IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

A former Governorship Aspirant of the People's Democratic Party in Imo State, Chief Sam Uwandu has called on the aggrieved and frustrated Nigerian youths to resist the temptation of street protest at this critical moment leading to the 2023 general elections in the country.

He spoke when a group of Nigerian Professionals resident in America visited his office in Washington DC where he urged and encouraged them to protest with their PVCS instead.

Chief Sam Uwandu who is a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountant added that the Nigerian youths should use their PVCS to vote out bad government in 2023.

He maintained that Nigerians have to be careful during this period of election, saying that the mood of the people in the country has said it all.

According to him, "We are dealing with people who are too advanced politically, the people that want power and would resist given up on power at all cost".

The fuel scarcity, currency scarcity the man made hardship are all the master's script to Force street protest, and this is exactly what the cabal wants. 

The Imo born American trained and certified Accountant said that it is  becoming obvious and doubtful that Nigerians will vote them back in office in 2023 given the pains and sufferings they have caused the people.

He furth added that street protest at this critical stage will be an invitation for military take over in Nigeria.

Chief Sam Uwandu Pleaded with the people to endure this remaining days, and if we have to protest, let's protest with our PVCS - a major tool to voting out bad government in the country.

Today the 2nd of February, 2023, the Acting Vice Chancellor University of Agriculture & Environmental Sciences, UAES, Umuagwo, Prof.  Christopher C. Eze received in audience  members of Okigwe Media Practitioners Association  led by Evang. Kelechi Uzoma of Sunshine Express  Newspaper. Evang. Uzoma said that the group had come to celebrate with the Ag. Vice Chancellor on his merited appointment by the Governor His Excellency Sen. Hope Uzodinma. He also thanked the Governor for choosing one of their own whom he described as spotless and eminently qualified for the great honor.  He said  the association is ready  to partner with the Ag Vice Chancellor to assist him achieve his goals for the University.  He went further to state that one of the purposes of the group was to help give a voice to Okigwe sons and daughters doing well in their various endeavors. 

The Ag. Vice Chancellor, Prof. C.C. Eze in his reaction expressed his joy at their visit . He assured then that the zeal and motivation to work is high not withstanding the challenges of running a new institution. Furthermore,  he encouraged the media practitioners to thank the governor for finding him worthy and also make sure they put out true reports which he believes are positive about the performance of the Governor. He thanked the group for coming and assured that that the school would be open to any form of partnership for mutual benefit. 

The University Librarian gave a heartfelt vote of thanks , encouraging the media practitioners to be professional , to report the truth and to always reach out to find the correct information before putting out any report about the University.

Other principal officers in attendance include the Registrar, Prince Edward Njemanze, University Librarian, Prof. Chidi Nwosu, University PRO, Mr. Ikechukwu Ogbonna.

Chimboy Ozumba

For The University PRO/Information Unit

The Court of Appeal, Owerri Division (Owerri) has granted an Order restraining the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) from conducting Re-run election in Aboh Mbaise / Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency.

Justice Rita Nosakhare Pemu granted the order on Wednesday following an Order staying execution of Judgement of the Honorable Court delivered on the 20th January, 2023 only as regards the Order for a fresh Primary election for Aboh-Mbaise / Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency of Imo State pending the hearing and final determination of the Applicant's Appeal before the Supreme Court on the propriety of the said Order for fresh Primary.

Listed as respondents are the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Independent National Electoral Committee (INEC), Hon Bede Eke and Agulanna Chibuzor.

In a motion on notice of stay execution, Dr Uzoma Iheanyi Ugochukwu, prayed the court to restrain the 1st and 2nd respondents from enforcing in anyway whatsoever the judgement of the Appeal Court sitting in Owerri delivered on 20th January, 2023 by way of conducting a re-run primary election for Aboh-Mbaise/Ngor Okpala Federal Constituency And for such further Order (s) as the Honorable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.

Justice Rita Nosakhare Pemu granted the application and made the Order sought by the applicant.

Meanwhile, our Judiciary Correspondent gathered that some leaders of the party from the affected federal constituency are making efforts to financially induce INEC top officials in Imo State to arrange for a fresh re-run primary election in the federal constituency on or before 7am on Thursday, February, 2nd, 2023 prior to when the Electoral body will be served Certified True Copy (CTC) from the Appellate Court.

Recall that a kangaroo re-run primary election was conducted on Friday, 27th, January, 2023 by the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP at Oriental Garden Resort, Umuowa, Ngor Okpala LGA without INEC observing the exercise.

Political pundits had queried absence of the nation's Electoral umpire empowered by the Constitution to monitor the election but with the latest appellate Court Judgement, the supposed re-run primary election conducted penultimate week in Ngor Okpala LGA is said to be null and void. 

