The embattled Deputy Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu has said his purported removal from office is null and void, insisting that he is the Deputy Speaker, ABN TV reports.

He said his purported removal 'by 6 of my colleagues" can only be described as effort in futility.

ABN TV reports that the speaker of the Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji along with other members had on Tuesday announced the suspension of the Deputy Speaker along and eight other lawmakers.

This was in response to his alleged impeachment by about 18 members of the Assembly.

Rt. Hon. Uchendu said the Speaker has been impeached on the ground of alleged gross misconduct and abuse of office, and cannot preside over plenary to remove him (Uchendu) from office, urging members of the public to ignore his purported removal from office.

He said, "I wish to inform the General Public that the said impeachment is null, illegal, and can best be described as an effort in futility. This is based on the fact that Rt. Hon. Chinedu Enyinnaya Orji who presided over the plenary had already been removed as the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly before my alleged removal.

"His removal/impeachment was based on allegations of gross misconduct and abuse of office. Consequently, Rt. Hon. Chukwudi Apugo (Member Representing Umuahia East State Constituency), was elected as the new Speaker by the Majority of Members of the House.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/i-remain-abia-assembly-deputy-speaker-uchendu/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Abia State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji has been impeached, ABN TV reports.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfj2gMxtsTw
He was impeached on Tuesday at about 9am.

In a sitting presided over by the Deputy speaker, Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu, (PDP/Ohafia South), Hon. Kennedy Njoku(Osisioma Ngwa North), moved a motion for the impeachment of the speaker which was seconded by Hon. Chijioke Chukwu. Speaker Orji was accused of insensitivity to the welfare of the members of the House.

Njoku said; “I want to move a motion considering the present situation in the House of Assembly and the feelings of members towards the speaker of the 7th House, Engr. Chinedum Orji, of his insensitivity to the welfare of members and other sundry activities. It is clear to us that all these have led to gross misconduct on the office of the speaker. Hence, I move a motion for the removal of the speaker.”

In a video which has gone viral, Njoku also read a list of the members who signed for the impeachment of the speaker. It includes Hon. Ifeanyi Uchendu,(PDP/Ohafia North), former Speaker, Hon. Chikwendu Kalu, (PDP/Isiala Ngwa South), Hon. Chijioke Chukwu, (APC/Bende North), Hon. Okey Igwe, (PDP/Umunneochi),Hon. Chukwudi Apugo,(PDP/Umuahia East), Hon. Stanley Nwabuisi,(PDP/Ikwuano),Hon. Obinna Ichita, (APGA/Aba South), Hon. Thomas Nkoro, (PDP/Obingwa West) , Hon. Mike Ukoha, (APC/Arochukwu), Hon. Goddy Adiele,(PDP/Ukwa West), Hon. Paul Taribo, (PDP/Ukwa East) , Hon. Kennedy Njoku,(PDP/Osisioma Ngwa North), Hon. Nnamdi Allen, (PDP/Osisioma Ngwa South),Hon. Munachim Alozie (LP/Ugwunagbo), Hon. Emeka Okoroafor, (APC/Isuikwuato) and Hon. Uzodike Aaron,(PDP/Aba North).

ABN TV further gathered that members who didn’t sign the impeachment motion include; the majority leader, Hon. Solomon Akpulonu, (PDP/Obingwa East), Hon. Ginger Onwusibe(LP/Isiala Ngwa North), Hon. Jerry Uzosike,(PDP/Umuahia South) ,Hon. Kelechi Onuzuruike,(Umuahia North) and Hon.Abraham Oba(PDP/Aba Central).

Details are still sketchy as at the moment of this report but may however not be unconnected with alleged unwillingness of the Speaker to commence impeachment proceedings against the state governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu.

Deputy Speaker of the Assembly, Ifeanyi Uchendu representing Ohafia South confirmed the impeachment to ABN TV but did not disclose other information.

Rt. Hon. Orji, son of the former Governor Theodore A. Orji had lost his bid to represent Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency in the House of Representatives.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abia-assembly-speaker-chinedum-orji-impeached-document-attached/

Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has spoken on the planned local government elections in the state, saying it is in fulfillment of his contract with the people of Abia as well as efforts to entrench rich democratic culture.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMRgolWM0U0
Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has spoken on the planned local government elections in the state, saying it is in fulfillment of his contract with the people of Abia as well as efforts to entrench rich democratic culture.

According to the governor, there is no time to do what is right, as the planned chairmanship and councillorship poll is coming at the tail end of his administration, noting that there is no difference between his first day in office and now.

The governor who is expected to wind down his second term in office May 29 featured in ABN TV’s Political Perspective where he said he remains the governor and will continue to serve the state till his last day in office.

Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) had fixed April 28 for the conduct of council elections, an exercise that has since been shifted indefinitely.

He reminded his interviewer that he promised to conduct at least three local government elections, with two already conducted and only one outstanding.

If you council poll succeeds, the incoming administration of Labour Party will inherit loyalists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) calling the shots at the grassroot level.

"It is still within my purview to decide, in collaboration with major stakeholders of this administration to do so.

"I think part of why we need to conduct this local government election is to deepen democracy, we allow the youths participate, we include them in what is happening, we begin to groom them as leaders.

"If they run elections at the local government level, they take the destiny of their various communities in their hands. They are also part of my critical strategic partners in terms of security, because every local government chairman becomes the chief security officer of their various domains", he stated.

The governor maintained that he has the final decision on when to hold the local government elections, a decision he will make in coming days.

He also dismissed insinuations that the state has a backlog of unpaid salaries, making it clear that about 29,000 out of 31,000 core civil servants are not owed.

He said the rest 2000 are drawn from parastatals and revenue-generating agencies of government and are expected to play a role in fulfilling their salary obligations.

