₦airaland Forum

The members of Concerned Ohafia Citizens (CoC) wish to express our unequivocal condemnation of the assault, brutalization, arrest, and detention of Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke, the House of Assembly Member representing Ohafia South State Constituency, by acclaimed agents of the state government.

Our independent investigation indicates that Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke did not violate any laws that would justify such severe actions, including intimidation, arrest, and detention by police officers who allegedly claimed to be acting under orders from the state government.

As a representative of the people, it is his fundamental right just like every other citizen to support whoever he wants.

It is also within his rights and inline with the rules guiding the conduct of elections to demand to see and inspect the voting materials including the result sheets before the commencement of elections.

Resorting to intimidation and bullying by the agents of the state government because he (Hon. Kalu Mba Nwoke) refused to support the candidate of ZLP is not just condemnable but an act of tyranny by the state government and its agents.

The publication circulating in some online newspapers and allegedly sponsored by the state government that he tried to disrupt voting is an unfounded and outright lie. We want to make it clear that his only offense is his refusal to accept the imposition of a candidate on him by the Deputy Governor.

We formally request that the state government issue an apology and for the Abia State House of Assembly to take a stance against this act of tyranny, intimidation, harassment, brutality, and the illegal detention of their member by police personnel allegedly acting on purported orders from the state government.

Sign....
Hon Chief Chidiebere Uwagwu Kalu
Immediate past commissioner for training Abia State and Spokesman of the group

Sign......
Hon Ukpai Kalu Ifegwu,
Secretary

Press Release.

The Abduction of Nwabueze Success, A Ploy To Frame Obinna Oriaku By Abia State Government.

This is to alert the general public that we, the members of the Old Aba Division Progressive Union, are cognizant of the Abia State Government's attempts to unjustly implicate Chief Obinna Oriaku (Ekwedike) in matters with which he is not associated. Chief Oriaku is our illustrious son and a distinguished Ngwa man who has served commendably as the Commissioner for Finance from 2015 to 2019.

Since the current government has become so predictable, one can correctly guess their frustrations and next line of action, especially given the background that Chief Oriaku has undertaken the noble task of holding the current administration accountable.

Yesterday the 29th of October 2024, we were reliably informed that Mr. Nwabueze Success Onyekachi was abducted over some leaked documents exposing the financial recklessness, malfeasance and industrial-scale sleaze going on in the government. being that he works in State audit and an Ngwa man and in line with the state government's anti-Ngwa policy, he was therefore accused of being responsible for the leaked documents.

Failing to substantiate these claims, they have decided to link Mr Nwabueze with allegations of Pension fraud which we have reliably gathered is a calculated attempt to associate Chief Obinna Oriaku with fraudulent activities in which he has no involvement.

We want to use this medium to notify the public that Chief Oriaku has previously undergone scrutiny and investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during his tenure as Commissioner and was found not guilty of any wrongdoing by the agency

The current efforts by the state government aimed at shutting him up since he has refused to be cowed by personal threats to his person and family including the threat of legal action, this current plot will also bear no fruit even as we are aware that the " the governor has given matching instructions to drag all the people that worked under Mr Obinna Oriaku.

Through this public notice, we aim to alert the citizens of Abia State and Nigerians in general to this troubling situation. We assert that the Government of Abia State will be held accountable should any harm befall Mr. Obinna Oriaku.

Signed
Chief Dick Nwosu.
Chairman

Chief Ezindu Obiofor
Secretary

The Ohuhu Welfare Union Aba Branch held its Annual New Yam Festival (Iriji) on Sunday the 13th of October 2024,

In his opening speech, the President General of OWU Aba Branch, Chief Okechukwu Ekeoba, described the New Yam Festival as a revered ceremony in Igbo land. It is a time to show appreciation to God for all his blessings and mercy and for preserving and providing bountiful harvests to all Ohuhu indigenes at home and in the diaspora.

The Royal Father of the day, HRH Eze Nzenwata Mbakwe, In the company of the Chairman, Ohuhu Council of Traditional Rulers HRM Eze Ngwuli, HRH Eze Chikwekwem, and other traditional Rulers performed the traditional cutting of the new yam. He prayed for peace in Ohuhu and Nigeria as a whole. He also asked for God's blessings and prosperity for all Ohuhu sons and daughters, regardless of their location or endeavors.

Chief Charles Nzechi, the Guest of Honour, and Ex-President Ohuhu Welfare Union World Wide barrister Johnson Kanu emphasized that the celebration promotes not only the culture and tradition of the Igbo people but also fosters unity and development. they advocated for the compulsory teaching and learning of Igbo language and culture in schools.

The event's highlight was the recognition and honor bestowed upon prominent sons and daughters, as well as friends of Ohuhu, who have distinguished themselves in various fields and significantly contributed to the development of Ohuhu.

Those honored include:

Lady Patience Aguoru, Chief Maduabuchi Gabriel, Royal High Chief Henry Maduakolam Ubi, H/Chief Charles Nzechi, Chief Dr. Enyinnaya Duke Atuloma, Chief Jeffrey Ogbudu, H/Chief Raymond Onyinye Ofoegbu, H/Chief Uche Aguoru, Barr. Chuks Akamadu, Barr.Sir Johnson KANU, Chief Chinedum K Ikpe, Chief Alozie Bright Alighi, Ezinna Godwin Iroabuchi Ohaeri, Sir Lasco Nkem Abraham, Chief Okey Uwazie, PG OWU World Wide, and many others.

The event also featured the display of Ndi Ohuhu's rich cultural heritage, including traditional dances and musical displays

Hon. Engr. Chikodi Echibiri is a native of Umuda Okpuala in Okpu Isingwu autonomous community, Ohuhu Umuahia North LGA of Abia state, he had his Primary school at Umuoriehi/ Amankwo primary school and thereafter attended Community secondary school Isingwu where he completed his secondary education, he got admission into the Federal University of Technology Owerri where he studied and obtained a Bachelors degree in Agricultural Engineering.

Engr. Echebiri's professional versatility, entrepreneurial spirit, and astute business acumen led him to venture beyond his professional background, he got involved in business, and he became a big player and dealer in the tech industry where he is a major dealer on mobile phones and phone accessories, His diverse business portfolio has significantly contributed to his prominence in the Abia business landscape.

Engr. Echebiri's influence extends beyond his business ventures he has left an indelible mark of contributions to the political growth and development of the PDP in Ohuhu and Umuahia North and also made a significant impact on community development.


He continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals, serving as a shining example of what can be achieved with determination, talent, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on one’s community.

Given his esteemed profile, Engr. Echebiri is a compelling candidate for the position of Umuahia North Council Chairman. He envisions Umuahia North as a hub for entrepreneurial opportunities and investment, emphasizing the need for adept leadership. His proactive involvement in youth development and empowerment using personal resources further underscores his suitability for this significant role.

There can be no doubting the fact that such a profile is more than worthy of consideration as Umuahia North begins the search for a new Council Chairman

With the birth of the new political consciousness and awareness in local government administration, Umuahia North is in dire need of an independent-minded and strong character who having lived all his life in Umuahia understands the developmental needs and trajectory of Umuahia North.

A man with a verifiable track record of having built systems, and we all can testify that they don’t come any better packaged than Engr. Hon. Chikodi Echebiri.

The President General Ohuhu Welfare Union Aba branch Chief Okechukwu Ekeoba has announced that this year's New Yam Festival is scheduled to be held on Sunday the 13th of October 2024 at CS Park Aba.

In a press conference held at the union's secretariat in Aba on Monday, Chief Ekeoba announced that this year's event will witness the recognition and honour of prominent Ohuhu indigenes and friends of the clan both at home and in the diaspora.

He stated that the yearly event is in consonant with the culture and tradition of Ndi Igbo across the globe and that Ohuhu indigenes all over the world celebrate Iri Ji as a mark of thanksgiving to God for the preservation of our lives and bountiful harvest.

He advised Ohuhu indigenes to take to farming irrespective of what one is doing or where he or she reside and expressed optimism that the country's economy though bleak at the moment will witness a turnaround while calling on the government at all levels to introduce measures that will cushion the effect of the hardship that Nigerians are currently facing.

Chief Ekeoba announced that those to be honoured include High Chief Amb. Charles Nzechi, Mrs patience Aguoru Nwudeh, Chief Maduabuchi Gabriel, H/Chief Uche Aguoru, Royal H/Chief Henry Maduabuchi Ubi, Chief Dr. Enyinnaya Duke Atuloma, Chief Jeffrey Ogbudu, H/Chief Raymond Onyinye Ofoegbu, Ezinne Dorathy Ukelonu, H/Chief Okechukwu Uwazie, Chief Ucheoma Amechi and other prominent Ohuhu sons and daughters and friends of the clan.

This year Iri Ji festival will be held under the chairmanship of Barr. Sir Johnson Kanu, Rt. Hon. Obi Aguocha is the Co-host with Dr. Uche George as the Chief host, the Royal Father of the day is HRH Eze Nzenwata Mbakwe.

In reaction to the claims by Governor Alex Otti that his administration will be flaggig off 19.2km Itungwa/Omoba road, the former Commisioner for finance Chief Obinna Oriaku said, the Otti administration had no single input in the project stating that the project is a a world Bank Project, he narrated how the contract for project which predates the Otti administration was initiated by the T.A Orji administration and the arrangements and counterpart funding was paid by the Ikpeazu government. He advised Governor Otti government to endeavour to speak the truth and give honour to who it is due.


Read Full......



The untold story of Abia RAAMP and its flag off.

Abians are happy that this project is taking off after a long delay which will be boring to enumerate.

Most times people refutes stories or news of this government because of their strategy of ignoring all the jobs or efforts of people that were there before them.

The Oyibo that introduced modern government concepts understand why they said it is continuum.

That project was restarted in 2016. During TA adminstration, most projects that required counterpart funding were stopped due to mismangament of funds by the operators. In this case , we set up a committee to investigate what happened with the funds for this project. The report is still there .

Because of the importance of this world bank program RAAMP and others,we decided to follow up on these programmes including other world bank projects.

We came in during recession of 2015, funds were not enough to even pay salaries , not to talk about setting out funds for counterpart funds.

The Federal government through the DMO ( Debt Mgt Office ) had just banned commercial banks from granting any further facility to any State as they were processing bail out for states.

We decided we must source for for funds to commence these projects due to their importance.

These include; FADAMA. CSDP, NEWMAP and RAAMP.

The head of DMO (Debt Management office )then was Dr Abraham Nwankwo from Obowo in Imo state.

One Saturday around May 2016, when we got information that he came around for weekend. Emme Okoro then SSG , Emeka Ononiwu left for Obowo and pleaded with him to reconsider his stand and grant Abia exceptional approval to source for funds for the counter part fund for these projects listed above.

Zenith bank came to our rescue with N700m facility and the rest is history. As close as Hon Minister for FCT , Nyeso Wike who is the star Minster is to the President and power levers in this administration, it will take the FCT average of 4 years to consummate this transaction.

N300m was given to RAAMP as counterpart fund and N400 to NEWMAP. That marked the second journey of RAAMP

Abia was readmitted among participating states in RAAMP.

This project suffered many challenges as I went to their head office in Abuja with then PC Mr Babintion, at a time those that started with Abia state at inception concluded that phase and entered the second Phase.

Abia was migrated to the second phase which now included integrated Agricultural evacuation from rural areas as focus .

The money eventually came in to the CBN by adding Abia into the envelop system in 2022.

There were other internal issues which included sacking of the PC Mr Babintion by this government coupled with shenanigans of the operators and the award process that was truncated late 2022 to 2023, and of course, the general election . Gov Otti also sacked Enger Ogbonna that took over from Mr Babintion, all these contributed to the delay of the project.

The project entails reconstruction of about 500km in Abia , these roads are worth £60m with prospects of scaling up the amount due to current exchange rate .

The focus is to open up the rural roads that leads to remote farms and link roads to create access to market.

