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Category: Imo Update

  • Imo State: Achi Mbieri Community Demands Accountability Over Oil Revenue Mismanagement

    Imo State: Achi Mbieri Community Demands Accountability Over Oil Revenue Mismanagement

    Owerri, Imo State – Members of the Achi Mbieri Community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area have raised serious concerns over the handling of oil revenue accruable to the community, calling for transparency and accountability from their leadership.

    At a news briefing organized by the Achi Stakeholders Forum on Sunday in Owerri, community members alleged that President-General (PG) Victor Iwuagwu unequally distributed funds paid by Seplat Energy, an oil exploration company, to the component villages without approval or supervision from the community’s executive council.

    The community’s Financial Secretary, Richard Durunna, denied any involvement in the disbursement, stating that Iwuagwu had unilaterally run the community’s affairs.

    “I only learned that funds had been paid when the villages confirmed receiving money. The sharing formula was allegedly based on instructions from his late mother in a dream, which I find bizarrely disturbing,” Durunna said.

    Following a Saturday meeting, the stakeholders and community members issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Iwuagwu convene an emergency meeting to explain his financial decisions.

    Other community leaders also weighed in. Charles Opara, a forum member, described the discovery of oil in the community as a “supposed blessing rather than a reason for chaos” and urged the PG to avoid personalizing community wealth.

    Traditional Prime Minister Nzeh Adolphus Nnadi called on the Imo State Government to order a forensic audit to resolve the dispute, while youth leader Chigazu Ohamadike appealed for peaceful dialogue and calm resolution.

    Attempts to reach PG Iwuagwu for comment were unsuccessful, as he repeatedly declined calls.

    The development underscores rising tensions in oil-rich communities in Nigeria, where mismanagement of resource revenues often triggers community unrest and legal battles.

  • N104,000 monthly pay for Imo workers

    N104,000 monthly pay for Imo workers

    The state’s doctors’ pay was also raised from N215,000 to N503,000, while that of tertiary institution teachers went up from N119,000 to N222,000

    It’s a bumper season in Imo as Gov. Hope Uzodimma approves a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants in the state.

    Uzodimma made this known during a meeting with various labour union leaders on Tuesday night at the Government House in Owerri.

    The current value represents a 84.2 percent increase from N76,000 that was the minimum wage previously approved by the governor.

    Similarly, the minimum wage of doctors was raised from N215,000 to N503,000, while that of tertiary institution teachers went up from N119,000 to N222,000, among others.

    He said Imo citizens had faced numerous challenges since his government took office, including insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardship from reform policies, and disputes over minimum wage and subsidy removal.

     “There is no way any government will do well if it doesn’t have a friendly and cordial relationship with the organised labour.

    “When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows.

    “This is our way of investing in Imo people. Government believes in stimulating political and economic activities, carrying bureaucrats along, and making sure that workers’ welfare was highly respected,” he said.

    Uzodimma said that the state Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had grown from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly.

    According to him, in 2020, we were receiving allocations between N5 billion to N7 billion, but has increased to N14 billion.

    “In 2020, the state recorded a debt profile of over N280 billion but has reduced to less than N100 billion,” he added.

    The governor recalled that when he assumed office in 2020, the major infrastructure in all sectors were totally collapsed.

    He said a lot had been expended to rebuild the collapsed infrastructure especially roads and combating the insecurity challenges.

    He stressed that the removal of fuel subsidy had equally raised the cost of living in Nigeria as much as it had its own advantages.

    “It is a thing of joy that we have started seeing the dividends of that bold decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove fuel subsidy.

    “What government is confronted with now is how to ensure that the dividends of that policy trickles down to the common man on the street.

    “Cognisant of the fact that our effort has started yielding dividends and that our IGR had improved and that reform policies of the President has also increased our allocations to sub-national governments, every responsible government must be transparent about it,” he said.

    The governor further said that the state government will on Aug. 27, begin  payment of the last batch of gratituity of N16 billion owed pensioners in the state.

