A group, Concerned Citizens of Abia North has called on the inspector General of police and the Director-General Of State Security Services to arrest and prosecute a former Senator of Abia North District, Mao Ohuabuanwa for impersonating as an incumbent senator.

The group said that Ohuabuanwa's opprobrious action is capable of causing serious confusion, stressing that his immediate arrest and prosecution will forestall duping innocent citizens with his expired mandate.

In a release made available to ABN TV, the group said their allegation of impersonation against Ohuabuanwa emanated from the Arochukwu LGA PDP Executive list after the LGA's Congress on 21 March which the former senator consciously signed as an incumbent senator.

They cautioned Ohuabuanwa to desist from arrogating himself an office he is not legally occupying, stressing that his actions run contrary to section 484 of the Nigerian 1999 constitution as amended.

The release reads in part, "The attention of the General Public is hereby drawn to the attached article signed by Mao Ohuabunwa today 21st March 2020 whereby he purportedly arrogated himself as a senator. One would have ignored it as part of his desperate scheming and perhaps an oversight.

"But for him to consciously sign a document in the name of an office that he has become functus officio and to append his signature above a serving Honorable member in the house of Representatives from his local government and also other occupiers of various government offices did not only run foul of established protocols but also has internment to deceive the public into believing he still occupied the office.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/impersonation-group-calls-for-mao-ohuabuanwas-arrest/

Cc; Lalasticlala, MissyB3, Fynestboi, Mynd44

More photos

An Umuahia based comedian, Onyendilefu Chinagorom popularly known as LANDLORD THE COMEDIAN has shocked the world when he took his newly born baby, Success Chiziterem Destiny to church with a tractor on Sunday, March 15, 2020.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WfxHxXG_Y_0

In a chat with ABN TV on Sunday, the comedian said the reason he did that is to exhibit his creativity in the business of entertainment in a way that suits him and also encourage people to use whatever ride they have to church.

Recall that the comedian during his wedding arrived at the venue of his reception with a tipper in a way that got people talking.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/abia-comedian-takes-his-first-child-to-church-with-tractor-during-dedication-photos-video/

more photos

Barely a week after the lifeless body of a woman was found wrapped in a sack bag dumped near Amachara general hospital, opposite Assemblies Of God Church Umuokpara in Umuahia South local government area of Abia state, another dead body of a baby boy has emerged.

The lifeless baby was packed in a black polythene bag and abandoned around Crowther by Ibeku Road in Umuahia, Abia State, ABN TV reports.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/lifeless-baby-in-polythene-bag-discovered-in-umuahia-street-graphic-photos/

more

The Executive Director of popular online medium Igbere TV, Mr. Emeh James Anyalekwa, has been released.

He was abducted by unknown gunmen on Thursday in the Kubwa area of Abuja.

His younger brother, Prince Udochukwu Eme, confirmed this in a statement made available to ABN TV on Friday, in Abuja.

ABN TV recalls that Anyalekwa, who doubles as National President of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), was adopted in a gestapo manner.

The development sent cold shivers down the spines of friends and family of the Abia-born journalist, with his phone lines switched off and online platforms “hacked”.

Breaking the news of his freedom, Anyalekwa’s brother, Udochukwu said the Igbere TV Director regained freedom late Friday.

“He (Anyalekwa) breathed the air of freedom at about 4:30pm when he arrived (location withheld)”, he said, declining further comments.

The statement quoted Udochukwu as saying, “I am excited to inform you that my elder brother has (finally) regained freedom...,” while addressing journalists.

He thanked the wonderful people of Nigeria for their pronounced concerns and demand for the immediate release of Mr. Anyalekwa.

“Nigerians in unison showed that suppression of journalists is frontal attack on freedom of the press.

“Though worn out, yet Anyalekwa has asked me to extend his gratitude to all Nigerians”, he added, hinting that his brother would be undergoing medical check-up soon.

The Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, could not be reached for comments.

https://abntv.ng/2020/03/breaking-igbere-tv-boss-regains-freedom/

more info

The website and Facebook page of popular online medium, Igbere TV have been hacked after its Executive Director, Emeh James Anyalekwa was abducted in Abuja on Thursday.

Anyalekwa was last seen around Kubwa area of the nation's capital at about 7pm, with his current location still unknown.

As at the time of filing this report, all the editors of the online medium have been removed as admin from the website and Facebook page.

All attempts by the editors to access the website's c-panel/admin login area did not yield any positive result.

Speaking with ABN TV over the ugly situation, a staff of Igbere TV said they woke up to a ‘report’ on both their website and Facebook page with the headline, "Igbere TV boss dead".