Will INEC allow it's officials in Owerri to conduct a re-run election in Imo without citing a certified true copy from the Court, political watchers in the state will be curious to know.

Below is CTC from the Court of Appeal.

.....Abduct 20 staffs, whereabout unknown

There is palpable fear and tension in Owerri, the state capital following invasion of Havana Cinema and Mimi's Place premises by armed gunmen working with the state government. 

Eye witness account reveal that invasion which looked like a robbery operation had over 50 armed gunmen in company of some staffs of Imo Internal Revenue Service, IIRS gained entrance into the premises and opened fire  as they shot sporadically scaring away customers and passersby and finally whisked away twenty staffs working at Mimi's Place and Havana Cinema to an unknown destination. 

Report had it that the ever busy All Seasons Avenue was shut down as there was no vehicular movement due to the sporadic shootings by the armed gunmen who besieged the premises on company of Imo State government's agents (IIRS staffs).

The surprising aspect of the whole scenerio was that some staffs of the IIRS that wore media jackets were seen taking video and pictures of the commando-like operation, only God knows what their agenda was, an eye witness who observed the operation disclosed.

Meanwhile, the management of Mimi's Place and Havana Cinema had already gone on air to draw attention of Imolites and the general public to the attack on their business premises.

By: Kelechi Uzomah 08064075316

Hon. Attorney Dr. Charles Chibuike Onyirimba is an Ehime Mbano born American trained lawyer, media expert, human right activist, writer and opinion moulder who has used his God-given talents to better the lots of the society.

He is a known Community leader in Umueze 11 Ehime Mbano Local Government Area, elder statesman in Okigwe zone and Imo political strategist.

Give it to him, Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has used every available resources within his reach and powers to better the lives of the downtrodden in the society.

Ahead of the 2023 general election, Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has shown that he is one of the Imo Governorship aspirants to watch out for in Labour party. 

The legal practitioner is an asute lawyer, media expert and great mobilizer that has the grass roots supports he enjoys across party line in Imo State and no wonder his transformation movement is being coordinated by a woman of inestimable values, Mrs favour Nwelue.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has been one of the shinning stars of Okigwe zone, Imo State and Southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria zone in general given his contributions in the legal profession, activism and to the well-being of the people which has brought him closer to the people. 

You will not be wrong to describe him as one of the successful Imo sons in diaspora that has projected the state in good light and this is the more reason why he has always been the in front burner of activities in the state.

The story of Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba is one that touches the heart. This is because of his humble beginning in life which has encouraged and propelled lots of young people to greatness.

He was determined to succeed given the obvious fact that he was not born with silver spoon but with dint of hard work dedication, determination, forsightedness, commitment, fear of God and honesty. The rest today is history to the glory of God!

This great  mind and visionary thinker has remained a key player in the emancipation and development of Okigwe zone and Imo State.

He is a man of unshakable character, who has exhibited high leadership qualities that has endeared him to many people in Imo state who now sees him as the only way forward.

As a man of the people, Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has displayed sincerity of purpose, humane, honest, transparent and determination to pursue the common good of the people of Imo State unlike the present leaders who are only interested in their personal well beings and pockets.

The man of the moment has shown that he is a man to be reckoned with and no wonder he has dedicated his time, energy and resources for the common good of the people of the state where he is presently advocating for youth inclusiveness in leadership positions.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has proven beyond every reasonable doubt that he does not hold personal interest above common good and collective interest of the generality of the people of the state.

The legal luminary is a man with high pedigree and class, no doubt he has shown from the day one that he is determined to change the narrative in Imo State from the old order to new order and that's why he clamouring for the transformation of the state in 2023.

He is interested and committed to ensuring a strong and united Imo State where leaders would be accountable to the poor masses that gave them their mandate freely. 

The innovative thinker can best be described as a man with the midas touch, who is interested in a greater prosperity of Imo State where leaders would think first on how best to improve and better the life of the people instead of thinking on how best to win the next election.

This is to tell you that Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba will ensure a better and united Imo state where everyone will have equal stake in the new project he is about to build in the state if given the opportunity in 2023. 

The avowed desire and determination of Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba can not be over emphasized because he understood the people of the state more better than anybody can think of.

The man is working so hard to see that the people of Imo State are counted among people that are successful and where prosperity will be the benchmark to measure success.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba is a man blessed and endowed with wisdom and knowledge to reach out to the unreached in Imo State and his foundation is currently reaching out to a good number of youths and indigent people in the society.

There is one unique thing about this man many has seen to be the "only person that can rescue the state from it's many years of under development caused by overzealous leaders that have governed the state in recent past.

The pragmatic leader has changed the mentality of the youths of Umueze 11, Ehime Mbano Local Government, Okigwe zone who he has helped in securing them good jobs in both federal and state. He did not just give them fish but he thought them how to fish and be self dependent.

