IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

BY LINDA NNAWUCHI

Few days ago, Chief Emeka Ihedioha was on a campaign tour to Owerri Municipal and precisely, at the residence of the party’s Apex Leader in the LGA, Chief Ben Mere, Ihedioha was said to have heaped all blames of the fall out of the last PDP 3-man ad-hoc delegates’ list and the primaries on Senator Samdaddy Anyanwu.

His physical outburst was a conviction that Ihedioha truly hired one Ikenga Ugochinyere to insult his brother and National Secretary of his party, Senator Samdaddy Anyanwu as a campaign tool for his 2023 Governorship ambition.

From available information, Ihedioha was quoted to have told his audience not to support those who hijacked the National Secretary’s position with the assistance of “Onye Mba Mmiri” as he rightly put it against his 2023 PDP Governorship ticket. Note, Ihedioha was referring to Wike and Samdaddy.

In that meeting, there was nothing Ihedioha did not openly say against his brother who has been matured with his speeches all through as a genuine party man. The surprise of every person in that meeting is the reason behind Ihedioha’s sudden blackmail against his brother when Senator Anyanwu has never in any forum insulted Ihedioha or dragged his name negatively.

While it was revealed that Ihedioha boasted of having the needed capacity to hijack whatever he so wishes in the PDP whether his audience supports him or not. The question is, if Ihedioha can hijack anything he wants from PDP as he claimed; why then is Senator Anyanwu his major problem against his third term Guber bid? What a pompous politician!

As usual, Ihedioha was at Owerri North and precisely, at the residence of Nze Ray Emeana yesterday with the same message of division, disunity and blackmail against his brother and National Secretary of his party, Senator Samdaddy Anyanwu.

In all these, every active politician will ask; what actually did Senator Anyanwu do to Ihedioha to deserve the insults and blackmails?

The answer is not far fetched, it is because a good number of PDP leaders in the state including Senator Anyanwu said that Ihedioha cannot continue to hold onto the party’s Governorship ticket for the third time when there are other qualified members of PDP across the state.

The only sin Senator Anyanwu committed is to join other genuine leaders and members of PDP to advise Ihedioha to jettison his ambition of clinching the party’s Governorship ticket and support a fresh person for the job.

Ihedioha is insulting and blackmailing Senator Samdaddy Anyanwu because there is a visible new twist of change in the party’s chances of wining future elections with fresh individuals holding onto its tickets.

Ihedioha is furious and thereby resort to petty blackmail against his brother and National Secretary of his party, Senator Samdaddy Anyanwu because he is envious and threatened by his rising political profile and his wide acceptance across party lines in the state.

Ihedioha is angry and therefore resorts to blackmail against Senator Anyanwu since it became obvious to him that his Mbaise kinsmen are revolting against him over his political greed, dominance and selfishness that has affected negatively the younger ones in the area.

No doubt, Ihedioha is angry because the mantle of leadership and recognition has fallen off his shoulder.

What Ihedioha needs now from every concerned PDP member is serious prayers to regain himself and stop going gaga or berserk against his brother and National Secretary, Senator Anyanwu wherever he is given an opportunity to address party fateful.

A Stitch In Time Saves Nine!

PROFILE OF RT. HON. SIR DR. JONES VICTOR CHUKWUDI ONYERERI KSP, FORMER CHAIRMAN HOUSE COMMITTEE ON BANKING AND CURRENCY, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES FORMER PDP SENATORIAL CANDIDATE FOR ORLU ZONE IN 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS.

Brilliant, articulate and well-grounded in the science and art of governance is an apt description of Hon. Sir Jones Chukwudi Victor Onyereri KSP, former Member House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria who represented Nkwerre/Nwangele/Isu/Njaba Federal Constituency of Imo State and the former Chairman House Committee on Banking and Currency in the 7th and 8th Assembly. Born on 15th July, 1967 to the family of late Venerable and Nneoha J.D.J Onyereri of Ishi Owerri in Owerri Nkworji in Nkwerre LGA of Imo State, he epitomizes passion and focus for his chosen career and this he exhibited from a very young age and in his professional life as a Microbiologist/Biochemist/Business Administrator/Public Relations Consultant. His pedigree, up to the last generation is a note to be reckoned with; a son to a renowned and highly respected Arch Deacon of the Anglican church, Venerable J.D.J. Onyereri, who was popularly known and is remembered today with his famous maxim, “ udo diri unu”(May Peace dwell with you). A true son of his father, Hon Jones, obviously understands the import of that maxim; he immortalizes his father by not just adopting the maxim as his political slogan but pragmatically exuding peace and love among his people.  Today Hon. Jones Onyereri himself is known with that maxim. 

