₦airaland Forum

It was a show of who is who on Sunday as the former governor of Abia state, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu held a thanksgiving service in Abuja, ABN TV reports.

The event which is following the issuance of certificate of return to the Abia North Senator-elect by INEC had friends and family members of incoming Senator in attendance.

ABN TV gathered that the thanksgiving service took place at the private chapel, Asokoro Abuja residence of His Excellency Dr Orji Uzor Kalu (MON) was presided over by His Eminence Anthony John Valentine Obinna, the archbishop of Owerri Catholic Diocese.

In attendance include Rev.Father Madu Rachael , Rev. Father Michael Okonkwo, the minister of Labour, Senator Ngige; Former minister of FCT Barr Chuka Odum; former INEC Chairman, Prof Maurice Iwu; Senator Adighije; Prince Flavian Enwezor; Mascot Uzor Kalu and a host of other dignitaries and friends of the Senator-elect.

From left: Senator Chris Adighije, Rev.Father Micheal Okonkwo , Senator(elect) Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu , His Eminence Anthony John Valentine Obinna , His Excellency Senator Chris Ngige, Prof Maurice Iwu , Barr Chuka Odum , Rev Father Madu Raphael.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/crowd-of-personalities-as-ouk-holds-thanksgiving-service-photos/

In what could be described as a desperate attempt to outdo each other, two buses belonging to a popular transporter Peace Mass Transit were on Saturday at about 3pm involved in a ghastly head-on collision along Enugu-Lokojaexpressway, ABN TV reports.

ABN TV gathered that trouble started when one of the buses fired on a full throttle from the back, in an attempt to overtake, the avoidable collision happened.

Though no death was recorded, many of the passengers sustained various degrees of injuries.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/breaking-two-peace-mass-transit-buses-in-a-fatal-head-on-collision-in-enugu-photos/

Hon. Uko Ndukwe Nkole, member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has been issued with a certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ABN TV reports.

Hon. Nkole was among the 338 Rep members issued with certificates by the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.

ABN TV reports that the event took place at the International Conference Centre, ICC, in Abuja on Thursday.

The lower legislative chamber has a total of 360 seats. The APC has majority Rep members with a total of 211 seats declared in its favour so far. The PDP has 111, while APGA has 5.

Others are ADC – 3, AA – 2, PRP – 2, APM – 1, SDP – 1 and ADP – 1.

A total of 22 seats are outstanding in the green chambers, with INEC promising to conduct supplementary polls in the affected constituencies March 23.

ABN TV reports that Nkole had emerged winner of the February 23 National Assembly election in Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency.

Nkole, who was elected into the House of Representatives on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, is returning to the National Assembly as a 2nd term Rep member.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/uko-nkole-337-others-receive-certificate-of-return-from-inec-photos/

The former minister of Labour, Dr. Emeka Wogu has congratulated the former governor of Abia state, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu on the receipt of his certificate of return from the electoral umpire, INEC in Abuja on Thursday.

Speaking with ABN TV in shortly after the ceremony, the former local government boss described Kalu as pre-eminently qualified. “Among the people who are senators-elect, he is pre-eminently qualified in terms of ranking. This is because in 1992, I recall I was the local government chairman of Aba South, he was a member Federal House of Representative. He served as the chairman Appropriation Committee, so that makes him pre-eminently qualified more than most of the senators-elect coming from the South East and among the other people from other zones.

“I served as the Special Adviser (Political) to him for six month, beginning from the day he was sworn in. There were very few of us then and he nominated me as the federal commissioner representing Abia in Revenue Mobilisation And Fiscal Commission” he said.

Chief Wogu expressed satisfaction with the reunion of the former governor with this former subordinates, Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe who was his deputy as a governor and Sen. T.A Orji who was his Chief of Staff. He described it as interesting, saying it is a competition of what Abia story should be. He said the former governor is a leader among the senators, describing him as first among equals and the boss.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/former-labour-minister-congratulates-kalu-says-he-is-pre-eminently-qualified/

The Hausa community in Abia has expressed the main reason they voted the former governor of the state, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu in the just concluded National Assembly election in the state.

In a chat with ABN TV on Thursday, one of the leaders of Hausa community in the state, Alhaji Isiaka Adamu said they believe that there should be synergy between the federal and the state government. He said they voted for the All Progressive Congress (APC) Abia North senatorial candidates, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu in the just concluded election because they believe he can bring about positive impact in the state.

When pressed for the reason why they made their choice of candidate, Alhaji Bala Abubakar

“For senate, I voted for our former governor, Dr. Orji Kalu because I like him, and he likes people and I saw his works. I have been living in Abia for about twenty one years. When OUK was a governor. We have our mosque, he is the one that built it, that is the central mosque in Abia state.”

