APGA asks court to declare Okorocha’s seat vacant

All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, yesterday, approached  Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, asking it to declare the seat of Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State vacant following his defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC,

The party, through its lawyer, Mr Victor Odjemu, further prayed the court to order that the deputy governor of Imo State be sworn -in to take over from Governor Okorocha who  decamped to a party which policies were different from APGA’s.

APGA told the court that its decision to seek the immediate removal of the governor culminated in a meeting held by its National Executive Committee, NEC, in Abuja on August 3, 2013.

Consequently, it urged the court to, in the alternative, either okay the deputy governor as a viable replacement for Okorocha or direct that the speaker of Imo State House of Assembly or any officer next in line to the position of the governor, who is a member of the plaintiff, APGA, be sworn-in to pilot the affairs of the state.

There Was A Town....A Kingdom Without King - Ezenwenyi Stanley C

There was a town that i know, located in the south east of Nigeria. It is a town with great men and beautiful people. From time immemorial kingship has been a major source of war amongst its comprising villages. For a very long time this town lived without king in a kingdom so royal without predefined lineage of kings but with many dynasties. Though For the beautiful love that  "peace" brings in every community,great men from the town fought tirelessly for peace but made a big mistake when peace visited the town after more than two decades of chaos, a mistake that encapsulated the town into towns with kings even though they still had no king. Sadly,within a decade the name of this town was erased from the list of towns with kings,and  behold women cried, while the  men wondered with great nostalgia of the sweet ugly pain it took them to buy PEACE from the market of NEGOTIATION and AGREEMENT. Perhaps this town have not learned from the mistakes of yesterday.....Perhaps they are still driven by the thoughts of their grand parents who were engaged in fights of who is the district officer or not.....maybe, just maybe someone should tell them that far beyond the British indirect rule the town have existed,or perhaps they are all strangers in the land.

Today this town have neglected the mothers of their fathers and the daughters of their mothers. Though they decided to go into the beautiful affairs of kingship in a democratic way,they have pushed the women to a neglected zone, this town seems  not to be aware that there is no democracy without women.

In arguable conclusion,one thing this town should learn, is to correct mistakes when identified, and pay the price. For if a man makes a mistake and accepts that  he has erred,it is only wise that  the man pay for the pains of the mistake to avoid enslaving his life.

Let those that have ears hear the voice coming from the light of a full moon. Peace is sweeter than sugar and war is bitter.

Martin Agbaso begs Imo people to forgive him for making Rochas Governor.