The staff, however, denied making such publication, revealing that the last post made by their known editors was Thursday night moments after the abduction of Anyalekwa.

A statement subsequently made available to ABN TV in Abuja by the management team of Igbere TV, confirmed the development.

“The management and staff of Igbere TV are still worried about the whereabouts of our Executive Director, Emeh James Anyalekwa.

“As at 7:00pm on Thursday till this very moment, all his known phone lines are switched off and messages sent to his WhatsApp, Facebook not replied.

“While still worried, dejected and devastated about the whereabouts of our boss, the staff woke up this morning to a post on the website and Facebook page with the headline, ‘Igbere TV Boss Dead’.

“We wish to state categorically that the report did not emanate from us as all our editors have been unable to access the website and Facebook page since Thursday.”

Igbere TV, however, revealed that necessary calls have been made to ascertain the whereabouts of their boss, while calling on security agencies to arrest the situation.

“We are calling on security agencies across the country to unravel the circumstances behind the abduction of our boss, and breadwinner of his family.

“Please we need our Director back, safe and sound in earnest as both his staff and family members are devastated by the sudden development,” the statement added.

While calling for calm over the situation, Igbere TV called on readers and fans of the online medium to ignore any subsequent news or malicious content on its various platforms as they have been hacked.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/update-igbere-tv-website-facebook-page-hacked-after-the-abduction-of-its-boss-in-abuja-photos/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

Sitting Presidents will no longer enjoy immunity in criminal matters if the alteration being proposed to the 1999 Constitution by the Senate sails through.

Also to lose immunity is the Vice President, Governors and their deputies in the impending alteration.

This followed the second reading of a Bill titled: “A Bill for an Act to alter the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 to qualify criminal liability for certain public officers under Section 308” sponsored by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege.

The explanatory memorandum of the Bill stated that: “This act provides for qualification of the immunity clause to exclude immunity for Public Officers referred to in Section 308 from criminal liability where the offence involves misappropriation of funds belonging to the Federal, State or Local Government and also the use of thugs to foment violence.”

Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) reads: “(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Constitution, but subject to subsection (2) of this section –

“(a) no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a person to whom this section applies during his period of office;

“(b) a person to whom this section applies shall not be arrested or imprisoned during that period either in pursuance of the process of any court or otherwise; and

“(c) no process of any court requiring or compelling the appearance of a person to whom this section applies, shall be applied for or issued:

“Provided that in ascertaining whether any period of limitation has expired for the purposes of any proceedings against a person to whom this section applies, no account shall be taken of his period of office.

“(2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section shall not apply to civil proceedings against a person to whom this section applies in his official capacity or to civil or criminal proceedings in which such a person is only a nominal party.

“(3) This section applies to a person holding the office of President or Vice-President, Governor or Deputy Governor; and the reference in this section to “period of office” is a reference to the period during which the person holding such office is required to perform the functions of the office.”

The proposed Bill provides that a President, Vice President, Governors and Deputy Governors shall lose their immunity if they are investigated by security and anti-graft agencies, including the courts.

The Bill said in part that: “Section 308 of the Principal Act is altered by (a) Substituting for subsection (2), a new subsection “(2)”

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/breaking-senate-to-remove-immunity-for-president-vice-president-governors-deputy-governors/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

A 26 years old lady identified as Chinazaekpere Uwadineke has allegedly abducted a six months old baby belonging to her boyfriend who she said never told her he was married, ABN TV reports.

The baby was later found dead in a gutter at Afara, Umuahia Local Government Area in Abia State.

She committed the act on Monday, 9th of March 2020 at about 1:45pm.

According to the state Commissioner of Police, Etim Ene Okon who spoke to ABN TV, the command received a tip off and immediately swung to action.

"A report was made that a six months old baby was missing and on investigation, it was discovered that the baby’s body was found dead in a gutter.

"It was made known to us that the culprit visited the compound of the deceased and found out that the mother left the child in the care of other older children.

"She went ahead to deceive the babysitter that the mother asked her to bring the child. The babysitter innocently handed the baby to her and aong the line, we do not know what she did to the baby but the child was found dead in a gutter. We arrested the culprit and took the child away.

"She later confessed that, she is a friend to the father of the deceased and they’ve been dating for sometimes now but the man didn’t tell her he is married with children.

"Out of provocation, she had to find a means of getting the child killed. Right now she is undergoing investigation and the dead child is in the morgue" the CP explained.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/breaking-angry-side-chic-kills-boyfriends-baby-for-not-telling-her-he-was-married-in-abia/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

The newly appointed chairman of Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa has assured political actors that the Commission under his watch will not be compromised even as the state prepares for local government election.