“Every reasonable person that was fully on ground when PDP and APC candidates were making their promises, that person will know that voting the other side of the party will land us into avert big problem. For me personally I voted Muhammadu Buhari and the reason I also voted other legislative members from senate to House of Representatives was because of the antecedence between Saraki and Buhari. I voted for Nkechi Nworgu.” Alhaji Isiaka Adamu said.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/senate-presidency-hausa-community-back-kalu/

A member of House of Representatives elect, Chief Benjamin Kalu has said his election into the green chamber of Nigeria's National Assembly is a victory for his constituency, Bende.

He said this in an interview with ABN TV on his country home recently. The legal practitioner expressed his readiness to bring in new dynamics in the representation of his people in the best democratic principles. “I want to bring in new dynamics in representation, where the people will be in charge as to who represents them. The people are the boss. They are the ones who have the right to hire and fire. Base on that, I’m going to be very careful to make sure that their appraisal of my activities at the National Assembly will be a positive one” he said.

He vowed to institute a periodic interaction through a town-hall meeting with his people where he will showcase what he has been doing at the National Assembly. He described himself as a messenger with a message, saying he owe his people a duty.

He said his profession as a lawyer gives him the needed knowledge and preparation for the job of lawmaking. The founder Benjamin Kalu Foundation appealed to his colleagues in the business of politics to have a secondary source of income, saying this will enable them stay away from the temptation of pilfering the resources of the people.

READ MORE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/my-election-into-national-assembly-a-victory-for-bende-ben-kalu/

Following the announcement by INEC to issue certificates of return to all successful candidates in the February 23 National Assembly election on Thursday, March 14, Abuja the seat of power has been playing host to the incoming National Assembly members, ABN TV reports.

The latest to jet out to the Federal Capital Territory are Senators-elect, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu and Dr Ifeanyi Ubah who were sighted boarding their planes to Abuja to Collect their Certificates of Return.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/breaking-ouk-ifeanyi-ubah-jet-out-to-abuja-to-receive-certificate-of-return-photos/

The member representing Aba North/South Federal Constituency has stepped down his bid to seek re-election into the House of Representatives, a source says.

Prestige was said to have made this decision following the total loss his party, APGA recorded in the recently concluded presidential and National Assembly elections.

Our source said he has few hours to the rerun of the Constituency's election earlier declared inconclusive by INEC, collapsed his structure and ordered his supporters to vote for APC.

Details follows.......

The Senator representing Abia North, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa and two of his security aides have made statements on caution to Abia state CID on alleged electoral offences brought against them by the state police command.

He was said to have arrived the State CID at about 3.30.p.m on Wednesday to honour police invitation for the alleged kidnapping, rigging and destruction of result sheets during the National Assembly elections.

According to a reliable source, the case allegedly involved Dr. Ibe and INEC official, who was being detained in police custody, was arrested for alleged result falsification, thumbprinting and other related electoral fraud. Ibe in a written confessional statement admitted to have committed the offence on an alleged instruction of Ohuabunwa of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

The source further revealed that Ibe allegedly tore a result sheet which the candidate in which the APC was leading. A DPO and Inspector that were also invited for interrogation over the alleged electoral crime had already made useful statement to the police.

NYSC members who were also arrested by the police while thumb-printing in the bush had also written confessional statements that they were kidnapped and forced to carry out the alleged offence under the forceful instruction of the PDP Senator. According to the corps members, they were kidnapped because they refused to comprise to rewrite results in favour of the PDP candidate which prompted the PDP thugs to tear an original result which the APC was leading.

Also, two security aides to the Senator, Inspector Michael Antai and Sgt. Okwudiri Ndukauba have alleged that the Senator ordered them to snatch ballot boxes in the recently concluded National Assembly election in the state. They were allegedly identified by a youth corps member who worked as INEC ad-hoc staff in the area during the election.

The two police officers are currently in detention on the order of the Commissioner of Police Abia state Command.

Recall that ABN TV had brought you a report earlier that Sen. Ohuabunwa on the late hours of Wednesday visited Abia State CID Umuahia on offences bordering on ballot box snatching, destruction result sheets and others.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/breaking-sen-ohuabunwa-2-others-make-statements-on-alleged-electoral-offences/

Contrary to rumours that the ruling APC has agreed to give out Abia and other states to the main opposition, the PDP in exchange for its percentage of votes gotten in the just concluded presidential election, vice president Yemi Osinbajo has debunked the rumour.

Speaking during a town-hall meeting in Aba on Tuesday, the vice president said the rumour is untrue and should be disregarded by everyone. He added that Abia State is important to the APC and will be claimed through the ballot in the Saturday's governorship election.

Osinbajo said there is no form of alliance between the APC and PDP for the ruling party in Abia to produce the next governor of the state as alleged.

