More photos: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/south-east-to-experience-agro-cultural-revolution-as-kalu-woos-chinese-investors-to-abia-state.html

By Kenneth Udeh – Abia State

In Nigeria, facilitating international investments into the country usually entails political leaders notably state governors embarking on foreign trips with an array of other government officials and the cost of such trips are usually offset with tax payer funds.

However, for an astute business man, former governor and a man known for his passion for human development facilitating international investment into the country was just a matter of dedication. Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu who recently travelled to the republic of China to participate in an Agricultural expo like the popular saying “killed two birds with one stone” by meeting and convincing Mr. Hu Xiao Jiang Chairman He Bei Meikeduo food group co. Ltd.

The need for the trip was inspired by Dr. Kalu’s ideals on entrepreneurship and job creation, which is in line with the federal government’s economic diversification plan for employment opportunities which lead to poverty alleviation, improved food security and GDP growth.

For proper introduction Mr. Jiang is an agro farmer based in poultry production of chicken the largest in China with supplies to Walmart, KFC and so on Mr. Jiang’s currently net worth is 7 billion dollars. It is noteworthy to state that Mr. Jiang had been to other European countries for investment purposes but had never been to Africa.

On many occasions he had been asked to come to Africa but never fully convinced not until Dr. Orji uzor Kalu convinced him to come to Nigeria and invest. The destination was Igbere, Abia State in South East Nigeria where Mr. jiang and his team were expected to arrive for exploration of its Agro potentials.

The establishment of the poultry factory will lead to the construction of a chicken processing factory from hatchery to slaughtering and packaging. The factory expected to employ an initial 1500 workforce, also to engage other dealers in other crops like maize etc.

Just as planned the Chinese Team led by Mr. Xiao Jiang arrived the Owerri Airport via Abuja and headed straight to the country home of the former governor, who coincidentally was hosting the Women Association from the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture which comprised of professors, the VC’s wife and other lecturers who were on a courtesy visit to his Excellency.

The meeting seemed to be the best way to welcome the team who immediately joined his excellency in the meeting. Dr. Kalu used the opportunity to introduce Mr. Hu Xiao Jiang to the women from the University of Agriculture.

Mr. Jiang in his response through the team’s interpreter Ms. Yuan was delighted to meet with the female academicians and promised to pay a courtesy visit to the University and establish a possible cooperation with the university.

The team who couldn’t wait to explore the Agricultural potentials of the community and Abia state in general immediately set off to Ugwueke farm. The Chairman together with his team were greeted with the large expanse of the land which was estimated to be over 40 hectares covered with cassava plantation. The team did a brief tour and took samples of the cassava crops and made further inquiries.

The next day, the team proceeded to the Aba city to visit the Ultra-Modern Sun Newspaper plant and the Aluminum / Copper Ingots plant of Neya Nig. Limited. However, the team made a brief stop at a local palm kernel processor. The team took out time to inspect the local procedures used by the local oil palm manufacturer and the Chairman took some samples.

Arriving at the Aluminum plant the team was received by the manager of the plant who took time to take the team on tour of the steel manufacturing plant which specializes in manufacturing steel products of various types for different uses and for export purposes to different countries after which the team proceeded to the Sun newspaper plant on arrival they were welcomed by its plant manager who took them round the newspaper plant that produces Nigeria’s widely read daily.

At the end of the tour the next point of call was the local market which the team took time to visit not minding how crowded and discomfortable a local market can be the Chairman and his team entered the main market with the help of its interpreter Ms. Yuan interacted freely with the poultry meat sellers as well as the abattoir to know their challenges.

The team also visited some local Chicken farms of which they equally took time to interact with the farmers to know their challenges. The team made a stop at Shoprite Umuahia for some shopping. The very delighted team ended the day’s tour with lunch at one of the renowned ‘Sweet’ eatery in the city of Aba.

Inspired by the huge investment potential areas discovered by the visiting team led by Chief Dr. Orji Uzor kalu himself they set out to visit the farms at Igbere and Ugwueke an amazed Mr. Xiao Jiang expressed his excitement seeing the large expanse of the land mass waiting to be explored.

During the inspection the community youths who couldn’t hold their joy knowing the huge economic and employment opportunity gains of the proposed investment gathered in their numbers and sang their hearts out appreciating Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu for attracting such huge investment potential to the South East and making the Igbere community the host despite not being a political office holder for 12 years.

The Chinese delegation visited the palace of the King of the Ugwueke community who entertained them to a mouthwatering traditional delicacies. Mr. Jiang in his response thanked the King for hosting him and his delegation. The hosting put the delegation in high spirits for a major visit to the Palace of Eze Ibinaukwu and their traditional rulers where the Chairman of the group was expected to be bestowed with a chieftaincy title.

The entire visiting team led by Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu arrived the palace of the Traditional ruler of the Igbeere kingdom the atmosphere of the palace was charged with pomp and pageantry as the entire people converged at the palace to rejoice and behold their son Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and the visiting investors.

They were welcomed with a group of traditional dancers after which they were ushered into the palace. As tradition demands Kolanuts were brought and prayers were said which officially kick start the event. One of the high points of the event was when the Chairman and his beautiful wife were led out of the palace wearing their English wears and returned to the palace completely transformed adoring the Igbo attire in which they looked so beautiful .

The Chairman and his wife were called forward before the king, they were decorated and given the titles of “Enyi Oha 1 “of Igbere “and his wife “Ada Ebiri”. In his response the Chairman thanked the king and his people for giving him and his wife such an honour he expressed optimism to start up the Chicken factory in the town and the people couldn’t hold their joy.

The event ended with a scintillating dance steps dished out by the traditional dancers to the amazement and delight of the Chinese Visitors.

The need to have a research center for the proposed chicken processing factory motivated the team to make a trip to the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture. The intention was to establish a contact relationship with the renowned Agricultural University in the area of poultry production as well as vegetable processing.

The visiting team and some officers of the University led by its Vice Chancellor Prof. Francis Otunta held a brief meeting during which the poultry billionaire disclosed that he would link up the University with the Agricultural University in China so they can come over and gain more experience in research.

In his response the Vice Chancellor of the University thanked Mr Jiang for resolving to partner with the University , the VC also said that a strong committee would be set up which would comprise of renowned researchers in the university to work with the Mr. jiang for extensive collaboration.

Following a successful academic meeting , the visiting team proceeded to Enugu state the next day, the destination was no other than the MICON AGRO Farm Limited this time they were led by the former Governor himself Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu .

The team immediately began inspection of the birds and facilities on the farm they were guided by the farm’s veterinary Doctor Dr. Nnamdi. After the inspection the managing Director of the expansive poultry farm received Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and the Chinese Team in his private residence.

In his speech the MD thanked Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu for facilitating such an international investment noting that when completed the farm would revolutionize the poultry as well as Agricultural sector in the South East and Nigeria at large the MD further stated that the establishment of the Chinese Poultry most especially the hatchery poultry segment of the farm in Abia State will also add to the only two hatcheries in the entire South east which were barely insufficient.

