Breaking News

Abia NUT suspends strike action

Details below:

*NUT, NATIONAL LEADERSHIP INTERVENTION ON ABIA TEACHERS’ PLIGHT*

Based on the intervention and extensive deliberation by the NUT, National leadership on the plight of Abia Teachers with His Excellency, the governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu yesterday, 1st March, 2021, it was resolved as follows:
1. That the government will make teachers’ salaries top priority.
2. That the state government has agreed to liquidate all the outstanding arrears of salaries owed to both Senior and Junior Secondary School teachers in the state before end of 2021.
3. That government has agreed to pay the basic school teachers the N10,000 added on salaries of all workers in the state.
4. That the issues on policy matters will also be addressed when the whole documentations are made available e.g. promotion implementation, leave grants and others.
5. Government has equally directed that the check-off dues and Teachers’ Retirement Contributions should be paid along with every salary payment of teachers.

On the forgoing, and based on the understanding reached with the NUT leadership, we have been directed to inform you that the ongoing strike action is hereby suspended. Teachers are by this notice directed to go back to classes tomorrow Wednesday 3rd March, 2021. The National leadership commends your doggedness and sustainability throughout the period of the strike action.

The NUT, Abia State Wing sincerely appreciates your solidarity, unity, support and cooperation during the period.

We want to sincerely appreciate our amiable governor, His Excellency, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for his timely intervention and we pray that those offices involved in the implementation of all the resolutions will do the needful.

We want to also thank the National President of the NUT – the number one teacher, Dr. Nasir Idris, the Secretary General, Dr. Mike Ike Ene and the National Treasurer, Com. Segun Raheem for their encouragement and support in this struggle.

Esteemed Comrades, we urge you to stay safe and observe all Covid-19 protocols as you go back to classes.

Hi Teachers! Hi NUT!!
Solidarity Forever!!!

Signed:

*Elder Comrade Kizito A. Kalu* (State Chairman)

*Comrade Mrs. Nnenna Okonkwo* (State Secretary)

Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore has appeared in court with Native Doctors and other Juju men.

See photos here

https://theeasterntelegraph..com/2021/03/breaking-sowore-appears-in-court-with.html

Democratic Legitimacy, Supreme Court and the Imo Crisis

Democratic Legitimacy, Supreme Court and the Imo Crisis

Ralph Achalonu

Within the last twenty years, Imo State has been grappling and even grooving in the dark on how to reset its governance system. The peculiarities of the Nigerian democracy is compounded by leadership recruitment process. Such that Imo State has regrettably become a victim in bounds.

In 2019, Imo voters had hoped that the governorship election would provide for them a platform to squarely address the democratic deficit of past administrations and their sordid experiences. It was an occasion that the voters had longed for to deploy their democratic rights as given by the universal adult suffrage to every man and woman to cast his or her vote.

While the Imo voters kept to their faith, and voter Hon. Emeka Ihedioha into office as roadmap to reset Imo for good governance and development, the Nigerian state, this time, the Supreme Court as a democratic institution had a different thought. On 14th January, 2020 in the peak of Coronavirus pandemic, the Supreme Court nullified the legitimate mandate of Imo voters and took their votes and gave to Sen. Hope Uzodinma, a candidate that came fourth. A candidate whose party and his candidature had already been nullified by the same Supreme Court in the case of Uche Nwosu vs APP & Others.

It is this miscarriage of justice propelled by the Nigerian state and powerful forces in Abuja and the nation's ruling party that has landed Imo in unimaginable political crisis. By the very decision of the Court which denied Imo voters of their democratic rights, the Supreme Court had given political power to an occupant without the legitimacy. In a democracy, legitimacy is very sacrosanct.

While this writer do not in any way intend to question or disparage the Supreme Court, it is shocking that for nearly a year now, the appeal for the enforcement of the judgement in the case of Uche Nwosu vs APP & Others/SC.1384/2019 have been laying fallow for so long. This seeming delay and the inability of the Supreme Court to take action is responsible for the deplorable condition Imo is facing at present.

