₦airaland Forum

A notable cement dealer in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia, Mr. Matthew Amaiheuno, was at the weekend shot dead by unknown gunmen in front of his wife and daughter, ABN TV reports.

The Mbieri, Imo State-born businessman was killed a few meters away from his shop after he had closed for the day, a source said.

A bag said to be containing huge sums of money was snatched from the family.

This is even as our correspondent gathered that another businessman, whose identity could not be ascertained as at the moment of filing this report was abducted by five armed men.

A source said the abduction of the businessman took place along Obikabia-Umukalika Road after he was trailed by his assailants.

The source said, “The man was going back to his house from his shop when the gunmen, who had been waiting for him, accosted them and demanded that the wife hand over a bag to them.

“The man attempted struggling with them and was shot in the head in front of his wife and child. The attackers snatched the bag containing a huge sum of money from them.

“He was rushed to some private hospitals and clinics, but they rejected him. The man’s life could have been saved if the man was attended to immediately because he was still breathing by the time he was taken to the hospital,” the source stated.

A police source confirmed the report but said the incident had not been officially reported for investigation as at the moment of this report.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/2021/02/aba-prominent-cement-dealer-shot-dead/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

The Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr Uche Ogah has congratulated the newly elected Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, describing her as a proud daughter of African soil who has shattered a glass cylinder of being the first woman and African to lead the World Trade Organisation.

Dr. Ogah in a congratulatory message obtained on Monday by ABN TV, further says the former Nigerian Finance Minister is a thoroughbred professional, with undoubted capacity and impeccable character.

Ogah further stressed that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala has made Nigeria proud for being the first African and first female to occupy the position of  Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in its 25-year history,

The Minister expressed optimism that Dr. Okonjo-Iweala will no doubt bring to bear her cross-national and multi-sector experience in her role, urging all Africans to lend her the needed support.

"Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala no doubt is one of the most shining lights from our great continent whom we are proud of.

"She has in decades of her career stamped her name on the sands of time with credible and outstanding performance at World Bank and everywhere else where she had been privileged to serve.

"I have no doubt in my mind that she will fly our country's flag high at the global stage and bring home honour" the message partly read.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/2021/02/you-are-proud-daughter-of-africa-dr-ogah-congratulates-okonjo-iweala/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J, Ishilove, Marpol, Semid4lyfe, Obinoscopy

President Muhammadu Buhari has named Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa as the new Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, ABN TV reports.

He has therefore requested the Senate to confirm Bawa’s nomination.

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday titled “President Buhari requests Senate to confirm Abdulrasheed Bawa as EFCC boss.”

The statement read, “President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to confirm Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa as substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

“In a letter to President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, the President said he was acting in accordance with Paragraph 2(3) of Part1, CAP E1 of EFCC Act 2004.

“Bawa, 40, is a trained EFCC investigator with vast experience in the investigation and prosecution of Advance Fee Fraud cases, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering, and other economic crimes.

“He has undergone several specialised trainings in different parts of the world and was one of the pioneer EFCC Cadet Officers in 2005.

“Bawa holds a B.Sc degree in Economics, and Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy.”

The statement is silent on the fate of Ibrahim Magu, a police officer, who was suspended as the commission’s acting chairman last year.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/2021/02/buhari-names-40-year-old-bawa-new-efcc-boss/

Cc; Dominique, lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) has brought light to the people of Abia state.

The Minister insists that under APC, South East has been better than it was under the People's Democratic Party (PDP), calling on the people to identify with the party.

In a chat with ABN TV, Dr. Ogah said within the confines of APC House of Assembly, Reps, and Senate members in the state, they have performed well in the area of critical infrastructure, maintaining that they have brought light.

He dispelled allegations that the APC is a Northern party, calling on Ndigbo to look beyond appointment into political positions and look at what the APC has in the past six years done for the region.

"Before now, you know how Arochukwu to Ohafia used to be, you know the way Okigwe to Umuahia used to be. It is not the same today. These are critical infrastructure the APC government is putting in place.

"Even the gully erosion along Isuikwuato campus (ABSU) Akara Road has been taken care of by the federal government. The road project has been included in the 2021 expenditure plan and that is what government is all about" he said.

He also called on political actors to shun sentiment bring dividends of democracy to the people, adding that it is what the APC stands for.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/2021/02/apc-has-brought-light-to-abia-says-ogah/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah has decried the growing insecurity in major cities across Abia his home state, particularly Aba and Umuahia, urging the the governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to discharge his responsibility effectively as chief security officer of the state.

