Member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, Rep. Amobi Ogah has said the call on President Bola Tinubu to use condoms for palliative for the poor as a measure to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS is unnecessary.


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Ogah also expressed gratitude to the leadership of the House for naming him the chairman of the Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis & Malaria, saying it is an opportunity to contribute to the development of Nigeria's health sector.

Featuring on TVC's legislative programme, Hallowed Chambers monitored by ABN TV, Ogah said the most suitable palliative for the poor at this moment who are affected by the removal of fuel subsidy is food and measures that will ameliorate the economic hardship confronting many families and not the provision of condom.

Ogah, an expert in oil and gas noted that despite being relatively new in the field of his committee, he is poised to make the best out of the privilege to advance effective service delivery in health sector.

"I'm glad though I never expected to be chairman of that committee", he stated. "It's an honour to me, an honour to learn, it's an honour to save lives, an honour to be part of people that will improve our health sector", he added.

The lawmaker noted that since he was named chairman of the committee, he had embarked on a study to bring new innovative ideas in delivering this assignment.

While noting that it requires a political will to entrench a permanent turnaround in the sector, the Abia lawmaker emphasized that he has engaged some consultants who will offer technical support in discharging the mandate of the committee.

Hon. Ogah while decrying the endemic of fake drugs in circulation, said it is largely attributable to why malaria has become a hydra-headed health challenge in Nigeria.

"I can tell you that out of every ten Nigerians, eight are suffering from malaria. It's a very serious issue.

"Anything I put my head to, I do it very well. At a point I started thanking God, maybe there are lives He wants me to go and save out there.

"With the robust plan we have, in the shortest period of time, we are going to expose a lot. From the consultations we have carried out, we are poised in making a change. It requires a political will and that will is there", he stated.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has declared that nothing would hinder his avowed decision to rebuild Aba, the commercial capital of the state, including rains, ABN TV reports.

The immediate past government of the PDP had consistently adduced rainy seasons as reason for slow pace of construction works in Aba and other parts of the state.

Governor Otti, who was joined on Friday by the Hungarian Deputy Ambassador to Nigeria, Gabor Kruss, and Economic Counselor of the Hungarian Embassy in Nigeria, Judith Beres, on an inspection tour of some ongoing road projects in Aba, said his government was determined to deliver on his promises during the campaigns, the governor's chief press secretary, Kazie Uko said in a statement.

Speaking to a jubilant crowd at Cemetery Road, one of the several roads being revamped in Aba, the Governor declared that the rains would not be an obstacle to giving residents of Aba the good life they have longed for in the past 24 years, the statement said.

"Whether it is raining or the sun is shining, we will rebuild Aba," Dr. Otti assured the cheering crowd, who left their shops and homes to mill around him and his entourage.

He continued: "I have come to see for myself the condition of this Cemetery Road and we're very happy with the progress of work in spite of the rain. The major challenge we have is that the drainage is blocked and the contractor, even though it's not part of his contract, has started desilting the drainage. If you look towards the left, you will see a lot of rubbish that they have excavated from the drainage.

"We have now divided the job into two phases. The first phase is from number one all the way to the rail line and across the rail is the second phase. So, all the rubbish we have here will be gone by tomorrow and once we have two days of dry weather, they will asphalt and this place will be ready to use.

"There is one more thing we will do, and we have also contracted for it; this place will have solar-powered street lights. Whether it is morning, night or darkness, this place will be lit up."

The Governor thanked the people for cooperating with the contractor and for their show of love and hospitality to the workers, urging for patience while the job lasted.

"Let me thank you once again for your patience. I know that you have been patient all this while and we have just a few more weeks before we deliver this road. We will also deliver other roads in Aba.

"Thank you for the support that you're giving to the workers. The contractor told me that you cook and bring food to the workers. I must thank you for that, God will continue to bless you," Dr. Otti prayed.

At least three suspects have been arrested in connection with the killing of two police officers on Tuesday during an attack on Abia State Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry in Ariaria International Market Aba, ABN TV.

