Parliaments and parliamentarians traditionally have been a feature of domestic politics, as a distinctive branch of government or as representatives of the people respectively.

However, lately in our clime outside of their constitutional mandate of law making, oversight and representation, some lawmakers have come to develop a different role linked to infrastructural, social and human capital development especially within their constituencies or regions.
One of those rare breed of lawmakers is Hon. Jerry Uzosike, member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, being conscious of this fact and upon assumption of office drafted his political capacity, experience and sagacity to work, as one who is already programmed towards delivery right from his days as a councillor and later Transition Committee Chairman, upon assumption of office as the member representing Umuahia South State Constituency, he went straight to the business of embarking on developmental projects and wasted no time in going back to his constituents to accomplish the promises he made during campaigning.

And as of date, Hon. Uzosike had completed the reconstruction and furnishing of some class room blocks in Ehume and other schools in Umuahia south, he recently embarked on the construction of a new school at Ohiya, it is worthy of note that within one year in office he had completed two rural water projects in Olokoro and Ubakala, he had also used his position to attract employment for young graduates in his constituency, Barrister Uzosike has been assisting indigent students both in tertiary and secondary schools who could not afford their school fees, because of his belief in education Honourable Uzosike has been purchasing jamb and WAEC forms for the brilliant students in his constituency whose parents cannot afford to but has the hunger to acquire education.

In the area of health, apart from paying the hospital bills of some of the aged women and children in his constituency, the lawmaker is currently reconstructing the matron’s quarters at Umunwanwa health center so as to give the health workers a befitting abode that will give pregnant women and the sick 24 hours access to medicare.

As a way of encouraging and giving the youths sustainable empowerment through sports, Barrister Uzosike, has enrolled 4 pupils within his constituency into CARL FOOTBALL ACADEMY under his scholarship, he is also sponsoring the Annual Umunwanwa Unity Cup.

In our political environment it is common place for politicians to use youths loyal to them to achieve their mission and dump them once they get into office but for Hon. Barrister Jerry Uzosike keeping to campaign promises and rewarding political loyalty has become his trademark right from his days in the council, from securing jobs and appointments for the employable amongst them to gifting them with vehicles and other empowerment items, a few months ago Hon. Jerry Uzosike gave out an SUV to one of his aides, and most recently he rewarded the Director General of his campaign organization with a fairly used American model SIENNA

For Hon. Uzosike, human capital development is part of his cherished mandate and the welfare of his constituents come first before personal comfort, but for the people of Umuahia south, it is Promise Made, Promise Fulfilled.

Uche Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

Ummunneochi Security Summit: We Are Determined To Secure Abians Against Criminal Herdsmen, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

We Are Only Dealers, The Cattles Are Owned By Your People – Fulani Community


It was an emotional and revealing moment at Umunneochi local government headquarters Nkwoagu Isuochi, on Friday the 29th of November 2020 when the transitional Committee Chairman Barrister Eze Chikamnayo, hosted the first ever security summit to address the challenges of insecurity that has been the greatest challenge facing the LGA.

During the event a farmer from the community Mr Enwere Obiagozie narrated how farmers in the community have been harassed, raped, attacked, killed and their crops destroyed by Fulani herdsmen, Mr Enwere who was addressing the crowd amidst tears and in an emotionally laden voice narrated a particular incident where a woman whose entire farm land were destroyed by the herdsmen died of heart attack and another macheted to death by herdsmen, he said the destruction of farm lands and attacks on farmers by these herdsmen have gone on unchecked in almost all the communities in Umunneochi and has led to the death of so many farmers and residents, he attributed poor farming season and shortage of food in Umunneochi and surrounding communities to Fulani pastoralists who will not allow them go to farm and where some had the courage to plant their crops they won’t enjoy their harvest for the year as the pastoralists will move in with their cattle and turn their farm lands into their grazing field after which they will set the farm lands on fire, Mr Enwere, who began to shed tears while narrating their ordeal, lamented that farmers in the area have year in year out lost hundreds of millions of naira and lives in the hands of the Fulani herders.

Also speaking, the secretary of cattle dealers association Prince Auwal, said he is pained when people generalize and attribute criminality to the Fulani tribe, ‘’I am a Fulani, but criminality has no tribe or gender, he explained that they are cattle dealers and their business is to sell cattle and not to breed or rear cattle in their host communities’’ he revealed that they are not the owners of the cattle that graze in peoples farmlands and charged the security operatives to investigate the real owners of those cattle, he also went ahead to reveal that the pastoralists who usually graze their cattle in peoples farms are not their members and are largely unknown to them but that they are hirelings engaged by indigenes of Umunneochi and environ who are the real owners of the cattle that usually destroys peoples farms, he named one Kelechi, a native of Umunneochi as the one who owns most of the cattle and also hires the pastoralists to take care of his cattle and that Kelechi should be held responsible for the alleged destruction of peoples farms in Umunneochi, he also alleged that some community leaders collect money from the herders giving them the permission to graze in their communities.

Also speaking, the Commissioner incharge of homeland security Prince Dan Okoli, who is also an indigene of Umunneochi said security agencies in Abia state are aware of the situation and putting plans in place to arrest the situation, ‘’we can’t readily divulge the security strategies being put together at the moment but that the public should be assured that challenges of insecurity and the menace of herdsmen in Umunneochi and indeed the entire Abia is going to be put to rest soon’’

In his addressed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu represented by his Special Assistant on General duties Chief Erondu Uchenna Jnr’ expressed shock at the tales of destruction in Umunneochi communities by herdsmen, the governor promised to deploy the security apparatus available to the state to ensure that the challenges of insecurity is tackled in Umunneochi and praised the efforts of the council chairman Chief Eze Chikamnayo in his giant strides in infrastructure and security within a short time as the TC Chairman of the LGA, Chief Erondu promised to take their messages back to the governor undiluted and assured that agriculture and food sufficiency is one of the pillars of governor Ikpeazu’s administration and Governor Ikpeazu will take immediate action to ensure the welfare and security of not only Umunneochi but all the farmers in Abia state.

In an interview with The News Gazette Online, the TC Chairman Barrister Eze Chikamnayo said he inherited a whole lot of insecurity and infrastructural challenges that has been unattended to for years but by the grace of God and with the collaboration of the people and security operatives through the support of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’ that he has been able tackle those challenges and today the result is evident, he revealed that he has had several meetings with the Fulani community and that the outcome was quite revealing and that has helped him to tackle the menace of the criminal herders but that a lot of work still needs to be done, on the issue of Kelechi who is alleged to own the cattle that destroys peoples farm lands, he said he has invited him severally and he has refused to come but that he has initiated legal charges against him and reiterated that nobody no matter how highly placed is above the law and he Eze Chikamnayo cannot fold his hands and allow a single individual destroy Umunneochi.

He revealed that all he has achieved within his short time as the council chairman was done through IGR and listed the projects as remodeling of the council headquarters, grading of rural roads, remodeling and furnishing of the administrative block etc. and stated that all this was done in less than one month that he took over office as TC Chairman, he thanked Governor Ikpeazu for the opportunity and support given to him, he used the opportunity to take the governors representative, journalists and other stake holders round the council headquarters to see the projects he has undertaken.

The highlight of the event was the commissioning of the reconstructed council headquarters by Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu and the recognition of some deserving individuals and groups by the council.

Dignitaries present during the occasion include: Chief Erondu Uchenna Jnr, Chief Chief Chibuike Onyendilefu, Chief Okey Ahaiwe, Prince Dan Okoli, Hon. Okey Igwe, Chief Ifeanyi Madu, (IFECO) Mr. Chigozie Ubani, Comrade Uche Aguoru, Representatives of all security agencies including the DSS, Police, Civil Service, Immigration, The Army etc. and the traditional Rulers.

As a concerned Alumnus of the great Abia State University (ABSU) and bonafide indigene of Abia State, I have observed the recent goings on in my State as it relates to my Alma matter with great concern and trepidation.

It is no longer news that ABSU has been in the news for all the wrong reasons recently. It is clear to any discerning person that there is more to the shenanigans as it is already following the typical modus operandi of the failed politicians who have succeeded in pauperizing Abians and destroying virtually every aspect of the state.

Like everyone else I was surprised to see a letter trending on social media, which suggested that returning students of ABSU are to pay a Pandemic Prevention Fee of N15, 000.00 (Fifteen Thousand Naira) each. At first glance, it seemed to be a guise to extort the students, however, when some fellow Alumni and myself made further enquiries we were surprised to learn that the fee in question was unanimously agreed by the State Government and all the stakeholders in the school including the students and that this to enable the school meet the covid-19 guidelines for resumption issued by the Nigeria Universities Commission (NUC).

It is therefore clear that it was not an attempt by the Management to extort the students and I understand the Governor has graciously approved the cancellation of the levy and committed to providing the required funds to enable the school meet the covid-19 guidelines.

Despite the resolution of the above, there remains a sustained attack on the management of ABSU with the most ridiculous being an allegation that TETFUND Intervention funds to the school in the sum of N4bn has been diverted and misappropriated by the Institution’s Management.

Even without hearing from the Management of the School, any reasonably intelligent person can tell that such a diversion/misappropriation is impossible as TETFUND critically monitors the use and disbursements of their intervention funds and once there is any evidence or indication that same was not judiciously expended or where the projects are not satisfactorily executed, TETFUND blacklists the institution and ceases to release such interventions to it.

In the case of ABSU it is on record that the intervention funds to the institution has been on a steady increase each year due to the efforts and sagacity of the present Management. As a matter of fact, the allegation will only make sense if they are alleging TETFUND misappropriated or diverted the intervention funds they approved for ABSU.

In view of this reality, a lot of us who consider ourselves as stakeholders not only in ABSU but also in Abia State were shocked by the threat of Hon. Chijioke Chukwu (Member representing Bende North Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly) that the ‘opposition’ in the State will stop all TETFUND assistance due to ABSU.

The threat by the “Honourable” and his understanding of how the TETFUND intervention approval and disbursement process are actually comical fit for the entertainment of persons who have had more than a few beers in a bar, however, it is something to be worried about considering it is emanating from a Member of the State House of Assembly who should know better.

I make bold to inform the “Honourable” that his ridiculous threat to petition TETFUND to stop all ‘assistance’ because of whatever grievances he may have or is harboring against the Management amounts to cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Is the “Honourable” truly from Abia State? If he is, whose interest is he serving? These questions are pertinent as virtually everyone in Abia State can testify that ABSU is the only tertiary institution working in Abia State and is a model for virtually all the Higher Institutions in the South – East.

I have no doubt in my mind that the Honourable is acting a script and I am sure that time will reveal his sinister plans.

I appeal to our politicians to face the rot in Abia State and fashion out solutions for them. Our ABSU is working and we the Alumni are proud of the giant strides that have been made by the present management, which is why Alumni are falling over themselves to contribute their quota to our alma matter.

Okechukwu Eke
Port Harcourt
okeyeke76@gmail.com

The Ward Chairman,
Mbutu Ukwu Ward 3,
Isiala Ngwa South,
Owerrinta
Abia State.

Resignation of My membership of the PDP.