A particular agency claiming to be owed 12 months of salaries have not worked in the last eight months, the governor alleged and insisted that only those who work deserve to be paid.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/lg-election-in-fulfilment-of-my-promise-to-abians-ikpeazu-video/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu has listed at least six projects to be unveiled by his administration between the first week to May 14 as he is set to bow out of office May 29.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8oUr_oTZ4k
The projects include, new Government House Umuahia, the multi-specialist hospital Aba, Mgbarakuma Road Umuahia South, new garment factory, diagnostic hospital Isiukwuato and the new permanent site of the Abia State College of Health & Sciences.

The governor who stated these while featuring on ABN TV’s Political Perspective said despite the memories of the 2023 elections in which his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lost both the governorship and senatorial elections, his zeal to serve the people of Abia State has not changed.

According to the governor, till his contract with the people of Abia State which he said started in May 2015 and graciously renewed in 2019 comes to end on May 29, he will not stop to give his best for the state.

“We have quickly put the events of the 2023 elections behind us, these are mere rituals. Some of us are not election politicians. We will like to addressed as trans-generational leaders.

“We speak to issues beyond elections, elections will come and go and the outcome has nothing to do with my zeal and contract with Ndi Abia”, he stated.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/gov-ikpeazu-lists-six-projects-for-commissioning-in-may-fixes-dates-video/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Family has concluded plans to hold a one-year memorial service in honour of late Mrs. Chioma Viviene Ordu, nee Akasike.

The 34-year-old mother of four passed on on February 15, 2022 while giving birth to her fifth child who also died along with her.

The bereaved husband, Hon Chidi Ordu Madoka, who is the SA to the Imo State Governor on Rubber Estate announced this in a statement.

He said there will be a mass in her honour on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at St. Paul's Catholic Church Umualum, Nekede in Owerri West local government area.

"your life was a blessing

"your memory a tnasun,

"you are loved beyond words

"and missed beyond measures", the husband wrote.

She was last year buried at her husband's home Umuejechi Umualum Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State after a funeral service to be held at St. Paul's Catholic Church Umualum Nekede, Owerri West L.G.A.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/family-holds-memorial-service-in-honour-of-late-chioma-ordu-who-died-during-childbirth/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

A chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia, Sir Chikwe Udensi has described the administration of former governor Theodore A. Orji as a disaster, accusing him of laying a horrible foundation inherited by the outgoing governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
https://youtube.com/live/8kIDUFU81zQ
Sir Udensi, an Interpol Systems Consultant who spoke during his weekly appearance on Love FM's Open Parliament in Umuahia on Wednesday monitored by ABN TV was responding to a former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Charles Ogbonna who said the Okezie Ikpeazu-led government has failed and that he was rating it 5 percent.

Faulting this position, Sir Udensi said the administration of former governor T.A Orji where Mr. Ogbonna served is not any better than that of Ikpeazu, accusing the former commissioner and his principal then of taking N500m loan for each local government in the name of developing the local governments, but failed to do anything.

"The question is does he (Ogbonna) have the temerity, does he have the audacity to cast aspersions on another government? There is no way the government he served is any better.

"The T. A Orji government was a disaster, an absolute disaster. In fact he laid a very horrible foundation that was followed suit by Okezie Ikpeazu.

"So if you ask me, in all sense of honesty, when it comes to some areas of infrastructure, Okezie Ikpeazu scored better than T.A Orji. That does not mean that both of them did not fail.

"Both are failed governments but when it comes to performance in some areas, Ikpeazu did a lot better than T.A Orji", he said.

He said all local government roles stipulated in the constitution were violated by T.A Orji, a ministry that was directly under Mr. Charles Ogbonna.

Sir Udensi pointed out that in the area of infrastructure, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu did better than his predecessor, especially in road infrastructure.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/ikpeazu-inherited-horrible-foundation-laid-by-t-a-orji-but-did-fairly-in-infrastructure-udensi-video/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on Monday says Abia State School of Nursing and Midwifery Umuahia, is the cheapest of its kind in the country.

According to him, students were paying N260,000, before his administration reviewed it downwards to N215, 000, so that it will be easy for parents.

The governor, who disclosed this to newsmen in Umuahia, said it was the reason for its high demand and rush than any state in the country.

ABN TV reports that some students had reportedly accused the management of the institution of exploitation, while urging the governor's intervention.

The students had accused the management of inviting admission seekers in excess of slots available in the school and compelled them to pay the sum of N500,000 each as school fees.

They had alleged that after six months, the students would be mandated to pay another N30,000 so that the institution would facilitate admission for them into the university, which never happened.

The governor said that no student was meant to pay any other fees, apart from the one approved by the government.

Ikpeazu said: "This is all the students pay, I mean those coming in after Preliminary Training School (PTS).

"No student pays any other fee to the best of my knowledge, except exam fee or when they are going for experience, which is dependent on where they are going.

"It is tuition-free, once you pass PTS.

"Every other state charges between N700,000 to N900,000, yet people there don't complain."

Meanwhile, a source in the school management has dismissed the allegation by the students, saying that the school was being guided by standard operating procedure (SOP).

The source told ABN TV that every fund collected from the students goes in the state account.

He explained that there was no way anybody would say that he paid any money to any individual, while challenging anybody who claimed to have done so to come and prove it.

The source said that the process of admitting students into the institution is similar to that the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), whereby millions would purchase the forms, but only few would be admitted eventually.

He said that the examination was being conducted and the cut-off mark prepared by the Council of Nursing at the national in Abuja.

According to the source, once the Council is through with both the entrance examination and oral interview, the list of successful candidates would be published.

"It is neither the principal nor the school management that does this.

"Once you are successful, the Ministry of Health, will issue you an admission letter, just like JAMB does.

"The school is allotted 75 students, but if for instance about 300 persons sat for the examination, is it possible to take everybody?", the source queried.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/with-n215000-fee-abia-school-of-nursing-midwifery-cheapest-in-nigeria-ikpeazu/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Authorities in Abia State School of Nursing Umuahia has denied the allegation that admission seekers are being exploited, after which they will be sent out without being offered admission.