Speaking with newsmen, the Abia APC publicity secretary, Chief Benedict Godson congratulated the state chairman of the party, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa whom he described as the authentic chairman, urging him not to look back.

He said the chairman has built a very strong and healthy party that is ready to take over Abia. He called on the former factional governorship candidate of the party, Chief Ikechi Emenike to join forces with the party to achieve victory in the March 9 governorship election.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/abia-is-important-to-us-apc-will-claim-it-vp-osinbajo-vows/

Abia State Police Command on Wednesday grilled the embattled Abia North Senator, Mao Ohuabunwa for about 6 hours in connection with electoral offences.

The Senator had in the evening of Wednesday reported himself to state CID in connection with the allegation.

While the Senator was sighted by ABN leaving the police facility at about 9:35pm on Wednesday, his two police security aides, a sergeant and an inspector were detained.

All efforts to obtain a copy of the Senator’s statement proved abortive as at the time of filing this report.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/update-police-grill-sen-ohuabunwa-detain-security-aides/

The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday told the good people of Aba not to be afraid of coming out to cast their votes on Saturday for Dr. Uche Ogah as the alleged threats issued by the PDP to revoke their properties are just mere and empty.



“I want to tell you Abians that I have always been pained by the dilapidated state of this supposed great town, Aba. Abia is long overdue to be at the center. It will pay you more to join the ruling party than the opposition that has never benefited you. What has PDP done for you in the past 20 years?”

He poured out his heart to Abians when he told them the need to make sure the key into an APC Governor, as the SME’s will receive more attention than what we have on ground today.

“I learnt that the governor and PDP government of the State are threatening the good people of Aba of revoking their properties if they vote Dr. Uche Ogah, one thing is certain, that’s an empty threat, he has no such power and can not do that. You should go and vote APC overwhelmingly, you are save”.

When he was confronted with the question by one of the Aba residents on the rumor of endorsement of Ikpeazu by him and the APC National. The Vice President laughed,

“Your Governor has tried approaching us to deliver him, with the sentiments of equity, but truth is that, he has been told several times that the Presidency can not help you because we have a sound candidate and also have reports that you have performed so badly, if you had done well in your first term, you wouldn’t been talking about equity.”

“The coast is clear! Abians shouldn’t worry about the cheap threats and blackmails on the propaganda taken too far about the cattle colony.” The VP said;

READ MORE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/vp-osinbajo-cries-im-pained-by-the-dilapidation-of-aba/

In what appears to be a dramatic move, the 17 SDP local government chairmen in Abia have deserted their governorship candidate, Dame Blessing Nwagba.

This is even as they expressed their resolve to ensure that the incumbent governor and the PDP governorship candidate in the state is Re-elected.

They call on SDP Governorship candidate, Dame Blessing Nwagba, to step down and work for the Victory of Governor Ikpeazu.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5TeNb0r9JE

READ MORE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/breaking-17-sdp-lg-chairmen-desert-nwagba-adopt-pdp-ikpeazu-video/

For the second time in a week, a chieftain of APC in Abia State, Chief Ikechi Emenike has suffered two fatal losses in his bid to claim the governorship candidacy of APC in the state.

The Supreme Court this on Tuesday morning Dismissed the Suit filed by Chief Ikechi Emenike against the Candidate of the All Progress Congress in Abia State Dr Uche Ogah.

The Court Said his Appeal against the Judgement of the Court of Appeal is now Status Barred.

All efforts by ABN TV to reach Chief Emenike proved abortive. However, a source close to the politician said he has directed his supporters to massively vote for Dr. Uche Ogah in the Saturday's governorship election in the state.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/breaking-supreme-court-finally-lays-ikechi-emenikes-case-against-ogah-to-rest/

Nigerians living in Abroad have begged President Muhammadu Buhari to reward Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu who has fought tirelessly for his re-election bid during the just concluded Presidential and National Assembly elections.

The progressive Nigerians Abroad made this known in a statement made available to ABN TV by its President, Hon Zoobee R. Chukwurah.

The group further said that" Kalu persisted, persevered and excalated his loyalty and support for PMB to the NEXT LEVEL."

"We make bold to say that we are particularly proud of the Senator Elect who worked so hard to make sure that wherever he won in Abia North Senatorial zone Mr President also won as well. Orji Kalu's recalcitrant, unalloyed and dogged support for PMB and APC in the south east earned him a lot of enemies in Igboland indeed."

The statement reads in full :

"PROGRESSIVE NIGERIANS ABROAD TO PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI: COMPENSATE SENATOR- ELECT HE DR ORJI UZOR KALU NOW"

"Pursuant to the above subject matter and in furtherance of the APC agenda nationwide we hereby use this golden opportunity to congratulate His Excellency the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari, (GCFR) on his recent victory at the polls."