There are 3 types of roads .

(1). Virgin road construction
(2). scaling of old roads by reconstruction.
(3) linkage of rural roads by constructing culvert and bridges to open the roads .

The 19.2km Itungwa Omoba road was initially scheduled to take off from Itungwa, end but now Umoba .

We have not seen any deliberate effort by this government to construct any road in Isi ala Ngwa south , the supposed local government of our Governor .

Our intervention is to ensure this project is not appropriated as if its coming from the state. It is a world bank project which predates this administration.

The current state administration has no 1kobo contribution outside those initial investments made by the state before now.

This is a world bank project re- initiated in 2016, processed and awarded by last administration but cancelled , and reawarded, but being officially flagged off tommrrow 2nd October.

Today , We are happy Abia North have over 140km of roads linking Arochukwu, while the 8km Umuikaa to Umuene awarded over 8 months ago has been abandoned as contractor has demobilzed from site. ( You will see it on the road , that is if you can access Umuene from that road as its totally abandoned).

We will not allow anybody use world bank project to make up for the neglect of the supposed Governor's local government.

It is instructive to note that our external borrowing automatically increases with the payment of this project.

This is to teach those that will say , we have not borrowed since we came or we have paid down. .

Like i said, It is sad that it took this long years to get here. However, we are ok the project is taking off, but if the choice of project was left for this administration, we know Itungwa and Umuoba would not have featured.

Obinna Oriaku

Ekwedike.

I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, on being conferred as Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) by His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. This prestigious honor is a testament to the exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment that Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has demonstrated in service to our nation.


Rt. Hon. Kalu, representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, has consistently exhibited outstanding dedication to the advancement of our legislative processes and the implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of our citizens. His remarkable efforts have significantly contributed to the progress and development of our nation, and this recognition further underscores his invaluable contributions to our collective growth and prosperity.


President Tinubu's acknowledgment of Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu's exemplary service reflects a deep appreciation for his significant role in shaping policies and championing causes that align with the aspirations of our people. The conferment of this honor is a reflection of the President's confidence in Rt. Hon. Kalu's ability to continue making meaningful impacts in our national discourse.


As a trailblazer and progressive leader, Rt. Hon. Kalu has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to the ideals of good governance, transparency, and accountability. His visionary leadership and dedication to the betterment of our society have set a commendable standard for others to emulate. It is truly gratifying to witness his efforts being recognized at the highest level of national honor.


On behalf of my family and myself, I express immense pride in your well-deserved achievement, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu. Your dedication and exemplary service continue to inspire us all as we work towards a more prosperous and inclusive future for our great nation.

Signed..

Hon. Demian Igbokwe
Special Adviser to the
Senate Minority Whip

Dr. Monica Adanma Uwaga's career in environmental science, forestry, and ecology is a testament to her profound dedication to advancing the understanding and management of environmental systems. Her extensive research, practical contributions, and academic involvement have significantly propelled the fields of environmental conservation, bioremediation, and climate change mitigation. Through her work, Dr. Uwaga has not only addressed some of the most pressing ecological challenges but has also influenced the broader environmental science community with innovative solutions and a commitment to sustainable development.

Dr. Uwaga’s academic foundation began with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Environmental Management from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU), Nigeria. Her early academic excellence set the stage for her subsequent achievements, which include a Master’s degree in Toxicology and Environmental Management and a Ph.D. in Ecology. Currently, she is pursuing another Ph.D. in Bio-Environmental Science at Morgan State University, USA, illustrating her dedication to constantly refining her expertise in the environmental sciences. This dedication to lifelong learning not only exemplifies her personal drive but also highlights her commitment to pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field.

Her research interests cover a wide array of critical environmental issues, including bioremediation, pollution management, air and water quality control, plant ecology, and climate change. Dr. Uwaga has made valuable contributions to ecosystem protection and restoration, focusing on environmental impact assessments and baseline studies that are essential for effective project management in environmentally sensitive areas. These contributions are particularly significant in today’s world, where the effects of industrialization, deforestation, and climate change are becoming increasingly pronounced.

Dr. Uwaga’s research into watershed characteristics in her Ph.D. dissertation, "Ecological Changes in Watershed Characteristics along a River Course in Isingwu Umuahia-North Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria," is particularly noteworthy. This work sheds light on how human activity and natural forces impact watershed ecosystems, contributing to a deeper understanding of how to preserve and rehabilitate these vital ecological systems. Her research on watershed ecology advances the field by providing crucial insights into the interconnectedness of water resources and land use, promoting strategies for sustainable water management and ecosystem resilience.

A major focus of Dr. Uwaga’s work has been on bioremediation—the process of using living organisms to remove pollutants from the environment. Her research in this area has provided practical solutions for managing pollution, particularly in regions heavily affected by industrial activities and agricultural runoff. By advancing bioremediation techniques, she has made important strides in developing sustainable methods to clean up contaminated soils and water bodies. This work has broad applications, especially in areas like Nigeria where pollution from the oil and gas industry has had significant environmental impacts. Dr. Uwaga’s research contributes directly to creating cleaner, safer environments and reducing the ecological footprint of human activities.

In addition to her research, Dr. Uwaga’s role as an educator has been instrumental in shaping the next generation of environmental scientists. At MOUAU, she has held several academic positions, progressing from Graduate Assistant to Lecturer 1 in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Management. Her work in academia includes course coordination, curriculum development, and mentorship. Through these roles, she has influenced countless students and young professionals, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to address the environmental challenges of tomorrow. By integrating her research into her teaching, Dr. Uwaga ensures that her students are equipped with the latest insights and methodologies, fostering a generation of environmentally conscious leaders.

Dr. Uwaga’s work in environmental impact assessment (EIA) has been particularly impactful in shaping policy and project development in Nigeria and beyond. Her expertise in conducting EIAs for various development projects has allowed her to influence how environmental risks are managed in infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial projects. By ensuring that these assessments are rooted in thorough scientific analysis, she has helped create frameworks that balance economic development with environmental preservation. This work is critical in developing countries where economic growth often conflicts with environmental sustainability, and Dr. Uwaga’s contributions ensure that development occurs with an awareness of its ecological impact.

Her commitment to gender studies in the context of environmental management also sets her apart as a holistic researcher. Dr. Uwaga has explored how gender dynamics affect land use and conservation practices, particularly in traditional farming systems. This research is essential in promoting inclusive environmental policies that take into account the different roles that men and women play in environmental stewardship, thus broadening the scope of environmental science to include social dimensions of sustainability.

Dr. Uwaga’s extensive involvement in global environmental organizations, including the British Ecological Society and the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World, highlights her influence on an international scale. These memberships allow her to engage with leading experts from around the world, facilitating collaboration on cutting-edge environmental research and projects. Through these platforms, she contributes to the global dialogue on sustainable development, bringing her expertise from Nigeria and Africa to a broader audience.

Her contributions to the academic world are also notable through her numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences. Her work has explored the intersection of environmental science and technology, particularly the role of bioplastics and renewable materials in reducing the environmental impact of industrial waste. These research outputs not only advance academic knowledge but also provide practical recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders on how to adopt more sustainable practices.

In conclusion, Dr. Monica Adanma Uwaga’s career exemplifies how one individual’s dedication to environmental science can have far-reaching impacts. Her research into bioremediation, climate change, and ecosystem management, combined with her role as an educator and mentor, has advanced the field of environmental science significantly. Her contributions provide valuable insights that help shape policies, drive sustainable development, and protect fragile ecosystems. As she continues to build on her impressive body of work, Dr. Uwaga stands as a leader in her field, guiding the way toward a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

Since the return of democracy in 1999 the Southeast has been shortchanged in so many areas for reasons of either lack of effectual and purposeful representation on the part of those we sent to represent us at the National Assembly or most of our representatives have not seen the need or even where they do, haven’t got the political propellant needed to move for the attraction of federal facilities which other zones have been enjoying, most of the bills meant to attract the much-desired development to the Southeast is usually stepped down, abandoned, killed or not given the necessary force required to make it a law.


The Southeast has experienced infrastructural and economic deficit since the end of the civil war even when the PDP was the party at the center and enjoyed the massive support of the region, a period when we had a robust relationship with the presidency, the positive overcounts of that strong relationship that is supposed to have benefitted the region then was neither seen nor felt in adequate developmental amounts anywhere in the Southeast.

As a direct fallout of the effects of the civil war, the zone was afflicted with deliberate neglect and marginalization hence the underdevelopment and infrastructural decay that had placed the zone at a disadvantaged position if placed in comparison with other zones in the Federation despite our globally acknowledged reputation as a highflyer in commerce and education, it has also robbed the Southeast zone of major Federal establishments and facilities including the privilege of luxuriating in the gains and accruals of such federal government-owned institutions and democratic derivables.

The realization of the South East Development Commission, a visionary initiative from Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu as of today remains the biggest goal ever scored by a Southeast legislator designed to foster inclusive development across the region.

The overriding disadvantageous effect of not owning a federal commission directly responsible for the rebuilding of the zone after the ravaging effect of the civil war just like we have it in the North East and the Niger Delta scores the bill sponsored by Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member representing Bende federal constituency astronomically high, given the requisite and timely nature of the bill.

That Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has shown finesse in representation since his first term in the green chambers is not in doubt, but this all-important bill is borne out of noble-mindedness and therefore deserves all the accolades.

Let me, therefore, use this medium to plead with all the Southeast Governors, The Leadership of Ohaneze Ndigbo, the Southeast Intelligentsia, the Igbo Leaders of Thought, the political class, and colleagues of Rt. Hon. Kalu, to desist from engaging in unnecessary fighting and pulling him down but rather imbibe the spirit of patriotism and love for the region by joining hands with him to ensure that the SEDC when established will precipitate inclusive development of the zone and assist our region back on the road to peace, inclusive economic and infrastructural development, and end the restiveness and separatist agitation that escalated insecurity in the southeast.

Aguoru is a public affairs analyst

When The Saint Came To Plunder And Pilfer

By Uche Aguoru

For 8 years, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti traversed the length and breadth of Abia state, preaching to Abians and promising accountability and transparency if given the number one job in the state. Armed with his private sector experience, though adjudged controversial, he painted a saintly picture of himself while accusing the then-PDP government of not being transparent enough and promising to be more accountable and open in transacting the state's fiscals.

Like every politician on a campaign mission, he engaged and was believed just as some gullible, though highly educated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora believed former President Buhari when he promised to exchange "one Naira for one US Dollar" if elected, and went ahead to work against the Goodluck Jonathan government which has already positioned the country's economy on the path of holistic progression.

While I must acknowledge some moderate achievements in road maintenance and refurbishment of existing infrastructure the Otti administration inherited from the previous administrations, it becomes very concerning the humongous cost attached to these projects and the lack of transparency with which the contracts are awarded and funds disbursed.

Going by the invoices obtained, the costs with which the Otti administration awards contracts on road reconstruction raise questions about the state's expenses. For example, the Ohanku road reconstruction project allegedly being over-invoiced to the tune of 17 billion naira, with the original cost of the project being 3.5 billion naira.

Today, it is globally acknowledged that Abia state has broken the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for paying 5.6 billion naira per kilometer of road in a non-swampy terrain without bridges, representing the costliest road contract per kilometer the world over.

The Otti government allegedly wrote off billions of naira on non-existent projects, as represented in the table above. If the content of the table above does not scare or make you uncomfortable with the Alex Otti administration, then you must have fed your conscience to the dogs in exchange for blind support.

According to the financial report published on the Abia State Government website, the Otti administration claimed to have constructed and rehabilitated public schools with 11.94 billion Naira. However, the reality on the ground does not support such a claim as there are no records of any school being reconstructed or retrofitted, at least not to the knowledge of Abians.

It is very obvious that the Governor came equipped with tools for selfish acquisition of wealth. How can one openly claim N12bn for capital projects in the education sector without building a classroom block to show for it?

