₦airaland Forum

Popular Nollywood Actor, Digidii Dunhill has prayed for the death of those wishing his colleague, Zack Orji dead, wondering why people are peddling rumours about the passage entertainment legend.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-vCKsc5los

In a viral video, he said, "Anyone who wishes this man to kpai so they can use it to chase clout on social media, May that person kpai before him".

This comes just hours after the death of Amaechi Muonagor a renowned Nollywood star. It came weeks after the passage of John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu another Nollywood star.

Dunhill however believes that whenever death is recorded in the entertainment industry, the news is widely circulated.

While insisting that Zack Orji is alive, he called on those spreading fake news to desist from it.

The immediate past Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has said he does not earn any pension from the state government.

This is in response the a report on Tuesday that the state House of Assembly has repealed the law on payment of past governors and their deputies in the state.

Ikpeazu in a release signed by his spokesman, Onyebuchi Ememanka said the story of payment of pension to past governors was created to give impression that he is among former governors earning pension, insisting that he does not receive.

The statement says, "Dr Okezie Ikpeazu wishes to make it abundantly clear that since after handing over the reins of power as Governor of Abia State on May 29th, 2023, he has neither requested for, nor received from the Abia State Government, any dime under any guise whatsoever, and has no intentions of doing so.

"Former Governor Ikpeazu has since moved on with his life and is currently engaged in other areas of interest to him and advises the Abia State Government and her various organs to face the business of governance and desist from engaging in needless media sensationalism.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has described his administration as financially enlightened, noting that it is not interested in jumping at any loan that comes its way.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUsiS8NN7mI

The governor in an interaction with journalists in Umuahia said the state has been receiving offers for loan from commercial banks within but has not drawn on any of them.

He further revealed that the state has approval for loans from Islamic Development Bank to the tune of $125m.

Additionally, the governor said the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved another loan for the state, stating that their documentation will be signed and later accessed by the state.

He denied allegation by opposition that the state has secured N145bn loan, saying there is no truth in such allegation.

He called on the "authors of this garbage" to apologize for deceiving Abians

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has described his administration as financially enlightened, noting that it is not interested in jumping at any loan that comes its way.

The governor in an interaction with journalists in Umuahia said the state has been receiving offers for loan from commercial banks within but has not drawn on any of them.

He further revealed that the state has approval for loans from Islamic Development Bank to the tune of $125m.

Additionally, the governor said the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved another loan for the state, stating that their documentation will be signed and later accessed by the state.

He denied allegation by opposition that the state has secured N145bn loan, saying there is no truth in such allegation.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has provided insight on the real circumstances surrounding the recently commissioned Geometric Power Project in Aba which is said to have capacity to power up to nine local government areas.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6U4WHyMseg

Aba residents have repeatedly said despite the commissioning of the project, there has not been improvement in the quality of power supply they get.

The governor in an interaction with journalists in Umuahia on Monday however said the process of generating, transmitting and distributing power is long and requires patience.

According to the governor, before the distribution of the generated megawatts, there should be a process of mapping which he said takes time.

The governor said there is about 15MW on the first turbine from zero megawatts, saying it will be fed into the grid before the end of March.

"If Geometric is able to feed 15MW into the island, don't forget that we are coming from sometimes zero, five, or ten.

"I remember we were putting pressure on the Niger Delta Power Holding to at least give us 20MW for Aba and it was difficult. So it requires a little bit of patience.

"I am told also that people around Umuide and co have been enjoying constant power supply, so it's not everywhere.

"As the capacity improves, they must sell the power, if they don't sell the power, it's useless to them and they can't money", he said.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has made 26 new appointments in the state. Out of the 26, fourteen are to sit as Governing Council members of Abia State Polytechnic Aba, Abia State College of Education (technical) Arochukwu and Abians in Diaspora Commission while 12 are to various agencies and parastatals.

