₦airaland Forum

Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja has ordered the investigation of killing a hotel manager in Abia, Mr Achimugu James Etubi by officers of the Nigerian Army.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6NdUhphkXo

This is contained in a statement on Sunday signed by the Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu.

ABN TV has reported that the hotel manager was killed when the army officers were investigating the alleged death of their colleague, Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche in the hotel where he worked.

The Chief of Army Staff says those found culpable in the death of the hotel manager will face the full wrath of the law.

The statement reads in part, "The NA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased Manager Mr Achimugu James Etubi and the Nigerian Air Force Officer Cadet Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyemereche and assure the public that every effort will be made to ensure that justice is served. The Army is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and discipline, and therefore any personnel found culpable of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal sanctions.

"Furthermore, the NA reaffirms its unwavering dedication to safeguarding the security of all citizens. We remain steadfast in our mission to promote lasting peace and security throughout Nigeria.

A popular hotel in Umuahia, Abia State capital, Hotel Royal Damgrete has offered explanation on how the military allegedly killed its F&B Manager, Mr. James Etubi.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6NdUhphkXo

ABN TV had reported that an Air Force tarmac four Cadet identified as Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyeomereneche with registration number NDA 13257 has lost his life in Hotel Royal Damgrete, months to graduation from National Defence Academy where he is a student.

He died on Tuesday in the swimming pool of Damgrete Hotel under controversial circumstances.

One account has it that he had intentionally dived into the swimming pool with his trunk to swim during a hangout with his friends.

Worried by the death of their colleague, the military in the state arrested some staff and the hotel and took them for an interrogation.

In an interview in Umuahia, Dr. Steve Ihedigbo, Chairman/CEO of Hotel Royal Damgrete said after the interrogation of three of the hotel staff, including Mr. Etibu, a senior female military police officer ordered for a corporal punishment of his staff.

According to him, when the victim was rescued, there was nothing to suggest that he was drowned, saying his stomach was flat and water was not found in his system.

While suspecting a foul play, the Chairman alleged that one of the Cadet officers who had visited the hotel along with the late Onyeomereneche when the incident happened was brought before the military as a prime suspect.

He however expressed surprise that during the corporal punishment, he was among those detailed to beat his staff, alleging that during the punishment, he personally hit the F&B manager on his head to ensure he dies, apparently to conceal the circumstances behind the death of Onyeomereneche.

According to Ihedigbo, the late F&B manager was at the scene when everything happened and was in the right place to give testimony on what led to the death of Onyeomereneche, insisting that the colleague of the deceased has a question to answer.

On where the diver of the hotel was when the incident happened, he the chairman said he closed at 6pm, before the late Onyeomereneche and his friends visited the hotel.

He insists that his staff and the hotel are not complicit, urging for a thorough investigation on the death of the late Cadet.

An Air Force Tarmac Four cadet identified as Emmanuel Chidiebere Onyeomereneche with registration number NDA 13257 has lost his life months to graduation from the National Defence Academy, ABN TV reports.

He died on Tuesday in the swimming pool of Damgrete Hotel in Umuahia, Abia State capital.

A source who spoke with ABN TV on the condition of anonymity said the late Onyeomereneche had come to the facility to swim, though it was undergoing renovation.

It is however not clear if the victim was informed about the ongoing renovation exercise before he dived into the pool.

His body was later rescued by men of the state fire service and later confirmed dead at Federal Medical Centre Umuahia.

He was rescued with his swimming trunks, indicating that he apparently had prepared to swim before the unfortunate incident happened.

He was said to have disappeared from the pool at about 6:37 pm on Tuesday but was rescued around 9:58 pm.

The swimming pool was said to be in a bad shape, making the rescue effort difficult.

Reports say there were equally no divers to assist in the rescue effort till the arrival of men of the state fire service.

The Army Public Relations Officer (APRO), 14 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Lt. Innocent Omale confirmed the incident.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has said that the House of Representatives will debate the propriety or otherwise of the recent hike in the electricity tariffs upon the resumption of plenary later this month.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hb0icZubbw

It will be recalled that a spontaneous outcry greeted the development upon its announcement by the electricity authorities, stimulating fears that it will escalate the economic hardship in the country.

Speaking virtually on the special edition of "Ben Kalu's Mandate", a call-in radio programme of FLO FM and ABN Radio, Umuahia, Abia State on Monday, the deputy speaker posited that the parliament, heeding the calls of Nigerians for its intervention in the matter will adopt a win-win approach in resolving the issues thereto.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Levinus Nwabughiogu stated that Kalu's reaction however followed an inquiry from a call-in listener, Okafor Chinedum from Umuahia who sought to know the position of the parliament on the matter.