The government also claimed to have reconstructed and rehabilitated office buildings at the cost of 4.8 billion Naira, but Abians are yet to see where such projects were carried out.

The financial records as published also read that the Otti government did infrastructure with 3 billion Naira. It is only Governor Otti who can explain what that means, as the governor has the habit of sacking any commissioner or aide who picks courage to raise issues or ask questions seeking explanations on some expenditure subheads attached to his/her ministry.

They claimed to spend 7.8 billion Naira on Research and Development without specifics on institutions or even results, pointing to how corrupt this administration has been.

Abia State Government claimed to have spent 1 billion Naira on erosion control but has been unable to point at the site where such monies were spent, which is very unusual for a government that conducts huge publicity for every little achievement.

The claim of spending 2.14 billion Naira on the reconstruction of Law Courts in the state is another project that only exists on paper and is allegedly used to siphon public funds.

The Otti administration has yet to show Abians where the 2.46 billion Naira ICT infrastructure is sited since it does not exist within the Abia geographical space
Abians are still very confused about what the subhead CAPACITY BUILDING means, on which Governor Otti claimed to have spent 3 billion Naira.

As of today, Governor Otti runs the most untransparent and expensive government in Nigeria where governor Otti expends 927 million Naira monthly on meals in his Nvosi home while the people are living in extreme poverty.

In his usual deceitful style, he promised to be the first Governor that would pay the minimum wage once Organized Labour and FG reached an agreement. Still, several months after he has yet to honour that promise despite receiving 17b naira in July from the federation account as a monthly allocation, he is still undecided on whether or not to pay the 70k minimum wage. In contrast, Enugu, Ebonyi, and many other states have commenced implementation.

Before you come in defense of Governor Otti, can you please show Abian's where these projects he claimed to have spent billions of Naira belonging to Abians are located?

Indeed, the Otti administration came prepared to steal, loot, and to plunder.

Aguoru is a public affairs analyst.

Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu, Reliving The Okpara Developmental Passion And Ideology

By Uche Aguoru

Having carefully followed the legislative history and achievements of the visionary, brilliant, and cerebral Deputy Speaker of the 10th House of Representatives. Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, his approach and efforts aimed at reinventing and repositioning the Southeast region toward the path of inclusive development

This courageous and creative young politician from Bende deserves commendations and support for his conscious but systematic and progressive initiatives aimed at rebuilding the post-civil war Igbo land

I have read some people opine that Ben Kalu is not the only deputy speaker that the southeast region has produced, while the argument is valid, the results are manifest that he is undeniably the most result-oriented and most impactful No6 Nigerian that we have had since the return of the 4th republic.

Ben Kalu's legislative direction has remained consistent and directional toward the economic and social reengineering of the region and the people

As a legislator, a close study of Kalu's developmental initiatives and drive will reveal a semblance of the M.I Okpara developmental spirit, he has consistently pursued programs and policies that will facilitate and Fastrack peace and economic rejuvenation and development of the southeast.

For a region that has faced intentional marginalization and stagnation since the end of the civil war, underdevelopment, dilapidation and dearth of infrastructure became very evident

The Southeast is rising and becoming more intra-dependent. Opportunities to advance sustainable economic growth and human development are increasing. At the same time, inherently regional challenges become more constraining and have increased the region’s vulnerability to negative shocks. Mitigating these threats and achieving timely and durable progress across the region will require investment in the region's future based on a strategy that emphasizes greater integration, collaboration, cooperation, and partnership with the Federal Government, states, and institutions.

Rt.Hon. Kalu's application of experience, passion, and critical legislative skill sets has been the propeller of the huge achievements that he has recorded within such a short time as the deputy speaker, Like the great M.I. Power, Ben Kalu's passion and vision for the overall development of the southeast region birthed the South East Development Commission with the mandate of making life better, improve living conditions, enhance quality of life, and standard of living as well as engineer the inclusive economic, social and cultural development of the southeast and the south easterner.

Aguoru Is A Public Affairs Analyst

ABIA @33: Mayor Lucky Igbokwe Celebrates Abia @33 Calls For Improvement In Service Delivery

As we celebrate Abia State's 33rd anniversary, I want to congratulate all Abians for their resilience and dedication to making our state a better place. Despite the challenges we've faced, our collective efforts have driven progress, and I am proud of what we've achieved together.

While I commend the current administration for maintaining stability and promoting development, I believe there's still more to be done. We need to focus on improving human capital and youth development, infrastructure, education, and healthcare to meet the needs of our growing population.

As a businessman, politician, and philanthropist, I remain committed to working alongside every one of you to address these critical issues. Let's renew our collective effort to build a state where every citizen thrives. Together, we can make Abia the state of our dreams.

#AbiaisLucky
#AbiaAt33
#BetterAbia #TogetherWeCan

I have been following the attempts by state governors to undermine President Tinubu's efforts to ensure that local governments are granted full autonomy. Since the apex court's pronouncement that granted financial autonomy to local governments, state governors have gone back to their laboratories to research and develop other means to continue to siphon off the resources meant for the development of rural areas. This is why I am calling on the National Assembly to quickly amend the laws to further block the governors' access to authority and funds of the councils.

Due to my passion and hunger for inclusive development, one of my major campaign points in the lead-up to the 2023 governorship race was the need to strengthen and empower the local government system to serve as the major developmental pillar.

Out of greed and selfishness, governors have resisted the bottom-up approach to governance by fraudulently refusing to conduct local government elections, in flagrant disregard to the provisions of the constitution, all in a bid to siphon and embezzle funds meant for local governments.

In my developmental projections for the 2023 general elections, which were documented in my manifesto, I prioritized the autonomy of the local governments and the need to grant them full management of their finances, the collection of revenues, and the allocation of resources without state government interference.

Being in touch with the people, I strongly believe that for us to achieve sustainability in rural development and empowerment, we must have a working local government system that will be free from interference by the governors. A local government administration should partner with community-based organizations to achieve people-oriented development.

In the recent past, relief items sent by the federal government could not reach the rural populace, where the poorest of the poor reside, because there was no local government administration in place. Those entrusted with the items instead of distributing them through community-based organizations or churches diverted them.

For us to achieve an effective and functional local government system, the local governments must be allowed to focus on delivering essential services such as healthcare, education, sanitation, creating jobs, and developing infrastructure for the people without interference from the state governors.

I appeal to the National Assembly to join efforts with President Tinubu and save the local government system by making laws that will guarantee free and fair elections to produce choice leadership for the people. This is the only kind of leadership that can harness and utilize available resources for growth and development at the grassroots level and reduce rural-urban migration.

Ikwuano/Umuhia North/Umuahia South, where Is Our Share of The FG Rice Palliative?

The House of Representatives Approved President Bola Tinubu’s five hundred billion Naira palliative requests on July 13, 2023, to help cushion the effects of the fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians.

The facility is intended to expand coverage of the social safety net support for poor and vulnerable Nigerians across the 360 federal constituencies and 109 senatorial zones.

Under this arrangement, every senator was entitled to two hundred million naira worth of rice, while their counterparts in the green chambers were given 100 million naira worth of rice to share with their constituents.

For clarity, the Federal Government did not monetize the rice palliative. Instead, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture was given the task of procurement and distribution, with NASS members asked to nominate a contractor to handle the supplies. The contractors were to be paid directly through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture.

However, due to logistical challenges and bureaucratic processes, some constituencies couldn't receive their palliative until December 2023.

Our investigation revealed that many constituencies received 2 trailer loads of grain, while the senatorial zones received 4 trailer loads of 25kg of rice.

Sources at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security confirmed that as of December 2023, all 360 federal constituencies and 109 senatorial zones had received their full supplies. However, for Abia's central senatorial zone, we cannot immediately confirm who took delivery because of the court judgment that sacked Senator Nwokocha and replaced him with Senator Austin Akobundu. Our sources confirmed that it was Senator Nwokocha who nominated the contractor. Meanwhile, the contractor who handled that of Aba North/South was nominated by Hon. Nnamani, who was sacked by the appeal courts.

While we read from the media about representatives from other states distributing the palliative grains to their constituents, in Abia we witnessed only Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu, Hon. Amobi Ogah, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, Hon. Nkwonta, and H.E Senator Orji Uzor Kalu distributing rice and other palliatives to their constituents.

Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency was luckier, as their representative, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, gave three sticks of one-foot-long cassava stems to 27 constituents, while Obingwa/Ugwunagbor/Osisioma federal constituency elected Hon. Munachim Alozie an internationally certified BENCH WARMER into the National Assembly.

Ndi Ikwuano, Umuahia North, and Umauhia South, the question that everybody has been asking, and one I will continue to ask, is what happened to our share of the FG rice palliative?

(1) Did the FG exclude Ikwuano/Umuahia from the rice palliative given to all federal constituencies in Nigeria?

(2) Was ours stolen, or was it lost in transit?

(3) Did the contractor abscond with our money, or was it looted?

(4) Did the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security confiscate our share of the palliative?

(5) Is Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency not entitled to the FG Palliative grains?

If you cant provide answers to these questions will you permit us to believe the trending rumour that the FG Palliative rice meant for distribution to the poorest of the poor in Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South was diverted and sold?

Please, Hon. Obinna Aguocha, Member Representing Umuahia North, Umuahia South, and Ikwuano we know you are busy with the Mazi Nnamdi Kanu project, but can you take a few minutes and respond to the above questions?

Thank you,

Uche Aguoru

Is A Public Affairs Analyst

I have been receiving numerous calls and inquiries from both home and abroad, seeking my opinion on the calls by constituents requesting information regarding how funds accrued to Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency are expended. While some believe that it is too early to make such inquiries, others argue that as the Hon. Member Representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North and Umuahia South federal constituency is from Ohuhu, the call for accountability should not come from there.

Firstly, it is the constitutional right of constituents to demand periodic reports of their representatives' activities or ask for information when they feel their representation is ineffective.

For those arguing that the call for accountability and effective representation should not come from Ndi Ohuhu, given that an Ohuhu man holds the position, I think they are missing the point. If anyone should demand results and good representation, it should be the Ohuhu man.

The theme of the campaign was "Oke Ndi Ohuhu," which underlines the sentiment and rights, and stirs emotions in the hearts of every individual, regardless of party affiliation. If Hon. Obi Aguocha fails to achieve the type of representation that Ikwuano/Umuahia should be proud of, it is the Ohuhu man who will bear the shame and taunts. The sister LGAs of Ikwuano and Umuahia South, as well as our Ibeku brothers, will remind us of the poor performance of "NDI OHUHU" when they were given the opportunity.

For those saying that it is too early to demand efficient and better representation, let me remind you that one year is a sufficient time for a result-oriented representative to demonstrate capacity and effectiveness. We have examples of his colleagues who are also first-timers and the visible impacts they created in their constituencies in less than one year in office.

Having addressed those concerns, I must state clearly that the tenure of Hon. Obi Aguocha is so far the poorest we have had so far in Ikwuano/Umuahia in terms of delivery. Deploying minions to insult and bully those asking questions and demanding a better representation will not address the issue of poor representation currently being experienced in our constituency.

We are also aware of some clandestine moves to sponsor individuals who will openly distance themselves from the agitation as a countermeasure and to pass a vote of confidence on Hon. Aguocha. However, that will not address the shortcomings of the current representation, nor will it discourage patriots demanding for quality representation.

While the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is important to us Ndi Ikwuano/Umuahia, it is also significant to every Igbo man and does not take the place of a constituency project.

The whole nation knows that the agitation for the release of Kanu is being championed by Ohaneze Ndigbo, with the 5 South East Governors providing support, while Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu is leading the camp of the Lawmakers and pushing for a political resolution to the issue.

Therefore, hiding under the release of Nnamdi Kanu and seeking attention through media appearances cannot overshadow your failures as our representative. We elected you to bring home democratic deliverables, and so far you have failed in that regard.