    He said his administration had carried out major reforms in the health sector, including initiating health insurance scheme and equipping health facilities to ensure world class treatment for Imo citizens.

    He said his government had keyed into the Federal Government project of establishing 1,000 businesses in every active INEC ward.

    He charged labour unions to unite to foster good working relations between labour and government,

    Uzodimma, who solicited for value addition from workers, also cautioned them against unethical practices and redundancy at work.

    Responding, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Uchechigemezu Nwigwe described the increase in minimum wage in the state as “victory for the entire work force in the state.”

    Nwigwe said Uzodimma did not only rescue the workers from the economic challenges, but had made the state one of the highest in payment of minimum wage.

    “Today, no worker in Imo will say you (Uzodimma) have not been fair to us,” he noted.

    Nwigwe prayed God to continue to protect the governor, assuring him that workers will reciprocate the gesture with more diligent, efficient and effective service.

    Also speaking, the state Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Mr Uchenna Ibe, also lauded the governor for his “strong political will in taking up strong projects, including the increase in minimum wage.”

  • Catholic Priest Arrested for Murder

    Catholic Priest Arrested for Murder

    Joseph Enyinaya, a Catholic Priest in Imo State, South East Nigeria, has been arrested for shooting and killing a boy in his church.

    The Priest of St Columbus Catholic Church, Amaimo, Ikeduru Local Government of the state, was alleged to have shot the victim for setting off fireworks in the church on December 31, during service.

    Spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye told journalists that the suspect was arrested upon tip off, following which investigation commenced.

    St Columbus Catholic Church, Amaimo

    “The priest has been arrested, and the body of the boy has been deposited at a mortuary in Atta Ikeduru,” was reported as saying.

    The police spokesperson assured all concerned that a thorough investigation will be conducted to ascertain the correct situation of the incident.

  • Attempted Jailbreak?: Gunshots In Imo Capital

    There was pandemonium in Owerri, the Imo State capital yesterday as sporadic shooting was heard across Owerri, the state capital.
    While some wondered if the gunshots were a result of an attempted jailbreak, a security Eons Intelligence in post shared on X attributed the shooting to unknown gunmen.
    It wrote: “At 1130 am today 31st July, 2024, Owerri Prison under attack by Unknown gunmen as prison armed Squad in gun duel.
    “Reinforcement from military and other security formation ongoing.”
    It further tweeted, “Report of sporadic shooting across Owerri Municipal by UGM. Suspected Hoodlums also attacked the UBA bank at Wetheral Road.
    “Avoid the area until normalcy is restored.”
    While some witnesses attributed the gunshots to unknown gunmen, sources from Imo State capital, who witnessed the incident told SaharaReporters that the shooting could not be from unknown gunmen.
    According to one of Sahara Reporters sources, the shooting is simultaneously going on at the Okigwe road, World Bank, Control, in front of Government House, Onitsha road, Amaku-Ohia – Akwaku road, and Aba road and Wetheral Road.
    The source said: “We believe that the Governor Hope Uzodimma and his administration were behind the shooting to scare and send fear to the people who might be planning to come out tomorrow to participate in the nationwide ‘Day of Rage’ protests against hunger and misgovernance in Nigeria, and in the state.”
    “You must have seen the video of Owerri, the State capital, it has been completely deserted. In those videos do you see security agencies moving around to contain it. That shows you that the shooting was government plan to scare would be protesters from coming tomorrow. That’s is the main agenda.
    “Police, military and other security agencies are resided in the capital, with increased checkpoints in every streets in Owerri, from where did the so called gunmen came in from.”
  • Nigerian Soldier Shoots Self At Army Base Gate, Four Months To Retirement

    Nigerian Soldier Shoots Self At Army Base Gate, Four Months To Retirement

    An indigene of Okpuala in Ngor-Okpuala, Imo State, serving in the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Imo state, has shot himself in front of the 144 Battalion’s Forward Operation Base (FOB) gate.

    Identified as Vitalis, a senior non-commissioned soldier, Command Sergeant Major (CSM), he reportedly shot himself without leaving a suicide note.

