₦airaland Forum

Felix Olunkwa, the chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Abia State chapter, has been released by his kidnappers after a ransom payment of N4 million, ABN TV reports.

Olunkwa was kidnapped on May 24, 2024, while driving home from a mechanic's shop in Alaojie ABA, where he had gone to repair his uncle's car. His wife, Dr. Mrs. Olunkwa, raised the alarm after her husband failed to return home, and all attempts to reach him thereafter were unsuccessful.

ABN TV reports that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N200 million, but negotiations led to a reduction to N4 million, which was paid on Wednesday night, leading to Olunkwa's release.

His release brings an end to a 10-day ordeal.

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial Zone, has called for a significant increase in the minimum wage to N90,000 (Ninety Thousand Naira), ABN [/b]TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL81E8vwkp0

He made this proposal on the Senate floor on Tuesday, citing the severe impact of the strike on the economy and the need to address the current inflation rate.

[b]Senator Kalu urged the Senate and the Federal Government to engage in urgent dialogue with organized labor to find a mutually acceptable solution, suggesting a range of N75,000 to N90,000. He emphasized the importance of swift action to avoid further economic disruption, including potential power grid shutdowns.

The former Abia State Governor stressed that the situation requires immediate attention and collective effort to prevent further damage to the economy.

He suggested that the Senate leadership meet with labour leaders and the Federal Government to resolve the issue promptly.

“…Shutting down the national grid, Mr. President isn’t an easy job. That might take another 3 days to come back to full operation.

“Everybody must step up today, if it means suspending the plenary for the leadership of the senate to meet with the labour leaders and the federal government, so be it" he said.

Emmanuel Nwazue, Abia State Bureau Chief of Afia TV, was attacked and assaulted on Monday by two security guards attached to a First City Monument Bank branch on Akanu Ibiam Way (Bank Road) in Umuahia while monitoring the compliance of the indefinite strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress, ABN TV reports.

Nwazue, who confirmed the attack to our correspondent on Monday said he was interviewing a respondent by the roadside in front of the bank when the two guards approached him to find out why he was speaking with the respondent.

He said that explanations that he is a journalist and had deliberately stepped away from capturing their building fell on deaf ears. He added that since the interview was stopped by the guards he decided to leave, to look for another respondent to make up for the two that he already had.

Nwazue further explained that while he was trying to leave the scene the guards insisted that he must hand over his camera to them, which led to the guards attacking and injuring him.

He said, "I was monitoring the effect and level of compliance to the nationwide strike action embarked on by the Labour unions in the country when I encountered a young man at the FCMB gate, obviously feeling frustrated.

"I approached him and requested to interview him about his experiences with the industrial action, he obliged, and I took him aside towards the tree close to the pedestrian walkway. This was to ensure that my lens did not capture the bank's building—but then, its signboard was within view just as that of another bank was in view—to drive home the environmental picture.

"Midway into the interview with my respondent who said he came from Obowo in Imo State to obtain bank services in Umuahia, a man who later said he was the bank's CSO came with another guy and disrupted the interview.

"My introduction and explanations that we deliberately stepped away from capturing their building fell on deaf ears. So, we couldn't continue with the interview and I decided to leave, to look for another respondent to make up for the two that I already had. These two guys stood in my way! They said I could not leave until I handed them my camera. To me, this was pushing an unfunny joke too far.

"Being mindful of my camera and other attached gadgets dangling from my neck, I made to force my way out, and both of them began to hit me, while I was protecting my camera and barely had any free hand to retaliate, the younger one in a blue security uniform pushed me hardly and I fell on the busy road and nearly got crushed by an oncoming vehicle, except for the quick intervention of some eyewitnesses who helped me out of the way. Of course, with the fall, my camera fell too, and some damage has been recorded.

"My wife, and a few friends who have been conversant with my medical condition in the last two years and came to my help after I had spent over a million naira treating lumber spondylosis, knew what I went through not being able to walk or sit for months.

"Now, having been forcefully pushed down and Ianding on my waist, these guys have reawoken the pains that made me live on very expensive painkillers each day of the week. Aside from that, I now have a dislocated ankle that has made it very difficult for me to walk".

A renowned Interpol Systems Consultant, Sir Chikwe Udensi, has called on South East governors to take a cue from their South West counterparts in managing regional security.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VRkTcaE_nfA
He made this statement during a live program, "The PLATFORM" on FLO FM in Umuahia, Abia State, monitored by ABN TV.

The program today focused on the recent killing of soldiers in Aba by unknown gunmen, which has reignited discussions on security management in the South East region.

Sir Udensi emphasized the need for effective collaboration between state and non-state actors to achieve lasting peace in the area.

