…As Prince Marshall Okaforanyanwu suspended

By Chimdi Eme

The Social Democratic Party, SDP national working committee has suspended the Imo State Chairman, Prince Marshall Okaforanyanwu and put in place a Caretaker State Working Committee, SWC headed by Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry.

In a letter dated 17th July 2023, which was signed by the National Secretary, Dr Olu Agunloye, the National leadership of the party suspended Prince Okaforanyanwu because of anti-party allegations.

The party, according to the letter has also set up a panel to investigate the allegations against the former Chairman, adding that the suspension subsists until further notice.

Addressing members of the Caretaker executives at the party secretariat in Owerri on Thursday, the new State Chairman, Mr Eluwa Ifeanyi Henry charged the SWC members to be up and doing and not show laxity.

He urged them to assist the party conquer the state, especially by attracting membership of young persons at the grassroots.

Eluwa informed the SWC members that the national leadership of the party had carefully constituted the new State executives to have about ninety percent of young people.

He promised to carry everyone along including all old and new members who are willing to work for the progress of the party.

Making a brief appearance at the inaugural meeting, Imo State SDP gubernatorial candidate, Hon Obinna Bright Ekwebelem said the Caretaker Committee is God’s making to make a new thing in Imo.

He informed them that to whom much is given much is expected, adding that they should work to showcase themselves as leaders of their locality.

Ekwebelem urged them to sacrifice and work to make the SDP formidable by building grassroots structure, stressing that national leadership is looking up to then to make the party viable.

He promised to put in his best and do whatever it will take to make the party strong.

In his own remarks, the Deputy Governorship candidate, Barr Nlem Uchenna urged all the newly constituted SWC members to be steadfast and committed, stressing that in the game of politics, “it is not over until it is all over”.

Efforts to reach the suspended former Chairman, Prince Okaforanyanwu for comments proved abortive at press time.

Conscious of the fact that food prices are skyrocketing everywhere, every day, Imo state inclusive, Mr. Obinna Bright Ekwebelem the Candidate of the Social Democratic Party SDP, says he will put Agriculture on the front burner.

Speaking to Newsmen in Owerri the State Capital, the Business mogul cum capitalist said that if voted into office, he will prioritize Agriculture and make food available in Imo through aggressive planting of Economic trees.

According to him, “There is hunger in the land and our people are not finding it funny. Hunger can cause a whole lot of social vices. So in my time, I will make Agriculture a priority where we would produce what we eat and not depend on other states”.

He further stressed the need on planting Economic trees like Improved seedlings of Ogbono, Dwalf Palm trees, Dwalf Coconut; yellow and green, Orange, Pawpaw and planting of Avacado Pear, Sweet apple, Good banana and plaintain suckers etc.q

Also, reintroducing the rearing of Native cows and Goats in every community, towns and villages. Fish farming will also be made available.

This according to him, would fetch Billions of Naira to the State.

Join the moving train today. Onboard, let's ride!

✍️OBINNA BRIGHT EKWEBELEM MEDIA OFFICE.

25.06.2023

.......Vow To Reposition The Club

Chief Charles Okeke (Odiuko) has been elected unopposed as the Chairman of Owerri Club in her recently conducted election.

Owerri Club is the premier members-only sports and recreation club established in 1976 and inaugurated by the then Military Governor of Imo State, Col. Sunday Adenihun on 16th of September, 1978. 

Owerri  Club occupies a pride of place as one of the oldest sports and recreation clubs in South Eastern Nigeria.

Chief Okeke, a former elected Chairman of Orsu LGA, an entrepreneur of note and current Chairman of the University of Ife Alumni Association was elected alongside Engr. Victor Onyewuchi (Vice Chairman), Sir Emeka Omeaku (Hon. Secretary), Dr Francis Nnolim (Treasurer), Ik Ogbonna (Social/Publicity Secretary), Mazi Udochukwu Okereke (Financial Secretary), Engr. Dr Hyginus Emeka Opara (Maintenance Secretary), Dr J.U Akuchie (Bar Secretary), Engr. Okechukwu Dike (Ordinary Member) and Chief Dimagu Okoroha the Grill Secretary. 

Chief Charles Okeke in his remarks promised to restore the club as the premier relaxation and sports club in the South East and attract more members to the club. Odiuko as he is popularly called promised to return peace, accountability and unity to Owerri Club.  He thanked the members for the trust reposed on him and assured them that he won't take it for granted.  

Chief Okeke was  elected unopposed as  his only opponent  graciously stepped down for him.

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmoud Yakubu and his National Commissioners on Wednesday, met with members of the various transport unions which the commission had engaged during the 2023 General Elections. 

The meeting which had as its main objective, the review of the conduct of the 2023 General Elections, was also attended by electoral officers.

According to the Commission, a review of the conduct of the engaged transport unions vis-a vis the implementation of the MOU signed with unions on the provision of logistics, is sacrosanct.

Also, the meeting took stock of how the electoral officers, who served as field supervisors carried out their assignments.

The Imo State Governor, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma has unveiled the Imo State Law Reports of 2004 to 2022.

In his address, Governor Uzodimma reassured the Judiciary that the 3R mantra of the Shared Prosperity Government will continue to reconstruct, rehabilitate and recover the dignity of the Justice sector in the State. 

Speaking earlier, Justice Teresa Chikeka commended the Governor for being supportive of the judiciary and making the unveiling of the state's 20-year Law reports a possibility. She also recommended law reports for lawyers and aspiring judges. 

In her remark, Hon Justice Mary Peter-Odili who was the guest of honor described the event as Governor Uzodimma's legacy. 

According to her, "This great man has silently put in place historic infrastructures and has done that which has been left unattended in more than 20 years”.

"Mr. Governor, God will bless you. God have blessed you my Governor and will continue to bless you.

"By embarking on this law report, showing the hard work of the judges of Imo State and the work of lawyers in Imo State, it will encourage them to work extra hard knowing that their labour will not be forgotten”.

Others present at the unveiling were the Deputy Governor, Professor Placid Njoku, Attorney General, COC Akaolisa, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Mike Ahamba SAN, Deputy Speaker Imo House of Assembly, Rt Hon Amara Chyna Iwuanyanwu and a host of Government appointees, lawyers, judges, and traditional leaders which was held at Imo Concord Hotels, Owerri.