@59: Irona celebrated as steadfast, trusted leader - ITREALMS

Tribute@ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

It was a moment of heartfelt tributes and celebration on Friday, as family, friends, political allies, and well-wishers gathered at the Abuja residence of former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Engr. Gerald Irona, to mark his 59th birthday.

Speakers hailed Irona as a principled, dependable, and courageous leader whose legacy continues to inspire trust and admiration.

@59: Ihedioha a shinning example says Irona - ITREALMS

ITREALMS ... making leadership SENSE with digital news!

The former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Engr. Gerald Irona has described his former boss, Chief Emeka Ihedioha as a shining example of true leadership, reports ITREALMS.

In a message of felicitation in honour of the former governor's 59th birthday, Irona eulogised Chief Ihedioha, describing him as a pillar of hope for Imo State.

Irona tasks medics on professionalism, gets award - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Deputy Governor of Imo State, Engr. Gerald Irona has tasked medical practitioners in the State to always uphold the ethics of the profession, reports ITREALMS.

This is coming as the Imo State Chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) honoured him with a meritorious service award at the weekend.

The Deputy Governor gave the charge while speaking at the grand finale of the Association’s 2019 Physician’s Week celebration held in Owerri on Sunday.

Represented by his Senior Special Assistant, Media and Communications, Dr. Walter Duru, the Deputy Governor also called on stakeholders to continue to support the administration of Chief Emeka Ihedioha to move the state forward.

He further urged them to take steps to rid the medical profession of quacks.

Earlier in his speech, Imo State Chairman of NMA, Dr. Kyrian Duruewuru commended the Governor Emeka Ihedioha-led administration for his timely resolution of the industrial disagreement between resident Doctors in the state and the state Government, a challenge inherited from the last administration.

He pledged the commitment of the Association to continue to live up to expectations in the discharge of their duties.

Duruewuru also used the occasion to pour encomiums on the Deputy Governor on the leadership role he played in resolving the industrial dispute between resident Doctors and the state government, describing him as a good friend of the Association.

Other beneficiaries of the NMA Meritorious and Distinguished Medical Practitioners Award are: former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission-INEC, Professor Maurice Iwu, Dr. Barthy Okorochukwu, Emeh Chukwuemeka, Dr. Josephat Nnebo and Chief Richards Abarakwe.

The 2019 Physicians’ Week, with the theme “Care of the Unknown Patient: an Overview”, had “curbing the increasing trend of suicide in Nigeria: the role of NMA” and “the Doctor as an Entrepreneur” as sub themes.

High points of the event were presentation of the NMA Meritorious and Distinguished Medical Practitioners Award, special cultural presentations, among others.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

Pix: 

Irona: PDP will chase criminals away from Govt. - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

… As Anwuka’s kinsmen back Ihedioha

The Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party-PDP in Imo State and former member of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona has promised that the party will chase criminals out of public offices if voted into power in the forthcoming governorship election in Imo State, reports ITREALMS.

Irona stated this while receiving youth of Egbuoma community in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State under the aegis of Ubokwu Youth Solidarity Forum, who paid him a solidarity visit in his Oguta residence, weekend.

He blamed the political class in Egbuoma community for the absence of government presence in the area, promising to right the wrongs. He identified youth empowerment and commercial agriculture as central to their blueprint for development.

He however mentioned some of the developmental projects he attracted to Egbuoma community while serving as House of Assembly member, Local Government Chairman and federal lawmaker to include: Electricity, Water, Political appointments, Health Center, among others. He challenged the community to mention any public office holder from the community that has done as much as he did for the community.

“I have done so much for Egbuoma community. I just counted some of them. I challenge you to prove me wrong. I also challenge you to mention one political office holder from Egbuoma that has done more than what I have done for your community. The Minister of States for Education, Professor Anthony Anwukah is your son-from Egbuoma. He is a former Secretary to Imo State Government, yet you have no roads in your community. Tell me what he has done for your people, both as Minister and as SSG.”

