IMO LAWMAKERS ECHO ON AMB. OGBUAGU MOTION TO RECONSTRUCT EKEMELE ROAD.

A motion urging the Governor of Imo state, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha to declare a state of emergency on Ikeduru roads has been moved at the floor of Imo state House of Assembly.

The motion, as subsequently adopted by the House, was moved by the member representing Ikeduru state constituency, Hon. Ambassador Uche Ogbuagu during plenary.

Leading debate, Ambassador Ogbuagu regretted that Ikeduru, which was historical given its position to the growth and development of the Imo, has been neglected by past governments, leaving its inhabitants in untold suffering.

He lamented over the deplorable condition of the roads in the area, expressing fear that, sooner than later, the area may be cut off from other parts of the state due to bad roads.

Hon. Uche Ogbuagu stated that the Ekemele road which has long been a source of nightmare to both motorists and pedestrians, is a major link road that connects Isiala-Mbano, Onuimo, Okigwe and some other states like Anambra and Abia.

He appealed that holistic action be taken on the Ekemele spot to ease the vehicular movement and reduce the spate of accidents often recorded on the spot.

Earlier in his prayers, he recalled that Ikeduru was the first place oil was discovered by the shell in 1949, regretting that the present position of the area in terms of infrastructures, is nothing to write home about.

"Ikeduru, as many may not know, is the food basket of the state. As I speak today, the place has no motorable road and this is very unfortunate. I admit that this motion is coming a bit but my people have suffered so much especially on that Ekemele road."

"Therefore, I'm calling on the rebuild Imo government to declare a state of emergency on all Ikeduru roads or the people will be cut off from the municipal as a result of bad roads."

He asked that the speaker, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins constitute a committee that which will undertake an on-the-spot assessment of the Ekemele road with a view to fixing it as a matter of urgency.

Meanwhile, he has called on members to support the motion, noting that the people of his area are not in the mess alone as that, according to him, is a link road.

Our reported revealed that the motion received massive support and when the speaker, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins put it to vote, the I's had it.

Copied from Ifeanyi Iheakanwa

IMO ASSEMBLY MOVES TO RETRIEVE ILLEGALLY ACQUIRED LANDS BY PAST ADMINISTRATION.

Member representing Ikeduru State Constituency, Amb. Uche Ogbuagu

The Imo state house of assembly,  has invited  past government officials at the Ministry of lands, especially the director of the ministry, J.J Udeh, Hon. Kingsley Uju, Dr. Eburuo and the immediate past Governor's Aides to give account of their stewardship.

The invitation followed a motion of state urgent importance moved by the member representing Ikeduru state constituency, Amb uche ogbuagu. The motion is anchored on investigating
the unlawful conversion of some government and individual lands into private use especially, the IMO Broadcasting Corporation, IBC, Quarters, Orji, which Senator Rochas okorocha converted to a school, Rochas Foundation College among others.

Amb. Ogbuagu said the motion would provide answers to the yearning of IMO people, whose lands were illegally converted without due compensation for their property.


He decried that most landowners whose lands were grabbed by previous administration,have either met their untimely death or languished in poverty.
 The lawmaker called on the 9th house of assembly to constitute a judiciary panel of enquiry and public complaints committee to receive complaint by IMO people so as  to retrieve the landed property.  
The member representing Owerri North state constituency, Philip Ejiogu, who seconded the motion, said it will be a great feat for him, if the Former IBC Quarters is retrieved. He urged the House, to quickly summon the offenders.

Supporting the prayer, the Member representing Owerri West State Constituency, Kanayo Onyemachi supported the motion, adding that he would ensure that landed properties in Owerri West illegally taken by the former governor, will be retrieved.

The motion is in line with Governor Emeka Ihedioha's rebuild Imo mantra, as contained in his inaugural speech to revert all lands, unlawfully acquired by the past administration, to the rightful owners.


Peace Dike

Member representing Ikeduru state Constituency, Amb. Uche Ogbuagu Speaks..