Fully equipped with relevant information and gaining sufficient knowledge of the investment opportunities abound in the Southeast having been also treated with the very best of Nigerian hospitality by the good people of Igbere, Abia North of Abia State the very pleased Chinese Team had concluded plans to start up the poultry factory and departed for Lagos.

The visiting Chinese Team later proceeded to CHI farms Ibadan OYO state for further inspection tours after which they headed back to Lagos were the the already excited and eager Chinese team sealed the partnership deal with its Chairman Mr. Xaio Jiang and his excellency Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.

This thus has set the pace for the Agricultural Alied business revolution to the Southeast .

The Chinese Team set out for final departure to their home country with the zeal to return for onward startup of the Agro business in Nigeria.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/south-east-to-experience-agro-cultural-revolution-as-kalu-woos-chinese-investors-to-abia-state.html

By Shirley Ikonne

There is a Legend and to protest is daft. Every legend, moreover, contains it's residuum of truth, and the root function of language is to control the universe by describing it. Orji uzor kalu" is a leading legend.

In the words of King Solomon the wise, as stated in the book of Proverbs 22:29.

It goes this:

"See a man who is diligent in his works, he shall stand before kings and the nobles, he shall not stand before ordinary men"

Another popular saying of old goes thus;

"The greatness of a man is not measured by the possession he has in his folds, neither is it in the acquisitions he has at his disposition but rather in how he has used his life, possessions and acquisition as a tool to impact humanity."

The two above thesis from the holy scriptures and a well known fact are a classic and perfect representation of the whole existence of our able friend and leader H.E Dr Orji Uzor Kalu, (MON) hence we are not surprised by the forthcoming honor to be conferred on him by the prestigious University of Nigeria Nssuka (UNN) on the 2nd of December 2017.

Dr Orji Uzor Kalu needs no introduction as he has already created a niche for himself and a well known figure in the lives and minds of Nigerians and the world at large, no thanks to his immense contribution in leadership and development to humanity...

In the political landscape , he is a true democratic leader, bridge builder and a progressive political icon under whose leadership as a governor from 1999-2007, Abia state witnessed good governance, massive development and infrastructure, improvement in the health and educational sector which is still a reference point till date.

In the business, finance and entrepreneurial world, He is an accomplished and a successful business manager cum mogul, creating thousands of jobs through his various business enterprise and he is likened to the Donald trump of Africa.

In the sporting circle, He is fondly called the pillar of sport of the modern Nigeria and Africa as a continent, under whose tenure as Governor of Abia state, Eyinmba FC of Aba (The people's Elephant) for the first time won the prestigious CAF Champions league and defended it back to back in the 2003-2004 football season, a record breaking feat by any Nigeria club, bringing joy and happiness to Nigerians both home and abroad.
This is as direct effect of his astute and diligent management of the football club.

In his humanitarian service and programmes, the OUK foundation which is a pet project of Dr Orji Uzor Kalu has become a beacon of hope and succor to the less privileged, motherless and youths through several empowerment schemes and donation of relief materials to meet their needs and also set them on the path of greatness within his community and Nigeria on a large scale.

We cannot also forget in a hurry the Giants strides he has made to ensuring the unity of Nigeria is intact, peaceful coexistence of Nigerians is made possible which is a key factor towards meaningful development by any nation through his nationwide lectures and political talk shows.

OUK is simply a blessing indeed!

Time cannot permit us to mention the numerous project he has embarked and executed since out of office, neither will space be enough to put down his numerous achievement and awards he has been honored with; they are just too much to quantify..

However, having seen all the immense leadership and contribution of Dr Orji Uzor Kalu to humanity, the management of one of Nigeria's finest citadel of higher learning, the prestigious University of Nigeria Nsukka, has deemed it fit to give honor to whom honor is due by enlisting him amongst distinguished personalities to be conferred with the Honorary Doctorate Degree in public administration (DPA) which is a true attestation of the impactful life of OUK to humanity.

This is no doubt another addition to his cabinet of laurels.

We therefore join millions of well meaning Nigerians, family and friends to congratulate and felicitate with our dear friend, brother, uncle , father and leader on this well deserved honor thus confirming the opening thesis of King Solomon the wise as found in proverbs 22:29

See a man who is diligent in his work, he shall stand before kings and noble, he shall not stand before ordinary men.

We wish him the very best in all his endeavors knowing fully well he will not relent in his efforts to contributing his quota to the development and greatness of Nigeria..

Long live OUK !!!
Keep hope Alive!!!
Cheers!!!!

Shirley Ikonne writes from Abuja

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/kalu-congratulations-living-legend-shirley-ikonne.html

The former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has taken a swipe on the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for seeking a bounce back in the 2019 presidential election.

This is as the former governor said President Muhammadu Buhari does not want automatic ticket to re-contest for the 2019 Presidential Election, in the platform of All Progressive Congress, APC.

Speaking at a private wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Kalu said President Buhari as a democrat would want every interested candidate to be given a chance to test their popularity and exercise their democratic right.

On the PDP campaign to bounce back in 2019 presidential election, Kalu wondered why the party which used to be the ruling party for 16 years, will be vying to bounce back while there was massive treasury looting during their reign.

“How can they bounce back when treasury was looted? Kalu asked.

“How can they bounce back when the international community doesn’t see anything good in them? How can they bounce back when we gave them our treasury, they opened and looted it.

“We would call names if they want to us to call names in future. All the World Powers knew what happened and this is why they tactically insisted that PDP must leave power.

“PDP committed what was very shameful to have been seen in a democratic process. There is no system that is not with corruption but going to loot is an affront to Nigerian people

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/kalu-how-can-pdp-bounce-back-when-treasury-was-looted-during-their-reign.html

A farmer and resident of Obingwa LGA, Abia State, Mr. Uzochukwu Okwu, have told Vanguard that not less than 3000 jobs has been lost due to the deplorable state of Aba/Ikot-Ekpene federal road.

Recall that this is the only commercial road linking Abia and Akwa Ibom states, in total abandonment.

The road project had been featured in every year's budget of the federal government without execution, except last year (2016), the road project was excluded.

In this year's budget (2017), the road was included and work commenced on the road, but was later put to stop for unknown reasons.

Lamenting the poor state of the road when accosted by the newsmen, Mr. Okwu said; ‘’It is a shame that the Abia State government and the federal government allowed this all-important road to degenerate into this level where it is now totally impassable. You can imagine the number of business enterprises on this road and the number of families they feed.

"Conservatively, these businesses created nearly 3000 jobs,’ Mr. Okwu concluded.

ALSO READ: The Eye sore of ABA/IKOT EKPENE Federal road (PHOTOS)

Further check revealed that the Aba/Ikot Ekpene road which is the major link between Aba and Akwa Ibom and Cross River hosts 46 filling stations, 15 mechanic workshops, two hospitals, seven hotels, eight schools, 32 Palm Beaches, three farm settlements, 50 restaurants and supermarkets and four manufacturing companies.

