• Insists He Does Not Hate Them.
Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha has said he does not hate Owerri indigenes as erroneously believed by the people just as he called on them to stop being slaves to a cabal
It is Okorocha’ s major statement on Owerri people after his relationship with the people took a low ebb when the Eke Ukwu Owerri market was demolished in September 2017
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Owerri indigenes strongly kicked against the demolition of the market and despite several appeals to the State government, the market was demolished
Speaking during a visit to him by Amawom and Umuororonjo communities at Government House, Owerri, he cautioned them to avoid the antics of some politicians whom he described as slave masters that have kept them in perpetual bondage because of their ulterior motive. He said that he discovered that some leaders from the area have turned themselves into a cabal and do not want to see the light of development.
“Some group of people have ganged up and decided to manipulate the people, so as to keep them in bondage and slavery. Once they are not benefiting from any system they will attack or blackmail it, I discovered their antics and decided to put an end to it, that is why they are desperately after me” he said.
The Governor denied claims that he hates Owerri people, describing it as a misconception and blackmail from a section of political leaders who do not mean well for them.
” I don’t really know where this misconception comes from, I don’t really know where this impression that I hate Owerri people comes from, I love Owerri People and I came to rebuild Owerri, security has improved, real estate has improved, your property has more value now than before”
He recalled the harmonious relationship that existed between him and the good people of Owerri Municipal and how they fully identified with during his election in 2011. He said ‘I love Owerri People and I know they love me’.
The meeting presented an opportunity for Okorocha to address and harmonize issues concerning release of compensatory plot for them at Area K and Ekwema Crescent.
He directd the Chairman Bureau for Lands Egnr. Kingsley Uju to ensure that proper things were done in the spirit of equity, justice and Fairness.
In his remarks, His Royal Highness Eze Clinton Ugboebulam of Umuororonjo community passionately appealed to the governor to ensure that he completes all his road projects in Owerri before the end of his tenure.
The monarch scored him high for his developmental strides in the state and promised they will support whosoever he brings out as his successor.
Others who spoke were Engr. Sabastine Oluigbo and Comrade Justine Emeyeonu. They all eulogized the governor for his determination to develop the state and urged him to always carry them along in the scheme of things.
Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Barr Obinna Mbata and Former Transition Committee Chairman of Owerri Municipal, Nze Joe Ago were part of the delegation that visited the Governor.