Young Jones attended the prestigious and renowned College of the Immaculate Conception (CIC) Enugu and Federal Government College Port Harcourt for his Secondary and Higher School Education. Having achieved success at these levels, he proceeded to University of Nigeria, Nsukka where he obtained Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Microbiology/Biochemistry and later a Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing. His determination to acquire more knowledge prompted his return to University of Nigeria Enugu campus where he obtained an Executive Master of Science Degree (MSc.) in Marketing/Public Relations and Doctor of Philosophy [Ph.D] Marketing.Hon. Sir Jones Chukwudi Victor Onyereri is also a proud holder of ASCON certificate in Public Administration and has attended various executive leadership programmes at prestigious institutions including Harvard Business School, USA. These exposures triggered the wonderful leadership qualities we are experiencing in our constituency today.

The distinctive traits that make him a sterling politician started at an early age. At a very young age, Hon. Onyereri was appointed the Chief Protocol Officer to His Excellency, Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo, former Executive Governor of Enugu state. He later served as a Consultant, House Committee on Transport, House of Representatives, Abuja. The need to provide the dividends of democracy and empower his people led Rt. Hon. Onyereri to contest the 2011 election to the House of Representatives. In recognition of his leadership qualities, unparalleled humility and the zeal to improve the lives of his people, the good people of Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele Federal Constituency of Imo State elected him to the House of Representatives. His appointment as the Chairman of the very important House Committee on Banking and Currency, despite the fact that he was a first timer, was a huge testament to Hon. Onyereri’s political acumen and dexterity.  As he served in this all important powerful Committee, his courage, brilliance and eloquence swiftly made it possible for him to be one of the arrow heads of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) banking reforms. 

As the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Onyereri did everything possible to overhaul the Nigeria cum Africa banking/financial sector by sponsoring different bills, motions and also through public hearings conducted by the Banking and Currency Committee under his leadership.Some of the Bills sponsored by Hon. Jones Onyereri include the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria Act Amendment Bill 2013, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation Act Amendment Bill 2014 and Nigerian Export Import Bank Establishment Act Amendment Bill 2012. Under his chairmanship, the House committee, in conjunction with the relevant authorities, made tremendous efforts to drive the process of financial inclusion and worked together with the monetary authority/monetary policy committee of the central bank to bring down the monetary policy rate MPR and invariably the interest rate guiding lending rates of banks. Rt. Hon. Dr. Onyereri also served in other House Committees where he contributed immensely and creditably to the legislative process. In recognition of his stellar representation in the 7th National Assembly, the people of Nkwerre/Isu/Njaba/Nwangele Federal Constituency re-elected Hon. Jones Onyereri to a second term in the House of Representatives thus making him the first person since the inception of our current democratic journey to be elected for a second term in the House of Representatives in that Federal Constituency. In addition to this historic feat, Hon Jones Onyereri equally achieved another historic feat in the House of Representatives by being the first member to be appointed as chairman of the strategic and grade A committee, the House Committee on Banking and Currency for two consecutive terms. 