Abia State House of Assembly had on Tuesday screened and confirmed the nomination of Prof Mkpa Agu Mkpa as Chairman, Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC).

The screening which took place in the executive session of the Assembly was presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji MNSE.

In his chat with newsmen after the screening, Prof Mkpa expressed satisfaction with the quality of questions thrown at him by the lawmakers saying he was able to convince them that he would not only be an unbiased arbiter but that he would also conduct free and fair elections where the will of the people would prevail.

He therefore warned anyone nursing the idea of trying to compromise the Commission to jettison such idea and test their popularity in the field as the commission under his leadership would remain forthright in the discharge of its duties.

Prof Mkpa also confirmed that he is not a card carrying member of any political party and that those who are alleging so because of the offices he held in the past were mistaking his service to the State to mean service to a political party. "They are two different things", he quipped. He therefore challenged anyone with any evidence that he belongs to any political party to come forward with such evidence. "I have a job to do, to ensure we conduct elections that are free, fair and credible, and that is my focus" warning those with forged certificates not to bother coming forward to stand for elective positions because "we will find them out", he concluded.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/abia-lg-election-absiec-cant-be-compromised-under-me-prof-mkpa-assures-contestants/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

An early morning fire on Wednesday razed the building material market in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The inferno which started around 4am, reportedly emanated from a standby articulated vehicle parked inside the market.

ABN TV gathered men of the fire service, who were immediately contacted, were still battling with the fire as at press time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5MEGDA9GWY

The State Fire fighter chief, Engr Martin Agbili confirmed the incident.

He said: “There is Fire outbreak this early morning at Building material market Ogidi at about 0400hrs.

“Our firefighters and fire trucks at Onitsha and Awka were deployed to the fire scene.

“The fire outbreak emanated from a standby loaded lorry packed inside the market. The content or the goods loaded at the packed lorry is not yet known.

“We are still at the fire scene. Although the fire is under control. No life lost during the incident.”

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/breaking-fire-guts-anambra-market-video/

The lifeless body of an unidentified middle aged woman on Thursday was found wrapped in a sack bag dumped near Amachara general hospital, opposite Assemblies Of God Church Umuokpara in Umuahia South local government area of Abia state.

ABN TV learnt that the corpse was first taken to Amankwo police station for a proper investigation..

According to a police source, the corpse has been deposited at the Federal Medical Center (FMC) Umuahia.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/panic-grips-abia-community-as-police-recover-corpse-wrapped-in-sack-bag-graphic-photos/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

A middle aged man, Chidiebere Christopher Nwoke has lost his life after a dangerous snake bit him during bush clearing in Umuahia, the Abia State capital.

The late Mr Nwoke is a native of Umueke Ekerifeze Umuajata Olokoro in Umuahia south local government area of Abia state.

ABN TV gathered that this development has put the people of the community in a state of mourning as the young man was said to be full of life and hard working.

Our correspondent gathered that late Nwoke had gone to farm alongside his younger brother when the tragic incident happened.
He said Nwoke unknowingly inflicted a machete cut on a dangerous viper snake known as “AJUALA”.

In an effort to gather the cleared bush with his hands, the snake bit him on his left hand which resulted to the swelling of the hand.

However, he was rushed to an anti poison native doctor who gave him some herbal drugs to stabilize him.

He later passed on and has since been deposited in the mortuary.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/stop-following-the-buried-biafra-trust-in-nigeria-ex-apc-presidential-aspirant-tells-ndigbo/

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other Christian organizations have expressed worry over what they call the speed at which the federal government is releasing arrested terrorists, rehabilitating and sending them back to the society.

They also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to explore the option of foreign help to end the spate of killings in the country particularly the Boko Haram insurgency.

This is contained in a communique made available to ABN TV at the end of a colloquium held on Monday the 2nd of March 2020 by the Christian community at Vision Africa complex Umuahia, Abia state.

The communique was signed by the South South CAN chairman, Archbishop Dr. Ege Israel Eniyekemini and the south East CAN chairman, Bishop Dr. Goddy Okafor.

The communique read;

"Going by the outrageous spate of terrorism, radicalism, and insecurity of lives and properties of citizens, the federal government was admonished to seek the help of the international community in the face of these daunting challenges, if it must ensure reconciliation and sustainable peace.

"We all value the principle of the sanctity of life, and we call for its practice in truism. The violence that is conducted in the name of God, is a desecration of his name, a crime against those who are created in His image, and a debasement of faith. The proper means of solving conflict and disagreement is by deliberate negotiation and dialogue only.

"We vehemently call for the cessation of incitement, misrepresentation and distortion of the image of the other and of the neighbor. Drawing upon the religious traditions, and our understanding of what is best for our communities and peoples, we call for a solution that recognizes the rights of Christians to exist in dignity.