Thanks so very much Mr. Speaker, I must say that this is the day the Lord has made-Ndi Imo will rejoice and be glad in it. These are lyrics of a popular gospel song and I have decided to make this adaptation because Imolites will be happy and fulfilled by the time my prayers in this motion are assented to by this Honorable House.
Mr. Speaker, nothing will interest and impress Ndi Imo than this move to correct the excesses & anomalies exhibited & perpetrated by the immediate past administration especially in the area of land grabbing and illegal conversion of individual and public lands to personal use by the last governor and his family members as well as his aides.
Mr. Speaker, I made a resolution and got the approval of my immediate family not to delve into anything, any issue that concerns the former 1st family of this state, for very personal reasons, but for the high expectations of Ndi Imo who voted us to come and rebuild Imo, for the cries, yearnings and groaning of many helpless citizens who are suffering this fate, I took a U-turn.
Mr. Speaker, it is a known fact, well established and undeniable that land grabbing and illegal conversion of people’s lands was the order of the day in the last dispensation. In fact it was their stock in trade.
I know of a widow whose husband’s only land was grabbed and converted to a private school belonging today to an aide to the former governor- I know of a family friend who died of heart attack when he get frustrated with the high costs of ligitation over his land that was grabbed. Most worrisome    Mr. Speaker, is the impunity, the inhuman effrontery with which the illegality was perpetrated even in most of the well known public properties- for instance the IBC staff quarters in Orji, Uratta, Owerri North.
Mr. Speaker, as a Media Executive, I know how it feels to work in a state owned media House where you give in your best, with just meager wages, only to be thrown out one morning without notice or an alternative accommodation- whereas the facility is your basic fringe benefit or entitlement while in service- only because the governor desired to have his private school sited there. What can be more disheartening and devastating in life?
Mr. Speaker, the examples of such helpless and hopeless situations arising from such illegality of grabbing & conversion of lands is endless. I therefore pray this Honorable House    Mr. Speaker to constitute a judiciary panel of enquiry as well as public complaints committee to receive complaints from affected Imolites, as well as conduct investigations to ascertain the status and genuiness of ownership of such landed properties- whether developed or not.
I assure you Mr. Speaker, Distinguished colleagues, that the revelations & expositions will be shocking. Ndi Imo will be happy again, public confidence in Imo government will be restored especially where punitive measures are taken.          I mean where those found guilty of such criminal actions will be made to face adequate punishments, it will also serve as a deterrent in the future, even to us.
It will serves as a deterrent even to us

VIRGIN HEART FOUNDATION JOINS OTHER NGOs FOR COZA PROTESTS

 
Petition to Protest COZA Trustees to take action regarding multiple allegations of sexual misconduct against Pst Biodun Fatoyinbo

Background & Explanation
Reports of accusation of sexual misconduct against the Snr. Pst of COZA has been agog social media in a while. First with Ms. Ese Walters in 2013. Most recently with Mrs. Busola Dakolo in a video interview on YTV .

Accusations of sexual violence like rape by women should not be taken lightly particularly by the church - a place of succour and refuge.

Leadership of the Church need to be awakened that they are not exempted from accountability and authority.

COZA needs to take a stance that no form of misconduct is permitted by leadership under any disguise. This should be investigated with no favours.

Action Petitioned For:
We, the undersigned, are concerned that allegations are taken lightly by the church and are calling for COZA Trustees and Executive council and leaders to act now to:

1) Automatically institute an in-house investigation with no partiality or favours

We demand that an in-house committee should be set up to investigate accusations as well as the happenings in the pastoral care and shine light into other areas to get to the bottom of this. Like a truth and reconciliation commission. This will give others who are wounded or those who just need to bear their burdens an opportunity to do so.

2) Step down of Pst Fatoyinbo as Snr Pastor and non functional during the sitting of the above committee.

We demand that Pst Biodun Fatoyinbo step down as senior pastor of the church during this time for transparency and integrity of committee's report.

3) Mandate the committee to propose recommendations in readdressing management of conflict and disciplinary processes within the church.

We demand that during the reporting process and before a decision is reached by the Committee, the church should make arrangements to ensure that respondents with a complaint are not stigmatized and that survivors may continue their worship path without re- traumatization.

4) Uphold the virtues of Christ*

We demand that the administration uphold the virtues of Christ in all truth not wavering or showing favourism. An accuse cannot be defending himself still holding the rudder of leadership. This is not a war on the church but a person.

We are a coalition of gender advocates and all we want is for justice to prevail and healing for wounded.

We demand accountability, because we know that where there is Power( be it in church, Mosque, work institutions, or places of learning, even in the family) there is bound to be abuse, if unchecked.