My political odyssey in recent times has been enriched by the most historic events as well as challenging experiences.
I must give credit to my boss , Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, who found me worthy to serve in his administration, first as his Economic Adviser in the Transitional Government of 2015, then as substantive Commissioner Of Finance for the entire first tenure of his administration.
Recall that when his cabinet was dissolved, I was one of the very few he allowed to hold sway in the Executive Council prior to his inauguration for a second term in office.

In my four years stint as the Honorable Commissioner of Finance, *I learned, "I taught" and I unlearned*. I was both a beneficiary of Ikpeazu's school of political sagacity and his humaneness. Of course, I also had my challenges in the hands of a few, whose agenda differ remarkably from the noble agenda of the administration from inception..

However, the circumstances surrounding my activities in and outside the Government have interestingly reinforced my political convictions... that I must be consistent in advancing policies and programs that would positively affect the greater majority of the populace than be party to, *crop of, men who do not wish Abia well.*

I have deeply reminisced on the political trajectory of Abia State thus far, and I have come to the conclusion that the PDP in Abia State, as presently constituted, covertly and overtly, lacks the basic structural integrity to deliver the much talked about good governance as dividends of democracy to Abians.

My basic knowledge of Building Engineering tells me that when a building fails an integrity test few interventions could subsist: reinforce or demolish. But in the case of Abia PDP, the acclaimed owners would not allow for a *Reinforcement, let alone demolition.* So, the wisest choice by a discerning occupant is to move out of the building!

On that note I, Obinna Oriaku, after due consultations with my family, friends and political associates, have taken the option of packing out of the precarious Abia PDP house .

I am still consulting widely on my next political moves, which will be made known to Ndi Abia in due course.
May God bless Abia State.

Obinna Eze Oriaku
Former Commissioner for Finance 2015 to 2019...

The aphorism that 'when an egg breaks the palm kernel, the stone feels inferior' cannot be more appropriate than in the context of this article where the patriotic services of a rare public servant in Obinna Oriaku was saddistically misunderstood by illiputians and vampires as they traded on lies, innuendoes, half-truths and falsehood to justify a bad image they tried to create of his person . But as we already know, lies and propaganda can only last for a while, as truth remains everlasting. And the pillars of their lies and propaganda is crashing as participants in that charade are falling out and in shame..

It is indeed on record that before the emergence of this patriot in the last administration where he diligently served as the Commissioner for Finance, the state was in a great condition of financial comatose considering the recession; a lumbering behemoth with a lot of financial possibilities that have been circumvented by unspeakable greed and avarice.

As he assumed office, knowing fully well about the strategic importance of the finance ministry where he held sway,
series of initiatives were undertaken to ensure high level of financial prudence and accountability in all MDAs, understanding that our then wage obligations were almost same with our receipts from Federal allocation. This was indeed after a high powered visitation of the Governor, himself, Mr Emeka Ononiwu and Dr. Chukwuma Agu for the world Bank and other multilateral agencies to review their position on Abia, since none of their presence were seen in the state then.

Essentially, the outcome of these initiatives were the biometric capture/verification of the entire civil servants and automation of salary/pension payment and realignment of Parastatals payments. Added to the above was the review and audit of all the Parstarals identifying their challenges for more efficiency and effectivity. There was also the review of abuse of restoration policy of by civil servant (Teachers). More so was the review of the overtime payment and other related frauds in civil service. We also saw the review report of Judiciary workers reform ,finally was the disarticulation of Asubeb to its original Local government position.

Indeed, these efforts were not exercises in futility as the enormous benefits brought about by these initiatives and reforms were there for all to see even though most of the recommendations of these reports are yet to be fully implemented.
However, against the above stated background, these illiputians and vampires that held the State down decided to peddle such lies inter alia; that since Mr. Obinna left office, their salaries and subventions are now promptly being paid; that the innocent servant only paid his contractor friends and such was the reason their salaries were not being paid initially on time.They may not know that the state was laid back because we were running on a monthly recycling TOD of 3.7b which made it practically impossible for salaries to be paid within same month as they had to wait for a new month for the bank to renew the TOD..I understand the processes last upto 4th of a new month They were not told that its same Obinna Oriaku that supervised and concluded the repayment/ restructuring of the N3.7b in the month of June which freed the State accounts coupled with the change of FAAC meeting date from 27th of every month to 17th of every month by the Federal govt...This means that on 20th of every month allocation hit our accounts. This change of date affected the other 36 States ... But the million dollar question to the vampires..'What has changed now'?... Why are there strike threats etc from every union in the State.

Moreover, have all the arrears then and now been fully paid since Obinna was the problem or are we growing their numbers? Such were the regrettable propaganda sold from the pit of hell but it has come crashing today. Even as a pensioner, I am disappointed more than ever before because I thought that my pension arrears would have been cleared by now as we were told after the unceremonious ouster of Obinna Oriaku from Abia but today, the matter is even worse as we have many distortions even among the months being counted as paid...

The rhetoric continued; Mr. Obinna was not paying every "manufactured" cheque because he was prioritizing those that have common benefits. Today, how many contractors are on site? This is the very first time in dry season almost all sites are dry and vacant. They had thought the then Finance Commissioner was the problem but regrettably he was only moving against the tide just to ensure things change for better.

On payment of vouchers they thundered that he withheld approved payment from the Governor........Really ...How can he stand down an instruction from a Governor and held sway for four years .. But today have all those outstandings he allegedly refused to pay been paid or have they decidedly gone silent because he is no longer the incumbent? Lies indeed don't last; but truth everlastingly prevails.

To make matter worse, they fabricated that he amassed provocative wealth as a Commissioner but with all your searchlight and effort to silence him after 4 years they couldn't pin down one fraud against him to substantiate such claims till date.
The truth remains that Obinna oriaku was only a reformer and must make enemies which he wasn't afraid of about because no well meaning reformer can succeed without these enemies. He was genuinely concerned and focused and made enemies just to ensure his Boss succeeds where others failed. Even in the Scripture when the temple was to be rebuilt by Nehemiah, the scandalous works of Sanbalat and Tobiah didn't hamper such task. Rather the more they manipulated, the higher the temple was raised.

Today its clear to us that his efforts were towards addressing the structural/ fundamental problems of governance in the State instead of the normal cosmetic approach which has always failed the State over time.

Today we are now aware that issues or non payment of salaries are fundamental and goes beyond the whoever is the Commissioner of Finance..What will guarantee prompt payment of salaries and pension are embedded in rejigging/ realignment of the template of governance in Abia as stated in that controversial interview which tried for the first time to open the hidden facts about our dilemma as a State...

Regrettably, the unpleasant outcome for liars and propagandists is that as they keep advancing their gospel of lies to cover up initial lies and eventually the Pandora's box of truth is finally opened, they dramatically loose their importance and fame around their pay masters. While the innocent they try to lie against or demarket will rather keep advancing in fame, status, position and affluence. What a right judgement of divinity?

Above all, Obinna Oriaku has since moved on to engage with other salient businesses of his life and mutatis mutandis shall reemerge into the political scene more victorious than we expect ...Breeze has blown open the anus of the chicken...We now know the shape and size.....God will reclaim Abia State

Elder Akwarandu, a pensioner in Abia writes.

It was very cheering news when Governor Okezie Ikpeazu PhD’ announced a generous gift of 30.000 naira as bursary for students of Abia origin studying at Abia State University Uturu which calmed public uproar that followed the proposed Pandemic Prevention Fee of 15000 naira by the management of the Abia state university, Uturu, reflecting on the importance of the gift as against the health of our wards as they get ready to return to school unprepared amidst this global pandemic , I believe it would have been more appropriate to deploy those funds into acquiring health facilities and equipment needed to ensure the health of those students as they return to school.

There is no doubt that the announcement of Monday the 9th of November 2020 as the resumption date for the school that was forced into an emergency shutdown for more than 6 months occasioned by the global pandemic that ravaged the globe and had forced even strong economies into recess was greeted with very high elation.

I can understand the public anger over the 15000 naira Pandemic Prevention Fee but what I have failed to understand is the politicization of the issue by some people, the truth is that the health of our children returning to school is very important and we must ensure that every necessary measure is put in place to ensure that they are not brought home sick and infected if they return to school.

It is public knowledge that there are basic health conditions set by NCDC that must be complied with before any school can resume studies so as to guarantee the health of every student returning to campus since the covid-19 is still very much around and with us especially now that many countries across the world is experiencing a second wave of the pandemic which many health experts have predicted that it will be more severe than the first wave we experienced.

That was why I think many of us were rather in a hurry to judge and condemn the fee by the school authorities meant to prepare a healthy environment and prevent community transmission of the dreaded virus in the university community.

Let me assume that many of us does not know that the nearest hospital from Uturu is in Umuahia and given the highly infectious nature of the pandemic, outside of the usual hand washing and use of sanitizers there is an urgent need to construct atleast a 30 bed isolation and treatment facility within the school environment and also procure a minimum of two mobile disinfectant chambers placed at the entrance of the school to ensure the health and safety of the students while on campus.

Since the public outcry is against the proposed 15000 naira Pandemic Prevention Fee, I believe it would have been more suited if the government had deployed the proposed 30.000 naira bursary funds into assisting the school to procure the preventive equipment and acquire an isolation center that will insure the health of our children and wards when they return to school.

For us to allow our children to return to school, their health should and must be made a priority.
Uche Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

In a message published on his social media handle, a United Nations Mayor of Peace and president of 2Flame Entertainment LTD Mayor Lucky Martins Igbokwe (Don Lulu) has called on Abia Youths to resist the temptation of burning, looting and destruction of public properties as they protest, he advised them to remain focused as he will not label any youth a hoodlum but understand their anger and frustrations.

Full Text:

Youths of Abia!

Let us not loose focus on our mission. Our voices are meant to only direct our elected officials on the need to change direction and turn Abia towards the part of progress and prosperity..
We lack infrastructure.. the little we have, we must protect at all cost..
We have no jobs, the businesses we have, we must protect at all cost.

I strongly condemn any act of violence that will eventually lead to destruction of lives and properties .
As a mayor of peace, I urge all of our youths to remain calm and peaceful as we continue to direct our grievances appropriately.

I refuse to label any youth as a hoodlum.. if you are a hoodlum, then the society made you a hoodlum by not providing conditions of development that will propel your God given talents.

We refuse that label on you. You are acting out of your frustrations but I urge you to retreat your sword, let us remain law abiding and continue to demand our God given rights in a peaceful manner

Our best is in front of us!!
God bless Abia youths
God bless Abia State
Mayor Lucky Igbokwe
(Don Lulu)
#endbadgovernance

Going by the time table as released by the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC). December 19th, 2020 will present another opportunity to activate people oriented grass root leadership across the 17 LGAs in Abia State.

The Local government administration which dates back to the pre-colonial era is unarguably the most important arm of government in any democracy, this tier of government is created with the ultimate goal of bringing government closer to the people at the grassroots.

Regrettably since the return of the current political journey in 1999 due to weakness of the constitutional foundation and the contradictions created by the 1976 reforms, the local government administration has remained an idea in search of relevance with governors refusing to conduct council elections but will rather appoint caretaker committees and by so doing become in-charge of the funds that is accrued to the councils, this third tier administration which was designed to accelerate grassroots development and enable the local population participate and hold those in power accountable for their governance roles has been stripped of all the enablement necessary for rural development by the state governors aided by the legislators with the backing of the constitution as amended.