"Mr President sir, we are well aware and well informed that many individuals and support groups at home and abroad including your presidential campaign council were very instrumental to your success in the just concluded polls."

"Mr President, permit me and my organization, the Progressive Nigerians Abroad, US chapter to draw your attention to the efforts of Senator-Elect from Abia North Senatorial zone His Excellency Dr Orji Uzor Kalu who for the most part changed the face and fortunes of PMB and APC in the south east of Nigeria."

"It is a well known fact that Senator Elect Orji Kalu has always believed in your ideology and anti corruption stance and have supported your political vision and agenda for decades. He supported you in 2003, 2011, 2015 and more recently in 2018 campaigning vigorously and massively all over the country for your victory."

"Kalu remains the only Igbo leader that decamped to APC, redefined and charted a new course for the great open doors for Igbos of all walks of life to become members of APC. At the time of this political re-engineering and alignment to rejuvenate, revamp and boost the image, popularity and membership of the APC the mere mention of APC was a taboo, an anathema and almost considered the face of the devil incarnate in the south east."

"In that process of decamping to APC and working to win souls for the party Kalu suffered immense humiliation and was an object of ridicule and caricature among the Ibo elites who treated him as a sell out to northern oligarchs and power brokers. He was viciously attacked, distracted and deflected for the sake of PMB and APC."

"Undaunted, Kalu persisted, persevered and excalated his loyalty and support for PMB to the NEXT LEVEL. We make bold to say that we are particularly proud of the Senator Elect who worked so hard to make sure that wherever he won in Abia North Senatorial zone Mr President also won as well. Orji Kalu's recalcitrant, unalloyed and dogged support for PMB and APC in the south east earned him a lot of enemies in Igboland indeed. Now that his hard work has paid off in attracting lots of Ibo big wigs and grassroots and APC is looking like a beautiful bride sitting on a mountain top on the shinning cities across Igboland, Kalu's efforts must not be relegated to the dustbin of history. As a laborer deserves his wages so should Kalu be rewarded and we believe the time is now."

"We are happy that Mr President elect has made it abundantly clear that the fortunes of the Ibos will change dramatically in the areas of appointments and the deliverance of dividends of democracy to the region especially with the increased level of support for the President during the concluded polls."

"We hereby urge President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR to cede the Senate presidency to the south East and to consider and reward Senator Elect Dr Orji Uzor Kalu with the plum position of Senate President in the 9th Assembly. Kalu is coming to the Senate as a ranking member having been elected to the House of Representatives in the early nineteen nineties. Suffice to say that Kalu has the pedigree, leadership acumen and political sagacity to discharge the duties of the office of the Senate President. Furthermore it is on record that Kalu introduced the dual citizenship bill to the National Assembly which was later passed in the Senate and signed into law by IBB."

"We therefore call on Nigerians everywhere especially Ndigbo to put all hands on deck and support Kalu and PMB to deliver the dividends of democracy to all Nigerians without fear or favour."

READ MORE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/senate-presidency-nigerians-in-diaspora-beg-buhari-for-ouk/

The governorship candidate of APC in Abia, Dr. Uche Ogah and his APGA counterpart, Dr. Alex Otti are currently in a closed door meeting at an undisclosed location in Abia.

The source who spoke with ABN TV on the condition of anonymity said the meeting is aimed at forming an alliance between both parties to produce a consensus governorship candidate between both parties ahead of the gubernatorial election in the state to defeat the incumbent PDP.

READ MORE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/breaking-uche-ogah-alex-otti-in-a-closed-door-meeting/

The Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has directed the Transition Committee chairmen in Abia to ensure that INEC facilities in their various local governments are protected.

This is contained in a release signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Enyinnaya Appolos.

He said this directive is following intelligence reports that desperate unscrupulous politicians are advanced in their plot to import hoodlums from outside the state to disrupt the coming elections for their selfish reasons.

Read full release below

Announcement

Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed all the 17 Transition Council Chairmen and their Deputies to immediately liaise with security agencies, local vigilante services, traditional rulers and youths, to ensure the protection of all INEC facilities within their local government areas.

They are also to ensure that the March 9 election is peaceful before, during and after the exercise.

READ MORE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/breaking-ensure-nothing-happens-to-inec-facilities-in-your-localities-ikpeazu-warns-tc-chairmen/

The candidate of the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP) in the recently concluded Abia North senatorial zone , Senator Mao Ohuabunwa risks been declared wanted on Thursday over failure to report to police invitation last week.

Ohuabunwa lost his senatorial seat to the former Governor of Abia State and candidate of the All Progressives Candidates, Dr Orji Uzor Kalu

A reliable source in the force headquarters said the report of the investigation conducted against Ohuabunwa on his alleged role during the concluded general election shows Ohuabunwa has questions to answer to the police .

