FREE EDUCATION: Okorocha Of Imo State Orders Refund Of School Fees!

Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has ordered the refund of school fees to students in the current school year. Giving the directives over the weekend, the governor stated that, unlike the former directive, he wanted the free education already declared to commence from May 29, 2011, the day he was sworn in as the 14th executive governor of the state.

Okorocha, who made these remarks while receiving in audience some federal legislators at Government House, Owerri, reiterated that education was compulsory in the state and that non-compliance attracts relevant punishment for parents and guardians.

Congratulating the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha for his victory, Okorocha insisted that his administration was about the general good of the state and not party affiliations and called on all elected public officers to shun party differences and pursue common goals in the state.

He revealed that he would convene a forum for both those that won and lost in the 2011 elections to seek common front to reduce distractions through unnecessary court cases.

The governor reminded the federal legislators of their primary role in addressing certain issues in their constituencies, including road construction, erosion menace, second Niger bridge, among others. He also said  their performance and connection with their respective constituencies would ensure their continuity in rendering quality legislative service to the people.

Okorocha maintained that the federal legislators must sustain peace and unity of the Nigerian state through close cooperation, irrespective of the geographical divisions of the country, asserting that he was a firm believer in "one Nigeria".