₦airaland Forum

The Abia State All Progressives Congress (APC) State working committee(SWC) has demanded for the immediate dismissal, referral for criminal investigation and prosecution of Mr. Yusuf Muyideen Ahmed, an ICT staff member attached to the National Secretariat of the APC.

In the petition sighted by CANDID REPORTERS, it read that the evidence before the Committee indicates that Mr. Muyideen, acted in flagrant breach of his position of trust, actively sabotaged the recently concluded National Assembly primary elections in Abia State.

The Abia SWC also alleged that Prince Paul Ikonne, orchestrated the unlawful diversion and theft of sensitive electoral materials designated for the Abia State primaries.

The petition also holds that reports has credibly link the accused of operation to financial transactions in the region of $250,000, introducing a dimension of bribery and financial corruption to the sabotage.

Read the full petition document below 👇


PETITION FOR THE IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL, REFERRAL FOR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF MR. YUSUF MUYIDEEN AHMED FOR ELECTORAL SABOTAGE, THEFT, AND CONSPIRACY DURING THE ABIA STATE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PRIMARIES

The above subject matter refers.

The Abia State Working Committee of our great Party writes to register our strongest displeasure and demand urgent disciplinary and legal action against Mr. Yusuf Muyideen Ahmed, an ICT staff member attached to the National Secretariat. Evidence before the Committee indicates that Mr. Muyideen, acting in flagrant breach of his position of trust, actively sabotaged the recently concluded National Assembly primary elections in Abia State.

Preliminary investigations by security agencies reveal that Mr. Muyideen, in collusion with a former senatorial aspirant, Prince Paul Ikonne, orchestrated the unlawful diversion and theft of sensitive electoral materials designated for the Abia State primaries.

The actions of Mr. Muyideen constitute fundamental violations of our relevant criminal and electoral laws as well as internal Party discipline, as detailed below:

1. Unauthorized Diversion of Electoral Materials: Mr. Muyideen facilitated the removal of sensitive electoral materials from the approved chain of custody. This act is not merely an administrative breach but a criminal subversion of the Party's internal democratic process designed to disenfranchise our members and alter electoral outcomes.

2. Collusion and Conspiracy: By acting in concert with Prince Paul Ikonne, Mr. Muyideen conspired to compromise the integrity of the primary elections.

3. Financial Inducements: Reports credibly link this operation to financial transactions in the region of $250,000, introducing a dimension of bribery and financial corruption to the sabotage.

While we acknowledge the swift intervention of the National Assembly Primaries Committee led by Barr. Erasmus Cishak in salvaging the exercise with fresh materials, the integrity of the process was already threatened by the alleged actions of a paid staff member of the Party.

Recall that by a letter dated 17 of May, 2026 addressed to you through the office of the National Organizing Secretary and signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the National Assembly Primaries Election Committee for Abia State Erasmus Cishak and Bartho Nyelong respectively, a request was made for fresh electoral materials for the Senatorial Primaries. The Foregoing further buttresses the veracity of the fact of this criminal misconduct by Mr Muyideen.

Address: No. 38, Azikiwe Road, By Adelabu Junction, Abia State

The conduct of Mr. Yusuf Muyideen Ahmed to wit the unauthorized diversion and removal of sensitive electoral materials from lawful chain of custody constitutes the stealing of election materials.

Furthermore, by colluding with Prince Paul Ikonne to divert electoral materials for the purpose of committing an illegal act, Mr. Muyideen has also prima facie committed the offence of Conspiracy under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act.

As an ICT staff member of the National Secretariat, Mr. Muyideen holds a position of trust. His actions in leveraging this position to facilitate electoral fraud represent gross misconduct and a breach of the implied duty of fidelity owed to the APC

In the light of the grave nature of these offences, which strike at the very foundation of our Party's ability to conduct free and fair primaries, the Abia State Working Committee hereby issues the following demands:

a. Immediate Dismissal from Service: The National Working Committee is requested to invoke the disciplinary provisions of the APC Constitution (as amended) to summarily dismiss Mr. Yusuf Muyideen Ahmed from the employment of the All Progressives Congress, effective immediately.

b. Referral for Criminal Prosecution: The Party must officially refer the case file, including all evidence gathered by security agencies, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for independent investigation and prosecution under the relevant provisions of the Electoral Act, 2026 and the Criminal Code Act.

c. Comprehensive Security Audit: The ICT Department at the National Headquarters must undergo an immediate, independent security audit to identify and seal vulnerabilities that could be exploited by bad actors ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Sir, the integrity of our primaries is the bedrock of any electoral success we hope to achieve in the general elections. If we fail to demonstrate zero tolerance for internal sabotage by treating this as a mere internal memo rather than a criminal referral, we send a dangerous message to staff and members alike.

We trust in your leadership to treat this situation with the urgency, firmness, and legal rigor it demands.

Always be assured of our warm regards.

Yours sincerely,

Hon. Chijioke Chukwu

20/05/26.

Chairman,

All Progressives Congress (APC),

Abia State Chapter

Uche Agbaeze Okocha, a Public Law Researcher with focus on Constitutional and Administrative Law, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has faulted the authenticity of the viral video in circulation having the counting of voters during the just concluded presidential primary election in Abia State.


In the said video in circulation, the Deputy Speaker of the house of representative, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu is seen in his ward standing in cue to cast his vote as another party member, Chinasa Frank took the lead on the vote counting which has stirred up controversy about the accuracy of the counting process.

Click the link below to watch the controversial video 👇

https://web.facebook.com/share/v/18auJmQoYU

Tinubu polled a total of 10,999, 162 votes, while Mr Stanley Osifo secured only 16,503 votes nationwide, recording zero or negligible votes in several states.

In his submission about the election process, Uche described the Abia APC Primary election as “a resurgence of grassroot participation in democracy and internal democracy of the APC”.

Uche stated his position of the APC primary election during a live radio political program with Vision Africa Radio in Umuahia, Abia State on Monday.

In further submission about the controversial video in circulation and the credibility of the APC primary election, Uche added that the election process is “a demonstration of total compliance of equity, natural justice, good conscience and respect of the rule of law in the electoral guidelines of the Constitution of Nigeria”.

Uche also affirmed that he is yet to see the trending video citing any form of irregularities in the APC Presidential primary election.

“I haven’t seen the video, I wouldn’t know the source in which you got the video, what is important is the validity and truthfulness of what is in circulation.
“Where did you get the video? Did you get it from the APC agents? Did you get it from online because we are in the world of technology, things can be mutilated, you know about the AI and Deep seek. Today anybody can turn my voice to anything, so it is important that whatever we are relying on is evidence to canvas in any position and has validity”. Uche said.

On the question of possible litigation by an aggrieved member of the party who may have felt shortchanged during the entire primary election of the APC, Uche said it is vested on the aggrieved candidate to protest the outcome of the election. He faulted critics of the primary election process saying only an APC member has the legal standing to challenge the outcome of the election as APC has an internal mechanism to resolve issues before anyone can herd to court.

“It is a credible process which all of us witnessed, rather they mob up enthusiasm targeted at discrediting what APC has done. They are worried that APC conducted a peaceful primary election, I don’t know when last did this happen? this is a credible and transparent process. Nobody has gone to court from the just concluded APC primary election”. Uche said.

He rated the entire APC primary election process 8/10.

Watch full interview video here 👇

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Ei8TWzbG9/

Read more: https://candidreporters.com/constitutional-lawyer-faults-viral-apc-controversial-primary-election-video-tags-it-credible-process/

Hon. Obi Aguocha, House of representative member representing Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano constituency in the 10th National Assembly has affirmed that the release of Nnamdi Kanu is his primary responsibility and he will not relent on doing so despite preparing to launch a campaign to return him to office in the next general election.

Hon. Aguocha also spoke on the economic redundancy of the South East which he said is due to neglect of key infrastructures in the zone. He hinted that the south east deserves a sea port, railway system and other federal institution to be domicile like other parts of the country to boost economic viability of the region.

