Imo Traditional rulers accuse Eze Ohiri of illegal deduction in salary

Traditional rulers in Imo state have accused the Chairman, Imo state Council of traditional rulers, HRH Eze Sam Agunwa Ohiri of deducting illegally, the sum of N25, 000.00 (Twenty five thousand naira) from each Eze’s salary in the month of August 2012 for the construction of Obi Eze which is still under construction in the premises of Imo State Council For Arts and Culture (ISCAC) Mbari street, Owerri.

According to some prominent Ezes in the state, (names withheld), Eze Ohiri was also accused of unlawful deduction of the sum of N25, 000.00 from the salary of each Eze in the month of September for the birthday of Owelle Rochas Okorocha. The Ezes lamented that Eze Ohiri hardly calls the meeting of Ezes in the state and embezzles the money earmarked by the Governor for the Ezes in the state when they meet.

Some Ezes accused Eze Imo of favoritism, stressing that the Chairman does not give Ezes fair hearing as many Ezes are denied the opportunity to speak on issues of concern if and when the need arises. The traditional rulers maintained that Eze Ohiri is not championing for the welfare of monarchs, accusing him of being more interested on issues concerning Owelle Okorocha and his administration.
Many Ezes stated that Eze Ohiri is worse than Eze Ilomuanya and they thought that the emergence of Eze Imo would help to right all wrongs but they are disappointed.

The Ezes maintained that the deduction in their salary was not discussed at the meeting of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers. They lamented that the leadership of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers did not discuss with the Ezes at any meeting before conferring on Governor Rochas Okorocha the title of “Owelle Eburu Gburu Ndi Igbo” and the Prime Minister of Igboland.
When contacted on phone, the Chief Press Secretary to Eze Ohiri Mr. Everest Ezihe said the deduction was the directive of the Governor in support of the free education programme. He stated that the deduction affects also political appointees, maintain that it also affected him. Source: theredparrotonline.com

Fresh Troubles for IMSU VC As Students Plan Mass Protest

 Indications emerged last weekend that students ofImoStateUniversity, (IMSU), Owerri, have perfected plans to embark on street protests, over what they described as an indirect increase of their school fees by the state government.

According  to one of the leaders  of IMSU Students Union Government, SUG, who spoke to Imo Trumpeta on the alleged street protests,  who pleaded anonymity said that it was unfortunate that all the promises made by Gov Okorocha to IMSU students have not been fulfilled, noting that the students are no longer comfortable with the situation of things.

He stated that the fees paid by students during the previous regime was far much better that the present school fees, adding that the N100,000 cheques was a pretentious way of increasing the school fees by the governor.

The SUG leader further affirmed that based on this development, students of the institution have made up their mind to embark on street protests, beginning from today.

He described as callous the idea of compelling students to play N20,000 in order to make the cheques valid, stressing that such act is fraudulent.

The student leader however advised the governor to have a rethink on his free education at tertiary levels, noting that it is better to reduce the school fees to an affordable rate, than deceiving the masses.

On the frequent visit of Armed Security Men to the campus, he lambasted the management of the University for allowing such thing and maintained that people would see IMSU as a terrorist school.

He however advised the new VC not to rejoice yet as if he fails to live up to the expectation of the students’, the forces that chased the previous VCs away would kick him out.

Similarly, the management of IMSU Law Faculty has released the second semester results of students for the last academic exercise.

This Newspaper was reliably informed that as part of strategy to meet up with the 80 per-cent quota of law school intake, the faculty used elimination method to deliberately fail students, especially those in final year.

Commenting on the development, a final year law student who pleaded anonymity said that it was unfortunate that the faculty failed a good number of students who, she said, did well in the examination, stressing that such wicked act of the faculty management would not make it to regain accreditation.

It would be recalled that IMSU Law Faculty received 120 quota of law school intake before it lost accreditation. But now 80 quota is what the faculty is entitled to. Source: http://www.imotrumpeta.com

Merger: PDP congratulates opposition Says it remains the party to beat

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cpngratulated the the new merged opposition parties on the success of their merger. In a press statement by her National Publicity Secretary Chief Olisa Metuh, the party said, it welcomes the development as an indication that the nation's democracy has come of age and is deepening.  The party charged the opposition to use the vehicle of their new party to challenge PDP elected and appointed officers to debates on government projects and achievements so that at the end of the day, Nigerians will be the utmost beneficiaries of the nation's political developments.

"In a rare demonstration of the spirit of sportsmanship, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated the opposition parties for their successful merger and formation of the new All Progressive Congress (APC).

