₦airaland Forum

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The academic staff workers of Abia state college of education (TECH) Arochukwu, under the umbrella of Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) in company of other union members across the southeast zone on Thursday, December 19, 2019, carried out a peaceful protest to the Abia state house of assembly and the government house of Abia state demanding their salary arrears of 25 months, and the ultimatum given to lecturers to obtain a master’s degree within two months, amongst other agitations.

The protesters were seen carrying various placards with inscriptions that portrays their agitation.

Speaking with newsmen was comrade Dr. B.B.C Onwanbuoke, former coordination of the southeast zone of college of Education academic staff union in Nigeria. He said: “The major purpose of this demonstration is that this institution is been owed salary of 25 months and the latest straw that broke the camel’s back is the draconian law or circular that says if you don’t have a master’s degree, you are given two months to acquire a master’s degree or you leave.”

After a long wait at the Abia state house of Assembly without anyone addressing them or knowing the reason for their protest, they took their agitation to the Abia state government house were the chief of staff, ACB Agbazuere addressed them and promised to take their agitation to the appropriate quarters for urgent attention.

Given the situation realities on the worker and the college at large, the protesting workers’ demands the following:

1. The immediate implementation of the correct salary structure for colleges of education and polytechnics (CONPASS & CONTENDISS)

2. The payment of backlog of 25 months’ salary arrears owed workers.

3. The management should stay action of further retrenchment in the college and recall all that were retrenched immediately

4. The immediate release of salaries of workers seized or stopped over the years without any justification.

5. A reasonable time of number of years should be given to academic staff to upgrade their qualifications appropriately.

6. The immediate recommencement of payment of pension to retired workers and completion of all necessary documentation of the pension scheme of the college.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/12/coeasu-abia-govt-clash-over-25-months-unpaid-salaries/

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The Head of Department Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Prof Abigael Ngwezzy-Ndisika has called on media practitioners to avoid publishing their news materials in a haste without proper verification.

She gave this advice recently during the graduation ceremony of Batch C, basic course trainees of National Broadcast Academy in Lagos.

According to Prof. Ndisika, publication without verification leads to destruction. "Rush to publish, rush to perish" she said.

In his comment, the Director of the Academy, Engr. Ajibola Abiola urged the graduands to the good ambassadors of the institute where ever they found themselves.

ABN TV reports that he charged them to make use of the training they acquired from the school and make the best of their various endeavours.

While reiterating that fake news is a recipe for insecurity and hate in the country, he called on the Batch C graduands to ensure they are not involved in the spread of fake news.

"Fake news and hate speech must be condemned by all. It stokes violence and insecurity. It brings about hate and disunity. I encourage you all to stay away from spreading information that have the tendency to threaten our peaceful co-existence" he said.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/12/rush-to-publish-rush-to-perish-versity-don-warns-journalists-against-fake-news/

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Wickedness

A lady whose identity could not be ascertained has allegedly battered her house help, inflicting a serious injury on her head for failing to feed her child.

According to one Tochi, a resident of Onitsha where the incident took place, he met the tortured young girl on the street roaming after her madam made the home uncomfortable for her.

"This child's name is Kaosisochukwu, met her on my way to buy akara this Sunday morning.

"These are injuries inflicted on her by the woman she is currently staying with.

"Her offense was that she didn't feed her madam child her afternoon pap" he posted on Facebook.

He, therefore, called on the human right community to come to the aid of the victim.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2019/12/lady-inflicts-heavy-injury-on-maid-for-allegedly-failing-to-feed-her-child-graphic-photos/

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The management of National Broadcast Academy (NBA) Lagos on Friday recognized the efforts of ABN TV in its quest to bridge the information gap between the government and the people with an excellence award during the graduation ceremony of its Batch C Basic Course Participants.

Others awarded include Television Continental (TVC) for their programme Journalists' Hangout and Channels TV for Politics Today.

In his speech, the Director of the Academy, Engr. Abiola Ajibola encouraged the students to put into practice all that have been thought them over the period as they seek to build their various career paths.

He admonished the students to stand tall as ambassadors of the prestigious citadel and to uphold the same principles of excellence which they have learnt.

He also said learning was a continuous process and shouldn't end in the four walls of the school.