A student who spoke with ABN TV last week had alleged that the management of the school under one Mrs. Michael invites admission seekers in excess of slots available in the school.

According to the student, instead of 50 slots allotted for the school, the management will invite about 500 admission seekers and compel them to pay the sum of N500,000 each as school fees.

Refuting the allegation on Monday, an official of the school who pleaded anonymity, because he does not have the permission of the school to speak, said that it is difficult to offer admission to all students who apply to study in the school.

He said the school has only 75 slots recently approved by the National Council of Nursing Services Abuja, an increase from the previous 50.

According to him, admission to the school is competitive and only offered to those who meet the benchmark, stating that different layers to the examination into the school include oral and written interviews. Only those who convincingly pass the two are offered provisional admission.

He said examiners are not officials of the school but those sent in from the National Council of Nursing Services at national and zonal levels. Admission letters he said are issued to those who pass the relevant tests, either in nursing or midwifery from the state Ministry of health.

According to him, the students are subjected to another test known as Preliminary Training School (PTS) after six months which qualifies them as full nursing students.

He said about 300 people who sit for admission exams will not be admitted in a slot of 75 students, urging those who are unable to secure admission to try again.

He also denied the allegation that students pay the sum of N500,000, saying the total cost of levies is N215,000 only.

He added that there is competition among admission seekers because a lot of persons are coming in from neighbouring states to seek admission in the School of Nursing Umuahia because it is relatively cheap compared with other states.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abia-school-of-nursing-denies-exploiting-students-says-admission-competitive/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun

A chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Sir Chikwe Udensi has said the government of Abia State did not tell the people the truth when it denied knowledge of the increase in fees of the students of the state-owned university, ABSU.

According to invoices given to some new ABUS students that went viral yesterday, it was seen that undergraduates in some departments had their fees jump from N122,000 Naira to N500,000, others were to pay N400,000 from N112,000 former fees. Law students were also to pay N1m from former fee of N400,000.

The governor of Abia, Okezie Ikpeazu has since ordered a reversal of moves to raise fees of ABSU students, saying the economic realities of the moment does not permit such hike, adding that his office was not consulted before the hike was announced.

But responding to the development while featuring on a radio programme, Open Parliament in Umuahia monitored by ABN TV on Wednesday, Sir Udensi, an Interpol Systems Consultant said he does believe the defence of Abia State government that it is unaware of the hike.

“I don’t even believe the story of the government, that they are not aware of the increase. It is a lie, I do not believe that the government is not aware that an institution went ahead to unilaterally increase school fees.

“This is a policy decision that ought to be taken by the government, or at the minimal the anticipated approval of the ministry (education).

“To tell me that it was done without the ministry, without the government, I doubt it. If it happened, it means that this government is not functioning”.

He accused the state government of demonstrating weakness by condoning non-adherence to processes and procedures before going ahead to announce fee increase.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abia-govt-lied-that-its-unaware-of-absu-fee-hike-udensi/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

The former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia State, Professor Uche Ikonne will be buried on April 28, 2023, ABN TV reports.

He will be laid to rest in his country home, Agburuke Nsulu, Isialangwa North local government area of the state.

A statement by the burial committee of the former Abia State University (ABSU) vice chancellor said a commendation service and singsong will be held in his honour by his church, St. Andrews Anglican Church Agburuke on April 24.

The committee stated that there would be a colloquium and day of tributes for him on 25th April while a valedictory/Senate session would be held for him by his former place of work, Abia State University, Uturu.

According to the committee, Prof Ikonne would be buried on April 28 after a church service at his hometown, Agburuke Nsulu.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/former-abia-pdp-guber-candidate-prof-ikonne-set-for-burial-see-poster/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

more photos

Ebem Ancient Kingdom, Ohafia, Abia State on Saturday honoured the former governor of Bayelsa state Chief Timipre Sylva and his wife Alanyingi Sylva with chieftaincy titles.

Chief Sylva was honoured as Ike Mba Ebem Ohafia (A dependable pillar of Ebem-Ohafia) while his wife, Chief Mrs Alanyingi Sylva will be known and called Ada Oha Ebem-Ohafia (The Noble First Daughter of Ebem-Ohafia)

Honouring the Sylvas, HRH Eze Ukoha Kalu JP, Paramount Ruler (Ezie Ogo) of Ebem ancient Kingdom, Ohafia, said, “During H.E Timipre Sylva’s first tenure as Governor of Bayelsa State, he brought a lot of finesse to the position by dearly touching the lives of both the highly placed and the so-called ordinary folks”, Julius Bokoru, Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs To H.E Chief Timipre Sylva, CON said in a statement on Saturday.

The statement quoted HRH Eze Ukoha Kalu as stating further, “The welfare of the people of Bayelsa State was his real concern. While he concentrated on Governance, His wife H.E Chief Mrs. Alanyingi Uduak Sylva concentrated on helping women and children.

“Together, the couple copiously empathized with all friends and relations in and outside of Bayelsa State. The only boundaries their philanthropy knows is the totality of humanity.

“Chief and Chief Mrs. Sylva drilled, built and presented two solid, precious boreholes with portable water which we commissioned this morning. We can’t thank them enough.”

Responding, Sylva said ‘I thank his Royal Highness and the good people of Ebem Ohafia Kingdom for honouring us with these noble titles’

‘When we did a few things here, we didn’t expect that we will get honoured for it or that it meant so much for people’

‘I thank this great Kingdom once again, for the hospitality and all the love that has been shown us. It is also a great task and we promise not to let you down. Thank you your Highness’

The event which had in attendance Senior officers of the Armed Forces, the entire structure of the Bayelsa State APC, party chieftains and captains of industry ended with colourful photo sessions.

Earlier in the day, Sylva had commissioned water projects across Ebem-Ohafia to the applause of residents who were certain the move would mitigate the existing water anxieties.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/ebem-ohafia-honours-timipre-sylva-wife-photos-video/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU) has said HRH Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha (JP) remains the only recognized and sitting Ezieogo of Ebem Ohafia and the Ezie of Ekeluogo Ebem Autonomous Community, Abia State.

