₦airaland Forum

The Tripartite Team, a coalition of the OUK Movement, Reality Organization, and APC structures, has thrown its weight behind Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’s re-election bid, insisting there is “no vacancy” in the Abia North Senate seat ahead of the 2027 polls.


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Speaking on ABN TV’s Political Perspective, Prince Emma Nwosu, convener of the group and an APC stalwart in Ohafia, said the team has grown into the most formidable political force in the area, boasting 62 formations and thousands of members mobilizing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Kalu, and other APC candidates.

“Before now, the party was divided, but Senator Kalu has brought peace and unity. Today, APC in Abia North is more formidable than ever,” Nwosu declared on ABN TV’s Political Perspective.

He argued that Kalu’s record of performance, coupled with his status as a ranking senator, makes him the most qualified candidate to retain the seat.

Nwosu further advised politicians from Ohafia pushing zoning arguments to drop their ambitions and rally behind the incumbent for the sake of competence and stability.

“Leadership is about competence and results, not sentiment,” he maintained.

With the APC banking on Kalu’s performance and projecting unity across its ranks, the party is optimistic of sweeping victories in 2027, from the presidency to the state assembly.

Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has called on members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to remain committed and steadfast, stressing that loyalty to the party is the highest sacrifice expected of every member.

Ikpeazu made the call while hosting a meeting of select PDP stakeholders from Abia South zone at his country home in Umuobiakwa. He said the PDP would remain a dominant force in Abia and Nigeria if members stayed united and focused.

The former Governor tasked party leaders across the state to hold regular meetings at ward, local government, and zonal levels to strengthen party structures, while also cautioning them to resist what he described as “distractions from noise makers and naysayers.”

“Loyalty to the party is the ultimate sacrifice we owe to ourselves and to the people we serve. Once we remain united, no external force can defeat us,” Ikpeazu stated.

He further lamented that despite his achievements while in office, some individuals have chosen to unfairly blame him for every misfortune.

“If somebody’s pot of soup sours, they will blame Okezie Ikpeazu as being responsible for it,” he said.

In his remarks, the PDP Vice Chairman for Abia South, Enyinnaya Appolos, said the meeting created an avenue for leaders of the party in the zone to exchange ideas and receive a briefing from the former Governor, whom he described as the leader of the PDP in Abia State.

Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has decried what he described as a deliberate attempt by critics to hold him responsible for every misfortune in the state, insisting that his record of achievements during his tenure remains undeniable.

Speaking when he hosted select leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from the Abia South zone in his hometown, Umuobiakwa, Ikpeazu urged party members to remain steadfast, stressing that loyalty is the ultimate sacrifice expected of party faithful.

He dismissed what he called distractions from “noise makers and naysayers,” accusing some individuals of ignoring his developmental strides only to cast unwarranted blame on him.

“If somebody’s pot of soup sours, they will blame Okezie Ikpeazu as being responsible for it,” he remarked, lamenting what he described as unfair criticisms targeted at him.

The former Governor maintained that unity and loyalty were crucial for the PDP’s resurgence both in Abia and at the national level. He charged party leaders in the zone to strengthen the party’s structures through regular meetings, while assuring them that no external force could defeat the party once members stood together.

“Loyalty to the party is the ultimate sacrifice we owe to ourselves and to the people we serve. Once we remain united, no external force can defeat us,” Ikpeazu added.

In his contribution, the PDP Vice Chairman for Abia South, Enyinnaya Appolos, described the meeting as an avenue for leaders to exchange ideas and receive direction from the former Governor, whom he recognized as the leader of the party in the state.

Governor Alex Otti has announced the successful onboarding of 5,394 newly recruited teachers in Abia State, assuring that his administration is committed to improving the quality of education by ensuring teachers are deployed where they can perform optimally, ABN TV reports.


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Speaking during the August edition of his monthly media chat with journalists in Umuahia on Friday, August 15, 2025, Otti revealed that while the teachers have already been posted to various schools, the State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and the Ministry of Education have reviewed some postings to enhance efficiency.

The governor said he had received reports that some teachers were posted to distant locations where relocation might be difficult, affecting their performance.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that posting should not be treated as a punitive measure. If someone lives in Ukwa and you post them to Arochukwu, relocation may be difficult, and that would affect their output,” Otti stated.