The source noted that eight witnesses including an inspector and two policemen testified against Ohuabunwa on his role on intimidation of INEC staff, snatching of ballot boxes and result sheets . In addition, another three youths ( names withheld) who were arrested for initiating violence on voters which according to hospital reports led to the death of two persons while many with injuries are yet to recover made useful statements implicating Ohabunwa.

The source also stated that the Inspector General of Police(IGP) have been briefed on Ohuabunwa’s reckless statements about the Abia State commissioner of Police . Ohuabunwa was said to have bragged that his disregard for the commissioner’s invitation and the Criminal Investigation Department was as a result of his alleged closeness to the Inspector General of Police.


SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/breaking-police-to-declare-sen-ohuabunwa-wanted-over-failure-to-honour-invitation/

As part of efforts to alleviate the sufferings of the poor and downtrodden in the society, Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation, a non governmental organization owned by the former governor of Abia state, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu on Friday visited Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia to identify with the patients in the hospital.

Speaking with ABN TV after the exercise, the Executive Secretary of the Foundation, Rev. Mrs. Jemaimah Ola Kalu, said “I am at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) for humanitarian services, that is to offset the medical bills of some patients.”

Jemima stated that the Foundation paid the hospital bills of one Mr. Kalu Ogbonna from Ihechiowa.

“By the grace of God on the 10th of this month, I will be coming back to this hospital to offset most of the bills some patients couldn’t pay and it’s up to the tune of three million naira(3,000,000).” she said.

The retired permanent secretary recalled that during the last visit of Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu to the hospital, he (Orji) promised to offset the bills of some patients who are not financially disposed to pay up their hospital bills.

According to Ola:”most of them have been discharged for many months but they are still here because they can’t pay their hospital bills. His Excellency in his usual compassionate way has promised to offset these bills and by the grace of God, I will be coming back to offset those hospital bills of the patients.”

Rev. Ola added that by this time last year the organization was all over the state carrying out empowerment programs in line with the United Nations(UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Many wards were visited such as Aba North and South during the exercise.

Ola added that money was also given to the beneficiaries for them to start up small scale business and also mentored them on how to be successful in business.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/03/breaking-ouk-foundation-visits-fmc-umuahia-offsets-patients-hospital-bills/

The Abia State House of Assembly has passed into law the 2019 appropriation bill sent to it by the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

The amount passed into law is the sum of One Hundred and Forty Billion, Two Hundred and Seven Million, Three Hundred and seventy one thousand, two hundred and ninety naira (140,207,311,290) only during its plenary of Thursday 28th February 2019.

This is contained in a release signed by the Chief Information Officer, ABHA Orji Forster. He said the Speaker, Mr. Chikwendu Kalu, at the plenary stated that the Accountant-General may when authorized to do so by warrants signed by the Governor of Abia State of Nigeria, pay out of the Capital Development Fund of Abia State of Nigeria during the period of 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019, the sum appropriated.

Read full release below;

The Abia State House of Assembly has passed the 2019 appropriation bill into law.
The sum of One Hundred and Forty Billion, Two Hundred and Seven Million, Three Hundred and seventy one thousand, two hundred and ninety naira (140,207,311,290) only was appropriated for the services of the Government of Abia State Nigeria and passed into law during its plenary of Thursday 28th February 2019.

The speaker, Mr. Chikwendu Kalu, at the plenary stated that the Accountant-General may when authorized to do so by warrants signed by the Governor of Abia State of Nigeria, pay out of the Capital Development Fund of Abia State of Nigeria during the period of 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019, the sum appropriated.

It will be recalled that the Governor, OkezIe Victor Ikpeazu Ph.D had on Friday 28th December, 2018 presented the year 2019 budget tagged “ the budget of consolidation “ with a total outlay of One Hundred and Thirty Nine Billion, five Hundred and forty two million Naira (139,542,000.00) only to the House of Assembly which immediately undertook due consideration and thereafter committed the Bill to the House committee on Appropriation for further legislative procedure.

The house adjoined plenary to reconvene on the 18th day of March, 2019.


Signed by
ORJI FORSTER
Chief Information Officer
ABHA

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/02/breaking-abia-assembly-passes-billions-of-naira-2019-appropriation-bill-into-law/

A former Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ikeja branch Barr. Monday Ubani has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately reach out to his main challenger in the just concluded presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to form part of his government and move Nigeria forward.

While arguing that there is nothing wrong in incorporating the opposition member into a government, Barr. Ubani insisted that it is a means to making the government succeed reduce violence, foster peace and unity among the supporters of both camps. He expressed dissatisfaction with the culture of Nigerian politicians whom he accused of not wanting to bring members of opposition parties to move the country forward.