"Religious leaders bear a special responsibility to contribute to the desired peace. We urge the political leadership to work toward solutions they are accountable before God and the communities of believers to advance peace and tirelessly strive to stop the wanton killings and waste of precious lives/

"We call on the government to improve on intelligence gathering and deployment of modern technology to track and monitor the operations of the insurgents.

"There is an urgent need to sincerely rejig and decentralize Nigerian security arrangements for efficiency.

"We acknowledge and totally adopt the security formations in the southwest and join an alliance with our brothers” efforts in securing their borders and communities.

"As leaders who are concerned and pained by the level of insecurity in the land, we call on the government to strengthen security surveillance within and around our land borders. The porosity of our borders has guaranteed free inter-country movement with little or no checks, worsened by the visa-on-arrival policy. We demand a reversal of this policy/

"We call on the government to make it a point of duty to inform Nigerians what is being done to curb the insecurity in Nigeria. Nigerians on a daily basis are being fed with different kinds of security information with the government sometimes saying something on the contrary. Nigerian government should protect Nigerians no matter the tribe and religion.

"The leaders also expressed worry about the speed in which arrested terrorists are being released, rehabilitated and sent back to the society as repentant terrorists. We are deeply worried why the government should be pampering such killer terrorists who have not in any way justified their action against Nigerians. This development is not only worrisome but demoralizes the morale of gallant soldiers.

"The Anti- open grazing bill should be adopted and enacted into law in all the southern states, so as to preserve our farmlands and secure our households.

https://abntv.ng/2020/03/release-of-arrested-terrorists-were-worried-can-cries-out/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

The Abia state chairman of the APC, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa has accused the ruling People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the state of being afraid to face it at the local government election.

He alleged that the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has refused to fix a particular date for the conduct of local government election to take place but rather making use of caretaker committee, emphasizing that the use of caretaker committee to run the local governments is alien to the constitution.
He stated this in a chat with ABN TV in Umuahia on Monday.

He described as nebulous comment the governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s pronouncement that the local government election in the state will take place between now and September without a definite date and timetable.

“Caretakerism is an aberration at all levels. The constitution made it clear that a democratic system of administration of local government is guaranteed by the constitution. Any other thing any other person is doing is illegality” he added.

He challenged the governor to fix a date for local government election in the state to see the performance of APC as a testament for what will be expected in 2023.

https://abntv.ng/2020/03/abia-pdp-jittery-afraid-to-face-us-at-lg-election-apc/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu on Tuesday met with the President of the Africa Development Bank, AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina on the financing of critical infrastructure in the state.

ABN TV gathered that the meeting earlier reported has already started yielding positive returns for the State with strong assurances that the Bank will work in partnership with the State Government in the development of critical infrastructure.

In a statement signed his Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, Esq Governor Ikpeazu led a team from the Abia State Government which met with the Bank management on Tuesday at the Bank Headquarters in Abidjan where a number of issues affecting infrastructural development, agriculture and women empowerment in the State were discussed.

The Governor's presentation dealt with the need for institutional support for the state in the area of financing critical infrastructure as a strategy to help develop the local economy in the State.

Describing the people of Abia State as enterprising, industrious, hardworking and innovative, Governor Ikpeazu stated that if the needed funding for the upgrade of key infrastructural projects were provided, it will go a long way in the quest to strengthen the economy of the state and help to transform the State, especially the city of Aba into a major economic hub, not just for Nigeria but the entire African continent.

The Governor requested the Bank President to fast track the approval process for the Abia State Integrated Infrastructural Project since the State Government has fulfilled all conditions stipulated by the bank in this direction. He also requested that the Bank buys into the Enyimba Economic City Project, describing it as the most ambitious economic development project in the country presently.

In the area of agriculture, Governor Ikpeazu told the Bank Chief that Abia has crossed the rubicon in local production of rice with plans to increase the production this year. He stated that the natural rice fields in the Bende area of the State have the potential to produce enough rice to cater for local consumption which will invariably improve the economy of the rice producers, create jobs and improve the economy.

He drew the attention of Bank to the production capabilities of the state in Palm Oil, Cassava, Cocoa and Cashew, and requested the Bank to assist the State to improve the value chain of these products through institutional financing.

Responding, the President of the African Development Bank and Nigeria's former Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina thanked the Governor for the visit and assured him that the Bank is satisfied with the clarity of the vision of the Governor for his people and will definitely partner with the State in several areas.

He gave specific assurances that the development of the Enyimba Economic City Project is top on the agenda of the Bank owing to its capacity to turn around the economy of the South East region of the country.