 Apparently dismayed by mixed reactions trailing the coming into power of Owelle Rochas Okorocha as Governor of Imo State, leader of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, in Imo State, Chief Martin Agbaso have been battling with his conscience since after the 2011 elections as he said that he will soon make a public apology to the people for being instrumental to emergence of the Ogboko born politician as the Governor of the state. Addressing Journalists over the clean bill given to his brother and former Deputy Governor of the state, Sir Jude Agbaso by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Chief Agbaso disclosed that EFCC has traced the alleged N458m bribe given to his brother by Joseph Dina to a Bank account in Lebanon. He said, “Today I am exceedingly happy that my brother has been vindicated and the Agbasos name cleared from the mess. But sad that a man can sit in a place to hatch plans how to destroy an innocent man”. Going down memory lane, Chief Agbaso recalled how Imo State House of Assembly hurriedly within two days of the allegation of bribe against his brother concluded their Kangaroo investigation and subsequently impeached him. “I told Imo people and all those who cared to listen that time that no Agbaso son is capable of asking for a bribe for any reason whatsoever”. Chief Agbaso maintained that it was ridiculous that a group of honourable people at the legislature hurriedly went into such a matter of large magnitude and the same day the Justice Njemanze probe panel concluded their own investigation, forwarded it to the House of Assembly who did not hesitate in impeaching an elected candidate the same day. He regretted that rather than face the truth of the matter, the Imo State House of Assembly became a willing tool in the Governor Rochas Okorocha’s evil machinations. Said he, “Governor Okorocha’s inlaw brought the said contractor who Okorocha went ahead to pay the whooping sum of N1.3billion to a journey man for no job done”. Agbaso made it clear, “we are going to take steps to address the perpetrators of this wicked action as well as restore his position as the Deputy Governor through every possible legal process”. On his public apology, Agbaso said that in no distant time, he would address a world press conference on the “man called Rochas Okorocha. I will take my time to apologize to the people of Imo State for aiding Rochas to become Governor”. Agbaso who denied any financial inducement from Okorocha before he surrendered his APGA Guber ticket, said that he would soon open up on what transpired between him and the Governor before the 2011 election. Meanwhile, lawmakers of the Imo State House may have gone into hiding to avoid public attacks over the latest discovery by EFCC. The Imo State House of Assembly were unable to sit for plenary yesterday because the House could not form a quorum. The Speaker of the House, Rt Hon Benjamin Uwajumogu adjourned sitting till today when the House was informed by the Clerk of the House that the House could not form a quorum. Only five of the 27-Member House appeared for sitting. Rt Hon Uwajumogu before adjourning the House welcomed teachers and students of Ray Jacobs Boarding School, Mgbidi, who were on a excursion trip to the House. He apologized on behalf of his colleagues and asked the school to meet with the management of the House to fix a later date. The Speaker noted that the House could not form a quorum because according to him, some of the Lawmakers are having meetings in their various committees while members of Owerri extraction went on a visit to the Governor. It was learnt that the Lawmakers, apparently aware that they goofed by impeaching Agbaso kept away from the Imo Assembly Complex for fear of attack from mobs demonstrating against the illegal impeachment. In a similar development, a group known as Imo Youth Mandate, a mass based youth organization in Owerri Zone, Imo State, yesterday, staged a peaceful protest over what they described as a depression by Governor Rochas Okorocha to wipe out the face of Owerri Zone from the surface of governance in the state. Briefing Journalists at the Wetheral roundabout, Okigwe road, Owerri, leader of the group, Comrade Soribe Kelechi, noted that Governor Okorocha has done the greatest evil in the state, by impeaching Sir Jude Agbaso, adding that the impeached deputy is innocent of the N450 sham allegation against him. He revealed that Rochas Okorocha connived with his accomplices at Imo House of Assembly to dupe state of her hard earned money and called for the immediate impeachment of the Governor. Comrade Kelechi further stated that since the EFCC has vindicated Sir Jude Agbaso, the IMHA should at once reinstate him as his hands are clean. The youth leader described Okorocha as a man of less prowess, who treats issues that affect the masses with laxity, adding that he has proved his incompetence in governance. Comrade Kelechi also lambasted Speaker Uwajumogu for aiding criminality, noting that he has shown that he is unfit to spearhead the State Assembly. He described Uwajumogu as the worst Speaker Imo State has ever produced, adding that he has made mockery of the state’s legislature. He further blasted Benjamin Uwajumogu for allowing his partner in crime to destroy Imo State, adding that very soon, their lies and fabrications would be adequately treated. “Uwajumogu has proved that he is bereft of knowledge and should vacate from that position he is occupying” he added. Adding his voice, the state youth leader of APGA, Comrade Emeka Nwankwo also lashed Okorocha for disgracing the entire Imo State with his atrocious and evil style of administration, adding that he facilitated the impeachment of Sir Jude Agbaso. He described Governor Okorocha as a man who is ignorant of the machineries of governance and advised him to start packing his evil luggage from Government House. Comrade Nwankwo also lampooned Speaker Uwajumogu for his weakness and irresponsible style of governance, adding that Uwajumogu and his cohorts duped Imo State. He advised Imo Speaker to cover his face in shame, as his leadership has not reflected the wishes and aspirations of Imo people and further mandated Prince Eze Madumere to quickly vanish as Imo Deputy Governor. Comrade Nwankwo however called on civil society organizations and well meaning Nigerians to stop Okorocha and his cohorts from destroying Imo State.

The Great Madiba Goes Home !