This is contained in a statement on Monday signed by Mr. Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

The twelve persons to occupy various offices in the state and their offices are;

1. Dr. Kalu U. Kalu - Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare
2. Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu - CMD, Specialist/Diagnostic Centre, Umuahia
3. Prof. Ijeoma Nduka - CMD, ABSUTH
4. Dr. N.O.E. Kamanu - CMD, General Hospital, Aba
5. Dr. Odochi Azubuike - CEO, Health Management Board
6. Agbonma Ukaobasi - SSA, Ease of Doing Business
7. Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko - MD/CEO, ABSSAA
8. Lydia E. Onuoha - Chairman, ASUBEB
9. Dr. Eno J. Eze - Chairman, Civil Service Commission
10. Engnr. Kachy Etolue - Special Adviser, Energy
11. Dr. Ngozi Azodoh - Special Adviser, Health
12. Mrs. Nkolika Cleopatra Ubani - SSA, Legal

Similarly, members of the Abia State Polytechnic Governing Council include,

1. Stanley Egege – Chairman
2. Dr. Okoro, Christopher Kalu - Rector
3. Uchechukwu Job Iweha - Member
4. Rose Mbara Nelson – Member
5. Mrs. Lawrencia Onyemachi - Member

While that of Abia State College of Education (technical) Arochukwu include,

1. Prof. Mba O. Okoronkwo, OON – Chairman
2. Prof. Solomon Umeham - Member
3. Dr. Nduka O. Elendu - Member
4. Mazi Obasi Lawson - Member

The member representing the South East on the Board of North East Development Commission, NEDC, Hon Sam Onuigbo, has said that southerners are benefitting from the Commission.

Onuigbo, who addressed journalists on Sunday, noted that apart from the people of the North East, Igbos living and doing business in parts of the North East are also reaping the gains of the establishment of the NEDC.

According to him, the NEDC was set up by the Federal Government to rehabilitate, resettle and reconstruct communities that were destroyed by insurgency, and address challenges such as the Lake Chad problem, care for Internally Displaced Persons, reduce illiteracy and promote the transformation of the region.

Onuigbo pointed out that many buildings and business outlets in the North East, including those owned by Igbos, were destroyed during the peak days of insurgency in the region.

He expressed joy that insecurity has been drastically reduced in the North East through initiatives introduced by the Federal Government, with support from international organisations.

According to him, the people of the South East, just like indigenes of their host communities, are now enjoying a better-secured environment in parts of North East.

“Our people who are living and doing business in the North East, their houses and businesses were destroyed alongside those of the indigenes. Every destruction in the North East affect the South East.

“We will contribute to the development of the North East. We have our people working and living in the North East,” he said.

Interpol Systems Consultant and security expert, Sir Chikwe Udensi has urged the armed forces to put up an adequate response to the escalating cases of kidnap especially in the northern region and ensure the rescue of all those held hostage.

Udensi said time has come for the service chiefs to step out of their heavily air-conditioned offices and relocate to the forest and flush out bandits causing tension in the country.

Speaking at a keynote address at a conference of Certified Security Experts of Nigeria in Abuja, Udensi said the constant meeting of President Bola Tinubu and the security chiefs in air-conditioned offices in Abuja have not been productive, insisting that they must roll up their sleeves and work for the peace and stability of the nation.

He said, "The kidnapping cases are too numerous. Look at the 13-year-old girl kidnapped from Sagwari estate in Dutse Abuja, look at the youth corps members going from Akwa Ibom to Sokoto, they have not been found, look at the family of eight kidnapped from their home in Gwarimpa, they have not been found.

"Look at the 287 students kidnapped from their school in Kaduna, they have not still be found, and they are sitting in the comfort of their air-conditioned offices doing nothing. They should relocate to the forests and flush out these criminals so that we can have peace in our country", he noted.

Udensi said about 95% of kidnap victims are kept in the forests, challenging the military to go after them and rescue all hostages, noting that the forests are not invincible.

An electrician identified as Bright Okon has been pronounced dead at the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia State after he fell off ladder.

