₦airaland Forum

Former Governor of Abia state and Chief Whip of the Senate, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has felicitated with former President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babaginda (IBB) as the later marks 80th birthday describes him as a bridge-builder with passion for a united and indivisible Nigeria.

Acknowledging the contributions of the former President to nation-building, Kalu stressed that the former Military ruler is an accomplished and dedicated elder statesman.

The former Governor noted that IBB had over the years sustained relationships across the country by building and strengthening ties among family, friends, and associates, adding that the former President is a strong advocate of peaceful co-existence among all ethnic groups in Nigeria.

In a goodwill message made available to ABN TV, Kalu prayed for a longer life for the celebrant.

He said, "on behalf of the people of Abia North Senatorial District, I felicitate with former President of Nigeria, General Ibrahim Babaginda on the occasion of his 80th birthday anniversary.

"The former President has contributed immensely to the social, economic, and political development of Nigeria.

"The former military ruler is a selfless, patriotic, and highly detribalized statesman.

"The country will continue to benefit from his wealth of experience in leadership.

"Having served the country in the highest position, the celebrant deserves to be celebrated for his giant achievements".

Kalu, who described the former President as a rare gem, urged the celebrant to sustain his patriotic efforts in advocating peace and unity across the country.

The former Governor wished the former President a glorious celebration and longer life as he serves humanity.

Senate Chief Whip, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has faulted the recent sit-at-home order issued by the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB saying the perceived marginalization of South East will be solved politically and not by ordering people not to go about their legitimate businesses.

Recall that the proscribed group had ordered that people of Southeast region sit at home every Monday in solidarity with its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who is currently standing trial over allegations bordering on treasonable felony.

ABN TV reports that the Abia North Senator spoke on Sunday in Abuja while playing host to the Prelate & Moderator of The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria His Eminence Nzie Nsi Eke.

Sen. Kalu noted that sitting at home will not be helpful to the economy of the South-East and the nation at large, adding that it will create more poverty.

"We are having a political problem. It could be solved politically not by oppressing people of Eastern Nigeria again, telling them to sit at home and not go to look for daily bread.

"If you don't go for your daily bread, you will not be able to continue. Reading from Bible, it says by your handwork I will bless you, if you don't have handwork, you will not be blessed.

"For God's sake, people should allow individuals to go and do their businesses" he appealed.

Commenting on the insurgency battle, the former Abia governor said the federal government has made resources available for the procurement of weapons, expressing optimism that with arrival of the new equipment, the war against insurgency will in the next eight months be gradually coming to an end.

He also appealed to Nigerians to uphold the tenets of democracy by embracing peace and unity for the good of all.

In his comment, the Prelate & Moderator of The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria His Eminence Nzie Nsi Eke expressed optimism that those who seek to truncate the unity of the country will not succeed.

He, therefore, called for the empowerment of youths so that they will be instruments of peace and stability of the country.

Renowned wrestler and African Heavyweight Champion, Osita Ofordi aka De Ultimate Commander has said he targets lifting about one million Nigerians out of poverty in no distant time.

While stating that he has already put a mechanism in place to actualise this, he maintained that it is not political.

Speaking with ABN TV on Friday, De Ultimate Commander said there is nexus between poverty and crisis, saying granting people access to economic opportunities will limit the level of crisis in the society.

He said when fully rolled out, the programme will empower entrepreneurs and artisans with tools that can aid them make a living.

"What we are trying to do here is, some of those people who have no skill, we want to train them. Some of them who understand only farming, we will create an opportunity for mechanised farming in such a way that they will imbibe it.

"It's not about giving people loans only. We want to fund and monitor whatever they are going to do and the proceeds go to them" he said.

De Ultimate Commander reveals that he has developed a strategic approach to actualise this empowerment of one million Nigerians, adding that he has secured a partnership deal with Jack Rich, owner of Belema Oil and the founder Jack Rich Foundation.

