GOVERNMENT OF IMO STATE

PRESS RELEASE

Kidnappers in Imo won’t have a hiding
place soon, Uzodimma assures

Governor Hope Uzodimma has assured Imo people that soon, those involved in kidnapping for commercial purposes in the State will not have a hiding place any more as government is deploying both kinetic and non-kinetic measures to bring them to book.

More importantly, the Governor assured the people that God will not fail to help the State expose all those hiding in the bush to perpetrate crime in Imo.

He gave the assurance Sunday while speaking at the end of interdenominational Church Service to mark the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Government House Chapel, Owerri, Imo State.

While thanking the congregation for joining the Armed Forces to celebrate the Mass as a prelude to January 15 proper, the Governor reiterated that the celebration was necessary because “the peace we enjoy today is as a result of the supreme price some of our brothers and sisters paid to keep the nation together and give us peace.”

He added: “It is in the wisdom of the federal government that the period is set aside to pray for the soul of these our brothers and sisters, and to commiserate with their families to bear the loss with fortitude.”

Governor Uzodimma said Imo State is doing her best to support the Armed Forces to keep and maintain peace, noting that “the ugly stories of yesterday about Imo State is now a thing of the past.”

He reiterated his invitation to those hiding in the bush to commit crime to come out, and to have it at the back of their mind that “the war is over.”

Assuring that Government is ready and willing to help them do something meaningful, he said only when all of us do things that are meaningful that life will be better for everyone.

“Politics will come and go, Governors will come and go, Imo State will remain.”

The Governor cautioned against people encouraging barbarism, vandalism, killing and maiming of innocent and vulnerable brothers and sisters for no just cause and asserted that “at the end of the day all will answer for their deed before God, because the ways of God is different from our own ways.”

He warned that “there is God,” and called on all to shun evil and embrace righteousness.

Governor Uzodimma further prayed God to give us the courage to condemn evil by speaking out when we see one.

In his homily, the Rev Fr (Dr.) Augustine Agowuike harped on sacrifice and compared the lives of the Armed Forces who paid the supreme price to secure the Nation and State to that of Jesus Christ who laid down his life on the Cross to set us free from sin.

He urged the Christian faithful to continue to support and pray for the Armed Forces and other sister agencies so that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

The Mass was attended by the wife of the Governor, Barr (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, the Speaker, Rt. Hon Chike Olemgbe, members of the Imo State expanded Executive Council, the former Governor of Imo State, Chief Ikedi Ohakim, members of the Armed Forces in State, the Legion, wives of fallen heroes, political Party leaders, immediate past President General Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Nze Fidelis Ozichukwu Chukwu and others too numerous to mention.

Oguwike Nwachuku
Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor
January 12, 2025.

Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and later as a two-term civilian president from 1999 to 2007, recounted his experiences in a heartfelt tribute titled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan”.

Fmr President Obasanjo and Late Fmr President Jimmy Carter

Olusegun Obasanjo, a former Nigerian President, has praised the late U.S. President Jimmy Carter as a “humanist par excellence” and the only non-African leader to personally visit General Sani Abacha to advocate for his release from prison.

Obasanjo, who served as Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1976 to 1979 and later as a two-term civilian president from 1999 to 2007, recounted his experiences in a heartfelt tribute titled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan”.

The tribute was read during a memorial service at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, on Sunday.

Obasanjo revealed that his imprisonment by Abacha’s military regime in 1995 stemmed from his vocal opposition to the dictatorship’s excesses.

Reflecting on Carter’s pivotal role, he stated, “President Carter was one of my foreign friends who stuck their necks out to save my life and to seek my release from prison. On President Carter’s visit to Nigeria, he got Abacha to agree to take me from detention to house arrest on my farm.

“But that did not last for too long. Many other friends and leaders intervened, but President Carter was the only non-African leader, according to my information, that paid a visit to Abacha solely to plead for my release.”

Obasanjo shared a personal connection with Carter, drawing parallels between their humble beginnings and the values instilled by their parents.

“He was born into a farming family in Plains, Georgia, and I was born into a farming family in the rural village of Ibogun-Olaogun in Ogun State.

“He grew up under a father and mother who were disciplinarians, who instilled in him discipline, morality, hard work, integrity, kindness, and humility. My parents inculcated similar attributes in me,” he continued.

The former president humorously noted one distinction.

“He beat me though in one respect—there was a road to his settlement. There was no road to my village. We walked to every place or, at best, were carried on bicycles.”

Their shared military backgrounds further solidified their bond, as they first met when Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s military Head of State.

Obasanjo praised Carter for championing African causes, particularly in Southern Africa, where he played a key role in dismantling apartheid and colonial rule.