“I am in politics to develop and not to oppress. I will do far more than I have already done, if you support the Ihedioha/Irona governorship project in Imo State and we win. You have no future in the All Progressives Congress or Action Alliance. Senator Hope Uzodimma has been our Senator for nearly eight (8) years now. Let him mention one thing he has done in Egbuoma. Let him also mention one thing he has done in Oguta Local Government Area at large in eight years as Senator. I have been in government since 1995. If I had any criminal record, they would have come after me by now. There is no 419person following us in the PDP and we will chase all criminals away when we get to power. Ensure you ask relevant questions and vote for people you will be proud of. Never again will they oppress us.”

Earlier in his address, Spokesman of the delegation, Orisha Nduba, pledged their support to the Ihedioha/Irona ticket. He informed Hon. Irona of the resolve of the entire youth of the community to work for the success of the PDP in the forthcoming general elections.

Adding his voice, President of the group and leader of the delegation, Mr. Nwabueze Mgbadiga appealed to Hon. Irona to come to the aid of the community by assisting in the grading of some of the roads, which, according to him are in very deplorable state.

Similarly, the leadership of the Oguta Local Government Motorcyclists Association has notified Hon. Irona on the resolve of all Motorcyclists in the Local Government Area to work for the success of the PDP in the forthcoming general elections.

Leading a 30-man delegation of Chairmen of the various units and members of the Local Government Executives of the association to the Oguta residence of the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate in Imo State, Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona, Chairman of the Association, Ogbonna Ifesinachi described the PDP as the only hope of Imo people in 2019.

“We are here to show solidarity with you and to deliver the message of the members of the Motorcyclists Union in Oguta Local Government Area. The message is simple- We have decided to support and work with you. Of all the governorship candidates in the state, it is only the PDP that has credible candidates as Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidates. We know you. We have tested you and we are sure that you will always deliver. With you as Deputy Governor, government is closer to us and our needs shall be attended to. You are our hope and we are solidly behind you.”

In his response, the PDP Deputy Governorship candidate, Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona lamented over what he described as the criminal neglect of the masses and poor governance in the state, promising not to disappoint the people when voted into office.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

*JOIN our alert's group | Share stories with us | Advert placement: WhatsApp | SMS: +2348033592762 *Twitter: @ITREALMS *Email: itrealms.dsa@gmail.com*

PDP says no controversy over deputy Irona - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Peoples Democratic Party has denied reports of an alleged controversy over choice of former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Gerald Irona as Deputy Governorship candidate of the Party in Imo State, reports ITREALMS.

Imo State Vice Chairman of the party in charge of Orlu senatorial zone, Chief Aloysius Igwe gave the clarification while responding to a newspaper report alleging that some stakeholders were not consulted before Hon. Irona was selected.

Communications Adviser to Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona, Dr. Walter Duru in a press statement made available to ITREALMS, quoted Irona ias saying that as a true son of Orlu zone, a good party man, a transparent leader and one with capacity to deliver the zone to the Peoples Democratic Party in 2019.

 
“Irona is a true son of Orlu zone. He is qualified to be Deputy Governor of Imo state by all standards. He is a true party man. His appointment as Deputy Governorship candidate of the PDP is not out of place. As Orlu zonal Chairman of the PDP, I am comfortable with him. What is important at this point is how we can work together to forge ahead.” 

Continuing, Igwe said: “whoever feels there is a communication gap should look at the broader picture. Let us all sheath our sword and see how we forge ahead. The most important thing is that person that can help us win the election. Now that Irona has emerged, we must all rally round him and deliver the party in Imo State. Our focus at the moment is to win the election and that should be the interest of every true stakeholder of the party.” 

Adding his voice, Chairman of the PDP in Oguta Local Government Area of the State, Chief Fred Opiah frowned at the publication, describing it as sponsored to distract the party. 

“As far as I am concerned, the choice of Irona is the best thing that has happened to the PDP in Imo ahead of 2019 elections. The persons that sponsored the publication must repent and face the truth. I don’t really know what they want. Hon. Irona has paid his dues. He is reliable and has capacity to deliver. With him, PDP is sure of victory in Orlu zone. 