Where states choose to hold elections they handpick candidates and announce them winners using the instrumentality of states electoral commissions thereby discouraging serious and interested contenders with capacity to deliver and at same time killing the spirit and colours of electoral contest in local government elections.

Even in this state of deliberate usurpation of functions by the states necessitated by the constitutional amendment of 1999 that gave state governors near absolute control over the affairs of local governments which has denied the rural population the much desired development, I have seen some Transitional Committee and elected council chairmen deliver good and responsible performance using the funds and apparatus available to them.

I have seen Hon. Jerry Uzosike as a TC Chairman build shopping complex, renovate schools, undertake rural water projects, road reconstruction and human capital development projects etc., Hon. Ginger Onwusibe during his time as TC chairman and later elected chairman took up and completed audacious projects such as rural electrification, building of class room blocks, mini stadium, grading and asphalting of roads, rural water projects and youth empowerment projects, I also saw Ike Anyatonwu within his short time as TC chairman Isiala Ngwa South take up rural electrification projects, training and empowerment of youths, road rehabilitation, agricultural and security projects etc., how can Aba South LGA ever forget the giant strides of Hon. Okezie Erondu who during his time as TC chairman, introduced all year round rural road maintenance and ensured that all roads in Aba remained motorable, Hon.Chidebere Nwachukwu also left an indelible imprint in infrastructure and human capital development during his time as Umuahia North LGA Chairman.

During their time these men mentioned, through their performance proved that poor leadership is not endemic in our local government administration.

And that was why I became excited seeing the crop of aspirants who had indicated interest to be part of the local government administration across the 17 local government Areas in Abia state, given the pedigree of Emetumba, Chief Ike Anyatonwu there is no doubt in my mind that Isiala Ngwa South will witness massive turn around in rural development if elected as the council chairman, it is cheering enough to know that Ofor Osisioma, Chief Christian Kamalu, a grass root political heavy weight who had impacted positively on the youths and has also invested huge human and material resources towards the development of Obioma Ngwa,is in the fray to lead the development of his local government from the front, the ever tested and trusted Hon. Okezie Erondu, a great politician and a man with unquenchable taste for good governance, infrastructural and human capital development is also in the race for the chairmanship of Aba south LGA.

A prolific writer, the highly intelligent and cerebral Mr. Ugochukwu Johnson is also in the race to change the political and developmental story of his LGA and bring the dividends of democracy nearer home to Ndi Umunneochi, Hon. Chief Ifeanyi Madu ( Ifecosky) is an entrepreneur and a popular name in Abia politics, Chief Ifeanyi Madu had also indicated interest to run for the chairmanship position in Umunneochi LGA in the December council elections.

Mr. Tony Williams, a politician and an entrepreneur has joined the growing number of those who want to chairman Obingwa LGA, Chief Emmanuel Egwu, an entrepreneur, a businessman and politician is in the race and determined to clinch the Umuahia South LGA chairmanship seat, Mr. Kelechi Apugo has indicated readiness to be the mayor of Umuahia North LGA, Chief Lucky Johnson an international businessman, an entrepreneur and philanthropist is now ready and willing to heed to the call of Isuikwuato youths by picking his nomination form for the chairmanship position of Isuikwuato LGA, Engr Onwuka Samuel Agbai, an experienced investment banker and astute politician is in the race to bring development to Ohafia LGA.

All these great and noble Abians have the competence, resources, passion, reach, contacts ,capacity and are mentally and physically qualified for the job, but my worry is, can our so called political stake holders be patriotic enough to do away with mediocrity and allow the wish of the people prevail?
If these set of persons who have set standards in their different fields of endeavour and career lines are allowed free playing ground by ABSIEC and the so called stake holders become magnanimous enough to allow the wish of the people prevail, I have no doubt in my mind that development will push down through the rural communities and the rural populace will begin to enjoy the dividends of democracy.
For our grassroots politics to prosper we must as much as possible do away with mediocrity and foisting of unprepared and emergency leadership on the people.

Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

Why We All Must Protest And Condemn The Bloodshed Of Igbo Youths In Enugu.

By Uche Aguoru

I have carefully investigated the unfortunate incident that led to the slaughter of unarmed Igbo youths on Sunday the 23rd of August 2020, and I strongly condemn without hesitation the killing of unarmed IPOB members in Enugu for no other offence other than holding a meeting.

While I am not in support of any unlawful gathering since the Federal government deployed the supremacy of the law to proscribe IPOB and declare it a terrorist organization either wrongly or rightly, It is barbaric, condemnable, unacceptable, uncivil, crude, wicked and devoid of any atom of acceptable standards locally and internationally to use lethal weapon on unarmed and harmless youths for whatever reason/s.

I had expected the commander in chief of the nation’s armed forces to direct those bullets and energy used in felling 21 unarmed youths in Emene, Enugu to the fight against Bokoharam or even rescue southern Kaduna residents who are being killed daily by insurgents.

Every Igbo Man/Woman irrespective of political standing should stand up in protest and condemn this unprovoked killings of our brothers right here in the heart of Igbo land. truth be told what has laid the basis for the renewed aggressiveness and re-energized odyssey for self-determination leading to a large number of Igbo youths identifying with IPOB is chronic and worsening poverty, entrenched and intensifying inequality, humiliating display of extreme wealth by politicians in a society where majority of its citizens are living in abject impoverishment, perceived marginalization of the Igbos and pervasive sense of impunity in the context of egregious human rights abuses by Nigerian security personnel including lopsided make up of service chiefs and presidential appointments under the present government.

How can I explain to my children that during my time that BOKO HARAM, globally identified as the 2nd most dangerous terrorist group in the world whose members have carried out heinous crimes against humanity such as mass murdering, arson, suicide bombing, rape, kidnapping of women and children and threatening the peace and security of the entire nation is being pampered by the federal government to the point of sending some of the returned terrorists abroad and paying them to further their education while some hapless youths whose only crime is holding a meeting is hacked down by the bullets meant to protect them, why is it that up until this minute no Fulani herdsman despite the wanton killings and bloodletting being perpetrated by them daily have been prosecuted or their acts condemned by the authorities despite some people coming public to own up and defend such actions each time it happens.

While I plead with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra to stop inciting our youth population unto death from a cozy, comfortable and peaceful distance, the federal government should avoid the use of brutal force and instruct the security agencies not to deploy maximum force in dealing with IPOB members.

Truth is nobody believes in this country called Nigeria even the ruling class, until the brazen injustice being served to the south eastern partition of this country is addressed no matter how many or how often you kill IPOB members they cannot be deterred but rather much more energized and determined to pursue their belief taking cognizance of the fact that the United Nations General Assembly recognizes the struggle for Self-determination as a legitimate right of a people.

Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

Killings In Southern Kaduna, Is Mr President Aware?

By Uche Aguoru

For some time Nigerians have on daily basis woken up to watch, read or hear of the massacre of innocent citizens in Southern Kaduna, while many have attributed the butchery to religion others believe it is Fulani herdsmen that is responsible for the terror while some others chose to take the extreme position by calling it ethnic cleansing, a sentiment I have tried very hard to convince myself not to share but the naked and gruesome reality is that murder, maiming, burning and carnage is currently happening in Southern Kaduna.

And in the midst of all the killings and bloodshed, I am yet to hear Mr. President make a statement or order for the deployment of soldiers to Southern Kaduna with a view to end the massacre. The residents of southern Kaduna have openly accused Kaduna state Governor Mallam Nasir Elrufai of complicity in the mindless murder taking place in the district and therefore do not expect protection or justice from the state, the residents of Southern Kaduna deserve to live not to be hacked to death and their bodies dismembered like some game.

Mr. President let me remind you that you are on oath to protect the lives of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe or religion, it is therefore disheartening that in the middle of all these killings and bloodshed the best that could come out of the presidency is an insensitive statement credited to Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity, to the President, on the 21st July 2020, “the problem in Southern Kaduna is an evil combination of politically-motivated banditry, revenge killings and mutual violence by criminal gangs acting on ethnic and religious grounds.”
Mr. President, I am startled that as tragic as all the violence and bloodletting happening in Southern Kaduna, which Nigerians irrespective of political, religious and ethnic leanings have condemned and Nigerian women marched the streets of Kaduna naked in protest which attracted international news and attention, not even a word has come from you.

Mr. President, it will be very convenient for me to assume that you are not aware, but if you are aware please rise to the occasion and save Southern Kaduna from the wickedness and mindless bloodshed currently ongoing and has reportedly claimed over 200 lives within a short period of time.
Mr. President, if and when you become aware rather than express “SHOCK” please use your powers and authority as the nation's chief security officer and commander in chief of the armed forces to bring a closure to the mass murdering of innocent citizens of Southern Kaduna, they need your protection since they cannot get protection from their governor.

Mr. President incase you are not aware let me remind you that women and children are being killed and kidnapped, youths and the elderly are being slaughtered, peoples properties and houses are being burnt and destroyed, wives are being made widows, children are daily being turned to orphans, women raped in front of their husbands and children, tears and blood are flowing freely like a river in southern Kaduna.

Mr. President Are You Aware?

Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

In this part of the world, government job seems to be a thankless venture. Beyond putting in great efforts at work, you must convince those who are benefiting from it to actually believe you are working.

Sometimes, you find yourself in a conundrum, choosing to either work and keep quiet or make your work known to the public.

A friend who works with a State ministry called me during the 2019 campaigns, he encountered an argument on social media, where it was alleged that Abia civil servants were owed months of salaries. He called to bring my attention to the debate. I asked why he couldn't even utter a word, considering he is a civil servant and up to date with Salaries..He told me he isn't a politician and wouldn't want to dabble into any argument. To him, saying the truth on Facebook will amount to playing politics..

Juxtapose with what is happening presently, someone made a post arguing that Abia Civil servants are yet to be paid their June Salaries including pension..The poster had a field day, some persons as usual thronged there with their insults without any effort to verify same. Many Abians who received their salaries were reading comfortably, perhaps laughing. None could atleast tell the readers that they received their salaries on the 30th of June. Many of them could have gone ahead to educate the non civil servants that contrary to their posts, Abians have been receiving their monthly payments in full while their colleagues in other States receive theirs with shortages owing to shortfalls in allocations and revenue generations occasioned by Covid19 pandemic.

I have a pensioner father. He retired at grade level 16. He has been receiving full pension consecutively from December till date. Consecutive in the sense that, before December, their pension was not regular but were sometimes skipped for a month or two. He received another payment yesterday and as usual called me to give me update.

I was shocked to read where some persons openly argued that their parents have not received anything this year..Sometimes, I go into my closet and wonder how people feel excited denigrating one's efforts..

I still maintain that Abia is moving forward.
Dr Aham Uko will continue to sustain and improve the economy of Abia state.

As at today, July 1, 2020 Abia State Government has paid the June Salaries of all Civil Servants in the State. In addition, all Pensioners that retired from the State Civil Service, have received their monthly Pensions for the month of June, 2020.

I have been around, I've keenly followed politics and realities. I have seen diverse interests here and there..
In Aham Uko PhD, I saw an honest and upright man. Someone who is poised to do things right.

It's evident that while payments of salaries are being made, construction works are carried out simultaneously. Aba alone has over 15 ongoing road projects, Umuahia and other parts of Abia are also experiencing Ikpeazu's caterpillars. It's an evident of a proper financial planning.