The Deputy Speaker said: "It's a general problem. While I was on my holidays, one of the things I was bothered with was a letter sent to me by the majority leader of the House on the need for us to intervene in a matter involving the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital power supply. They were disconnected because of this hike and they don't have the money to pay. We said it's an essential service. Something should be done about it while we look at other details.

"I can assure you that when we resume, it's one of the things we are going to look into. We will look at the both sides of the coin to know a win-win approach to it because we cannot suffocate also the investors, and also we cannot allow Nigerians to suffer unduly. So, it is one of the things we will look at by the time we resume and we will find a way to solving it."

Also responding to the second leg of the question by the same caller about the possibility of giving Nigerians a brand new constitution, leveraging the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Kalu said that it behooves the people to lead the debate and provide a practicable template for the national assembly to consider the merits and demerits.

"Yes, some school of thought has expressed view that they want a new constitution, drop the old one and pick up something new. Some elders known as The Patriots are also asking for a brand new constitution. But as you know, we are the people's parliament. You are our bosses. Whatever the people decide for us to do when we have our public hearings and all these engagements, when we move around because we are going to go to every zone, most local government areas or senatorial or geopolitical zones to engage (is what we will look at.

"If the people have a general consensus that this is what Nigerians want and the template of what they are asking for; what is wrong with this one that you want to change? How would the new one look like and what do you have in mind? We will be able to factor that in.

"I am happy that you are conscious of the move for the amendment of the constitution. I like it when people call to discuss that. It shows there is a very key awareness. It's only when you are aware that you can engage and make the right impact. So, I appreciate you. This is the time to lend your voice to this", he said.

Former Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia North, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu has reacted to the alleged frosty relationship between his party, the APC, and the immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai a chieftain of the party.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JYasrYx5MI
Sen. Kalu in a viral video sighted by ABN TV dismissed the alleged crisis between the party and El-Rufai, saying it is too early for the former governor to dismiss the President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

He therefore reaffirmed his belief in the capacity of Tinubu to make a significant difference in the governance of the country despite current economic challenges.

"All I know and I still hope and believe, Tinubu will do very well. In a democracy, once the President is on track, nobody talks about second presidential candidate, so I believe APC will deliver its mandate to the people of Nigeria who are suffering at the moment.

"Nigerian people are in pains because there is difficulties all over the country and I believe President Tinubu should stick his neck to govern. This is a time to govern and not to play politics.

"Mallam El-Rufai is a member of this family and I don't want to discuss him. I believe whatever he is saying about President Tinubu should not come up at this time", he stated.

The immediate past Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has informed members of Abia State PDP caucus that he has no plan to leave the party but will rather stay with others to rebuild it, ABN TV reports.

Speaking during a well-attended caucus meeting held at the new party secretariat at Onyerubi Crescent, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia, Dr Ikpeazu, who called for unity of purpose among members of the party in the state to ensure that the party quickly returns to winning ways, stated that the exit of some of his former aides to other political parties remains their personal choice.

“We must all take individual responsibility for our performance in the 2023 elections even as our party is going through self-cleansing at the moment. I will remain in PDP and will never be found wanting in my responsibilities to our party and its rebuilding process.

"Those who want to leave will leave no matter what you do but loyalty is also about the realization that at some point this party has been good to you. It is now time for sacrifice, especially from those who previously benefitted from our party in one way or another as we must all join hands to reposition it," he said.

Earlier in his address, the state PDP Chairman, Rt Hon Asiforo Okere thanked members who have remained steadfast in supporting the party, especially after the 2023 elections, and reminded members that the party still maintains a majority at the state House of Assembly even when the election was conducted same day with Governorship election that the party lost.

He announced that the National Working Committee of the party has extended the tenures of elected ward executives by 3 months in acting capacity and the constitution of 3 committees to handle Peace and Reconciliation, Way Forward and Finance.

Also speaking, the Senator representing Abia Central, Col. Austin Akobundu, stated that while people were free to leave and join a political party, the PDP in Abia State is a movement that nobody can kill.

On his part, elder statesman and member of the PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu called for unity and stated that the time for blame game is over as there were no factions in the party, and that leaders and members have learned from the 2023 experience and must be ready to bounce back. According to him, “It is now time to reposition the party and ensure that young members find comfort and space to contribute to the party and leadership in the state."

Super Eagles football star, Samuel Chukwueze has lost his grand mum, Catherine Onyegbule, ABN TV reports.

She died after a brief illness on March 17, 2024.

Chukwueze's mother, Mrs. Sarah announced this in an interaction with ABN TV.

She described her mother as a godly woman who lived a sacrificial life for the good and happiness of others.

Mrs. Sarah also denied rumours of her death, saying it was her mother who passed away.

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.