“We want our teachers to be in their comfort zones so they can deliver their best. If any of the newly hired teachers feel their posting is unsuitable, they should return to us for adjustments.”

Otti further confirmed that all the newly employed teachers have been added to the state payroll from this month, stressing that his administration is focused on creating a conducive environment for educators to thrive while strengthening the state’s education system.

The Paramount Ruler of Ebem Ohafia Ancient Kingdom, HRH Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha (JP), in collaboration with the Ebem Council of Chiefs and Elders and key community stakeholders, has issued a set of strict resolutions aimed at restoring peace, order, and respect for tradition in the community.

The resolutions were reached during an emergency meeting held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the Ebem Ujurueze Palace, Ekeluogo, in response to rising incidents of lawlessness, moral decline, and disregard for cultural values by both indigenes and non-indigenes in the area.

Key highlights from the meeting include:

Motor Park Regulation: No two motor parks operating the same route will be permitted within 500 metres of each other. All motor parks must contribute annually to community infrastructure and comply with decisions of the Ebem Council of Chiefs and Elders.

Ban on Fetish Practices: Resorting to fetish means (Agbara) to settle disputes is prohibited. Offenders will pay ₦500,000 and perform a traditional Life Oath (Igba Ndu). Native doctors must operate within the bounds of Ebem’s customs.

Respect for Traditional Instructions: Misuse of cultural instruments like Akang to destroy property is banned. Offenders will face punishment under Ebem tradition. The sale of cooking gas in Ebem Market is prohibited.

No to Cultism and Drugs: Cultism, gangsterism, and drug abuse are outlawed. Landlords who shelter offenders risk sanctions. Anyone found with illegal arms will be handed over to the police.

Ban on Scrap Dealers (Akpakara): Scrap dealing is banned due to links with vandalism and theft. Operators have two weeks to vacate the community or face disciplinary measures.

Prohibition of Return of Banished Persons: Criminals previously banished from Ebem will not be allowed back. Persons banished from other communities are also barred from settling in Ebem.

Accountability for Age Grades: Age grades that fail to complete assigned community projects will be held responsible. Age grades must also discipline members who threaten peace.

The communiqué, signed by HRH Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha (JP) and other community leaders, sends a strong message of zero tolerance for activities threatening the stability and heritage of Ebem Ohafia.

Other signatories include Chief Emeka Mba (President General, EODU), Elder Idika Kalu Uche (Secretary General, EODU), Ifeanyi Okali (PRO, EODU), Chief Iro Nkwa Agwu, Mr. Uduma Okoro, and Barr. Anaga Kalu.

The leadership urged all residents to comply immediately, warning that enforcement will be strict and in line with both traditional and statutory laws.

A suspected vandal, identified as 27-year-old Chidiebere Ohama from Umuariaga Ohoma in Ikwuano Local Government Area, has been arrested in Umuahia for allegedly stealing a ladder belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) at Mission Hill, ABN TV reports.

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Ohama was apprehended in the early hours of Friday, August 2025, by members of a local vigilante group while attempting to flee the area. During interrogation, he confessed to dismantling the ladder and selling it to a scrap dealer, identified as Chima, at New Road, Umuahia.

In his confession, Ohama revealed that he resides in a forest area in Umuahia, alongside other suspected vandals identified as Arinze, Chiluwa, Chimdia, and Chigozie. According to him, the group has been vandalising both government and private properties.

“I take drugs, mainly SK and Igbo (Indian hemp),” Ohama said. “I wanted to use the money from selling stolen items to travel to Libya. I am begging for forgiveness. My father is late, and my mother lives in the village.”

A vigilante operative, Mr. Chinonye Ikwuagwu, who was on duty at Mission Hill, told ABN TV that persistent thefts have plagued the area.

“They have been vandalising government and private properties here for a long time,” Ikwuagwu said. “They come all the way from the forest near New Road to Mission Hill, both in the day and night. Whenever you catch them, they claim it’s their first time. Thank God we caught one today.”

The suspect has been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad of the Central Police Station, Umuahia, for further investigation and prosecution.

Former Deputy Governor of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, has formally resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ending a long-standing political association with the party, ABN TV reports.