Rather than waste time and resources trying to silence dissenting voices, it would be more productive if you channel those energies into learning from your colleagues Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, Hon. Amobi Ogah, and Hon. Nkwonta, as it has become evident that you lack the requisite knowledge and legislative skills to attract meaningful developments to Ikwuano/Umuahia.

The truth is that your representation is perceived as selfish and has not positively impacted Ikwuano, Umuahia North, or Umuahia South. I firmly believe that there is still room and time for improvement.

Perhaps you are not aware that even within the LP family, your elevation into the National Assembly has only led to enmity, division, and disputes that never existed in Ohuhu before.

Those demanding better representation are not your enemies, but rather patriots who want you to succeed because much is expected from you, given what you have been entrusted with.

Uche Aguoru
13/8/2024

High Chief Ikechi Emenike, An Archetype of Statesmanship and Developmental Politics

By Uche Aguoru

The famous American author and philosopher, Sir Alfred Marshall said, and I quote "The most valuable of all capitals is that invested in human beings"

High Chief Ikechi Emenike is a renowned economist, respected statesman, Politician, international publisher, and patriot whose contribution to human capital development and growth stands immeasurable, and his selflessness has shaped the lives and future of many Abians.

The Ohuhu Umuahia North-born businessman and quintessence of veracious politics though highly misunderstood by many has used his political contacts and connections to impact positively on very many Abians from across the 17 local government areas of the state.

Reputed to be very thorough and firm, but has been proven to be very fair, warm, and amiable detests dishonesty, sycophancy, and a life of double standards.

High Chief Emenike plays developmental politics, and his human capital attractions are blind to clannish or tribal considerations, he is a selfless and compassionate leader who recognizes and empowers faithfulness, and loyalty.

The human capacity developmental milestones and footprints of this brilliant politician could be found across the 17 LGAs of the state from Ukwa East through to Arochukwu, there is no Local Government that High Chief Emenike has not empowered people with federal appointments and lucrative employments.

The attraction and realization of the Federal College of Education Ofeme, is an eloquent testimony among many other infrastructural developmental projects High Chief Emenike has attracted to the state, while many politicians are looking for personal benefits, he single-handedly pursued and got approval for the first and only Federal College of Education in the state.

Chief Emenike's political personality is defined by vision, honesty, resilience, tenacity, integrity, and purposefulness. This silent achiever possesses a mysticism that resonates even as he strives to attract human capital and infrastructural development across the state.

While many politicians are busy amassing wealth, Ikechi has been silently and selflessly contributing immensely towards the state's infrastructural and economic growth and development.

Aguoru
Is A Public Affairs Analyst

Pulling Down The Abia Lodge In Abuja, Time For Otti To Stop The Recklessness, Greed, And Plunder.

By Uche Aguoru

It sounds unreasonable that Governor Otti is pulling down the Abia Lodge in Abuja, which he has budgeted to rebuild at an exorbitant cost of 8.5 billion Naira, it is even more disturbing that he has announced the demolition of the newly built Government House in Umuahia.

While some of his aides and uninformed supporters may want to offer some blind support for the governor's illogical action, the fact is that his administration has become eerily consistent with financial recklessness, plundering, and straight-out of the kleptocratic playbook that his administration has come to be identified with.

Governments across the nation are working seriously hard to reduce expenditure by prioritizing only projects that impact directly on the improvement of people's living standards and welfare, I am at a loss on what Governor Otti wants to achieve by destroying a building that its integrity is still intact and standing and only recently refurbished and retrofitted with modern facilities and standards?

Abia under Otti has the infamous reputation of running the most expensive government East of the Niger at the same time, the citizens descend into poverty on a daily, while the majority of the residents cannot afford one decent meal a day, and the health facilities have been left to dilapidate with unemployment and crime hitting an all-time high.

It's concerning that a Governor, who has openly complained that the civil service payroll is still very huge and the reason he has significantly cut down the salaries of civil servants through unexplained taxes and has been unable to meet up with salaries of agencies, parastatals, and also forcing pensioners to forgo their pensions and entitlements while seriously considering further reduction of the state workforce after the initial sack of close to 20,000 Abians, even after a very huge improvement in the monthly allocation from the federation accounts is prioritizing the building of a new lodge in Abuja over the immediate needs at home.

The Lodge in Abuja was built by the Orji Kalu's government and has been maintained and kept standard and modern by preceding administrations, building a new lodge with 8 billion Naira when the citizens are facing severe hunger and poverty shouldn't be considered an immediate need especially when the Primary Health centers are non-functional, and primary and secondary school infrastructures are dilapidated and seeking immediate attention.


This decision has proven that Governor Alex Otti lacks compassion, empathy, and prudence in the management of state resources, and he is unwilling to shun self-aggrandizement and greed or sacrifice personal comfort and his profligate lifestyle for people's welfare.

With rising insecurity, poverty, and hunger in Abia, this decision highlights the disconnect between the government and the people. It is unacceptable and the people are demanding a more prudent and compassionate use of resources and priority for people's livelihood and welfare.

Governor Alex Otti, it's time to stop this greed, impunity, insensitivity, and waste of taxpayers' resources and refocus on the needs of the hungry and suffering Abians.

Aguoru
Is A Public Affairas Analyst

"The Only Crime I Committed Was Being Black" A Nigerian Born Canadian, Kanayo Nwachukwu, Laments R@cial Discrimination In A Train Ride In Canada


Narrating his ordeal Mr. Kanayo Nwachukwu, an Ohuhu Umuahia North Born Canadian Citizen laments how he was abandoned at a border by a r@cist bus driver and the Canadian authorities tried to cover for the racist driver for the simple reason that he was black


According to Kaanayo Nwachukwu, "I was dumped in the middle of nowhere" after taking the tunnel bus across the border and visiting the customs office in Canada.

"The only… crime I committed was being Black."

Nwachukwu says he got late notice of his son's graduation date and so rushed back from a business trip in Atlanta to attend the ceremony on June 26.

He says the driver of a bus he took from the Detroit Metropolitan Airport suggested he use the tunnel bus to get across the border to Windsor to pick up his rental car and complete his trip to St. Thomas.

When he first boarded the tunnel bus, he says he asked to pay with a $50 US bill but the driver, who was white, informed him he had to use exact change to board the bus.

"The way he answered me, it was like we were already having a problem before," Nwachukwu said.

During the exchange, Nwachukwu says the driver also repeatedly said something to the effect of "Who knows what the customs are gonna hold you for?"

"I said, 'Sir, I am a Canadian citizen, I am not a criminal, I have never committed crimes before, so I don't know why you are thinking this.'"

Nwachukwu says the driver raised his voice and "practically" kicked him off the bus.

Tunnel Bus in Windsor
Transit Windsor says the Tunnel Bus runs on a scheduled route and its driver does not take counts. (CBC)
He then had to wait an hour for the bus to return during which time he got change to pay for the bus. He says when he boarded he noticed it was the same driver.

Once they arrived at the customs facility on the other side of the tunnel Nwachukwu says he held the door for people to go ahead of him, including the driver.

He says he cleared customs last but when he and Dewayne Boyd, who was right in front of him in line came out, the bus was gone with no announcement.

"I was completely disoriented. I didn't know Windsor," he said.

"We looked around [and] we couldn't find the bus.

"He didn't leave the other white people in the bus behind. He left only the two Black people in his bus behind."

A couple of days later, as Nwachukwu returned to Detroit to fly back to Atlanta, he encountered the same tunnel bus driver on the way back and asked if there had been a mistake or some sort of miscommunication. He says the driver told him there was a rule that he could only wait for three minutes at the border.

He also says that he told the driver he didn't understand why it was only the Black passengers that were left behind and at that point the driver told him to 'just walk out and go."

"He told me 'just walk out and go'."

Nwachukwu told the CBC he was only in the customs office for about five minutes or so.

Football fans cross border to take in NFL Draft
Windsor's event tunnel bus to Detroit is back in service
While a spokesperson for Transit Windsor said the outcome of its investigation was that the complaint was "unfounded," the agency did not directly address whether it was referring Nwachukwu's allegations of racial discrimination.

Tyson Cragg, the executive director of Transit Windsor, says the tunnel bus runs on a fixed route on a schedule and does not take passenger counts.

"Because Transit Windsor has no control or influence over the processing of passengers by [Canada Border Services Agency], once the bus has waited out its time, it departs on its regular route," Cragg wrote in a statement to CBC News.

"A passenger who is left behind due to a delay in CBSA processing would have to take the next bus or find alternative arrangements."

Different experiences
Nwachukwu says Boyd helped him out by paying for an Uber to get him to the airport, where he was picking up a rental car.

Boyd says he didn't have any sort of negative interaction with the driver before arriving at the border.

"[Nwachuku] wanted to say that the guy acted this way toward him particularly because he was Black," Boyd told the CBC.

"I was telling [Nwachukwu], hey brah. We go through this practically every day of our lives here, particularly in America."

Boyd said his experiences in Canada have been much different.

"From our perspective, being in the Detroit area and Windsor just across the river, it's just a world of difference in that kind of attitude.

"I said 'Maybe the driver is just having a bad day.'"

Nwachukwu says Transit Windsor never responded to an email he sent asking for an investigation.

"I just don't know why he would treat me that way," Nwachukwu said.

For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.

I received the news of the signing into law of the South East Development Commission Act by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as a dream come true.

The bill is a visionary initiative meant to foster development across the region, we have suffered a lot of underdevelopment as a direct fallout of the effects of the civil war and deliberate neglect and marginalization.

The degree of dilapidation, and economic and infrastructural decay the region has experienced became very concerning, it fired my passion for politics and I am glad a young man and a visionary in the person of Rt. Hon Benjamin Okezie Kalu, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives shares a similar vision, passion, conviction, and interest for regional development.

Let me commend Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu and all the legislators who in one way or another contributed towards making this wonderful and memorable achievement that will accelerate the transformation of the southeast region a reality.

I will not fail to appreciate President Bola Tinubu who has proved his sincere interest in the overall development of the southeast region by signing this significant bill into law.

This is a testimony that the President is a leader who values equity, and justice and is determined to right the wrongs done to the region by previous administrations.

When established the commission will be charged with the responsibilities of reconstructing and rehabilitating roads, houses, and other economic and infrastructural damage the region has suffered.

This commission If well administered will precipitate inclusive development of the zone and assist our region back on the road to inclusive economic and infrastructural development and can put to rest, the restiveness and separatist agitation that heightened insecurity in the region.

Thank you, Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu
Thank you, our National Assembly members
Thank you Jagaban
May Ala Igbo Succeed

Sign.....
H/Excellency Mayor Lucky Obinwa Igbokwe
(Don Lulu)

The Traditional Ruler of Umudiawa Ancient Kingdom HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu has described the signing into law of the Southeast Development Commission Bill as the best gift that has ever been gifted to Ndigbo since the end of the civil war.

In a Press Release signed by the Chairman of Southeast Progressive Traditional Rulers Council, HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, and made available to the press, he commended President Tinubu and Rt. Hon. Ben Kalu, the Royal father stated that the bill will serve as a significant milestone in the post-civil war reconstruction of Igbo land and would address the long-standing developmental gaps, he pleaded with Igbos to shun the planned protest.

Full Text.........

HRM Eze Ofoegbu Commends President Tinubu, Deputy Speaker, Ben Kalu for Southeast Development Commission Bill, Call On Igbos Not To Join Planned Protest.
The passing into law of the Southeast Development Act is the best gift the Nigerian nation has gifted to the Igbo nation since the end of the civil war, on behalf of the Southeast Progressive Traditional Rulers Council, I am gladdened that for the first time in the nation's history, the federal government is prioritizing the development of the southeastern region.

Let me use this medium to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the speedy assent to the bill which is a testament to the president's sincerity and interest in the development and welfare of the Igbo land, we are also grateful to our worthy son the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu for his thoughtfulness, passion, and love for the Igbo nation which ignited his sponsorship of the bill, we pray that history will be kind to him.

