Okorocha family owned Reach FM did not have approval to operate, closure not political – OCDA insists
The Owerri Capital Development Authority OCDA, have reacted to allegations of witch hunting of the former governor of Imo State, and Senator representing Orlu zone, Senator Rochas Okorocha following the closure of Reach FM, belonging to Okorocha’s wife, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha.
Officials of the development agency, had stormed the premises of the radio station, which according to the agency, was sited in violation of laid down rules.
In a Press Release captioned, OCDA SEALS REACH 104.9FM BUILDING: A CLEAR CASE OF “WHAT IS GOOD FOR THE GOOSE”, written by Madu-Asebo Chidobi Michael, the media assistant to the General Manager of OCDA, Engr. Innocent Ikpamezie, the agency pointed out that the blue and yellow two storey building, located at New Owerri. plot 118, concord Avenue, Behind Villa Garden, was operating without approval letter from COREN.
The agency pointed out, that like every building in Owerri Capital Metropolis (both existing and sprouting), OCDA makes regular visits to them, to carry out their core duties which are primarily to ask of; their evidence of payments and approval letter from the State Government. The agency pointed out that Reach FM was not an exception.
The agency pointed out that on the 27th Day of November 2020, the OCDA had served the management of Reach FM a notice to remove the fence blocking the access road linking Villa Garden, and also asked them to provide their OCDA approval letter and evidence of payment.
According to the release from OCDA, the General Manager of the agency while on routine inspection on the 23rd day of February 2021, visited the building, and demanded for the approval letter from their management and staff.
The Radio Station was unable to furnish the General Manager of OCDA with the papers, but promised to make them available.
In his magnanimity, the OCDA General Manager gave the radio station three months grace, which which time they were expected to have their documentation ready for inspection.
The OCDA pointed out that the grace period had since run out, and the OCDA was simply carrying out their duties.
The OCDA spokesperson recalled that on the 8th day of September 2020, the General Manager while visiting the Imo State Government house, stopped an ongoing project until the necessary approval was given for the project.
Madu-Asebo pointed out that is a building in the Government house premises would comply, the former governor and his family members were not above the law.
Madu-Asebo cleared the air over allegations that the agency was used to witch hunt Imo people, stressing that as long as the property was in compliance with state laws, it would have no problem with the agency.
Former governor Okorocha and his family members, are yet to react to the release by the OCDA.
Recall that the Imo State government had sealed a hotel owner by the wife of the former governor.
An attempt by Senator Rochas Okorocha to break into the premise of the hotel, resulted in his arrest.