Again, angels and men will bear witness that it is the turn of Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/ Oru West federal constituency to produce the Deputy Governorship candidate of the Party in the interest of fair play and justice.” 

It would be recalled that an Owerri-based local tabloid in its Friday edition entitled “Imo PDP Deputy: Orlu stakeholders raise alarm over choice…” alleged that some stakeholders of the party in Orlu zone were not consulted before Irona was chosen as running mate to Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha of the Peoples Democratic Party in Imo State.

Uboshe Uboshe/GEE

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!

Imo 2019: Why Irona is deputy Ihedioha needs - ITREALMS

Monday Commentary@ITREALMS:

The wind of politics is blowing heavily across the country, with alignments and re-alignments as daily occurrences, depending on the interest of individual politicians, groups and associations. In Imo State, the wind is so heavy that the state is up for grabs, as no particular political party or structure can confidently claim that Imo is in its hands.

A look at the major political parties in the state shows that they are all crises-ridden, but for the Peoples’ Democratic Party-PDP, which gubernatorial primary is adjudged most transparent and peaceful, both in Imo State and at the National stage; particularly, the governorship (Imo) and Presidential primaries that produced Hon. Emeka Ihedioha and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, respectively.

One of the aspirants for the Imo PDP gubernatorial ticket, Senator SamDaddy Anyanwu is said to have approached the Court to challenge the outcome of the primaries, even after allegedly congratulating and pledging to support the flagbearer, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha; a move pundit describe as being done in bad fate. As at today, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha remains the authentic flag bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.

The other two main political parties in the state: the All Progressives Congress- APC and the All Progressives Grand Alliance appear to be in an unending internal battle for control of the parties. While the APC presently has two of her aspirants- Chief Uche Nwosu and Senator Hope Uzodimma claiming to be candidates of the Party; the All Progressives Grand Alliance broke the hearts of millions of people, who were hoping that the party would elect an acceptable gubernatorial candidate through a peaceful and transparent process. Some of the party’s gubernatorial aspirants are already pitching their tents with other political parties. No doubt, the internal wrangling of the APC and APGA may still linger and will certainly not end well. The rest is history.

One other candidate that many expect would make a serious impact in the election is that of the Young Progressives Party-YPP, Mr. Linus Okorie. Okorie would have been a good candidate, but for his political party, which many see as not having the required structure and network to take over Imo in 2019. The YPP has so much to do to enhance its visibility, position itself as a strong and identifiable brand, while strengthening its structures for greater impact. Who knows? There is nothing God cannot do.

The Peoples Democratic Party appears to be the shinning star of the moment in Imo. It has gone beyond primaries and already positioning itself for the main election, hence, the thrust of this piece. Hon. Ihedioha’s chances of becoming Imo Governor have never been this bright. If he fails to win in 2019, he might as well forget governing Imo forever. Whatever decisions he takes at this stage will go a long way in determining if he will win; and if he does, whether he will enjoy a peaceful reign as governor. The crux of this piece is not to set an agenda for him yet. That is for another day. The idea behind this is to ensure he gets conscious of the banana peels around.

Any moment from now, a Deputy Governorship candidate will emerge. What should be the considerations for Hon. Emeka Ihedioha’s choice of a Deputy? If he fails to get it right at this point, then, his major problem has started.

The recent betrayal of the Lagos State Governor by some of his aides, especially, his Deputy is still very fresh in our minds. The first consideration in choosing a Deputy Governor must therefore be trust. Such a person must therefore be someone he has known and possibly worked with in the past.

Next in order of importance is capacity. Having one with no experience in governance and public service is a recipe to failure. The state of affairs in Imo as at today is so bad that putting a green horn in certain positions might spell doom for the next administration. The Deputy Governor must be one that has capacity to support and guide his principal. Such a person must also be one that will have the ability to guide and advise the Governor sincerely. This is very important because one of the major reasons behind the failure of leaders is that they are usually surrounded by sycophants who do not tell them the true state of things, thereby making them continue in error.