He predicted that the South East agitation will continue as long as the issue of marginalization continues and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB )is not a terrorist organization as the terrorist organisations are the ones carrying out havoc in the North East and North West, North Central of the country.

‘‘The government knows who the real terrorist organisations are’’. Hon. Aguocha said.

Hon. Aguocha affirmed his position while addressing newsmen on Tuesday in his home town, at Umuohuru Nkwoegwu, Umuahia, Abia State. He stated that he is not an IPOB member but believes in the Biafra Ideology. He stated that the idea of Biafra is a mindset thing which refers to the economic development of the South East. Hon. Aguocha added that the goal should be building the South East for economic prosperity. He also frowned at the use of violence by Simeon Ekpa in the Biafra Agitation.

‘’When Simeon Ekpa came, he believes that violence should beget violence and violence should beget freedom, I don’t believe in that, you can’t kill the people you want to govern. There are some aspect of the agitation that I do support but when it come to the aspect of the South East to be developed like Lagos, Port Harcourt by giving equal opportunities to Igbo people… That’s what Nnamdi Kanu stands for and I also stand for that’’. Hon. Aguocga said.

Hon. Aguocha made comparison between Nnamdi Kanu and Sunday Ighoho who also agitated for self rule in the western part of the country, while also stating that Igboho is walking as a free man and supporting the APC and president Bola Tinubu in the upcoming election.

‘‘He is getting all manner of chieftaincy titles all over Yoruba land and I had he has declared for APC too, so the question is why is Nnamdi Kanu still in detention? It was one campaign promise that I made that if elected into the house of representative, I will have a platform to talk about the issues concerning Nnamdi Kanu and the plight of Ndi-igbo. It appears we have two set of rules in Nigeria, one for Ndi-igbo and the other for the other set of Nigerians’’ Hon. Agwuocha said.

While establishing his family tires with the Kanu family, Hon. Aguocha revealed that he attended same primary school and secondary school with Nnamdi Kanu, and his father was their family physician and Nnamdi Kanu’s mother was one of the chief bride’s maids to his wife during their wedding.
Hon. said he has been speaking for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and he will continue to do so despite been denied of some opportunities in the house of representatives due to his position on the release of Kanu.

‘‘I know what I have lost for speaking up for Nnamdi Kanu, other issues that borders on constitutional issues, justice and equity, I know what I’m losing because they say he is always on this side. I don’t regret it for any moment, If I don’t speak for him who else will speak for him. I have encouraged a lot of people that’s why I like what Governor Otti has done. As he stepped in as well to use the institution of the governor to see how to convince other governors of the South East to make it an urgent concern before the president’’. Even if I’m no longer a member of the federal house, I will continue to speak for Nnamdi Kanu. Hon. Aguocha said.

He added that the leadership of the national assembly should take the matter of Nnamdi Kanu serious as national discuss because the conventional position of the average Igbo man is the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu.

Hon. Obi Aguocha, House of representative member representing Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano constituency in the 10th National Assembly has revealed that he has executed several projects and empowered 700 people in his constituency without discrimination on who voted him to power and without making noise.

Aguocha hinted that in his style of representation, he believes in achievements and making impacts in the lives of indigent members of his constituency than making noise.

Hon. Aguocha stated this while narrating his score card on Tuesday during a press briefing in his home town, Umuohuru Nkwoegwu, Umuahia, Abia State.

Hon. Aguocha said that he is building homes for indigent women in his constituents, sponsoring the education of some youths as well as providing skill training for others in his constituency. He also added that road construction is ongoing and others to commence after the rainy season. He however applauded the projects been carried out by Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia/Ikwuano constituency.

He assured journalists on a soon to be scheduled assessment tour of his constituency projects.

Aguocha affirmed that he believes in touching lives with lifestyle empowerment. He faulted critics who assumed that he has not done anything visible in their constituency as he is not used to ‘‘making noise’’. He however boasted that he is very accessible by members of his constituents and believes in simplicity. He also highlighted that the nature of empowerment been done by others legislators may be factored in to satisfy other members of his constituency who feel they have been short-changed but he cannot not to be intimidated by such style of representation.

In his word: ‘‘ I’m not going to be intimidated by not giving keke (tricycle) or motorcycle. To them that mean that I’m not doing well. They have not seen what I have done legislatively.

‘‘If I have keke and Okada I will do so to satisfy their curiosity but I don’t do things based on the pressure of the society, I do things based on that which I believe.

Aguocha said in the primary responsibility of the national assembly, he is second behind Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kanu in making laws. He added that the deputy speaker’s bill has always been considered first before his, due to position and influence and as a second term serving member.

He however described the deputy speaker as an effective legislator who deservers his flowers for that.

While listing other projects he has executed in his constituents, Hon. Aguocha said, he has delivered 2,500 solar lights in ward 3 and other parts of his constituency among others mentioned.

‘‘We did training for about 200 persons on skill acquisition, we already have list of applications up to 700 persons who wants to be trained in our scheduled skill acquisition program.

‘‘Too much Noise is not important, especially where they will abuse you and I don’t have too much energy to ask someone to return fire for fire. I didn’t come to power make myself bigger than what I am but to make myself accessible.’’ Hon. Aguocha said.

On legislative matters, Hon. Aguocha revealed that he co-sponsored a bill to change the Micheal Okpara University, Umudike to a conventional university where other courses will be studied, such as Medical courses which will translate converting Federal Medical Centre (FMC) to a teaching hospital while Ikwuano community will host a new site for construction of another FMC.

On contesting with Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, the former speaker of Abia state house of Assembly, who recently declared interest to contest in the 2027 Umuahia North/Umuahia South/Ikwuano constituency election race, Hon. Aguocha said he is not scared of the contest if the former speaker emerges APC flag bearer.

‘‘I have been through that journey with him once, if he is also the one that emerges, we will go back second missionary journey, then present our achievement and proposals to the people of Ikwuano/Umuahia. I don’t underestimate his decision, I have much respect for him, I don’t run them down, but our people will see works and decide’’. Hon. Aguocha said.

He reaffirmed confidence in the 2027 election process if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sticks to the electoral guidelines.

rince Michael Chiemela and Prince Wisdom Chiemela, young lads who supported the election of Governor Alex Otti in 2019 are set to contribute 100,000 naira to the 2027 re-election campaign of the Abia Governor.

In the latest development, the two boys, alongside their sister (Princess Victoria Chiemela), decided to donate the 100,000 naira from their birthday savings of last January to Governor Alex Otti’s re-election Campaign funds.

According to the statement made available to CANDID REPORTERS from Comrade Emeka Joseph U, the executive Director, Prince Michael & Wisdom Foundation, he described the young Lads as “ones who saw the future and devoted themselves to campaigning for the most suitable candidates in the 2019 governorship and House of Representatives elections for Bende constituency”.

“This is in appreciation for Governor Alex Otti’s remarkable achievements in Abia State.
Though currently out of the state, they are happy that Abia children can now attend school free of charge, that healthcare centers have been renovated, and that their hometown, Amaohoro Nkpa, is now accessible by good roads from Umuahia/Uzuakoli axis”. The statement read.

The statement also added that “though too young to vote in the 2019 general elections, they tirelessly reached out through social media platforms, hoping and praying that Ndi Abia and Bende would experience true rural and village leadership for the first time.

The Young Lads in the content of the statement also appealed to Governor Otti to focus more on his good governance and continue to ignore those playing politics with the future of Abia Children.

They pleaded the Governor to kindly beam his rural development search light to Nkpa community in Bende local government area of the state asserting that the construction of rural roads in Nkpa community will help for easy transportation of agricultural produce and contribute to the food basket of Abia.

The young lads strongly hold the opinion that fufu prepared in Nkpa community as simply remains the best in Nigeria.