The key note address on Broadcasting and Democratization was delivered by Professor Abigail Ogwezzi-Ndisika who is the HOD Mass communication UNILAG.

She persuaded the graduants to pursue professionalism and to shun fake news and sensationalism.

She clearly stated that truth is the corner stone of good journalism and that ones conscience should be his first employer.

Some of the guest of note who graced the occasion includes the Director ABN TV, Ifeanyi Okali, Seun Okinbaloye the anchor person of Politics Today, Channels T. V and Babajide Kolade-Otitoju a regular guest at Hangout, TVC News.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/12/breaking-nba-honours-abn-tv-channels-tvc-with-excellence-award/

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Ubakala community in Umuahia South local government area of Abia state is currently nursing their protracted grief following the sudden deaths of the youths of the area numbering about 5 under gruesome circumstances.

Speaking with ABN TV on Thursday, the youth president of the community, Comr Nduaguibe Patrick Chiemela said the first three youths to have died in the area lost their lives through a ghastly accident when they had a head-on collision with a moving vehicle.

According to Chiemela, the youths' ages range between 21 to 30.

Within the same week also, the death of another youth whose identity could not be ascertained as at moment of this report lost his life in a road crash within Ubakala.

This situation our correspondent gathered has put the youths of the area in a sad mood.

The recent death involving a 28-year-old lady whose name was given as Kasarachi Onukwuwe was said to have occurred when a SARS officer pulled his trigger to disperse okada riders who were in a convoy in solidarity with one their members that died during his burial.

Read more at: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/12/days-after-ubakala-community-lost-4-youths-sars-officers-kills-another-graphic-photos/

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The Broadcasting Corporation Of Abia State (BCA) has honoured a United Nations (UN) Mayor of Peace and entertainment magnate, Mayor Lucky Igbokwe alias Don Lulu with the prestigious award of “FRIEND INDEED” of the corporation 2019 during its Carol and 9 Lesson/Maiden Award ceremony in Umuahia.

They gave these awards to respected Abians who have contributed in one way or the other to the development of this great state.

The award took place at the Michael Okpara Auditorium on Tuesday, 10th December 2019.

Receiving the award, Mayor Igbokwe who was represented by the Executive Director of ABN TV, Ifeanyi Okali said BCA has been doing a great job to promote the good image of Abia state.

“I am rest assured, with the Commissioner of Information and the new DG BCA, Sir Anyaso Anyaso, the station will have a new look”, he stated.

He thanked the organizers for finding him worthy of such an honour and promised to give more support to the Corporation and humanity in general.

The Governor of Abia state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, was awarded The Worthy Pillar Of Support of BCA, as he was ably represented by his deputy, Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu.

The Wife of the Governor, Deaconess Nkechi Ikpeazu also received an award and was represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Lady Vivienne Oko Chukwu.

Distinguished Senator T.A Orji- senator representing Abia central senatorial district.

Hon. Chief Samuel Onuigbo- House of Representative member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency at the National Assembly.

RT. Hon. Chinedum Orji- Speaker, Abia state house of Assembly.

Hon. Uko Nkole- Federal House of Representatives member, representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State.

RT. Hon. Emeka Stanley

Engr. Emeka Udokoro

Sir. Engr. Ndubuisi Emmanuel M.

Engr. Eyinnnaya Nwafor and Deacon Obioma Okorie

The event featured Carol songs and many other side attractions.

ABN TV reports that the Entertainment guru, Don Lulu bagged a prestigious awards at the just concluded Igbere TV Leadership Excellence Awards, which held at Sheraton Hotels, in Abuja.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2019/12/breaking-bca-awards-don-lulu-2019-friend-indeed-of-the-year/

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Following the ‘ill-advised conviction’ of former Governor of Abia and Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, of alleged N7.65bn fraud, a legal practitioner has declared that there was no cause for alarm.

Speaking with ABN TV in a telephone interview shortly after the court ruling on Thursday afternoon, Victor Etie, Esq., faulted the judgement, insisting that it was unknown to law and cannot stand.

“This is just a temporal distraction from his (Kalu’s) legislative duty, we are challenging it. We are sure of victory just like the Tribunal case. The ruling cannot stand.