The worst sections of the highway which have been abandoned are the Alaoji/Ukpakiri, Umuokpo/Umuwaoma and Onicha Ngwa/ Nlagu areas on the 20km stretch from Opobo Junction in Ogbor Hill to Nlagu which is the last border community between Abia and Akwa Ibom state.

Many communities along the highway have been cut off as residents and motorists now pass through bush parts.

The people of Obingwa Local Government Area and environs now find it difficult to access the Nigerian Christian Hospital, Nlagu.

Meanwhile, the lawmaker representing Obingwa East Constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Mr. Solomon Akpulonu, appealed to the state and federal governments to rehabilitate the road, adding that the road had been featuring in national budgets since 2009 without being rehabilitated.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/3000-jobs-lost-deplorable-state-aba-ikot-ekpene-road.html

The sensational and prolific artiste Don Cloud surfaces the industry again with yet another hit just few months after the release of his monster single “Small Boy Big God” produced by Mastakraft.

Don Cloud who has stunningly shared stage with Phyno, Kcee, Ruffcoinnwaba and many others is a native of Okigwe in Imo state and has grown up from the streets of Port Harcourt and Aba.

The SBBG crooner and next rated art drops a song he calls an experimental song titled “We No Dey Look Dem” featuring FGP, mix mastered by Maricop.

Download and Enjoy!!!

Download link: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/new-music-download-no-dey-look-dem-doncloud-ft-fgp.html

The Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has all the strength of character to lead Nigeria to a greater height.

According to him, "There is no better president for Nigeria now other than President Buhari".

Okorocha who stated this yesterday, at the government house in Owerri, while speaking with the leaders of the Democratic Youths Congress, said President Muhammadu Buhari’s second term project is assured, because almost all the serving governors in Nigeria, both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) are in support of him.

“Most governors including all the South-East governors are supporting President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term whether PDP, APC or APGA, except one or two of the governors in the country who are not in support, governor Okorocha was quoted as said.

“I am a believer in Buhari and I made it clear years ago that if he is running for president I will not run. This is because I have seen a man that has the strength of character to lead this Nigeria at this moment of our history. There is no better president for Nigeria now other than President Buhari.

"He might not be the best president for Nigeria in 2023 or 2027, but for the Nigeria of today, he is the right man for the job. His fight against corruption takes an unusual character to execute. His style to end terrorism in the North East is again something that requires his personal character.

“Nigeria has come out of recession in the shortest period recorded in history and this is a testament to Buhari’s tenacity. And since I have resolved with my political family to shelve my ambition and support Buhari, I want to appeal to others to show such support to him.”

But in a swift reaction, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) dismissed the claim that opposition governors were part of the Buhari reelection project.

PDP National Publicity Secretary, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, said Okorocha was known for making false claims and urged Nigerians to disregard him.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/okorocha-see-no-better-president-nigeria-buhari.html

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has told the Abuja federal high court that he can't produced someone tagged as a member of terrorist organisation, in the person of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Recall that Senator Abaribe was one of the three persons that stood surety for the ‘missing’ leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu's whereabouts was still unknown since the men of the Nigerian army invaded his home in Umuahia, Abia State capital.

Following his disappearance, Kanu who was supposed to appear in court in the proceeding of his trial was absent, which led the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako to order his sureties, Abaribe and two others to appear and explain the whereabouts of someone they signed surety for.

However, Abaribe had blamed the army for invading Kanu's home, thereby led to Kanu's disappearance.

Abaribe who appeared in court yesterday in the trial proceeding of Kanu, urged the trial Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja to compel the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai to pay N10million to him for the psychological trauma he has gone through following extra-judicial self-help actions of the Army he said led to Kanu’s disappearance.

This is as the lawmaker had on October 17 prayed the court to revoke the undertaking he took on behalf of Kanu and discharge him as a surety in the matter.

He told the court that the Nigerian Army had in the course of military operations in Abia State from September 11, visited Kanu’s residence, adding that it was reported in the media that there was shooting and fracas during the visit.

He said: ”Kanu has not been seen again nor reached on phone by the applicant, neither is he reported in any news media as seen by any person, nor made any statement on any issue.”

Abaribe told the court that he “lacks capacity to produce a person stated by the 1st Respondent to be a member of a terrorist organisation, or any person whom the 1st Respondent is reported to be interested in his whereabouts including the aftermath of the military operations in Abia state which commenced about 11th September, 2017.”

Specifically, Abaribe is praying the court for, “An order of this honourable court discharging the applicant as surety of the 1st/2nd respondent, and discharging the recognizance entered into by the applicant, and to discharge the applicant from the entire incidence of the bail of Nnamdi Kanu- the 1st defendant/2nd respondent in charge No. FHC/Abj/CR/383/2015: Federal Republic of Nigeria v Nnamdi Kanu, Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu, David Nwawisi.”

However, following a counter-affidavit that was filed by the federal government, Justice Nyako maintained that Abaribe must firstly produce Kanu before he could be allowed to withdraw as a surety in the case.

Meanwhile, the matter could not proceed as scheduled on Monday owing to absence of the trial Judge who however directed the court registrar to give the parties December 5 return date.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/can-produce-person-labeled-terrorist-abaribe-asks-court.html

GreatEngineer:
The oil palm seedlings are not even up to a thousand so how will it generate a thousand job.
Lack of what to post on Nairaland.

It seems like your eyes is paining you abi? Can't you take a look at the photo very well and see for yourself

Foremost industrialist and FORBES rated billionaire Chief Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu embarked on an Agricultural inspection tour of the Istanbul phase of Oil palm seed Plantation.

The Agricultural project is expected to be fully mechanised and have a plantation of 10 million palmtrees in the next four years which will generate thousands of direct and indirect employment.

See photos below:

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/photos-orji-kalu-tours-oil-palm-seed-plantation.html

Results for the just concluded Anambra governorship election has emerged, showing the incumbent governor, Willie Obiano as the winner.

The incumbent governor beats the two super rivals, Tony Nwoye of APC and Oseloka Obaze of PDP to emerged as the winner.

Below is the full results showing Obiano got 180,178 votes, Tony Nwoye got 95,963 votes, while Obaze got 97,700 votes.



See the full results in pdf format: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/anambra-election-apga-obiano-wins-full-results.html

Abia State Commissioner of Police, Anthony Ogbizi has warned members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, against harassing residents in a bid to enforce its sit-at-home order on Saturday.

The Commissioner, who described the group as “irresponsible” warned that IPOB members caught would be prosecuted.

He gave the warning during a patrol exercise tagged, “Operation Show of Force”, in Aba.

Represented by the Area Commander, Aba, ACP Peter Opara, the state police boss reminded residents that the ban against IPOB was still in force.

He called on traders to go about their normal businesses without fear as the Police in the state have the capacity to protect lives and property.