To this end, we are staging a peaceful protest at Coza Church, Lagos, Sheba center, 20 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja GRA, Lagos

*Time of convening : 8.45am, at the FCMB Bank close to Sheba Center .

Signed :

Herfessions
Heartminders Initiative
Bruised but not Broken Initiative
Media Concern Initiative -for Women & Children (MediaCon)
IProtect
Dr. Princess Olufemi-Kayode
Osasu Paul- Azino
Tonia Ojenagbon
Funke Oguntuga
Help for Victims of Domestic Abuse Foundation
A Girl Project
Above Whispers Foundation
Laila St Matthew-Daniel
ACTS Generation GBV
Alliances for Africa
Gender Advocacy for Justice Initiative (GAJI)
Centre for Children's Health, Orientation, Education and Protection (CEE-HOPE)
Kathlyn Eyitemi
Women advocates research and Documentation Center
Women’s rights and health project
Amazing Grace Inspirations.
Global Rights
Centre for Womens Health and Information
Arise Nigerian Woman Foundation
Initiative for Sustaining Family Unity
Association Against Child Sexual and Gender Based Violence
Women Law and Development Centre (WLDCN)
Centre for womens Health and Information (CEWHIN)
Kebetkache Women Development & Resource Centre
Gender Relevance Initiative Promotion  (GRIP)
Greenspring Development Initiative
Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOHWOC)
Dorothy Njemanze Foundation
Girls Inspired Development Network
FAME Foundation
Women Africa
Alliance for Inclusion
Kudirat Initiative for Democracy (KIND)
Daria Media Foundation
Women Radio 91.7
Vision Spring initiatives
Lateef K. Akinborode,
Aderonke Oyelakin
Bintu Ajao
HEIR Women Development
Esther Ijewere
Women of Rubies
Mercy Makinde
Amazing Amazon
Feyi Luther Mbanugo
Project Alert on Violence Against Women
Women for Peace and Gender Equality Initiative
Uzoma Aneto
NDOF - Nde Oduko Foundation
Dr. Charmaine Pereira
Working Moms Africa
Emerge Women
Women Empowerment and Reproductive Health Centre
Cece Yara Foundation
Int Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH)
First Future Leadership in the protest
Matilda Otitoloju-Iyaniwura
Ngozi Ekwerike-Okoro
Child to Child Network
Ngozi Nwosu-Juba
Nigerian Women Trust Fund
Association against Child Sexual and Gender
Based Violence
Noble Delta Women for Peace and Development
Vision Spring initiatives
Take a Cue Development initiative
Morenike Omaiboje
Women's Consortium of Nigeria (WOCON)
Feyi Luther Mbanugo
Wumi Asubiaro Dada
WREP
Disability Rights Advocacy Center (DRAC)
Network of Organizations of Women With Disabilities (NOWWD)
BraveHeart Initiative for Youth & Women
Education as a Vaccine
Black Women of Influence and Inspiration
Centre for Media Resources in Development (CEMERDEV).
BrenCare Foundation
Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi
Virgin Heart Foundation

More than 80 women appointed in Gov. Ihedioha's Administration.

STATISTICS OF WOMEN SO FAR APPOINTED BY IHEDIOHA.

By Ogu Bundu Nwadike, M. A

Since his assumption of weeks about four weeks ago, the Imo State governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, CON,  KSC has been appointing Imo men, women and youths into strategic positions in his administration.

In this write up, I articulated the women that the governor has offered appointment. It is not exhaustive and not in any special order of importance. On the whole, I noted a total of 80 women that have been brought into the  RebuildImo ship to be direct participants in the task of rebuilding Imo State. They include as follows:

Interim Management Committee for the 27 Local Government Councils:

Chairpersons (4):

1. Gertrude  Iroeme Ezinihitte  Mbaise

2. Dympna Mbianozie - Oru East

3. Maureen Onyekele - Ihitte Uboma

4. Ngozi Oriole - Usual Mbano

Members (71):

Aboh Mbaise:

5. Winifred Onyinye Chilaka - Amuzu

6. Queen Anyanwu - Enyiogugu

7. Juli Ewelike - Uvuru

Ahiazu:

8. Eunice Ohanele - Oru/Lude

9. Gladys Adaeze  Ebele Ezeji - Okirika Nwenkwo

Ezinihitte Mbaise:

