All the local Government Areas will be encouraged to concentrate mainly on Agriculture and Education.

We shall also take advantage of our upland grassland at Okigwe Agric Zone for the development of livestock. We will encourage the production of fish protein by aiding the supply of fish meals and fingerlings. Effort will be made to increase palm produce and its derivatives. Our government will also encourage subsistence farming by providing tractors on community basis as the Asian Tigers did. In 1964, Eastern Nigeria was adjudged the fastest growing economy in the world based on agricultural development. Imo State was an integral part of that assessment. We will elevate Imo State to its previously well known level of prominence in agricultural and food production.

For purposes of managing and taking full advantage of the abundant natural resources of the State to move her forward, we will create six agriculture and industrial zones, viz:

a.)        AHIAZU/EZINIHITTE/ABOH/IKEDURU/IHITTEUBOMA–

Palm Produce, Vegetables, Poultry, Rice, etc

b.)       OWERRI NORTH/ OWERRI MUNICIPAL/MBAITOLI -

Live stock Cassava Processing Fisheries, etc

c.)        ORU EAST/ORUWEST/ORLU/ISU/NJABA
Fisheries, Cashew, Paints & Adhesives, Baking Powder

d.)       OKIGWE/ONUIMO/IDEATO NORTH/IDEATO SOUTH -
Cashew, Rice, Hydrated Lime, Vegetables, Fisheries, Livestock, Plantain

e.)       EHIME MBANO/ISIALA MBANO/NKWERRE/NWANGELE/OBOWO
Vegetables, Cassava, Poultry, Plantain

f.)        OWERRI WEST/OHAJI EGBEMA/NGOR OKPALA/OGUTA –
Oil & Gas, Rubber, Cassava, Palm produce, Pineapple, fisheries, Bananas, Plantain, mango, piggery etc

We will build on the existing agro-allied industries and create the platform for ensuring that more of such industries are established as is required, along the lines of the six agricultural zones. For products like cassava which is universal to all parts of the State, the administration will ensure that there is at least one cassava processing facility in each Local Government Area.

In carrying out the above initiative, we will seek the active participation of relevant players among the organized private sector. In a two phased approach, we will ensure food security and sustainable end to perennial food shortage.

Phase one will be the provision of enhanced seedlings, top quality organic fertilizers, hybrid stems, plant suckers and crop protection products to farmers across the six agricultural zones.

In phase two, we will acquire land and partnering with  private sector operators, embark on a large scale cash crop farming initiative that will require extensive funding and technical input. The land owners will either be paid compensation or crop and profit sharing arrangement is evolved.

To support the above scheme, an integrated irrigation scheme will be developed in the key agricultural zones of the state to ensure all year round crop production; where necessary, green houses will be established. Co-operatives will be established at various farm gates in each of the six (6) agricultural zones to facilitate export of products or sales to processing plants. This will also be targeted at boosting agricultural and food production and the mutual exchange of skills and knowledge.

We will seek massive foreign direct investment for the development of the State’s agricultural potentials. Privatized agro-based industries will be monitored adequately to enable the Government and people of the State to realize the full benefits of such privatization.

• EMPLOYMENT GENERATION & WEALTH CREATION

Our industrialization policy will be based on the setting up of Industrial Villages in the three senatorial zones. We will in collaboration with private investors (Local and Foreign) rebuild and resuscitate the moribund factories such as Avutu Poultry Plants, Standard Shoe Factory at Owerri, Clay Factory at Ezinnachi, Paint and Rasin Factory at Aboh Mbaise, Aluminum extrusion plant at Inyishi, Adapalm Plant at Ohaji, Cardboard factory at Ebenator and others.Our administration will also create the enabling environment for investors within and outside, to invest in Imo State, in order to create more job opportunities for our teeming youth population now overwhelmingly unemployed.

• ENVIRONMENT & TOURISM

Our administration will develop tourism in line with our cultural values .We will strategically partner with renowned waste management experts for effective and sustainable conversion of our waste to wealth through Public Private Sector Partnership (PPP).There will be an organized system of waste separation, collection, deposition and recycling. We will put in place a landscaping programmes that will conform to professional standards in modern aesthetics and still remain environmentally friendly.

Our administration will put every effort in place to tackle the menace of flood and erosion in the state.

• SECURITY

The Governor is the Chief Security Officer of the State, while the Commissioner of Police is the Chief Law enforcement officer. As a result we shall partner together and synergize to make Imo State the most secured state in Nigeria.