“There is issue of leaders when they come in, they don’t want others to come near and there is so much access to treasury. They get so much and they don’t want others to come in. I want a situation where if someone comes into political office, he wants others too to come in. That has always been the problem” he said.

He called on lawmakers to provide a legislative framework for opposition members to be involved in the process of governance by the ruling party in order to move the country forward.

He said the president has many challenges which include the economy, fight against corruption and foreign direct investment, agriculture and others to deal with. He said if the opposition is allowed to come on board and lend their support, the county will move forward.

The attorney said a holistic approach to the fight against corruption will be a veritable structure for the campaign to record success. “Governors have unhindered access to security vote, issue of award of contracts, there is no structure in place. Since we know how they steal, we must nip it in the bud. We must not allow this issue of governors when they come in decide what they want” he said.

He advocated that the institutions of the government should be made stronger to perform better. He accused state Houses of Assembly of failing to checkmate the governors, insisting that unhindered access granted to the governors by failure of state Houses of Assembly has fueled the desire to remain in power at all cost. “That’s what goes on everywhere. There is so much aggression. There is so much agitation to be in power. When they come in, it’s not they’re coming for performance. They’re coming to become multi billionaire at the end of the day. So the issue of public service is not there” he said.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/02/reach-out-to-atiku-now-to-move-nigeria-forward-former-nba-chairman-urges-buhari/

The home of the former governor of Abia state, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has continued to receive high profile individuals following his recent victory to represent Abia North senatorial district at the National Assembly.

The latest one is the Ambassador of Czech Republic to Nigeria, HE Marek Skolil who alongside his wife on Wednesday visited the Senator-elect at his Aso Rock home in Abuja.

Wife of the incoming Senator, Mrs. Ifunanya Kalu was also on hand to receive the Diplomat and his wife, Lydia.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/02/breaking-ouk-plays-host-to-czech-ambassador-to-nigeria-wife-photos/

As celebration galore trails the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term in office, the APC governorship candidate in Abia State, Dr. Uche Ogah has joined millions of Nigerians to congratulate the president on his victory.

In a chat with ABN TV on the early hours of Wednesday, the governorship hopeful described President Buhari’s victory as victory for all Nigerians, adding that he is a true father of the nation.

"It never came to us as a surprise. He has proven beyond every reasonable doubt he means well for all us in this country. Despite the manifest manipulation agents of darkness perpetrated in the presidential election outcome in Abia, it has never been in doubt that President Buhari is the man Nigeria needs at this critical period. He is a true father of the nation" Dr. Oga said.

He also called on Abians to reject people he said have perpetually kept them cheated and depraved over the years as the governorship election approaches. He appealed to them to vote him in for a prosperous and functional Abia.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/02/ogah-hails-buhari-says-hes-a-true-father-of-the-nation/

Former Governor of Abia state and Senator-elect, Abia North senatorial district, Dr. Orji Kalu has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election in the last Saturday presidential and national assembly elections.

According to Kalu, the achievements of the current government under President Buhari are unbeatable and remarkable.
While acknowledging the goodwill of the President, the former governor called on politicians to emulate the worthy qualities of President Buhari.

In a goodwill message signed by the Senator-elect on Wednesday , he called on other Nigeria leaders to join hands with President Buhari in rebuilding Nigeria, adding that the future of Nigeria is bright under the current administration.

He said, "the well-deserved victory of President Muhammadu Buhari did not come to Nigerians as a surprise because of the laudable achievements of the federal government.

"President Buhari has in past four years taken Nigeria to enviable heights.

"Nigeria has taken her rightful place in the comity of nations since President Buhari assumed office.

"The APC-led federal government has the welfare of the masses as a top priority.

"With the victory of President Buhari in the poll, it is obvious that Nigerians are happy with the President.

While commending the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, local and international observers, civil society organisations and other stakeholders for ensuring a free and fair election, Kalu urged Nigerians to sustain their support for President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/02/buhari-is-a-hero-ouk/

Following the arrest of a staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. V Ibe, who was also the Collation Officer of Arochukwu LGA of Abia state in the last Saturday presidential and national assembly election, the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Umuahia, Monday invited and interrogated the Senator representing Abia North, Mr. Mao Ohuabunwa over allegations of electoral fraud.

The arrested INEC official was alleged to have connived with Sen. Ohuabunwa, who contested for Senate (Abia North) on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), illegally thump-printed ballot papers and manipulated results in favour of the PDP candidate.
The suspected electoral fraud was allegedly perpetrated with the support of a police Inspector (name withheld and under investigation ) who was also handcuffed and arrested by the police.

Speaking under condition of anonymity, a close aide of the embattled senator, confirmed Ohuabunwa’s invitation by the police, adding that the security agency had earlier arrested a policeman and a staff of INEC in connection with the electoral fraud.

