“Confusion – numerous and intensive – is not conducive for adequate development for Imo State, a State lagging shamefully behind others like Akwa Ibom State. We urge Gov. Rochas to urgently do “something” about its minimization and resolution and avoid the avoidable ones, for time is fast running out.” Engr. Cele
There is at least one good thing I will remember Gov. Rochas for; he has declared that the probe report on ex-Gov. Ikedi Ohakim will be made public within 14 days. A group called Joint Action Group (JAG), led by Rev (Mrs) Ngozi Amadi carried out a protest calling for the probe. “She maintained that ex-Gov. Ohakim squandered public funds on non-existent Oak Refinery, Midwest Airline, Dredging of Nwaorie River, Oguta Lake Resort as well as diverted substantial sum of the N18.5 Billion Bond” See Midweek Nigerian Horn, 5-6 Dec. 2012, page 2. May Ohakim become the second “JAMES IBORI”. Recall that early this year we called for this probe in a write-up in this forum. By this probe, Rochas should equally advise himself to put his own administration in order.
Gov. Owelle Rochas Okorocha came into Government of Imo State in unprecedented manner in the annals of Nigerian politics. With the people’s blood and support, his victory was secured. It must be stated that due to the terrible experiences under the reign of Ikedi Ohakim Imo people wanted a change by all means. Given the popularity Rochas had created through his Education Foundation, he fitted the bill and seized the moment by settling APGA leadership. He rode to victory on APGA party, aura of late Dim Emeka Ojukwu and his own popularity then.
The practice of giving names, especially early for epic situations, is well documented in biblical history. Take for examples Isaac (Genesis 17v19, 21v3), John the Baptist (Luke 1v13) and Jesus Christ (Isa 9v6-7, Matt. 1v21). Some others’ names were changed and typical of this is Saul of Tarsus who became Paul, the greatest Apostle (Acts 13v1-2,9, 14v12). What could God had called or changed his name to, and what should Imo people call or change the name of Gov. Rochas to? The Bible stated that at the witness of two or more, a matter is established (see Deuteronomy 17v6 & 19v15). While this is not a comprehensive catalogue of confusion inducing or creating acts/actions of Gov. Rochas, we shall brief look at some of them, enough to justify this new name.
The actions of Rochas in trying to build his Monumental Hotel at Area K was met with the resolute opposition of Ndi Owere Iche Ise, especially the village laying claims to their ancestral land. Women and others kept vigil at the site until Rochas withdrew and promised to build the hotel in Orlu zone, if not his own village.
The relocation of the Eke Ukwu Owere market followed, though not in chronological order or sequence. Ndi Owere Iche Ise again have risen stoutly against it. For which attempts have been and are being made on lives. For example, my senior Emma Odu, who pointed out that markets are under the Local Government (LG) and not the Governor. He should know as LG Chairman, though their case is in court against Rochas. Rochas indicated that the Eke Ukwu will be moved to Government Trade Centre (GTC) site. He should modernize the market at its current site as is the case with the Mile One market in Port Harcourt Rivers State, Balogu in Lagos and others. Also the GTC should be resuscitated to cater for the numerous Imo students, at a time there is national call to go back to technical basics if Nigeria should survive technologically. His new International Institute cannot cater for all cadres of students and should not be used to kill GTC Owerri.
“The City (State) of confusion is broken…For where there is envying and strife, there is confusion and every evil work. God is not the Author of confusion but of peace…Let all things be done decently and in order” The Bible
We move to the 419 Free Education Rochas just announced few weeks ago. This started at the Primary and Secondary levels. The Keke driver that was conveying me one day in Oweeri narrated the tricks and the family business involved.
Now Rochas has hit the BIG ONE with public proclamation of Free Education for Imo students in Higher Institutions in the State. The National Association of Imo State Students (NAISS) have vowed to drag Rochas to Court for allegedly deceiving them and the World at large. However, the pomp and pageantry …has been dampened by recent reports that it is a hoax, a tool designed to score cheap political points. Senator Ifanyi Araraume …wonders where the free education is, as he pays levies and fees for four wards in IMSU. See Midweek Nigerian Horn 5-6 Dec. 2012 Vol. 4 No. 93 and Discourse – The Two sides of Okorochas’ Free Education Programme by Chinedu Uzodinma Gsm 08187344240, page 9, Imo Trumpeta 4 Dec. 2012 Vol. 2 No. 146, culled from www.innocentonyeukwu.blogspot.com
At the Imo University, we start with the failed attempt to relocate the Institution to his home village. For this, Ndi Owere sued him under Dozie-Mezie leadership. He sensed his imminent disgrace in court and made tactical withdrawal. He however embarked on frustrating the relocation to the permanent site, already decided many years ago by the founders of the University, by setting up a panel under his Deputy Sir Jude Agbaso to revisit the decision of the site. The panel had disbanded as confusion engulfed the whole process as personal interests took over sound reasoning. The current state of IMSU – “Imo State University has remained without substantive VC. One wonders why a Governing Council (GC) of IMSU which was constituted since Dec. 2011 has not been formally inaugurated. A situation where IMSU does not have a GC for about a year is an absurdity. Again, IMSU is the only University that does not have a substantive VC for about three years. It is a monstrosity which is deleterious to effective management of a normal University” See page 7, Imo Trumpeta 6 Dec. 2012 Vol. 2 No 147.