The attack took place at Samec junction, Faulks Road, Aba,which led to the death of the two police officers. The suspects were arrested in Obingwa local government area of the state.

Police spokesperson in the command, ASP Chinaka Chioma Maureen, while briefing newsmen on Friday at the command headquarters noted that the arrests were made on Thursday, July 27.

She said, "On 27/07/2023 at about 11:3Oam, acting on credible intelligence, Police operatives from Abia State Police Command stormed a Hotel located in Ohanze Obingwa L.GA, Abia State.

"Consequently, three male suspects were arrested. Two revolver pistols, six rounds of 7.62x39MM Ammunition suitable for AK-47 rifles, and five rounds of 9MM Ammunition were found in their possession. Investigation into the case continues."

She also announced the arrest of 24 suspects comprising 20 males and 4 females suspects who allegedly carry out high profile kidnappings in the state.

Items recovered from them, she said include weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp, and some objects suspected to be charms.

Among suspects arrested according to her were two notorious kidnap kingpins in Umunneochi, for which investigation is ongoing

She said further, "On 27/07/2023, at about 8:00am acting on credible intelligence, Police operatives,led by the Divisional Police Officer Isuochi raided Garki market Lokpanta, arrested 20 male and 4 female suspects and recovered weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp, and some objects suspected to be charms. Among suspects arreted were two notorious kidnap kingpins in Umunneochi. Investigation is ongoing

"On the 22nd day of July 2023, at about 8:00pm, the Divisional Police Officer Isuochi and some operatives of Abia State Police Command while on patrol along Obinolu Ngodo, after the military base, ran into a Kidnapping incident.

"The kidnappers were given a hot chase and they ran into the bush, consequently, one victim was rescued.

"Furthermore, on 23 July, 2023, at about 6:00am, in continuation of the pursuit/bush combing, two more victims were rescued namely: Chukwukere Henry 'm' of Ogidi in Anambra State, Joshua Udeh 'm' of Okigwe in lmo State. Rescued victims confirmed that other victims succeeded in escaping and some ran to the military base, due to confusion that erupted in the kidnappers' den."

Interpol Systems Consultant, Sir Chikwe Udensi has hosted the daughter of President Bola Tinubu, Chief Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo at his Abuja home.

ABN TV gathered that the meeting centred around national issues.

The President’s daughter was impressed with Sir Udensi’s charity work in Abia State especially his empowerment of women, widows, indigent traders, and indigent education fund.

Mrs Tinubu-Ojo also expressed gratitude to Sir Udensi as one of the highest donors in Rotary International. He has three times been awarded the major donor of Rotary International.

She also sought Sir Udensi’s collaboration in her pet project of charity

Sir Udensi in his response applauded the daughter of the President for her numerous works of charity across Nigeria.

He expressed readiness to partner with her in ensuring that more disadvantaged Nigerians are reached.

A magistrate court in Umuahia Abia State has slammed life imprisonment on a 37-year-old HIV-Positive man, Mr. Chiemela Victor Ekeke for raping a 4-year-old girl in Umuahia, ABN TV reports.

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Magistrate N. Lekwa had in the last sitting found the accused person guilty of infant defilement.

The court however discharged the accused person on count 1, which is bordering on conspiracy.

The second defendant was however discharged and acquitted, saying he had no common intention or anything linking him to the crime

The prosecuting counsel, Okezuonu Obioma applauded the decision of the court, saying it is the position of the law in defilement of a minor.

Mr. Chiemela Victor Ekeke had confessed to having carnal knowledge of the minor but pleaded for leniency.

Abia State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, has dismissed as untrue and unfounded, the fake news that the State Government has sacked all medical doctors in the state public service.

According to the Commissioner, “the purported sack is only the figment of the authors’ imagination as the government has no intention of sacking or disengaging any doctor or health personnel currently working to support our ongoing efforts at reviving the health sector in the state.”

She also maintained that no one has been asked to submit “fresh expression of interest” as the fake circular directed.