They also noted that Governor Otti’s administration has also empowered youths through skill acquisition programs, improved rural electrification, and promoted transparency in governance, earning him widespread commendation.

“From television news to the dirty streets of Umuahia, and from the bad roads to Nkpa, our village, we recognized that many on the ruling party’s ticket and major opposition were products of “stomach infrastructure” and merely errand boys who had nothing to offer them as children. What followed has proven their insight correct. Mayor Ugboaja added.

As Scripture says, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). And, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). Their early dedication is a testament to Proverbs 20:11: “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right.

“May God bless these young boys for standing with Governor Alex Otti. Mayor Ugboaja prayed.

The date and venue where the donation will be made will be announced to the public soon.

Signed,
Comrade Mayor Emeka Joseph U. ( Eze elect).
Executive Director,
“Prince Michael & Wisdom Foundation”.

Following claims by the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abia State chapter, that local governments in the state receive their monthly allocations without interference, a concerned Abian Chima Okorie has challenged the Mayor of Bende Local Government Area to account for his stewardship in office.

Okorie, questioned the performance of the council chairman after 13 months in office, insisting that there is little or no visible impact of governance in the area despite regular funding.

Reacting to ALGON’s assertion that local government allocations are received in full, he stated that Bende Local Government receives an average of about ₦600 million monthly.

He queried what projects or developments justify such inflows within the period under review.

In his words: “Bende Local Government receives about ₦600 million on average every month. The question is: where are the commensurate projects to show for these funds after 32 months of Otti Administration? Okorie asked. Bende has received over N19 billion since May 29th, 2023.

He lamented what he described as the poor state of infrastructure in public schools, the absence of basic medical equipment in most primary healthcare centres, and an overall lack of effective governance across the local government area.

According to him, the situation cuts across the entire local government. “Bende has 13 wards, yet there is no ward where the impact of local government administration can be clearly felt, even when the Mayor claims he receives allocations without any hindrance,” he said.

He, therefore, called on the Mayor of Bende Local Government Area, Uwabunkonye Bassey, to publicly explain how funds accrued to the council have been utilized in the interest of transparency and accountability.

He assured that they will be forced to petition regulatory agencies, EFCC , ICPC to urgently investigate the allocations of Bende Local Government, especially as the Chairman acknowledged unhindered access to the entire funds of the local Government from the Abia state Government.

A political commentator, Emmanuel Igwe, has taken a swipe at Hon. Ginger Onwusibe over remarks in which the federal lawmaker reportedly criticized the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and described the last 24 years of governance in Abia State as a period of failure.

In a statement issued in Umuahia on Monday, Igwe argued that Onwusibe was a key participant in the political system throughout the period he now condemns, having served in public office during the same 24 years.

He maintained that it was inconsistent and misleading for the lawmaker to distance himself from an era in which he allegedly played an active role and from which he benefited politically.

According to Igwe, Onwusibe cannot credibly portray himself as an outsider to the past administrations simply because of his recent political alignment, insisting that “history does not permit selective amnesia.” He contended that any fair assessment of Abia’s political history must acknowledge the roles played by individuals who occupied positions of authority during that period.

The commentator further challenged Onwusibe to account for his performance in his current position at the National Assembly, noting that occupying a higher and more influential office comes with greater responsibility and expectations.

He questioned what tangible achievements the lawmaker has delivered to his constituency, including landmark bills, constituency projects, or empowerment initiatives that justify what he described as Onwusibe’s “moral posturing.”

Igwe compared Onwusibe’s present record with that of other lawmakers elected at the same time, arguing that public office holders should be judged by visible impact rather than political rhetoric or media engagements. He stressed that effective representation is measured by concrete contributions to the lives of constituents, not by constant criticism of past administrations.

He also described as “cheap politics” the practice of exaggerating the failures of previous governments while remaining silent on one’s own role in those administrations and on present shortcomings. Igwe warned that supporting a sitting governor or aligning with the current political leadership should not involve rewriting history or, in his words, “insulting the intelligence of Abians.”

Igwe concluded by calling on Hon. Onwusibe to openly acknowledge his role in Abia’s past political journey and to clearly outline what he has delivered so far in public office.

He maintained that leadership and governance should be anchored on accountability, performance, and honesty, adding that without these, claims to moral authority over Abia’s political history would remain unconvincing.

The Abia APC Renaissance Group has called on Governor Alex Otti to make the most of his planned meeting with President Bola Tinubu by taking steps to align Abia State with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a statement signed by Comrade Udeagha Agbayi, the group noted that the governor’s scheduled visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, this week presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen his relationship with the President and advance Abia’s political and developmental interests.

The group expressed expectations that Governor Otti would address several pressing concerns during the meeting, including what it described as an ongoing clampdown on opposition activities in the state—particularly those involving the Renewed Hope Partners.

The statement further noted that the meeting should provide Governor Otti an avenue to explain how his administration has utilised the foreign loans it acquired, as well as other resources reportedly earmarked for the state’s development.

The APC Renaissance Group also urged the governor to give clarity on why he continues to run government affairs from his private residence rather than from the Abia Government House, despite the billions spent on renovation projects across the state. The group specifically referenced the reported ₦54 billion allocated for school renovations, stating that many schools do not reflect such expenditure.

Additionally, the group raised concerns over the non-implementation of the approved minimum wage for certain health workers in the state—a development it said has significantly eroded the goodwill that contributed to Governor Otti’s victory in 2023, and could impact his prospects for a second term.

The statement stressed that the governor must not allow the opportunity to address what it termed the “anomalies” in his administration to slip away, warning that such a chance may not come again soon.

While acknowledging that it is not within its powers to determine who is accepted into the APC, the group emphasized that although the party welcomes new members, it does not welcome “liabilities.”

Abia State’s financial status has remained at the centre of public debate in recent weeks, following revelations that the state received a staggering N38 billion in total revenue between April and June 2025, excluding Local Government (LG) allocations. With LG monthly allocations averaging N11 billion, and the state government retaining full control of LG finances, Abia’s combined monthly inflow now floats around N49 billion.

These figures, confirmed in financial reports signed by the State Accountant General and the Commissioner for Finance, have stunned many Abians who were unaware of the true magnitude of state revenues during the current administration.

However, instead of responding with clarity and openness, government officials reacted defensively. Media aides were hurriedly dispatched to deny the figures, while officials attempted to redefine budgeted estimates as actual earnings. The focus shifted from accountability to diversion.

Yet, with revenues rising sharply from roughly N6 billion monthly in 2023 to nearly N49 billion monthly in 2025, many citizens are now asking critical questions:

Where is this money going? Why is progress not matching income? What exactly is being achieved with this unprecedented inflow?

While the public deserves clarity about revenue, attention must now shift to how this money is being spent. A meticulous review of the state’s financial records raises serious red flags.

1.) Land Compensation Spending: N32.7 Billion (Jan 2024 – Sept 2025)

Official records show that in 2024 alone, the government spent N15.048 billion on land compensation.

This raised immediate public concern, especially as many real landowners received only fractions of this amount. Some were paid as little as N400,000. Many others insist they received nothing at all, including the Abia Airport landowners in Nsulu.

In 2025, the government quietly reclassified these payments under a new heading: “Lands and Housing.” Under this fresh title:

N2.8 billion was booked in Q1 2025 and N14.4 billion in Q3 2025, bringing the total to N32.7 billion in a 21-month window.

These expenditures raise several pressing questions:
i.) Who were the beneficiaries?
ii.) Where is the published compensation list?
iii.) Which lands were acquired?
iv.) What are their sizes, locations, and approved compensation rates?
v.) Why is land compensation taking priority over social infrastructure?

Until today, most of the so-called project sites remain bushlands which includes: Owazza Industrial & Innovation Park, Proposed Seaport Land, Modular Refinery Locations, Industrial Cluster Zones and Owerrinta Medical City Site, On the ground, none are active projects.

Adding to that, reports arose that the airport compensation list included suspicious non-indigene beneficiaries with Yoruba names.