He praised the South West governors for their proactive approach to regional security, particularly in the formation of the South West Security Network, also known as Amotekun. Udensi believes that a similar approach could yield positive results in the South East.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has assured that the State Government will work with the security agencies to fish out the criminal elements, who ambushed an army post at Obikabia in Obingwa Local Government Area on Thursday, May 30, and killed five soldiers, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKWyTnQAj-U

Governor Otti thanked the Nigeria Army high command for reducing the tension that had enveloped the State, following the initial panic and apprehension that seized residents as a result of the brutal killings, by not allowing aggrieved soldiers tow the part of reprisal.

The Governor, who was at the headquarters of the 144 Infantry Battalion of the Nigeria Army in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area, on Saturday, on a condolence visit to the wives of the slain soldiers, commiserated with the army and announced a package to take care of the families the fallen soldiers left behind, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kazie Uko said in a statement.

"Let me start by sending out words of sympathy to the Nigeria Army, the Brigade Commander (Brigadier General O. O. Diya) himself, and most importantly the families of the five fallen heroes.

"We, as a government, will continue to condemn this dastardly act, a very irresponsible act committed by criminals, who do not want any good for society.

"It's very sad, but then, it has happened and because it has happened, we will need to move on, but we cannot move on without identifying those who are responsible.

"It's as if General Diya was with me at the last place that we went to, where I had promised that we will smoke out whoever is remotely connected to this killing, whoever they are, wherever they are, wherever they run to.

"We are going to work like we have always done, closely with security agencies, particularly the intelligence unit of the security agencies, to ensure that we leave no stone unturned.

"So, I want to reassure the military high command and the leadership of the military in Abia that we are working together to ensure that we bring those people to book.

"The reason I came here (144 Battalion) today is to sympathise with you; to let you know that I feel your pain and I can understand what you're going through at this time.

"On behalf of the government and people of Abia State, I want to assure you that we are behind you. We know that the military high command will also look after you, but because your husband's died here in Abia, we have adopted you as daughters of Abia and your children as children of Abia.

"We have also put a plan in place to ensure that your children would get automatic scholarship until they finish university. From today, until they graduate, they have become the responsibility of the Abia State Government and we're going to make it a law so that even when I leave somebody else will not stop it," Governor Otti declared.

He thanked General Diya for helping to de-escalate the tension that had built up in and around Obikabia after the killings, especially Aba, which had come under lockdown, by ensuring free movement of innocent residents and not embarking on a reprisal as an army statement had been credited.

"I heard when the army talked about revenge, I think the right expression should have been that we will smoke out the criminals and deal with them.

"It is not even possible for the good Abia people that I lead to be involved in this. We suspect, even though that I don't have proof that they are people that came from outside to destabilise the good things happening in Abia and we will not let them go scot-free.

"I'm happy that you listened to my call that we de-escalate the tension and I really want to thank you. Aba was on lockdown, but as soon as we had our meeting and we spoke, you reduced the tension and de-accelerated the tension. I really want to thank you," the Governor said.

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has dismissed attempts by opposition elements to blackmail his administration, vowing to remain focused on his agenda for the state's development, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1AnphieFfkc

In a live broadcast marking his one year in office, Governor Otti accused his critics of spreading lies and fabricating videos in a bid to discredit his administration.

He said; "We are not unmindful of the blackmailers and hired agents of opposition who dish out lies and have truth taken, hoping that we will invite them for settlement or be distracted. Our response to them is simple, that their demands will remain unmet no matter the number of videos they churn out, and we will never be distracted. Our loyalty is to the generosity of Abians, not the handful of selfish individuals and groups".

He described them as "selfish individuals and groups" who are driven by personal interests rather than the well-being of the state.

The Governor reassured the citizens that his administration will not be distracted by the antics of the opposition, but will remain committed to delivering on its promises.

Deacon Felix Olunkwa, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Abia Chapter, has been reported missing, ABN TV learnt.

According to Dr. Olunkwa, her husband had gone to repair his uncle's car, a Toyota 4Runner Jeep (2000 model) with plate number HS 391 ABC and ash in color, at Alaojie ABA and left the mechanic's shop around 7 pm. She spoke with him at 8 pm while he was driving home along the ABA/PH expressway. However, all attempts to reach him after 10 pm were unsuccessful, and his whereabouts remain unknown.

The family is urging the Abia State Police Command to intervene and investigate Deacon Olunkwa's disappearance. The police are yet to issue a statement on the matter.

Members of Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services, Abia State Command have arrested suspects in connection with the vandalization of oil pipeline installations at Ogbodinibe in Umuahia South LGA of the State.

Those arrested include, Chukwunyere Onwuka, 34, and Chinatu Israel, 26-year-old.

The Abia State Commander of Nigeria Hunters and Forest Security Services Mmerube Sunday Chukwudiegwu told ABN TV that the suspects were arrested at about 2 pm on Sunday in Umuahia following credible information.