This was in response to a radio announcement made by some indigenes of Ebem Community purporting to disassociate the community from the planned conferment of Chieftaincy Title by HRH Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha (JP) on deserving indigenes.

EODU in a statement on Thursday said it recognizes and accords the honour and dignity of office of Ezieogo of Ebem Ohafia on HRH Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha (JP).

According to the union, issues relating to the omission of the name of Ekeluogo Ebem Autonomous Community in the official gazette of Abia State Government is a subject of Litigation in Suit Number HU/134/2016 pending at the Abia State High Court, Umuahia Judicial Division.

EODU says it is in support of the April 8 conferment of chief title to be performed by HRH Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha.

It says, "The Ebem Ohafia Development Union and the vast majority of Ebem indigenes are in support of the ceremony scheduled by HRH Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha (JP) as it is within his traditional and statutory authority to perform the function and aimed encouraging and motivating others to key into the developmental Stride of the community."

It added, "The recognition of Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha (JP) as an Autonomous Community Traditional Ruler has not been Judially pronounced as withdrawn or illegal hence all rights and privileges attached to the office are still available to him.

"There has been no time in 2022 or other year for that matter that Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha abdicated the throne of Ezieogo Ebem and Ebem People still recognize and dignify him as Ezie Ebem.

"By this announcement, the Central Executive of the Union, The Ebem Council of Chiefs, and elders are informing the general public to disregard the announcement made by some individuals of the community and enjoin the public and lovers of Ebem Community to turn out in mass and attend the ceremony scheduled for Saturday the 8th day of April, 2023."

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/eze-ukoha-kalu-ukoha-remains-ezie-ogo-of-ebem-ohafia-eodu-backs-april-8-chieftaincy-conferment/

The House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Climate Change, member representing Ikwuano -Umuahia federal Constituency and the APC Senatorial Candidate for Abia Central Senatorial District in the just conducted 2023 general elections, Hon. Sam Onuigbo, has declared that the purported suspension of chieftains of the All Progressives Congress, APC in Abia State, would not save the party's governorship candidate in the March 18 governorship poll, Chief Ikechi Emenike, from accounting for the campaign fund released to him for the general elections in the state.

The lawmaker who stated this in an exclusive interview with Vanguard was reacting to his purported suspension by the state leadership of the party recently, dismissed it as "ridiculous", stressing that Chief Emenike and his foot soldiers were trying to avert probe for how the campaign funds for the party candidates in Abia were spent.

"They gave him money from the national party and he has to account for how he disbursed it.

"He was going about campaigning against me instead of campaigning for the APC and the President-elect. He lost in all the places he campaigned against me including his polling unit.

Onuigbo was on Tuesday, in a letter signed by the party's Secretary, Chief Chidi Avajah, suspended along with eight other bigwigs of Abia APC for alleged anti-party activities during the just-concluded general elections.

According to the APC Abia Central Senatorial Candidate, "Despite all the money that the national leadership confirmed to us that was given to him for Abia, he was only able to deliver a paltry 8,000 votes for the President-elect."

Rep. Sam Onuigbo said he remained a bonafide member of the APC, insisted that his purported suspension "holds no water. I don't see the basis for such frivolous, absolutely irresponsible and reckless letter".

He explained that suspension of members of a party is based on established anti-party activities. "You don't wake up in the morning and start suspending people; gather men like puppets and ask them to sign suspension letters.

"My Ward didn't suspend me. I remain a bonafide member of APC, and I'm working here in Abuja with the National leadership, handling some very important matters concerning our party in the state.

Rep Onuigbo further denied working for the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for his federal constituency, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, contrary to allegation contained in the letter of his purported suspension.

He claimed that the PDP candidate and others were part of why he left the PDP for the APC in the first place, querying the wisdom in his turning around to work for him at the poll.

"They said that I openly support and worked for the LP Candidate Mr Peter Obi and Hon. Chinedum Orji of the PDP. Such allegation is very ridiculous because it was the same Chinedum Orji that was instrumental to my leaving PDP because he was angling for my position.

"So, how on earth will I go and work for the person who conspired and worked against me because he was angling to take over my position in the House of Representatives? Is it as a reward for his efforts or in recognition of his achievements?" Rep. Onuigbo queried. "He worked with Col. Akobundu for me to leave PDP."

The Federal Lawmaker described as appalling that the State Chairman and Secretary of a party where he ran for Senate would say that he is from “Ward 3, Ikwuano LGA”. "Apparently, Avajah and Kingsley Ononogbu are unaware of how the wards in Ikwuano are delineated. Neither do they know my ward! That alone should speak to the conspiratorial nature of all the actions taken by the State leaders of the party against me during the election, including not supporting me, and openly campaigning against me. It further shows that this dubious suspension letter has no foundation because it didn't come from my ward. "

He further questioned "Chief Avajah and Kingsley Ononogbu stated that I did not participate in APC activities at the Ward level, LGA, and State level. My ward is Ibere Ward 2, and I led campaigns at that level. Can Chief Avajah, Kingsley Ononogbu , and their cohorts who never joined me for a day to campaign point me to the Ward activity that I was not part of? At the LGA level, at what point did they invite me and I did not join? This attitude of completely cutting me off was further proven during the Presidential campaign of our President-elect, His Excellency Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu where despite subsisting court orders that I am the Senatorial Candidate of our party, they conspired and put another person’s name on the brochure. Despite the fact that the campaign held in my constituency and I was physically present, I was deliberately ignored. Before the end of the event, my campaign team made several attempts to get them to recognize me as the host House of Representatives member present, but were rebuffed each time. Was it at that time that I failed to join party activities at the State level?