After going through the gains recorded in the recently concluded Biometric Verification of Pensioners, I decided to single out Dr. Aham Uko for encomiums. He assembled some patriotic Abians for the task and successfully achieved results.

The exercise eliminated 2,893 fictitious names from the Pensions Payroll amounting to N189 million. For a year, Dr.Uko would've saved a whopping N2.2billion.

He recorded a reduction in the number of pensioners from 9900 to 7007. With a working database that is updatable, it will be very difficult to manipulate pension figures going forward. A structure has been instituted that will automatically absorb any retiree immediately upon retirement.

Dr Aham Uko is exceptional yet very quiet and simple.

While some persons are bent on feeding few individuals with false information about his activities, majority of Abians are grateful to Abia Governor for his choice of a Doctor of Econometrics, Financial guru and a development expert as his finance commissioner.

Ikechukwu Iroha writes from Ohafia.

Naija’ How The Mighty Has Fallen.

By Uche Aguoru

If it were when Idiagbon was in government, Ghanaian High Commission In Nigeria would have been in rubles by now.

If it were to be during IBB or Abacha time no country in the world would have attempted the insult that we experienced in Ghana over the weekend.

If it were during OBJ’s time you and I knows that Ghanaian President would have flown down to Abuja same evening on his knees begging And Ready To Rebuild The Damaged Structure.

If It were during GEJ’ irrespective of his peaceful disposition wont stand this level of slap in the face without taking necessary and immediate action against the Ghanaian authorities atleast the Ambassador would have been on his way out of Naija.

It is the highest dosage of insult on any country that a high commission will be demolished with brute force without regards and respect not even a notice to the country, that goes to show how lowly and disrespected Nigeria has become at the moment before the comity of nations.

Where was the Ghanaian police and other law enforcement officers when this shit was being rubbed on the face of Nigeria? I can bet you it happened under their supervision and Ghanaian authority was in the know, given the location of the structure.

Why was there no attempt to protect our property in a foreign land by the country’s security officials if not for official conspiracy.

This goes to show one thing that no Nigerian citizen is protected wherever you are, your country doesn’t care about you, if they cant protect their own property they cant protect you either not in Nigeria not any where.

This is an insult taken too far, no matter how much grammar Geoffrey Onyeama is coming to speak, this insult is unbearable and if no action is taken one man in Congo will wake up one day to chase away our officials with a machete and take over Nigerian building in that country but before I will say any other thing I would like to ask, is the President aware?

Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

I have read so many narratives in relation to the recent visit by the speaker of Abia State House of Assembly to the Senate Chief Whip H.E Dr. Orji Uzor kalu’ while some progressive minds with interest in the peace and development of Abia state have applauded the move as an encouragement towards a lasting and enduring peace in the state and also promotion of politics without bitterness, those who never wanted Abia to be peaceful and will always make capital of every event be it political or social to cast Abia and its political leaders in bad image have latched in on the chance to concoct their negative theories so as to condemn the visit.

Even the holy book in Matthew 5:9 said Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. For the interest of all, Right. Hon. Chinedum Orji’ the speaker of the 7th Abia House of Assembly went on a courtesy visit to H.E. Senator Orji Uzor Kalu in his capacity as the head of the legislature in the state and all the statement credited to him in respect of that visit is what a younger brother should tell his elder brother because in life, without peace there will be no progress.

Those who know Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji’ Knows he is a man of peace who pursues peace with every vigour left in him, he is passionately committed to the development of the state and will commit all to achieve it, and he also understands the power of peace and how speedily a peaceful environment can attract development.

If the conspiracy theorists whose major preoccupation is to create crisis are now calling for the resignation of the speaker for visiting the Senate Chief Whip are not out for mischief, they would have also demand for the resignation of Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe and T.A Orji, I am still wondering why they have refused to demand for the recall of Rep. Sam Onuigbo, Hon. Darlington Nwokocha and Uko nkole for embarking on same visit.

Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji had made it clear from onset that his mission in Abia politics is to bring development and peaceful coexistence amongst Abians irrespective of political divide and let me quickly remind Abians that the time for politics is over, this is time for governance and it requires the coming together of all political actors and public office holders irrespective of political lineage to attract development to Abia.

Uche Aguoru

Writes from Umuahia

Mayor Lucky Igbokwe has advised the rich in the society to reachout and show love to their neighbours especially in this period of pandemic.
He said this during the distribution of relief Items to his Umuawa Alaocha community through his foundation the Don Lulu Foundation on Saturday.
Speaking to The News Gazette Online from his base in the United States the United Nations Mayor of Peace and Global Youth Ambassador said charity should begin at home and this period should call for sober reflection in the way we have related to our neighbours especially the down trodden and the poor in the society, he further advised the government both at the federal and state level to review the state of health facilities in the country with the aim of giving it enhanced priority and noted that this pandemic has exposed the inadequacies in our health system.

The News Gazette Online reports that the international Businessman and Philanthropist with the support of family and friends donated relief materials with market value at several millions of naira to the indigent in various households in Umuawa Alaocha, Ohuhu Umuahia North LGA. Items donated include over 500 bags of 10kg rice which were distributed to the various compounds in the community to mitigate the harsh impacts of the national lockdown imposed by government to curtail the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

HRH Eze Nwakanma who came to witness the distribution of the palliatives described Mayor Lucky Igbokwe as a worthy and caring son and thanked him for his unrelenting kindness to the community.

Also speaking HRK Eze Iheanyi Nwokenna, Oba of Ekeoba said he was not surprised at what Mayor Igbokwe did through his foundation and described him as one who has always had the wellbeing of the people at heart, he advised the people to please know that Coronavirus is real and to always adhere to standard safety protocols outlined by NCDC so as to stay safe during this period while expressing optimism that the world will soon get over it.

The Managing director and CEO 2Flame Entertainment Ltd Mayor Lucky Igbokwe told the people to remain safe and not expose themselves to dangers of contracting the virus and outlined his Foundations program for 2020 which will take place after the pandemic to include medical outreach, he used the opportunity to thank all those who identified with his foundation by donating funds and materials to the people while identifying those who lent financial backing to the gesture to include Danny Ntuk of Deetucks Nig. Limited, Okoduwa Prince Akpojertor , Mr. Emeka Ogwumike, Mrs Obiora Linda Olejuru, Mr. Olise Michael Ogene,Mr. Charles Mordi , Mr. Ali Mardi and Justin GF and promised to extend more palliatives if the lockdown persists, he advised the people to always maintain good hygiene as it is the only effective way to fight off coronavirus.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of the relief items by Professor Awa Madu, National Coordinator of Don Lulu foundation to High Chief Chukwuma Abraham, the President General Umuawa Alaocha Federated Union.

I have always believed that constructive and incisive criticism is a fundamental component of every democracy, it is also an established fact that criticizing democratically instituted governments is a means of holding them to account and all through my life I have been a great apostle of holding public servants to account and that I have done by responsibly scrutinizing governments and its activities.

But looking at recent events in my state, I often ask myself when and how did we get to the level of such wickedness and gross injustice to the point where we now hide under the cloak of freedom of speech and social activism to conjure up falsehood through graphical distortion of facts to suit our evil and negative agenda aimed at attacking peoples image just to destroy them politically or ruin their businesses for political reasons.

At a time like this when world leaders are battling on how to save mankind from the dangerous grip of the dreaded coronavirus pandemic, it beats my imagination how a human being will hatch such a ridiculous and devilish plot by opening a pack of 10 Kg of garri emptied it, leaving just a little above half a cup snapped it and post it on social media with a claim that it was what he got from the covid-19 relief distributed by Hon. Chinedum Orji to his constituents.

Wherein lies our conscience?

Every Abian on social media must have seen a video that emerged a few months ago, where someone intentionally manufactured a video from only God knows where and superimposed a voiceover on it claiming that the heaps of damaged foreign currency stashed in a house belonged to Senator T.A Orji’ the former governor of Abia State. What could be more damaging on some ones image than that and I dare ask what else could be the motivation for such wickedness and falsehood if not for political reasons?

I am one of those who had been pleading for the release of Emperor Gabriel Ogbonna but each time I retrospect on the reasons behind his incarceration I get bemused as to what could drive a legal practitioner who understands his legal limitations into propagating such malicious material targeted at maligning the image and personality of a sitting governor if not for political or financial inducement.

Most recently letters have been flying all over social media space purportedly written and endorsed by Governor Ikpeazu with his signature, letterheads and official seal. while the governors media handlers are saying that the governors signatures were forged, the opposition had insisted that the letters emanated from the governor’s office and Dr. Alex Otti emphatically stated that some aides of the governor authored the letter while the governor personally endorsed it, and as if that was not enough more letters surfaced with the governors signatures condoling with the IPOB family over the purported demise of their leader Mazi Nnamdi kanu.

While we are still arguing back and forth on the origin of those letters, my worry is the rate at which we demean the office of the governor and its insignia to the point that secret documents that are supposed to be an exclusive preserve of the governor’s office and its corresponding institutions are now reduced to a social media plaything.

It’s a shame that issues like this will be allowed to crop up at a time when scientists have all retired to their laboratories searching for solutions on how to get us out of the trouble we are in today and leaders at various levels are putting in all they have in order to ensure that we all are saved from death,

All of us must not share same political ideology and there is no edict that mandates that we all must vote a particular party or candidate in any given election, I recognize your right to critique politicians and public office holders and even your rights to political association but please be constructive and take cognizant of the fact that where your right stops is where mine starts.

There is need for us all to give dirty politics a well-deserved holiday this pandemic season and rather join forces with government at all levels to work towards a post covid-19 era so as to help navigate our state out of the pending social and economic down time about to be experienced.

Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

Let me connect you with a quote from Theodore Roosevelt.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better.

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly.

So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat”.

For the records, this writer was extremely critical of Governor Ikpeazu led administration.

On many occasions, I engaged not a few government officials fiercely, but devoid of insults.

My name was well-known within government circles.

Just like a hen dancing on a wire, I did not sleep and it was possible that I denied them some comforts.

We ran into each other at many radio stations in Umuhia.

I shared platforms with Onyebuchi Ememanka, Ugochukwu N Emezue, Obed Asiegbu, Ikechukwu Iroha and many others.

At a point, I had a-3-week-long battle with my elder brother and buddy, Onyendilefu Godwin Chibuike.

It was free style, but no insults were imported.

It was a celebrated warfare in Abia state.

We argued.

At a point, I was cartooned by my buddy, Newman Ubani.

It was a beautiful picture, I must confess.

All was in the line of duty.

There was no love lost.

My zeal for a better Abia led me to join the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).

I did my best until October 23, 2018; I joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Allow me to say that I am slightly balanced.

I was in opposition, and today, I am in government.

Being in opposition, you are a professional fault finder.

All you want to do is to sniff out areas where mistakes are made and situate them on a blazing front burner.

No doubt, the present day critics are not limited to any political party but, have thrown caution to the dogs and made it a business transaction to insult and malign the person of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

The most disturbing is that a great percentage of those, who call the Governor unprintable names are below 30 years of age.

Some of them are yet to cut their teeth in any area of human endeavour.

Honestly, I am not against anyone criticizing Mr. Governor, but describing him on a robe laced with dirt will not bring out the best in him.