According to him, four other suspects escaped while an unnamed man suspected to be purchasing vandalized items from them also escaped.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include, the sum of about N180,000.

They have since been transferred to Ubakala Division for further investigation and prosecution.

Former Governor of Abia State, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu says he's not against any political meeting being hosted by a former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah but only against division in the state chapter of APC, ABN TV reports.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pDhwsz6qHc

In a video message, Sen. Kalu said there is nothing wrong in Ogah hosting his Abia Rejoice political movement, saying that cannot be mistaken as a meeting of Abia APC.

The 2023 governorship candidates of APC in the state, Chief Ikechi Emenike and Kingsley Ononogbu have been laying claims to the chairmanship of the party in Abia.

Sen. Kalu, representing Abia North Senatorial District however believes it's time to end factionalisation and bring the party under one umbrella.

He said the national leadership of APC has told him that Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu is the duly recognized chairman of Abia APC, urging all party members to rally support for him.

While noting that Ononogbu went through the electoral process and emerged victorious, Sen. Kalu insisted that he is the only one who has the right to call for a meeting of the party in the state and not anyone else.

"We don't want any faction again and this is what I'm saying. I discourage anybody talking about faction. There is no faction (of APC) in Abia", he stated.

The immediate-past governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has finally responded to the allegation of diverting N10bn meant for the construction of an airport in Aba, saying as someone with executive power at that time, no one can question his decision not to go ahead with the project.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0kvNgj5crw

While admitting that the sum of N10bn was earmarked for the construction of an airport to boost commercial life in Aba, the former governor in an interview monitored by our correspondent said he realized that roads to the major markets in the city were in a bad state, making interconnection difficult.

"So we decided to suspend the airport project. Today when people talk about the money for the airport and all that, it's as if they are questioning my decision to change my mind and I had right at that time to say I don't want this airport now.

"Because of you land at the airport, where are you going to? You can't go to Ariaria. We had to change the status quo at that time and I am happy that I finished Eziukwu Road from that fund, I finished Faulks road from that fund, Ngwa Road is okay, and Osusu Road is okay.

"So today you can connect Ariaria through Osusu road, to Eziukwu market and connect Eziukwu road to Ngwa market. I succeeded in interconnecting all the markets, courtesy of that fund which we were supposed to construct an airport", he explained.

According to the former governor, if his administration had gone ahead with that project, the sum of N10bn wouldn't have completed it, saying it would have amounted to tying the money as some airports in the country are not viable.

He also dismissed allegations that the fund was diverted to about 32 accounts, insisting that those who received money from the funds were contractors who carried out various projects and they were less than 32.

He also challenged the incumbent government to follow the trail to check if a dime was diverted to an individual's account from the N10bn.

He listed other projects completed from that fund to include, Faulks Road, Eziukwu Road, Ejike Lane, Milverton Avenue, and so many others.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has praised Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, describing him as an "action integrity man".

Governor Fubara said his Abia counterpart, Governor Otti’s integrity is not artificial but action-driven. He said despite coming in as Governor of Abia in the face of difficulties, Governor Otti was unperturbed as he went about his duties, making life easy for the people of Abia, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Otti, Kazie Uko said in a statement.

The Rivers Governor, much liked by his people, spoke Tuesday during the commissioning of the Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo (Old Bori) Road in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State, a project he had invited Governor Otti to commission.

“You are wondering why did I invite the Governor of Abia State? I invited him because he is not an artificial integrity man, he is an action integrity man. He is not a man that will gather to talk because he just wants to talk. He’s a man who came in, in the face of difficulty and challenges, just like we have here; he is making impact in the lives of Abia people.

“I will continue to identify with good governance; I will continue to identify with people who want to make impact in the lives of the people,” Governor Fubara told the people of Eleme.

The PDP governor explained that his administration’s mantra is the people first and that the purpose of embarking on the construction of the Aleto-Ebubu-Eteo Road is to make life better for the people; to let the people know that their problem is the government’s problem; and to give them hope.

He revealed that the road is a bye-pass to the deplorable East-West Road that will take commuters away from the bad portions of the East-West Road and rejoins them to the section of the road that is good.

Speaking shortly before he commissioned the road, Governor Otti thanked the Rivers State Governor for the honour of inviting him to kick off the commissioning of roads to mark his first anniversary in office.

Governor Otti explained that despite his busy schedule, he had no problem coming when the Governor fubara, whom he described as a brother, called him to come for the commissioning.

He congratulated Governor Fubara for executing the road project and for remembering the Eleme people, an area Governor Fubara said he started his career as a civil servant many years ago. He also commended and congratulated him for the great job that he is doing in Rivers State.

Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti has alleged that the immediate past government in the state diverted about N10bn mapped out for the construction of the airport to 32 different accounts, challenging the former governor Okezie Ikpeazu to show Abians where the airport is constructed or return the diverted funds.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U0EeQEmdysA

At a recent press briefing in Umuahia, the governor said the funds were moved in different tranches, insisting that at the appropriate time, all those who had a hand in diverting funds meant for the state will give account of it. 

He also queried why the state government under former governor Ikpeazu would go ahead to make a payment of N10bn to a contractor who never bidded to construct an airport, nor had the competence to do it. 

He said, "So our engagement with the company that received the money gives the impression that the company was deceived. The managing director of the company said that he told them that he had never built an airport before, and, it's not his area of competence. Neither did he apply to them to construct an airport. 

"Has he the competence to construct an airport? And according to him, of course, he will respond to the security agencies. According to him, the then government asked him to move the monies elsewhere. He showed us letters from the then government to move the money in different tranches to 32 companies. And that he did on the instruction of the former government.

As the controversy over how the administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, allegedly spent a whopping N10 billion for a non-existent airport project continues to rage, the incumbent Governor Alex Otti, has said that he was not interested in jailing anybody but only after the recovery of the fund.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVJ6848Dnz4

Governor Otti who spoke while responding to a question during a media parley, Thursday night, opened the can of worm on how his predecessor allegedly paid the largesse into the account of a company that never bided for the project, and later instructed the firm to wire the fund into 32 different accounts in tranches.

Otti who wondered what else the act could be called other than graft, vowed that it was either those who swallowed the fund vomited it or “they show us the airport”.

The Governor who said he was not surprised at the initial attempt by his predecessor to deny the withdrawal of the fund from the state coffers, added that all those who played any role in the movement of the fund would certainly have a date with the security agencies.

Gov. Otti promised that very soon the entire forensic audit report conducted by a reputable audit firm would be made public.

He said: “The immediate-past Governor’s denial is not unexpected. First of all, when it was announced they went to the media abusing the Government and saying the Government lied, and that there was nothing like that.

“Then when a media house that got hold of the report published it, of course, the next thing was to attempt to explain it away. But that was a report by a very reputable audit firm – KPMG. So, what they said was that they diverted the money into roads. Therefore, it’s up to them to come and show us the roads.

“But what is true is that bank statement on the 25th of September 2020 when COVID-19 was dealing with people, a debit went into the state account for N10 billion, and the description was: payment for 80% of contract of the Abia airport. That’s true and incontrovertible! The statement and report are there, and will soon be published. I can assure you that it was KPMG that did that forensic audit report.

“On the 13th of October, almost three weeks after, a letter was written by the then Governor (Ikpeazu), to the State House of Assembly requesting for approval of N10 billion for the construction of Abia airport. On the 14th of October, one day after, a letter was written to the then Governor by the House of Assembly, giving him approval for the N10 billion that he requested for the airport. So, clearly, something went wrong. An ISPO was raised in between these dates.

“So, our engagements with the contractor that received the money gave an impression that the company was deceived. The Managing Director of the company said that he told them that he had never built an airport before; that it’s not his his area of competence, neither did he apply to them to construct an airport.

“So the people denying, the question for them is: how come money moved into an account of somebody who has said he neither sent a bid for an airport nor has he the competence to construct an airport? Of course, he will respond to security agencies.

“But according to him, the then government asked him to move the monies elsewhere. He showed us letters from the then Government to move the money in different tranches to 32 companies, and that he did that on the instruction of the former Government.

“So, like I said, the rest of the work will be done by security agencies. But what is important to our Government is: either that somebody is showing us the airport or somebody is returning our money. That’s what is important to us. We are not interested in the fireworks and all the abuse. We are not even interested in anybody going to jail except if they are telling us that somebody whose money is missing should not look for it. Where I come from, if your property is missing you have to look for it. So, we are looking for our money or in the alternative, our airport!”.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, has urged the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ramp up their grassroots mobilization efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Kalu made this call when he received members of the Ukwa Local Government chapter of APC and new party members led by Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Abia commissioner, Chief Dimgba Eruba, in Umuahia recently.

The Deputy Speaker emphasized the need to consolidate power to ensure President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2027 general elections and secure APC’s win in the next gubernatorial election in the state. He commended the group for their efforts in expanding the party’s membership in Ukwa local government and urged them to continue their good work.

Kalu also praised Tinubu’s leadership style and friendly disposition towards the South-East region, noting that the President supported his emergence as Deputy Speaker in the spirit of equity and fairness.

“You have done well. Ukwa is collapsing. The testimony is clear. Continue the good work. We need to deliver here for Mr. President; we have to keep mobilizing until the sitting Governor will see that it’s APC everywhere you go,” Kalu said.

He encouraged the group to bring more people into the party, promising to hold an event where national party leaders would receive new members and ensure their stake in the party. Kalu assured them of his support in building the party and delivering victory for President Tinubu.