He said, “Residents of Aba are advised to go about their businesses without fear; the Police have the capacity to protect lives and property.

“I assure you that anyone who tries to molest residents or traders will be arrested and prosecuted. You have our security numbers; call us in case of distress.

“The markets will open. I’m contact with leadership of the markets in Aba, they have assured me that the markets will be open tomorrow.

“We have had a joint patrol with the military. What is the link between the election in Anambra State and markets in Aba? This tells you how irresponsible IPOB is,” he said.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/abia-police-launches-operation-show-of-force-in-aba-against-Igbos-sit-at-home.html

The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, has denied reports that President Muhammadu Buhari's administration is maginalising the people of Southeast.

Adesina, who was on Channels Television yesterday, was reacting following media reports that President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the South-East region was politically motivated.

Recall that the President left Abuja on Tuesday for Ebonyi State, kicking off his first official visit to the South East since he assumed office in 2015.

He rejected the claims while adding that, “If some people are infusing political motives, they have a right to their thoughts. As far as the President is concerned, this is a state in the country he has been invited to come on a state visit and commission some projects,” Adesina said.

The special adviser to the president claimed that the Igbo people have no reason to cry marginalization because President Buhari has given them all the federal presence they deserve.

He said; “Talking about appointments from the region, if you were here today in the places where the President was received, what is just the general opinion, what they have been asking for is just ‘more.’ It is not as if we have not gotten anything, they say thank you for the ones we have but we want more.

“And if you ask people from other parts of the country, it will be the same request; it will be the same sentiment. Thank you for what you have given us, but we want more.

“So, it not only one region of the country that has issues about being under-appointed or under-represented in government, almost every region can lay claim to that,” he added.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/ndigbo-gotten-deserve-buharis-govt-adesina.html

All arrangements are on ground to unveil a new blockbuster film that is set to give movie goers run for their money, titled; ‘ONYEMAECHI’.

The long awaited epic adventure movie, under the auspice of Platinum Multimedia will be premiered on 26th of November 2017 at Golden Valley Hotel, Nsukka, Enugu State…

Shot in scenic locations across South East States, the movie Onyemaechi is a contemporary Igbo epic and adventure story by Chinwe Eboh, a fast paced action drama centered on the tragic story of an orphan, Onyemaechi.

The film featured A-list Nollywood actors that include Patience Ozokwor, Ebele Okaro Onyuke, Diamond Okechi, Caz chidiebere, Steve Eboh, McCarthy Nonwani and a host of others.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/epic-movie-onyemachi-set-premier-enugu.html

Former Governor of Abia State and Chieftain of the All Progressive’s Congress (APC) party has said that they are in the state to win the forthcoming elections slated to hold on the 18th of November addressing newsmen shortly after his arrival into the state yesterday 13th November 14, 2017.

Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu met with his party’s candidate Dr. Tony Nwoye immediately he arrived the state while responding to questions from newsmen the APC Chieftain said that President Muhammadu Buhari who is also expected to arrive the state ahead the APC grand campaign rally is performing his statutory role.

In his words “President Buhari is the leader of the party so he is doing his statutory role, there is a major election here and the President as the President of Nigeria will visit Anambra State.

Anambra is a component of Nigeria and he is coming to campaign for his party. He has no other business in the state other than to campaign for his party’’

On the chances of the APC in the election Kalu said "we are hoping to win, that is the reason we are here in the state. We are going to win the election, we shall do our best. We as a party are well prepared for the election and we are here to win.

The good people of Anambra state have been well oriented on the benefits of mainstream politics and having the APC take over the leadership of the state will attract more federal presence to the state and indeed the Southeast, that is why they will vote for the APC come November 18th’’.

He also said he believes that the INEC is also prepared for the election.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/anambra-election-win-says-orji-kalu.html

The former governor of Abia State and an All Progressive Congress, APC chieftain, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu earlier today, stormed Anambra State.

The South-East APC stalwart visits the state in line with his support to Dr. Tony Nwoye,  an APC candidate for the November 18, governorship election in Anambra.

While in the state, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu and Tony Nwoye meet Senator Uche Ekwunife who is also a member of All Progressive Congress, APC, in Anambra state chapter.

The election, according to Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is slated to hold on Nov 18, 2017.

Meanwhile, Kalu, in his recent statement, called the people of Anambra State to vote massively for APC candidate, Tony Nwoye. According to him;  “The forthcoming election in Anambra State will be a good opportunity for Ndi Anambra to join mainstream politics.

“If Anambra State is governed by the APC, more federal projects will be attracted to the state.

“The South East had been marginalized by previous governments and the time is now to support President Buhari’s determination to uplift Ndigbo, Kalu said.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2017/11/breaking-dr-orji-uzor-kalu-storms-anambra-state-ahead-nov-18th-election.html

More photos

Here are the photos from the annual World Polio day activities carried out by the Rotary club of Abuja city, on 24th October, 2017, at unity fountain, (FCT) Abuja.

View photos from the event:

Photo credit: https://abacityblog.com/2017/10/world-polio-day-activities-by-the-rotary-club-of-abuja-city-photos.html

By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

The past decade has witnessed the demise of some of the finest brands in the human rights community. The list has continued to swell: Chima Ubani, Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome- Kuti, Bamidele Francis Aturu ( who we fondly referred to as BF), Festus Iyayi,of late ,Chuks Ehirim and Nze Ifeanyi Onwuneme, among others.

Sometimes last year, men of the pen-pushing profession and social activists from across the country gathered somewhere in Isiekenensi, Imo State to bid one of their own, Chuks Ehirim farewell as he set out for the journey to the great beyond that fateful afternoon.There was a deluge of emotion- laden and thought- provoking orations from comrades and colleagues alike.

From all indications, Ehirim’s death was caused by lack of medicare in the country.It bespeaks of a man who died trying to make ends meet, notwithstanding his public profile. It is a clarion call to media owners in the country to rise up to the challenge of making sure that their employees are paid.Had Ehirim’s failing health condition received an earlier intervention, we couldn’t have lost that very honest, courageous and hardworking journalist and social crusader.

Also, sometimes this year, a repeated gathering of journalists and social crusaders was witnessed in Umuahia, when Nze Ifeanyi Onwuneme was interred. Onwuneme and I served for almost a decade as Chairman and Secretary respectively of the Abia Branch of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO).

Onwuneme was like a father and I enjoyed bountifully his pieces of advise and encouragement.We also had our differences but one striking characteristics of Onye Eze ( as Onwuneme was fondly called) was his ability to resolve conflicts and forestalling them from escalating. My major disagreement with Onwuneme, and the only one we had was during the build up to Jigawa Convention in 2005, shortly after Chima Ubani’s burial.

The convention was to elect the president of the organisation and by extension, the fate of who succeeds Chima Ubani as the Executive Director (ED) of the organisation was, to a reasonable extent to be determined by who emerges as the president. Already there were myriad of interests for the position, even at the burial ground of Ubani.