Rep. Onuigbo accused Chief Emenike of destroying Abia APC because of his selfish interests, wondering how he thinks he could run the party without other chieftains who mean well for the party and are making verifiable contributions to uplift the party. He has turned Abia APC into a one man small kiosk managed by him alone and where he does whatever he pleases.

"I have never seen anybody like Emenike who wants to dismantle anywhere that he finds himself."

"For a primary election that I won in the afternoon, the person I defeated was rewarded with ministerial appointment, then Emenike went and brought somebody who was coming in like unknown flying object who never participated in the primary election.

Ikechi and his team continued to lead that man to eight ( courts, ending up in the Supreme Court where the apex court affirmed my candidacy because the meddlesome interloper never participated in the primary election."

Hon. Onuigbo advised Emenike and his co-travellers who he accused of destroying Abia APC, to stop engaging in actions that would bring further disgrace to the party.

He urged the National Leadership of the APC to immediately call Chief Ikechi Emenike to account for the money he was given for all the elections.

"I am recommending Chief Emenike for psychiatric examination considering his role in the continued destruction of APC in Abia State instead of working with well meaning members to rebuild the party after a disastrous outing which was caused by him," Onuigbo advised.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/purported-suspension-of-abia-apc-chieftains-i-recommend-chief-emenike-for-psychiatric-examination-rep-onuigbo/

Nigerians living outside the country under the aegis of the Association of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora has joined in the call for the APC to zone the presidency of the 10th Senate to South East, urging the president-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu to support the Senate Chief Whip, Orji Kalu to emerge the next Senate President.

This is contained in a communique issued on Sunday at the end of a virtual meeting of the association to review the 2023 general elections.

The association prides itself as the foremost non-partisan, non–religious, non-ethnic guild of professionals of Nigerian descent, resident in the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and Asia.

Membership is drawn from practicing medical doctors, lawyers, public Accountants, Engineers, Nurses, and members of the academia.

The association says the call for the emergence of the Abia North Senator as the President of the 10th Senate is borne out of the need to foster national unity, equity, fairness inclusiveness, and national reconciliation

It added, "The Association expresses confidence in the potential of our great nation to overcome her present and past developmental challenges under the stewardship of the President–Elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the support of the National Assembly led by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu".

The Association also appealed to politicians to refrain from making unguarded and provocative statements that could incite a possible breakdown of law and order in the country.

While urging for teamwork to foster national peace, unity, and progress, the Association of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora added in its communique, "The Association urges the President-Elect, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to be magnanimous in victory by quickly convening an inter-party National Peace and Reconciliation committee to interface with all aggrieved parties with a view to prosecuting a political solution.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/nigerians-in-diaspora-back-orji-kalu-for-senate-presidency-urges-tinubus-support/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

The (NBM) of Africa, Owerri zone has ended its first edition of College Brothers Summit at West Brooks International Hotel and Suites, Owerri where the focus was on the effects of drug abuse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SEoHsTmF4jE
Speaking with our correspondent on Saturday shortly after the summit which had as the theme, “Hard Drugs And Its Abuse: A Bane To Personal, Economic And Social Development”, the president NBM of Africa, Owerri zone, Hon. Chief Chidi Maduka Ordu said drug abuse has reduced the productivity of young people and is affecting their economic lives, stating that the summit was organised to raise their consciousness on the need to avoid drug abuse.

He said the decision to target students was strategic as they represent the young population of the country worst hit by drug abuse.

He called on the participants at the event to make use of the information received at the summit for the betterment of their future and educate others as well on the dangers associated with the abuse of hard drugs.

In his remarks, Mr. Lamuwa Shehu, the assistant state commander, operations and training of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Imo State command urged the young participants at the summit to stay away from the abuse of drugs as it is inimical to their health and growth of the society.

He said NDLEA as a lead agency in control of the circulation and use of psycho-active drugs has been carrying out the campaign in rural communities, and schools as well as the involvement of stakeholders in fighting drug abuse.

According to Shehu, in 2022 alone, the Imo State Command of NDLEA trained about 70 counsellors and school administrators in Owerri zone to assist in teaching young ones on the need to be watchful of their mental health by avoiding drugs.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/why-our-college-brothers-summit-focused-on-dangers-of-drug-abuse-nbm-of-africa-photos-video/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Troops of 143 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have rescued no fewer than nine kidnap victims across various locations in Imo and Abia states.

Their operation led to the rescue of 3 persons who were kidnapped along the Enugu – Port Harcourt Expressway, Leru – Ndiawa Road and Ihube – Okigwe road on Sunday 26 March 2023, arrest of suspects, and recovery of locally made pistol.

Interrogation of one of the suspects revealed the locations of some likely areas being used to hold the abducted victims. Accordingly, troops commenced search and rescue operations in the general area of Ndiawa, Agueze, and Gariki, all In Ummuneochi LGA of Abia State.

Follow-up offensive operations yielded positive results on Wednesday 29 March 2023, when troops located and engaged the kidnappers at one of the identified locations between the Ndiawa forest mountain range and Giriki. The kidnappers were forced to abandon their victims, after which troops rescued 9 victims who were earlier abducted. The rescued victims include: Mr Samuel Offor aged 39 Mr Mbah Ifeanyi aged 26 Mr Courage Chukwuemeka aged 34 Mr Barnabas Kalu aged 41 Mr Amah Andrew Moses aged 42 Mr Celestine Oledi aged 53 Mr Amamiri Ihechiowa Mr Chukwudi Ndubueze aged 40 and Mr Adejoh Ali aged 34

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/army-rescues-9-kidnap-victims-in-imo-abia-recover-weapons-photos/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has described as preposterous and anachronistic a statement credited to his incoming successor, Dr. Alex Otti in which his (Otti) media handlers described a purported employment programme going on in the state as illegal and racketeering.

Governor Ikpeazu said he is still the governor of the state till May 29 and still has the executive powers to perform his constitutional assignments.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onyebuchi Ememanka in a statement on Wednesday charged the incoming governor and his media team to refrain from questioning the decisions of an elected government.