In a resignation letter dated August 5, 2025, and addressed to the Chairman of Ndi Elu Ward, Nkporo, Ohafia LGA, the immediate past Deputy Governor stated that his decision to quit the party was due to personal reasons. He noted that although the decision was difficult, it was the best course of action for him at this time.

“I am most grateful for the opportunities the Party availed me to serve at various levels and appreciate the experience and knowledge gained during my membership of the Party,” the letter read in part.

Rt. Hon. Oko Chukwu, who served as Abia’s Deputy Governor from May 2015 to May 2023, expressed appreciation to the PDP for its support over the years and wished the party well in its future endeavours.

His resignation letter was acknowledged and received by the ward leadership on August 7, 2025.

The development marks a significant shift in Abia State’s political landscape, as Oko Chukwu was a prominent figure in the PDP for many years, holding various positions before his two-term tenure as Deputy Governor

Legal luminary and public policy advocate, Dr. Monday Onyekachi Ubani, SAN, has urged state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to adopt a deliberate policy of developing a structured night-time economy as a means of creating jobs, reducing crime, driving urban renewal, and rebranding Nigeria’s global image.

In a policy paper dated August 6, 2025, titled “Revitalizing Nigeria’s Nightlife Economy: A Strategic Pathway to Economic Growth, Job Creation, Crime Reduction, and Urban Renewal”, Ubani argued that transforming Nigeria’s largely underutilised night hours into hubs of economic and social activity could benefit millions of citizens.

The paper, addressed to all 36 state governors, the FCT Minister, and federal and state commissioners responsible for economic planning, tourism, security, youth development, and urban renewal, defined the night-time economy as activities between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., spanning entertainment, hospitality, transportation, logistics, security, night markets, and creative industries.

Ubani noted that these sectors form interconnected value chains capable of generating mass employment, especially for young people and women, if properly developed.

“A functioning night economy could absorb thousands of unemployed or underemployed Nigerians across sectors such as event promotion, hospitality, security, technology, and logistics,” he said, citing the UK Night-Time Industries Association report that the sector sustained 1.9 million jobs in 2023. He maintained that, with a population of over 220 million and a youth demographic of more than 60 percent, Nigeria could surpass such figures with the right policy frameworks.

Ubani described the night economy’s potential as offering a “triple dividend” of job creation, crime reduction, and national rebranding. He explained that creating economic opportunities for idle youth would reduce their vulnerability to crime, drug abuse, cultism, and unrest.

“A functional nightlife replaces gangs with sound systems, violence with creativity, and hopelessness with enterprise,” he said, adding that regulated night activities and proper street lighting have been proven to reduce petty crime and violence in other jurisdictions.

He further stressed that establishing supervised night zones could foster stronger relationships between youth and law enforcement while projecting Nigeria as a progressive and investment-ready African nation.

According to him, Nigeria’s global recognition in music, Nollywood, and fashion provides a strong foundation to position its cities as continental leaders in nightlife, similar to Cape Town, Nairobi, and Accra.

The Abia State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and violent crime with the dismantling of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in Ukwa West Local Government Area.

In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, and made available to ABN TV, the raid was carried out on June 30, 2025, at about 5:30 PM following actionable intelligence. A joint tactical team of the Command stormed a kidnappers’ hideout at Umuiku Obete Village, Ukwa West LGA, linked to multiple abductions along Umuozo Village, Uratta Road, off Port Harcourt Road.

According to the police, upon arrival, the criminals opened fire, triggering a fierce gun battle. Five members of the gang were gunned down in the exchange, while the remaining suspects fled into the surrounding bush.

Exhibits recovered from the scene include six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition, 14 magazines, five mobile phones, three cutlasses, five operational jackets, one axe, one boot, one polo charm, and a double-barrel long gun. The police confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing members of the gang.

In a separate incident on August 2, 2025, operatives from the Arochukwu Divisional Headquarters recovered another double-barreled long gun in Amuvi Village, Arochukwu. Investigation into the discovery is currently underway.

Reacting to the developments, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the Command’s determination to rid the state of all forms of criminality. He urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by promptly reporting individuals with gunshot wounds or suspicious behaviour.