He also assured that the process of approval for the Abia State Integrated Infrastructural Project has reached advanced stages and will soon be presented before the Board of the Bank for necessary action.

He noted that the city of Aba has the capacity to become a major economic hub owing to the productive capacity and entrepreneurial ingenuity of the people.

On women empowerment, the Bank President told the Governor that the Bank has an economic stimulus program specifically designed for women called the AFFIRMATIVE FINANCE ACTION FOR WOMEN IN AFRICA. Under this program, the Bank, in recognition of the critical roles played by the African woman in the economic development of Africa, has developed the program which will leverage the Bank's financial instruments to increase lending to women.

The program, Dr. Adesina continued, is a $300 Million risk sharing instrument to unlock $3 Billion in credit for women businesses and enterprises in Africa.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/ikpeazu-begs-afdb-for-key-infrastructural-finding-enyimba-economic-city-project/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

THE founder and director of Adoration Ministry, Enugu, Nigeria, AMEN, Rev Fr. Ejike Mbaka said he has forgiven the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Most Rev Dr Callistus Onaga and every other person that attacked him and called for his head when he prophesied the All Progressives Congress, APC, take over of Imo state on January 31 this year.

Mbaka made the pardon in his second Thanksgiving and praises at his Adoration Ground in Enugu, on Wednesday.

He made the Thanksgiving in celebration of Supreme Court’s quashing of Hon. Emeka Ihedioha’s appeal for review of judgment that gave Senator Hope Uzodinma governorship of Imo state.

At the wake of the crisis generated by Mbaka’s prophecy, Bishop Onaga reportedly instructed Catholic faithful to disregard Mbaka’s prophecy.

The Adoration Chief Priest wondered why there was much interest about his Imo state prophecy when he prophesied late General Sani Abacha’s death, late President Umaru Yar’Adua, as well as President Mohammadu Buhari’s take over from former President Goodluck Jonathan.

“All these came to pass, why is this one so catastrophic? Those who attacked me, who is now a loser, Is it you or me? Holy Spirit told me that Hope Uzodima was going to become the governor of Imo state and I asked should I say your own? I should obey God rather.

“My joy is that Ihedioha and co who wanted to act as Queen of Persia, to swallow the God’s gift given to Imolites were put to shame yesterday (Tuesday) by the apex court of the nation. It is now the end of the road for Ihedioha. Uzodinma can now relax and carry out his outstanding job in Imo.

“If not because of God, the message of January 31st would have been truncated. When the judgment saga was going on, I was in my chapel praying, at the time they went for brake, I left the chapel and wanted to go and see people, on my way, a message came to me that I should return to chapel to avoid being put to shame. It is not over! I went back to chapel, continued my intercession till 3 pm they finished the case. So, I heard from above,” Mbaka said.

He cautioned the Church and all those who are perturbed by his God’s gift, that they should know his gift did not just come when he became a priest.

“When I was in Primary and secondary school I had started seeing the vision and doing mysterious things about God.”

“Attacking me is a waste of time, that will not stop God in sending messages to me. So you attackers, use your time and do mean something for yourself.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/father-mbaka-celebrates-hope-uzodinma-says-he-forgives-his-attackers/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

Ikpeazu to meet Africa Development Bank President Over Project Funding

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu will on Tuesday meet with the President of the Africa Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina in Abidjan, the capital of Cote D'Ivoire.

The meeting, which is at the instance of Dr. Adesina is a follow up to the earlier meeting between the Governor and the Bank President during the Africa Investment Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa late last year, will involve technical teams from both sides aimed at pushing further and sealing major deals on infrastructure and agro processing.

The Africa Development Bank in a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onyebuchi Ememanka and made available to ABN TV is the funder of the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Project which is designed to fast track massive development of infrastructure in the State, especially in Aba and Umuahia.

In the last four years, a lot of work has been done by the Abia team in compliance with the strict international standards of the Bank in developing a blueprint for the projects which involves massive rehabilitation of 18 roads covering a total of 138 kilometers. This process has now reached advanced stages with the pre-qualification of companies whose bids passed the technical evaluation of the Bank already completed.

Today's meeting is expected to cap the engagements and set the tone for the immediate commencement of the evaluation of the financial bids of the six companies that made it to this stage which will finally lead to the award of contracts for the rehabilitation of these roads.