He reiterated that this is why the state is paid huge sums of money in security vote by the federal government.

The Minister who spoke with ABN TV on Thursday expressed sadness that Abia residents now live in fear and apprehension.

Citing the recent killing of a female POS operator in Aba, Dr. Ogah said the scenario is not different from what obtains in Umuahia where he said robberies and attacks on citizens go on on daily basis.

He tasked Abians to form vigilante groups in their various communities and know the identity of those who come into their communities to avoid harbouring those with criminal tendency.

While describing security as a collective responsibility, he maintained that nothing stops the people from assisting the government to ensure that lives and property are protected.

Recall that ABN TV on Sunday brought you a report that a middle-aged man identified as Augustine Inemesit was shot and killed in Umuahia metropolis and his corpse dumped in the drainage by his assailants.

Also, a lady POS operator was attacked and injured in Aba.

She was however pronounced dead in the medical facility where she was rushed for treatment.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/2021/02/security-arise-and-take-charge-protect-abians-ogah-charges-ikpeazu/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

Abia State Government has reinstated the ban on public gatherings, and compulsory wearing of facemasks in public places as the second wave of COVID-19 takes its toll on Nigeria.

Following this, the state is set to map out a day in the coming days to observe Abia COVID-19 Awareness Day with the purpose of laying emphasis on the pandemic and the need to ensure compliance to the rules and protocols to curtail the spread of the virus.

This will see critical stakeholders and Abians on the streets of the State helping to lay emphasis on the need to observe the COVID-19 protocols.

The Chairman of the State Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 and Secretary to the State Government, Barr Chris Ezem made the revelation today at a meeting with Abia Traditional Rulers Council, religious leaders, security agencies, and some select stakeholders in the state at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.

The SSG at the meeting said the second wave of COVID-19 cannot be taken for granted as the records from NCDC keeps getting more and more frightening as the days go by noting that the lives of Abians are more sacred than any other thing and deserves every necessary step taken to protect them.

He further revealed that Abia is returning to status quo with regard to initial measures taken to contain the spread of the virus during the first wave and warned that non-compliance could lead to total lockdown.

On his part, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joe Osuji revealed that the first nine months of the pandemic had Abia Record 1015 positive cases, while it has recorded over 300 cases between January and now, noting that this record calls for serious actions.

The Commissioner then restated his call for collective action against the virus.

The State Epidemiologist, Peace Nwogwugwu, and former Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Caroline Iwuoha decried the high level of doubt about the reality of the virus among Abians and explained that simple personal hygiene, frequent wearing of facemasks, and social distancing are good preventive measures against the virus, revealing that most cases recorded are as a result of ignorance and fear among the people and called for frequent testing and contact tracing.

The Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu who frowned at the attitude of the people towards observing Covid-19 protocols applauded security agencies, religious bodies, and traditional rulers for their efforts during the first wave and said the second wave requires even more action.

Kalu appealed to religious bodies to ensure compliance through the provision of handwashing materials as well as sanitizers for their members.

To this end, the Government and the stakeholders resolved as follows:

1. That all churches, business centres, and eateries are expected to boldly have an inscription "NO FACEMASK, NO ENTRY" at the entrance of their buildings and programme venues

Wearing of facemask is compulsory while church worship activities must end by 2 pm.

2. All market leadership must provide "NO FACEMASK, NO ENTRY", at the entrance of all markets and ensure total compliance with the advised protocols.

3. All Transport regulations remain as provided earlier. Tricycle operators known as Keke must not carry more than 2 persons at any given time. The riders must remember that Government has reviewed their fees downwards because they are required to carry only two passengers on any journey, while minibusses will carry only four passengers and usual buses, nine.

It is compulsory that everyone in such commercial vehicles must put on their facemasks including the drivers.

4. Existing regulations as they affect eateries, including the "NO FACEMASK, NO ENTRY" policy, also affect the hospitality industry i.e hotels.

All staff of such business concerns must wear facemasks while running water/soap with alcohol-based hand sanitizers must be provided at the entrance and within the facility for use by anyone coming into the building.

As part of measures to ensure compliance, Government officials will pay unscheduled visits to these places and any business concern that defaults will be closed down and a fine of N100,000 imposed which must be paid before it will be reopened.