The ruling party said as the biggest party in West Africa, it welcomes the development as an indication that the nation's democracy has come of age and is deepening.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in a statement yesterday said with the formation of the APC, the PDP and indeed all Nigerians expect to see robust debates on the economy and other issues of governance in the general interest of the country.

"We congratulate the opposition for their successful merger and the formation of the All Progressive Congress. This is yet another victory to our democracy. It shows that our democracy has come of age. We hope that from now we will see robust debates on the economy and other issues of governance," the party said.

The party charged the opposition to use the vehicle of their new party to challenge PDP elected and appointed officers to debates on government projects and achievements so that at the end of the day, Nigerians will be the utmost beneficiaries of the nation's political developments.

It said it is ready and willing at anytime to debate on any issue pertaining to the economy or any other issue that will bring out positive suggestions to move the nation forward.

"We charge the opposition to use the new party to challenge our elected and appointed officers on debates on issues of governance. We are ready, willing and able at any time to debate on any issue pertaining to the economy and any other issue of governance. We want useful and constructive debates so that at the end of the day, Nigerians will be the utmost beneficiaries", the party said.

The PDP however said as a ruling party that is committed to the stability and development of the country, it will not dwell on the shortcomings of the merger arrangement but will continue to focus on the welfare of the people.

It said it continues to be the truly democratic party and the party to beat in elections".

PDP HARPS OVER GOVERNOR CHIME'S RETURN

Nigeria's ruling party, Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) has received with joy, over the news of the return of Governor Sullivan I. Chime of Enugu State who's been away for some months abroad on a health condition. In a press statement on the party's facebook page by the National Publicity Secretary of the party Chief Olisa Metuh which says 

"The leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has received with great joy, the news of the return of His Excellency, Barr Sullivan I. Chime, Executive Governor of Enugu State from medical treatment.

We welcome the Governor back and we thank God almighty for restoring the Governor to good health in order to continue with the excellent work he is doing in Enugu State.

We sincerely thank all the functionaries of the Enugu State government and the state PDP officers for their loyalty and commitment to the ideals of the Party and the PDP Chime-led administration.

Furthermore, we thank the good people of Enugu state and indeed all Nigerians whose prayers ensured the successful return of the Governor.

We daresay that the love shown to the Governor by all and sundry during his period of incapacitation is a clear indication that our people appreciate the good work of the Governor.

We are confident that the Governor shall consolidate on the tremendous achievements of his administration now that he is back to work.

Thank you.

Chief Olisa Metuh". 

Meanwhile, the people and government of Enugu State have expressed their joy over the save return of their governor, and thank God for sparing his life. 

Okorocha Moves 7 Commissioners, Merges Ministries

Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo has moved seven commissioner and merged some ministries, to enhance service delivery in the state.

The changes were contained in a statement, issued in Owerri on Thursday by Mr Chinedu Offor, at the end of the State Executive Council meeting.

Offor, who was the former Commissioner for Information and Strategy is the new Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, according to the statement.

It said that Mrs Ugochi Nnanna-Okoro, the former Commissioner for Culture and Tourism was now the Commissioner for Community Government.

The former Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Nic Opara-Ndudu, has been moved to the Ministry of Works and Transport.

The statement added that the Deputy Governor of the state, Sir Jude Agbaso, ceased to double as commissioner for works, with the reshuffle.

It further disclosed that Mr Uche Nwosu, former Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning, had been named the new Commissioner for Lands and Housing.

Prof. Chima Iwuchukwu, formerly of Community Government took charge of Planning while Mr Charles Onuoha, former Commissioner for Housing, was moved to the Ministry for Special Duties.

The statement also named Dr Iheanyi Nwachukwu, former Commissioner for Special Duties as the new Commissioner for Public Utilities, Public Safety and Youth Empowerment.

Mr Charles Onuoha, formerly in charge of housing was moved to Special Duties, the statement said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that commissioners who retained their portfolios are Prof. Adaobi Obasi (Education), Dr Obi Njoku (Health), Adaora Ijezie and Soronnadi Njoku (Justice).

Otheres are those of Finance and Environment. (NAN) Source: www.leadership.ng

Accountant General threatens to withhold MDAs funds

The Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) has threatened to withhold funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) over non-submission of transcripts of accounts and bank reconciliation statements for 2012.Accountant General threatens to withhold MDAs funds | Daily Times Nigeria

Gay marriage vote in UK parliament gets overwhelming support, passing 400 to 175

BRITISH MPs have voted in favour of controversial legislation allowing gay marriage despite fierce opposition from members of Prime Minister David Cameron's own party.