He also emphasized the importance of public support, reminding citizens of the Command’s emergency contact lines for swift response:

The 2025 edition of the Abia State Governor’s Secondary Schools Unity Games has officially commenced at the Umuahia Township Stadium, with more than 1,000 student-athletes from public and private secondary schools across the 17 local government areas of the state participating, ABN TV reports.


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The week-long sporting festival is being organized by the Abia State Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, in collaboration with the Abia State Government, under the theme: “Celebrate the Power of Diversity, Beauty of Culture, and Unstoppable Drive of True Champions.”

Flagging off the event on behalf of Governor Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Njaba, emphasized the administration’s commitment to building future leaders through sports. He described the Unity Games as a strategic platform for not only nurturing sporting talents but also developing the youth physically, mentally, and spiritually.

“Sports today is a global industry. It’s not just for fun. Our goal is to produce champions who will represent Abia and Nigeria across the world,” he stated.

Also speaking at the event, Commissioner for Sports, Sir Nwaobilor Ananaba, expressed delight at the return of vibrant school sports in the state. He said that under the current administration, significant strides have been made in reviving grassroots sports through various initiatives such as a state-wide sports sensitization tour, introduction of two hours of compulsory physical education weekly, inter-house sports, and the Unity Games.

“Before Governor Otti came in, sports had nearly disappeared in schools. But today, Abia is back on the global sports map. Our students are winning medals and representing the country with pride,” Ananaba said.

He further revealed that Abia is set to host two major continental events: the 1st Abia Para Badminton International Championship and the All-African Para Badminton Championship, both scheduled for September 30 to October 12, 2025, in Umuahia. These will mark the first-ever Para Badminton tournaments in West Africa.

In his welcome address, Chief Cyril Nwaigwe, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, appreciated Governor Otti for his unwavering support to sports and education. He highlighted key benefits of school sports including unity, discipline, health, and international opportunities. He also listed some of the administration’s broader achievements — including free and compulsory education, infrastructural upgrades, road rehabilitation, job creation, and anti-corruption reforms.

The Director of Sports, Comrade Obioma George, also lauded the Governor for making sports a top agenda and declared Abia as a rising sports tourism hub in Nigeria.

The grand opening featured a parade of participating schools, cultural displays by the Abia State Arts Council, and a war dance performance that thrilled the crowd. Students from all 17 LGAs proudly marched past, representing the spirit of unity and excellence that the games promote.

A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, has expressed deep concern over the continued reliance of Nigerian leaders on foreign healthcare, describing it as a national embarrassment, ABN TV reports.


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He spoke in defense of his proposed bill, which seeks to bar public and civil servants from patronizing private schools and healthcare services, both in Nigeria and abroad.

Ogah, who represents Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, made the remarks during a live interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, referencing the recent death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, whose body was flown back to Nigeria after he died in a London hospital.

“You are aware that a few days ago, our former president was flown back as cargo,” Ogah said. “Is it not a shame that at each point in time, our big men travel abroad for medical services? Are we not ashamed of it?”

The lawmaker decried the persistent neglect of public hospitals and schools by those in power, insisting that such a trend must be reversed through bold legislative reforms and a renewed commitment to fixing the system from within.

Ogah is the sponsor of the Private Institutions and Healthcare Service Providers (Prohibition) Bill, 2025 (HB.2487), a legislative proposal aimed at compelling public officials and their families to utilize the same schools and healthcare facilities available to the general public. The bill has sparked national debate, drawing praise from transparency advocates and criticism from those concerned about its scope.

According to Ogah, the time has come for the political elite to restore public trust by subjecting themselves to the same institutions they are responsible for managing.

International security consultant and Interpol systems expert, Sir Chikwe Udensi, has signed a multi-billion-dollar agreement with Darkscope Intelligence Security, marking a groundbreaking step in the advancement of global security infrastructure.


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The deal, signed in Kensington, London, paves the way for the joint development and deployment of a cutting-edge digital security platform that will serve the 196 member countries of Interpol, as well as regional security networks such as Europol, Ameripol, and Afripol.

At the core of the agreement is the National Local Crime Index (NLCI), a digital criminal intelligence system developed by Sir Udensi. The platform has been hailed as revolutionary for its ability to track, identify, and share criminal data across borders in real-time, making it a powerful tool in the fight against transnational crime.

According to information gathered by ABN TV, the platform will facilitate seamless intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies worldwide, eliminating data silos and enabling faster, more coordinated responses to criminal threats.