10. Amarachi Ogbonna - Onicha IV

11. Florence Agbakwuru - Oboama/Umunama

12. Agnes Isiguzo - Ife/Chokoneze/Akpodim

Ikeduru:

13. Bankfelicia Obi - Uzoagba

14. Ann Soronnadi - Akabo

Njaba:

15. Ngozi Uzomah - Atta III

16. Florence Chinyere Durugbor - Umuaka II

Ngor Okpala:

17. Helen Amadi - Ward II

18. Beatrice Nkwo - Ward  VIII

Owerri North:

19. Ukachi Obilor - OAU

20. Nene Ishiguzo - Naze

21. Ijeoma Nnorom - Emekuku

22. Nnanna Ukwunna - Emii

Mbaitoli:

23. Nkiru Sylvanus - Umuagwu Umunwoha

24. Chibuzor  Oguamanam - Ifakala

25. Ngozi Onuoha - Orodo B

26. Chinwendu Jeniffer Rufus - Ogwa

Owerri West:

27. Vero Awuzie - Azuzu II

28. Ijeoma Nwaifo - Aladinma I

29. Amarachi Uwalaka - GRA

Owerri West:

30. Uloma L. Okereafo - Ama/Ndegwu/Ohii

Orsu:

31. Ify Ogaziere - Okwuetiti

32. Chizoba Ohizu

Isu:

33. Linda Nnedum - Isunjaba

34. Pat Uzoma - Amandugba II

35. Georgeline Obasi - Ekwe I

Nkwerre:

36. Lolo Ihedioha - Onusa

37. Cheta Orisakwe - Owerre Nkwoji

38. Nora Nkolika - Umukor-Anabari

Nwangele:

39. Josephine Ibewuike -  Amaigbo IV

40. Maureen Chimara - Amaigbo V

41. Gertrude Obiefuna - Amaigbo II

Ideato South:

42. Rose Ezenwa - Ogboko II

43. Catherine Nnabuihe - Umeshi

Ideato North:

44. Veronica Aluka - Uzi/Umualoma

45. Njideka Akawuonye - Ozuomezemazu

Oru East:

46. Chinwe Iheakanwa - Awo I

Oru West:

47. Ngozi Uyimadu - Mgbidi II

48. Jennifer Okonkwo - Otulu

49. Cecilia Madueke - Ubulu

50. Imelda Ugochi - Dum-Obioha

Orlu:

51. Chinyere Okoro - Ohafor Okporo/Umutanze

52. Ada Udegbe - Eziachi/Amike

53. Margaret Anugwom - Umuzike/Umuowa

Oguta:

54. Bertha Nwawizu - Izombe

55. Franca Arisie - Awa

56. Blessing Kpatuma -  Mgbala/Ubi

Ohaji-Egbema:

57. Stella Nwereazu - Ward 2

58. Stella Nwaneri - Ward  3

Ihitte Uboma:

59. Eucharia Nwokeneri - Ikperejere

60. Akudo Ekeanyanwu - Umuihi

Obowo:

61. Stella Okeke - Amuzi

62. Nneoma Joy Obasi - Okwuohia

Ehime Mbano:

63. Ann Alinno - Umeze I

64. Amarachi Owumanam - Umualumaku

65. Vivian Echeruo - Umunumo

66. Franca Onuoha - Nzerem Ikpem

Okigwe:

67. Nneka Ike - Amuro

68. Ebere Chiadi - Ezinnachi

69. Virginia Nwafor - Agbobu

Onuimo:

70. Ogechi Ofomata - Umucheke III

71. Nkechi Eze - Ozimo VII

72. Ugoeze Cecilia Chukwuwere - Okwelle I Ward VIII

73. Christy Chukwu - Okwelle II Ward X

Isiala Mbano:

74. Stella Madu - Umuozu

75. Ngozi Ogoke - Amuzari

Of course, there are other appointees besides those listed above in the Interim Management Committee for Local Government Councils.

They include:

76. Adaora Onyechere, Special Assistant on Information and Advocacy to the Governor

77. Ndidi Onyemachi - Member, Interim Management Committee

78. Ngozi Oguike - Member, Interim Management Committee

79. Ngozi  Onyirioha, Member, Committee on the Review of Appointments, Recruitments, Retirements etc.

80. Ify Maureen Okafor

81. Adaugo Okwara, Acting General Manager, Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA).

Certainly, the listed cannot be exhausted because its still counting as more and more women are being brought into Ihedioha administration.