While denying any such employment programme in Abia, Ememanka said the actions of the governor are deemed constitutional on line with running the affairs of the state.

Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to governor-elect, Dr. Alex Otti had alleged in a statement that some agents of the Abia State Government and some civil servants are engaged in what they called "Employment Racketeering".

According to Ememanka, "It is absolutely preposterous and outrightly anachronistic for the Media Team of the Governor-Elect to use the word ILLEGAL to describe the activities of a government that is legitimately in office.

"Assuming, though by no means conceding that the State Government offered employment to Abians, what is illegal about it?

"Dr Otti should take it easy. We understand that he has been trying to be Governor since 2015. His hurry is understandable but he must know that Dr Okezie Ikpeazu remains Governor of Abia State until midnight of 28th May, 2023. Within this period, the Governor is still enabled by all laws in this country to exercise the full powers of his office, including the power to grant employment waivers into the State Work Force, if he so desires.

"What Dr Otti can do, at best, is to review such Executive Actions after he is sworn in on the 29th of May. Anything else from him at this time is of no effect whatsoever.

"Dr Otti will have 4 full years at the first instance to exercise the powers of the Governor of Abia State, from 29th of May, 2023. He should wait for his time.

"Dr Otti should also be reminded that every Governor Elect is a potential former Governor. At most and if God permits, he will spend 8 years in office, and while still in office, his successor will be elected too.

"Our advise is simple. May 29th is almost here. Please be patient. If you have waited since 2015 till now, you can wait for another 2 months.

"When a new administration is elected into office, they will inherit both assets and liabilities because government is a continuum. What a new Governor chooses to do with what he inherits will define it's administrative strategy.

"Abians are eagerly looking forward to seeing the administrative expertise of the Governor-Elect.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/im-still-the-governor-with-executive-powers-wait-for-your-time-ikpeazu-replies-otti/

more photos

The Abia State Governor-elect, Dr. Alex Otti and his deputy of Wednesday received their Certificates of Return from the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, ABN TV reports.

The development has triggered excitement in Umuahia the state capital as supporters stormed the streets to express happiness over the authentication of Otti's victory.

The former bank chief executive won the March 18 gubernatorial poll in the state on the platform of Labour Party after defeating Okey Ahiwe of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Otti polled a total of 175,466 to defeat his closest rival and candidate of the PDP who scored 88,526.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/jubilation-as-abia-governor-elect-alex-otti-deputy-receive-certificates-of-return-photos/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Federal Medical Centre, FMC Umuahia, Abia State says it has successfully carried out no fewer than 11 kidney transplants in the facility in the last four and half active years, ABN TV reports.

The period covers Dec. 2017 when it had its first surgery till date, deducting 2020-2021, a period by COVID.

Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu, a kidney transplant neurologist of the hospital told ABN TV on Tuesday that the most recent ones were fully carried out by Nigerian surgeons.

According to him, at the beginning of this medical milestone, it was performed and supervised by surgeons from the US.

He said after the first four were conducted, Nigerian surgeons after acquiring the skills took over from their US counterparts and successfully carried out the last seven with minimal supervision of external experts.

The latest in the series he said involves a man in his late 60s who has kidney disease and has been on dialysis in the past four months but later brought to FMC Umuahia when he fulfilled all the conditions for the surgery which has successfully been carried out.

"The patient is very healthy, he has started making adequate urine and he is doing better. We have done some laboratory tests which show that there is a remarkable improvement in the vitals of the patient.

"As for the donor, he is okay and doing well. They are all recovering from the post-surgery period and we hope that in the next one week, we should be able to discharge them to their homes", he stated.

Dr. Okwuonu while noting that the facility is the only one undertaking a kidney transplantation programme in South East and South-South pledged its commitment to remain active.

He applauded the hospital's chief medical director, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi for the transformation he has carried out in the past couple of years to position the hospital for this feat.

While noting that lack of adequate equipment and increasing brain have been the twin problem of the programme, Dr. Okwuonu praised the CMD for demonstrating enough support despite challenges.

He appealed to government to subsidise the cost of kidney transplantation, create a healthy environment and offer some incentives to people ready to donate their organ for their loved ones.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/fmc-umuahia-conducts-11th-successful-kidney-transplant-in-4-years-photos/

A consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist with the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia Abia State, Dr Nnabuike Okechukwu Ojiegbe, has been inducted as one of the first subspecialists in the subspecialty of Infertility and Assisted Reproduction in the Faculty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the West Africa College of Surgeons.

Dr. Ojiegbe who is the coordinator of the IVF programme of FMC Umuahia was inducted at the recently concluded 63rd Annual Conference of the West Africa College of Surgeons held in Lome, Togo.

ABN TV reports that the event was the culmination of the year-long hands-on training of post-fellowship specialist gynaecologists in the subspecialty of infertility and assisted reproduction, hosted by the only accredited institution in West Africa, the Nisa Premier Hospital, Abuja, under the auspices of the West Africa College of Surgeons(WACS).

This is another milestone by the management of Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, ably led by the Medical Director, Prof. Azubuike Onyebuchi, in positioning the facility for modern subspecialty service delivery across medical specialities by sponsoring deserving professionals to capacity and competence-building training.

FMC Umuahia reconstituted the fertility team of the IVF centre in 2016 with Dr Nnabuike Ojiegbe as the coordinator, and since then many fertility-challenged couples have been assisted by the unit to have children.

The maiden diplomate in Infertility and Assisted Reproduction of the WA college, Dr Nnabuike Ojiegbe, hails from Amaedukwu Nkpa, in Bende LGA of Abia state.

He trained and qualified as the first obstetrician and gynaecologist from the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia residency training programme and was subsequently appointed the first consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist wholly trained in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology in FMC Umuahia.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abia-born-medical-doctor-becomes-first-subspecialists-in-assisted-reproduction-ivf-in-west-africa-college-of-surgeons-photos/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu has said that his administration will on May 29 hand over a State that is stronger and better in every respect to the next administration.