Frankly, I have a coterie of friends and colleagues, who are critical of Governor Okezie’s administration, but I always tell them, ‘attack the policies of government and never descend to the arena of personal insults’.

Just as it said in the Bible that a man can easily forgive, who killed his parents, but might not treat kindly anyone who took his wife.

It is a fait accompli that in our culture, the elderly rarely forgive personal insults. Let’s not form a habit of hiding under political atmosphere and run against the dictates of our ancestors.

Hence, I align my thoughts with that of Charles Schwab.

Hear him, “I have yet to find the man, however exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism”.

By the nature of human existence, no one wants to take blame. Once one is being blamed, ingenuity dies and instead of striving to give his best, he amasses energy to defend himself.

Not even well known criminals accepted blames on an electric chair.

Oh sure, public office holders must be held accountable, but can it be done without debasement?

Frank A. Clark, read my mind when he said, “criticism, like rain, should be gentle enough to nourish a man’s growth without destroying his roots.”

And in my local parlance, we are admonished to be kind to a beans seller and she will be poised to do more.

Historically, leadership has never been easy since the beginning of time.

Some men will attest to the fact that running a family is a full time job, then, imagine how piloting the affairs of a state could be.

From my interactions with Governor Ikpeazu, he does not want to be unduly praised, but he is of opinion that the critics should be kind enough to highlight the areas he has done well.

Dear compatriots, as you dig deeper to uproot the sins of Governor Ikpeazu, in case you stumble on the areas he has done well, underscore it and continue your search.

Let me end this part one with the thoughts of Jerome Fleishman.

“Most of us, swimming against the tides of trouble the world know nothing about, need only a bit of praise or encouragement – and we will make the goal”.

Join me as part (2) loads…..

Paddy writes in from Umuosi Village.

Citing concerns with the alarming levels of spread and intensity of the novel coronavirus pandemic, businessman and philanthropist, Mr Lucky Igbokwe popularly known as Don Lulu has called for the state and national legislatures to take urgent and aggressive action to stop the spread of the virus by enacting new laws or reinforcing existing ones in order to address the growing cases of non or partial disclosure of health and travel history at hospital admission points by individuals.

He said this has become necessary in view of the scale and severity of the COVID-19 pandemic which has clearly risen to the level of a public health threat that could justify restrictions on certain rights even as the international human rights law guarantees everyone the right to the highest attainable standard of health and requires governments to take steps to prevent threats to public health and to provide medical care to those who need it.

Mr Lucky Igbokwe, who's also the boss of 2Flame Entertainment and UN-Polac Mayor of Peace, expressed worry about the fate of first responders and other health workers who faced threats to their lives due to patients who had refused to disclose their health and travel information during treatment.
He cited a recent statement by the Nigeria Medical Association which revealed that over 40 medical doctors besides other health workers have been infected with the disease so far.

While seeking supplications and healing from the Almighty of the pandemic, he cautioned against attacking the clergy and the church which acording to him, has become the pastime of some people of late. He was hopeful of a scientific breakthrough via prayers while urging all hands to be on deck and to follow all safety protocols in the fight against the virus

"It is not enough for us to sit behind and call Bill and Melinda Gate doomsday prophets. We must rise up to do our part, if we must win this war", Igbokwe concluded.

Alozie Uzoukwu
Media Strategist to Lucky Igbokwe , Mayor of Peace

I must Applaud Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and his team for the way and manner he had managed and prevented the spread of the novel coronavirus in Abia state. I give him kudos and praise for his great understanding, sensitivity and deep knowledge in tackling the safety needs of the people and his environment against Covid-19 at this time.

But I am obligated to protest the irresponsibility of security agents in Abia state which is becoming endemic and the cavalier manner in which the government treats each incident emboldens the blood thirsty and trigger happy officers the more. I am of the full knowledge that the governor who doubles as the Chief Security Officer of the state does not have direct control of the security agents but has a responsibility to save Abians from irresponsible and unwarranted deaths in the hands of supposed security agents.

The most sacrosanct right, which is the right to life, is now being taken arbitrarily by officers of the law serving in the state. This violation has taken a worrisome dimension in the last three weeks having recorded 3 careless deaths in the hands of those who are paid through their tax to protect them.
For how long will Abians continue to live in perpetual fear and distrust of law enforcement officers because of their callous, wicked and unprofessional behaviour towards them?

Arbitrary killing of innocent Abians have become common place, I can debatably say it has reached its apogee during this lockdown order by the state government where the security personnel are supposed to apply minimal force while carrying out the order.

must say that I am disappointed that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu after the death of 4 innocent Abians and residents in the hands of the law enforcement agents has not come out openly to condemn and take effective measures to curb this ordeal.

The baseless, unintelligent and exasperating Press Release by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC) in support of the extrajudicial killing of an innocent road user Mr. Amobi Igwe by one of their blood thirsty officer Mr. Eke Richard exposes why the perpetrators hack down Abians through the barrel of their guns with impunity, if not addressed the criminal execution will continue unabated.

Is it not disheartening that God has protected Abia and Abians from recording any case of Coronavirus till date while those who are given the duty of checking us from getting infected are assassinating us daily with the guns we gave to them? What happened in Ohafia on Friday is the height of recklessness by law enforcement officers and the people are gradually losing patience and can’t continue to watch being killed only to read press releases from the government and the security agents.

We need to be reassured by our governor of our safety during this period and beyond.

I hereby use this opportunity to plead with our Governor and the Government of Abia state to show Abians that you can protect them not only from the novel coronavirus but also from these armed monsters parading as security agents.

There is a need for my governor to take a drastic and urgent action to halt this unwarranted killing of innocent and harmless citizens which is becoming incessant in our dear state or risk an impending citizen’s revolt against the law officers,

“ANGER IS BUILDING”
Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

Hon. Nonso Ibegbu a politician, business man and entrepreneur, said Easter is a good time for us to reflect on our lives and relationship with our God and maker.

In an Easter message to the people of Ohuhu in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State, the Afugiri born Real Estate giant said irrespective of the global pandemic that the Ohuhu man remains the most blessed by God.

“We are enriched, not divided, by our diversity of belief and denomination, all we owe each other is mutual respect regardless of faith”
As we relax in our homes to enjoy the Easter with our families, this is a time to show compassion to the less privileged, a time to share that which has been given to us by God and a time to lift one another.

“As we celebrate Easter this weekend, let’s remember to thank God for the opportunity to reflect on the wonderful gifts we have been blessed with including the hope we have in the risen Christ, lets support one another in this time of global crisis.
“From my family to yours, we wish you all a wonderful celebration full of faith and peace.

I remain thankful for your brotherhood, friendship and support.” Please stay safe and stay home.
May God protect us all as we celebrate the death and resurrection of our lord and saviour Jesus Christ.

Hon. Chukwunonso Agustine Ibegbu

In an effort to provide succour for his constituents as a result of Coronavirus pandemic in Abia State, member representing Umuahia South State constituency Hon. Barr. Jerry Uzosike on Thursday distributed food items and protective materials to his constituents to cushion the effects of hunger on the people and also to protect them from contracting the deadly coronavirus during the partial lockdown of the state.

The handover of the items was done at the Umuahia South local government headquarters to the Council chairman who in turn instructed the Covid19 committee setup by the Council to ensure equitable distribution of the items which includes 50 bags of rice, 70 cartons of Indomie noodles, 200 bottles of alcohol based hand sanitizers, 50 Wash hand buckets to be placed in all the 28 Primary Healthcare Centers In Umuahia south and 200 face masks for the health workers, he also made a cash donation of half a million naira to be shared to 100 indigent citizens from Umuahia south who are to be selected from the 10 wards in Umuahia South, Hon. Uzosike instructed that the names of the recipients get to him immediately for onwards distribution of the cash money.

Speaking during the handover of the items Hon. Uzosike said the fight against coronavirus can be won if we stay at home, avoid physical contacts, wash our hands regularly with soap and running water and use hand sanitizers, he described it as a responsibility to show care towards the well-being of his constituents owing to the negative effects and sufferings the restriction of movement might have on the people, especially those eking their living through daily earnings. Speaking with the News Gazette Online He said: “In this period, we understand that the partial lock-down in activities will affect some households. There are some people that are daily earners and it might be hard for them to make both ends meet. That is why I thought it fit as their representative to provide these palliatives to cushion the effect of the hardship of the partial lock-down in the state”
“What is most important now is that we all will be alive to see the end of this pandemic and it will not give me any joy if we protect ourselves against the pandemic and hunger will kill us, in this time in our lives every little help matters wherever it is coming from.” “So, there is nothing that is too small and nothing that is too big in this time of emergency”

He called on well-meaning sons and daughters of Umuahia South both at home and abroad irrespective of political leaning to come to the rescue of the indigent in Umuahia South through the Covid19 Committee with anything they can contribute so as to ensure that we keep the virus and hunger away from our people in this challenging period.

Responding the T.C Chairman Hon. Max Adindu said “We want to sincerely thank you for this initiative at this crucial time that we all found ourselves. I must say I am really impressed with the gesture towards our people, I also want to use this opportunity to call upon indigenes of Umuahia South to come to the aid of their brothers and sisters who are less privileged and ensure that we keep this virus away from us.”

One basic thing we must know, as the state government shuts Abia from interstate commuting.
Abia is one of the few states in Nigeria sharing common borders with seven others. The states are Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Rivers and by extension, Bayelsa
This means that Abia State is a strategic transportation hub within the federation; with high human traffic, movement of commercial goods and services forming part of the major economic activities for the people of the state.
Therefore, the state government cannot gratify to shut down its economy (IGR Base), except for life-threatening emergency reasons which the coronavirus pandemic has proven to become, albeit globally.

So, what Abia State Government has initiated is in line with what the Federal government is doing on the lager Nigerian space, to avert the rapid spread of Corona Virus from registering an absolute catastrophic experience on Nigerians.

With 2 deaths, over 174 confirmed cases and still counting.., it cannot be overemphasized that the CoronaVirus pandemic is a lethal threat to humanity, our collective security and to the general safety of Abians hence, the need to lockdown.
Today, three of our neighbors vis; Enugu has 2 cases. Rivers has 1 while Akwa Ibom has registered 5 cases in one day.
This means that Abia State has possibly been facilitating the commuting and transiting of people with this infectious virus.

In the light of the aforementioned, the State Government led by Victor Okezie Ikpeazu Ph.D has, via on April 1 statewide broadcast, directed all security agencies in the state, traditional institutions, organized community youth groups and the people of Abia to ensure that there'll be no movement of unauthorized vehicles and persons into the state till further notice is given.

On Sunday the 29th day of March, President Buhari, issued a similar proclamation directed at Lagos, Ogun and the FCT. This is the way to go for now, till a majority of the Convid-19 carriers are fully tracked and isolated for treatment.

Therefore, the Abia State Ministry of Homeland Security, through its community policing and vigilante networks should activate and stratify to further strengthen local intelligence gathering within the homeland and cooperate with all security agencies in the state to ensure total compliance with this directive. The communities bordering Akwa Ibom, Enugu and Rivers must be locked down without compromise.

The State Government will monitor this development and periodically compare notes to inform further actions where and when it becomes expedient, in the interest of the people.

Please let's be guided by our safety instincts and report any suspicious health, security and safety perils around us.

God Bless Abia State.