    Before his death, he served with the 14 Brigade Headquarters, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s Barrack, Ohafia, Ohafia local government area of Abia State.

    According to security sources who spoke to The Nation, a thorough and discreet investigation is necessary to determine the circumstances surrounding the soldier’s suicide.

    Speculation or premature conclusions could compromise the investigation’s outcome, which is being led by the army’s leadership in the state. Notably, there were no reported incidents of domestic violence or disciplinary actions against the soldier prior to his death, suggesting that the motives behind his actions may be complex and require a thorough inquiry.

    The tragedy struck the military camp when the soldier, reportedly just months away from retirement in October, committed suicide after mysteriously disappearing without communication for two weeks.

    The sudden reemergence of the soldier, who apparently returned to the camp and then took his own life, shocked his colleagues and left many wondering what could have driven him to such despair.

  • Igbos in diaspora write Gov Uzodinma, to support Nnamdi Kanu’s release from detention

    Igbos in diaspora write Gov Uzodinma, to support Nnamdi Kanu’s release from detention

    A group of Igbos in diaspora has formally written Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma pleading passionately for his intervention in the on-going struggle to get the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu released from detention by the Federal Government.

    The group solicited Uzodinma to be interested in the travails and trial of Kanu in treasonable felony by the federal government and join the bid for the way out of the logjam.

    The group operating under the aegis of American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) asked the governor to have a change of heart in the matters of Kanu and throw his support for his release for genuine peace to reign in the South East Region.

    Their letter dated April 14, 2024, was signed by
    Dr. Sylvester Onyia, AVID President and Dr. Godson Obiagwu as Secretary.

    The group claimed that the incerceration of Kanu by government has done havocs than good for all the Igbo speaking States and reiterated the need for his release to enable business and commercial activities bounce back for the people in the region.

    In the letter, the group criticized the lukewarm attitude of the governor to insecurity in the region, especially in Imo State, where they claimed that several lives have been lost without any concrete response from the state government.

    The letter read in part, “A worrisome show of contempt for Igbos is covert conspiracies against the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) since his infamous extraordinary rendition from Kenya into Nigeria in the year 2021 and the persecution that ensued.

    “It has become obvious that you do not want Mazi Nnamdi Kanu released from the unlawful incarceration the Federal Government of Nigeria subjected him to.

    “While we are aware that several meritorious applications had before now been made to the trial Federal High Court Judge for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on bail, we have come to the ugly realization that Your Excellency is behind the continual refusal of such bail applications.

    “You are aware that in so far as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains unlawfully detained in the Nigeria security service’s facilities, there would be no peace in Igbo land and the spate of youth restiveness and violence would know no bounds.

    “Nigerians know how the infamous attempt at Kanu’s life under Operation Python Dance
    was planned and executed.

    “While we regret the entirety of your acts and deeds against Igbo nation and your secret
    vows to ensure that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu rots in detention, we honestly believe that you
    can turn over a new leaf.

    “We therefore request that Your Excellency returns the Igbo spirit of ONYE AGHANA
    NWANNE YA and work toward peace in Igbo land.

    “And howsoever Your Excellency does
    it is not material to us provided there is a return to peace and tranquility.

    “We are very optimistic that Your Excellency would have a change of heart and work
    towards peace in Igbo land”, the letter said.

  • Alleged Terrorists: Imo monarchs killers face fresh charges, March 12

    Alleged Terrorists: Imo monarchs killers face fresh charges, March 12

    The two suspected terrorists, Jude Iheme and Chika Madukwe who allegedly kidnapped and killed the traditional ruler of Amanze Obowo Autonomous Community of Imo State, Eze Basil Njoku are to face fresh terrorism charges at the Federal High Court in Abuja on March 12.

    Iheme, 52 years of Amagwu Amanze Obowo local government area of Imo and Madukwe, 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo local government area also of Imo State were said to have killed the traditional ruler on December 17, 2022.

    The defendants were accused of killing the monarch while coming from the Federal Medical Center, Umuahia after kidnapping and collecting a ransom of N4M cash from his family.