“The case against the embattled senator may be transferred to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) in Abuja, he added”.

Efforts to reach the spokesman of the police in Abia state proved abortive as his telephone lines were off.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/02/alleged-electoral-fraud-police-quizzes-sen-ohuabunwa/

Contrary to insinuations by the Senator representing Abia North, Sen. Mao Ohuabunwa of PDP that the process that truncated his dream of returning to the Senate was unfair, the winner of the Abia North Senatorial Seat in the just concluded National Assembly election, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu of APC has refuted allegation of irregularities, insisting that the process was free and far.



Speaking shortly after his visit to FMC Umuahia on Tuesday, the Senator-elect called on Sen. Ohuabunwa to accept the outcome of the election, describing it as a reflection of the will of the people of Abia North.

“The election was very transparent. If they do it twenty times, I will win him twenty times. He knows and the people too know. I’m the only person in this state who can run in the three senatorial districts and win. This is Abia Central where the FMC is located. I can contest election here and I will defeat T.A Orji. It’s not a rocket science but a reality. I’m not running on any other thing but by my performance for the people” he said.

Kalu who admitted he was in the hospital for his health said he is not among the leaders who keep their health issues in shenanigans. “I’m here for my health. Since I came back from Germany it’s not a secret. I’m not one of those leaders who hide when they have medical issues. I have medical issues which has been cured. It behoves on me to continue taking care of it“ he said.

The former governor who applauded the FMC Umuahia and their urologist, Dr. Iheanacho whom he described as fantastic revealed that his medical team in Germany has found him useful. He also commended the CMD of the hospital, Dr. Chukwu Abali whom he said has been of great assistance to him. He said he will continue to consult them as the need arises, insisting that he is human. He also rated the facilities at the FMC Umuahia theater high, saying it’s as good as being in Germany.

He commended the conduct of electorate at the just concluded election especially in villages around Bende local Government Area especially in Item, Igbere, Ozuitem, Umuhu, Alayi, Ugwueke and others. He said the people voted according to their conscience. He therefore appealed to Abians to vote according to their conscience even as the governorship and state House of Assembly elections approach.

He said the outcome of the presidential election in Abia was doctored. He however said the APC in Abia is not bothered about the alleged manipulation, expressing optimism that President Muhammadu Buhari will emerge victorious.

READ MORE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/02/i-can-run-win-in-any-senatorial-district-of-abia-ouk-boasts/

The member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Uko Ndukwe Nkole of the PDP has congratulated the Senator-elect of Abia North Senatorial district, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu of the APC on his victory.

He said "I congratulate the man, God has chosen, the people have also made their choice and that is the essence of democracy. That he (Kalu) won should not be an issue. he is not for me (Uko Nkole), he is for Abia North, he is the senator representing Abia North and that is what it remains, irrespective of party affiliation".

He also called on INEC to put to a halt the implementation of what he called non-existing law.

The Federal lawmaker who recently secured his re-election bid to the National Assembly made this call on Tuesday in a chat with ABN TV in his Abam hometown, Arochukwu local government area of Abia state.

He said the failure of president Muhammadu Buhari to accent to the electoral Act makes it possible for INEC to accredit voters manually. He expressed dissatisfaction that the electoral umpire has gone ahead to use the card reader as the sole means for accreditation, saying this is wrong.

"A non-existing law was introduced into the electoral process, I mean the card reader, you can recall that the president refused to sign into law, the law that will enable card readers as the sole means of accreditation but by the end of the day it was enforced on the people which I think it’s very wrong.

READ MORE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/02/abia-north-hon-nkole-hails-ouk-on-his-victory-warns-inec-against-implementation-of-non-existing-laws/

The Presidential candidate of PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar according to results released from the polling booth where the Abia APC governorship candidate, Dr. Uche Ogah voted could not secure a vote.

This is as the PDP senatorial candidate in Abia North and his House of Representatives counterpart for Isuikwuato/Umuneochi secured only one vote each.

Presidential

APC 442

PDP 0

Senatorial

APC 439

PDP 1

House of Representatives

APC 438

PDP 1

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/02/unbelievable-atiku-scores-zero-vote-at-uche-ogahs-polling-booth/

The All Progressive Grand Alliance candidate for the Isiala North and South Houses of Representative election, Bishops Emeka Nwankpa has called for the cancellation of the election conducted in the constituency.

The Independent national Electoral Commission had declared the Candidate of the People’s Democratic party Mr. Darlington Nwokeocha the winner of the election.

The APGA candidate however described the election as a charade and insisted that it must be cancelled.

He stated that the election was marred by malfunctions of the card readers. Nwankpa alleged that many voters from the area were disenfranchised by the late arrival of INEC ad-hoc staff and election materials.

He said, “I have written a petition to the INEC and the Department of States services, calling for the cancellation of the election.