“How can you say a company (Slok) that has been in existence before he became governor should be wind up? Does it make sense?.”

Asked if the judgement has direct legal implications on his (Kalu’s) seat as senator and office as Chief Whip, Barr. Otie said the positions would not be affected.

“Kalu remains a Senator and Senate Chief Whip, the position and office as Senator are not affected”, he said.

On whether the court ruling would be appealed, the legal practitioner said the judgement will be appealed from the Appeal Court up to the Supreme Court, insisting that there was no cause for alarm.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2019/12/court-sentences-senator-orji-kalu-to-12-years-in-jailcourt-winds-up-company/

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Mayor Lucky Igbokwe alias Don Lulu, a United Nations (UN) Mayor of Peace and entertainment magnate, was on Thursday, November 28, named 2019 "Best Entertainer of the Year".

ABN TV reports that Don Lulu’s company, 2Flame Entertainment Limited, a Nigerian-based record label, also bagged the 2019 "Best Entertainment Company of the Year" Award title.

Don Lulu and 2Flame Entertainment bagged the prestigious awards at the just concluded Igbere TV Leadership Excellence Awards, which held at Sheraton Hotels, in Abuja.

Igbokwe is also the President of Lucion Towers Construction Company, The Don Lulu Foundation and founder of Green Peace Nigeria.

Through his entertainment company, he has organized concerts and promotions where Mavin Records’ Don Jazzy and Tiwa Savage as well as other prominent artistes have performed. He has also recruited award-winning Disk Jockeys including DJ Jimmy Jatt and Kentalky for promotional concerts within Nigeria.

Don Lulu’s 2Flame Entertainment has also signed on some of Nigeria’s top artistes including Morachi, Yeka amongst others.

According to Don Lulu, “My love and passion for humanitarian and charity brings me to business first, I have a flare for developing, discovering raw talents, bringing them up, brushing them and turning them into something good and very positive to the society.”

Don Lulu is indeed a true visionary and prominent indigene of Umuahia in Abia State who continuously work tirelessly to advance the cause of humanity in the state in particular and Nigeria in general.

2Flame Entertainment as a music and record label aims to help emerging artistes succeed in the music industry. The group grew into one of the largest artiste development company in Nigeria – but with growth, came change. As the company got bigger they realised that they could do more to support not just artistes but also managers and independent labels as they face the countless challenges and demands of life in the music industry. Whilst helping talented musicians to get a foothold in the African music scene will always be at the heart of the business, they are proud to say they are now not just the largest artiste development company in Nigeria but also one of the leading music service providers globally.

2Flame has nurtured a team of industry experts and professionals to offer a range of bespoke high-end services that can be tailored to meet the needs of a label, manager and artiste.

Even though this is not his first award, Don Lulu who was represented at the Igbere TV award ceremony, thanked the organizers for finding him worthy of such an honour and promised to give more support to not just artistes, but humanity in general.

His foundation, The Don Lulu Foundation, has given access to quality education through the 'Back to School' Campaign and establishment of the 'Scholarship Endowment Fund'. Igbokwe has also provided shelter and housing to the less privileged and support for a broad range of social and heath developments.

Read more at: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/12/2flame-entertainment-boss-don-lulu-emerges-best-entertainer-of-the-year/

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Following a dramatized wedding by kids of Pinecrest School Enugu that recently broke the internet, father of the little bridegroom, Chief Amobi Godwin Ogah has said his kid's excellent performance was influenced by how he lives with his wife at home.

In a chat with ABN TV on Wednesday, Ogah said his son, Prince Amobi Jnr learned the art of loving and caring from the way he exhibits love to his wife and other members of the family at home.

Ogah, a former House of Representatives aspirant commended the school for organizing the drama to enable kids appreciate better the institution of marriage.

Source: https://abntv.ng/2019/12/my-son-learned-good-marriage-practice-from-me-amobi-ogah/

The city of Umuahia, the Abia state capital was agog Tuesday as people trooped en-mas to the headquarters of Abia state command of the Nigerian police to see the remains of a notorious armed robber, Sampson Iheukwumere Nwokocha aka Grave, who has been terrorizing the city of Umuahia.