Of a truth, Uzodinma is fighting a two prong wars. One is to curry favour from Abuja; the other is exert himself and force legitimacy from the people. Democratic legitimacy cannot be gotten through fiat or brute force. It's derived democratically, specifically, through elections and the ballot box.

It is pathetic that Imo people have to go through this sad experience. Uzodinma's quest to brutally gain legitimacy has resulted in political crisis, whereby, governance and development in the state hs taken a back seat. Even at that, Uzodinma's penchant to resort to self-help without exploring all the democratically recognized institutions of law and other has escalated the crisis in the state.

On the other hand, Sen. Rochas Okorocha's resolve to dare the state government is indirectly an attempt to exert power and prove that the government in Imo lacks legitimacy. The issue of legitimacy is at the core of the ongoing crisis in the state. These squabbles are all the footprints of the crisis of legitimacy in Imo State.

Further, the current crisis has left Imo state lagging behind in many respects. Because of the leadership gap and the legitimacy question, the Okigwe Zone, today do not have a Senator on the floor of the Nigerian Senate. Imo State now suffers from an avalanche of crisis from political, leadership, government and worst still, development..

That notwithstanding, Imo citizens will never lose faith on the Supreme Court as a democratic institution. We have the hope that if the Supreme Court expeditiously re-examine its judgement on the Uche Nwosu vs APP & Others matters, just will surely be done. Imo State deserves a more democratic atmosphere and rancor-free politics, this prospect of sane leadership and good governance will never be feasible. Let the Supreme Court acts now.

Achalonu, is a public affairs analyst, he wrote from Owerri, Imo State capital.

Gov. Ikpeazu’s Developmental Strides; A Better Way to Start a New Year. ~ Aba Freelancers.

The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu(PhD), Silence his critics with action on rural and urban road Construction and flag-off of more roads.

The Ikpeazu's administration has proven to Abians and world that with determination and focus, One can make remarkable impacts amidst Economic challenges.

Also, another lesson well learnt is that the best response to the critics is silent achievements, in his words ” let them Facebook while I face work”.

#AbaFreelancers have watched with keen interest how Ikpeazu’s caterpillar revolution moved strategically round the states economic hub, Aba and other Abia Environs.

From Egege and Ebemma roads, Osusu, milverton, eziukwu roads fully completed and await immaculate and umueze roads to be delivered before rainy season.

As we applaud the ones we’ve seen and anticipate for more, we hope those handling Ngwa and Obohia roads delivers on time.

Lastly, the God that placed it in his heart to rekindle the almost lost glory of Abia, keep him and his cabinet focused in delivery the expected in due time.

#AbaFreelancers

Ohafia LG Chairman inaugurates Legislative council

The Executive Chairman of Ohafia Local Government, Dr. Okorafor Ukiwe, today, inaugurated the legislative Council in compliance to Abia state local government law.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Chairman charged the Councillors to be dilligent in their Legislative duties and service to the council, maintaining that he would uphold rule of law and the separation of power.

He assured of all needed support, even as he adviced them to create a working environment devoid of rancour as they strive to provide quality and excellent representation.

After the inauguration, the house sat, and elected the following principal officers:

HON. OJU NDUKWE UKA Representing NDI-ELU WARD, NKPORO as the LEADER OF THE HOUSE.

HON. IBEM EGUTA UDUMA Representing EBEM OHA WARD, OHAFIA - DEPUTY LEADER.

HON. OJEBE NMAJU Representing AMAOGUDU WARD, ABIRIBA - MAJORITY LEADER.

HON. EBIN EBIN KALU Representing OKAMU WARD, OHAFIA - DEPUTY MAJORITY LEADER.

HON. NNAMDI AWA IJE Representing AKANU UKWU WARD, OHAFIA - CHIEF WHIP.

HON. TOCHUKWU KALU FRANCIS Representing ETITI WARD, NKPORO - DEPUTY WHIP.

