Okorocha urges politicians to shun violence, thuggery

GOVERNOR Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, yesterday, urged politicians and political office seekers to shun violence and thuggery in their quest for positions ahead of 2015 general elections, insisting that ‘no leader is worth anybody’s life.’

►The governor equally called on the executive, legislative and judicial arms of government in Nigeria to redefine separation of powers by discharging their functions separately with the spirit of oneness rather than isolation and discrimination that have ravaged the system.

►Okorocha spoke while swearing in the new Chief Judge, CJ, of Imo State, Justice Paschal Obinna Nnadi at the Government House, Owerri.

He urged the Judiciary to advocate a national conference of the three arms to discuss the challenges of 2015 elections and work out modalities that would save the nation from any unconstitutionality or going to ‘a point of no return’.

The governor reiterated his call for unity and love among Nigerians.

Congratulating the new CJ on his appointment, Governor Okorocha reminded him of “the need to maintain his relationship with God who does not only hold the destiny of all but will also judge everyone accordingly. I urge you to discharge your duties without fear or favour.  To who much is given, much is expected.”

The governor used the occasion to call on women who he described as ‘silent achievers’ not to relent in their prayers for the success of their husbands in positions of authority and for peace in the homes.

He thanked the Judiciary Service Commission, JSC, for peaceful selection of its leaders while commending the immediate past CJ of the state, Justice Benjamin Njemanze, for working in tandem with the Rescue Mission in the successes recorded in different areas including the hosting of Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, conference in the state, building of the Judicial Service Secretariat, renovation of customary courts buildings, 100% free education, infrastructural development, massive road construction, regular payment of salaries to Imo workers, among others; and sought for more cooperation and achievements.

In his response, the new CJ, the 10th in the state, Justice Paschal Obinna Nnadi, described his appointment as divine and thanked the JSC for maintaining its selection strictly on character, administrative skills and respect for constituted authorities while promising to deliver as expected.