Zoning System Is Barbaric—Okorocha

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has condemned the zoning system of

election for not allowing credible candidates to emerge.

The State Governor stated this while on facility tour of Owerri, North and

Aboh Mbaise Local Government Areas.
Governor Okorocha who frowned at the politics of zoning which contributed

heavily to the woes of the masses and slow pace of development, said that

days are gone when people are deceived by the method pointing out that

people should consider the quality and credibility of every candidate as a

yard stick for voting rather then zoning affiliation which he described as

obsolete and barbaric.
Owelle Okorocha highlighted some of the land mark achievement of his

administration ranging from massive road construction, free education

secure environment void of crime and violence. He pointed out that the All

Progressives Congress (APC) would consolidate on the progress made so far

by his administration while he maintained that Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) would take the State backwards if they are allowed in.

The Governor disclosed that his administration approved 20.66 kilometers

of roads for Owerri North, with N1.239 billion Naira approved for their

construction whereas about N880 million have been paid to contractors. He

promised to reconstruct more roads. He warned contractors handling

government project to work according to specifications and schedule

pointing out that about 17 contractors were locked up presently for such

offences.
Speaking earlier the transition committee Chairman of Owerri North Engr.

Chuks Ololo commended Governor Rochas Okorocha on his giant strides and

numerous road projects with over 19 Kms of roads completed in the LGA and

for appointing many of their people into his exco. He assuned the governor

of their unalloyed support and solidarity.
Speaking the Chief of Staff Imo Government House Sir, Jude Ejiogu stated

that Governor Okorocha has beaten his predecessors as land mark

achievement pointing out that the governor accommodated many sons of the

area into his cabinet and proved himself a true friend of Owerri North he

challenged the people not to be deceived by selfish politicians who would

presents various empty promises.
The Chairman of Ndi-Eze Owerri North, HRH, Eze Emmanuel Okoro, on behalf

of other traditional rulers in the area pleaded for the foreigners of one

of them who was suspended sometime ago. He enjoined the Governor to embark

on facility tour frequently to get first hard information which would move

the communities and state forward.
While at Aboh Mbaise Owelle Okorocha promised to complete all on going

projects and do more, he disclosed that in less than one year the Imo

State University, Mbaise Campus building will be put in place.

The governor regretted that out of about 16.1 kilometers of road approved

for the area only 6.1 km was asphalted and N990m was approved whereas N37m

was paid. He called for more priority roads from the area for immediate

attention. He however called for the arrest of some contractors in that

Local government who failed to work according to specification as a

deterrent to others.
Earlier the transition Committee Chairman of Aboh Mbaise Dr. Victor

Ukpabi, commended the governor for changing the political land scope of

the State. He described Governor Okorocha as the most innovative governor

ever in Nigeria.
Dr. Ukpabia commended the governor among other things which include the

building of one-storey classroom block in every political ward in Aboh

Mbaise, the restoration of the school of Midwifery, prompt payment of

workers salaries, the Youth Most Work programme which brought sharp

reduction of youths unemployment in various communities and the massive

construction of ultra modern general Hospitals in each of the 27 LGAs of

Imo state.
Speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Mr. Sam

Onwuemedo stated that the vision of Governor Rochas Okorocha which was

geared towards salvaging the state made him accept the governor's

appointment. He extolled the governor's impeccable leadership style which

produced numerous democratic dividends.
In his speech, the Commissioner for Housing Barr. Iheukwumere Alaribe

commended the governor for various appointments from the LGA and asked for

more while he promised their unflinching support to his political

ambitions.
Present at the occasion include political leaders, Traditional Rulers,

Religious leaders well meaning individuals from the local government

areas.