Members and state leaderships were divided along interest lines and Abia was not spared. The tendencies that the issue generated created a crack in the Abia leadership and produced prallel leaderships and delegates. At Jigawa, even before some chieftains of the organisation, especially from the South East, me and Onwuneme had resolved the issue in a closed door meeting. This was done for the interest of the organisation in particular,and the branch in particular.

Bamidele Aturu (BF) was humility personified. To buttress this, in 2008 Kwara Convention of the Democratic Alternative, we had a marathon and stormy sessions on the closing day of the convention that stretched up to 3am. Delegates were exhausted and had to catch a little sleep in preparation for their departure that morning. Surprisingly, BF called to remind of the interview appointment I had booked with him early in the day. The interview stretched to about few minutes before 5am. BF demonstrated high intellectual capability and can disarm you with his superior arguments on issues.

BF was elected President of the Students Union and emerged as one of the leading young voices against military rule in Nigeria at a time when it was quite dangerous to do such things. Yet, in 1987, he graduated with a first class degree and as the best student from the college. Armed with this qualification, BF undertook his compulsory National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, as a physics teacher at the Federal Government College, Minna, Niger State, where he earned a reputation as an exceptionally able, committed, and caring teacher. The management of the NYSC adjudge the best member of the NYSC 1987/88 in Niger State, and this assessment was considered worthy of recognition by the then military administration. During the passing out parade, he was called upon to receive recognition from the Military Governor ,Lawan Gwadabe at the passing out of his NYSC but he declined to shake the hands of the Governor as an act of objection to military rule.

His inability to undertake a fulfilled teaching vocation without the NYSC discharge certificate compelled him to enrol in 1989 as a law student at the University of Ife.Once again,BF graduated from the Law Faculty of the University of Ife in 1994 as the best student in international law, one of the best overall. He was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in 1995, and passed under the Professor Itse Sagay, a former Dean of Law at two leading law faculties in Benin and Ife. He was one of the leading forces that resisted the regime of late General Sani Abacha through the instrumentality of United Action for Democracy (UAD).

He was one of the persons that provided efforts that led to the coalition of Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, CDHR, in 1989, and the Constitutional Rights Project, CRP, in 1991 to form the Campaign for Democracy, CD.

The world was treated to a rude shock when the death of Comrade Chima Enyinnaya Ubani was announced on 21st September, 2005. Ubani, the generalisimo of the struggle until his demise was the Executive Director (ED) of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO).

Ubani and a photo journalist with Vanguard Newspapers, Tunji Oyeleru lost their lives in a ghastly auto crash along Yobe-Pokistum road. The circumstances surrounding this crash is still shrouded in controversy because we were told that there were other occupants of the Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) whose identities were not disclosed.

Due to the then Olusegun Obasanjo’s regime’s anti-people policies, including incessant hikes in fuel prices, the labour movement and civil society groups coalesced to form what was called Labour and Civil Society Coalition (LASCO).

LASCO was undertaking rallies across the six geo-political zones in the country protesting the fuel price hike, and had just concluded the North East geo-political zone at Maiduguri. Ubani was to travel by air but under circumstances which is also not clear opted to travel by land. The rallies were designed to take its grand finale at Abuja, the seat of power, where LASCO would have occupied for days.

Chima Ubani died at the age of 42 and was a former Amnesty International Prisoner of Conscience. He was born to a Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) pastor, Late Friday Okoro Ubani, and Mother Late Mrs. Eunice Nnem Ubani of Obete Umuoha in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State. Ubani, like Aturu, demonstrated high- intellectual capability. He was a Students Union leader at University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) where he graduated in crop science in 1988. He took an MA in Mass Communication from the Leicester University in 2002, and joined the Civil Liberties Organisation in 1990 as a researcher.

Ubani demonstrated activism traits early in life as he was said to have opposed a punishment from one of his seniors in the secondary school while he was in form two. The activism in Ubani attained its climax when in 1993 when the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida annulled a presidential election that was to return Nigeria to civilian rule. He helped to bring various human right organisations together under one umbrella group, the Campaign for Democracy. He also joined the campaign against oil companies in the Niger delta, supporting such activists as the writer Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed in 1995.

In February 1994, Ubani’s house and office were raided by security agents, and a report on women and children in Nigerian prisons which he had co-authored was confiscated. He went on the run, but was arrested and imprisoned in 1995, after which his case was taken up by Amnesty International.

The following year, he was released and came to Britain for medical treatment, before returning to Nigeria. After the death of General Sani Abacha in 1998, Ubani worked to ensure a return to civilian rule. But he refused to accept the election of President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 as a genuine return to democracy, and lampooned what he saw as a corrupt government which disregarded human rights.

In July 2000, in a case he brought against the Nigerian police, he was instrumental in the abrogation of a decree that allowed state security agents to detain people indefinitely. He also campaigned against extra-judicial killings by the Nigerian police and the use of capital punishment. At the time of his death, he was campaigning against fuel increases.

Worthy to mention here is that during the burial of Ubani in October 2005, the then Governor of Abia State Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr. Chima Nwafor promised Ubani’s family some cash and to rename a street within Ehere Road area of Ogbor- Hill after Chima Ubani. Why these promises were not fulfilled remains to be desired. Ubani was a worthy son and deserves more.

Finally, as these comrades and other comrades continue in their journey to eternity, the current situation in the country deserves to be appreciated. The welfare of the masses these comrades fought for have degenerated from worse to worst. Nigerians are currently passing through excruciating experience that can equal that of the hell.

Source: https://abacityblog.com/2017/10/remembering-comrades-okechukwu-keshi-ukegbu.html

As Nigeria clocks 57 today! Popular High life music Icon, Bright Chimezie, is also celebrating his 57 years birthday, his birth date happens to be on the same date Nigeria got her Independence in October 1960.

Bright Chimezie, born on October 1, 1960, a Nigerian music icon who is widely known by his High life contemporary style of music all over Africa and the globe, is being celebrated today all over Nigeria.

Mr. Chimezie is a native of Umuahia, Abia State. As a celebrant, he has revealed what are his wishes and why he believed in one Nigeria.

Speaking as a guest opinion in Aba based radio station, Bright Chimezie, says he believed that Nigeria being together as one will acquire greatness in the near future.

He said; "My wish for Nigeria @57 is very simple, I believe in Nigeria, I also know that one section of the country is been marginalised, but I do believe that Nigeria will be a great country.

@57, what Nigeria needs now is truth and justice, let there be justice.

"With truth and justice Nigeria will move forward, whatever is paining an Igbo man is also paining a Hausa man, that is the truth, he said.

"I believe Nigeria has a bright future if truth and Justice will reign. Mr. Chimezie added.

Giving advice to the upcoming artists, he said "People should not jump into music because others are making money through it.

"To become an artist you must have it in you because you must definitely have something to offer for the society, you must have something on the table.

"Music is passion, you must have it in you before you jump into it.