The Governor made this known on Tuesday while receiving in audience the South East Inspection Monitoring Team from the National Economic Council.

Governor Ikpeazu in a statement by his chief press secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka made available to ABN TV, stated that every available sociopolitical and socio-economic index makes it clear that the requisite foundations have been laid for the next administration to build on.

According to the Governor, “from sociopolitical stability to socioeconomic development, peace and security and infrastructural renewal, Abia is way better than it was when we came on board”.

Continuing, the Governor added that, “apart from what is physically verifiable, we will bequeath to our successor a 30-year development plan for the State put in place together with international development partners, a comprehensive Masterplan for Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia put in place with the UN-HABITAT as well as an Industrial Policy done together with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). These will assist the next administration a great deal. These things were not there when we came on board”.

The Governor according to the release thanked the Team for coming to the State to see for themselves the extent of the efforts of his administration in the provision of Basic and Social Infrastructure for the people of Abia State. He used the opportunity to inform the people of Abia State that he will do everything possible to complete the multi Specialist Hospital inside the premises of the old Aba General Hospital, assuring you all the medical equipment for the hospital are already on ground while the massive hospital building is 95% completed.

“Speaking earlier, the Team Lead and Deputy Director, Special Duties of the National Economic Council, Mrs Dorothy Uwaoma told the Governor that the team was in the State pursuant to the resolution of the National Economic Council to move round the states in the country and get first-hand information on the projects and policies put in place across the states and to institute a peer review mechanism where states can learn from each other.

“She expressed satisfaction with what they saw during the tour and was particularly delighted with the Mother and Child Hospital at Umuahia as well as the Enyimba Automated Shoe Company Aba.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/im-handing-over-a-state-stronger-better-in-everything-than-i-met-ikpeazu/

Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said it will challenge the recently held governorship election in the state which produced Labour Party candidate, Alex Otti as the winner, ABN TV reports.

This comes days after the state governor appealed to candidates who lost in the governorship contest to support the incoming governor and avoid going to court.

According to him, as someone who spent over three years in court defending his mandate in court in the past, he will advise losing candidates to instead support the governor-elect.

This may have however fell on deaf ears as the State Working Committee, SWC and the enlarged State Executive Committee, SEC met on Tuesday and reviewed the results after collecting all the materials used in the conduct of the governorship and House of Assembly elections and decided to go to court to challenge the results.

The party in a release by Hon. Elder Abraham Amah, the state Vice Chairman/Acting State Publicity Secretary said of particular interest to them is the six local government areas where the BVAS machines were allegedly not used.

The statement read in part, "This decision is coming on the heels of members of the Labour Party taking its own candidates that won elections to court despite the honest and wise advise and appeal of the Abia State governor Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu that the winners of the election including the governor-elect, Alex Otti should be spared the burden of litigation which only serves to distract public officers from performing their duties and responsibilities.

"Abia PDP is shocked to note that at a time when it is making arrangements for a seamless and peaceful transition for the new government, it is the same Labour Party that was declared the winner that is trying to torpedo the process.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abia-pdp-ignores-ikpeazu-vows-to-challenge-alex-ottis-victory-in-court/

More photos

A yet-to-be-identified official of the Abia State Vigilante group has shot and killed one Izuchukwu Mbakwe, a 27-year-old staff of De Choice Eatery in Umuahia, Abia State.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubWOijTxf2I

Sources told ABN TV that the Dubai returnee was shot at a very close range on Sunday at the premises of De Choice in Okpara Square on his lap, leading to his death.

Mbakwe, a native of Umuosu Okaiuga Nkwoegwu in Ohuhu was said to have arrived for his normal duties when the Internal Auditor invited a Vigilante Security Guards and demanded his arrest over a missing "Nokia Torch" belonging to the company.

The overzealous guards were said to have stripped Izuchukwu beat him to a stupor, and shot him at his lap at close range with a Pump Action Riffle, which affected his Femoral Artery.

It was reported that it took an uproar from helpless customers for the victim to be brought to FMC Umuahia for treatment.

He however lost his life at the point when he was about to refer to a specialist hospital. He has been since deposited at the morgue.

A colleague of the late Mbakwe alleged that they are being owed up to 5 Months' salary arrears.

Mrs. Adaora Chukwuemeka an elder sister to the deceased confirmed that her brother has not been paid for five months, wondering why the employer has not communicated with the family.

In an emotionally-laden voice, she said the late Mbakwe was left under the rain to bleed to death, calling for justice for the brother.

Police spokesperson in the command, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna while confirming the incident faulted the action of the vigilante operatives, wondering why the accused was not handed over to the police for investigation.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/abia-vigilante-kills-27-year-old-izuchukwu-in-umuahia-popular-eatery-over-alleged-missing-companys-nokia-torch-phone-photos-video/

In appreciation for her integrity and honesty, Interpol Systems Consultant, Sir Chikwe Udensi has gifted INEC governorship returning officer in Abia State, Prof. Nnenna Oti the sum of N100m, ABN TV reports.

This came hours after another son of the state, Steven Ukpabi gifted her a brand new Prado Land Cruiser SUV.

Sir Udensi, a chieftain of APGA who sought the party's ticket for the governorship contest announced the gift on Thursday in a chat with ABN TV in Abuja.

Prof. Oti had presided over the collation of the March 18 governorship election in Abia state which produced Alex Otti of Labour Party as winner.

Otti secured a total of 175,466 to defeat his closest rival and candidate of the PDP, Okey Ahiwe who scored 88,526.

Prof. Oti, declared the LP candidate the winner at the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission in Umuahia, the state capital, Wednesday afternoon after completing the suspended collation of results.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/chikwe-udensi-gifts-abia-inec-returning-officer-prof-nnenna-oti-n100m/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Steven shared;

Reactions have continued to trail the declaration of ex-bank chief executive, Dr. Alex Otti as governor-elect of Abia State on Wednesday by the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC.