After months of battling old-age-related disease, South Africa's first black president and anti-apartheid icon, Nelson Mandela, passed on Thursday. Mandela, 95, led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after 27 years in prison. He had been receiving intense home-based medical care for a lung infection after three months in hospital. In a statement on South African national television, South African President Jacob Zuma said Mandela had "departed" and was at peace. "Our nation has lost its greatest son," Zuma said. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate was one of the world's most revered statesmen, after preaching reconciliation despite being imprisoned for 27 years. He had rarely been seen in public since he officially retired in 2004. "What made Nelson Mandela great was precisely what made him human. We saw in him what we seek in ourselves," Zuma said. "Fellow South Africans, Nelson Mandela brought us together and it is together that we will bid him farewell," he added. Earlier yesterday, there appeared to have been an unusually large family gathering. Among those attending was family elder, Bantu Holomisa. A number of government vehicles were there during the evening as well. According to AFP report, two of Mandela's granddaughters and a close family friend, Bantu Holomisa, were among those seen entering the house, which was flanked by more than a dozen cars ferrying visitors and military personnel. The reason for the large-than-usual gathering was not made public, but it came shortly after Mandela's daughter, Makaziwe, described her father as fighting from his "deathbed," but still being "very strong" and "very courageous". "Even when there are moments when you can see he's struggling, but the fighting spirit is still there with him," she said earlier this week. Mandela has been receiving around the clock intensive care from military and other doctors since September, when he was discharged from a nearly three-month hospital stay for a lung infection. His grandson, Ndaba, recently told a local broadcaster that Mandela was "not doing well at home in bed". He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and was elected South Africa's first black president in 1994. He stepped down after five years in office. From prisoner to global peace icon He was a global cause celebre during the long apartheid years, and popular pressure led world leaders to tighten sanctions imposed on South Africa’s racist white minority regime. In 1988 at a concert in Wembley stadium in London, tens of thousands sang “Free Nelson Mandela” as millions more watched on their television sets across the world. Born in July 1918 in the southeastern Transkei region, Mandela carved out a career as a lawyer in Johannesburg in parallel with his political activism. He became commander-in-chief of Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation), the armed wing of the by now-banned ANC, in 1961, and the following year underwent military training in Algeria and Ethiopia. While underground back home in South Africa, Mandela was captured by police in 1962 and sentenced to five years in prison. He was then charged with sabotage and sentenced in 1964 to life in prison at the Rivonia trial, named after a Johannesburg suburb where a number of ANC leaders were arrested. He used the court hearing to deliver a speech that was to become the manifesto of the anti-apartheid movement. “During my lifetime, I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society. It is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” Late Mandela’s spirit lives on - Jonathan President Goodluck Jonathan last night said he was immensely saddened by the death of freedom fighter and former South African President, Nelson Mandela, saying his spirit lives on to inspire oppressed people all over the world. Special adviser to the president on media and publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati noted in a statement that Jonathan who quickly scribbled a condolence message to President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, conveyed the sympathy and solidarity of the Federal Government and people of Nigeria to him and all South Africans as they mourn Dr. Mandela. Abati also quoted Jonathan as saying that, “I write to commiserate with you, the Government and people of South Africa and the family of Dr. Nelson Mandela on the death of one of the greatest sons of Africa. Although it has come at the advanced age of 95, Madiba’s death will create a huge vacuum that will be difficult to fill in our continent. “He will be sorely missed by all who cherish love, peace and freedom the world over and will be eternally honoured for his immense contribution to the dismantling of the apartheid policy, one of the world’s most obnoxious systems whose under-pining philosophy was the degradation of man by man. Mandela symbol of freedom - Obama President Obama praised Nelson Mandela on Thursday, saying the former South African leader symbolized the fight for freedom and dignity throughout the world. “He achieved more than can be expected of any one man,” said the nation’s first African-American president. Mandela now “belongs to the ages,” Obama said at the White House within an hour of the announcement of Mandela’s death. In a statement on Mandela’s 95th birthday in July, the president and first lady Michelle Obama send best wishes to the former South African president, and said his life has inspired millions. “May Nelson Mandela’s life of service to others and his unwavering commitment to equality, reconciliation, and human dignity continue to be a beacon for each future generation seeking a more just and prosperous world,” the Obamas said. Mandela a giant of justice – Ban Ki-moon Reaction continues to pour in, with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon calling Mandela “a giant for justice” and the French Foreign Minister saluting him as “a charismatic giant”. Irish prime minister Enda Kenny paid tribute to the “gift” of Mandela, and offered the country’s deepest sympathies to the people of South Africa. “The name Mandela stirred our conscience and our hearts. It became synonymous with the pursuit of dignity and freedom across the globe,” he said in a statement. British Prime Minister David Cameron said “a great light had gone out” following Nelson Mandela’s death, revealing that flags would be flown at half-mast at his Downing Street Office.