Chigozie Onyeukwu Ubani (fisn).
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor, on Homeland Security

Hon. Sam Onuigbo on Monday donated personal protective equipments against the deadly coronavirus to his constituents, while making the donation at the premises of the broadcasting corporation of Abia state (BCA) in Umuahia, the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal constituency in the House of Representatives also took time to sensitize the people on how to stay safe during this period that the world is fighting against the spread of coronavirus

Hon. Onuigbo said that the gesture became imperative in order to prevent the virus from attacking members of his constituency, he noted that though there are no established cases of the virus in the state but we have to guard against the virus by observing personal hygiene, social distancing and always washing our hands with soap and water.

He promised not to relent in his efforts in the prevention of the virus and added that we all must play our parts by observing and heeding to the governments directives on how to stay safe and prevent the spread of the virus.

He sympathized with the people on the sufferings and challenges this virus has caused in the state and nation at large but noted that it is a duty to contribute our quota no matter how little in this regard, he noted that this fight can only be won through the collective effort of all and that every little should matter in the fight against this deadly virus that has brought the world to a lockdown.
Hon. Onuigbo Donated over 750 hand washing buckets and hand sanitizers to be placed in all the health centers across the 3 local governments of Umuahia North/South and Ikwuano.

I am not a legal practitioner, but I am sufficiently learned to know that is it is an elementary principle of law that no court of coordinate jurisdiction reserves the powers to set aside the orders of another.

Most often, I wonder if the courts in Nigeria are regulated, I find it very confusing how those manning the temple of justice always come out with verdicts and orders that represents them as a joke before the Nigerian public?

Let me sit back with my bottle of zobo and watch how the confusion created by the Kano high court that returned Oshiomhole as the national chairman of the APC will play out as against the initial order from a court of coordinate jurisdiction that suspended him inline with the wishes of his party at the ward level.

Uche Aguoru

Great leadership starts with a person who is passionate about his mission to serve others and create a positive environment in which his society can thrive. He leads by example, with his own values and morals to drive the society towards inclusive development.

He also inspires the society with his strength and creative ideas and encourages their personal empowerment, political and societal growth.
A great leader places premium on others above personal interest and challenges the Powers that be’ if they begin to fall short of societal expectations.

Elder Emmanuel O. Adaelu, MFR. is an epitome of great leadership, born in Abayi Amaugwu 85 years ago, He is a Fellow of Institute of Management Account (FICM), Fellow, Chattered Secretaries and Administration (FCSA), Master of Business Administration MBA (Unilag), Ph.D in Business Management, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Chemlap Nigeria Limited. He lectured for many years in various Secondary and Post-Secondary Schools in the Eastern States of Nigeria from 1970 till 1979 when he retired voluntarily from school system.

In November 1983, he established the first resin industry east of the Niger which he manages as Chief Executive Officer. His pragmatic leadership styles, relentless dedication to duty, wealth of experience and prudent management of resources have contributed to the growth of this company.
A fellow of the Polymer Institute of Nigeria, Dr. E. O. Adaelu has distinguished himself as a charismatic leader and has won various merit awards as a captain of industry from Nigeria Institute of Management, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Paint Manufacturers Association, to mention but a few.

Also, Dr. Adaelu was elected as the executive chairman of Homed Charm Paints Nigeria Limited in 1985 and has remained the executive chairman of the company since then, till date. He was also elected as the president of Aba Chamber of Commerce Industries and Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA) in 2008 & 2009. More so, he's a director of the Peacock Paints Limited Etinan, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Elder E. O. Adaelu is an Elder Statesman. He represented Abia State at the National Conference in Abuja. He's a Stakeholder of Ukwa Ngwa Nationality. He was installed as the Chairman, Movement for Aba State Creation and the President of the National State Creation Committee during the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan regime.

This giant entrepreneur and Pillar of Abia Industrial Development is the champion of Ukwa/Ngwa Political Development and has contributed immensely to the development of Abia State, he tirelessly fought for the course that produced the first Ukwa/Ngwa Governor.
He is a product of hard work, sincerity, integrity and positive mindset. He is a good Christian and richly blessed by God.
Happy birthday to a man of great influence and integrity, Elder Emmanuel Onyemaobi Adaelu, MFR.

Aguoru
Writes From Umuahia

Following the recent revelations by Prince Benjamin Apugo on how the minister of state for solid minerals Dr. Uche Ogah sold the brightest chances of taking over the reigns of the state by the All Progressives Congress, one would have expected that rather than insult Prince BB Apugo for speaking the minds of most Abians, Ogah should have attempted an answer to the issues raised, in as much as we also know that he has no explanation to give because all his actions were followed and we will still unveil more of his fraudulent political activities during the 2019 elections, we are not surprised that instead of Dr. Ogah to be humble enough and apologize to Abians for his fraudulent and disgraceful 2019 governorship outing, his slave boys chose to use heap insults on notable and decent Abians with good intentions, we found it most laughable that one “Great Imo Jonathan” who Ogah is owing over 24 months salary and is virtually hanging around Ogah’s Abuja office while squatting in people’s houses has the guts to come on social media to insult Oparaukwu Ibeku by comparing Prince Apugo’s political height to Ogah’s political 2015 and 2019 misadventure.

Just in case you do not know, Uche Ogah was still in primary school in Onuaku when Prince BB Apugo was the Deputy state chairman NPN and later became the state Chairman of the party.

Accepted that you and your master Ogah are poor students of history, let us remind you that in 1992 under the defunct NRC, Prince BB Apugo sponsored and was instrumental to Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu contesting and winning the governorship seat of Abia, he also single handedly sponsored and installed all the house of Assembly members then under the party.

Prince Apugo under the PDP was a member of the BoT, a position reserved for party men with integrity and experience and not subsidy fraudsters, as a man of principle and integrity, even as a member of the PDP BoT, Prince Benjamin Apugo, right before the then President Jonathan voted against him at the national congress of the party on grounds of principle for going against the party’s agreement, he had also contested for the PDP national chairmanship where he gave a serious fight if not for superior party interest that weighed against his interest.

Prince BB Apugo remains the only Abian who is a member of the APC BoT and member of the party’s caucus.

These political facts are verifiable and that was why everybody who is interested in running for any political office both at the federal and state level comes to Prince Apugo’s home in Ibeku to pay homage.

Prince Apugo was also a very successful business man with vast business interest in oil and gas, produce, haulage and real estate, under Don Etiebet as Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources in 1993 to 1995 Prince Apugo was given oil lifting license, he also ran the famous BB Apugo Transport which specializes in haulage with a huge number of heavy duty trucks in its fleet, his produce ware housing was the biggest in the entire south east and South South that attracted patronage across the entire stretch of West Africa.

This brief narrative will explain to you that Prince BB Apugo is not only a successful and influential politician but a very successful business man.

If you recall what happened during the APC party primary elections Uche Ogah did not make any useful impact but rather went to Abuja to purchase the party’s ticket rather than campaigning and warming himself into winning the votes of the party members, while the likes of Martin Apugo who contested the 2019 election ran his primary elections and won convincingly if not that Uche Ogah compromised the general outcome of the 2019 election, Martin Apugo won the election convincingly and also proceeded up to the appeal court in an effort to reclaim his mandate, he also hired one of the best lawyers in Nigeria Chief lateef fagbemi (SAN) as his lead counsel, it was very clear and evident APC won Umuahia North, Ikwuano and Umuahia South.

Uche Ogah need to explain to Abians why he personally changed all the party agents even when other candidates were insisting on being allowed to use their trusted people to monitor their votes, but he insisted and close to the polling date changed all the agents only for us to realize later that he used those who are under instructions to yield to PDP’s demands.

Can someone ask Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah why he refused to fund his lawyer Barrister Chionye and also refused to provide his legal team with evidence to file his case until the time for litigation elapsed the answer is simple Uche Ogah was used by PDP and Dr. Ikpeazu to stop the APC and also dislodge Dr. Alex Otti who was a serious opposition and the man whom the state PDP was afraid of.

Ikechukwu Omekara
Chairman
Concerned Abians For Change Initiative

The dust raised by the interview granted to journalists by Prince BB Apugo is yet to die down as groups and individuals have come out to take sides raising accusations and counter accusations in support of either Prince BB Apugo or Dr. Uche Ogah, in this publication a group that goes by the name Concerned Abians For Change Initiative have come out in support of the accusation by Prince Apugo that the 2019 governorship candidate of the APC in Abia State Dr. Uche Ogah was actually responsible for the loss the party recorded, the grouped reeled out a number of questions that they will like Dr. Ogah to respond to which includes why he filed his case at the tribunal after the expiration of the legitimate date given for litigations in an election matter, the group also challenged Dr. Ogah to be honest enough and tell Abians if he did not tell people prior to the election that Dr. Ikpeazu should be allowed to finish his 2 terms, the group also alleged misuse of the funds raised by the APC national working committee to prosecute the 2019 general elections and demanded for account of the funds from Dr. Ogah.

Full Press Release
While we are not here to dignify the hogwash being spewed by Uche Ogah’s minion Demian Igbokwe over the interview granted journalists wherein Prince Apugo exposed the reasons for the loss APC recorded during the 2019 gubernatorial elections in the state, it has become inevitable that we further clarify the public on the character of the man Uche Ogah and his minion Demian Igbokwe who for reasons of decency we will not want to venture into their personal fraudulent activities.

Chief Benjamin Apugo’ is one man in Abia who had stood against bad leadership and have always spoken out and condemned even those in power for not doing what they are entrusted to do. There is no doubt that every member of the All Progressives Congress faced humiliating defeat in the last election where we have everything including the acceptability of the Abia electorates.

Then the question is what denied us the victory if not for Uche Ogah’s fraudulent agreement with the PDP?

As a group we have our members who participated and actively too, in the campaign council of the APC and the story they came back with is not different from what Chief BB Apugo said in the interview, what Dr. Ogah needed to do is come public and apologize to Abians for the fraud, deceit and disappointment he handed to the supporters of the APC and Abians who hoped on the party for a change.

1. Can Dr. Uche Ogah explain to Abians and the APC why he refused to run governorship campaign across the 17 LGA’s, it is on record that the only campaign that Dr. Ogah and the APC embarked on was the presidential campaign, which was fully financed by the presidential campaign committee?
2. Can Ogah explain to Abians why he refused to print even a poster, place a radio or television jingle or even brand a single vehicle to his name to sensitize Abians on the need to vote for him or the APC?
3. Can Dr. Uche Sampson Ogah honestly tell Abians why he refused to mount campaign billboards or make his governorship campaign visible through the media?
4. Can Dr. Ogah honestly explain why he refused to fund the campaign council that he personally setup to prosecute his phantom campaign?
5. Can you be honest enough to explain to Abia APC what happened to the campaign funds released by the party’s national working committee into your account?
6. In as much as we are aware that you find it very difficult to speak the truth due to your cunning nature and behaviour, can you please be sincere atleast for now and explain why you decided to circumvent all the leaders of the party and block them access to you in order to successfully prosecute the agreement you had with the PDP and Dr. Ikpeazu?
7. while we are not here to exchange accusations with you, it will also be very pleasing if you can be truthful enough to tell Abians the outcome of the meeting you held with Dr. Ikpeazu and Erondu Jnr in Immaculate hotel Abuja on the 7th of march 2019?
8. Dr. Ogah can you swear with whatever you hold sacred that you never at any point informed some people on the need for Dr. Ikpeazu to be allowed to complete his two terms?
9. Even though we do not want to bring our party members to ridicule it is important we let you know that we are aware of the false claims by you and your minions that the money you were supposed to use to settle the people you hired from across the 17 LGA’s of Abia state was stolen. Sir, that was a big lie, and it has been established that nobody was robbed on the spot you claimed it happened, tell Abians the truth of what happened, as we are aware that Dr. Ikpeazu failed to deliver on his promise of raising 10m naira for you on the day you declared for your fake governorship mission?
10. Dr. Ogah if you truly contested the election and Abians voted for you as you clamed, why didn’t you go to court to challenge the victory of the PDP the way the other parties did, why did you file your case at the tribunal when the date given for litigation has already elapsed?
11. While we wait for you to attempt an answer to these posers it is important we remind you and Abians whom your minions go about deceiving, that for the avoidance of any doubts, it is worthy of note that the party won Abia North with the influence of Dr. Orji kalu and I am sure you are aware that it was because of you that our party lost even the Umunneochi house of Assembly seat that we are already occupying before you joined the party?