The notorious and wanted armed robber, Grave engaged in an encounter with a tactical team of the Nigeria Police command in Umuahia. He was caught up by the superior fire power of the team. Many people from different parts of the city of Umuahia gathered to confirm his death. Some individuals expressed their joy that at last, they will experience some peace and quietness in the city.

ABN TV correspondents who were at the scene, gathered that there was a huge traffic at Bende road where the Nigerian police command headquarters is located due to the influx of people trooping in and out of the police command headquarters to get a glimpse of the remains of the notorious armed robber.

One of the people at the scene, narrated his encounter with the deceased armed robber to ABN TV correspondents.

“One Sunday early morning, he came to our place and open our gate and entered the cold room. He shot gun in the air and said everybody should lie down, then all of us including people that came to carry their meat and buy fish from us. He took my phone and my money and also robbed everybody that was there. He came with his gang and they were about three in number. Am very happy now, at least, everywhere will be calm now.” He said.

Meanwhile, the Abia state commissioner of police, E. Ene Okon, in a press release said, the Notorious armed robber Sampson Iheukwumere Nwokocha, aka Grave, of Ossah Mgbaja in Umuahia north L.G.A, who was recently released from prison led armed robbery gang that invaded Helson Hotel Umuahia, to rob staff and guest of the Hotel on 01/11/2019 at about 0250 hours during which one of the policemen on duty was shot dead and his rifle carted away.

https://www.abnews247.com/2019/12/residents-besiege-umuahia-police-headquarters-as-notorious-arm-robber-gunned-down-graphic-photos/

Popular and controversial Nollywood Actress, Rosy Meurer has received heavy backlash following 'pantless' photos of her that surfaced on the internet over the week.

The Lead Actress in Nollywood blockbuster, 'Merry Men: Yoruba Demons', had posted some of the pictures in celebration of an award she recently bagged.

Rosy Meurer was on Thursday named "Best Actress of the Year (2019)" in the just concluded Leadership Excellence Awards.

The event organized by Igbere TV, held at the Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, Abuja, on Thursday November 28.

Nigerians have lashed out at the actress, with many questioning her character following her choice of dress which "exposed too much flesh including her thighs."

Here are some comments garnered from social media;

Okuwe Richard Chukwunonso: Her body worked hard for the award. More advert lady I hope you find customers.

Oluchi Okanumee: Nawaaaaa oooo, this cloth is just inviting demon, and when it comes don't run.

Chinnybliss Chukwu: This girl no carry her body dey do anything again. Just look at what she's wearing.

Osita Anyanwu: I see we are heading to a generation were been naked is the order of the day. Old woman like this half naked on stage.

https://www.abnews247.com/2019/12/popular-actress-blasted-for-going-pantless-at-igbere-tv-awards-photos/

A Nigerian US-based medical practitioner, Doctor Godwin Maduka has revealed that it is time for Nigeria to pay more attention to the study of roots and herbs to enable the country attack some of the communicable and non-communicable diseases it currently faces.

In a chat with ABN TV, Dr. Maduka said that as a child, he watched his father who was a herbalist treat people of various ailments just by the mixture of roots and herbs.

He stated that if more investments investment are made to understudying Africa’s traditional medicine, cure for HIV and other diseases will be discovered.

“Close to 30 percent of the people living in the rural areas still use the tropical medicine. It is almost going out of favour when some people are no more interested in that. It is something I for one will like to see developed so that we can actually analyse the ingredients that is inside those roots and herbs and be able to synthesise them and bring them in as medication” he said.

The philanthropist decried the low level of motivation available to medical workers in Nigeria, saying they shine better in overseas in terms of motivation more than in Nigeria.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/study-of-herbs-vital-in-eliminating-infertility-mental-illness-aids-others-dr-maduka/

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In what could appear strange to many, weeks after the resumption of productions at Golden Guinea Brewery, Umuahia in Abia state, the long awaited drink was spotted in New York, ABN TV reports.

The video below shows birthday celebrants proudly showing off a few bottles with every excitement.

#Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TqOVu43OYeY

Golden Guinea Breweries Plc is a Nigerian brewery located in Umuahia, Abia State It was founded in 1962 by the Eastern Nigerian regional government as an indigenous competitor to foreign manufacturers in the country. The company produces Golden Guinea beer.