Dr. Okoronkwo advised the doctors and members of the general public to ignore the rumour and support the several initiatives of the government at driving holistic healthcare delivery in the state.

The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti has appointed the following persons into the under-listed positions, with effect from the date of this publication.

This is contained in a statement on Tuesday by the governor’s Chief Press secretary, Kazie Uko, made available to ABN TV.

1. Mr. Ugochukwu Okoroafor – Special Adviser, Monitoring and Evaluation

2. Hon Iheanacho Obioma – Special Adviser, Political Affairs

3. Prof Ijeoma Iheukwumere – Senior Special Assistant, Environment

4. Mr. Odinakachi Eric Eme – Senior Special Assistant, Multilateral and Donor Agencies

5. Mr. Nwaka Inem – Special Adviser on Trade, Commerce and Industry

6. Magdalene Ugoanusi – Senior Special Assistant, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs

7. Mr. Martins Okechukwu Justice (J Martins) – Special Assistant on Tourism and Entertainment

8. Dr. George Chidozie – Senior Special Assistant, Special Duties

9. Pastor Okorougo Aji – Special Assistant, Lands and Housing

10. Dr. Obioma Nwogbe – Senior Special Assistant, Transport

11. Mr. Chukwunenye Alajemba – Senior Special Assistant, Homeland Security

12. Ven (Dr.) Joshua Onyeike – General Manager, ASOPADEC

13. Pastor Dike Nwankwo – Director General, Abia State Orientation Agency

14. Dr. Uloaku Ukaegbu – Director, Abia State Agency for Control of AIDS

15. Dr. Eric Egwuibe – Senior Special Assistant, Budget and Planning

16. Dr. Anthony Nwaubani, Senior Special Assistant, Finance

17. Mr. Ogbonnia Okereke, GM, ASEPA

18. Mr. Daniel Chinagozi – Special Assistant, Digital Economy

19. Mr. Chinedu Ekeke – Deputy Chief of Staff (cum Senior Special Assistant on Sports and Youth Development)

20. Dr. Oluebube Olunna Chukwu – Senior Special Assistant, Due Process

21. Apostle Kenneth C. Wiper – Special Assistant on Religious Activities

22. Mr. Ishmael Onuoha – Senior Special Assistant, Cooperative Societies

23. Col. Ezichi Kalu (Rtd.) – General Manager, Abia State Road Traffic and Safety Management Agency (ARTSMA)

24. Mrs. Mathilda Anyamele – Special Assistant, Special Duties.

25. Mrs. Chinwe Kanu Uba – Special Assistant, Women Mobilisation.

26. Mrs. Chinwe Onyeukwu – Special Assistant, Women Affairs.

27. Kanu Nwankwo – Chairman, Enyimba International Football Club, Aba

28. Boniface Alozie Uche – Chairman, Abia Comets

29. John Sam Obuh – Chairman, Abia Warriors

30. Dr. Benson Nwaigburu, GM, Abia State Debt Management Office

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has directed immediate payment of arrears of April salaries owed public workers in the state by the immediate past government.

Governor Otti also ordered the payment of June pensions to retirees, some of whom were being owed upwards of 50 months by the last administration.

This is contained in a statement on Monday by the governor’s Chief Press secretary, Kazie Uko, made available to ABN TV.

The payments he said are in fulfillment of his campaign promise not to owe pensioners and those in service and to clear all outstanding verified debts.

According to the statement, “The Governor gave the directive on Monday after a meeting of the Executive Council which had the Deputy Governor, Engr Ikechukwu Emetu, 16 newly sworn-in Commissioners, the Accountant General and other senior functionaries of the State in attendance.

“Dr. Otti directed the Accountant General to ensure that both the April 2023 salary arrears and the June pension are paid before the end of the week, despite the ongoing verification of pensioners and workers in the government payroll.”

Lawmakers elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abia State House of Assembly has given the Labour Party-led legislative House 90 days ultimatum to revert to the provisions of the Harmonized Standing Orders (Rules of the Abia State House of Assembly), ABN TV learnt.

