Veteran Journalist and respected statesman,Mr Uche Ezechukwu was recently in Owerr,Imo State where he was hosted with other dignitaries by Owelle Rochas Okorocha.
After a visit to Governor Ochorocha's Palace in the heart of the City and the Government House, his verdict: Government House Owerri is like a kitchen compared to Rochas's Palace:
This is his Unedited statement as posted on his facebook:
"Yesterday, Sunday, we – Governor Aliyu Wamakko and us on his entourage – were hosted for hours at the personal residence of Governor Rochas Okorocha in Owerri city. The place is nicknamed ‘The Ranch’ and is the largest private residence that I have ever seen (and I have seen many). It is on a plot of several hectares of land, which, as I learnt, was purchased 14 years ago by Rochas from a construction company, Spibat(?). The main building, with the furnishings and the décor would dwarf the castles of French kings in splendour and opulence. As a student in France and Germany I visited several castles in Europe but compared to The Ranch, they are like boys quarters.
We were clearly not impressed because it appears clueless to have that size of such residential building that cannot be maintained by any private person. We politely turned down the offer for a guided tour of the complex that can perfectly accommodate a teaching hospital or a moderate sized university. I wondered when the at-least 150 rooms would be fully occupied.This morning, we went to the Governor’s Lodge for our breakfast and were surprised to see that the Government House is like a kitchen, in size and equipment, when compared to the governor’s private residence. Rochas built that house with his money, I suppose, but I feel it is an investment wasted. Or is it poverty that is worrying me?"
Well, what you said is quite true, but then I think poverty is also worrying you.
ReplyDeleteIts definetly poverty! Rochas built dat house with his money and nt govt money. He is too progressive to launder. Long live nigeria, long live apc
ReplyDeleteThank GOD that he mentioned that rochas got the property 14yrs ago. That means he didn't acquire it with government money. Its pure povertyrthat's disturbing this writer
ReplyDeleteIgbo people say "Onye ube ruru ya racha". I respect Oga Uche Ezechukwu a lot. But this one you went to honour a governor whose daughter is being given out in marriage, instead of focusing on why you went there, you went on scrutinizing Rochas House. Why do we drink panadol for another person headache. If maintaining the house is the issue is Rochas problem. If is the empty rooms, may be lizards and snakes could live in them. Sir I reckon the joy of the day was robbed by this distraction you had. Is entirely Rochas dream. You are not poor so think you were just swept off your feet by Rochas Opulence.
ReplyDeleteMr Ezechukwu,God bless you for speaking the truth
ReplyDelete