BREAKING: FG extends COVID-19 Committee mandate till March 2021 as lockdown looms


See full details here
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/12/breaking-fg-extends-covid-19-committee.html

Ikpeazu rewards 15 years old Ariaria scavenger with scholarship, says honest people go far in life


See full details here
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/12/ikpeazu-rewards-15-years-old-ariaria.html

Umahi bows to pressure, tenders unreserved apology

After weeks of heated verbal attacks between that followed his defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief Dave Umahi, on Monday, finally tendered an unreserved apology to Sen. Pius Anyim

See full details here
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/12/umahi-bows-to-pressure-tenders.html

BREAKING: APC has no Candidate for Imo Senatorial By-election as INEC releases final list

In the final list released by INEC this morning, APC is missing

See the final list here
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/12/breaking-apc-has-no-candidate-in-imo.html?m=1

RE: ABIA OF BLIND LEADERSHIP

-John Okiyi Kalu

I watched the widely circulating video made by one Dr Kenneth who goes with the alias of “Liborous Oshoma Gcfr” and my initial thought was that the child who did not attend his father’s burial will always exhume him from the legs. Since then I’ve called and discussed with the maker of the video on the issues raised, lack of balance and perspective in his material. We agreed to do a joint physical review on the state of road infrastructure in the State before and during the Ikpeazu-led administration as well as the administration’s going forward plan to do more in the midst of obvious financial challenges.

While we wait for the joint physical review, it is important that I respond to some of the issues raised, especially for the sake of those who may have been sucked in by the seemingly persuasive presentation of Liborous without due consideration for sacred facts.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu rightly complained about the poor state of federal roads in the state which unfortunately threatens to asphyxiate and cut off the commercial hub of the state, Aba, as well as cut off inter-LGA access within the state. The painful part is that most visitors to the state, including Liborous, form their opinions on the state of infrastructure in the state along with the performance of the Governor from their ugly experiences at those federal roads, and consequently, close their eyes to the extensive works done with state roads by the administration.

To date, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has completed 97 verifiable State road projects and I dare inform that it is a record number within the state and region. In addition, he has worked on several federal roads to ensure palliative maintenance of those roads without refund of even a Kobo from the federal government. He constructed alternative state roads to bypass terribly bad federal roads in the state, including Ekwerazu-Nto Edina Road which is the only motorable link between Abia, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States today.

For the purpose of clarity, permit me to take up the issues raised in the video in itemized manner:

1. I do not know the Abia State Government official who called Liborous “unprintable names” but certainly not from my office which is the information clearing house of the state. As democrats, we see constructive criticism as an integral part of democracy and have since 2015 encouraged citizens' participation in governance through feedback. Suffice it to state that the first contact Liborous had with my office was when I reached out to him on Saturday after watching his current video.

2. While Liborous is right to state that Abia is an oil producing state and receives 13% derivation payments, he obviously does not know that as at today, Abia has only 4 active wells from where she has never earned up to a billion naira in any particular month. In fact, in one particular month the state received Twenty Nine million naira (N29,000,000.00) only as derivation payment and the records are there for all to see. It is therefore obtuse to compare Abia with states that receive billions monthly from derivation with a straight face and boldness. Indeed, the Monthly derivation payment to one of the states he mentioned is higher than the total allocation of at least 3 South East states put together.

3. Obviously, the road leading to Ukwa West that Liporous referenced is the Aba-Port Harcourt segment of Enugu-Port Harcourt Federal Highway. That particular road is among the terribly bad federal roads mentioned by Governor Ikpeazu as requiring urgent intervention. The same segment of road was awarded by the federal government to a Chinese company since 2014 with absolutely nothing done at the Abia end to date. The contractors have abandoned the project to work on another segment in a neighboring state since then with untold hardship to our people.

On our part, we have done more than 4km of a new State road link for our people from that axis through the Uratta-Ugwati Road in Ukwa area. We have also executed the following road projects in the area from our meager 13% derivation payments, in addition to other key development projects:

A. Rehabilitation/Asphalt overlay of failed portions of Umungede rtoad in Owaza.
B. Rehabilitation/Asphalt overlay of failed portions of Ezeogwu Road in Owaza
C. Rehabilitation/Asphalt overlay of failed portions of WELL 9 Road (Palm Groove) Phase 1 & 2 in Owaza.
D. Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of failed portions of WELL 9 Road (Umuegwusi/Umuagalaba Road junction in Owaza.
E. Rehabilitation/ Asphalt overlay of failed portions of WELL 9 Road (Uzoururu Umuokeudu junction) in Owaza
F. Rehabilitation/ Asphalt Overlay of failed portions of Obehie/Owaza Road in Owaza
G. Rehabilitation/Asphalt Overlay of failed portions of Ahia Orie Umuokpara Road in Owaza
H. Rehabilitation / Asphalt Overlay of failed portions of Umuagalaba Road (Owaza) in Owaza.