This is a significant milestone in the post-civil war reconstruction of the region, and we are certain it will to a large degree address the long-standing developmental gaps in the Southeast and also scale down the Biafran agitation.

It is public knowledge that what has strengthened the agitation and insecurity in the region has been the long-term neglect and marginalization of the zone.
This is what the average Igbo man has been clamoring for and the basis upon which some of our sons began the separatism.

I thank Mr. President for this gift and call on the National Assembly to structure the organization in such a format that the traditional institution will be incorporated into the running of the body since we are the closest and the custodians of the people.

I won't fail to commend our worthy sons in the National Assembly for the cohesion demonstrated by them without which we wouldn't have the opportunity of marking this pivotal moment.

As we celebrate this historic feat, I want to call on Mr. President to please for the sake of humanity release our son Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to us, he has suffered enough, and we learnt that his health has been affected. we will continue to support and pray for you. While urging you to please continue the good works you are doing.

I call on Ndi Igbo across the federation to please shun the temptation to join any protest as it will not be in the interest of Ndi Igbo and Nigeria in general but rather give President Tinubu the chance to redeem the country.

Sign.

HRM Eze Nnamdi Ofoegbu, the Oroko Abia,
Diawa Of Umudiawa Kingdom, Umuahia,
Abia State.

Chairman
Southeast Progressive Traditional Rulers Council.

Given the insecurity that has bedeviled Abia State under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, Barr. James Okpara has expressed concern over the inability of the government to arrest the incessant killings of security personnel and innocent citizens that has now become a regular occurrence in the state.

In a press release made available to Newsmen by Barr. James Okpara media team, the frontline aspirant to the chairmanship seat of the PDP and a legal icon decried government's lack of ideas on how to tackle the security challenge and advised Governor Otti to stop playing politics with security but scale up investment in the security of lives and properties of Abians.


Press Release.....



INSECURITY IN ABIA STATE TIME FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO GET A GRIP

For a sustained period, the level of insecurity, killings and lawlessness in Abia State has become unprecedented and the violence is spiraling out of control. The insecurity in Abia State is worrisome to all Abians in particular and Nigerians in general.

Abia State which before now had for many years been the most peaceful in Nigeria where no armed robbery, kidnappings, killing of members of the armed forces, police men and innocent civilians has now turned into a killing field.

Yesterday SundayJuly 21st in Aba, an inspector of police, three civilians and two unidentified armed men were killed. About 2 weeks before yesterday, two police men were killed in Aba and before that time 5 soldiers were killed.

The list of killings in Aba and other parts of the state is seemingly endless and it appears that there is no end to these killings.

These deaths are one person too much and it appears that the government has no grip or control over this dangerous and sustained insecurity in Abia State. Residents of Abia State and visitors to Abia rightfully fear for their lives and properties. one can touch and feel the tension and apprehension amongst Abiansover these killings and insecurity which this government has seemingly lost control over.

Whilst some analysts point to the alleged activities of some separatist movements in Abia State, others point to the draconian policies of the present government whereby thousands of Abians have been sacked by this government and thousands also have lost their
places of business and residence due to their being demolished by thisgovernment.

Thousands of workers in the transport and allied businesshave lost their business due to the multiple taxes, levies and dues that they pay to Abia State government and her agencies. Businesses are taxed massively and far above their capacities.

Government policies must have human face. The business of government is neither to make profitnor maximize profit.

The first duty of government is to provide security and guarantee the welfare of her citizens every other thing is secondary.

We should remember that there is serious multiplier effect to the thousands of Abians who have lost their jobs and means of employments and livelihood by the policies and actions of this government.

Their families and dependents are directly and negatively impacted by the loss of jobs and sources of livelihood.

There is pervasive hunger and poverty in Abia State. The cost of living is unbearably too high and unaffordablefor Abians.

Government is a continuum and there is nothing wrong in this government seeking advice from those who have served in previous administrations about how security challenges were sorted out.

We are also of the view that there must be a bottom to top review of the security apparatus in Abia State. The style of having fixed security checkpoint is anachronistic, obsolete and inefficient.

Criminals know where these points are and simply avoid them whilst knowing precisely where security agents are stationed at each
time which makes them vulnerable to attacks.

Fixed security or stationary check points is akin to the Maginot line which spectacularly failed the French against the Germans during the second world war.

Static security points do not work In other climes, the armed forces are not involved in internal security because they are not trained for it.

Internal security is not the forte of armed forces. Internal security is the business of the police and intelligence agencies statutorily established and trained for that purpose.

The armed forces are not trained to gather internal intelligence or fight urban warfare. Armed forces are trained to defend the country against external aggression and foreign attacks.

Intelligence gathering is the work of the police and the D.S.S in Nigeria. The Abia State government should invest more in the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the police and theD.S.S in Abia State.

We also suggest that the government should seriously invest in the re-training, equipping and reorganizing of the Abia State Vigilante services. It is a fact that Bakassi Boys are good at intelligence gathering in view of the fact that they live in the communities and mingle freely with the inhabitants of the communities.

Bakassi Boys have sources that the police and armed forces may not have. We encourage thegovernment to review her policies which has caused serious social and economic fractures and dislocations in Abia State.

There is also a need to get Town Associations, Landlord and Tenants Associations, Trade and Merchant Unions seriously engaged in efforts
to fight criminality andviolence.

These institutions have unlimited reach and intelligence gathering abilities. They know who is doing what in their societies and
should be included in the security apparatus and programmes of thegovernment.

With insecurity, there are little or no economic activities because of fearfor life and insecurity of investments and properties.

Social and community activities are also severely and negatively affected. Insecurity is an ill-wind that blows no good to anybody and the government is encouraged to rejig and rethink her security strategies and operations.

Nobody has the monopoly of knowledge and the government should engage in wide consultations and collaborations with every
strata of the society to solve this security crisis we have in our dear Abia State.

We condole with the family and all the members of police force, armed forcesand civilians who have lost their loved ones in these mindless violence.

May the souls of those who fell in active service to their fatherland rest in peace in the bosom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen



Barr. James Okpara Media Team.

Ezeship Tussle: Court Fixes July 18th For Hearing As Community Vows To Resist Imposition of An Unpopular Candidate.

The Ezeship tussle in Umuyota Autonomous community of Umuahia north LGA, Abia state has taken another dimension, as the High Court sitting in Umuahia is set to hear a motion on notice filed by Chief Adimchinobi Abraham, restraining The Abia state Governor, The Chairman Umuahia North LGA, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Attorney General of Abia state, Dr. Sylvester Ibeleme, Maxwell Ugo Nwosu, Chief Okechukwu Ogbonna, Chief Jonathan Ogbonna from presenting Chief Sunny Nlewedim as the Eze Elect of Umuyota Autonomous Community pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The suit also seeks to restrain Chief Sunny Nlewedim from parading himself as the Eze Elect of Umuyota Autonomous Community, an order of injunction restraining the state governor from presenting Chief Sunny Nlewedim will also be heard.

Chief Abraham is also asking the court to issue an order asking the parties mentioned in the suit to maintain the status quo until the determination of the substantive suit.

Mr. Chikamara Metu, the youth leader of Umuokorafor Umuyota said since the death of the late Eze Nwakanma, our community has been without a Traditional Ruler and the people were making frantic efforts to bring not just an Eze but one who will have the support of the people and that was why after due consultation and considerations our people went to plead with Chief Adimichinobi Abraham to come and be our Eze, he said Chief Abraham enjoys the support of the youths, women, children and every well-meaning member of the Umuyota Autonomous Community and the youths will do everything within our legitimate reach to ensure that he emerges as our Eze, we will make sure that those working against the wish of the majority of Umuyota indigenes cannot succeed

Also, a community leader who spoke with our reporter on condition of anonymity said, Chief Abraham is an illustrious son of our community who has shown tremendous generosity and brought meaningful development, he has been giving our children scholarships, assisted financially in every community development project, and also took a special interest in the welfare of almost every member of our community, we will not allow a few people whose interest is only on immediate pecuniary gains to derail the wishes of the greater members of the community.

Madam Mgbechikwere, a septuagenarian said, Chief Abraham is the people's choice, and we stand by him, "Watch what will happen, youths, women, and even the elderly members of the community will match with him to the court, and if given the opportunity we will tell the court that Chief Abraham is our choice"

Mr. Chikamara called on the Chairman of Umuahia North H/Chief Victor Ikeji PhD, and the Abia state Governor Dr. Alex Otti to restore calm and order in Umuyota by handing over the staff of office to Chief Abraham as the monarch.

The case comes up for hearing on Thursday the 18th of July 2024 at the High Court Umuahia

In a message written by Barrister James Okpara, a frontline aspirant for the chairmanship seat of the PDP in Abia state, the Legal luminary has cautioned the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa to immediately swear in Hon. Aaron Uzodike whom the courts declared as the rightful winner of the Aba North state constituency election.

He described the speaker's refusal to swear in Uzodike as part of the despotic, authoritarian, and undemocratic governance that Labour Party has come to be identified with, he stated that the speaker is exhibiting brazen lawlessness, gross dereliction of his duties and unbridled arrogance, and declared that Abians will no longer tolerate such undemocratic tendencies.

Full Text........

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH......

Speaker of ABHA must swear in Hon Aaron Uzodike immediately or be removed from Office.

The unlawful and unjustified refusal of the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly to swear in Hon Aaron Uzodike the duly elected member representing Aba North State Constituency is mind-boggling and befuddling.

Hon Uzodike went through the whole process of litigation after the election and finally, the Court of Appeal which is the apex court in election matters for the NASS elections declared him the WINNER and INEC gave him the Certificate of Return.

In any decent and lawful society,the next action would have been his swearing in. For the past seven months,the Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly has bluntly refused to do his job by swearing in Hon Aaron Uzodike who is the duly elected member of Abia State House of Assembly for Aba North State Constituency.

There is no litigation, lawful or constitutional impediment stopping the swearing-in of Hon Aaron Uzodike by the Speaker. What the Speaker is doing in refusing to swear in Aaron Uzodike is brazen lawlessness,gross dereliction of his duties and unbridled arrogance. The contempt that the Speaker has for all norms of decency and legislative behaviour is unparalleled in the comity of states. The Speaker by his actions has denied the people of Aba North State Constituency representation in the Abia State House of Assembly which is their undeniable constitutional right.

Emeruwa's actions in refusing to swear in Aaron Uzodike is part of the despotic, authoritarian, and undemocratic governance that Labour Party has inflicted on Abia State and ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

This is the same modus of lawlessness, disdain and contempt for due process,fairness and disregard for parliamentary rules and procedures that Labour Party which is one of the minority parties in Abia House of Assembly applied to manufacture the Speaker and other principal members of the Abia State House of Assembly despite and in spite of the fact that PDP is the majority Party in Abia State House of Assembly.

There was nothing democratic about how Emeruwa became the Speaker of Abia House of Assembly and since then he has been enmeshed in Leadership crisis and beholden to those who imposed and forced him on the members of the Abia State House of Assembly.

In the same vein, duly accredited journalists to the Abia State House of Assembly were ordered out of a press conference to be addressed by the Speaker without any reason or explanation. The reason for this draconian and autocratic action can not be divorced from the fact that the said journalists and their employer have been engaging in fair and objective comments and questioning of both the Executive and Legislative arms of the Labour party Abia State Government.

Democracy requires accountability and if you do not like the heat,do not enter the kitchen. We have not forgotten how this same Labour Party for years did nothing else but engage in unjustified criticisms and vilification of the PDP government of Abia State and nothing was done to them.

It is now clear to Abians and Nigerians that Labour Party is an undemocratic party and a personality cult.

Emeruwa must swear in Aaron Uzodike or be removed from office. It is crystal clear now why Abia State House of Assembly cannot act as a check and balance to the Executive.

The Speaker is not worthy to occupy this exalted office and should resign.

Barr James Kwubiri Okpara Media Team

Hon. Demian Igbokwe has commended the Minority Whip of the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Sen. Osita Ngwu for his efforts in attracting quality international capacity-building programs for members of his Senatorial District.