Enough of your deception, Abians and the APC can no longer be deceived by you, deploying your minions to insult Prince BB Apugo cannot clear your fraudulent past we are wiser now and we are waiting.

Ikechukwu Omekara
Chairman
Concerned Abians For Change Initiative

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No fewer than five men are lying critically ill at hospitals in Enugu following injuries arising from a communal clash over land dispute between two neighbouring communities.

The communities engaged in the clash on Saturday are Ogui Nike and Ugwuaji in Enugu North and Enugu South Local Government areas respectively.

Four of the victims Ebuka Edeh, Emmanuel Edeh, Onyeka Agbo and Nkemjika Mbah are receiving medical attention at Hope Care Medical Centre, while Arinze Edeh who faces amputation of his leg is st National Orthopedic Hospital Enugu.

According to an eyewitness, Mr Godwin Ugwu, the trouble started at about 11:30am on Saturday when youths from Ugwuaji community invaded their ancestral land at Premier Layout Extension, Owor.

Ugwu said that on getting to the said land which is under dispute, they saw five earth-moving equipment that were pulling down structures, including fences and buildings that were still under construction.

He said that some soldiers who are providing security and surveillance on the disputed land did nothing to stop the youths from Ugwuaji from either demolition of the structures or attacking the owners.

“They boasted that they have the support of the state government and there is nothing we can do about it,” Ugwu said.

Also, the President General, Ogui Nike Community, Mr Paul Anike, said that they suspected the state government’s complicity in the fracas and forceful take over of their ancestral land.

Anike said that the state government had on Sept. 9 summoned the two communities during which the two communities are instructed to keep away from the land pending the examination of documented evidences.

The president general said that while Ogui Nike Community obeyed the directive by the state government, “serious construction work was going on by those supported by the government with soldiers guarding them.

“They have been intimidating us with police and other security agencies,” he said.

However, an elder in the community, Chief Samuel Ani, said that they were told that the state government had taken over the land.

“The information we have is that the state government has an interest in the land but our community will rise to protect itself if nothing is done to stop the invasion.

“Government has forcefully taken over many of our ancestral land. We no longer have farm land and source of water,” Ani said.

Meanwhile, the Medical Director of Hope Care Medical Centre, Dr. Sam Ngwu, said that the condition of some of the victims was not looking good.

Ngwu said that some of them would need head scan to ascertain the extent of damage on their skull.

“I am worried. The situation is very bad,” Ngwu said.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Enugu Police Command, Mr Daniel Ndukwe confirmed the incident.

Ndukwe said that though no arrests has been made but the police was on top of the situation.

Also, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), 82 Division Nigerian Army, Col. Aliyu Yusuf confirmed that some soldiers were deployed to maintain peace in the troubled area.

Aliyu, however, said that the military was neutral on the matter and not supporting any party in the dispute.

However, the Commissioner for Lands, Mr Chukwuemeka Nnam, said that he was not aware of any land dispute involving the two communities.

Nnam said that he had never attended any meeting where issues pertaining to the land were discussed.

Rising from a meeting of Stake holders of the people’s Democratic Party in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State, the party resolved to suspend the party chairman Elder Dike Ogbonna over what they described as acts of Gross administrative Incompetence, High handedness and Anti party activities, in a communiqué released to the press after the meeting they described as wishful thinking the announcement made on social media suspending some stake holders in Ukwa west by the suspended party chairman, according to the release no such meeting ever held where the decision was reached, and described the purported meeting as a figment of Elder Ogbonna’s imagination, they said they are aware that elder Dike Ogbonna has been holding secret meetings with opposition parties in Ukwa west which amounts to antiparty activity, the stake holders in a joint signatory of over 15 stake holders and political office holders, all the ward chairmen and party officials from Ukwa West PDP have resolved to with immediate effect suspend Elder Dike Ogbonna as the LGA party chairman.

When the News Gazette Online contacted Barrister Henry Chilaka, a PDP stalwart in Ukwa west and one of the signatories to the letter of suspension on Elder Dike Ogbonna, he described as unfortunate the actions of the suspended party chairman who he said his activities has over time affected the fortunes of the party in Ukwa West and confirmed the suspension of the Elder Dike Ogbonna as true

PRESS RELEASE….

The body of ward chairmen and local government area executives of the People's Democratic Party (PDP), Ukwa West Local government area chapter, rising from an extra-ordinary emergency meeting and after considering matters of urgent public importance and a purported meeting touted on the social media and some media houses that our leaders, Hon. Godwin Adiele, member Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief A.C. Nwaje, the T.C Chairman of Ukwa West Local government council and Barr. Henry Chilaka, former sole administrator and currently commissioner one (1) in ASOPADEC, has been suspended from the party. Further, vote of no confidence has purportedly been passed on the house member with their wishful thinking of recalling him. We make the following resolutions:

1. That no meeting of such took place over the weekend as alleged to the best of our knowledge.
2. We read such meeting on social media, wherein we noticed that active members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and other political parties were said to be in attendance.

3. Till now, no complaint of indiscipline has been lodged to us either in part or as a whole against any of the aforementioned leaders of the party.
4. The constitutionally approved procedure for impeachment, recall, suspension, was not followed as provided in chapter ten (10) of PDP constitution as amended. The provision in part gives the world under our leadership the pass to commence such disciplinary process.

5. Their action is inimical to the growth, progress and integrity of the party as it has caused us embarrassment in the committee of parties. Consequent upon the foregoing and our resolve to defend, protect and uphold the integrity of party (PDP). We thereby resolve as follows:
-That elder Dike Ogbonna is hereby suspended by the party pending the outcome of the investigation.

- That Elder Dike Ogbonna should hand over to his deputy with immediate effect. This body also observed that the suspended chairman, elder Dike Ogbonna has not summoned any local government area party executive meeting in the past three (3) years. We hereby pass vote of confidence on our leaders. They are Hon. Godwin A. Adiele, member, Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chief S.U. Nwaje, T.C Chairman Ukwa West Local government area, Hon. Chief Ikpechukwu Onuoha, Commissioner for petroleum and solid mineral development, Sir. Don Ubani, Deputy Chief of Staff, office of the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Barr. Chinedum Elechi, Director General Due Process, Barr. Henry Chilaka, Commissioner one (1) in ASOPADEC, Chief John Ajuzieogu, Waste manager ASEPA, Ukwa West local government area, Dame Victoria Akanwa (Agunwanyi Asa), Hon. Tony Mezie Nwaubani, SA to the Governor on legislative matters, Pst. Ralph Egbu (former SSG to Abia State government), Rt. Hon. Ngozi Olunkwa (Former Deputy Speaker), Chief Uche Enyioko (SA to the Governor and former Commissioner for Agriculture), Chief Geoffrey Ikeokwu Ogbonna (SA to the Governor), Elder Richard Nwala ( SA to the Governor on Projects).

SIGNED:

Elder Goodluck Chilaka, (Asa North ward chairman and chairman of all chairmen) , Chief Sir Martins Nwaosu ( Ibu South ward chairman and Deputy Chairman of all chairmen), Mr. Julius Ogbonna E. (ward chairman of Osa west and secretary of chairmen), Chief Ikechi Okpulor (Obuzor ward Chairman), Elder James A. Anyamaghiobi (Asa South ward Chairman), Mr. Friday Sunday ( Ogbe ward Chairman), Chief Leo Ejiogu (Osa Ukwu ward chairman), Mr. Chinwendu Silas (Oboke ward chairman), Deaconess Uda Emeka (LGA Woman leader), High Chief Bright U. Adiele (LGA organizing secretary), elder Victor Nwadike (LGA auditor), Hon. Aloe Egbulefu (LGA Asst. Publicity secretary), Hon. Chidiebere Iheme ( LGA Ex officio), Mr. Simon Joe (LGA Ex officio), Hon. Princewill Uchechukwu Nwauzor (LGA Ex officio), Mrs. Nnenna Nwaogwugwu (LGA Ex officio).

Charles Ajunwa and Ahamefula Ogbu held a conversation with the Speaker of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji.

Details of the Interview….

Question: You have been Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly for over seven months now, what difference you have made in that office?

Answer

My greatest achievement is the unity of purpose in the House of Assembly. I have a very good working relationship with my colleagues and they have been very supportive in whatever achievement that we have recorded so far especially with the passage of the budget before the end of the last fiscal year. Also, we have all been so much in synergy with the policy thrust of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu that you will not even notice that the House has membership from three political parties. Basically, the achievement could be traced to that, unity of purpose, among my colleagues, respect for each other’s opinion and doing things in consultation with them.

Question: Apart from the synergy within the House, has the relationship between the executive and the House been cordial?

Answer

The relationship between the executive and the legislature is perfect, in the sense that whatever bill, both economic and social bills that are brought before us by the executive is given accelerated hearing and importantly, the Governor pays very serious attention to the welfare of the members to the effect that I am bold to state that we rank very high among our colleagues in the South-east, if not the best.

Question: What is the relationship between the executive and the legislature in your state?

Answer:

The Relationship with the House and the Governor is a very cordial one. People have tried as much as they can to incite trouble into that relationship but as far as I am concerned, the Governor remains the Governor of the state and a very good friend that lays emphasis on mutual respect. In effect, the relationship between the legislature and the executive is harmonious.

Question: So there is no mutual suspicion between you and the Governor?

Answer

Mutual suspicion is in the mind of those who suspect it and I will not dignify that question with any further answer.

Question: There have been rumours that you wanted to be Speaker so that you would impeach the Governor and his Deputy and it was even used against you during the campaign for the seat, how true is that?