Another key component of today's meeting will be the new collaboration between the Bank and the Abia State Government in the area of agro processing.
Governor Ikpeazu intends to seek the cooperation of the Bank in the development of the value chain in the production of key agricultural products like Palm Oil, Rice, Cocoa, Cassava, Maize and Cashew. Preliminary talks on this had also taken place in South Africa last year.

https://abntv.ng/2020/03/ikpeazu-to-meet-africa-development-bank-president-over-project-funding/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

The Abia state chapter chairman of All Progressives Congress, APC, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa has finally broken his silence in the lingering war of words between the governorship candidate of the party in the state in the 2019 election, Uche Ogah and a member of the BoT, Prince Benjamin Apugo over accusation that Ogah in aided the PDP, the ruling party in the state to truncate the party’s chances in the election.

Hon. Donatus Nwankpa in a chat with ABN TV on Monday called on bigwigs of the party in the state to sheath their swords and allow peace to reign even as the party explores all avenues to enhance its chances in 2023.

Nwankpa said the party at this time cannot allow itself to be mired in internal wrangling, calling for all members and supporters of the party to remain calm.

“We cannot exhaust our energy in intra disagreement. We have a lot do to ahead. In APC, we are putting our house in order. Whatever were our shortcomings in the last election, not just in Abia but across the country, every effort is being made to ensure we get things right. We are appealing for all frayed nerves to calm down so that we can unite as one family” he said.

He called on the parties to be open to the principle of forgiveness and reconciliation, appealing to chieftains on the party to at all times be guided in their utterances.

Hon. Nwankpa also said his party has the popularity, membership and support of people of the state for what he called a change that is desired in the state come 2023, insisting that the party is strategizing and not ready to engage in meaningless altercations with the ruling party in the state. “The time for action is coming. The problem I have in Nigerian politics is that people at all times politick. We have a tenure of four years and within four years we should have at a time in our life say this is the time for governance, this is time for politics.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/abia-apc-crisis-sheath-your-swords-allow-piece-to-reign-nwankpa/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

more photos

The Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has called on Abians and Nigerians in general to always show gratitude to God for his numerous blessings and privileges upon them.

He gave this advice during the 2020 opening ceremony, dedication and special Thanksgiving service of the Umuahia Presbyterian Church of Nigeria in honour of Justice Onuoha Ogwe on his recent appointment as the Chief Judge of Abia State and Elder Ifeanyi Agbai on his meritorious retirement as a Permanent Secretary held at the St Peter's Presbyterian church, Abiriba street, Umuahia,

Represented by his deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, the governor thanked God for elevating Justice Onuoha Ogwe as the State's Chief Judge and for granting Elder Ifeanyi Agbai the grace to reach the peak of his carrier and retired meritoriously without blemish and applauded them for not taking the blessings and privilege from God for granted by coming to acknowledge Him in Thanksgiving.

He congratulated the two celebrants praying that the wonderful works done in their lives would be permanent and warned people against taking the gift of life, blessings and saving grace from God for granted but to always reciprocate through thanks and praises to God to attract more blessings.

He also expressed the resolve of the present administration to partner and sustain the robust relationship existing between the Presbyterian Church and other Churches across the state.

The governor also used the forum to assure the leadership of the church that the issues hindering the commencement and completion of work at Hope Waddle University Ohafia will be resolved by government.

In his sermon titled," Shine While You Are Here" the Moderator South Central Synod and Guest Preacher, The Rt Rev. Ikechukwu Nduka who maintained that for Christians to shine, they must surrender themselves to God as well as do away with sinful habits, stressed the need for all to make impact in the household of God by contributing financially and winning souls for God.

Presenting their address, the Moderator of Umuahia Presbyterian Church, the Very Rev. Chukwuma Kalu Okorie listed the achievements recorded by the Umuahia Presbyterian and challenges confronting them in actualizing their dreams and called on all to partner the church by supporting them financially to enable them address their ecclesiastical burden together.

Highlights of the service were Thanksgiving by the two celebrants, Justice Onuoha Ogwe and Elder Ifeanyi Agbai and prayers of dedication of political office holders, Civil Servants, Ministers, Elder, different arms of the Presbyterian, Students among others by the Prelate and Moderator General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, His Eminence, Nzi Nsi Eke.

https://abntv.ng/2020/03/ikpeazu-warns-against-taking-gods-blessings-for-granted/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

The State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu says his administration is very passionate in realizing its first ever Airport that would be of international standard.

Dr Ikpeazu who stated this when he received in audience, the Abia Airport Project Team led by their Chairman and President, Eskom plc, Chief Philip Orjiako in his office noted that the state government is looking towards performing the ground breaking ceremony next month to enable them realize the project before the expiration of his administration in the state.

The Governor represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr A.C.B Agbazuere while describing the Abia Airport Project Team as the best hands for the project noted that the new proposed abia airport is very dear to the state as it will go a long way in opening open up more developmental channels, enhance inter-state relations as well as boost economic activities across the South South and South Eastern States.