In his closing remarks Hon. Demian Igbokwe, the Special Adviser to the Senate Minority Whip, who led the Nigerian delegation to China for a seminar/training on Inclusive Growth and Poverty Reduction for Developing Countries by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce on behalf of his principal Sen. Osita Ngwu, thanked the Chinese government for their efforts across the globe in supporting the growth of developing nations, and expressed gratitude to God for the success of the program. he stated that programs of this nature make room for Increased collaboration and productivity, innovation and creativity, improved strategic planning and decision-making ability, enhanced adaptation power and resilience, and also Fulfilled stakeholder expectations.

Hon. Igbokwe stated that facilitating the foreign training is one of Senator Ngwu's efforts towards ensuring human capacity building for greater height for Enugu West Senatorial District and Nigeria at large.

The program which was funded by the World Bank, UNDP, and the Chinese government through the Chinese Ministry of Commerce started on the 13th and ended on the 27th of June 2024, is centered on building capacity for participating developing countries on the policies and steps taken by China to overcome poverty and develop into what the country has grown to become.

During the program, participants were taken for fieldwork across some provinces where the Chinese government has made tremendous efforts to alleviate the poverty of citizens.

At the end of the program, participants were equipped with improved capacity to begin a better navigation of their activities for poverty alleviation.

Senator Ngwu, who represents Enugu West Senatorial District took time to harness competent and qualified academics and resource persons including PhD holders and professors to attend the seminar, it is expected that the knowledge acquired from the seminar if implemented would help the federal government to alleviate poverty, and fast-track expected results in other related economic enhancement programs.

He also plans to activate a Train the Trainers scheme, whereby the knowledge acquired by the trainees would be transferred to many persons in Enugu West Senatorial District and Nigeria at large.

Alex Otti Is Campaigning For PDP - Barr. Olugu Kalu Ugba. (Isi Bu Mba)

A frontline aspirant to the chairmanship seat of the Peoples Democratic Party Chief Barrister Olugu Kalu Ugba (Isibumba) has stated that the party is on a mission to reinvent the party and put the party back to winning ways.

Chief Kalu Ugba, while speaking with newsmen at his Umuahia residence said the party took a lot of things for granted having been in leadership for a long time.

"Right now the people are prepared to elect their own leaders and in the spirit of returning power to the people as propagated by the founding fathers of the PDP, round pegs will be put in round holes," he said the party is now here to return power to the people and that the people will elect their own leaders to ensure quality people-oriented leadership.

Barrister Kalu Ugba said, Governor Alex Otti, is campaigning for the PDP to return to power because of poor leadership, and because he is not doing enough for the people, his policies are draconian and scaring investors, and people are laid off from work, and the people have tried both ways and have seen that the PDP is better.

The former Deputy Chief of Staff to the Governor stated that he has the backing of the people and that for the very first time, PDP is taking its leadership campaign to the people and people will choose who will lead the party through a people-oriented process.

He assured that if elected, he would start from the ward to the state level in his reconciliation program those who left the party would return because according to him PDP is the only party in Abia and those who left are waiting for the party to get it right by electing him and they will return to the party.

Otti's Adoption Of Hitler's Leadership Style And Principles Is Evil And Inhuman.

By Uche Aguoru

Let me start by congratulating my brother and friend Ukuoha Njoku Ukoha on his appointment as the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Otti and I must not fail to let you know that the job you ascribed to is not a mean feat but rather a challenging accomplishment that requires considerable effort, skill, resources, and discipline.

I noticed that in your first assignment as the Chief Press Secretary, you devoted time to respond to my measured missive to my Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, where I advised him to please stop using Adolph Hitler's policies, leadership style, and principles as his governance standards and also went further to point out the humongous roguery and pilfering of states resources using unquantifiable subheads going on under his watch and approval which Abians and even Non-Abians have seen and noticed each time the government releases its quarterly fiscal report, but sadly, it is very unfortunate reading his response to me through his Chief Press Secretary that my governor is still insistent and has no regret applying the Hitler principles as propounded by Joseph Goebbels the chief propagandist for the Nazi Party and Hitlers long-standing follower and ally who propagated and defended the killing of Six million Jews during the holocaust.

Let me pardon Mazi Ukoha's naivety, maybe out of blind support, he hasn't taken a close study of Governor Otti's leadership ideology which is derived from Hitlers Nazi party persecutory, suffering, and exclusionary laws that are extremely antisemitic and promotes persecution and systematic state-sponsored killing of six million Jewish men, women, children and millions of others by Nazi Germany and its collaborators.

But before I delve into the meat of the issue, I will advise for the sake of decorum and decency that you understand you are firstly the spokesman of the governor and his image maker and you have to communicate his activities and policies using the most decent of languages.

Your Job as a Press Secretary is to collect information about actions and events within the governor's administration and issue the governor's reactions to developments and this must be done using the finest of languages and not Ikonu, given this background, your use of words such as "orgasm and Masturbation" in your official communication to the world in your capacity as the Chief Press Secretary leaves much to be desired and brings the office and personality of the governor to a very big low unless, of course, the governor enjoys motor park style of communication "WHO KNOWS"?

But then inorder to preserve the image of the governor and the government of Abia State ethics must be applied while doing your job and you must not resort to vulgarity and use of indecent words in public spaces no matter how tempting not even under the influence of "Premium Whiskey"

With my governor having fully adopted the devil-inspired principles of Adolph Hitler, Let me appeal to your conscience if there is still one, my brother and friend, Ukoha Njoku, can you please explain to Abians why the government you serve derives so much pleasure in the impoverishment and suffering of Abians?

“Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth”, this is a law of propaganda attributed to Joseph Goebbels your government's role model in propaganda

What offense did the Abia pensioners commit that Dr. Otti is forcing them to forfeit their pensions and entitlements and at the same time lying against them that he has cleared their nine years of pension arrears?

If not for the strict application of Hitler's leadership principles, why would Governor Otti in the face of the intense poverty, ravaging hunger, and severe hardship in Abia, refuse to show empathy to Abia civil servants by approving wage awards or other forms of palliatives to cushion the effects of the hardship but will cumulatively expend Eleven Billion Naira of taxpayers money for Refreshments, Meals, Whiskey, Nkwobi, peppers soup and running of his Umuru Nvosi Government House within nine months?

Why will Julius Berger charge 2.45 billion naira for one kilometer of road in Rivers State despite the complexities associated with road construction because of the challenging terrain of swamps, rivers, and creeks and turn around to charge 5.4 billion naira per kilometer of road in Abia? "My brother E Get as E Be"

Since Okey Kanu the commissioner for information is lost and could not afford answers to my initial posers let me also repeat for the sake of emphasis, since you are in a better position to know as the governor's spokesman

Where are these multi-billion naira facilities Governor Otti claimed to have built located in Abia?

1. The #3.4bn ICT center.
2. The #6.1bn Research and Capacity Building Center
3. The #3.77bn Office Buildings
4. The #4.57bn Public Schools
5. The #2.8bn Governor's Vehicles
6. The #1.6bn Agric Facility
7. The #2bn Hospital

While struggling to respond or find answers to my honest question as a concerned Abian, I must appreciate you because I know how difficult it is to defend a governor who made propaganda and deceit the policy fulcrum of his government and conceals vital information including the cost of contract awards to his media managers, but let me indulge you to allow your conscience to be your guide as I wish you well in this very difficult assignment of defending a government that has refused to be open and honest even to its media managers.

Aguoru
Is A Public Affairs Analyst

I read a piece titled "THE PDP's WEB OF DECEIT AND THE LIMITS OF PROPAGANDA" written by Mr Okey Kanu, Governor Otti's Commissioner for information where he repeated a quote by - Joseph Goebbels "THERE WILL COME A DAY WHEN ALL THE LIES WILL COLLAPSE UNDER THEIR OWN WEIGHT AND THE TRUTH WILL AGAIN TRIUMPH"

For the benefit of those who may not know "Joseph Goebbels" was Adolph Hitler's ally and long-standing follower who propagated and defended the killing of Six million Jews during the holocaust, Goebbels, alongside his boss Hitler was directly responsible for that genocide and the quotes from this devilish character is what serves as an inspiration to Governor Otti and his style of government. it is therefore not surprising why his administration lacks empathy.

Paul Joseph Goebbels was chief propagandist for the Nazi Party, and then Reich Minister of Propaganda from 1933 to 1945. He was one of Adolf Hitler's closest and most devoted followers, known for his skills in public speaking and his deeply virulent antisemitism which was evident in his publicly voiced views.

Goebbels advocated progressively harsher discrimination, including the extermination of the Jews in the Holocaust. shockingly no government across the globe apart from Governor Otti of Abia state will want to align with the thinking and policy style of Hitlers Nazy Germany and this is very scary and accounts for the mindset of the Otti administration towards Abians.

Governor Otti we are not unaware of your intolerance to opposition and criticism and your plans to infiltrate the PDP using all those elements that conspired against the party to give you the undue advantage you had in the last election.

It's not lost on us how you, in connivance with well-known conspirators within the PDP fold are planning to weaken and possibly factionalize the party

Governor Otti why are you afraid of the PDP?

It's a globally acknowledged fact that the Abia PDP despite your efforts and evil machinations to weaken it remains the only strong and potent opposition to your government, and has exposed the huge financial malfeasance, ridiculous inflation of contract amounts, and corrupt activities that have characterized your government, PDP is fighting to keep democracy alive in Abia state, what we have today under your leadership is not democracy but dictatorship, a situation where the governor approves and disburse funds from his bedroom without recourse to the house of assembly, how will one explain the embarrassment that happened at the legislative chamber a few days ago where the speaker was threatening to cancel a deal with INNOSON Motors without knowing that the company is yet to receive payment one year after?

My governor suspending your Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okonkwo, and making her the fall guy does not address the questions of humongous corruption and stealing that has become the hallmark of your administration, the fiscal irresponsibility and official roguery exposed through the quarterly financial reports published in the states official website is mind-blowing.

The suspension of Dr. Okonkwo and Pastor Dike Nwankwo is nothing but a smokescreen, Abians are aware that 4 other commissioners that you cannot muster the courage to touch because of the information at their disposal are under probe for offenses bordering on financial impropriety, the fiscal irresponsibility being experienced under your watch is what have hindered anti-kleptocracy efforts and created new corruption opportunities for state officials and their enablers, My governor can you be bold and tell the world the real reason you removed your Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kazie Uko and what is his connection to the former Health Commissioner and alleged corruption charges?

Under your watch in just one year, wasteful expenditures, plundering of resources, insensitivity to plights of citizens, egoistic squandering of state resources on self, hatred, and nepotism have been elevated to official state policies.

You have shown that your campaign promises of transparency and financial prudence are mere rhetoric and your intentions are different from your words, what we have in Abia today are weakened institutions and a powerful dictator without empathy who enjoys seeing the poor civil servant and common Abian suffer, at no time have Abians been more impoverished and financially ruined than now.

According to Governor Otti's commissioner for information, the administration gave transparency as the reason his government announced the suspension of Dr. Okonkwo, my simple question to you, is why is it that you have not announced the cost of projects since you assumed office as the state's image maker?

Why are Abians kept in the dark about the cost of projects being done under a government that claims to be transparent?

Lest I forget, Abians have applied both native and artificial intelligence in their search for these multi-billion naira facilities you claimed to have built.

1. The #3.4bn ICT center.
2. The #6.1bn Research and Capacity Building Center
3. The #3.77bn Office Buildings
4. The #4.57bn Public Schools
5. The #2.8bn Governor's Vehicles
6. The #1.6bn Agric Facility
7. The #2bn Hospital

Governor Otti, If there is anybody who deserves a suspension for corruption, my Governor it is you.

Aguoru
Is A Public Affairs Analys

KPMG on 2nd of March 2024 submitted their final report on the Provision of process review services of the Abia state government to the Governor through the Accountant General of Abia State Mrs Njum Onyemenam.