2.) N9.1 Billion for Electric Buses, Workable Innovation, or Costly Gamble?

The government announced grand plans to become Nigeria’s first state to deploy electric buses.

However, this claim is demonstrably false as Lagos State and Oando have been test-running electric buses for four years, Multiple private operators currently run electric fleets in Lagos, and other states are testing electric vehicles cautiously

Beyond this, core issues remain unanswered, What is the cost per unit? How many buses were bought? Why procure 20 buses when 100 were announced? Where are the charging hubs? Was feasibility on weather, power sustainability, and logistics carried out? And what is Aba Power’s involvement?

The fear is that Abia may be financing an expensive experiment without due diligence or sustainability planning.

3.) Public School Renovations Costing Over N85 Billion With No Evidence

Perhaps the most shocking revelation in the entire fiscal report is the N85 billion spent on school repairs between 2024 and September 2025.

Breakdown:

Q4 2024: N54 billion withdrawn in one tranche
Q1 2025: N14 billion
Q3 2025: N13.3 billion

Total: N85 billion

Meanwhile, schools across Abia remain visibly dilapidated.

There are: No “smart schools”, No large-scale modern classroom renovations, No significant new furniture and No technology upgrades.

What makes this more troubling is that these expenditures exclude the separate N10 billion UBE grant currently in use. Neighbouring states have achieved far more at far lesser costs.

4.) N39 Billion spent on Research & Development in 31 Months

Under normal circumstances, R& funding is used for capacity building, technical consultancy, training programmes, and knowledge infrastructure. However, in Abia, it appears to have become a dumping ground for questionable expenditures.

Between 2023 and September 2025, Abia has spent N39 billion in Research & Development, barely N3 billion Agriculture.That ratio is alarming.

5. Agriculture Neglected and Directionless

Despite national food inflation, Abia has No agricultural development framework, Derelict public farm estates, Idle project lands, and minimal investment.

Between January 2024 and now, total spending on agriculture stands at only N1.3 billion, while N3.1 billion was allocated to social re-orientation and N5 billion to sports. These sectors have received far more attention than agriculture, the state’s most viable economic pillar outside trade and industry.

The consequence is visible in rising food prices and zero large-scale farm production.

With unprecedented revenue inflows and minimal visible development, the people of Abia deserve answers, not denial.

Therefore, the government must immediately:

1.) Publish the full beneficiary list of the N32.7 billion land compensation
2.) Publish school projects tied to the N85bn expenditure
3.) Publish procurement records for electric buses
4.) Publish R& contracts, consultants, and deliverables.


This should not be seen as an attack, but as a fulfilment of the accountability Dr. Alex Chioma Otti promised during the campaigns.

Abians are not asking for charity. They are demanding transparency, value, prudence, and integrity. because it is their money, future, and state.

©️EKWEDIKE

The former Minority Leader of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, has called on Abians and opposition political parties to unite in defence of democracy, alleging a coordinated attempt by the Abia State Government to suppress dissenting voices.

Chukwu who made the call while reacting to the recent revocation of the lease contract for Abia Hotels, Umuahia, by the state government, accused the government of vindictiveness, harassment, and intimidation of the opposition.

According to him, the revocation was politically motivated, claiming it was triggered by the All Progressives Congress (APC) hosting a rally at the hotel premises on October 5, 2025, which drew a large turnout of supporters.

Chukwu, who also serves as a member of the North West Development Commission board, further alleged that the Labour Party–led administration in Abia State demolished property worth billions of naira belonging to Engr. Mbaka at the Trademore complex, Umuahia, without paying compensation. He argued that such actions would discourage investors from considering Abia State for business.

He also accused the government of attempting to shut down an event centre in Osisioma, where the APC recently held another rally—an action he described as further evidence of intolerance toward the opposition.

The former lawmaker criticised what he called the government's growing hostility toward dissenting voices, noting that he enjoyed freedom of expression as an opposition member before the 2023 elections.

Chukwu therefore urged opposition members and Abians at large to unite and resist what he described as moves by Governor Alex Otti’s administration to clamp down on dissent, warning that such actions pose a threat to democratic principles in the state.

The Abia State Ministry of Trade and Commerce, in partnership with VEGA is set to host an investment summit and product exhibition in Abia State.

The summit tagged, Abia-Turkiye Investment Summit and Product Exhibition 2025 is being hosted by the Abia State Government. The event is scheduled to hold at International Conference Center in Umuahia from November 25 to 27, 2025 between the hours of 9am to 6pm daily.

According to the special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on investment Promotion and Public Private Partnership (PPP), High Chief Jerome Green-Amakwe, while speaking during a meeting held with the Speaker and members of the Abia State House of Assembly in Umuahia on Tuesday, he said the Abia-Turkiye Investment Summit and Product Exhibition will contribute immensely to the growth of Abia State economy.


During the meeting, Chief Amakwe also sought the collaboration of the Abia State House of Assembly members in other have to a successful hosting of the Summit.

CANDID REPORTERS gathered that the partnership with the Turkish Government for the summit and product exhibition is a deliberate effort targeted at creating job opportunities as well as help in showcasing other economic potential of Abia State and the partnering county.

The summit and product exhibition is also expected to create a favourable business environment for Abia citizens doing business in Nigeria as well as extend the goodwill to those living and plying their trade in Turkey.

High Chief Amakwe said the summit is all about attracting investments from across Nigeria, Africa and the world at large with particular partnership with Turkey.

“Turkey is a developed economy. We want to tap into their economic development by asking them and requesting them to come and partner with us, partner with Abia people, partner with our businessmen and investors to have a good working relationship”. High Chief Amakwe said.

Responding to the planned event, the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa on behalf of other members of the House pledged total support for the summit as well as other policies and programmes of the State government.

Also speaking, the Deputy Speaker of .Abia House of Assembly, Austin Okezie Mmeregini and Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe commended Chief Amakwe for seeking support of the legislature and assured that they would work with his committee to ensure the success of the Summit.

Re: Governor Alex Otti Fires Back At Lagos State Government Over Demolition Of Igbo Businesses

The attention of Abia State government has been drawn to a nonexistent statement credited to Governor Alex Otti, which bore the above-mentioned headline. The statement further reads thus “I have no business with Lagos, I’m not competing with Lagos. My competition is China and Dubai. By the time I’m done with Abia, Lagos will look like a village”.

It must be unequivocally stated that the poorly scripted statement and other innuendos contained therein, are not only false, baseless, and unfounded, but represent a divisive propaganda from a group of frustrated politicians who are getting more convinced on a daily basis that the performance and achievements of Governor Alex Otti in Abia have further rendered them politically irrelevant and nonexistent in the eyes of Abia people.


It’s an established fact that Governor Alex Otti isn’t just a man of statesmanly wisdom who detests garrulousness and refrains from childish showmanship, but a leader who recognises the sacred practice of exploring the right channels to communicate and engage his colleagues in resolving sensitive issues that border on the welfare of the people, when and where necessary. It’s therefore ridiculous for anyone to imagine that Governor Otti could have made such a reckless and unintelligent statement that bears the signature of arrogance, thoughtlessness and divisiveness.

Given the relationship which has become an unbreakable bond that has existed between Governor Otti and his brother Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for decades, speaking to the Governor directly off camera on any subject matter is one of the easiest things to do.

The authors of this hogwash had started by planting fake stories, petitions and inciteful articles immediately they learnt that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, was coming to commission landmark projects in Abia. To their shock and frustration, though the President couldn’t make it in person, his representative got the kind of Presidential ovation, support and solidarity that’s unprecedented and rare to see anywhere.


Governor Otti has antecedents that are grounded in excellence and achievements, therefore his excellent performance which is attracting massive accolade from within and outside of Abia State shouldn’t attract unnecessary hate, bitterness and dirty politics, because he is only interested in transforming Abia State.