He contrasted Carter’s commitment to the continent with the unsympathetic stance of his predecessor, President Gerald Ford.

“President Carter’s visit to Nigeria in March 1978 marked the first state visit by a sitting American President, underscoring his dedication to African progress,” Obasanjo stated.

He also recounted how media mogul Ted Turner enlisted Carter’s assistance in advocating for his release. Turner offered to support Obasanjo’s family anywhere in the world during his ordeal.

“In the U.S., I called on President Carter, who told me all the efforts he made with other leaders and Abacha remaining unyielding for my release. But the most surprising thing Carter said to me was, ‘Please see Ted Turner and thank him for his generosity. He came to me and asked me to get his friend, Obasanjo, released from prison. I will take care of him and his family here or wherever he chooses to live.’ I was touched and moved to tears.”

Reflecting on Carter’s life and leadership, Obasanjo commended his humility, selflessness, and dedication to humanity.

“One great lesson I learned from President Carter was that in his leadership, he carried along an army of co-workers that shared the ideals and the burden of the work with him. He led by example and in humility, and that made success attend his way,” he added.

As he bid farewell to his friend, Obasanjo expressed gratitude for Carter’s life and the enduring legacy of his service to humanity.

“For me, I would miss a great and true friend, but I know we shall meet again in Paradise. May his soul rest in peace.”

Jimmy Carter passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 in Plains, Georgia.

A former governor of Kano State, Ibrahim Shekarau, is spearheading efforts to forge an alliance between northern elites and southern political heavyweights ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sources who spoke with Punch revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State Yakubu Gowon are among those backing the initiative.

Shekarau, a key figure in the League of Northern Democrats (LND), has reportedly been engaging political leaders from the South-West, South-East, and South-South regions in discussions about creating a broad-based coalition. …CONTINUE READING

Yakubu Gowon

The LND’s convener, Umar Ardo, recently announced the group’s intention to evolve into a national political platform.

Olusegun Obasanjo

During a press briefing on January 5, Ardo declared the group’s readiness to transform into the League of National Democrats, signalling a shift towards inclusivity.

“This new political platform seeks to provide a credible alternative by institutionalising meritocracy, promoting accountability, and ensuring the emergence of leaders with proven competence and integrity,” Ardo stated.

Insiders disclosed that Obasanjo and Gowon had advised the LND leadership to make the platform truly national by incorporating southern politicians and ensuring inclusiveness.

Naija News learnt that during a meeting in October 2024, Obasanjo hosted a 20-member delegation of the LND, led by Shekarau, at his penthouse within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta.

He suggested renaming the group to the National League of Democrats to reflect its broader vision.

“It is high time we began working for the national interest. Yes, you have identified your group as the League of Northern Democrats, but how I wish you call your group National League of Democrats, because where you come from should not be a problem,” he stated.

A former spokesperson for ex-Vice President, Namadi Sambo, Umar Sani, a pioneer member of the LND, told Punch that both Obasanjo and Gowon were among the group’s backers.

Sani confirmed that Shekarau was leading discussions with prominent southern politicians.

He said, “We’re talking with some southern politicians, but I don’t know who they are. Shekarau and others are making the moves and doing the talking.

“But when we met Baba Obasanjo, he said the initiative should be made national. General Gowon also said it should be national, and other influential Nigerians gave similar advice.

“When we engaged politicians in the South-East, South-South, and South-West, they began suggesting that this movement be turned into a political party. While we were briefed in meetings, the leaders didn’t disclose the names of the southern politicians they were speaking to.”

Sani clarified that the LND had not yet been registered as a political party, as consultations were still ongoing.

The group’s spokesperson, Ladan Salihu, said discussions were ongoing with southern leaders, including former governors, senators, and ministers.

According to him, even before they approached the politicians, the LND had already been contacted by key political clusters from the South-East.

“We’ve been contacted by notable politicians from the South, especially from the South-East, who indicated plans to form the League of Southern Democrats.

“Similarly, respected politicians from the South-West have shown interest in joining the LND if it becomes a national platform, or they may even form the League of Western Democrats.

“This is a political metamorphosis that will culminate in the creation of what will eventually become the League of Nigerian Democrats,” he stated.

While declining to name southern politicians the LND leader had been in contact with, Salihu confirmed that the group was in regular communication with “respected southern leaders”.

“We are in constant, almost daily contact with them because they share our vision of rescuing Nigeria. This is not just a rhetorical platform; it’s a serious movement based on real action,” he stated.

The LND’s move comes amid political manoeuvres by many leaders aiming to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.