It is important to note that following the critical appeal of Governor Ikpeazu, the contractors handling the Osisioma segment of the Enugu-PH Highway (Arab Contractors) and Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Federal Road (Hartland) have remobilized to site this week. The Federal Controller of works in the state has also visited the Governor to detail out planned intervention with other federal roads.

4. On “AMA-Mmogh“ area of Aba, it is on record that our administration is the first to construct 3 key roads in the area using rigid pavement technology: Agharandu, Onyebuchi and Ibadan Roads, all connected with the garment cluster in the area. Ibere Street has partially been reconstructed, too.

In addition to the above, I make bold to state that since the creation of the earth no other administration has put in place a more profound plan to recover that area that is famous for Ndiegoro flood disaster of the 80s that made late Governor Sam Mbakwe weep. The Ikpeazu administration has commenced work on a N27.4b watershed management project that includes total reconstruction of Ngwa and Obohia Roads as well as the proper channeling of storm water in that particular area that is at the sump of Eastern Aba city through a massive underground tunnel that is expected to end frequent road failures in the area. The internationally vetted and approved contractors, Hartland and Tunnel End, are currently implementing palliative works along Obohia and Umuagbai Roads to create alternatives to the busy Ngwa Road before full reconstruction of the ever busy road that leads to Ahia Ohuru market and our garment cluster. In addition to that, the State Government has awarded Ohanku Road for reconstruction after years of unconscionable tying of that road to a non performing NDDC contract. Just in case Liborous missed this and needs reminding, NDDC is a federal agency.

5. ABSUTH road is under construction with more than 95% of the drains completed along Club 25 Road in Aba. With the onset of dry season construction window, we have mobilized the contractor to return to site and complete the project within this window. Before now, this administration rehabilitated the Udeagbala end of the road which takes very heavy tonnage as a result of the activities of the manufacturing concern located there. In due course, we shall link up Udeagbala and Club 25 Road to provide another smooth entry/exit road from Aba.

6. On Port Harcourt Road, Aba, it is important to state that when we came on board in 2015, that road which was in a very bad condition was tied to a federal contract and we had a running battle with the contractor before we forcefully vacated the contract two years ago and commenced work there with massive double drains already completed end to end for the first time in known history. We suspended work along that road because of the need to link up the new drains with the watershed management project of the Ndiegoro area. This administration will not execute a road project without proper channeling of storm water to avoid early failure. We also learned from our experience elsewhere in the city and decided to integrate the project with the greater watershed management project that includes Uratta through Port Harcourt to Umuagbai and Ngwa Roads to Waterside River. We hope to complete the work, along with full reconstruction of Ngwa Road, Ohanku and Obohia before the end of our tenure in office. We care too much for the sustainable wellbeing of our people to execute “Ozigbo Ozigbo” road projects to impress the likes of Liborous and the do-nothing political opposition in the state who lack the courage to call out the federal government on the parlous state of federal roads in our state.

After the reconstruction of proximal Osusu Road using rigid pavement (cement) technology, we have awarded Omuma Road for full reconstruction with a defined path for storm water management through Osusu and Eziukwu to Waterside. We are applying the principles of integrated road construction to ensure total recovery of Enyimba City within the pendency of our administration and will NEVER sacrifice quality for speed, or waste the limited resources of our state on hasty unplanned interventions.