The lawmakers say as the party with the majority elected members of the Eight House of Assembly, it should produce/occupy the Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip positions, faulting the Labour Party for producing the Majority leader despite being a minority party.

In the three-month Pre-Action Notice addressed to the clerk, ABHA Umuahia and signed by Counsel to the PDP elected members, Igwe Ogwo Esq; they will recover the Majority Leadership positions.

The document further revealed that the Speaker, Abia State House of Assembly, disregarded the names of the nominated House of Assembly members of the PDP sent to him by the Chairman of PDP, Abia State Chapter, Rt. Hon. Alwell Asiforo Okere read out the names that were sent to him by the Labour Party (LP) that has the minority members in the Eighth House of Assembly.

The document reads thus in parts: “This is an utter breach and violation of the extant and crystally clear provisions of Order 8, Rule 42(1), 43(1), and 45(1) of the Harmonized Standing Orders (Rules of the Abia State House of Assembly) and an affront to our democratic tenets, spirit and the law.

They want to Speaker to revert to the order of the House which allows the majority party to occupy the Majority Leader's position.

They also disclosed that failure, refusal or neglect to comply with the legal Pre-Action Notice, they would invite the Honourable Court to interpret the legal import purport of the provisions of the already referred Harmonized Standing Orders (Rules of the Abia State House of Assembly) as to the meaning of: “…he shall be a member nominated from the party with the highest number of members in the House”.

They maintained that the following relief shall also be sought in addition:

"A declaration that PDP is the majority party in the ABHA as presently constituted.

"A declaration that the Respondent cannot validly be nominated and/or appoint a member of the ABHA who is not a member of the PDP as the Majority Leader of the ABHA.

"A declaration that only a member of the majority party (PDP) can be nominated and appointed as the Majority Leader of the ABHA.

"A declaration that only a member of the majority party (PDP) can be nominated and appointed as the Deputy Majority Leader of the ABHA.

"A declaration that only a member of the majority party (PDP) can be nominated and appointed as the Chief Whip of the ABHA.

"A declaration that only a member of the majority party (PDP) can be nominated and appointed as the Deputy Chief Whip of the ABHA.

"A declaration that the purported nomination and/or appointment of the Minority members as Majority Leader, Deputy Majority Leader, Chief Whip and Deputy Chief Whip of ABHA on 30th Day of June 2023 is unconstitutional, invalid, null and void and constitutes a breach of the ABHA".

Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti on Friday swore-in 19 Commissioners in the state, ABN TV reports.

The swearing-in was performed by the Governor at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia.

In his speech during the event, Otti charged the new commissioners to work in line with his administration’s vision of delivering a new Abia State.

He encouraged them to utilize their jobs in writing their names in gold by playing important roles in the rebuilding of Abia, especially in areas of critical infrastructure.

The new Commissioners and their portfolios are as follows:

1. Ikechukwu Uwanna: Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice

2. Prof Monica Ironkwe: Agriculture

3. Kingsley Anosike: Budget and Planning

4. Prof Uche Eme Uche: Education

5. Philemon Asonye Ogbonna: Environment and Urban Renewal

6. Mike Akpara: Finance

7. Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo: Health

8. Prince Okey Kanu. -Information and Culture

9. Chaka Chukwumerije: Lands and Housing

10. Prince Uzor Nwachukwu: Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs

11. Prof Joel Friday Ogbonna: Petroleum and Mineral Resources

12. Chima Emmanuel Oriaku: Science and Technology

13. Nwaobilor Ananaba: Sports and Youth Development

14. Dr Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu: Trade, Commerce & Industry

15. Ngozi Blessing Felix: Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation

16. Engr Don Otumchere Oti: Works

17. Comrade Sunny Onwuma: Transport

18. Engr Ikechukwu Monday: Power and Public Utilities

19. Dr. Mathew Ekwuribe: Digital Economy/ SME

The newly appointed commissioners in Abia state will today, Friday, July 7, 2023 be sworn-in by the governor, Dr. Alex Otti, ABN TV reports.