De Ultimate Commander who is also the Group Chairman Crystal Energy and Trading PLC as well as other companies said he is in talks with his business associates to key into his vision to drive this project.

According to him, he has made a presentation to the federal government to create an enabling environment, especially security to make the project a reality.

Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has reiterated his commitment to make the proposed Ntigha dry port a reality before the end of his tenure in 2023, urging the people to disregard rumours that he intends to abandon the project and others.

The governor noted that he is desperate to actualize the establishment of the dry port, adding that there could be no better gift to Abia people than a dry port of final destination, where people would clear their goods in the State.

The Governor spoke on Thursday at the commissioning of the first phase of the newly constructed AMAOJI JUNCTION-ABAYI- ISI COURT ROAD in Isiala Ngwa North LGA where he also flagged off the construction of the second and final phase of the road.

At the event which is in continuation of his ‘Kinetic Abia‘ Project Inspection and Commissioning Programme, Dr. Ikpeazu said he would deploy every resource to ensure the project is fully delivered and the second phase commissioned soon, assuring Abians he would continue to serve the people and deliver democracy dividends to them

In a statement made available to ABN TV by his chief press secretary, Mr. Onyebuchi Ememanka, the governor called on the benefiting communities to nurture the road as it would be a disservice for the people to burn tires or erect illegal speed breaks on the road.

The statement read in part, "Speaking also, the Member representing Arochukwu /Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Uko Nkole commended the Governor for constructing the road, adding that rural roads add value to the economy of the people in addition to reducing rural-urban migration. He said PDP under Governor Ikpeazu is making progress and urged the Governor to continue.

"Contributing, the Member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency at the State House of Assembly and Chairman, House Committee on Works and Projects Monitoring, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe thanked the Governor for the initiative to start the road and completing the first phase and pleaded with him to use the same speed to complete the second phase. He appreciated the infrastructural developmental works the Governor has done in Aba and other parts of the State.

"In his remarks, the Commissioner for Works, Elder Bob Ogu disclosed that the Governor has developed a template with which roads are flagged off and commissioned. He said the roads built in the State have at least 20 years guarantee and asked the benefiting communities to protect the road and ensure that no bonfires are set on the road as they degrade the asphalt.

"Also, the PDP State Chairman, Rt. Hon. Asiforo Okere thanked Isiala Ngwa North people for the support given to PDP and urged them to enroll in the ongoing voters' registration exercise while thanking the Governor for making the party proud consistently.

"The Chairman of the State Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Chief Ceekey Igara affirmed Governor Ikpeazu has changed the lifestyle of people of the area and introduced a new way to survive as well as retain people in the village. He said if the Governor does the same in all parts of the State, Abia would develop faster.

"Earlier in an address the Executive Chairman, Isialangwa North, Mr. Chinwendu Ochulor thanked the Governor for all he has been doing in Isiala Ngwa North especially opening up of rural roads. He mentioned projects like the Umuogele Umuakwu Erosion remediation project, the Umuakwu - Azuiyi - Mbubo Road, the Umuene Omoba - Obikabia Road, the Mbawsi Ikputu Road, the Eziama Ntigha - Nsirimo Road, and the Amapu Ntigha - Abam Road, which had either been completed or are presently ongoing, and also appealed to him to fix the Okpuala Ngwá- Mbawsi Road and expedite action on the commencement of the Ntigha Dry Port project.

"In her speech, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs. Joy Nwanju informed that the road project is an intervention project initiated in 2019 and expressed happiness that its first phase is being commissioned by the Governor, who equally is the initiator. She said that the road is one of the three joint intervention projects done with the Local Governments in the State.