He has shown through his activities that the only development in life is human capital development which he has been spreading across the breathes of Imo State.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba is interested in seeing youths of Imo state to be counted once again among the successful people in Nigeria but not through fraudulent activities whether in business or area of their specialization. This is the more reason he has been using his hard earned money and resources to empower our people to meet up with their daily needs in life.

He believes that the only thing that gives him joy and the fulfilment of purpose is to see all sons of Imo state excelling in their chosen careers.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba is exactly what the people of Imo state needs going forward in the political arena which is the more reason why the young and vibrant Community leader has done everything humanly possible to reach out to everybody possible in order to change the narrative in state.

The internationally recognize attorney will make sure that the people of  Imo state enjoy him should he be supported to govern the state in the forthcoming general election in November, 2023 with the uncountable projects and programmes he will execute for the people and will also bridge the gap of bad leadership the people has suffered and experienced for so long.

The very man of the moment has today become the beautiful pride and darling to the people of Imo state who are desirous of a good Governor to preside over the affairs of the state.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has given both the old and young reasons to believe that truly, the awaiting messiah has finally come to better the lots of the people of the state

That is why today the people  are clamoring for him to be the torch bearer because he has a track record of service full of achievements and many of you will Marvel at what the man has done without blowing his trumpet for people to notice him.

Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba is the type of leader the people of Imo state need in all ramifications to better the lives of the people who are gnashing their teeth as a result of the pains, sufferings and untold hardship the people has suffered in the hands of these heartless people that parades themselves as leaders.

It is a thing of joy that Attorney Charles Chibuike Onyirimba has done wonderfully well to have empowered a handful of young men and women in different field of human endeavors. 

This man has equally given so many students supports and scholarship which has reduced the pains and sufferings from their parents.

Ladies and gentlemen, it is based on this available evidence that I present to you this committed young man who has shown through his actions and inactions that he is determined to serve Imo in 2023.

Kelechi Uzomah is a journalist and a public affair analyst based in Owerri, the Imo state capital.

Customers and patronizers of the popular Mimi's Place, located at All Seasons Avenue, Owerri has condemned the directive of the state government to seal off some business outlets in the state.

Some of the customers who confided in our reporter disclosed that the action of the state government was a political witch-hunt targeted at some Imo sons who may have some rift with the governor.

According to one of the patronizers of Mimi's place who identified himself as Chidex disclosed to our reporter Saturday morning 'I was at Mimi's place on Friday night to hang out with friends only to see IIRS's seal at the entrance gate leading to the premises. Am a regular at Mimi's place due to the serenity of the environment and entertainment vibes. I have read several reports both on print and social media how the owner of Mimi's place is being alledged to be an associate of Gov Hope Uzodinma contracted to distabilize Imo PDP but I wonder how an ally of a governor would be a victim of witch-hunt as a result of sealing his business premises, I find it difficult to reconcile this', Chidex disclosed.

It was gathered that Mimi's place was sealed as result of the Best of Judgement on Consumption Tax Remittance from January 2020 - January 2022 amounting to 51 (Fifty one)  million naira.

Recall that in 2020, COVID-19 wrecked havoc globally, resulting to shut down of business activities, alot of people lost their jobs while companies retrenched staffs due to rapid decline in revenue generation.

In Owerri, the Imo State capital, businesses were shut down following directives by the state government declaring Lockdown in the state.

Due to the dwindling economy occasioned by the pandemic, the Imo Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) issued a public notice with the title:

WAIVER ON 5% CONSUMPTION TAX FOR NON-FILING AND NON-PAYMENT the above decision on waiver was reached to help cushion the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on hotels and allied services. Of a truth, business activities was brought to a halt in 2020. Few months after the COVID-19 pandemic was gradually been contained, the ENDSARS protest took it's turn as youths in their numbers occupied major cities to register their grievance against the government at the center. 

This was followed by the gruesome killings by the UNGUN KNOWN-MEN No reasonable government will after considering the challenges that confronted these employers of labor, take such decision to seal off business premises without first exploiting dialogue with those affected.

'I can now decipher that all we read on social media about Gov Uzodinma's romance with the Myke Ikoku plotting to destroy Imo PDP to be false and cheap blackmail to malign reputation of the foremost employer of labor in Imo State, Mr Jerry Nkemakolam told our reporter. ' How can Ikoku be working for a government against PDP and at the same time be a victim of same government's treacherous act, people should stop blackmailing innocent people unnecessarily. 

'How do you expect investors to be able to pay tax when the government fails to do its own part by providing a conducive environment, ensure safety of life and properties amongst other', Nkemakolam opined.

Meanwhile, when the manager of Mimi's place was contacted, he declined comment but rather told our reporter that the management is yet to respond officially as regards the seal off of the premises by IIRS officials.