The move puts Britain on track to join the ten countries that allow same-sex couples to marry, but Cameron had the embarrassment of seeing half of his Conservative legislators refusing to back him.

The prime minister insists that the plan to allow same-sex couples to marry in England and Wales will "make our society stronger" although the draft law still has several other parliamentary hurdles to clear.

It passed by 400 votes to 175, mainly because it had overwhelming support from the opposition Labour Party and also from many members of the Liberal Democrat party, the junior partner in Cameron's coalition government.

British media said around 140 Conservatives voted against and around 130 in favour with some 40 abstentions.

Cameron allowed MPs a conscience vote on the issue.

Speaking before the vote, Cameron said: "Today is an important day. I am a strong believer in marriage, it helps people commit to each other, and I think it is right that gay people should be able to get married too.

"This is, yes, about equality. But it is also about making our society stronger.

"I know there are strong views on both sides of the argument -- I accept that. But I think this is an important step forward for our country."

Opponents attacked the bill during an often impassioned day-long debate ahead of the vote in the House of Commons, or lower house of parliament.

Pleas from Cameron's heavyweight cabinet allies to persuade their Conservative colleagues to back his plans and avoid damaging divisions fell on deaf ears.

A former junior defence minister, Gerald Howarth, said the government had no mandate for such a "massive social and cultural change".

"I believe this bill is wrong, the consultation was a complete sham. It has caused deep and needless divisions within the Conservative Party," he said.

Another Conservative opponent, Roger Gale, said the legislation was "Orwellian".

"Marriage is the union between a man and a woman, has been historically, remains so. It is Alice in Wonderland territory, Orwellian almost, for any government of any political persuasion to seek to come along and try to re-write the lexicon," he said.

Same-sex couples in Britain have had the right to live in civil partnerships since 2005 but cannot marry.

Culture Secretary Maria Miller, the minister responsible for the legislation, insisted the bill would protect religious freedoms and "not marginalise those who believe marriage should be between a man and a woman". Source: dailytelegraph.com.au

DON JAZZY, IYANYA, YVONNE NELSON JOIN BANKY W TO THRILL LAGOS FANS

Banky W is throwing another Lagos party. And this time, it’s for the release of his hugely anticipated genre-defining, industry-shaking album R&BW.

The singer, songwriter and businessman has spent the last few years grooming protégées like Wizkid, Skales and Niyola; running the EME label- currently unarguably Nigeria’s number one music powerhouse. Read more DON JAZZY, IYANYA, YVONNE NELSON JOIN BANKY W TO THRILL LAGOS FANS

DOES TRUE AND GENUINE LOVE DIE?

Most people like to believe that falling in love is God's infallible way of pointing out from the rest of the world who our sole soul mate is precisely.

The daunting question is, why do people who mutually and genuinely fall in love so passionately, so vehemently fall out of love after awhile.

LG polls: Imo plans to dupe aspirants –PDP

•As court stops elections

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, yesterday accused the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA-led government in Imo State of perfecting plans to dupe aspirants in the local government elections scheduled for April.

This is as the Federal High Court sitting in Owerri yesterday granted PDP relief for a stay of execution for the proposed council elections.

Let Us 'Rescue' Imo State Subeb First!

Upon the inauguration of the current governor of Imo state, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, on the 29th May, 2011, the joy of Imo state indigenes [Imolites] knew no bounds; especially those in the educational sector. 
Before his entrance into the gubernatorial race, Rochas as a name was synonymous with 'FREE EDUCATION'. The motto of his Rochas Foundation was quite instructive: "Let’s make education free so that the poorest of the poor can learn". Today, what we observe in our Imo state seems to be an

2015: 10 governors endorse merger talks

Group photo of the governors

…as ACN, CPC, ANPP, APGA meet in Lagos

The plan to wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2015 elections by the leading opposition parties thickened as 10 governors met yesterday in Lagos to endorse merger talks.

Governors of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN; All Nigeria People’s Party, ANPP; Congress for Progressive Change, CPC and All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA met and unanimously

IMO LG ELECTION ASPIRANTS PROTEST HIGH FEES

Aspirants for the April 27th local government and councillorship election in Imo State yesterday  protested the N50,000 charged for a leadership training to enable them run for  the forthcoming LG elections in the state.

The protesters in their numbers stormed the premises of the Imo State University Owerri (IMSU) where they were told to pay N50,000 each as tuition fee for the training