"Ask yourself if you are talented enough to make people listen to you, feel your impact and know that you have the real talent, then after you have done that and find out that yes! You have all it takes, then you can move into it and see yourself achieve greatness.

Bright Chimezie further disclosed that he will be releasing an album very soon titled: "Truth and Justice".

Source: http://www.abacityblog.com/2017/10/57-why-i-still-believe-in-nigeria-music.html

The leader of the South East Senate Caucus and senator representing Abia South Senatorial Zone, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe today said that the South East Senate Caucus disagree with the Federal government on the recent proscription of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) and subsequent declaration of the group as a terrorist organization.

Abaribe who spoke on an Aba based radio phone in program, made it clear that the South East Senate Caucus do not in anyway agree with the stand of the Nigerian government on IPOB as it's tantamount to using a sledge-hammer to kill a fly.

In his words, "The South East Senate Caucus disagree with the Nigerian government in saying that IPOB is a terrorist organization. We feel it is too strong a gambit to use. We feel that you cannot kill a fly with a sledge-hammer. You cannot proscribe a group of people.

You cannot leave glaring evidence of those who actually working against the unity of this country, those who are actually killing people, those who are actually taken up arms against this country and then you turn around and say that these people have a potential to do so, therefore you now go ahead to declear them a terrorist organization with the implications for this country that are very very glare."

It will be recalled Senator Abaribe was among the sureties who signed the bail bond of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the IPOB leader and since his case ought to come up in court on the 17th of October, there had been several media publications on how he could be held should they fail to produce Kanu in court come 17th of next month. Reacting to this notion, Abaribe said it's impossible for any court to ask an individual to produce whom Nigerian State cannot produce.

"I think people should relax and not be worried because essentially when we signed the bail bond the court was adjourned till 17th of October. And we are supposed to have produced him on the 17th of October. Now the same government that should have waited until the 17th of October, went and invaded his house between the 11th and 14th of September.

"One clear month before he supposed to have appeared. Since then, nobody had seen him, nobody has heard from him. I understand that the family has sued the Nigerian Army asking for them to produce him. So if the Nigerian state, one clear month before he supposed to appear in court went and invaded his personal space and he is missing, I don't think no court will ask an individual who is not the Nigerian state, to produce somebody that the Nigerian state cannot produce," he said.

The Aba born senator debunked the rumour that the South East Senate Caucus met with the president yesterday, stating that there was an agreement that they should meet with Mr president as part of the deliberations of the senate. He however stated some of the things that could be on the table if they eventually meet with Mr president.

"If we eventually meet with the president, what we are going to put on the table is that there are laws in Nigeria, there is a constitution of Nigeria, and there are other basic things like the Federal Character and every other thing that can make us have an inclusive nation. We are going to of course ask Mr President that you swore an oath, to uphold the constitution of the Federal Republic and be president for all. Please adhere to your oath.

"We are going to be simple and direct. It could be that people do not see an inclusiveness in this government that's causing all these agitations," Abaribe said.

Speaking on restructuring, Abaribe said the stand of the south east is very clear as they've agreed that the current structure is not working. "Ohanaeze, the South East governors and us, we've met and agreed that the best way to go forward in this country is to move with other parts of the country and follow the path of changing the structure of this country.

"You can call it restructuring, realignment, but the fact is that we cannot continue with the way we are going where some people feel that there are two sets of citizens, where some people are first class and the others second class citizens.

"We also think that competition among states, and among the components parts of this country is much more better than this feeding bottle mechanism where every month somebody goes to Abuja to collect money."

Source: http://www.abacityblog.com/2017/09/we-disagree-with-nigerian-government-on.html

The former governor of Abia State and the chieftain of All Progressive Congress, APC, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, yesterday delivered a public lecture in the University of Calabar - Cross River State.

Dr. Kalu who was the special guest speaker, delivered a speech on the topic of "Devolution Of Powers And The Future Of Nigeria".

A topic which has become one of the hottest headlines in our today's national dailies was yesterday carefully explained and understood by the audience.

While welcoming Dr. Kalu, the students who filled the entire "Faculty of Social Science Hall, UNICAL, could not hold back their joy on sighting the former Abia State governor and one of the Nigerian Forbes rated Businessman.

Mr. Kalu was welcomed in a colourful way, as cultural dancers graced the event with their talented Cross River State dance style.

Delivering the speech, Dr. Kalu spoke on the issue of "Restructuring, Resource Control and Devolution of Powers, which, according to him agitation for restructuring and referendum are all legitimate democratic demands that form part of the conversation that must take place to strengthen democracy.

Explaining further, Dr. Kalu stressed that the call had become necessary because, in the next 15 years, most of those calling the shots in Nigeria today would be too weak to do the sort of things being done today. Read the full post here: http://www.abacityblog.com/2017/09/unical-lecture-students-receives-orji.html

The United Nations (UN) estimates that up to 5.2 million people in northeastern Nigeria are experiencing acute food insecurity and require emergency food assistance, largely as a result of insurgency, resultant displacement and loss of means of livelihoods.

This was revealed in a “Draft Nigeria Country Plan Global Food Security Strategy” document sent to Daily Sun by United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which said food availability, accessibility, utilisation and stability remain a challenge in Nigeria.

Despite government’s effort to strengthen the agricultural sector to generate broad-based growth and achieve food security, an annual growth rate of 2.5 per cent in food production remains sub-optimal.

Furthermore, the document also revealed that the menace Boko Haram insurgency and resultant counter-insurgency measures by the Nigerian military have severely reduced trade, market activities and agricultural production in northeastern Nigeria, resulting in significantly increased food insecurity in these areas in recent years.

Moreover, the organisation explained that the volatility in global food prices, restrictions on the ability of Nigerian importers to access foreign exchange, and wide gaps between official and parallel market exchange rates have led to increases in the prices of imported foods, contributing to rising vulnerability among poorer urban and rural households in Nigeria.

With Nigeria’s population growing at an alarming 3.2 per cent per annum, the organisation suggested that food availability, accessibility, stability and utilisation must constantly be increased to prevent food insecurity.

read more: http://nigeriavoice.online/2017/09/25/5-2m-people-in-neast-suffer-acute-food-insecurity/

Chairman of the South-east Governors Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, has charged Nigerian youths to stop insulting President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr. Umahi said insulting President Buhari and other leaders of the country does not present the country and her citizens in good light among the comity of nations.

The governor stated this yesterday while addressing a press conference in Abakaliki with security chiefs in attendance, before departing to Abuja where he is expected to accompany President Muhammadu Buhari to the UN conference.

Explaining why the South East governors forum proscribed IPOB activities in the zone, Mr. Umahi said IPOB has lost its original ideal by causing unnecessary tension and killings in the South-east, which according to him, has affected investment drive in the region.

He lamented that the activities of the Biafra agitators in Abia State, which sparked off the clash with the military, went out of the control of the group’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Umahi said the governors of the zone had set up an investigative panel to look into the alleged killings arising from the clash between IPOB members and the military in Abia State.