The State Chief Executive further urged the project team to redouble their efforts and show more commitment towards realizing the airport in record time and assured the team of government partnership, support as well as adequate security throughout the duration of the project.

https://abntv.ng/2020/03/breaking-ikpeazu-moves-to-build-abia-airport-vows-to-complete-before-2023/

No fewer than 20 project scheduled to be executed at Abia North Senatorial District has been captured in the 2020 budget, ABN TV reports.

This is in line with the senator's effort to attract massive infrastructure and developmental projects to the area to enhance the People's standard of living.

This is even as the Senator representing the district, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu assures the people of total inclusiveness, maintaining that they will not lose anything even in his absence.

Among the projects attracted by senator Orji Uzor Kalu as captured in this years budget are as follows:

1. Construction of 2km road with asphalt and drainage at Elele road Ohafia junction in Bende LGA

2. Construction of 2km road with asphalt and drainage at Ameke_Apaanu Item road in Bende LGA.

3. Provision of motorised boreholes each at Amaekpu, Amaugwu, and Federal Government College Ohafia In Ohafia LGA

4. Provision of motorised boreholes each at umuobasi, igbere secondary school Ezeukwu, Ikagbue item all in Bende LGA

5. Drilling of motorised borehole at Aroikpa and Isuochi in Umunneochi LGA

6. Construction of 2km road with asphalt and drainage at Arochukwu LGA

7. Construction of 5km rural road (2km phase 1) for rural farmers with asphalt and drainage at akanukwu in ohafia LGA.

8.Construction of 2km road with drainages and asphalt from Arochukwu road (chief Joe Ezearo house) to Atani Ihechiowa, Arochukwu LGA.

9. Construction of 2km road with drainage and asphalt from Umuobasi Amankalu to Abiriba Ohafia road.

10. Construction of 1km rural road with drainage and asphalt from Amoku Amakwu in Alayi, Bende LGA.

11. Drilling of motorised borehole at Ndiagbo Mkporo, Amiri Mkporo, Aro town Arochukwu

12, Rehabilitation of 2 primary school blocks in Ohafia LGA

13, Rehabilitation of 3 primary school blocks in Bende LGA

14, Rehabilitation of 3 primary school blocks in Ndiagwu Abam, Ozuabam, and Aro town in Arochukwu LGA

14, Rehabilitation of 2 primary school blocks in Nneato and such in Umunneochi LGA

15, Construction of 3km (2km phase 1) for rural farmers with asphalt and drainage at Amaiyi Amibo road in Isuikwuato LGA

16. Construction of 8km road (2km phase 1) with drainage and asphalt at Bende road Itumbuzor in Bende LGA

17, Rehabilitation of Okafia, Umuisi and Onuibina erosion sites in Bende/ Ohafia which is ongoing

18, Rehabilitation of 2 primary school blocks in Isuikwuato LGA

19, Construction of 5km rural road (2km phase 1) for farmers with asphalt and drainage at Isingwu road in Ohafia LGA.

As well as supplies of motorcycles and sewing machines to indigenes of Abia North senatorial district.

Read more at: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/20-projects-for-abia-north-captured-in-2020-budget-as-sen-kalu-assures-them-inclusiveness/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

The Prelate and Moderator of General Assembly, The Presbyterian Church of Nigeria His Eminence Nzie Nsi Eke has expressed displeasure over the targeted attack by Boko Haram terrorists against Christian-dominated territories, saying killing of Christians in the country is a sad age long experience.

He made this known in Umuahia on Saturday in a chat with ABN TV.

The clergy who is in the Abia State capital for 2020 dedication service of all Presbyterians and a communion service expressed optimism that despite all efforts to injure the Christian faith, if believers anchor their faith in God, such attempts will be futile.

According to the Prelate, God will grant ultimate protection to all those who believe in Him, adding that evil shall not triumph over good.

"Where others see giant, Christians will see ant. Where others see defeat, Christians will see victory. The God who created the entire universe, the God who built His own church and said no power of the enemy will overtake it, He will deliver what He has said" he added.

While maintaining that the plans of the evil one against Christ’s body will be rendered powerless, he called on Christian across the country not to entertain fear in their service to their Creator.

Read more at: https://abntv.ng/2020/03/killing-of-christians-age-long-experience-presbyterian-prelate-recommends-solutions/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

More photos

The remains of late Rev. Fr. Cosmas Ahamefula Ekwuribe were on Thursday laid to rest in Aba, Abia State in an atmosphere of weeping and wailing among his colleagues and family members, ABN TV reports.