Golden Guinea was originally named Independence Brewery Limited, the location was chosen due to the importance of water which led to the selection of a site in Umuahia, the town of the regional premier, Michael Okpara. Production started in 1963 with an annual capacity of 1 million gallons. The company introduced Eagle Stout to the market in 1967 but between 1967 and 1970 further production was hampered by the Nigerian Civil War. In 1971, the company changed its name to the current one Golden Guinea Breweries. In 1975, the company was revamped and an extension was built by the German firm Coutinho Caro which later later participated in an equity offering issued by the firm.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/credit-to-ikpeazu-as-golden-guinea-beer-crosses-border-hits-new-york-video/

The people of Ebem in Ohafia local government area of Abia state have appealed to the senator representing Abia North, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu to come to their rescue over the devastating effect of erosion in the area.

Making the appeal in a chat with Newsmen, the traditional ruler of the community, Eze Ukoha Kalu Ukoha said it is the expectation of the people that the federal lawmaker acquaints himself with the challenges confronting the people.

He appealed to the senator to call the attention of the federal government to their plights, saying they live in serious threats of erosion.

The traditional ruler stated that while Sen. Orji Kalu held swear as the state governor, the community benefitted immensely from his community oriented programs.

Eze Ukoha emphasized that the former governor accorded recognition to the traditional rulers of the community, adding his autonomous community was created under his administration.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/erosion-menace-we-need-your-assistance-abia-community-begs-sen-kalu/

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Lauretta Onochie, aide to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Media, have asked Chief Allen Onyema, CEO of Air Peace Airline to return to the United State of America to face those who indicted him for money laundering.

It could be recalled that the US Attorney General’s office in Georgia had in a press release alleged that Onyema along with his airline’s Chief of Administration and Finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, had been charged to court for falsifying documents and money laundering.

Both were accused of moving more than $20 million from Nigeria through US banks in a scheme “involving false documents based on the purchase of airplanes,” the US indictment said.

Onochie, who through her post said President Buhari has no hands in the travails of Chief Allen Onyema said “American laws go after those who BREAK them”, therefore, Onyema should go and clarify his name.

Read more at: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/go-to-america-and-face-your-accusers-presidency-tells-onyema/

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In a show of uncommon talent in the global arena, an Abia born wrestler Osita Offor also known as De Ultimate Commander has revealed how he trounced a Canadian to emerge global Peace Ambassador Championship along with a British heavyweight champion.

This is after he had earlier won most valuable wrestler in 2001, Nigeria heavyweight champion in 2004, African heavyweight champion in 2006, All African heavyweight title among others.

Speaking with ABN TV in Abuja on Thursday, Offor, a native of Umunneochi disclosed that he picked interest in wrestling at his early days in school, saying he was in the team that represented his school in several wrestling matches.

The American-trained wrestler who is popularly known as ultimate commander expressed gratitude for the support he received from the United States in his wrestling career.

According to Offor, who described himself as non defeated World heavyweight champion of the champions, said Ultimate Commander is a divine name from his boss.

A senior black belt holder in kick boxing before venturing into boxing and later wrestling, Ultimate Commander expressed gratitude to Abia state government under the leadership of Sen. T.A Orji for sponsoring him to US for boxing training.

Read more at: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/t-a-orji-sponsored-me-to-us-for-boxing-training-says-abia-born-heavyweight-champion/

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The member representing Bende federal constituency, Hon. Benjamin Kalu has been appointed into the National Executive Council (NEC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by the national caucus of the party in the House of Representatives. 

Speaking on the appointment, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, Speaker of the House and leader of the national APC caucus in the House, said that Hon. Kalu who is the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs is most deserving the appointment into the highest decision making body of the party.

He expressed confidence that Hon. Kalu would be the ears, eyes and ambassador of the House of Representatives, not only for the south east members but for all members at large. He went on to say,

“I congratulate Hon. Benjamin Kalu for being a good ambassador of the Federal House of Representatives, while charging him to always remember that the party is supreme and to always work with other NEC members to project the party from where it is now to where it ought to be.”