This time, an excited citizen, Steven Ukpabi has surprised the INEC returning officer, Prof. Nnenna Oti who presided over the collation of votes from the March 18 governorship election in the state which produced Otti as governor-elect.

Ukpabi, a native of Ututu in Arochukwu local government area of Abia is based in Abuja.

He is the Founder and Director, Treebones Concept Nigeria Limited, and also the CEO Sungai Pacific Nigeria Limited.

He told ABN TV on Thursday that his decision to gift a land cruiser Prado SUV he had earlier ordered for himself is borne out of excitement and Prof. Oti's resilience to withstand inducement to alter the electoral outcome.

"I ordered that car for myself, but because of the excitement, I have decided to give it to the lady (Prof. Oti) because my car was stolen two weeks ago here in Abuja so I had to make that order for myself.

"As it stands now, I am going to pass that car to Prof. Nnenna Oti. I think she deserves it", he said.

Earlier he had announced his decision to gift Prof. Oti the car on his Facebook page.

He wrote, "For your outstanding service to the people of Abia, I hereby request for this Prado to be delivered to Mrs Nnenna Nnennaya Oti immediately it arrives Nigeria next month.

"Thank you for your service in Abia.”

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/businessman-gifts-abia-inec-returning-officer-prof-oti-exotic-prado-suv-he-ordered-for-himself/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

A chieftain of the Labour Party, LP in Abia State and House of Representatives member-elect for Ikwuano/Umuahia federal constituency, Chief Obi Aguocha has said that Abia is on a keg of gunpowder and will explode if the wrong things are done.

While reacting to the delay in the announcement of winner of the Saturday’s governorship election in the state, the incoming House of Representatives member urged INEC to be firm and resolute in ensuring that they are not arm-twisted into doing the wrong thing.

Speaking with ABN TV on Tuesday, Aguocha said bigger states, including Lagos and Kano have since concluded their collation and announcement of results, blaming the desperation of the governing PDP whom he accused of attempting to win at all costs for the delay in announcement of results in Abia.

INEC had concluded collation on results in 16 out of 17 local government areas in Abia with the exception of Obingwa, the home local government of the outgoing governor Ikpeazu.

Aguocha accused PDP of inflating election figures in Obingwa, a local government he said has about 23,000 accredited voters in the Saturday’s elections but PDP is parading figures above 81,000 and 104,000 in separate result sheets, wanting INEC to validate the figures.

He said there is glaring over-voting in Obingwa as a result of BVAS bypass, calling on INEC to declare Labour Party governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Alex Otti winner of the election, having won 11 local governments with over 103,000 votes differential with his closest rival, Okey Ahiwe of the PDP.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/governorship-elections-abia-to-explode-if-wrong-things-are-done-lp-chieftain-aguocha-warns/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J

Abia State Police Command has announced the restriction of vehicular movement in the state as governorship and state assembly elections hold on Saturday, ABN TV reports.

The command's spokesman, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna in a statement made available to ABN TV on Friday said the restriction of vehicular movements takes effect from midnight of Friday to 6pm of Saturday 18/03/23, while that the command has placed a ban on Security escorts of VIPs to the polls, non-participation of State Security outfits on the election security management as well as unauthorized use of Sirens, covered number plates and tinted glasses.

The command announced that only those on essential duties such as INEC officials, Electoral Observers, Ambulances responding to Medical Emergencies, Fire-fighters, etc are exempted from restrictions on vehicular movements.

He said all security escorts and aides attached to VIPs and Politicians are sternly warned not to accompany their principals to polling units/ collation centres.

"The order which is part of measures emplaced to ensure a safe, secure, and conducive environment for the conduct of elections, is aimed at ensuring public order management, the safety of electorates, as well as assisting the security agencies ineffective policing, thereby preventing hoodlums and criminally-minded elements from disrupting the electoral process.

"The Commissioner of Police further warns that anyone found flouting this directive will be severely sanctioned and emphasizes that only security personnel specifically assigned to election duties are to be seen within and around the designated election booths and centres;

"While sympathizing with well-meaning citizens on the inconveniences the restriction may cause, the CP urges all active electorates to be law-abiding and turn out en masse to exercise their franchise.

"Shun vote buying, vote selling, hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation, snatching of ballot boxes, and other criminal act(s) as the Force and other security agencies will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all violators of extant laws, most especially the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), are brought to book".

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/police-impose-movement-restriction-in-abia-as-polls-hold-saturday/

A chieftain of All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia and an Interpol systems consultant, Sir Chikwe Udensi has said inability of people of the state to carry out a proper background check before electing leaders is one of the reasons the state still battles with perennial under-development.

Applauding the governorship election debate which took place recently in Umuahia, Sir Udensi said leadership is critical and requires all efforts to get it right.

Featuring in an audience participatory radio programme on Wednesday in Umuahia monitored by ABN TV, Sir Udensi who was present during the debate expressed happiness that the background of the candidates were probed.

Going memory lane, Sir Udensi recalled when employers used to make background checks before recruiting staff members, a practice he said has gone.

"In marriages and relationships, they ask where is the person coming from, who are his parents. If for instance, you are coming from a very bad parentage, if you are brought up by bad parents, the greater percentage of the chances is that you are going to be bad", he said.

While insisting that a snake will give birth to its own resemblance, he said public officeholders who were poorly raised will Inherit such defects from their parentage and bring same to leadership.

He revealed that one of those seeking to become the next Abia governor did not get a favourable remark from his employer as he was accused of being reckless with funds. He did not name the candidate.

According to Sir Udensi, in advanced countries, people do not get jobs if they don't have good track records, even to the extent of getting a property to rent.

He said what people did in the past will determine what they have the tendency of doing in the future.

Source: https://abntv.com.ng/news/failure-to-conduct-background-checks-before-electing-office-holders-contributing-to-poor-leadership-in-abia-udensi/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44, Seun, OAM4J