Finally, Abians, especially social media users are enjoined to be wary of the many fake stories and articles being sponsored and churned out by a handful of desperate politicians who are angry and frustrated that Abia has finally overcome mediocre governance and assumed its rightful place in the comity of progressive and prosperous states.

Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser to the Governor
(Media and Publicity)
October 5, 2025.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EftJk2Djq/

Hon. Anderson Kelechi Akaliro, member representing Umuahia North State in the Abia State House of Assembly has dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Labour Party (LP)stating that Governor Otti made it difficult for him to criticize as an opposition party member.

Hon. Anderson announced his defection on Tuesday in Umuahia, Abia state.


Stating the reason for his defection, Hon. Anderson said he decided to dump the APC join Governor Alex Otti to develop Abia, judging from the impact the governor has made in the state.

Hon. Anderson stated that it was obvious that Governor Otti came prepared for the job not just as he knew him as a banker but discovered that he is a seasoned administrator.

In his words: ‘’I have decided to join Governor Otti in Labour party because I have looked at the things he has done so far for the good of our state…

‘’Judging from his antecedents and what he has done, I had thought that he is a seasoned banker but I never knew he was a seasoned administrator and he came prepared for the job. Today I’m really happy and my constituents are happy that I have joined Labour Party. Even the blind could see that this man came prepared.

‘’He made my job as an opposition very difficult because I have nothing to criticise him with, even when the talk comes, the next moment he is doing it, so he makes it difficult for me, I have no other choice than to join him.’’


Hon. Anderson also commended Governor Otti on his development strides namely, reconstruction of roads and schools in the state.

A 26 year-old man, James Austin Nwubani is on the run after reportedly killing his elder sister and her twin children in Umahia, Abia state.

The ugly incident happened in the wee night hours of Tuesday at Isiama Afara Ukwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.

While speaking with CANDID REPORTERS, the eye witness, Mr Azuka Ubani, said the suspect, James Austin also known as Igwubuike was seen carrying the corpse of his sister at about 3am when he raised the alarm of the suspected murder.

On enquiry of how the three were murdered by Igwubuike, Azuka said he had strange movement around the compound which spur his curiosity for further investigation, that was when he saw Igwubuike struggling to lift the dead body of his sister.

In Azuka’s words : “I said to myself what kind of meat is this boy carrying, I saw it was a human being and I asked him, have you killed your mother? He whispered and said I shouldn’t make noise as I moved close to see what he was actually carrying and I saw it was his sister.

“On the reason why he killed his sister, Igwebuike accused his sister of planting a snake in his stomach that allegedly consumed his food, so he had to put an end to it.”
Narrating further about the ugly incident, Mr. Azuka said he raised the alarm and Igwebuike ran away as no one was able to respond quickly enough to apprehend him.

“Immediately I noticed what was actually happening, I screamed for all in the neighbourhood to come out and he ran away. We searched all through the bushes around and we couldn’t see Igwebuike.” Mr Azuka said.

After the fruitless chase, Mr Azuka said they were also very inquisitive about the whereabouts of the children, Marvellous and Moses ( Male and female)who were just 5 years old as they also decided to go for a search.
“I told them let’s go to the borrow pit and see if he deposited the body of the children there, because I saw him carrying something. I also suggested that after the fruitless result in the search,that we should wait, hopefully within three days we will see vultures hovering around if there’s actually dead bodies around.

“As we were still searching around, we saw a youth named Ogadimma and others, and he said the only spot they saw in the bushes is not big enough to be a grave. So we went to see for ourselves and we noticed it was one of the children that was buried in a shallow grave and another slaughtered in a cartoon covered with ashes.”
On further enquiry, CANDID REPORTERS understands that the suspect carried out the act with a dagger and machete as a scrutiny in the scene of the crime showed that the suspect neatly cleaned the blood on the floor of the room to avoid traces.

While speaking to the parents of the suspect, his mother, Mrs Nwubani said the daughter who was killed by her son is 30 years old. She said her son’s behaviour is quite strange and they never saw this strange act coming, as he doesn’t smoke cigarettes or is known to be taking hard drugs.

CANDID REPORTERS also learnt that the policemen from the Abia state police command have visited the community as they have also gone to the police station to give an available statement of the incident.

According to Mr. Azuka bodies have been deposited at the morgue of Federal Medical Centre FMC, Umuahia.

Read More at https://candidreporters.com/26-year-old-man-reportedly-kills-sister-children-in-abia/

The N50 billion suit filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), against the Federal Government was stalled on Monday due to the absence of Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court in Abuja.
CANDID REPORTERS gathered that the matter could not proceed because Justice Ekwo was on official engagement.
The judge was said to be sitting in another division of the court.
The case was subsequently fixed for Feb. 11, 2025 for further mention.
Kanu had sued the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) as 1st and 2nd defendants in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/462/2022.
Kanu, who sued the defendants over allegations bordering on violation of his rights, alleged that he was kidnapped from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria to stand trial.
He wants the court to determine “whether the way and manner in which the plaintiff was abducted in Kenya and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria is consistent with extant laws”.
Particularly, he cited “the provisions of Article 12 (4) of the African Charter on human and peoples rights (ratification and enforcement) Act Cap A9 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Article/Part 5 (a) of the African Charter’s principles and guidelines on human and peoples’ rights while countering terrorism in Africa”.
Kanu also wants the court to determine “whether by the operation of Section 15 of the Extradition Act Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the plaintiff can be competently/legally tried for offences stated in counts 1 to 14 of the 15-count amended charge.
He said the counts “are not the offences for which he was surrendered or extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria”
In the originating summons, the IPOB leader is seeking 11 reliefs, including an order for his release from Department of State Services (DSS)’ custody.
He is also seeking an order restraining the defendants from taking any further step to prosecute him over criminal charge no: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, currently pending before a sister court presided over by Justice Binta Nyako.
Kanu also asked the court to award the sum of N100 million to him “as the cost of this action”.
But in a notice of preliminary objection dated June 6, 2022, but filed June 27, 2022, the Federal Government and AGF prayed the court to dismiss the suit, describing it as “an abuse of court process”.
Giving one ground of argument, the defendants argued that Kanu had filed an earlier suit with similar facts before a Federal High Court, Umuahia Division in suit number: FHC/UM/CS/30/2022.
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https://candidreporters.com/absence-of-judge-stalls-kanu.../

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) have applauded the reduction in price for purchasing petroleum product from the Dangote Refinery, stating its significance in a competitive market.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery had on Sunday announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.
According to the company’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, highlighted the reduction as a gesture of appreciation to Nigerians for their steadfast support in bringing the refinery’s vision to life.
This new price marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s earlier ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, introduced earlier this month.
“The adjustment is also our way of expressing gratitude to the government for their support, as it aligns with efforts to encourage domestic enterprise for the collective good of the nation,” the statement read.
Reacting, IPMAN President, Shettima Maigandi, told The Guardian, that the move by the refinery reflected the evolving dynamics of the industry and showed that they were operating in a competitive market, a positive development for marketers and consumers alike.
The petroleum marketers president assured Nigerians of a slash in price after getting the reduction from the refinery.
“The price cut is good information for independent petroleum marketers. Now, we have a good product that we can discharge in our filling stations and sell to the Nigerian masses. We are also going to cut our prices immediately we start taking the reduction in price of the product from Dangote refinery,” he said.
Click the link below for more stories
https://candidreporters.com/ipman-applauds-dangotes-fuel.../

Soldiers of the Nigerian Army has engaged in fierce gun battle with unidentified gunmen in Mbata, Umuchima village, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, of Abia state.

CANDID REPORTERS gathered from THE NATION that over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers arrived at Umuchima village around 6 a.m., targeting suspected gunmen reportedly camped near a river that marks the boundary between Abia and the Mbaise axis of Imo State.

The Nigerian Army, 14 Brigade, Ohafia have reportedly taken control of key junctions leading in and out of the village, while others engage the gunmen in nearby bushes. Gunfire has persisted as of the time of reporting.