Darkscope Intelligence, headquartered in Belfast, operates globally with offices in Europe, Dubai, China, and the United States, bringing vast technological expertise to the partnership.

Speaking at the signing, Sir Chikwe Udensi said: “This partnership represents a major step toward building a unified global security network. The National Local Crime Index will empower nations with the tools they need to work together in the fight against crime, terrorism, and cyber threats.”

The deployment of the system will begin with pilot countries and expand globally in phases. Security analysts say the platform could significantly transform international law enforcement by enabling faster data access, improving investigative efficiency, and strengthening global cooperation.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has expressed strong opposition to the creation of new states in Nigeria, citing economic concerns and the burden of a bloated bureaucracy.


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During the zonal public hearing on constitutional amendment in Owerri, Governor Otti stated that while the call for new states is rooted in valid concerns about marginalization, it risks worsening the nation’s already strained finances and inefficient administrative structure.

“Unless we can find independent sources of funding for these new states, I don’t see how this will benefit the country,” Otti said. He instead advocated for inclusive governance models that empower all ethnic groups within existing states.

However, Governor Otti threw his weight behind the creation of state police, calling it a matter of “urgent national priority.” He stressed that the federal policing system has proven inadequate, leaving communities vulnerable. He urged that clear standards be set for recruitment, accountability, and cooperation with federal agencies.

The governor also gave his full endorsement for the creation of additional legislative seats for women in both the national and state assemblies. Nonetheless, he warned that this effort must be accompanied by reforms within political parties to prevent male dominance by proxy through the appointment of female representatives.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CFR, has called on Nigerians, especially residents of Abia and Imo States, to take full ownership of the ongoing constitutional review process by demanding transparency, fairness, and accountability from public office holders.


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Speaking on Saturday at the South-East Zonal Constitution Review Public Hearing held in Owerri, Imo State—the designated centre for Abia and Imo States—Kalu emphasized the critical role of public participation in shaping a constitution that reflects the hopes and values of all Nigerians.

“This is your Constitution. This is your moment. You are not just observers; you are stakeholders and co-authors of Nigeria’s next constitutional chapter,” the Deputy Speaker declared in a passionate appeal to participants at the event.

He urged citizens to freely share their ideas, memoranda, petitions, and aspirations, adding that the public hearings are designed to be a platform for collective national rebirth and reform. According to him, “Your robust contributions will ensure that the Constitution we produce is not just a legal document, but a social contract.”

The Owerri hearing is one of several zonal events taking place simultaneously across Southern Nigeria. A similar exercise had earlier been held in the northern region to garner nationwide input into the proposed amendments to the 1999 Constitution.

Kalu, who also chairs the House Committee on Constitution Review, noted that the process is ongoing and complex, stressing that final approval would involve harmonization with the Senate and ratification by State Houses of Assembly.

He said the Committee is currently reviewing 87 constitutional amendment bills. These include critical areas such as judicial independence, electoral reforms, gender inclusivity, fiscal federalism, devolution of powers, state policing, and local government autonomy.

Kalu also made reference to the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on local government elections, which has further reinvigorated the drive for grassroots autonomy.

“In line with that landmark decision, our committee has convened summits, dialogues, and stakeholder engagements to ensure inclusive reform,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and unwavering support for the constitution reform initiative.

“Under his stewardship, Nigeria has embraced a reform-heavy agenda... President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law, his respect for the legislature’s constitutional role, and his bold strides in governance reform have created an enabling environment for this historic review,” Kalu stated.

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to October 10, 2025, for ruling on the no-case submission filed by his legal team.

The adjournment, announced during Friday’s proceedings, was necessitated by the upcoming judicial vacation, which is set to begin in the coming days and will last through the legal break period, ABN TV reports.

Kanu’s defense had earlier filed a no-case submission, arguing that the Federal Government had failed to establish a prima facie case against him after closing its case last month. Both the defense and prosecution have submitted their written addresses in line with the court's directive.

The October 10 date is now set for the court to determine whether Kanu has a case to answer or whether the charges against him will be dismissed at this stage.

Kanu has been in detention since 2021 following his controversial rendition from Kenya. His trial continues to attract significant national and international attention, with growing calls for fairness, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law.