Read more at: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/breaking-hon-benjamin-kalu-appointed-member-nec-of-apc/

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The Senate has appointed the Chief Whip, Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu the Head African Parliamentary Union (APU), one of the international lawmaking unions at the National Assembly, ABN TV reports.

The former Governor is to lead APU for the next four years.

The Abia North senator is to lead a delegation of the National Assembly comprising of the Senate and House of Representatives from 24-30 November, 2019.

Our correspondent gathered that the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan is also heading the International Parliamentary Union (IPU).

A source at the National Assembly told our correspondent that two other international lawmaking unions are domiciled at the House of Representatives.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/breaking-senator-kalu-emerges-head-apu/

A middle aged man whose name could not be ascertained has reasons to thank God after he survived a ghastly accident along Uzakoli/Bende road, Abia state on Tuesday.

An eye witness, Okoro Uche who spoke to ABN TV disclosed that the victim was crossing the road after buying tiger nut.

He was reportedly pressing his phone while in the middle of the road, not caring about oncoming vehicles.

He was hit by an oncoming vehicle, leaving him unconscious.

https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/man-who-was-hit-by-oncoming-vehicle-while-pressing-his-phone-along-express-way-lands-in-hospital-graphic-photos/

Following a recent victory secured by the Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu affirming his election as the duly elected governor, his challenger and one of the arrowhead oppositions in the state who came a distant third at the 2019 election, Dr. Alex Otti of APGA has described the Ikpeazu-led government as notorious and anti people.

Describing Ikpeazu’s election as controversial and questionable, Otti a former top official of the now deduct Diamond bank said his mission is beyond Okezie Ikpeazu.

Addressing journalists recently, Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Media Assistant to Dr. Alex Otti expressed sadness over the judgment, saying Abia atmosphere is enveloped in sadness.

"The government’s aim is to cunningly and dishonestly sell a deceitful narrative of fighting a political battle against Alex Otti, while in the real sense of it, the notorious Ikpeazu-led government is considered a common enemy of the Abia people who have suffered under the most incompetent leadership they have seen since the creation of the state" he said.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/after-trouncing-him-at-appeal-court-otti-calls-ikpeazu-notorious-enemy-of-abians/

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A 20-year-old man, Gabriel Chimaeze, on Monday stabbed his townsman, Kelechi Onyekachi, to death over the ownership of an MP3 Media Music player.

Chimaeze and Onyekachi, both in their twenties, were both apprentices and both came from Ibeme community in Obingwa Local Government of Abia State.

It was gathered that Chimaeze had confronted Onyekachi, claiming that the Media Music Player (MP3) in dispute, belonged to him. He insisted that he must collect it from the deceased.

Onyekachi, who lived in the same compound with Chimaeze at No. 204 Ikot Ekpene Road, Ehere, Ogbor Hill, was said to have resisted the suspect’s move and a fight ensued.

During the fight, Chimaeze, a mechanic apprentice grabbed a knife and stabbed Onyekachi in the stomach. Onyekachi happened to be the only son of his parents, who are based in Calabar, Cross River State.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/man-stabs-kinsman-to-death-over-mp3-player-in-abia/

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A civil tight activist and the founder, Women For Change Initiative and Equity, Lady Jane Ogbauta has described Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia state as dead, saying women must do something to put the government of the state on its toes.

Ogbauta who had recently led a protest in Aba comprising women from various parts of Abia said no amount of Intimidation can deter her and other women.

In a chat with ABN TV on Sunday, she vowed to mobilise no fewer than 10,000 women after the expiration of the 100 she gave the Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to a street protest in Aba.

The activist stated that the protest was as a result of worsening situation of infrastructure in Aba especially roads, saying if nothing is done between and this time next year, things could deteriorate further.

"What motivated that protest was that one of my women died July this year. She was in labour so by the time they would bring her out where she lives in Ngwa road, she was already bleeding and later gave up.

"There is no road in Aba. Ohanku Road, there is no road, Ngwa Road, there is no road, Obohia Road, there is no road, Port Harcourt Road, Faulks Road even the one that leads to Teaching Hospital, that one is death trap. There is no road there" she declared.

Ogbauta while admitting to have supported APC in the last election in the state denied allegations that she and her group are being sponsored to cause disability in the state.