The report covered the period from the 29th of May 2015 to the 28th of May 2023. Page 2 of the 360-page report has restrictions and caveats on the distribution of this report as they stated that it is a mere process review and never a forensic audit as it's inconclusive.

The Abia state government has been trying to fly kites using this report to portray the past administration of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu as being reckless in the management of Abia state funds during the period under review.

They started with the N10b Contractor Finance Scheme initially earmarked for the Abia Airport project which was later redirected and cancelled as funds were channeled towards payments of local contractors for road projects. Even when evidential documents were produced, contractors' names stated and identified, and the amounts paid were made public, the Government of Alex Otti continued in their blackmail just to paint a different picture whereas worse situations are going on as evidenced in their financial report of Q4 of 2023 and Q1 of 2024 as stated and hoisted on Abia state website ( abiastate.gov.ng )

The KPMG report on page 30 sub 2.4 under the Executive Summary as attached stated that the total collection and utilization of funds from the Federation Account Committee (FAAC ) for the period under review was N468,357,645,293.64.

Under the same Executive Summary page, 31 Sub 2.6 as attached stated that total IGR (Internally Generated Revenue) stood at 82,610, 062,726.79. All these represent about 90% of expected revenue within the period under review, it now beats every discerning mind's imagination how N1.9 trillion was manufactured by Alex Oti and his co-travelers as never in the report did KPMG mention such figures in the whole of the 360-page report.

The attached documents (which represent the sectoral analysis of Abia receipts) are from the Abia State financial report as approved, signed, and sealed by past and present Accountant Generals and Commissioners of finance of the state. This report as hoisted on the Abia state website represents the financial position of the state at various times from 2015 to 2022, It has been summarized and analyzed as follows.

Total Revenue which includes revenues from FAAC allocation and IGR Internally Generated Revenue 2015 to 2022 stood at N597,462, 453.105.67.

From the data above N216.679.541.267.70 was used as Salaries (Personnel Cost.

N251,330, 156,108.34 was used for Capital project payment.

N158.679.675.678.86 was used as Overhead.

While these figures may have little variations to the last kobo in summation, at least, it gives a picture of what Abia got during the period under review. We are convinced Abia state government under Dr Okezie Ikpeazu never received more than N630b (Gross figure) as FACC, VAT allocation or loans and Grants. The 360-page KPMG report never mentioned any figure higher than N550b as a total receipt as stated on pages 30 and 31of the KPMG report . The question begging Gov Otti and his co-travelers is how he arrived at N1.9 trillion being total receipts, not to talk of being misappropriated.

We are not ignorant of the unending efforts of the present government to paint a bleak picture of the administration of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu instead of focusing on the job which they were voted for. It is instructive to note that within 9 months of Gov Otti's administration, a whooping sum of about N300b has passed through the government. N160b being the total receipt of both FAAC and JAAC from June 2023 to March 2024 as evidenced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) report and Debt Management Office (DMO), the N100b naira borrowed from Access Bank of which Craneburg Construction owned by late Herbert Wigwe got N50b and N45b from Union Bank using the JACC account as security there denying Local Government Transition Committee Chairmen unrestrained access to the local government funds as promised during the campaigns.

Abians are yet to witness the kind of positive changes commensurate with the volume of funds received by the government. Today, Abia state government receives on the average N15b monthly outside the IGR of 1b. This is against an average of N7B received by the State within the period under review.

Abia workers including Pensioners are still being owed as stated in the NLC letter to the Governor (View Attached Letter) and so much noise about infrastructural development is only on social media as most of the things we see are mere road Patchings and maintenance of existing roads, borrowing their words "retrofitting" projects.

Abia state during the period of Okezie Ikpeazu never received half of the amount stated by Premium Times as allocation or revenue within the 8 years and with the explanations as contained in the summary sheet, Governor Alex Otti should reduce lies, propaganda, and blame game, and focus on his job as Abians eagerly expect the "NEW ABIA" that he promised.

Uche Aguoru
Is A public Affairs Analyst and commentator.

Abia Politics Of Hate And Bitterness, A Historical Perspective.

By Uche Aguoru

It's quite amusing how some people have been struggling to wear a clannish toga to the politics of bitterness and hatred going on in Abia state.

Shockingly, I have read some of our Ngwa brothers blame people from the old Bende for the attacks and insults being hauled at Dr. Ikpeazu in the media.

For clarity, those who initiated and orchestrated the attacks, insults, and abuses on the person of Dr. Ikpeazu are his Ngwa brothers.
I have yet to see any individual from Old Bende who has hauled a quarter of the measure of the vulgar attacks and malignment on Dr.Ikpeazu's image and family more than Hon. Dannie Ubani.

No other politician in the history of Abia state had launched the volume of abusive campaigns the way Hon. Ginger Onwusibe did to the former governor, and the last time I checked, they were his Ngwa brothers.

The present government in Abia state led by Dr. Alex Otti, has encouraged and elevated bitterness and hate, making it an unofficial state policy. To fully understand the origin of hate and bitterness that has permeated the fibers of Abia politics, one must take a journey back to history beginning from the M I Okpara era.

Dr. Michael Okpara, a revered leader who was loved by many governed the Eastern Region as its premier, an entire geographical sphere that covers what is today known as South East and part of South-South, though highly respected, his arch-political rival then was Dr. JOJ Okezie, his Ibeku brother in the present-day Umuahia North LGA, history has it that their rivalry was very tense and bitter and most often degenerated into physical exchange of blows between the supporters of Dr. Okpara and those of Dr. Okezie.

Upon his globally celebrated return from exile in 1979, his Ohuhu brother, Dr. O B Aguocha, a commissioner in the cabinet of Dr Sam Mbakwe in the then Imo State became his major opposition and political adversary.

Apart from the hostility that existed between the late Lamidi Adedibu, the political godfather of Oyo state who is famous for his Amala style of politics, and ex-Governor Rashidi Ladoja of Oyo state, history has yet to record another political hatred and bitterness comparable to the one that has existed between Senator T.A Orji and Prince BB Apugo.

Overlook the pretenses, apart from Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, who genuinely forgave, the average Ohuhu political class has not fully forgiven former Governor T.A Orji, because of the fierce governorship contest of 2007/8, they still accuse him of intentionally underdeveloping Ohuhu politically.

The political crisis between then Governor T.A Orji and Dr Orji Kalu, was an avoidable crisis that only benefitted a few individuals while the state suffered political backwardness.

I was shocked when Chief Charles Ogbonnaya (Evule Ogu) a politician I have deep respect for because of his sincerity on issues, told me a story about why he would never forgive Chief Sam Okwulehie, narrating what he did to them when his brother the late Chief Johnson Onuigbo (Akinbod) was contesting for the chairmanship seat of Umuahia North, in his usual frankness swore never to support any of his children in any political contest both now and in the future.

The major obstacle in Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu's governorship journey in 2014 were his Ngwa brothers, many of them stood against him as a preferred choice of the then-Governor T.A Orji, it took the intervention of Elder Emmanuel Adaelu and a few other respected Ngwa elders to convince his Ngwa brothers to support his candidacy.

The Abia political history from creation has been a story of "Iro no na Ulo" which has done us more harm than good, it has stunted societal growth and development and has left a malignant cancer in the Abia political system thus creating confusion, disrespect and mutual suspicion amongst brothers and sisters making it difficult for people to lift or assist their brother's political growth genuinely.

It is only in Abia that Former Governors maintain enmity with the serving governor to the point of distancing themselves from government functions and programs and are even refused in most cases to contribute experience, ideas, or suggestions necessary for the growth and development of the state where they once administered and are supposed to be statesmen.

This piece will be incomplete if I don't emphasize the devilish roles of merchants of political crisis whose stock in trade is to stoke crisis even where it does not exist, these politicians who we all know as ndi "ori na crisis" intentionally create these crises for purposes of selfish political and financial benefit at the expense of the peace and development of the state, truth be told no society can experience holistic political, social, and infrastructural development when their leaders are at war with each other.

This cycle of hate and bitterness needs to stop, we must separate opposition politics from politics of hate, animosity, and resentment, This generation must begin to see images of our past and present political leaders in one picture dining, wining and laughing during state functions just like we see in other states.
It does not diminish our individual political beliefs or differences nor stop us from exercising our political rights of criticizing or advising the government where necessary.

Peace and unity are priceless in every society, they make us more effective and help accelerate societal growth and development, our leaders should learn that any society that sows animosity must reap crisis.

Let me take a quote from one of the most influential musical icon in history Jimi Hendrix “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

Aguoru
Is A Public Affairs Analyst

CITING OF A BUS TERMINAL WITHIN THE UMUAHIA CAPITAL CITY. WHY GOVERNOR OTTI SHOULD HAVE A RETHINK - Obinna Oriaku

Last week, many of us were thankful to God for the grace to see the one year anniversary of Governor Alex Otti, as Governor of Abia state.
We witnessed the Commissioning of some roads and flag off of the construction of a bus terminal as appropriately described above.
My concern is with the citing or location, of the bus terminal at Umuahia.

The newly expanded Ossa to Okpara Square road renamed Theophilus Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard (though it has no feature of a boulevard) welcomes a visitor to the center of the state capital with the statue of Dr M.I Okpara in the same stretch, greeting you.

I am of the strong opinion that the same road should have been named Okpara Square or M. I Okpara Way instead of this interjection of names, for merely just the sake of name change.

Overlooking the Okpara Square, is the TradeMoore Event Center which the Otti administration wants to convert into a Modern Bus terminal.

While I congratulate the state government, for being alive to its duty, by reclaiming the State owned facility which was allegedly, illegally occupied by Trademoore Developers at a location that used to be Umuahia Main Market (Ogwumabiri Umuahia), which was relocated by the administration of the former Governor TA Orji due to the nuisance and traffic congestion which usually welcomes visitors to the city capital owing to the activities at that location.

We all know that just like motor parks, every market has its attendant negatives.

Unfortunately, this present government is proposing a bus terminal in the same location.

While I appreciate the importance of a modern bus terminal, just like the reason the governor gave for relocating the Aba bus terminal, I strongly feel that just like the Aba terminal is being relocated to the Port Harcourt - Enugu expressway, the Umuahia bus terminal should also be cited at the old site, which is about a few kilometres after the Tower located on the express, by the Aba/Umuahia Expressway.

This will enable the city to be decongested beyond the negatives of a bus terminal in the middle of a city center.

It also demeaning that while other locations with iconic names of these past patriotic leaders are known for political/social and spiritual gatherings, our own Okpara Square will be known with a bus terminal.

From Tafawa Belewa Square in Lagos to Okpara Square in Enugu, Barnawa Paradise Park Kaduna and Heros Square Owerri, all are known and used for
State events and recreational purposes but not bus terminals.

I will suggest that the State convert half of that Trademoore event centre to a recreation, relaxation, amusement center for children and families with a morden shopping mall.

Today in Umuahia, there is no location kids and even adults can freely go for recreation.

This center will be built to have, state of the art recreation equipment for kids, like merry go round etc.

The other half of the Trademoore event centre should have a covered stand by both sides for open events, be it political/ social or spiritual which would be rented and offer some sources of revenues.

The excuse that the rail line is closer to that location in support of the bus terminal, does not hold water as it negates the essence or reasons for relocating all bus parks in Aba to the Expressway.

The Optics for any first time visitor to Umuahia, using the newly reconstructed Osaah road will be "wowed" with a beautifully constructed recreation park which will add to the urban renewal project rather than a bus terminal.

It will also enhance the aesthetics of the capital city.

We will be creating a better optic and image, of our iconic leader for the present and future generations, about the personality of our revered Dr. Michael Okpara with his imposing statue identified with a recreational center instead of a motor park with its attendant environmental pollution.

Umuahia people and indeed Nde Abia will be grateful if this bus terminal is relocated around Abia tower to create a new ecosystem along that corridor especially because of the inter city travelers that have no need entering Umuahia city .