Again, such a person must not be tainted with corruption and will have the ability to suggest initiatives that will promote transparency in governance. One of the major problems of the present administration in Imo is the complete absence of transparency and accountability. Having one that has no baggage of corruption, with capacity to drive good governance initiatives will certainly make the business of governance easy for the incoming governor.

More so, political consideration is a very important issue that must be given serious consideration. The PDP Governorship candidate is from Owerri senatorial zone of the state, with nine local government areas. The disputed candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance - Senator Ifeanyi Araraume is from Okigwe zone, with only six Local Government Areas. The two individuals jostling to have the ticket of the APC- Chief Uche Nwosu and Senator Hope Uzodimma are both from Orlu zone. Orlu is the largest/biggest senatorial zone in Imo State, with twelve Local Government Areas.

Strategically, the only option the PDP candidate has is to pick a running mate from Orlu zone. Apart from being the largest senatorial zone, the two candidates of the APC have serious baggage working against them. The gist is for another day.

In Orlu zone, one must look inwards, to ensure that historic and landmark decisions are taken. There are four Federal constituencies in Orlu zone. The first is Ideato Federal constituency, made up of Ideato North and South. This constituency produced the incumbent Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, who is about completing his second tenure in office. It is therefore completely out of it.

Next is Orlu, Orsu and Oru East Federal constituency. This constituency produced two-time Governor of Imo State, Chief Achike Udenwa, who ruled the state for eight years. It also produced a former Deputy Governor of the state, Dr. Douglas Acholonu. It is also instructive that one of the two main contenders for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress- Senator Hope Uzodimma is from this constituency.

The third is the Nwangele/Nkwerre/Isu and Njaba federal constituency. The Orlu zonal senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Rt. Hon. Jones Onyereri is from this constituency. Can the Senator and Deputy Governor come from the same place? More so, one of the two APC Gubernatorial hopefuls, Chief Uche Nwosu is from the same area.

The last, but most marginalized federal constituency in the area is the Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West federal constituency. In spite of contributing over eighty (80) percent of Imo crude oil earnings, as well as being the food basket of the state, this federal constituency remains the most marginalized in the state. This is the only oil producing federal constituency in the state. It is the same area that Adapalm is situated. Sadly also, it is currently ravaged by flood, with the attendant oil pollution. The federal constituency has neither produced a governor nor a deputy, since the creation of the state.

Interestingly, Hon. Ihedioha is from Owerri zone of the state which has also been crying over marginalization. He therefore has an idea of how it feels to be marginalized. If Ndi Imo agree that it is the turn of Owerri zone, will he not agree that the marginalized people of Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West federal constituency be considered for at least, a Deputy Governorship slot?

Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha will be writing his name in gold as an apostle of justice and fair play if he looks in the direction of Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West federal constituency in selecting his running mate for the 2019 general election. This decision will portray him as one that does not accept injustice in any form. Even stakeholders from other constituencies agree that it is the turn of the oil producing federal constituency to have a shot at the deputy governorship position. Doing this will simply mean implementing the wish of the people and this will endear him more to the masses.

In all of these, one candidate that appears to fit into all the earlier listed criteria and most importantly, has the electoral value and capacity to secure victory for Hon. Ihedioha in the zone is a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Gerald Irona. If you have him, then, you are sure. An Ihedioha/Irona ticket will give hope to the people. Irona is transparent, credible, experienced, reliable, competent, independent-minded and trustworthy.

Imo people appear determined to vote out the APC in the next general elections. APGA has also broken the people’s heart. It is not about partisanship at this stage, but about patriotism. The hope of the people of Imo state for 2019 is the PDP’s candidate. Don’t dash it. Hon. Ihedioha’s chances are very bright. Let’s collectively fight injustice, as injury to one is injury to all. It is the turn of Ohaji/Egbema/Oguta/Oru West federal constituency to produce a deputy governor. Be an instrument of honour and give the people justice.

Irona as deputy governor will nail it!

*Contributed by Dr. Walter Duru is a Communication expert and Public Relations Strategist. He can be reached on:walterchike@gmail.com.

ITREALMS ... everything news digitally!