7. According to Liborous, “Most of the roads at the Local Government Areas of the state, like Aba North, Aba South, Osisioma, Ugwunagbo and Obingwa LGAs have all been taken over by water and frog” but a visit to the mentioned LGAs will show otherwise. The Ikpeazu administration is the first state government in history to construct an asphalted road in Ugwunagbo LGA (Umunka-Ugwunagbo Road) since the earth was created. Likewise, we have completed at least six (6) road projects in Osisioma LGA including MCC-Samek, Umuode, Omnee, Adaelu, Chima Nwafor, Umuojima, Osokwa Umuejie, Kamalu etc with other ongoing road peojects in the area. I dare any living Abian to contradict me that no other administration In the state has done more roads in the LGA than the Ikpeazu administration. In Obingwa, we have completed Ekwereazu, Agalaba Phase 1, Ukaegbu, Ehere, Umuola, Obikabia, Ebenma Egege, Umuobiakwa roads etc with many others such as Ururuka ongoing.

8. “The Umuahia, Bende, Ututu to Ohafia and Arochukwu Roads is a nightmare“ assertion of Liborous is true. What he obviously missed is the fact that it is a federal road under a failed subsisting federal contract. One would have expected Liborous to know this simple fact and at best call for urgent federal intervention as Governor Ikpeazu did. I personally wish to join Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in calling out the federal government to end the sufferings of our people living in that axis. It is “criminal” to ignore the long suffering of the people of the area by abandoning that project for so long.

Furthermore, I call on federal legislators representing the area to courageously stand up at the National Assembly and call for the full funding of the already awarded but poor performing contracts for the reconstruction of that federal road.

9. According to Liborous, “Osisioma flyover, Obohia Road, Ohanku Road, and Eziukwu Road have won awards as the roads that has taken the longest time to build”. Interestingly, Osisioma Flyover is the first of such structures to be built in Abia since the earth was created and it is at about 90% completion level. While the project was started in 2017 with a planned 2 years completion duration, it suffered delivery set backs due to funding constraints and the fact that we have only 5 months construction window. The good news is that the administration is determined to deliver the project before the end of this year and work is ongoing as I write this response.

While we launched the reconstruction of Obohia Road in April of this year, it is a fact that we have long completed work at Eziukwu Road and adjoining Ojike Lane. I challenge Liborous to visit the state and stand in the middle of those roads to make live videos, if he cares for truthful advocacy. We are also working on the famous Milverton Road that is linked to Eziukwu and Ojike roads and will open the area to full traffic only after the completion of the Milverton project within this dry season window. Those with elementary knowledge of construction and the area in question will not disagree with the decision of the government. If we open Eziukwu and Ojike without completing Milverton the already done work will certainly be negatively impacted.

10. I don’t know the unnamed government source that gave Liborous his information that former Governors of the state travel at the expense of the state. I leave those involved to defend themselves but suffice it to state that state sponsored local and international travels is at the lowest ever under Ikpeazu. Since 2015, Governor Ikpeazu also cut his salary and that of his appointees by more than 50% to save money for other areas of need. He not only wears Made in Abia clothes but also eats only Made in Abia rice in Government House Umuahia. It will be strange and malicious for anyone with rudimentary knowledge of Abia’s political leadership history to accuse Governor Ikpeazu of financial recklessness.

11. While we have challenges with payment of workers in our state parastatals who are statutorily not paid by the state government; the fact that all workers directly paid by the state government are up to date with their salaries should not be ignored. Also, the fact that the new minimum wage has since applied should not be glossed over. Abia currently pays better than any state in the region, per salary level, and has the highest wage bill in the region.We have long moved to support ailing parastatals to pay workers regularly and ultimately clear their outstanding wages. In the same Nigeria where Liborous lives, states are experiencing challenges with revenue inflow with some already cutting wages as a result of the economic challenges associated with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic and the devastating EndSARS protests across the nation. For instance, while in June 2020, total allocation to the state amounted to N1.9bn, the state government still managed to pay wages of over N2.3bn in same month and executed other projects during the pandemic.