A source told ABN TV that the incident took place on Thursday at about 12:30pm when the 24-year-old was carrying out maintenance work at Evergreen Hotel, Umuahia.

He was said to be at the top of the ladder when he was suddenly electrocuted. That was when he lost balance, and landed on the ground where he sustained injury on his head.

He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

In commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Commonwealth of Nations, Deputy Speaker of Nigeria's House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu is due to make a special presentation at the British House of Commons, London, United Kingdom on Monday, ABN TV reports.

The Commonwealth of Nations also called the Commonwealth is an international association of 56 member states, the vast majority of which are former territories of the British Empire.

Kalu who arrived London on Sunday, March 10, 2024, is representing the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Taking Abass at the event, a statement by Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker said.

Upon his arrival, the deputy speaker joined his contemporaries involving the speakers and presiding officers of member countries among whom was the Speaker of the British House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle who welcomed Kalu and also gave him a special attention, the statement added.

The Deputy Speaker is expected back in the country on Wednesday after making his presentation.

Mrs Matilda Anyamele, the Special Assistant on Special Duties to the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti has said her principal is doing enough to advance the inclusion of women in governance.

She said this on Sunday in an interaction with ABN TV, in commemoration of Mothers Day, which came just two days after the International Women's Day.

She said apart from her, several other women were equally appointed into leadership positions by the Abia State government.

"If you look at the Permanent Secretaries that were inaugurated sometime last year, you will see that out of the 24, 17 are women.

"I have three other women working with me in the Office of the First Lady, the Commissioner for Health, Commissioner for Education, Commissioner for Women Affairs, and Commissioner for Agriculture, all these are women", age states.

According to Mrs. Anyamele, there are also SSAs to the Governor who are women, applauding the governor for the efforts he has made in bringing women to governance.

She said the celebration of Mother's Day is a wake-up call on women to understand their roles in the society, urging them not to see themselves as lesser beings.

A prominent Northern leader, Dr. Bashir Lamido has welcomed the Appeal Court ruling upholding the decision of the Federal High Court dismissing the retrial of a former Governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Lamido in a chat with newsmen in Yola described the continuous trial as unfair saying: “The ill treatment is unacceptable and unfair to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.”

Lamido described the lingering trial as unfair and an act of intimidation against Kalu— who is now the lawmaker representing Abia North Senatorial District in the National Assembly.

“Senator Kalu is someone that is well-loved and known globally as a billionaire businessman. It is surprising hearing that he is been tried for a mere N7 billion. We all know what transpired between him and Obasanjo and the failed third term agenda. We know those that destroyed the third term agenda and what happened after they denied Obasanjo his agenda. He went after them with the EFCC. Some people benefited from it using it as a tool to witch-hunt Kalu especially ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

“Kalu is a lovable soul across board. He lives across the six geopolitical zones. So, I feel it was a bit unfair especially the ill-treatment meted out against him. This case has lingered for too long and it’s time for those behind the ordeal to apologise to him and move on. For a man who stood against 19 witnesses of the Federal Government and was never implicated by any of the witnesses to still get jailed is only but a calculated attempt of political destruction.”

In September 2021, a judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Inyang Ekwo, barred the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from retrying Mr Kalu, who was earlier convicted of N7.1 billion fraud.

Mr Kalu, a serving senator representing Abia North, was already serving a 12-year jail term for the offences when the Supreme Court, on 8 May 2020, set aside the proceedings leading to his and his co-defendants’ conviction.

The Supreme Court’s judgement delivered on an appeal by Mr Kalu’s co-defendant, Ude Udeogu, had ordered a retrial at the Federal High Court.

Mr Kalu went on to secure his release from prison based on the Supreme Court’s verdict but quickly applied to the Federal High Court in Abuja to stop his retrial.

In his decision on the issue, Mr Ekwo held that the Supreme Court’s judgement did not order the retrial of Mr Kalu.