The confusing acts/actions are not yet done with in Educational Institutions in the state. Being land-crazy, He did not spare the Alvan Ikoku University of Education. Bulldozers were moved into Alvan’s land across Nwaorei River. A land kept for future expansion, existing before I did a term in Biology-Chemistry in 1978, and knowing the elevated status of the college to University, why should Rochas trespass their land? One more confusion in the educational terrain – “Controversy trails Relocation of the College of Health Science from Nwangele LGA” reads of the front page banners of ImoTrumpeta 6 Dec. 2012, Vol. 2 No 147. Youths from the area demonstrated at the Imo House of Assembly and Orluzurumee has kicked against the move. In Rivers state, Gov. Amaechi is seriously developing infrastructures in their School of Health Technology to achieve affiliation with their State University.
In the same Imo Trumpeta of 6 Dec. 2012, I read “Owere Nchi Ise to boycott CGC Election”. I had done analysis of the ACCA Law for Rochas’ pet 4th Tier Government and declared such a law was a shame on Imo State, given its illegality and shallowness of reasoning. Because Rochas was bent on 4th Tier, he settled the IMHA to roll out a law to back his illegality. Back to Owere Nchi Ise. At the practical level, Owerri Municipal is one LGA but has only Eze Njemanze. Since by the ACCA law (ISLN No. 1 of 2012) each Community Governing Council (CGC) must have an Eze as Chairman, per this law, Owere Nchi Ise can only have one CGC for technically they are one autonomous community. To get more CGCs, there must be more autonomous communities with Ndi Eze. This is an issue that has continued to create serious turbulence for quite some time. More confusion will emerge on the 4th Tier sooner than later.
“Confusion – its numerous and intensive – is not conducive for adequate development for Imo State, a State lagging shamefully behind others like Akwa Ibom State. We urge Gov. Rochas to urgently do “something” about its minimization and resolution and avoid the avoidable ones, for time is fast running out.” Engr. Cele
I do not want to elaborate the confusions in the many roads opened up now begging for real construction as many contractors have realized the wuru wuru involved. How about the destruction of New-Face school building in Township school, the impeding closing down of Emmanuel College? To be used as Motor park. Treat as grapevine for now but know that every hidden thing will be exposed someday, Jesus assured us.) Few days ago, some pastors in Owerri demonstrated against the demolition of their churches without due process and adequate notice. Another set has warned against elevation of Islamic prayers to State status and the continued silence of Rochas over the Boko Haram killing of Imo People in the North. I have gathered that this stems from the Mo-Chris or Chris-Lam confused state of Rochas. He should note that he cannot serve two masters at the same time. One knows this is for political expediencies.
One can become confused in recounting the confusions created by Rochas in Imo State in just two years. With two more years to go, one hopes and prays that Imo people will remain sane and survive.
“The City (State) of confusion is broken…For where there is envying and strife, there is confusion and every evil work. God is not the Author of confusion but of peace…Let all things be done decently and in order” The Bible
As we close read this quote “It will be recalled that Rochas’ administration has pitched itself against many individuals and groups in legal battles for some of its policies and actions …Sometime ago, Hon. Justice Okonkwo said the action of the Governor and his agents are unconstitutional and void … without going through due process” Trumpeta 4 Dec. 2012 IHHA COMMISSION Vs OKOROCHA, GOVT ASKS FOR MORE TIME. Without due process, it is – Confusion, Confusion, and Confusion. This is serious as it indicates serious problems at policy formulation and strategy Levels of Government.
Homour is good medicine when applied properly. And so in a football match that involved Emmanuel College (ECOL) in those good days, the match progressed to penalties and ECOL should have won if their goalkeeper caught the last one. He was nervous and could not catch, so their Principal cried out “Nervous Agu” For identity protection, we leave the name as Agu. Recall in one of the Nations Cup finals with Aloy Agu in the post for Nigerian Green Eagles. One of the embarrassing goals in Agu’s career was that goal we saw him crawling on his four to prevent a goal, but he could not. So for the rest of Agu’s school days in ECOL, NERVIOUS was attached to his name – Nervous Agu. May CONFUSION not become or be attached to Gov. Rochas’ name.
Please do a short Bible study on CONFUSION. Use a good Concordance like Cruden’s Complete Concordance. Sample Reading: Isa 24v10-12, Dan 9v8-10, Acts 19v29, 1Cor. 14v33&40 and Jas. 3v14-18
Please I wish you and your beloved ones Merry Xmas and Prosperous New Year 2013 with Confusion. Please ignore typo errors caused by confusion. Take life easy. God bless you real Good.
Engr. Cele Gsm: 
d Email: engr.cele@yahoo.com