"Speaking on behalf of Isiala Ngwa North Stakeholders, a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Christopher Enweremadu said the road has been a nightmare and remained unaccessible for the past 25 years. They said the people of Isiala Ngwa are grateful to the Governor for constructing the road as well as his other numerous projects which has created multiple chains of employment for the people. They requested that the proposed Dry Port project needs to be operational as it would open the economy of the State and increase revenue generation among others

"Speaking on behalf of the youth of Ngwa Ukwu La Nwaoha, Mr. Chima Nwosu saluted Governor Ikpeazu for remembering the people and fixing their roads. He assured of the continuous support of the people to the administration of Governor Ikpeazu.

Several shops and cars were on Thursday evening gutted by fire following an inferno that engulfed at the popular Ubakala junction in Umuahia South LGA, Abia State, ABN TV reports.

An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity told ABN TV that the fire emanated from a shop where diesel and other petroleum products were stored by a roadside vendor.

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He said the unnamed petrol dealer had unknowingly took candlelight to one of the shops where the petroleum products were stored, leading to a fire outbreak.

Our source said all the cars parked in a nearby mechanic workshop, as well as nearby shops, were all affected.

ABN TV gathered that at least one person was seriously injured resulting from the burn.

As at the moment of this report, men of the state Fire Service were yet to arrive the scene.

The family of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has restated its position on the counter order to suspend the sit-at-home order of the pro-Biafra group earlier pronounced.

The brother of the leader of IPOB, Emmanuel Kanu, in defending his elder brother Kanunta who gave the counter order, said he (Kalunta) acted based in instructions from above.

"There was an instruction passed to Chika Edoziem, in charge of the Directorate of State (DOS) through IPOB lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejimofor concerning the sit-at-home order, that it should be suspended for reasons meant to be beneficial to our people.

"We're yet to know why Edoziem could not carry out the instruction. Why did he not do it? In fact, it was that which he couldn't do that Kanunta did".

He said the family is grateful to what the leadership of IPOB is doing since the arrest of their leader, but calls for more understanding and circumspect in handling certain issues.

He said the family's position on the sit-at-home order doesn't translate to abandoning one of IPOB's strategies in actualizing the struggle, but a way of giving Biafrans a sense of belonging.

"We felt by the attempt to adjust the sit-at-home order, the family was not undermining IPOB ideals, but trying not to play our already marginalized people especially our children into the hands of our enemy, we needed to give them sense of belonging, particularly our children taking exams".

The struggle is a collective one and we appreciate what everybody is doing to make Biafra a success, adding that it is always instructive for all to work according to instructions.

Emmanuel said IPOB would continue to be stronger by the day to face the challenges ahead, while wishing it's leadership the wisdom to continue to pilot it's affairs.

"We love everybody since nobody is perfect, we call for more understanding and work in unison to achieve the common goal of actualizing Biafra and liberating our people from the shackles of the oppressors".

Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Janet Agbede has assured the people of the State that her office in collaboration with other security agencies are working to ensure that they go about their normal businesses without fear of harassment or intimidation.

The CP in a statement she personally endorsed and made available to ABN TV vowed that the security forces will subdue any group of hoodlums who attempt to disrupt the peace people of the State are enjoying.

This follows a report that the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB has declared a sit-at-home on Mondays in the South East, beginning from Monday 9 August 2021.

The police boss while noting that the planned restriction of movement will impact negatively on vast majority of residents who depend on their daily income added that it is an infringement on their fundamental human rights.

"There are rumours circulating in the state that members of the proscribed indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) has resolved to commence a sit-at-home on every 'Mondays' with effect from Monday 9 August 2021.

"The story has it that they have arranged to use their militant arm, Eastern Security Network (ESN) to force compliance. We're aware that majority of the citizens depend on daily income for their survival. The sit-at-home will negatively impact the economy of the state and individual pocket.

"These intended actions against those that are not willing to sit-at-home constitute acts likely to cause a breach of the peace and also infringe on their fundamental human rights," she said.

The Commissioner of Police, therefore, advised parents and guardians to warn their children and wards against participating in any act, including social media activities capable of stirring action likely to cause a breach of the peace in the state.

Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has assured that when completed the Enyimba Economic City would be the only Free Trade Zone in Nigeria with an uninterrupted power supply, ABN TV reports.

According to the Governor, the zone would provide a manufacturing platform for people of the South-East zone, urging them to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Enyimba Economic City.

The governor while playing host to a delegation from a local company engaged in the production of electrical cables, CUTIX Plc at Government Lodge, Aba called on Nigerians to take pride in and patronize locally made products as a way of boosting the local economy.

The governor stressed that if Nigerians patronize locally made products, the local manufacturers would not meet the demands of the citizens let alone exporting them, urging manufacturers to begin to blow their own trumpets while improving on their products, a statement from the Governor's Chief press secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka says.

It read in part, "He commended the entrepreneur for his contributions to the locally made products and congratulated him for blazing the trail in electricity cables. He assured them that his administration will partner with the company by patronizing them and giving them the opportunity to handle the electrical works in some ongoing projects.

"Governor Okezie Ikpeazu made it clear that amongst the present crop of Nigerian Governors, he remains the champion of Locally Produced Goods and assured that he will continue to canvass the use of locally produced goods.

"Speaking earlier, leader of the delegation and a Director of CUTIX PLC, Sir Mathias Omego said the team was at Government Lodge to seek partnership with Abia State government in the areas of street lighting and other electrical projects. He said they are willing to partner with the State assuring that their products are known for their high quality and remain the best in the country.

Senior Legislative Aide to Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Member Representing Bende Federal Constituency, Chidozie Aja has mocked those who instituted a suit alleging that his principal’s certificates do not tally with his surname on his First School Leaving Certificate, FSLC, and secondary school certificate, saying they are yet to get over the pain of defeat in the last election.

Hon. Kalu doubles as Spokesperson of the House of Representatives.

In a statement obtained by ABN TV titled, 'Okey Ezeala and Chima Anyaso, gimmicks of a stooge and his paymaster' Mr. Chidozie Aja says the lawsuit is a deliberate attempt to keep his principal busy and ensure that he does not concentrate in delivering his mandate to the people of Bende Federal Constituency.

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He accused his principal's opponent in the last election, Chima Anyaso of the PDP as well as Okey Ezeala who allegedly lost a nomination form in APC of being behind his legal ordeal.

While insisting that Hon. Kalu's academic qualifications are authentic, the legislative aide said those who taught the lawmaker in both primary and secondary school are still alive and can attest that he indeed went through both levels of school.

"It is laughable to say that Rep. Kalu's school certificate is not authentic when his fellow primary and secondary school mates, as well as the teachers and principals who taught him, are still alive and well and can testify against this allegation.

"For the sake of clarity, Benjamin Okezie Umunna and Benjamin Okezie Osisiogu is the same as Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Both Umunna and Osisiogu were the names of his stepfather which he dropped to proudly bear his biological father’s name – Kalu, hence, Benjamin Okezie Kalu. The right to change his name is absolutely his as allowed by the laws of the Federal Republic, and in doing this, all processes were duly followed which includes an affidavit of change of name, newspaper publication, and gazetting" he said.

Mr. Aja insisted that Anyaso has not accepted defeat ever since he was trounced at the polls by Hon. Kalu, adding that the frivolous court case is a wicked attempt to distract him from his representation assignment.

He took a swipe at Okey Ezeala whom he said had threatened to deal with his principal after failing to clinch the nomination ticket of APC.

"The court suit mentioned in the mischievous publications, is an action sponsored by Rep. Kalu’s opponent who has refused to accept his loss. There is abounding evidence to show that Okey Ezeala, the claimant in this matter, conspired and connived with Rep. Kalu’s opponents to file this matter in court with the intent to keep the legislator busy and distract him from working for the people of Bende.