Kazie Uko, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor made this known in a statement on Thursday.

He said, "Dr. Otti had last week submitted a list of 19 nominees for the post of commissioners to the State House of Assembly for approval. Sixteen of them subsequently appeared before the House, earlier this week, for screening and were promptly cleared.

"The other three nominees are expected to appear before the Assembly next week for screening.

"The 16 commissioner-designates are scheduled for swearing in today at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Umuahia, by 11 a.m.

Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti says he has commenced the process of rejuvenating Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the State, with the handover of nine Road works to different contractors on Wednesday, ABN TV reports.

Led by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Engr Otumchere Oti, Governor Otti defied the afternoon showers as he toured the degenerated roads across the Aba metropolis, Chief press secretary to the Governor, Kazie Uko said in a statement.

Excited residents according to the statement cheered the Governor and his entourage, which included the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emmanuel Emeruwa; his deputy, Rt Hon Augustine Meregini and the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon Destiny Akaraka Nwagwu, at every stop as Dr. Otti observed the decadence that dotted long stretches of the roads earmarked for rehabilitation.

"We had promised that we are going to rebuild the roads. The first thing is that we clear the drainages because if we don’t do that, we won't be able to build roads that would last.

"As you can see on this Azikiwe Road, the main job here is to clear the drainages, desilt them and open up the flow of water to Aba River.

"There are a few roads we want to rebuild completely and those are the roads that we have come to handover to the contractors today," Uko quoted Governor Otti of telling the ecstatic crowd.

Some of the roads that will receive immediate attention in order to "significantly reduce the sufferings of motorists within Aba" are, namely:
1. University Road, Abayi
2. Green Avenue
3. Udeagbala Road
4 Shallom Road
5, Umuimo Road
6. Old Express Road
7. Abak Road with adjoining streets
8. Queens Street
9. Jubilee Road.

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has set a September 1, 2023 target to migrate the state into a Treasury Single Account (TSA), ABN TV reports.

Dr. Otti said from that date all monies accruing to the State will be paid into a single account. Likewise, all payments by the state will be made through the same account.

The Governor spoke Wednesday at a townhall meeting with the leaderships of the transport unions and markets in the state, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Umuahia, capital of Abia, chief press secretary to the Governor, Kazie Uko said in a statement.

The townhall meeting was to educate as well as enlighten transporters and traders in the state on their obligations as the state adopts the new digital system of tax payments, the statement added.

"Our government is a very responsible government. We must put the people first and that's why you're here," the Governor told his audience as he set the tone and agenda for the event.

Governor Otti reiterated that the whole essence of digitalising the tax regime in the state is to eliminate all forms of sharp practices including fraud, diversion of proceeds, and middlemen.

"Now, you can pay from the comfort of your home or office, and get digital receipts on your mobile devices. We can authenticate your receipts through a code, I believe it's a QR code. We can read your receipts and know whether they're authentic or not.

"This scheme is carefully designed to develop and empower our people. It will lead to employment generation and also give confidence to our people that their payments are getting to the right place," Governor Otti further explained.

He called on the stakeholders in revenue generation to embrace the new tax regime, insisting that it would help in eliminating all forms of manual collection of revenue and fraud, increase the revenue base of the State, help in the ease of doing business, attract local and international investors and also help the government fulfill its campaign promises to the people of Abia State.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on IGR, Mr. Chimereze Okigbo said the town hall meeting was to have useful interactions with the necessary stakeholders given the formal launch of the new digital tax system.

A renowned gospel musician, Felix Ndukwe has narrated how he escaped from kidnappers along Oji flyover while he was returning from a birthday party in Imo State.

Speaking with ABN TV on Wednesday, Mr. Ndukwe said he had stopped along the express at odd hour on June 24 to urinate when the kidnappers surrounded him at gunpoint and ordered him to move the car while they dictate the direction.

According to him, the abductors gave him a stern warning not to make any move to escape or have himself to blame.

He said they directed him to Orlu road, from where they accessed Owerri town and later found themselves inside Ihiagwa.