12. According to Liborous, the state government approached AfDB for some facilities including the N27bn for watershed management. The fact is that the World Bank availed the state the N27.4bn for the watershed management project in the Ndiegoro area of Aba and the project is ongoing as I write this response after we fully paid our counterpart funding. It was AfDB management that invited the Governor to their headquarters and he seized the opportunity to discuss critical support to the government and people of Abia State. The automated shoe factory in Aba (ENASCO) which was funded directly by the state government is currently at test production stage and we have gone ahead to start exploratory work on a new automated garment factory that will be located within the same area. Our team is currently in Bangladesh and Turkey thereafter to review available equipment, and in due course, we hope to launch this as further boost to our SME development agenda that has seen Aba being rated as the SME capital of Nigeria. The launch of our SME Microfinance Bank is a further testament to the determination of Governor Ikpeazu to boost MSMEs in the state and create jobs. It is this same agenda that gave rise to Governor Ikpeazu’s envisioning of the already licensed Enyimba Economic City which is expected to create more than 600,000 jobs within a period of 10 years. Only a transgenerational leader like Governor Ikpeazu will seek to solve the challenges of today and tomorrow in his state.

13. That Liborous affirmed that the administration has embarked on many road projects in urban and rural Abia speaks to our desire to solve as many road nfrastructure challenges as possible. Our major limitation remains funding and the short construction window available to our state which receives the second highest annual rainfall In Nigeria.

14. We will not fall into the temptation of comparing ourselves with other Igbo states that are obviously at different development stage with us. Suffice it to say that properly schooled development analysts understand that in a Federal Republic, different states pursue different development paradigms based on the leader's understanding of the current state of development, needs of the people and vision for the future. We correctly analysed the development stage of our state, her challenges and future outlook before arriving at the 5 pillars of development that emphasize human capital development through appropriate engagements in Education, Agriculture, Industry, Trade and Commerce as well as Oil and Gas development. We also identified factors that wiii enable the development of these pillars to include (i) Security (ii) Education (iii) Health (iv) Infrastructure (v) Ease-of-Doing Business and Tax Reforms. We are religiously pursuing these pillars and the enablers in the hope that we will leave Abia much more better than we met it. Other states are free to pursue the development of their state via another route.

Finally, I dare agree with Chimamanda Adichie that “The risk of the single story, the one perspective, is that it can lead us to default assumptions, conclusions and decisions that may be incomplete, and may lead to misunderstanding..." Adichie also makes a connection between single stories and the impact of power in our lives. Hear her: "Operating from the context of a single story can prevent us from a more complex, nuanced view of a situation.”

It is on the above note that I wait for the agreed date of engagement for Liborous to visit Abia and review all that I have stated in this response and hopefully make another video that is reflective of the true situation without the usual suspects accusing him of being compromised by the state.

Thank you.

Chief John Okiyi Kalu is the Honorable Commissioner for Information, Abia State

WEALTH CREATION: We are determined to create multiple streams of income for Bende Youths ~ Anyaso.


Dr Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso has entered into parternership with Golden Guinea Breweries Plc Umuahia. According to the Abia born serial entrepreneur, Dr. Chima, creating multiple streams of income is the best way to curb youth restiveness.



Dr Chima said this when he visited his friend and associate, the Chairman of Golden Guinea Breweries Plc, Chief Okey Nzenwa, the Okeosisi of Mbaise in his office in Umuahia on Friday Nov. 20 2020.



The Igbere young billionaire said that the aftermath of the #EndSars protest we witnessed some weeks ago will resurface if nothing is being done to create other sources of income for the youths and for the other unemployed citizens.



By this partnership, the young capitalist is joining hands with the Golden Guinea Breweries Plc to open multiple distribution chains of Golden Guinea products for Bende youths who are presently out of jobs, to help the them carter for themselves and their families.



In his response, the Chairman of Golden Guinea Breweries Plc, Chief Okey Nzenwa said that Dr Chimaobi Desmond Anyaso is the type of young minds that this nation needs. Those who are thinking out of the box and finding means of helping other people who are not as privileged as themselves.



He further stated that when the youths have what they do and what they legitimately get money from, it will help to stop crimes and insecurity in the society.

He thanked Dr. Chima for coming to see what they're doing at Golden Guinea Breweries Plc and promised his hand of fellowship, however he can, to make sure that whatever Dr. Chima has in mind for Bende youths is actualized.

BREAKING: Governor Ikpeazu slashes ABSU school fees by ₦30,000


See full details here
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/11/breaking-governor-ikpeazu-slashes-absu.html

Paul Emeziem emerges speaker, Imo state House of Assembly

See full details here

http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/11/breaking-speaker-imo-state-house-of.html

Gov Obaseki Dissolves Cabinet.