While insisting that women are being affected more in the deteriorating state of infrastructure in the state, she dared Ikpeazu and Abia government to wait for the expiration of the 100 days ultimatum she had earlier issued.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/aba-is-dead-says-activist-gives-ikpeazu-100-days-ultimatum-to-fix-roads-or/

The senator representing Abia North senatorial district, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has called on the federal government to make available funds for farmers to can and process their produce for domestic use and export.

The federal lawmaker while contributing to a Bill at the floor of the senate expressed regret that the Bank of Agriculture has for long remained dormant without living up to its mandate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7leFgi7RTU
He therefore called for the immediate recapitalization of the Bank of Agriculture to extend facilities and loans to agriculture.

ABN TV reports, Sen. Kalu, a former Abia governor noted that it is important for the federal government to as a matter of urgency to extend a mini-industry scheme that will process cash crops such as cashew, cassava, groundnut and others produced in Nigeria for food preservation and economic growth.

He expressed displeasure that during his tenure as Abia governor in 2006, a lot of agriculture produces, including cassava recorded a significant waste because they were neither locally used or exported.

Read more at: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/video-provide-special-funds-for-agriculture-processing-plants-now-sen-kalu-tells-fg/

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A group of arm robbers on Sunday invaded a filling station located at Bank road Umuahia, the Abia state capital and cart away with undisclosed sums of money.

The robbers numbering about four ABN TV gathered arrived the filling station at about 9:30am with a Honda Accord vehicle pretending to be customers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IDG22BCWeo
Trouble however started when they brought out guns instead of money after their vehicle tank was filled.

They were said to have led the fuel attendant to the vault where money is kept and made away with it along with other valuables including mobile phones.

The name of leader of the robbery gang which lasted about 5 minutes was given as Samson aka Grave, along with his assistance known as Tomato are said to be on the wanted list of security agencies in the state.

https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/identity-of-robbers-who-invaded-filling-station-in-umuahia-revealed-photosvideo/

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has stated that infrastructure and security are top priorities of his government, saying the state has not recorded any incident of bank robbery since he came on board in 2015.

Speaking with newsmen in Umuahia, Governor Ikpeazu expressed gratitude to God for the feat he has achieved in securing the state, adding that God is behind it.

"Infrastructure and security are strong enablers that drive trade and commerce. Since our administration came on board, there has not been a single case of bank robbery. I give God the glory, I’m not boasting. If there are things we have done to secure our environment, all the glory goes to God. When it comes to things around security, I take it to God in prayer" he said.

He also said that companies that closed down in Abia at the heat of insecurity are beginning to come back to business.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/no-single-bank-robbery-since-i-became-governor-ikpeazu/

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The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has said contrary to the expectation of people he called his detractors, business activities still go on in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state, a testimony that his administration has done enough in reviving commercial activities.

Speaking recently in an interview, Ikpeazu said mountains of refuse in the state in an indication that people are living in the city, adding that refuse is not found in the desert.

"The greatest indication of our effort is the response of businesses in Aba. A lot of my detractors wish it becomes a ghost town, but contrary to their desire, the city is bubbling. Indeed, even the presence of waste, when you see mountains of waste, it tells you that people are there. You don’t see waste in the desert. It’s an indication that something is happening and I’m happy it’s happening in our time. Of course, we have not done everything. There are still much to do, but we are determined to do more. The icing on the cake will be the delivery of the first export free zone in Igbo land, the Enyimba Economic City. That’s indeed the jewel of export free zones in Nigeria. The responses we are getting from the international community and our development partners all over the world have been very positive. It will be my joy to deliver that to Ndigbo.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/when-you-see-mountains-of-waste-it-tells-you-that-people-are-in-aba-ikpeazu/

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Following criticisms that have trailed the non completion of Osisioma flyover by the Abia state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, the state government has finally explained the challenges faced in bridge construction.

Speaking with newsmen, Governor Ikpeazu revealed that the cost of bridge construction differs from one geographical location to another.

He said in Ebonyi, the Governor only needs to do a stanchion for a flyover while in Abia, he will do 25 metres before he can erect a stanchion, which is almost the cost of three.