His contributions to the political cum parliamentary development, the society, improvement of the well-being of the masses and selfless services to humanity were recognized and appreciated by corporate organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Students Movement within and outside Africa as he was conferred with numerous awards, laurels and prizes including but not limited to: Ambassador of Goodwill to the State of Arkansas by then Governor Bill Clinton. Outstanding Merit Award (Rotary International Club of Enugu) Flag Bearer of Cancer Advocacy in Nigeria by the International Cancer Initiative.Nehemiah Award by the Diocese of Orlu, Anglican Communion Joshua of Our Time by the Holy Trinity Church, Diocese of Orlu, Anglican Communion, Amaigbo, Imo State.Most Outstanding Lawmaker for South East by the Africa Business Week in association with Nigeria-German Business Association and Disciples of Democracy Magazine.Fellow Institute of Public Administration of Nigeria. Merit Award by the Orlu Zonal Council of Ndi Eze, Nigerian Union of Journalist Legacy Award for Quality Representation. Merit Award by Amaokpara Patriotic Union Lagos Branch. Personality Award by the Imo State PDP Women Activists. Award of Excellence by Nkwerre Student Association, Award of Appreciation by University of Uyo. Award of Recognition by Orlu Progressive Association. Most Outstanding Lawmaker (2014) by Disciples of Democracy. Most Distinguished Service Award by International Inner Wheel District 913. Award of Honour by Law Students Association Imo State University. Ezinwa Award by Diocese of Orlu. Rt. Hon. Dr. Jones Victor Chukwudi Onyereri has not derailed in his quest to improve the lives of the down trodden, be a symbol of justice and the mouthpiece of the less privileged as he has sponsored and co-sponsored people oriented motions and petitions for the upliftment and empowerment of his people. Rt. Hon. Dr. Onyereri has equally initiated, attracted and executed various constituency projects in order to bring dividends of democracy to his people. Some of these projects include construction of the most modern Secondary School in Nigeria, road construction, provision of solar powered street lights, provision of transformers, water bore-holes, construction of classroom blocks with VIP toilets, construction of ICT centers, Empowerment of Constituents through the award of scholarships, distribution of Keke – Napep, motorcycles, Sewing Machines and cars, and sponsorship of youths and women to various training programmes. 

At the successful conclusion of his Second Tenure in the House of Representatives, Hon Jones Onyereri was again called upon to serve his people in a higher office. As a member of the House of Representatives, he represented four (4) Local Government Areas but because of his Sterling performance, unblemished records and unmatched commitment to the development of his people, his name became a song on the lips of many and a wave of solidarity swept across the entire Orlu Zone culminating in a strident call from the entire Orlu people for him to contest the Senatorial election in 2019. A call he answered and won landslide the primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and subsequently contested the General Election in 2019. That election having gone the way it did and In recognition of his political dexterity and grassroots appeal, the Governor of Imo State appointed him as the Special Adviser on political affairs, a position he held until the unfortunate sacking of that Government. 

Hon. Jones Onyereri despite being out of government has continued to touch lives; he set up the RT Hon. Sir Jones Onyereri Foundation a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) dedicated to assisting the poor and downtrodden in our society. The Foundation has since its creation intervened and touched so many people across Imo State by way of payment of Hospital Bills for indigent persons, payment of School fees, WAEC, NECO and JAMB etc. The Foundation recently built a three Bedroom Bungalow house for a Widow at Umudi in Nkwerre LGA. Recently the foundation completed and commissioned Ultra Modern Palace for HRH Eze Boniface Unogu [Ishigbo 1 of Owerre Nkworji]. The foundation also completed and commissioned drainages and flood water control systems, Borehole with overhead stanchion with full reticulation at Ishi-Owerri Community in Owerri Nkworji, Nkwerre LGA.Rt. Hon. Dr. Onyereri is a devout Christian who is a Knight of the Order of Saint Paul (KSP). 

He is a public relations guru turned politician, experienced consultant, political gladiator, veteran welfarist, distinguished African, business mogul and man of history with unmatched profile of achievements and selfless services to humanity but above all he is a humble child of God. Rt. Hon. Dr.Jones Victor Chukwudi Onyereri is married to Barr. (Mrs.) Adaeze Claire Onyereri and they are blessed with five Children.

Udo Diri Unu.

#Jones4Senate

#PDPJones

#JonesNdiOrluZone

Jamie Pajoel International a globally recognized NGO with operations in Canada and Nigeria held its Annual Leadership Conference with over 3000 Delegates in attendance.

JPI Leadership Conference engaged a wide array of participants including Civil Servants, Lawyers, Doctors, CEO, Civil Societies, Youths, Founders and Coordinators of NGOs and some international delegates across other countries.

The conference incorporated case studies as well as best practices in redefining Leadership and Governance, which brought out recommendations that will help build sustainable systems and improve standard of living in the country. 