Answer:

What you should ask them is what would be the impeachable offence? If you want to impeach somebody, the person must have committed an impeachable offence. Can those people tell me what the impeachable offence is? Is the Governor of the state not doing his job and besides, how can you betray a man that gave you the job? That is why I am happy with the Governor, a lot of insinuations have been made and many things said to cause problems between him and I, but he has resisted them because he knows my mind. He knows I mean well for him. I don’t blame those that started this propaganda. They started it because they do not know the depth of the relationship that exists between me and His Excellency, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu. If they know, then they would not waste their time giving themselves high blood pressure and talking about impeachment all the time. Let me ask you, so I have now become so powerful that the governor does not have his people in the Assembly representing him? He doesn’t have any other person in the House so that I will just come to the House and railroad an impeachment process in the House; not minding other colleagues, the principal officers and Leader of the House who is a brother of the governor? How can I achieve that? I don’t know how our people think. I suggest that they try to find other areas of propaganda to feast on and not on this area because I don’t have any history of betrayal since I started my political career. I do not have any history of betraying anybody who trusts me. As far as I am concerned, going by what the Governor has passed through, it is by divine intervention and providence that he is Governor of the state because attempts have been made to ensure he didn’t become the Governor of the state and at the end of the day, he emerged victorious, so it means that his project is divine. As for me, anybody that is instigating or inciting or trying to instigate any trouble should look for another area to excite themselves.

The Governor has been doing his job very well. He performs his functions as the governor of the state and I do not know the excuse that anybody will wake up tomorrow to say he wants to impeach him. Of course, you know that Abians will not be clapping for you. His brothers and sisters from Ngwa that have never been governor before will also be clapping for me? The security agencies and most importantly, my colleagues of Ngwa extraction and even of other extractions that believe in him and his cause will also be clapping for me in the House? It is ridiculous, wicked and it is only God that knows the heart of man but that issue does not arise. Those that go to Abuja to paint me black that my intention is to impeach the Governor and after impeaching the Governor I will also stay here and impeach the Deputy Governor in a state like Abia are lazy people. I don’t know the type of power and influence that is ascribed to me but I thank them for granting me such privilege of having such imaginary powers to be able to do some of these things which they say I plan to do. Those people instigating and spreading these rumours will be the first to betray this governor when the chips are down. My father experienced it, his own will not be different.

Question: What of the insinuation that there are plans that the Governor may hand over to you when his tenure ends?

Answer

That propaganda was started by those that view me as their enemy. It was to give a massive facelift to the infrastructure of the House of Assembly.

Question: State Assemblies are seen as an appendage of the executive, is it different in Abia State?

Answer

It depends on what you people understand by the word appendage. State Assemblies are not meant to be confrontational to the executives, even the National Assembly is not meant to be confrontational to Mr. President. In the previous Assembly, not every senator was against the President. State Assemblies are not supposed to be at loggerheads with their governors, it is supposed to be a partnership. If they are at loggerheads, it will slow down development. That word appendage is not good because if the Assembly does not pass the budget, will the governor perform? There are three independent arms of government that should work in synergy, so I don’t understand the word appendage. Is it that for you to prove that you are tough that you need to be confrontational to a governor? What for? There is no basis for that. If you are a student of power, you will know that. If you need anything, you get the governor, give him the reasons why you need those things, if there are 10 requests he grants you five or six and you go home, you cannot get everything. It is called dialogue- checks and balances.

Question: On harmonisation of taxes, why is it that people have their number plates yanked off and harassed over tax collection by ‘agberos’. Why can’t the taxes be harmonised?

Answer

There is an existing tax law that we have passed, what is left is for its proper implementation. You know that sometimes the executive takes these steps because our people find it difficult to pay taxes so they resort to all manner of means to make them pay. That doesn’t mean I support some of the things like plate numbers being yanked off.

Question: How come the President got 25 per cent votes from Abia State?

Answer

I don’t understand this question. I don’t understand why people ask this kind of question. Does it mean that the President and his party did not campaign? Does it mean that the President and his party do not have people that are members of his party in Abia State? If they got 25 per cent, with the calibre of stakeholders that they have in Abia, I think that it is even poor. He came to the state, campaigned like every other presidential candidate and the people he convinced voted for him. I know quite a lot of his party men that are in my constituency that worked for him. People like Chief G. O. Onyemaobi, former Speaker, Stanley Ohajuruka, Chief Chris Adighije, Hon. Acho Obioma and many others. So by this your question, are you insinuating that these stakeholders do not have followership? If they continue the work they are doing at Enugu Expressway and the one from Owerri to Abia Tower, they might get more than that number of votes.

Will your Assembly pass any law on state police given the security challenges?

That is the question I would like you to direct to the Governor who is the Chief Security Officer of the state. If the Governor sends an executive bill that will help in the protection of life and property different from the ones we have passed, the House will do justice to it.

In the build-up to 2023 where would your support swing on governorship as you said you are not contesting?

My support is immaterial to any of them since they are accusing me of contesting. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. The personality of the candidate from any of the political parties, not necessarily my own party will play a role when the time comes.

Question :Zoning or no zoning?

Answer

Let the people of Abia decide.

Question: APC is making inroads into the region, if they woo you will you cross over?

Answer

Well, if you have noticed, my father has said he is retiring from elective politics by 2023. If you have also noticed, we don’t play politics of betrayal and criticism which means that we do not need to engage in destructive criticism of the President just to show that we are in opposition, after all what is politics? Is it not reward of loyal people? The President rewards loyal people around him. To answer your question, when we get to the bridge we will know how to cross it because politics is dynamic.

Question: How do you respond to the rumour that the Governor wants to hand over power to you on finishing his tenure in 2023?

Answer:

Did the Governor tell you this? I want to know. As far as I am concerned, it is fake news. Like I have said before and let me repeat it for the last time, it is morally wrong for me to aspire to be governor of this state for now. Like I said in 2015 about the position of Speakership, this propaganda will come and pass and it will happen just the way I have said it. The future belongs to God, whatever destiny God has planned for someone, no human being can take it away.

Question: What lies ahead for you in politics?

Answer:

It is in the hands of God and the people of my constituency.

Recently The News Gazette Online had an exclusive chat with Hon. Ginger Obinna Onwusibe, Member representing Isiala Ngwa North state constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Onwusibe bared his mind on his achievements since he assumed office as a legislator and why he had embarked on so many infrastructural projects within his constituency, he also talked about the relationship between the legislature and the executive and the reason why he is an unrepentant believer in Local Government autonomy.

Reading through this interview you will understand why Hon. Onwusibe has been a successful politician well-loved and accepted by his people and an interviewers delight.

Question:

For the sake of the reading public, may we meet you?

Answer:

I am Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, the member representing the good people of Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency in Abia State House of Assembly and Chairman House Committee on Works.

Question:

You have embarked on some infrastructural projects like rural electrification, building of school blocks and other empowerment programs. Are those projects funded through your constituency Project Funds?

Answer:

Let me put it straight, we don’t have anything called constituency project funds at the Abia State House of Assembly, We the members are currently fighting for it, during the last budgetary allocations, we made it clear that our people expect a lot from us. There should be provision for constituency project funds in the State House of Assembly as we see it in the National Assembly.

On Health:-

Due to the fact that I came from the executive branch of the government to the legislative branch, I am used to projects. When I was coming into the legislative sector, I made so many promises to my people. As a promise keeping servant, I have to keep to my promises and never to give excuses to the good people of my constituency. That’s the reason for all these projects I am embarking on.

On my assumption, I enrolled my people in a Mutual Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS).

Over 500 persons have filled the forms and we have concluded plans with three hospitals and health centers in the Isiala Ngwa North.

We will be flagging it off soonest.

The scheme is aimed at treating minor illnesses such as Malaria, Typhoid etc. And it’s going to be totally free for registered persons.

Rural Electrification:-

The street lightning project is my brainchild. I deemed it feat to embark on the project because most times when my people are coming back from Aba or Umuahia, some drivers will refuse to stop them at some junctions such as Uratta, Amaorji, Ntigha and Isiala Ngwa because of poor lightening and security challenges. That’s why I decided to light up the junctions and other strategic places in Isiala Ngwa North. We have gotten about one hundred and fifty (150) solar powered lights (60 watts) and have installed them in the 10 political wards. The lightning project has been completed to the glory of the Lord.

Sports:-

I am an ardent lover of sports, that’s why I promised to build another mini-stadium in Nbawsi.

As I speak to you now, the major work has been done, which is grassing of the pitch. The only thing remaining is the perimeter fencing and the spectators stand. Before the end of the year, 2020, the stadium will be commissioned.

Mbawsi is the business hub of Isiala Ngwa North. It is the commercial nerve Centre of Isiala Ngwa North. More importantly, I went to my secondary school there.

Education:-

Last week I laid the foundation for three classroom blocks in Abayi. Recently a new secondary school was situated at Abayi and I made a promise of building an international standard three classroom blocks in order to help the school grow. I’m going to electrify it, furnish it and ensure that the students are comfortable. The same plan I have for Umuha.

There is this primary school I adopted some time ago. I have built four classroom blocks for them.

Initially, they were less than 60 pupils, but as I speak to you now, there are more than 600 pupils in the school now, I have bought more than 550 school uniforms, shoes and exercise books, which will be shared to the pupils soon. My reasons for doing all these is that I had a massive support during my election and it’s incumbent on me that I deliver and make my constituents happy. I do them all with my heart, just to give back to the society. I do most of them with my personal funds.

Empowerment:-

Anytime from now, there will be an arrival of 20 mini buses that we bought. The idea is to use the income to sustain our structures.

We are currently training more than 200 youths in skills acquisition.

We also have more than 150 students of Isiala Ngwa North in Higher Institutions, who benefit from our bursary scheme every year. This year’s bursary will be awarded to them any moment from now.

On Legislation:

I have a bill to establish “Abia State Plate Number Making Authority “. I feel that the State needs revenue. This is already operational in Lagos State. I love to be indigenous and clannish. If you look at all my vehicles, you will see that I don’t use any number that is not “KPU”. Sometimes, if I have a car I want to register with “KPU” on it, it will take me like three weeks, because at times when I go, they will say that there’s no “KPU” and I will continue to wait. When I made inquiries, I got to understand that even road safety prints their numbers in Lagos State and what Lagos State prints is Lagos and Abuja plate numbers. That’s why it is possible to register your car today with Lagos or Abuja number without much problems, meanwhile we (Abia State) are free to legislate on that and establish a law that will make it possible for us to produce Abia plate numbers which is going to attract a lot of revenue to the State.

I also have another bill on empowerment because when you see those social interventions federal government is doing, there’s also need for the State to do some programs that will help the youths, which Abia has started already through Education 4 Employment and YESSO. During Xmas they made some youths to smile with the salary arrears they paid. That’s why am enjoining the State government to continue and as well make budgets for the whole local government in Abia State, as it will help in alleviating poverty, robbery and other forms of crime.

To Be Continued

In a statement made available to the press the Member Representing Ohafia North State Constituency in the Abia state House of Assembly Hon. Mandela Obasi officially announced the death of his father and stated that the funeral arrangements will be made public soon, part of the statement reads..

The IKWU NDE EGBOKWU Family of Abiriba Ancient Kingdom in Ohafia Local Government Area, Abia State wish to formally announce to the general public the death of their Son, Father, In-Law, Grand Father and Uncle – LATE CHIEF OCHURU EGWURUONU OBASI whose death occurred on the 5th day of November 2019 at Living World Hospital Aba, Abia State.

He is aged 87 years

Until his death he was a strong member of Erinma Age grade of Abiriba, and a successful business tycoon.

Late Chief Ochuru Egwuruonu Obasi is survived by many children and grandchildren.

Signed…….

Hon. Chief Mandela Egwuruonu Ochuru Obasi.

Member Representing Ohafia North State Constituency, in the Abia State House of Assembly.

For the Family.