”What was done in my constituency is better described as a charade rather than election. Many eligible voters where disenfranchised by the INEC ad-hoc staff sent to my area. The ad-hoc staff arrived by 4:30 and ended the election by 5 Pm.

“In some polling units the number of votes cast did not tally with the number of voters accredited. In some unit only 30 people voted and 300 votes were recorded.

“INEC didn’t give us a credible election, that is why I’m asking for the election to be cancelled and another one conducted to allow our people vote for the candidate of their choice”.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/02/breaking-cancel-isialangwa-north-south-fed-constituency-election-now-apga-candidate-tells-inec/

Information available to ABN TV says the people of Bende, Ohafia, Isiukwuato, Umunneochi and Arochukwu have exploded in wide jubilation over what they call a sure victory of the APC Senatorial candidate for Abia North Senatorial District, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu in the Saturday's general elections.

This expected victory according to a chieftain of APC, Mike Ikechukwu is as a result of what he called the acceptance of Kalu, a former governor of the state in the entire Abia North. He said the people have for long be starved of effective representation, insisting that Dr. Kalu is here to turn the situation around. "There is a chronic bad representation in this senatorial district which OUK's victory has come to correct for the general good of Abia North and the entire state generally" he said.

Recall that the former governor had embarked in aggressive ward to ward campaign in the entire senatorial district upon his return from a medical trip in Germany. This was followed by series of endorsement of Kalu from various political blocks and influential groups. He has also come top in series of online polls against his opponents.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/02/breaking-abia-north-agog-in-wide-jubilation-over-ouks-expected-victory/

Soldiers from 144 Battalion in Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State have reportedly invaded two communities in Obingwa local government area of the state in search of killers of their colleague.

The affected communities are Ukpakiri and Umuezugbe communities. The Nation gathered the soldier was killed near a military outpost located between Ukpakiri and Umuezugbe communities along the ever busy Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway.

It was learnt the soldier, who was not on duty at the outpost, had apparently gone out to attend to his needs but the hoodlums who operated on a Motorbike, thinking he was armed, shot him with the intention of running away with his gun.

The shooting of the soldier was said to have attracted his colleagues who could literally do nothing to save the life of their colleague who bled to death.

It was learnt that the soldiers angered by the situation, cordoned off the area including the Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway where movement of vehicles and persons were obstructed.

Sources within the Ukpakiri community told our reporter that the soldiers who called for reinforcement later invaded the Umuezugbe and Ukpakiri communities in an attempt to fish out the perpetrators.

According to the sources, the invasion of the soldiers in the two communities with subsequent massive arrest of members of the communities led to massive movement of people from the communities to a safer place.

They feared the people might not be able to participate in the National Assembly and Presidential election scheduled for Saturday over fears of being arrested.

Unconfirmed reports have it that many indigenes and residents of the communities who were bartered by the soldiers are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals in the state.

A military source, who spoke anonymously with our reporter, gave the name of the deceased soldier as Corporal Musa Umar.

The military source stated the villagers know the bad eggs among them, urging them to cooperate with the military by fishing out those behind the dastardly act.

He stated the intention of the perpetrators were to snatch the soldier’s gun for an illicit operation.

“You know that election is by the corner, these bad boys are going around looking for weapons that they will use to commit all manner of crimes during this election period.

“It was a police officer in Aba last week and just on Thursday, it was army checkpoint.

“We have placed our men on alert and anyone who attempts snatching a soldier’s gun will regret doing so.”

Another source within the 14 Brigade Headquarters said: “You can’t kill a soldier and go scot free. Restrictions on any of the roads were during the cordon and search.

“That road is free. You can go there yourself to see. But the community knows the bad eggs amongst them.

“They should cooperate by pointing them out. You can’t kill a soldier and go scot free.

“Elections would hold in the community and in Abia State as a whole as we are poised and ready to deal with trouble makers. But law abiding citizens have no problem.”

At the time of filing the report, it was learnt other suspects arrested during the raid of the two communities have been released, except two caught with weapons and a motorbike suspected to have been used for the operation.

SOURCE: https://www.abnews247.com/2019/02/soldiers-invade-abia-communities-over-the-killing-of-their-colleague/

Few hours to the Presidential and National Assembly elections, members of opposition party in Ohafia local government area of Abia State on Friday took to the street to protest the alleged appointment of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP member, as a Supervisor at Ndi Elu area of the local government.

One of the protesters who spoke with ABN TV on the condition of anonymity gave the name of the suspected PDP member as Otuu Ogbuta who is also from the area.

The protesters urged the INEC to remove Ogbuta from working as the supervisor if they really want to conduct free and fair election.

All efforts to get Mr. Ogbuta to speak on the issue proved abortive as at the time of filing this report.