No official statements have been issued by the Nigerian Army or the Abia State government.

This followed Governor Alex Otti’s recent pledge to enhance security following a meeting with top security officials. The Governor warned criminal elements sternly that Abia would not be safe for them.

Read more from the link below

https://candidreporters.com/soldiers-battle-unknown-gunmen-in-abia-community/

Abia state Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has granted an approval for the extension of the work of the judicial panel of inquiry on the recovery of Government properties, funds and related matters to address areas not yet covered.

The Governor gave the approval while receiving the final report of the panel.

According to the Governor, "Since there are petitions that have not been investigated, more time should be given to the panel to cover such areas instead of abruptly terminating the job of the panel".

"I received the interim report earlier and I can confirm that the report was a job thoroughly done. I have no doubt that this final report would not depart from that trajectory you have set".

"I had also heard how people tried to frustrate your efforts and also how you resisted them. This will go down in history as part of the courageous effort you and your team had made to rescue Abia State and to put it on the developmental path", Governor Otti stated.

He thanked the chairman of the panel, Justice Florence Duruoha Igwe and her team for a job well done and assured them that government will take the recommendations in the report seriously and implement it to the latter.

"One thing that is not lacking in this government is courage. It is only courage that you require to do the right thing".

"I can assure you that we are going to take this report very very seriously and we are going to implement it to the latter".

"I want to reassure you that none of your recommendations will be swept under the carpet".

"It doesn't matter how long you have been living in a decayed system. Once you have the courage to correct it, you will start a new journey and anytime you start a new journey with courage, you will also be able to complete it".

Governor Otti disclosed that some of the people invited by the panel who had illegitimately acquired what did not belong to them have started complying by returning them to the government and called on others yet to do so to follow suit before government comes after them.

"Already, some of the people you had called have already started complying. One came here to return documents of a property somewhere that he acquired illegitimately and he said he didn't want our trouble", Gov. Otti stated.

Submitting the three-volume report to the Governor earlier, the Chairman of the Panel of inquiry on recovery of government property and funds, Justice Florence Duruoha -Igwe said that the panel received 350 petitions and memoranda and had 99 sittings explained that they were able to conclude on such areas of their assignment as markets, lands, employments, movable properties, contracts and other related matters.

According to her, they did their best despite challenges and 'not minding whose ox was gored' and appealed to the Governor to pay attention to the panel's recommendations.

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Governor Alex Otti has revealed that he chose not to respond to the comment of Hon Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives over comment on APC taking over the gubernatorial seat in Abia.

Governor Otti gave his position on Friday during the monthly media parley held at the government house in Umuahia, Abia State Capital.

In his words: “It is foolhardy for me to be talking about what will happen tomorrow. I chose not to respond to Ben Kalu’s comment because I believe that power belongs to God, and He gives it to whom He wills. I am not competent to sit here and say what will happen in 2027. I do not subscribe to playing God.”

Kalu in a video footage of his media interview had declared that Otti would be the last Labour Party governor in Abia. He boasted that as Nigeria’s number six citizen, he would not sit by and allow an opposition party to control Abia.

The Deputy Speaker further stated that Abia must be taken over by his own party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), though he confessed that “I don’t know how it will happen”.

https://candidreporters.com/governor-otti-responds-to-deputy-speakers-boast-on-taking-over-abia-gubernatorial-seat-in-2027/#google_vignette

Following the allegation of how N10bn was paid to a contractor for non-existent Abia Airport by the immediate past Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Government of Abia state led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu facts have emerged tracing to how the funds was paid.

CANDID REPORTERS gathered that documents have shown that the sum of N10bn was paid to Ferotex Construction Company for the execution of the controversial ‘non-existent’ Abia Airport Project.

Recall that the allegation was recently made by the administration of Governor Alex Otti where it faulted that funds were collected for several projects which were never executed.

investigation according to source revealed that the alleged payment are contained in the forensic audit report on the eight-year administration of the former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

The collection of funds for various projects without evidence of execution is a reflection of the huge corruption that has characterized the tenure of public officeholders in Nigeria. The report also revealed that the N10bn was secured by Ferotex Construction Company for the construction of Abia Airport project through a term loan.


THE WHISTLER gathered that through a letter dated September 25, 2020, Ferotex had requested a term loan of N10bn (which is 80 per cent contract amount) to continue the execution of the contract awarded to them during that period by the state government for the construction of Abia State Airport.

Two weeks later, specifically by October, 8 2020, records available to THE WHISTLER revealed that the Abia State Government, under Ikpeazu, issued an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order to United Bank of Africa confirming the purpose of Ferotex’s request for the construction of Abia State Airport.
An Irrevocable Standing Payment Order (ISPO) is an order issued by a state government requesting a bank to deduct funds from its accounts and credit a nominated party, usually a contractor or creditor.

Findings revealed that the ISPO instructed United Bank for Africa to debit its ABSG Federation Account Allocation Committee/Value Added Tax Accounts with a repayment amount of ₦406,620,817.24 for a period of 30 months, and credit the contractor’s account domiciled with UBA the ₦10bn term loan.

According to investigations, UBA was said to have disbursed the ₦10bn term loan to the contractor on September 25, 2020, which was before the October 8, 2020 date that Abia State Government sent the ISPO to UBA.

A Forensic Audit Report commissioned by the administration of Governor Alex Otti which was conducted by KPMG Advisory Services revealed that the schedule of the contract awarded by the state government under Ikpeazu’s watch does not include any contract for the Abia Airport project as the project was confirmed to be non existent by the Ministry of Works.


“The schedule of contract awarded by ABSG during the period under review, does not include any records of the contracts, and upon enquiry the Government Officials in the Ministry of Works stated that the Contract does not exist,” the audit report reads in part.

In a bid to get the Abia State House of Assembly to appropriate funding for the Abia Airport project, investigations by THE WHISTLER showed that the immediate past Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu wrote a letter to the Speaker to achieve his objective.

Specifically, it was gathered from documents obtained by THE WHISTLER that the ex-governor, through a letter dated October 13, 2020, addressed to the then Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Chinedum Orji, had requested for approval for his administration to use the FAAC/VAT Accounts to guarantee a loan of N10bn.

In the letter to the Speaker which was also exclusively obtained by THE WHISTLER, Ikpeazu explained that the funding would enable the state to “start and complete on time, an international airport for the state.”

The letter to the House of Assembly Speaker, was personally signed by Ikpeazu, dated October 13, 2020 and titled “Request for approval for Abia State Government to use the FAAC/VAT accounts of the state to guarantee a loan of N10,000,000,000.00 (TEN BILLION NAIRA).”


It reads, “In a bid to start and complete on time, an International Airport for the State, the State Government is requesting the House Authorization to use the State FAAC & VAT Accounts to guarantee a loan of N10,000,000,000.00 from UBA Plc to the contractor handling the Project.”

Budget Virement means the process of transferring budgeted funds from one line item to another, with the approval of the lawmakers, to enable budget managers to amend budgets in the light of experience or to reflect anticipated changes.

There are no records from the administration of Ikpeazu that the N10bn funds were reallocated to another project as no virement request was received by the lawmakers for that purpose.
The lawmakers’ resolution approving the N10bn request from the ex-governor reads, “Pursuant to His Excellency’s letter of October 13, 2020 on the above subject matter, the Abia state House of Assembly sitting in an Executive session on Tuesday 13th October 2020 considered the said letter and agreed that there is need for the state to use the FAAC/VAT accounts to guarantee a loan of N10,000,000,000.00 only from the UBA PLC to the contractor handling the International Airport project.

“Consequently, the House unanimously resolved as follows: That the Abia State Government is hereby authorized to use the FAAC/VAT accounts to guarantee a loan of N10,000,000,000.00 from UBA PLC.”
https://candidreporters.com/abia-airport-saga-investigative-report-reveal-facts-on-how-n10bn-was-paid-to-firm-with-house-of-assembly-approval-documents/

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has revealed that steps have been taken to ensure the possibility of having pipeborne water supply and other essential amenities in the state.