Madiba goes home

Madiba the great leader and icon of African is died. Nelson Mandela died yesterday the 5th of December 2013 at the age of 95.

EFCC CLEARS IMPEACHED DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF IMO STATE SIR JUDE AGBASO

Less than 11 months after a duly elected Imo state deputy governor Sir Jude Agbaso, was impeached over allegation of receiving N458 million bribe from a contractor, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has cleared him of the charges.

Sir Jude Agbaso was removed from office by the Imo State House of Assembly in February after the managing director of JPROS International Limited, a construction company, accused him of receiving N458 million bribe for a contract awarded by the Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha which he alleged made it impossible for the company to have enough funds to complete the road project contracts awarded to it by the Imo State Government.
The Chief Judge of Imo State had constituted a probe panel to look into the allegation, following which the House of Assembly, based on the panel’s report, removed Agbaso from office.
The former deputy governor had stated his innocence and had, in March, written to the EFCC asking the commission to investigate the matter, with the view to finding out if the allegation was true or not.
Having investigated the matter for nine months, the EFCC has absolved Agbaso of blame. In a letter dated November 27, 2013 and addressed to Agbaso, the EFCC stated that its findings revealed that the former deputy governor was innocent of the bribery allegation.
The letter, signed by  Olaolu Adegbite, director of operations, entitled: “Re: Formal request for investigation of Mr. Joseph Dina of JPROS International Nigeria Ltd, a construction company located at 11 Umezuruike Street, opposite Umezuruike Hospital, Owerri, Imo State,” the EFCC stated that the managing director of JPROS, Mr. Dina, in his statement, had said he never gave money to Agbaso or any other official of the Imo State Government over the road contracts.
The letter also stated that there was nothing, from documents and its finding, linking Agbaso  as beneficiary of the contracts.
The EFCC said that following its findings, it would take actions to bring those involved in the allegation and road contracts to book.
The letter from EFCC read: “We refer to your letter dated March 21, 2013 on the above subject and hereby provide our findings so far into the case.
“Road contracts for the sum of one and half billion Naira awarded to JPROS International Nig Ltd was alleged to have engendered fraudulent bribe payment of N458 million by the managing director of JPROS, one Joseph Dina, to you as the then deputy governor and commissioner of works.
“In furtherance of the investigation, evidence adduced from interview of key officials of Imo State government and other important witnesses, as well as documents obtained from relevant financial institutions confirmed that  N1, 305, 000, 000. 00 was paid to JPROS to execute the Warehouse Orlu Road Junction, Odunze Street, Aba Road and Old Nekede Road projects within Owerri metropolis before mobilisation to the sites.
“The total of $5, 538, 830.00 USD was found to have been remitted to the personal accounts of Dina in Dubai and Lebanon. There is so single evidence so far that suggested that you benefited from the funds.
“In his statement to the commission on March 28, 2013, Dina revealed that he never gave any money to you or any other official of the state government over the contracts, which are yet to be fully executed as at the last visit of our officers in April 2013.
“The commission’s legal department is working on the case file, with a view to taking appropriate legal action, please.”