It goes to prove that contrary to the views of the opposition, the State governor, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, is committed not only to appointing women into political office,  but also to empowering them in different ways, including skills acquisition programmes.

Therefore, the women of Imo State ought to remain steadfast in their Support and prayers for the governor. The women pride themselves as the real workers. And it doesn't require too much of evidence to prove that truly women are the owners of work in politics!

The appointments demands from women faith in God and faith in the Ihedioha administration, resilient hardwork, and success-mindedness. Ultimately, the success of the rebuilding of Imo State will to extent depend on the commitment of Imo women. To whom much is given much is expected!

*Nwadike is the Special Assistant on Research to the Governor of Imo State.

PASTOR CHALLENGES LADIES IN OWERRI FOR 3-MONTHS SEX-STRIKE

 
The Resident Pastor of the Church on the Rock, Owerri, Pastor Obi Chinedu has challenged ladies in Owerri on sex strike for three month, as to spark-off matrimonial consciousness among single men.

The Clergyman hinted that great number of men had remained unmarried, because they get free sex from their numerous sexual partners. He proffered that the possible solution to ensure that single men desire marriage was to starve them of sex for nighty days.

While counseling the ladies, he urged them to always seek God's wisdom in their relationships, as to enjoy God's promise for their lives

The Minister made this statement, in a teaching series, tagged:"Financial freedom and how to manage financial crises"

In Furtherance of the sermon, Pastor Obi highlighted that Christians can control crises, through preparation and doing the will of God.

He also charged Believers on laying solid foundation in Christ, as to remain relevant in unstable situation.

MAN TEAMS-UP WITH FAMILY MEMBERS TO FRUSTRATE WIFE-1

Before now, I hardly believe a man could hit a woman, not to talk of beating her to death. maybe, because i was raised from a very decent and peaceful family. where my father(Mr. Ikechukwu David Dike) respects and regards my  mother(Late Mrs.Virginia Nkechinyere Dike).
Then, the only challenge my Mother had, was her sisters-in law, who were hellbent on frustrating her, unfortunately to them, my father was not a party to such.
My Father had in an event, been applauded as the only man, who lived with his wife for more than 22 years, without lifting a hand on her.
As a child, I watched my Father shout at his wife, but never hit her or denied her access to what she wanted.  I learnt he stopped(consensual) her from working in a hospital as a nurse, but he provided an alternative.
There was not just an understanding between this two, there was  LOVE, MUTUAL RESPECT, COMMUNICATION, CONSENT  and ABSENCE OF EGO.



                                        ..... enough of my parents.......

Some one may ask, What if the Abusers, are my Husband's Family-Members?
Its disheartening to see a man in this modern age, still combine forces with his immediate family to fight and frustrate his wife.
Such man could be recommended for mental check, or possibly visit a psychiatrist .

                                   HOW DO I MEAN BY FRUSTRATION?
When she becomes a slave in her legitimate home, especially if her spouse is still living with his family(mother, sisters, brothers)
She is unjustly criticized and every movement she makes are monitored.
She serves every single person, probably, the family contributed money to marry her.
In some cases, the wife is flogged and publicly disgraced for talking-back at her mother-in law or even the sisters- in law. She is constantly reminded that she is worthless and highly dependent on the husband's family for her survival.
Most of these women in such abusive homes, may be orphans,some homeless and poor, while some were deserted by their family due to unplanned pregnancy.

Most men prey on the vulnerability and innocence of these women, especially if the woman's alternative was to stay put, in that abusive home.
I know of a family who maltreated a lady, after giving birth to a child for their son.
The pathetic aspect of it, was the team-up of the sisters(mostly single among them)to starve both mother and child, and bridge communication with her. Their Mother was at the hem of pinpointing the odds, the girl never did.

The Family makes decision for their son  on how to marry and live with a woman. The girl, when could not bear the pains and frustration, ran away with her daughter, at least for her safety.

AFTER-ALL, HER BRIDE PRICE HAS NOT BEEN DONE.
These category of men, will hurriedly  post on social media, " good wives are hard to find" I want a woman who will respect me, and not for the money" women are evil"

Every responsible man should be independent, as to be able to make  decisions for his immediate family.
#shuntheabuse

Peace dike.
Virgin heart foundation.