Governor Otti made the revelation during a media parley held on Thursday at Government House, Umuahia.

In a bid to revitalize the functionality of the water board, Governor Otti said he has scheduled a meeting with those who will facilitate pipeborne water in Umuahia as well as has spoken with another group which has worked to an extent on the Aba pipeborne water supply project which the handlers confirmed to have laid 70% of needed pipes underground but will have to dig them out and replace if the project would be continued because the project was abandoned by previous facilitators and the pipes must have gone rust.

Governor Otti however believes that in the next few years pipeborne water may be a possibility in Abia as soon as funds become readily available to fix it.

On infrastructural development, governor Otti also revealed that 26 new roads are in different stages of completion which does not include about 15 other roads been handled with direct labour while recalling the commissioning of 6 roads, he said fresh information reaching him is that four additional roads are completed in Aba as the zero pothole policy is also been implemented in major towns of the state. Governor Otti noted that the selection of roads for repair and construction is based on strategic importance.

On the control of flood in Aba, the governor also said with the new design it will take about 18 months to get rid of flooding in Aba and the projects will be divided into phases.

The governor appealed to those living in Aba and Umuahia and other parts of the state to keep their environment clean and use the available disposal facility provided by the government in their metropolis and protect the environment as lots is been done by the Abia State Orientation Agencies to sensitize citizens on the need to keep their evenvironment clean and such effort should be complemented by keeping their environment clean and by not blocking the drains with refuse.

On the economy, the governor also said his government will be Providing the enabling environment for small scale businesses and capital will be mapped out for them to be more engaged instead of being involved in fraudulent activity and taunting in the state.

On Civil service reforms, governor Otti said the commission has been undergoing reforms e.g through verification exercise which has allowed genuine workers to get paid as at when due and enable the government to know those that are actually government workers while also pointing out that there have been challenges which made it difficult to totally offset the arrears of pensioners in the state as promised.

On Agriculture, governor Otti assured that plans are on the way to improve agricultural activities and other development related matters in the ministry as well as Ulonna farm settlement that was presented as a case study. Ulonna Farm Settlement was said to be given due attention by the government in due time.

On security, governor Otti said that it has been revealed that the kidnap of the Abia State University Deputy Vice Chancellor, professor Godwin Emezue was perfected by kidnappers outside the state and for security reasons, much can’t be said on it so as not to jeopardize the effort of the hard working security men on matter.

On the issue of illegal extortion from commercial tricycle riders and vehicles by tauts at Aba and other parts of the state, governor Otti said his government never authorized that as such is illegal.

On the issue of power supply in the state, governor Otti said a lot has been done on power supply as discussions has been initiated with EEDC on a way government will be directly involved in distribution of power in Umuahia and environs. He also revealed that Aba power supply will improve by March when the current 15 mega waltz will be improved to over 50 mega waltz.

“Hopefully with the pipes and gas lines that has been laid, the three turbelance will come on stream, I have no doubt that Aba will enjoy uninterruptible power supply.” Governor Otti said.

https://candidreporters.com/media-parley-governor-otti-reveals-steps-to-ensure-pipeborne-water-supply-in-abia-gives-insight-on-more-road-construction-power-smes-security-others/

Abia state government recently came across a document which showed that former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu diverted a whopping sum of Five Hundred Million Naira meant for the renovation of Abia state Government House and used same to build a private house for himself in his Umuobiakwa country home in Obingwa LGA of the state.

The government decided to take the necessary action to ensure that the former Governor would return the money without unnecessary drama, interestingly the former Governor got hint of the arrangement and decided to send his attack dogs led by his former Commissioner for Information, John Okiyi Kalu to carry out another laughable and thoughtless media onslaught, accusing Governor Otti of refusing to move into the so-called "New Government House" that does not exist and other outrightly mendacious fabrications.

For the records, Okezie Ikpeazu did not build any Government House, rather he completed two structures of two storey buildings each started by his predecessor, one of which looks like a poorly planned hotel, and another that looks like staff quarters.

Dr. Ikpeazu may not have associated with exposed and honest persons who were ready to help him understand and see modern governance beyond the mediocre standard that existed in Abia which obviously affected his taste and comprehension of what Government Houses look like, it's important at this point to educate him that a Government House is structured to have the following:

1. The Governor's Lodge which must be a standalone building as it's expected to House the Governor and his family members.

2. The Deputy Governor's Lodge which operates like that of the Governor.

3. The Executive Chambers for Exco meeting and which is domiciled under a different structure that houses other offices of the Governor and his immediate aides.

4. The Chief of Staff's Lodge.

5. Banquet Hall for government's official events.

6. Government House Chapel for religious activities.

7. Security Quarters where the Camp Commandant and other security agents are expected to live permanently.

8. Staff quarters where key appointees of the Governor, their aides, drivers etc are expected to live and many other structures.

There is nothing like the aforementioned structures in the so called New Government House.

Again, the so called Government House was never finished, neither was it furnished. Except the ground floor where there are swimming pool and lounge (of course enjoyment was their topmost priority) the first and the last floors remain uncompleted and empty.

The pent house which is to serve as an event hall, was poorly done, not even plastered and poorly ventilated.

Above all, Ikpeazu's government failed to supervise the sale of lands to private individuals who turned around to build private high rise buildings around the new government house which gives viewing access into the compound to such residents thus compromising the security of the supposed Government House. This is a bizarre action that's not seen anywhere.

Contrary to what Ikpeazu did within his first few months in office when he hurriedly built a palacious home for himself to replace his two bedroom bungalow in the village, Governor Alex Otti is living in his home he built with his personal money over a decade ago.

Unlike Ikpeazu who hurriedly bought several choice bullet proof SUVS for himself in the first few months of his government, all the official vehicles Governor Alex Otti drives today were bought with his personal money before he beccame the Governor, except the INNOSON G80 SUV acquired about two months ago.

Ikpeazu and his men believed that Government was and should be all about the Governor, hence they dedicated efforts only on the comfort of the then Governor and abandoned the citizens and key Government institutions and property to rot away while they partied, enjoyed themselves every week and built personal mansions and businesses at the expense of the people.

Ikpeazu had 32 Commissioners but never cared to renovate the Commissioners quarters which Otti that has 19 Commissioners has now renovated and retrofitted.

The massive but abandoned office building (Political Block) that was supposed to accommodate many political appointees, looked like a shrine. Today it's a beauty to behold. Maybe the former Governor didn't deem it fit renovating the building because it would not accomodate thousands of his advisers and assistants most of whom operated like ghost workers and are seen only on social media where they throw abusive tantrums.

What of the Emeka Omerua Guest house which was literally converted to a chalet; Governor Otti has completely renovated and retrofitted it. The leaking and dilapidated Michael Okpara Hall was not left out as Gov. Otti closed it down and started complete makeover which was completed a week ago. The Banquet Hall that was smelling, to the disgust and disbelief of visitors is now a beauty to behold. These are few key government institutions within and around the Government House which Governor Otti has brought back to life to make government effective and functional. Is there any other better way of showing that the Governor has completely departed from the old Ikpeazu's ways?

Do Ikpeazu and John Okiyi Kalu want Governor Otti to draw hundreds of millions like them for the renovation of Government House, and turn around to squander it?. We are saying no; Otti is not Ikpeazu.

This primitive preemptive strategy of reckless media attacks geared towards blackmailing Governor Otti and bullying his government to abandon its responsibility of cleaning up the mess created by PDP and bringing perpetrators of Financial and economic crimes against the people to justice has already failed.

Finally, we are ready to expose PDP's lies to the world by bringing notable Media Houses to come and see the so-called New government house for themselves, after which they would easily understand why the former Governor never moved into the so-called Government House for one day.

Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser to the Governor
Media and Publicity
November 30th, 2023.

https://candidreporters.com/okezie-ikpeazus-pre-emptive-blackmail-wont-stop-his-prosecution-for-alleged-diversion-of-public-funds-used-in-building-his-private-house/

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has beamed hope on the release of Nnamdi kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB).


Governor Otti on Sunday during a media parley in Umuahia said he is applying a different approach to ensure the release of Nnamdi kanu.

The Governor made it clear that despite not being on the pages of newspapers, he is working very hard to ensure the release of Nnamdi kanu.

He also highlighted that the present Federal Government is not responsible for Kanu’s detention but what he is doing doesn’t require media hype. He also posited that his approach to the matter is different from that of other southeast governors. He also positioned that an appeal to the conscience of the Federal Government may yield results.

Governor Otti also stated his position on the matter while hoping that his approach will yield positive result for the release of Kanu.

“My personal position is that this new government does not need to inherit the wrong things of the previous administration even though it is still APC. But I believe in results other than media hype. I believe it will yield results, I only believe it will only come to the public domain, when we have achieved results.” Governor Otti said.

https://candidreporters.com/governor-otti-beams-hope-for-kanus-release/

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has revealed that the security architecture of the state has gained progress with the discovery of kidnappers den around the cattle market area in Umunneochi, Abia State.


Governor Otti revealed that 50 dead bodies, over 20 beheaded decomposing bodies of men, women and children, uncomfortable skeletons were discovered around the Lokpanta Cattle Market in Umunneochi.

Governor Otti gave the revelation on Sunday during a media parley in Umuahia, Abia State.

Governor Otti also revealed that high level of prostitution, narcotic spread were happening around the cattle market at Umunneochi.

As an effort to secure the market, Governor Otti said efforts were made to know those actually is involved in the crime around that environment. He also revealed that with the raid of the cattle market, several hotels were brought down, as the government has resolved that the cattle market will henceforth operate like every other market, that is ‘a day market.’

READ ALSO: Unknown Gunmen Attack Military Camp In Niger State
In his own words: “The market will open by 6am and close by 6pm daily. We will start fencing the market round, though very expensive to do but we’re determined to do it . We also want the market to be a general market, not a cattle market, although there will be a section for cattle, a section for electronics, provisions, foods, drinks and whatever that is sold in the market.” Governor Otti said.

Governor Otti also debunked the reports making the rounds that the state government has asked the northerners to leave the state. He however stated that the dead bodies discovered in that location is however not from a particular ethnic group but bodies of young and promising Nigerians whose lives were cut short due to the notorious activities of kidnappers and murderers in that environment.

READ ALSO: INM Task Igbo Leaders Over IPOB Order
Governor Otti said; “anyone who is not in support with the effort the government is making, the person must be a criminal.” Also adding that the government is making efforts to make the state safe for those returning back home for the yuletide as well as those working in Abia State.

“I can assure you that Umuneochi is calm. Governor Otti said.”

https://candidreporters.com/abia-50-dead-bodies-20-decomposing-bodies-skeletons-discovered-in-umunneochi/

The Abia state Police Command has responded to reports of a beheaded policeman in Aba, Abia State on Thursday by unidentified gunmen.

Earlier reports have it that a policeman was killed as others fled leaving the corpse and the security vehicle.

According to the latest press release by the Abia State Police Command, it was affirmed that there was.....Read full story via link below

https://candidreporters.com/abia-police-command-confirms-attack-in-aba-reveals-identify-of-beheaded-person-photo/

he House of Representatives has summoned controversial singer Azeez Fashola popularly known as Naira Marley to appear before it as part of moves to secure compensation and royalties for late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba (Mohbad) for his musical works.
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https://candidreporters.com/house-of-reps-summon-mohbads-manager-naira-marley-over-compensation-royalties/

"This is the first time the Judiciary will be getting what is due to her in full". Those were the words of Her Lordship, Justice Lilian Abai three months ago during her birthday celebration hosted in her honour by Abia State Government.

In line with the promise of His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti to ensure that Abia judges and other officials of the Judiciary are treated with dignity and properly taken care of as a way of upholding their status and motivating them to render effective services, the state Governor yesterday handed over Five (5) INNOSON G6 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) to five High Court judges who were appointed about four years ago but weren't provided with official vehicles to effectively discharge their duties.

Speaking while presenting the keys and papers of the Vehicles to the Chief Judge of the State, Justice Lilian Abai at the State High Court Umuahia, Governor Otti explained that the gesture was in fulfilment of his promise to the judges.

Governor Otti who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Pastor Celeb Ajagba PhD, said he has never hidden his love and respect for the Judiciary and
assured of his determination to enaure that the judiciary functions well and very effectively by giving them the necessary support and cooperation.

The State Chief Judge, Justice Abai who later handed over the keys of the Vehicles to the beneficiaries, which included, Justice Ogbonna Adiele, Justice Chimezie Nwakanma, Justice Enyinnaya Okezie, Justice Okoronkwo and Justice Philomena Nweke, thanked the Governor for fulfilling his promise and acknowledged him as being Judiciary friendly.

Responding on behalf of the Judges, Justice Enyinnaya Okezie appreciated the Governor for the gesture and assured that the vehicles will be put to good use.

Present during the presentation was the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Ikechukwu Uwanna and other government officials.


Special Adviser
Media and Publicity to the
Governor
20-09-2023.

https://candidreporters.com/you-are-friendly-to-the-judiciary-abia-cj-commends-governor-alex-otti-as-5-abia-high-court-judges-get-official-cars/

Okezie Ikpeazu and his former appointees and e-rats are emotionally troubled.

They are yet to recover from their defeat at the polls and may never recover because they never believed anymore could defeat them.

Can you believe that these bruised and broken felons are trending the pictures of some of the items the wife of the Late Sam Mbakwe received from Governor Otti and using same to scandalize the innocent woman.

Not even for once did Otti's Chief Press Secretary or Special Adviser on Media and Publicity publish any report mentioning those items or showing their pictures.

Ikpeazu is a bad loser who in spite of his baggages continues to struggle to express his anger and frustration for losing the last election to Governor Otti, the man he used his mandate to become a failed Governor.
How does Ikpeazu think he can compete with an Alex Otti that dwarfs him by all standards?

Their anger was the statement by Late Mbakwe's wife that Governor Otti was the only serving Governor that ever visited him physically.

They are showing pictures of Ikpeazu meeting with the Late Mbakwe's wife in Umuahia to show that they are in contest with Governor Otti; what a comedy!

The worst thing a man can do to himself is to perpetually see his superior as his rival, that's the unfortunate case of Ikpeazu.

Ferdinand Ekeoma
18-09-2023.

President Bola Tinubu has appointed has appointed Hakeem Baba Ahmed and 17 other aides comprising special advisers and senior special assistants in the office of Vice-President Kashim Shettima.


Baba-Ahmed is an elder brother of........

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https://candidreporters.com/president-tinubu-appoints-hakeem-baba-ahmed-17-others-as-sassa/

President Bola Tinubu has appointed has appointed Hakeem Baba Ahmed and 17 other aides comprising special advisers and senior special assistants in the office of Vice-President Kashim Shettima.


Baba-Ahmed is an elder brother of........

Click the link below 👇 for full details

https://candidreporters.com/president-tinubu-appoints-hakeem-baba-ahmed-17-others-as-sassa/

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR has visited the wife of the revered former Governor of Old Imo State, Late Dr. Sam Mbakwe, Mrs. Victoria Sam Mbakwe at their hometown, Avutu-Obowu, Imo State.

Speaking during the visit, the highly elated Abia Governor poured deserving encomium on the late Mbakwe, describing him as a great and visionary leader, whose achievements in the old Imo State remain unequalled.

Governor Otti restated his resolve to
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https://candidreporters.com/honour-to-an-icon-governor-otti-visits-sam-mbakwes-wife-says-mbakwes-achievements-remain-unequalled/