See source for full details
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/11/breaking-gov-obaseki-dissolves-cabinet.html

I’M LEAVING PDP FOR APC, UMAHI TELLS SECONDUS, OTHERS

See full details here
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/11/im-leaving-pdp-for-apc-gov-umahi-tells.html

We will ensure safety of Ndi Igbo and Nigerians everywhere - Ikpeazu

See full details here
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/11/we-will-ensure-safety-of-ndi-igbo-and.html

IPOB working to instigate another civil war – Umahi

See full details here
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/11/ipob-working-to-instigate-another-civil.html

*Ikpeazu reiterates commitment to pay ABSU students pocket money*


See full details here

http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/11/ikpeazu-reiterates-commitment-to-pay.html

NDI IMO, SUFFERING UNDER HOPE UZODINMA

Since the supreme court imposition of Supreme court governor, Hope Uzodinma on Ndí Imo, every aspect of State business is on hold. From abandonment of Road construction to non-payment of civil servant salaries to non payment of pension to our senior citizens, the story has been the same.

Recall during the Rebuild Imo Adminstration of Governor Emeka Ihedioha, the State witnessed tremendous progress in all facet of state life - from infrastructure development like Road construction to other legacy projects like the construction of 27 mini stadiums across the State to boost sporting activities, equipping of state health facilities, to prompt payment of Salaries and pension, all now abandoned by the current administration.

One wonders why the Hope Uzodinma led government is not interested in moving the state forward. Questions which beg answers like, could it be that the Governor knows that the people are not happy with the pace of his administration? Could it be that he knows but ignores to face this obvious fact because he is a product of imposition and not a people centric Leader elected by the people? Could it also be that the Government of the day is only interested in satisfying the whims and caprice of his cronies who brought him and imposed him on the people through the Supreme court?

Ndí Imo, frustrated by uncountable unpassable road network littered across the State now hope and pray that a messiah would come to their rescue.

There's now a popular trend in Imo, it is: UZO ODIKWA MMA? a jest to illustrate the high level of infrastructure decay in the State and of frustration the people are passing through under the Governor Hope led administration. It is on record that the frustration has eaten too deep and there seems to be but lost Hope.

To pilot a State to el-dorado is not rocket science, Governor Emeka Ihedioha proved within 7 months that a government can Work optimally, maximizing the potential inherent in the State for the growth, development and betterment of the State.

Till date, the current administration has failed to live up to the expectations of the people, but, we are not surprised because a System not of the people will certainly be against the People.

Sanwo-olu Inaugurates Lagos State NAPTIP Human Trafficking Taskforce


The Lagos State Task Force team on Human Trafficking and SGBV has been inaugurated by The Governor of Lagos State Sanwo Olu.

Sanwo-olu assured the Director General, National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons(NAPTIP), Dame Julie Okah-Donli of his administration’s commitment and resilience towards the fight against Human trafficking and Sexual and Gender Based Violence.

The Governor reaffirmed that Lagos amongst one of the leading states who have domesticated the Child’s right act and VAPP, will not relent until the scourge is rid of and Offenders prosecuted accordingly.

The Director General, NAPTIP emphasized on the need for the state governments to continue to support the fight against Human trafficking and Sexual and Gender Based Violence and she thanked the Lagos state government for always been proactive.

THE ERA OF THE ABSURD IN FACE OF MISPLACED PRIORITY

Having watched the event that transpired, and how an agency responsible for an issue as fundamental as protection of Child right, one wonders why organizers of such a huge event would leave out and exclude such an important agency as NAPTIP NIGERIA.

Key questions arises and begging for answers.

1. Keen observers are wondering why @naptipnigeria is not part of the ongoing UN spotlight Initiative Town Hall on Violence Against Women, Girls? It is fundamental we ask this question because NAPTIP is solely responsible as an agency for the welfare of the girl child and women through her policies.

2. The general public is concerned and asking why the NAPTIP was not invited to be part of a global multi-year initiative from the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN),. An agency as NAPTIP shouldn't have been left behind. We demand answers to this question.