"The other thing that people don’t know is that what it takes to do a flyover in Lagos is different from what it takes to do a flyover in Zamfara. Even as close as I am, in terms of geography to Ebonyi; Ebonyi will do stanchion for a flyover. But I will do 25 metres before I can erect a stanchion, which is almost the cost of three. But my brother and friend in Ebonyi can do three flyovers with what it will cost me to do one. But that’s where I have found myself. Geography defines us as a people" he said.

Governor Ikpeazu also emphasized that all the access roads in Aba are courtesy of his hard work since he came on board in 2015.

He said, "Today, I can say that all the access roads you have into Aba are courtesy of our hard work between 2015 and now. Tonimas is accessible, Fox Road is accessible from both ends, despite the fact that Setraco is yet to hand over the road to us because they still have one or two things to do. I understand that some parts have developed a problem because there is an intersection leading to another road, leading to Osusu Road, which is a road that one of my predecessors in office commissioned three times, and yet when I went to start work on the road, I met a plantain tree in the middle of it. We are taking time to do the drainage on the road, but my joy is that whenever I take a stroll around there, I see old women praying for me and saying that with what they have seen already, they are sure the road I’m giving them will not collapse in their lifetime.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/abia-spends-three-times-what-ebonyi-spends-to-build-one-bridge-ikpeazu/

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The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu will this weeks meet with core Global Investors to raise financing for the landmark Enyimba Economic City Development Project in Johannesburg South Africa, ABN TV reports.

This meeting is on the invitation of the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr Akinwumni Adesina to the 2019 Africa Investment Forum (AIF) holding from November 11 to 13 2019 in Johannesburg South Africa.

A release signed by the chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Onyebuchi Ememanka indicates that this event is being attended by many African Business and Political leaders including Presidents and Heads of governments across the continent and beyond. Prominent amongst them include President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.

The Enyimba Economic City Development Project is being sponsored at the board room by the AfDB, Afriexim Bank and the International Finance Corporation, the investment arm of the World Bank.

The Governor according to the release is supported by the private sector lead Mr Darl Uzu and the Federal Government team led by the Honourable Minister for Industry, Trade and Investment Chief Niyi Adebayo, will pitch to global business leaders opportunities in the Enyimba Economic Development City project.

The efforts are targeted at raising additional $400 Million required for the first phase of the project expected to start Q1 2020.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/enyimba-economic-city-development-project-ikpeazu-meets-global-investors-over-financing-in-south-africa/

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Following a recent report in some sessions of the media that there is a crack among the membership and leadership of the House of Representatives, the Green Chambers has denied this speculation, saying it's aimed at misdirecting members of the public.

This is contained in a release signed by the Chairman House committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

He stated that the publishers of this rumour only supported their argument with a mere screen shot photos of internal personal arguments between members of the Joint task team on their WhatsApp platform.

He maintained that the ninth House of Representatives under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila is the most united, urging the public to ignore the rumour.

See full release below

“The attention of the leadership and Membership of the 9th House of Representatives have been drawn to the recent publications made and distributed by a few media platforms alleging “there is a crack“ on the wall of the unity of the House. “

“The publishers supported their position with a mere screen shot photos of internal personal arguments between members of the Joint task team on their WhatsApp platform administered by the aide from the office of the leadership.”

Read More: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/no-division-among-us-house-of-reps-insists/

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The member representing Bende North constituency Abia state House of Assembly, Hon. Chijioke Chukwu has said the 7th Assembly is taking with utmost seriousness the function of oversight of MDAs.

Speaking with newsmen in Umuahia, the lawmaker said, “You can see that in the seventh assembly, we have taken the responsibility of oversight function very seriously. The sixth assembly did very well but we took it higher to another level. Before civil servants gets their salaries between 10th and 15th of every month but these days before the 3oth of every month salaries are paid.

"For that of pensioners, we are doing something about it. The way we resolved the issue of late salary payment, very soon you will see result in pension payment. For MDA’s and parastals that has been owed several months of salaries, you can see now that some of them has started receiving their salaries as at when due and their arias cannot be solved in a day”. Thirty three out of thirty six states in Nigeria are owing pension because of economic meltdown.” Hon. Chukwu said.

Source: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/11/abia-salary-payment-were-taking-oversight-function-seriously-hon-chukwu/

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