Speakers at the Conference includes;

H/E Mr. Peter Obi, Jamie Pajaol, Dr. Linda Iheme, Prof. Pat Utomi, Hon. Dr Chris Asoluka, Dr. Linus Okorie, Dr. Summy Smart Francis, Adepeju Jaiyeoba, Nnadi Austen, Dr. Edema Oreofe.

Chief Executive Officer Pamtech Group, Engr Chidomere Ndubuisi , Ajah Excel ,  Barr Ndidi Anike- Chairperson FIDA Imo branch, Emeka Nobis were panelist at the talkshow.

In the keynote address, the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) Mr Peter Obi used the conference to groom and brainstorm on the need for leadership based on example, as he said that  100 million Nigerians are currently living in poverty amidst the nation’s huge resources.

He stressed that "Nigeria has all it takes to be a great nation, but added that the country’s greatest setback was bad leadership, corruption and poor policy implications."

Speaking on the theme “WAY FORWARD” Obi stated that the Nigerian economy cannot advance with the current state of poor power supply, a situation that has kept the country backward. 

According to him, if Nigeria can generate 20,000 megawatt, the country’s economy would transform within a shot period of time.

“Nigeria has borrowed 500 million dollars in the last 20 years, if Nigeria had spent 5 per cent of the money borrowed so far on entrepreneurship and power generation, the country will compete with advance countries.

“Our leaders have continued to talk about poor revenue, today we have 100 million Nigerians living in poverty and yet our leaders have not found solution to our problems”, he said.

He however advised Nigerians to remain steadfast and always be ready to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the nation.

Prof Pat Utomi in his speech said vision and ideas were the key factors to drive any economy.

He said any leadership without a clear vision was bound to fail, adding that Nigerian leaders failed the country due to poor vision and ideas.

According to him, a 21st century leader must be familiar with the system and understand properly the dynamics of leadership.

Dr Linus Okorie, Chief Executive Officer GOTNI Leadership Center in his submission blamed Nigeria's poor economic situation on maladministration of previous leaders.

The convener of the conference, and founder Legislative Leadership Education, Canada, Ceo Vantage Migration, President -JPI Mr Jamie Pajoel, stated that the conference was aimed at incorporating case studies, redefining leadership, governance, and to bring recommendations that would help sustain the system.

He said the 2022 annual JPI leadership conference would also incorporate people of different professions across the nation and some international delegates

Pajoel stated that internal limitation was a big factor that could work against the success of any nation or individual.

“Internal limitation is very dangerous, as a nation or individual, we need to learn how to manipulate limitations to address counter productive syndrome.

“We must be ready to develop ourselves, our capital is the relationship we keep, we must be ready to utilize it.

“Generational curse is not spiritual but human factor, what we are facing today in Nigeria is the actions of our past leaders, we must be ready to confront the situation in our time”, he stated.

He attributed negative interpretation as the major cause of setback. “Negative interpretation helps the mind to work against you.

“Don’t allow fear to stop you, be positive minded and confront every situation with faith”, he advised.

Jamie Pajoel  International has over the years supported Imo State youths by giving them global opportunities to attend international programs. It's an NGO with a vision to support over 1000 families under JPI Family Support Series, Provides Education Scholarships through JPI Global Exchange Program and support young entrepreneurs to gain access to funding through JPI ENTERPRISE GRANT AWARD.

By Austin Echefu 

With pompous fanfare and carnival, Mbaise Nation on Tuesday bestowed on Governor Hope Uzodinma the highly revered title of Enyi Oma 1 (Good Friend of the People) of Mbaise Nation to herald the flagship Iriji Mbaise Festival. 

Trooping out in their numbers, jubilant Chiefs, and common folk defied a boycott by Emeka Ihedioha, a former representative of Aboh Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency and self-declared rival of Governor Uzodinma.

Findings reveal Ihedioha, who "assumes himself" the "apex" leader of Mbaise people had made desperate moves to thwart the event to prevent any attempt to exalt Uzodinma on Mbaise soil. Sources say he reached out multiple times to members of the Ezuruezu Mbaise urging them to cancel the festival citing insecurity. He was rebuffed.

Having failed to scuttle the Iriji, Ihedioha had retreated to his country home on August 15 to hold his own 'ceremony' attended by "weary" PDP leaders.