The judge cited section 36 (9) of the Nigerian constitution and Section 238 (2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (2015), in saying, “no person can be retried on the offense upon which he has been convicted.

However, the defiant EFCC through its lawyer, Oluwaleke Atolagbe, approached the appellate court to have Mr Ekwo’s decision nullified.

Mr Kalu was tried based on amended 39 counts in which they were accused of stealing and mismanaging funds belonging to Abia State during his days as governor between 1999 and 2007. The EFCC had 19 witnesses against Kalu of which none implicated him but the judge still went ahead to pronounce judgement against the former governor.

The member representing Ohafia South State constituency of Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Kalu Mbah Nwoke has said the recently launched Geometric Power Project by the state government is capable of benefitting his constituency.

The project officially unveiled recently by Vice President, Kashim Shettima is said to have the capacity to power nine local governments in Aba and its environs.

Speaking with ABN TV on Friday, the Abia Assembly member said lack of power supply has remained a paramount issue in major parts of his constituency.

ABN TV reports that Ohafia has been without a power supply in the past three years.

All efforts to have Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) reconnect the power has proven abortive as the company insists on payment of N2bn it claims is being owed by the community.

Hon. Nwoke told our correspondent that he is hopeful that Ohafia though not in the original nine local governments to be connected to Geometric Power source, it is hoped that the remaining megawatt of electricity will be directed to Ohafia.

An Ukwa High Court in Abia State on Thursday sentenced two middle-aged men of the defunct Bakassi Group now the Abia State Vigilante Services., Mr Ugochukwu Amaugo and Mr Udo Ogba Oka both to death by hanging for Murder, ABN TV reports.

The judgment was read out and pronounced by Hon. Justice C.H. Ahuchaogu who found them guilty of an alleged case of murder that occurred on the 30th of August, 2013.

The convicts who were members of the defunct Bakassi group had stated that on the 30th of August, 2013 they had arrested two young men named, Temple Nwakanma and Martins Azih around Osisioma, Aba and claimed to have found them in possession of firearms, cartridges and knives.

They had moved them from there and headed to their Umuahia office when they met some men of the Nigerian Army at Abia tower who, after interrogation requested that the boys be handed over to them which they did.

They claimed not to know the names of the military men nor did they get a note from them as at the time of that handover.

Ever since, the whereabouts of the young men have been unknown as the members of the Nigerian Army situated in the area of the incident had denied receiving any of such men as claimed by members of the Abia State Vigilante Services.

Meanwhile, efforts made to ascertain the whereabouts of those young men have since proved abortive in the last 11 years.

The matter has however been in court since after the incident and concluded on Thursday, as Hon. Justice Chibuzo Ahuchaogu sentenced both men of the defunct Bakassi to death by hanging for failing to prove beyond every reasonable doubt that they had handed the boys to men of the Nigeria Army and as such knew nothing about their disappearance.

A leader of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) and former governorship aspirant in Abia, Sir Chikwe Udensi has accused the state government of commissioning the Aba Geometric Power Project in a hurry just to receive credit.


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

According to him, it was not time to commission the project which was recently launched by Vice President Kashim Shettima, saying it was a bad publicity stunt.

Featuring on "Open Parliament", a current affair programme monitored by ABN TV on Wednesday, Sir Udensi said he is in touch with Aba residents, saying the feedback indicates that there is no power let alone uninterrupted.

He cited the commissioning of Ajaokuta Steel Company in the past as well as the commissioning of Dangote Refinery as some of the hurriedly launched projects even when they are not ready for use, saying the Aba Geometric Power Project toed this same line.

He said the state government should have waited a while and put the project into full use before commissioning it.

A representative of Geometric Power Project had earlier called on Aba residents to be patient as efforts are being put in place to ensure that the project comes into full use.

Udensi commended the government of former governors, including Orji Uzor Kalu, T.A Orji and Dr Okezie Ikpeazu for their massive support in ensuring that the project is actualized.