“When you put a small fire, the far it can go cannot be controlled. The IPOB activities were gradually going out of control of Nnamdi Kanu. Soldiers were passing on the way when IPOB members started throwing stones and other objects on them and it sparked off the clash between the group and the military. These are people that never experienced any war in their lives.

“Our focus is how to save lives of every Nigerian and we believe in a united Nigeria. Lives of people are involved and we must not play politics with that,” he said.

Umahi urged security agents to ensure safety of non-indigenes in Ebonyi State and the entire South-east.

“Anybody that wants to foment troubles must be crushed and I want security agencies to beef up security around all the non-indigenes in the state and to report to me of any problem because we must maintain the peace,” he added.

Source: http://www.abacityblog.com/2017/09/stop-insulting-president-muhammadu.html

The new Abia State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Anthony Ogbizi has warned that anybody found with Biafra emblem will be arrested and charged to court.

Ogbizi who stated this while parading seven suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, explained that with the proscription of the group by the South East governors, it has becomes illegal for anyone to operate under IPOB or adorn Biafra emblems.

He lamented that one of the injured officers, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, serving at the Ariaria Police Station has died out of the injuries he sustained during the attack.

source: http://www.abacityblog.com/2017/09/anybody-found-with-biafra-flag-will-be.html

The younger brother of the IPOB leader, Emmanuel Kanu has revealed that after the Thursday evening military attack on their home in Afaraukwu, Umuahia, his father, HRH, Eze Okwuonu Kanu can't walk normal again.

Recall that on Thursday evening, the men of the Nigerian Military in joint operation with Mopol invaded the country home of the IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, where they shot their way through and killed lots of IPOB members on sight.

Emmanuel Kanu who spoke with Dailysun, said what the military did on Thursday amounted to not only desecration of the Igbo traditional institution as exemplified by the raid and ransacking their father’s palace, but also killing with impunity.

Emmanuel added that if it were in a clime where the rule of law prevails, since his brother has a pending case at a Federal High court, the military should have waited for the court to adjudicate on the matter.

“What the army did is barbaric and despicable; it is killing with impunity. Nnamdi Kanu has a case to answer in court and in between that, the military took it upon themselves to come and assassinate him, that means Nnamdi Kanu is justified. They should have allowed the court to decide his case instead of trying to kill him. And I want to let the whole world know that in spite of what happened, he will still keep his date with the court.”

Emmanuel who could not fathom why the army could be so brutal on unarmed civilians alleged that in the morning of the same Thursday, soldiers killed two of their members directly opposite Government House, Umuahia and took their bodies away.

“Again, yesterday (Thursday) evening, they (soldiers) and MOPOL men came to our compound in their numbers, besieged us and massacred people. As I speak with you, we are still picking up more dead bodies within the environment, so the number of the dead by now is more than 22 and we are fishing out more bodies as well.

“They are claiming they never touched my dad, how come my father can not walk appropriately as we talk. They fired straight into our father’s sitting room, they fired indiscriminately, killed and wounded some people. My father’s palace is messed up with blood, it is only in Biafra land they will so desecrate the palace of a royal father because they believe anything can happen here and nobody will say or do anything. Our father sustained waist injury as a result of the attack.

“The Nigerian army said they are on operation Python Dance in the South East, but the operation soldiers carried out at our home yesterday (Thursday) was ‘Operation kill everything visible.’ They killed our dog, even chickenS were not speared. They invaded everywhere and made away with my brother’s personal belongings including money and certificates.”

Describing the soldiers that carried out the attack as villains, the IPOB leader’s brother said the real heroes were those they killed. “Killing unarmed people does not make the soldiers heroes but those they killed are the real heroes. You become a hero when you challenge somebody with the same position with you, with the same level of firearms, that’s when you become a hero, not going about killing people who are unarmed. What Nnamdi Kanu is preaching about Nigeria even affect the soldiers that were sent to come and kill him.

“What the Nigerian government or their military does not know is that the attack at our country home would not dampen Nnamdi Kanu or IPOB’s quest to actualize Biafra, rather it will serve as a boost.

"IPOB led by Kanu is a non-violent movement, Nnamdi Kanu cannot be afraid because he has not done anything wrong to anybody, what he is fighting for is freedom for his people so, I don’t know why anybody would want to kill him.”

source = http://www.abacityblog.com/2017/09/my-father-sustained-waist-injury-cant.html

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has announced the withdrawal of soldiers from the streets of Aba and Umuahia starting from tomorrow.

The governor warned the members of IPOB, others against street protests, spreading of falsehood and engaging of other illegal activities.

Ikpeazu who stated this in a press conference held today in Umuahia, was reacting following a continuous clash between the members of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, and the men of Nigerian Army.

He said;

Gentlemen of the press, permit me to use this medium to update my brothers and sisters of Abia State origin, and those living and doing business in the state on the current security situation.

Dear brothers and sisters, the security situation in the state in the past few days, which led to the deployment of soldiers into our state ahead of the Operation Python dance 11, has become of great concern to both the government and the citizenry.

After several interventions, I want to inform you that by tomorrow morning, there will be withdrawal of solders from the streets at Aba and Umuahia, apart from the pre-existing military checkpoints at various location in the state.

With the expected exit of soldiers from the streets, we must warn that we will not tolerate agitators and protesters taking over the streets for any reason at all.

I will also be meeting the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Mohamaudu Buhari, to discuss possible ways of relaxing the Operation Python dance 11 in the state for now.

Our attention have been drawn to ugly incidences of attacks on police stations and military posts at Aba and Umuahia and we hereby warn that we will no longer tolerate that, and all other acts that are capable of causing insecurity in the state.

We have also observed illegal acts of throwing petrol bombs and setting up of bonfires to obstruct free movements along some roads by suspected miscreants and wish to warn that such acts should stop forthwith.

To mischief makers who want to use Abia as their base, let me announce to you that henceforth, Abia will be too hot for you to carry out your wicked acts as the government will work with security agents to ensure the protection of lives and properties in the state without fear or favor. There will be no hiding place for you.

At about midnight yesterday, we received security reports that hoodlums and miscreants, some of whom were allegedly brought into the state by unscrupulous individuals, were mobilizing around Uratta road at Aba with a view to converging at Ariaria International Market to burn it down. Their aim was obviously to take advantage of the security situation in the state to cripple the economy of the state and cause widespread suffering.

It was this group that originated the rumors of attacks and counter attacks around the area and also tried to create panic to force people out of their homes to enable them execute their evil intentions under the cover of orchestrated crises.

Thankfully their plan was nipped in the bud by the combined team of soldiers and policemen that promptly moved to the area and later positioned around Ariaria market to protect the lives and properties of our people.

We have it on good authority that the same group of hoodlums attempted to burn down the police station at Ariaria market early today and security agents are currently on the hunt for them and those outside the state who are sponsoring their evil actions. Not even one of them will escape the full weight of the law.

Members and sympathizers of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) should henceforth desist from spreading false rumors capable of throwing our state into disorder. Those spreading such falsehood will be dealt with, according to the Law.