"It is well known that Okey Ezeala, who is NOT an APC chieftain, has harboured a grudge against Rep. Kalu, because he felt that he was denied the House of Assembly nomination for Bende South in favour of Solomon Okogbue, ignoring the fact that such nomination does not come from an individual but from the people of Bende South. Evidence suggests that Ezeala after threatening to deal with Rep. Kalu, conspired with his political opposition to file this frivolous matter which ordinarily should be a pre-election matter for the purposes of distracting the legislator from working for Bende in return for payment and sponsorship. This was against party directives that no party member should take another to court. There is evidence to show that this negotiation eventually went to the highest bidder including various telephone conversations where Rep. Kalu refused to pay him off to drop the frivolous action.

"As further proof of the nexus between Okey Ezeala and his paymasters, it is on record that barely a month ago, Chima Anyaso lost an attempt to be joined as a party to this matter in the same High Court of Umuahia, where the court informed him that he cannot benefit from a matter after exhausting his rights at the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal. Interestingly, the same Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) who presented Chima Anyaso’s failed bid to be joined as a party, is the same SAN who has been paid to lead Okey Ezeala’s case."

Mr. Aja, therefore, called on the people of Bende to disregard what he called malicious attempts to distract Hon. Kalu from delivering on his mandate.

"In the same way his opponents lost at the election tribunal and the Court of Appeal, Rep. Kalu has every confidence in the courts that this will not be an exception. The people of Bende are assured that justice will prevail in this matter.

"Rep. Benjamin Okezie Kalu will continue to work for Bende and will not be distracted" the statement concluded.

Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah has landed an upper cut on the self-acclaimed leader of non-existent faction of APC in Abia state, Chief Ikechi Emenike, insisting that he has no electoral value to the party and cannot win common President General of his Ohuhu clan of Umuahia.

The taciturn Minister while expressing anger over a media report in which his name was mentioned as the one instigating crisis in his Abia State chapter of the party said the allegation is untrue and unfounded.

While describing the recently re-suspended chieftain of the party, Chief Ikechi Emenike suspected to have sponsored the publication as 'Mischief Maker-in-Chief' the Minister in a statement signed by his SSA (Special Duties) Demian I Igbokwe made available to ABN TV, urged Chief Emenike and his co-travellers to amend their ways.

"To anyone who follows or knows Abia politics, Ikechi Emenike cannot win the tacit votes of his Ward if he stands for election today. In fact, not to drag his luck far, Chief Ikechi Emenike, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, as things stand today, can neither present himself for nor win the position of President General of his Ohuhu clan of Umuahia in any election today. He is known to have always made a living by causing mischief and distractions in every organised setting that he finds himself. How come he now feels and acts like Dr.Uchechukwu Ogah is his problem, when it is not even in the place of the Hon. Minister to suspend him from the APC?

"From public knowledge, everyone knows that, because of the damaging embarrassments that Chief Emenike was causing the APC some years back, the Executive of the Party at his Ward suspended him from Party activities in 2018. The case went through the Local Government Area and got to the State where the State Executive led by Chief Nwanpka, equally, upheld the suspension after communicating to the National body of the party. Again, I ask, where did Dr.Ogah have a hand in all of this? Or must we continue to mention the name of the Hon. Minister all because he insists that he wants an all-inclusive association of great minds and does not want to join issues with anyone, let alone a member of his own Party in his home State?

"It is this tissue of lies and intrigues woven around the name of the Honourable Minister that, against even his personal instructions, that has, ordinarily, forced us to respond to the kind of childish and gibberish stuff being dished out to the general public by Chief Emenike and his cohorts, dropping the name of Mr President in their continouos desperate bid to win the buy-in of the gullible few in Abia State in support of their various political antics and theatrics. But, just as we have seen before now, they will fail like others who once rose up against an innocent and peace-loving man!" the statement partly read.

The Minister wondered why Chief Emenike will continue to play the spoiler despite the patronage the party has offered him, members of his family and his spouse.

Ogah appealed to him to stop parading as a member of APC while in PDP.