"God planted confusion in their midst. There is a road that is supposed to link them to a better one from where they would take me to their destination.

"Fortunately for me, the man in front giving me direction missed it because he was making calls, apparently calling other colleagues.

"Another person at the back got angry, asking why he was on the phone for a long time instead of directing them man.

"When I discovered that we have gone off their planned road and where we were was not motorable enough. I found a way to entrap my vehicle so that it can't move again.

"When I saw a big erosion, I intentionally entered in the middle of it, sensing that a salon vehicle cannot pass there, if not a tipper.

"When we got entrapped, they became infuriated and one of them wanted to hit me with his gun butt but I dodged. The other person warned him against touching me.

"At this point, they did all they could to no avail, then they abandoned me", he stated.

Ndukwe who was full of praise said he started calling people for rescue before he was safely evacuated.

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti on Monday launched a new digital tax system that would help the state eliminate fraud and intermediaries in revenue generation, ABN TV reports.

The new system, which integrates free medical insurance schemes for all commercial vehicle drivers and riders of Keke and Okada, will see the state also maximise its revenue potential, the governor says.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kazie Uko in a statement said at the launch, Dr. Otti, who was flanked by some senior members of his cabinet, including the Chief of Staff, Dr. Caleb Ajagba; the Special Adviser on Internally-Generated Revenue, Mr. Chimereze Isaac Okigbo; and Special Adviser on Policies and Interventions, Rev Father Christian Anokwuru, said that the introduction of the new digital system will not only strengthen the state’s tax collection but would also promote economic growth and entrepreneurship in the state.

“By simplifying tax compliance procedures, we have removed barriers for businesses, encourage formalisation, and stimulate investment. This initiative empowers entrepreneurs, enabling them to focus on their ventures' growth and expansion, ultimately leading to job creation and economic prosperity for our state.

“By eliminating fraud, intermediaries, and introducing the digital platform to block leakages, we will unlock the true potential of our tax system to maximise revenue for development projects.

“The digitalised tax regime ensures that every business, large or small, contributes its fair share towards the growth of our state. With the expected increased revenue, the government can invest in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and other essential sectors that will uplift the lives of all Ndi Abia,” he quoted the Governor as saying.

He declared that the free medical insurance scheme component of the new digital tax payment system is a fulfillment of his campaign promise to create an affordable health care delivery “for our people across all sectors and segments” of the society.

The new digital tax system essentially aims at sanitising revenue generation in the transport sector and the markets. While the Permit to Operate Tickets targets those in the transport business, the Innovative Traders Tax Payment aptly targets traders in the market areas.

“Unlike in the past where revenue agents abused these daily tickets with all manner of collectibles, now, we are promoting Transparency and Ease of Compliance in our commitment to making tax compliance simpler and more accessible. The digitalised tax regime introduces enumeration and easy paying platforms which includes the use of USSD and wallet services.

“The Permit to operate Tickets for Transporters has been designed in bouquets which gives the commercial transport operators options to choose among the daily, weekly and monthly scheme. This has eliminated all forms of middle men that have been meddling on our revenue collection space. We are also optimistic that this model will eventually eliminate and reduce the risk of extortion, promote transparency, increase tax compliance, strengthen ease of doing business in Abia state and empower these businesses to operate within a legally defined framework and environment,” the Governor said.

Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti has ordered the immediate suspension of the Head of Service of the state, Mr. Onyi Nwamah, ABN TV reports.

This according to the Governor follows the inauguration of the Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the Recovery of Properties and Funds belonging to Abia State Government.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kazie Uko in a statement Thursday night made available to ABN TV, said the state's chief executive also ordered the suspension of all Permanent Secretaries in the State civil service.

The Governor also approved the appointment of Lady Joy Maduka, Director, Ministry of Education, as Acting Head of Service (HOS).

Two Permanent Secretaries spared by the suspension include, John Pedro Iroakazi who is the Clerk of the House of Assembly and Mrs. U. G. Uche Ikonne who is the Solicitor General of the state.