My fellow Abians, it is in the interest of all our citizens and residents for full and total peace and security to return to our state immediately. No meaningful progress can be made in an atmosphere of violence and and anarchy.

Those at Aba are therefore advised to fully observe the current curfew in the city and ensure that they cooperate with security agents to maintain peace and order.

I swore to protect lives and properties of all Abians and residents and that I must do. I therefore call on all to support our efforts at making sure that lasting peace prevails in our dear state.

God bless Abia State.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Dr Okezie Ikpeazu

Source: http://www.abacityblog.com/2017/09/breaking-gov-ikpeazu-announces.html

The late hour Sunday attack carried out by the men of the Nigerian Army on the home of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has been condemned by different groups.

The attack which occurred in the home town of the Biafra leader in Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State capital led to the shooting of two IPOB members while several others sustained serious injuries.

It was recently been condemned by the Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose and the former minister of Aviation, Fani-Kayode, while the South-East governors are yet to openly condemn the barbaric act.

However, irked by the provocative attack, Students under the aegis of Igbo Students Union (ISU), have decided to enlist in IPOB and its security outfit, the Biafra Security Service (BSS) for the purpose of securing the region from any attack.

In a statement signed by President of Igbo Students Union, Chimezie Ubami, said “for attacking Kanu, every Igbo student will now mobilise and resist them. Kanu is our leader and we will protect him.”

Inline with the condemnation of the act, Igbo Traders Association (ITA), in a statement by its Chairman, Chief Chris Obikwelu described the attack as “shocking and despicable,” and assured that they would “mobilise to provide adequate security for Kanu.”

Also, South East Elders Forum has condemned the act, by warning against the ugly consequences of turning the zone to a war theatre.

In a statement signed by the forum’s Convener, Dr Dozie Ikedife, the elders noted that a military exercise is normal but added that because of the tension in the country, they would not want it to be like an army of occupation, in any shape or form.

“We advise the civilian population to be calm, go about their normal businesses peacefully and lawfully. The army should ensure that their exercise inflict minimum interference on civilian traffic, on the roads, lanes, by-ways and water -ways. To the best of our knowledge, there is no war in the South East geological zone,” the elders noted.

They said a statement announcing the proposed military exercise between September 15 and October 14, 2017 seemed to suggest a “cordon off and search. If that is so, it makes one wonder whether the term “exercise” is not a mere camouflage for something else.

“Let the military and the civilians in the South East be very careful to ensure that the charged atmosphere does not explode,” the elders rounded off.

read more= http://www.abacityblog.com/2017/09/igbo-students-union-volunteers-to-join.html

Special Assistant to the Ekiti State governor on New Media and public communication, Lere Olayinka has offered to cross President Buhari’s ‘National Redline’.

Olayinka made this known in a letter, written and circulated online on Sunday, 10th of September 2017.

The political and new media giant’s letter Reads:

September 10, 2017.

General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd),
President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Aso Rock Presidential (Residential) Villa,
Abuja.

Dear President Buhari,

OFFER TO CROSS YOUR NATIONAL RED-LINE

Your Excellency Sir, because of your health, I will go straight to the main reasons for writing this letter.

My name is Lere Olayinka, a citizen of Nigeria from Okemesi-Ekiti, Ekiti West Local Government, Ekiti State.

Upon your return to Nigeria after 103 days abroad, spending our money to treat yourself of sickness you never disclosed to us, you came up with your National Red-Line threat.

Even though you have failed, and or neglected to tell us what amounts to crossing the national red line, your Information Minister, Lai Mohammed already threatened Nigerians on Hate Speech before your arrival.

From your understanding, crossing national red line is the same as telling you and the cabal ruining Nigeria the truth about the cluelessness of your government. It is about not behaving like the 15 million mumus who voted for you, hoping that you will improve the economy of Nigeria despite that you were unable to improve your personal economy – remember your cows did not increase from 150 that they were since 2003!

read more= http://nigeriavoice.online/2017/09/11/i-will-cross-your-national-red-line-lere-olayinka-dares-buhari/

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10210120859882925&id=1380833650

Redoil:
Buhari and kanu who is stronger wiser and bold
For buhar click like
For kanu click share

Ofcourse, reading from NK's statement you will see that the man is a wise man. Buhari has violated the court order several times and he should be arrested

The leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has urged the Federal High court, Abuja, to arrest President Muhammadu Buhari and his cousin, the Director General of the Nigerian, Department of State Security Service, DSS, Lawal Daura, for flouting court order.

Kanu said, for refusing to release him even when court granted him bail twice proved the fact that he is not the first person that have flouted the federal high court order.

Speaking in an interview with The Sun, Kanu said the bail condition gave to him was designed to emasculate and basically render IPOB impotent.

"Are you talking about an illegal and unconstitutional bail condition? A bail condition designed to emasculate and basically render IPOB impotent? Does anyone seriously think I’m going to stand for IPOB to be rendered desolate?

"I can’t allow that to happen, I have not violated any laws unknown to the Nigerian judicial establishment. I have not committed any offence; no crime whatsoever. I said no crime. It is a violation of my right to ask me not to speak; to ask me not to be in a congregation of not more than 10 people, an absolute violation of articles enshrined in the constitution that I expect all and sundry to be rising up in defence of, not trying to justify the erosion of my fundamental human rights to speak, to be heard and to associate.

The IPOB leader noted that it's President Muhammadu Buhari the one who broke the laws, he disobeyed the direct court order to release him unconditionally, not once, but twice.

According to him, "Honourable Shuaibu of Wuse Magistrate Court granted me bail, Buhari did not release me. Hon Justice Ademola granted me unconditional bail, Buhari and his cousin, Lawal Daura refused to honour that court order. They are the ones who should be detained for flagrant disobedience to court orders.

"I want the northern Arewa irredentists to call for the arrest of Buhari and Daura for flouting court order after court order, asking for my release.

"It smacks of hypocrisy and absolute cowardice that people who could not rise up in defence of the law when a court made a judicial pronouncement are now clamouring for my arrest because they believe it is easy to do so. Before now, Nnamdi Kanu is Igbo, he is a Biafran and can be arrested and nothing will happen but that would not be anymore, it would no longer happen.

Speaking further, Mazi Kanu said if Nigerian government tries to re-arrest him, the whole country will burn and that is not an empty threat.

"I don’t care! Quote me verbatim.If I’m re-arrested, this country will burn, I assure you. From where that oil money they depend on, they can no longer have access to it. I assure them that. This is not empty threat.We’re IPOB, we don’t abandon our own.

"Fulani believe they owns Nigeria and people must understand this. They conquered Hausa people and Hausa helped them to conquer other people, everybody is being terrified by the Fulani. Everybody is scared of them; but I’m Nnamdi Kanu, I’m not scared of them.

Source: http://www.abacityblog.com/2017/09/biafra-before-you-arrest-me-arrest.html