Politics

I am and will Remain the Most Popular Governor In Nigeria – Rochas Okorocha

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state has declared himself the most popular governor in Nigeria based on the caliber of personalities and institutions that visit the state to have a look at some of his projects and policies.

Okorocha declared this during a media parley hosted in the Government house, Owerri on Monday that he has outperformed other 35 state governors because internationally recognised personalities had been trooping to Imo to cel- ebrate his idea of moulding statues, creating Happiness Ministry amongst others; a development, he claimed, glad- dens his heart.

According to the governor, what had happened to Owerri, the state capital in terms of Urban Renewal, would shift to Orlu and Okigwe towns with the N27billion mapped out for construction of more 600 kiliometers of roads across the 27 local government areas, LGAs. He further disclosed that his administration plans to covert

Arondizuogu Secondary School to a college of education while Ahiara Technical College in Mbaise will be converted to a polytechnic.

Three-day policy ban Meanwhile, a swift change in policy has seen the governor announce the cancellation of the controversial three-day work policy for civil servants in the state, barely two years after it was initiated. Following the cancellation of the policy, Imo state workers are expected to resume normal five working days.

Okorocha explained the reason for the policy volte-face: “recession has ended and things have stabilised. We can return to normalcy and work is inclusive. So, from March 1, 2018, civil servants will now work five days as was the practice before”.

Succession plot Reacting to the allegation that his cabinet members angle to succeed him, Okorocha said he has not endorsed anybody because if he does, op- ponents will pull the person down before time.

The governor said “I have not endorsed any of my appointees yet; I have not made my decision to support any of them because am waiting for Imo people to choose and show us and I will support that person. I know chief of staff, Uche Nwosu, deputy governor, Prince Eze Madumere as well as representative Chike Okafor are all interested”, Okorocha stated.

He reeled out his achieve- ments saying he has out- performed his predecessors all put together, even as he said this year, Imo people should expect more projects and infrastructure.

He disclosed that the state is set to celebrate her 42nd anniversary adding that activities which include conferment of Imo Merit Award, Imo day of thanksgiving, State of Imo ad- dress are some programmes lined up to celebrate the state’s creation anniversary.

Okorocha said this year, his government would address social ills in the state which includes confronting hard drugs use, even as he warned that anyone caught peddling and using will be dealt with.