He passed on at the age of 39.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1n7m7JrXAQ
His burial followed a requem mass celebrated at the Christ the King Cathedral, Aba by His Lordship, Most Rev. Prof. Augustine Ndubueze Echema, Catholic Bishop of Aba.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/02/39-year-old-catholic-priest-who-died-in-sleep-laid-to-rest-in-aba-amidst-tears-photosvideo/

The CEO Godfather Productions, a popular music entrepreneur, Michael Uchenna Ogoke has indicated interest to reach a memorandum of understanding with ABN TV on how to promote entertainment in the Eastern Nigeria through discovery of young talents in the region.

He made this known in Umuahia in a chat with our correspondent on Tuesday.

He stated that it is time to strike a collaboration with ABN TV to forge ahead with Eastern Zone entertainment industry as a way to get young people who are talented engaged.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAfzDdYiXiE
Ogoke popularly known as Godfather who is based in South Africa had returned for the burial of his uncle, Sen. Benjamin Uwajumogu which took place last week in Imo State.

While sympathizing with the family of the Late Senator, he described him as a role model and pray God to accept his soul.

Godfather Productions had produced respected names in the music industry in Nigeria which include Davido, Psquare, Yemi Alade, Phyno, Wizkid, Flavour and others within the African region.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2020/02/breaking-abn-tv-godfather-productions-to-sign-mou-to-promote-entertainment-in-eastern-zone/

The Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP E. Ene Okon has said the swift intervention of the command in the communal clash between Isu in Arochukwu local government area of the state and Utuma in Baise local government of Cross River State stopped further escalation of conflicts.

In an interview with ABN TV, CP Okon said the command under his leadership deployed mobile policemen to the troubled area who ensured that the clash allegedly caused by boundary dispute is dealt with.

"There is a boundary dispute between Isu in Arochukwu local government of Abia State and Utuma in Baise local government of Cross River State. We have number of mobile police positioned there for over ten months and there have been no crises reported about there before.

"What we heard and saw all happened on the 3rd of January 2020, when some persons from Utuma community in Odukpani local government of Cross River state vied into Isu,the youth of isu captured them and beat them up. We took the mobile police and the DPO to the scene and they were pleading for over 2 to 3hrs for them to release them but they insisted that they want to kill one of them.
"We were able to rescue those people, we took them to the hospital and later smuggled them out to Utuma. Nothing else happened other than that.

"Then the Utuma people went back for a revenge mission in which they succeeded in killing one person and injured some. The mobile police went in there and everything was calm, there have not been any open confrontation, what happened was just a revenge mission which we curtailed in some hours" he said.

He also commended the Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for the support he has given the command since the commencement of the operation.

“Let me appreciate the state government, since I started that operation, he has been paying them allowances on regular basis to sustain them.

Read more at: https://abntv.ng/2020/02/how-we-restored-calm-in-isu-utuma-communal-clash-abia-cp/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44

The Ministry of Education in Abia state, has shutdown over fifty illegal schools in the State.

In a statement made available to ABN TV by the Commissioner of Education, Kanelechi C. K Nwangwa, said the closure of the schools is part of the efforts of the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, through the Ministry of Education to give the Abia Child Quality Education in the right environment.

According to the statement, the over fifty schools which have been shutdown have been discovered to be operating in residential buildings, warehouses, halls and in very unconducive environments.

"To save the situation and further serve the Abia Public and give the Abia Child Quality and right education, the Ministry of Education has decided to start publishing the names of the Closed Schools for the attention of members of the public. This will be a continuous process till all the Local Government Areas are covered. The Schools, their locations and other information are as follows :"

1. UMUAHIA NORTH LGA AS AT MONDAY 13TH JANUARY, 2020.

1. Name of School - Salem Mission School
Address - No 3, Eme Ikwueche Street, World Bank Housing Estate, Umuahia.
Type of School - Creche/ Nursery, Primary and Secondary
Observation - Residential building with multiple campuses, classrooms too small and properly ventilated.
Remark - Close

2. Name of School - Emmanuel Presbyterian Academy
Address - Road 2, Low Cost , World Bank Housing Estate, Umuahia.
Type of School - Creche / Nursery and Primary
Observation - School in demarcated Church Hall, Noise interference. Not conducive for learning.
Remark - Close

3. Name of School - Rich God
Address - Bende Road, Umuahia.
Type of School - refused to open their door
Observation - Refused to open their door
Remark - Close

4. Name of School - Confidence Christian Academy
Address - Amuzukwu Ibeku
Type of School - Nursery and Primary
Observation - Running combined classes in a very small space
Remark - Close

Read More At: https://abntv.ng/2020/02/breaking-abia-govt-shuts-down-over-50-schools/

Cc; lalasticlala, Mynd44