3. Can we sincerely put this into thought and sincerely ask. In this 2020, 21st century, An Initiative with attention centered on the issue fundamental to societal growth, moving it into the spotlight and placing it at the center of efforts to achieve gender equality and women’s empowerment, in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and not even the NAPTIP DG was invited?

4. We asked again on behalf of the general concerned Public, Why was the @naptipnigeria DG not invited knowing fully well that she is heading the implementing agency of VAPP act which coincidentally falls under her purview?

5. This has become rather troubling as one is concerned and ask, Why are Nigerian agencies not cohesive in tackling national issues?

6. Why are donor agencies so much concerned with cashing out for ministers and not the agencies domiciled with such responsibilities? Must we continue like this? Is it because of the EUR 500 million that was made? Is it because the EU is the main contributor?

I asked again, why is the DG of NAPTIP not invited in a program which is saddled in her agency?

#CTVtownhall
#SpotLightNG
#SpotlightENDViolence

Breaking: Governor Ikpeazu tests Negative to COVID19

Abia State Governor Okezie V. Ikpeazu has tested Negative to COVID19 after a second test was conducted

See full details here
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/07/breaking-governor-ikpeazu-tests.html?m=1

The establishment of CATTLE MARKET at Obehie NOT Ruga: The true story

At the inception of the Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu's administration in 2015, it was obvious that the eyesore which cattle trading around Waterside Aba posed needed a decisive attention...

See full details here
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/06/the-establishment-of-cattle-market-at.html?m=1

Government properties: Abia Government issues 7 Days Ultimatum to EFCC

Abia State government has given the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seven days ultimatum to remove all the offensive notices placed on some assets and estates of Abia State government.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Abia State, Chief Uche Ihediwa gave the ultimatum while briefing news men on the recent development in the State, where the EFCC sealed off some property purported to belong to a highly placed politician in the State. Chief Ihediwa demanded the EFCC to tender an unreserved apology to the State within seven days in view of the inconvenience its action has caused the State, failure of which the State would take appropriate redress in court. He explained that those assets marked by the EFCC belong to the State government, also that Abia government duly entered into partnership arrangements with credible investors for the development of those property under public private partnerships while the reversionary interest in the properties still resides in the State government.

Chief Ihediwa informed that the law establishing the EFCC makes it clear that the Commission can only seal property of persons under investigation and noted that ownership of the property in question is not under investigation. He recalled that in 2016, the same EFCC investigated the ownership of most of those property and the certificates of occupancy and and public private partnership agreements between the State government and investors of the various assets.

The Commissioner described the action of the EFCC as unwarranted and unlawful, regretting why the agency did not write the State government to find out the ownership of the said property whose title documents are domiciled in the State Ministry of Lands. He stated that the action of the EFCC has caused harm to the State economy by scaring investors from the State.

The assets sealed by the EFCC include; The Abia Mall, the Adelabu Housing Estate, the former township main market at Ogwumabiri, the
Millenium Luxury Apartment,
Abia hotels and Linto estate, Old Timber Market, all in Umuahia.

From office of the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

Akwa Ibom Govt Seals Christ Embassy Church for violating COVID-19 protocol

See full details here
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/06/akwa-ibom-govt-seals-christ-embassy.html?m=1

APPEAL COURT SACKS OSHIOMHOLE AS APC CHAIRMAN...

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the suspension of Adams Oshiomhole as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

See source for full details here
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/06/breaking-appeal-court-sacks-oshiomhole.html?m=1

COVID-19: we will continue aggressive testing says Abia Government

“Currently we have recorded 166 confirmed cases in the state with 20 patients discharged from our isolation facilities but we are not alarmed by the recent upsurge in the infection..."

See full details here

http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/06/covid-19-we-will-continue-aggressive.html?m=1

BREAKING: Nigeria records 288 new Corona virus cases today, 171 Deaths


See NCDC data here for full details
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/05/breaking-nigeria-records-288-new-corona.html?m=1

Ikpeazu commissions 100-bedded isolation facility

See photos here
http://www.nigeriantelegraph.com/2020/05/ikpeazu-commissions-100-bedded.html?m=1