"Sometimes I worry that we have conceded too much to these politicians," said one of the organisers who pleaded anonymity. "Imagine [Emeka] Ihedioha asking us to cancel the Irji again just because Governor Hope Uzodinma will attend and be honored with a chieftaincy title.

"Can you imagine that? So because he lost his chance as governor the whole world should stand still? I am disgusted that he keeps trying to politick with even sacred and traditional matters. Why the ceaseless attempt to pit Mbaise people against the governor and his government? What will it profit him to demonize our clan and make us look uncooperative?

"For crying out loud, power comes from God and he gives it to whoever he wills. Uzodinma is the governor but the state still belongs to all of us. We cannot contemplate sabotaging government because Emeka lost power. If government fails, we all fail. Moreover, there can only be one governor per time. I have told my colleagues, it is time we put our foot down before desperate and embittered politicians ruin what is left of our traditional institution.

"Yes, Emeka is our son. But Iriji Mbaise is not his personal brand, infact it is bigger than him, it is bigger than anyone of us. So the idea of asking Mbaise people and tourists to boycott the ceremony just because he is not in the spotlight is uncalled for and most pathetic."

While elders and chieftains showered encomiums on the governor as they bestowed the prestigious title on him and assured him of support and prayers, stakeholders rebuked Ihedioha for his polarizing politics.

"I am disappointed but not surprised. Once again, Ihedioha's ego cost him a golden opportunity to reinvent himself as a statesman," said Collins Ughalaa, Convener of Global Association of Concerned Imo Youths (GACIY).

"Rather than attempt to scuttle or even boycott the Iriji Mbaise, he would have come out to receive Governor Uzodinma, say a few words and then leave if he wanted to. This would have given him tremendous mileage.

"Unfortunately, he let pettiness and bitterness get the best of him as usual. Politics requires sportsmanship, and maturity. Emeka Ihedioha confirmed once again that he lacks both traits and cannot, and should not be entrusted the sensitive office of governor of a state as sophisticated as Imo.

"The insecurity excuse no longer holds water. To Uzodinma's credit, Imo is now much safer. Ihedioha himself has attended no fewer than a dozen burials and festivals within this period but he habitually laments 'insecurity'. He himself held a new yam festival gathering in his country home and invited friends. Yet he wants Iriji Mbaise called off due to insecurity. Such hypocrisy. I pity the diaspora who continue to sheepishly swallow these shallow lies.

"Fortunately, eyes are opening and our people now know that Uzodinma means well and his detractors will drown in their own deceit."

Governor Uzodinma, while defending Ebubeagu, said members of the security outfit do not carry arms, let alone carry out sophisticated attacks.

“Ebubeagu has no sophistication, like the kind of rifles that the bandits are carrying all along. Ebubeagu are not armed,” Mr Uzodinma said on Tuesday evening, while appearing as a guest on a Channels TV programme, Politics Today.

“Some of these bandits are now operating as Ebubeagu. Of late, we discovered bandits would attack a particular place, and the next thing because they have their syndicates, they would come up with a propaganda that Ebubeagu has attacked.

“But between me and those who are in charge of Ebubeagu, and the security agencies, they know that Ebubeagu doesn’t have the capacity to attack with sophisticated arms,” he said.

The governor said criminality in Imo State has “political undertone”, and that those criticising Ebubeagu are not interested in the “peaceful atmosphere” in the state.

He said what Ebubeagu operatives do is to pick information about unusual movement in communities and report it to security agencies. “It is not a security force that goes to war,” he added

The Enyi oma 1 of Mbaise Nation, His Excellency Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has promised to develop the Mbaise Nation.

Governor Uzodimma stated this at the Iri Ji Mbaise Festival, where he was decorated by ezuruezu Mbaise Traditional Rulers with a Chieftaincy title of Enyi oma Mbaise in recognition of his friendly ties with the Mbaise Nation.

The Festival, which is an annual event that brings the good people of Mbaise, their friends and well-wishers together, offers great opportunities to recognize a prestigious fellow who must have impacted positively on the Mbaise nation. 

Speaking after the decoration, The Governor assured Ndi Mbaise of good tidings that his good friend will bring towards the development of Mbaise. The Governor stated that he will develop Mbaise beyond its current status

The Governor further called on the continued support of the Mbaise Nation to his administration for the State Government to actualize all it has mapped out to achieve for the interest of the State.