    The Inspector General of Police (IGP) filed the 3-count terrorism charges against them.

    In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/575/2024, Iheme and Madukwe alongside others said to be at large were said to have conspired to commit felony to wit, acts of terrorism contrary to section 26 of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022.

    They were also said to have armed themselves with guns and offensive weapons, attacked, kidnapped and killed the monarch on December 17, 2022.

    The IGP also accused them of failing to volunteer information at their disposal to security agencies which could have led to apprehension of other kidnappers contrary to section 16 of the same Terrorism Act.

    When the charges were read to them before Justice Binta Nyako, they pleaded not guilty.

    A Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN),.Simon Lough who is leading the prosecution for the Inspector General of Police told the court that Police has amended the charges following the arrest of more suspects by operatives.

    He requested for a date for the other suspects to be brought to court to take plea in the amended charges.

    Justice Binta Nyako granted the request and fixed March 12 for the fresh arraignment.

    The Judge ordered that the two defendants be remanded at Kuje Prison in Abuja and be returned to court on the adjourned date.

    Count One of the charge read “That you Jude Iheme ‘M’ 56 yrs of Amagwu Amanze Obowo LGA of Imo state, Chika Madukwe ‘M’ 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo LGA Imo State and others now at large on about the 17th December, 2022 at 71/2 junction Umumegwu Amanze village Obowo LGA Imo state within the jurisdiction of this court while acting in concert conspired together to commit Felony to wit: acts of terrorism and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 26 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

    Count two “That you Jude Iheme ‘M’ 56yrs of Amagwu Amanze Obowo LGA of Imo state, Chika Madukwe ‘M’ 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo LGA of Imo State and others now at large on about the 17th December, 2022 at 71/2 junction Umumegwu – Amanze village Obowo LGA of Imo state within the jurisdiction of this court while acting in concert and armed with guns and other offensive weapons attacked, kidnapped and killed HRH Eze Basil
    Njoku of Amanze Obowo Autonomous Community in Imo State on his way from Federal Medical Centre Umuahia having collected a ransom of N4,000,000.00 (four million naira) from his family and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 2(2) (f) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

    Count three “That you Jude Iheme ‘M’ 56 yrs of Amagwu Amanze Obowo LGA of Imo state, Chika Madukwe ‘M’ 42 years of Ndi-Uche Etiti Omuimo LGA of Imo State and others now at large on about the 20th December, 2022 at Amanze village Obowo LGA of Imo state within the jurisdiction of this court while acting in concert and having information through your communication with the kidnappers that HRH Eze Basil Njoku of Amanze Obowo Autonomous Community in Imo State was attacked and kidnapped on his way from Federal Medical Centre Umuahia which information was material to the apprehension of the kidnappers, you failed to immediately disclosed the information to relevant agencies and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 16(1)(b) of Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.

  • Uzodimma Dissolves Imo State Cabinet

    Uzodimma Dissolves Imo State Cabinet

    Governor Hope Uzodomma of Imo State has dissolved the State Executive Council and sacked the Local Government Area Chairmen.

    The governor disclosed this on Tuesday during a state executive council meeting at the Sam Mbawke Executive Chambers at the Government House, Owerri.

    Those affected included the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioners, Special Advisers and Senior Special Advisers, the Chief of Staff, and the Chief Press Secretary.

    While dissolving the cabinet, Uzodomma thanked his former appointees for their contributions towards the success of his administration during his first term in office.

    He said the dissolution has become necessary to rejig the new administration for optimum performance and new direction and to meet up with the realities of the moment.

    The governor also apologised for any wrongdoing to any appointee during his first tenure and promised to carry everyone along in his second tenure in the interest and development of the state.

    Uzodimma is expected to constitute a new cabinet by sending commissioner-nominees to the state assembly for confirmation.

    Governor Uzodinma and his deputy, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, on Monday, took their oath of offices at the Dan Ayiam Stadium in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

    President Bola Tinubu, ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the Speaker of the House of Representative Tajudeen Abbas, and other All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains were among those in attendance.