5. Weddings and burials will go back to the initial protocols of not more than 50 persons in attendance.

Traditional Rulers of all communities in conjunction with Local Government Chairmen are to set up taskforce to monitor burials and weddings. Such taskforce has the authority of the state to stop any wedding or burial that contravenes the Covid-19 protocols.

“We cannot afford to lose lives because of non-compliance to simple rules as the second wave of the virus has graver health and life-threatening implications than the first one”, said Barr Ezem.

He further stated that Government urges everyone to cooperate with the committee to ensure that the guidelines are followed without any encumbrances.

6. Every Ministry Department, Agencies (MDAs), and parastatals are to ensure that the "NO FACEMASK, NO ENTRY" inscription is placed at every office entrances. They must also provide running water and soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

7. All private and public schools are to ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols as earlier established. Well-meaning Abians can also help government and other public institutions with the provision of facemasks and other needed items for pupils and students to help fight the pandemic.

8. Compulsory wearing of facemasks is now in place. Once anyone contravenes the law, the person will pay a fine of N5,000. The mobile courts will be in place to try defaulters.

9. Abia COVID-19 Day will be launched soonest. It will begin at the Local Government to the state level. All Abians are expected to come out wearing their facemasks on the streets of Abia as a way of showing solidarity with government in its efforts to protect the citizens from the pandemic

10. Community testing and sample collection is ongoing in all 17 Local Government Areas.

The State Government urged all traditional institutions and religious bodies to encourage their members to go for testing, know their status as the collection and testing is free.

According to Ezem, medical teams at designated isolation and treatment centers are operating 24 hours daily and are ready to nurse infected persons back to good health.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/2021/02/covid-19-abia-reinstates-ban-on-public-gatherings-others/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

Mrs. Victoria Nwazue, mother of late Chinomso Nwazue, has accused officers of Nigeria Police Force from Central Police Station, CPS Umuahia Abia state of beating his son to death in their custody.

The deceased Chinomso was until his death a fairly used clothes dealer, popularly known as okirika in the metropolis.

Narrating how her son was killed before Judicial Panel of Inquiry sitting in Umuahia on Wednesday, Mrs. Nwazue said policemen numbering about 5 on October 29, 2016, invaded their home located at No 85 Okuzu Lane by Niger road Umuahia, beat her son and later took him away in the middle of the night.

She expressed shock that before the next day when she and her elder son, Chukwuemeka Nwazue went to the said station the next day to make enquiry on what the offence of her son was, she was told he is dead and deposited at the mortuary.

She said, ”Around 11 pm, I heard noises from outside, one of the voices I heard was my son Chinomso’s voice.

”I came out and saw some policemen about 5 of them holding my son. He was asking them what he did but they were beating and kicking him with their legs, hands, and batons.

” I was able to identify them as policemen because they were on uniform and came with a van.

”I was shouting and asking the policemen what my son did but none of them responded to me.

”I held one of the policemen on his waist, asking him to kill me too, but he pushed me into the gutter where I hit my head.

“The policemen pulled Chinomso’s trouser and tied it around his waist where he was operated on.

”A kidney correctional surgery was carried out on Chinomso in 1982 at UNTH Enugu.

”They dragged my son into the van and asked me to come to CPS Bende Road Umuahia.

” It was late so I couldn’t go that night and I was still mourning my late husband. I called my son Chukwuemeka and narrated everything to him” she said.

Mother of the deceased who could not hold her tears said a man whose identity she couldn't ascertain informed her the next day of her son's death after she narrated what happened.

She however confirmed the development upon arrival at the Central Police Station.

She said apart from the injury she sustained in her head when she hit it on the pavement after the incident, she has also developed high blood pressure.

According to her, the same police deposited the corpse in the mortuary and released same to the family.

Mr. Chukwuemeka Nwazue, elder brother to the deceased said he wrote to the AIG Zone 9 Umuahia, and the governor of Abia State but nothing was done about the matter.

He also mentioned that the police never showed up for condolence or any other thing as regards the matter before and after his brother’s burial.

According to him, he wrote to the police, to release the corpse of Chinomso as they were not doing anything about it.

He said Chinomso was buried on November 2, 2017.

He noted that no amount of money can compensate for his late brother. He, however, pleaded a compensation of N100M.

Responding, the Counsel to the police, FC Okafor stated that the police has no witness to present as no police officer was mentioned in the petition. “Therefore there is no way to identify the perpetrators of the said act,” he said.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/2021/02/abia-police-arrested-tortured-my-son-to-death-woman-narrates/