The security votes over the years mostly in the recent past have astronomically increased from under 100 million Naira (N100,000,000.00) before the advent of the civilian administration, to the staggering amount of about three billion Naira (N3,000,000,000.00). From authoritative sources, out of the 3 billion Naira (N3,000,000,000.00) security votes as budgeted in 2011 State budget, the State Governor spends above One billion Naira, the Speaker of the House of Assembly takes home Five Hundred Million Naira ( N500,000.00 ),the Secretary to the State Government two hundred and fifty million Naira (N250,000.000.00),while the Deputy Speaker’s take home is two hundred million Naira (N200,000,000.00) to mention but a few of them in the name of security votes.

Regrettably, instead of this money being used for the purpose for which it was budgeted (Safety of life and property of people of Imo State), it has become a veritable conduit pipe to siphon public funds into private pockets within and outside for which no account is given.

Consequently our administration will reduce the security votes drastically, the savings thereof will be used for economic development and job creation which will directly or indirectly reduce the crime wave in the State. We will with the aid of modern communication gadgets and trained personnel, embark on intelligence gathering and sensitization to aggressively fight the surge in crime in our State. We will also as a matter of State policy embark on neighborhood security policing under a new Imo Security Scheme (ISS) incorporating Mass Security Network based on community security administration.

• HOUSING – RURAL / URBAN

“What is good for the goose is also good for the gander”. We will put in place a quality housing program with emphasis on Rural/Urban Housing Development with functional infrastructure- water, electricity, roads, ICT, etc.

Our government considers ownership of homes a basic necessity and will do everything possible to achieve this by the introduction of Easy Own a Home Housing Scheme (EOHHS) to enable individuals own houses. We will partner with the private sector for a comprehensive housing initiative; particularly in the key urban centres of the State. The target in this regard will be to put a stop to the growth of slums in Imo State by the provision of decent and affordable housing in the key urban centers of the State.

• JUDICIARY

In order to maintain the independence of the Judiciary, our administration will create, a self accounting system thereby eliminating interference by the executive. We will also introduce the system of verbatim recording in the courts to expedite the dispensation of justice. The salary and welfare of junior judiciary officers will be improved in line with that of their counterparts within the federation.

Our government will encourage dispute resolution to promote out of court settlements.

• SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Our administration will invest in the development of science and technology. We will indeed sponsor our undergraduate and post graduate students to pursue courses in these areas in both local and foreign institutions on government scholarships. These in turn will help in pursuit of our industrial revolution endeavors.

• YOUTH AND SPORTS

Our administration will invest heavily in youth development by building Youth Development Centres (YDC) in all the 27 Local Government Areas of Imo state. This will enable them to acquire skills and techniques for growth and development in this age of globalization. It will also help in engaging our youths meaningfully to dissuade them from involvement in social vices such as youth restiveness, cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, prostitution, political thuggery, etc.

We will endeavor to restore the glory of Imo State in national, continental and world sports competitions. Scholarships and other incentives shall be given to our contingents that excel exceptionally in sports activities, to inspire them and challenge the up-coming talents.

• WOMEN & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

Our Administration will create the enabling environment for women and social development by making sure that our qualified women are given unhindered opportunities to participate in politics and leadership positions. We will indeed support the girl child education, thereby discouraging them from early marriage and other social vices.

We will build Total Women Training and Skill Acquisition Centers (TWTSAC) in all the three Zones of the state, to empower the women folk to acquire global skills for self development and independence. We will also build recreation parks in strategic places for relaxation and social development.

• RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

With special regard and honor to God Almighty and His continued blessings, protections, show of mercy, love and deliverance; our administration shall create the Bureau for Religious Affairs under a Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor to take care/handle all religious matters as affecting the State.

We will sincerely and gracefully collaborate / partner with the constituted Church Authorities and their clergies in all ramifications to move our State forward. We will continually honor and respect the Men of God in our State to the Glory of God. We will also create a special annual thanksgiving day to appreciate God for
the State.

• PENSIONE“The labourer is worthy of his wages” – Matt 10:10. It is sad to realize that our aged pensioners, who have served the State and Nation, go through humiliating processes to collect their monthly pensions. Our Government will effect prompt payment of outstanding pensions and payment of monthly pensions and gratuities ensuring that no pensioner suffers unduly under any circumstance. In other words our Government will adequately address the issue of nonpayment of pensions to deserving pensioners.

CONCLUSION

“I have asked one thing of my creator; to bless me that I may bless others, to give me that I may share with those who do not have; because on my own I can do nothing ,but I can do all things through HIM that strengthens me”

• Owelle Rochas Okorocha (OON)

 “The greatness of a people is not dependent on the amount of natural resource available but directly dependent on the efficient and effective harnessing and management of the available human and material resources coupled with the vision and character of the leadership. This I pledge to accomplish as a covenant with the people of Imo. Together we can make it work.”

• Owelle Rochas Okorocha (OON)