This will by every standard further expand development across the state capital of Umuahia.

Unfortunately, as usual the cost and structure of these projects are hidden from Abians.

I strongly feel, we need to know, though Public - Private Partnership (PPP) would have been best funding structure for this kind of project.

Obinna Oriaku
Ekwedike

Celebrating The Season of Conspiracies Against The PDP In Abia.

By Uche Aguoru

The memories of the 2023 governorship election loss may have been waning in the minds of the PDP faithful, and the reality of being the major opposition is gradually settling.

Since the loss of the 2023 governorship election, it has become very convenient for everyone to blame former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for the party's woes in the last election, even those who remotely worked and ensured that the PDP failed in their polling units and wards have been heaping all the blame for the loss on the lap of the former governor. As a responsible leader, he had chosen to accept the blame. He refused to go into exchange of words with those who accused him of being solely responsible for the loss recorded, with the realization that time and events would expose the wickedness of men and vindicate the just.

Ikpeazu must be the most vilified Governor in the history of Abia. He is abused and bad-mouthed with ferocious intensity.

But let it be on record that this has nothing to do with his performance in office.

His records in infrastructure, economic, and human capital development have remained unrivaled despite the denials, lies, and propaganda of the present administration.

Most of the facilities that the present administration is leveraging are facilities built or attracted by the Ikpeazu government.

So it is misplaced to assume that the party lost the election because of the performance of the Ikpeazu administration.

The truth is, there was a virulent conspiracy from within against Governor Ikpeazu and the sole agenda was that power must be wrested from him and whoever he was supporting must be stopped either by hook or crook because of the entitlement mentality of a few, the event of Saturday the 1st of June 2024 was a celebration of that conspiracy that dethroned the PDP in Abia.

Recent political developments have exposed that much, permit me to explain.

Every Abian knows how much Governor Alex Chioma Otti dislikes the PDP, the whole world knows that, and he has not failed to seize the slightest of opportunities to display and voice his detestation for the party and its leaders, Abians are aware that Otti usually dedicate a huge portion of each of his speeches to revile the PDP and its leaders.

How then can such a man turn around to love and support a party he besmirchs its leadership with so much bitterness and hate?

It is still confusing to Satan how Dr. Alex Otti, suddenly became lavishly kind to PDP that he could donate a state-owned facility, fund the entertainment, hire a caterer, provide security, and of course did not forget to provide choice wine and premium whiskey to ensure the satisfaction of every guest at a PDP organized event meant to receive its BoT Chairman.

Just like a leopard that cannot change its spots, trust Dr. Otti, he did not miss the opportunity to cast aspersion on the leaders of the PDP even in their event. will you blame him? NO, because he bankrolled the event.

The governor accused the leaders of the party of circulating text messages asking members not to attend the event because according to him the state is not safe.

While I am aware that the Abia PDP has been vocal, strong, and focused in its role as the main opposition to the LP government in Abia state and has not failed to point out the areas where the government needs to improve, Abia PDP has been very responsible and has refused to play opposition with security, while it is very clear that security has become a big challenge in the state, the PDP as a responsible party knows that the security of Abians should not be politicized the way Dr. Otti did during his days in opposition.

like a poorly planned ambush, the organizers of the event did not inform members of the party that the event was a joint project with the Labour Party in which the governor would be a special guest, and having failed in their plot to ambuscade their main target Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, Gov. Otti, in his usual bitterness vented his anger and frustration on our own Dear Senator Austin Akobundu, he disregarded courtesy and protocol and recognized Hon. Darlington Nwokocha as a senator while deliberately refusing to accord Senator Austin Akobundu, a seating senator his due compliments as the Senator Representing Abia Central.

Needless to remind you, Mr. Governor, even the seat you occupy as a governor is a creation of the law and the same applies to the seat of the senator irrespective of how strongly you feel about him, he deserves to be accorded his deserved respect as our party the PDP have always accorded your office its due respect.

While we must not fail to express our anger over the embarrassment the event has brought to Abia PDP, we are also happy it exposed the conspiracy and subversion of yesterday.

Some characteristics that have unnerved those working to ensure that the Umbrella is torn and weakened is that the party takes advantage of the conspiracies and sabotage to reposition, re-strategize, garner more acceptability, grow bigger, stronger, and more popular, and has remained the only political party with grassroots appeal.

Aguoru
Is a Public Affairs Analyst

Today I want to talk about Ikuku. Ha ha!! you said talk about who? Yes, I want to talk about Ikuku, and what Ikuku has been silent about for a period of 8 years., Nawooo!!! Anyway let's read what you're trying to say....

Is Ikuku a victim, victim of what? presumptuous sin I guess. Maybe this article will give you an idea why this question is being asked and then you can make your judgement.

By the way, who is ikuku? Okay, don't let me bother you with speculations. His real name is Rt. Hon.Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji, the son of the former Governor TA Orji of Abia State, he was also the former Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly and was once one of the most interested actors in the PDP in Abia.

Do you know that Rt. Honorable Chinedu Orji Alias ​​​​Ikuku Ochendo may not be guilty of everything he was accused of during the Ikpeazu government. Anyway, keep reading and reflect, let's solve it now, so that we know if you will continue to cling to the absurd (cock and bull) stories of the Ikpeazu government..

Ikuku was somewhat misunderstood and mispressented, although he should blame himself for that. He kept silent at that time when he would have voiced out. There is a popular saying that he who remains silent on an issue has accepted it, in Igbo dialect it is said that onye gbara nkiti ekwerela. Maybe he felt good about it, I wouldn't know, as if it was a way of praising him, and since it looked like he felt good about it without holding back and correcting the impression, the narrative continues. He exposed himself too much, fighting necessary and unnecessary fights to protect the government he fought to win, thus allowing Ikpeazu's "food is ready" brothers to take advantage of him.

That was how the gossip and label that Ikuku was fully behind Ikpeazu's poor performance in government was put on him and then it spread throughout the state. And Gov. Ikpeazu and his other cliques, being cunning, used that intentional gossip as leverage to plunder the soul, body and spirit of Abia's treasury, portraying Ikuku as the cause of their underperformance.

The consequences would later turn into hatred from many people and justification for the loss he suffered during the last election. Something he misread, he thought that it would have portrayed him as the strongest and most fearsome politician in Abia at the time, later hurt him badly.

Although in the last few minutes to the 2023 election, Ikuku was between the opinions of speaking out to correct the wrong impression about him, in order to remove the bad label that had been given to him, but those who worked with him at that time and the help he requested were not enough to save the situation.

Any lessons on this: Yes, the same lesson that a mosquito mother taught her children, that some of those who you ignorantly believe or said clapping for you, actually do not. Also, "ozokwa" silence is not always golden at all times.

Anyway, can you tighten your seatbelts? let me for the first time pilot you further to another perspective of Ikuku, an open Ikuku story that some of his allies have pretended to ignore. Ikuku, the man who many Abians thought was completely an antagonist of good governance in Abia and also believed to be behind Ikpeazu's poor performance in government.

I do not claim to know all the profound things that happened during Ikpeazu's rule, but I think sometimes people need to speak up when they see something that seems to have judged someone almost incorrectly. This forensic audit released by Governor Otti is an eye opener, it reveals a lot of things and at the same time refutes some of the beliefs that many have had in the past about someone like Ikuku who many people criminalized in their minds.

Can I digress a little? If yes, as always, let me quote this scripture to put more emphasis on where I am heading; Psalm 19:13 "Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me: Then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression".

What is a presumptuous sin? This is a sin that every indiscernible mind can easily commit, believing everything bad about someone when in reality it is not so.

Presumptuous sin comes from the word presume and is a situation where in your mind you are thinking that a particular person is committing a crime or has already committed a crime when the person is not actually committing the entire crime that was imposed on him.

In a situation where you have the wrong impression about someone. You may have it in your mind that someone is a criminal when that person may not be. When you are making a completely wrong judgment against someone, whether in your mind or your words, or by your actions or relationship with the person, being negative about someone, due to your wrong assumptions or rumors when the person is somewhat innocent.
Ikuku was a victim of this during the 8 years of Ikpeazu rule.

What was the cause? Ikuku somehow misunderstood the nature of some typical Abia politicians and their camouflages, perhaps he was thinking that everyone who praised him to his face and told him made-up stories and gossip could be considered friends or allies, without being smart enough to to understand that he was being used to achieve some individual evil motives. That is the situation of the man called Ikuku Ochendo in Abia from May 2015 to May 2023.

There was a day I pinched myself and screamed chai! so somewhat wrong stories were sold about this man. It was the day that some of the assembly members were cornered to impeach Ikuku who was the honourable speaker of the house at that time but Ikuku resisted and frustrated the impeachment attempts.

Within that time, there were chats allegedly between Governor Okezie and one of his special assistant supposedly Hon. Uchenna Erondu that were leaked. It may be that Ikpeazu released it intentionally to show that he was not part of the impeachment game plan. Of course we understood he was not telling the truth, because you can read in those chats where Erondu himself tried to justify the attempted impeachment as something the governor earlier permitted, telling the governor that he had done thousands of tasks for him, trying to question why the governor did not want to own up the assignment he gave them.

Also, part of that chat conversation read; you don't want to consider my own image in this matter, have you not made more money than me in my government. (Maybe on the line, Governor Ikpeazu understands himself) I was just a few days away from leaving the office, and you want me to be in the negative news by starting a fresh fight. What will people say: that his father helped me become governor and I impeached his son. You and the CO should not come to see me because I won't recognize your own speaker. These and much more were contained in the chat.

I shouted chai again and wondered, asking myself this question; does it mean that Gov. Ikpeazu believed leadership was about making money for himself? And for Erondu, it was about bringing down Ikuku to give them space to continue squeezing the state and at the same time making the people of Abia feel that Ikuku was entirely the cause of Ikpeazu's poor performance in government. Your guess will be as good as mine anyway.

After the failed impeachment and chats were leaked, some people were saying; imagine, Erondu was working with the APC gubernatorial candidate in 2015 and was recruited during the rerun of some of the electoral units in that 2015 election in Abia. They wondered why he allegedly benefited so much in a government he did not campaign for from the beginning. Anyway, I also join them in the question, but I'm not one of those who believed the rumors that "do as I say juju-charms" was used to manipulate the governor.

Come on guys and dear readers, sorry for taking so long, I know you can't wait for me to summarize this article, well let's get there. With all my mumbo-jumbo, you can now judge whether Ikuku is a victim of a presumptuous sin or not. Gov. Ikpeazu and his cliques were busy looting the state treasury, failing to provide vital facilities for the development of the state, but they used Ikuku as an excuse, presenting him as the cause of their poor performance.

You can imagine how they presented the construction of an airport for the state and used it to loot the sum of N10 billion Naira, you can imagine the names of the construction companies and their directors to whom Ikpeazu awarded the contracts, I think, until now, you would have expected Ikuku to have a stake in the companies that were awarded the contracts, but that's not the case.

Actually, I am not defending Ikuku or saying that he doesn't have his own deficiencies, but based on the latest audit report released by Governor Alex, it will be difficult not to conclude that it was like Okezie looted the state with his friends and brothers, but they used Ikuku's name as a scapegoat.

Imagine that audit report again, did you see that people whose names you barely hear and their companies in public spaces are the main beneficiaries, they are given billions of naira contracts and used to siphon off funds while some almost innocent people are demonized? If that's not what happened, please refute me with broader facts. They sold Ikuku to the public as a bad man, while in the real sense they are the ones who committed most of the embezzlement of state resources.

This goes a long way to defining Ikpeazu as a silent betrayer who deserves to take all the blame and face the law if found guilty. However, he is not ashamed, instead of staying calm, you saw him running to the media to defend 10 billion that they just looted yesterday as if it was just the only fund managed by his government. Many thanks to Governor Otti for this audit report which exposed alot, today, as the composer sang; Adam say, our eyes don clear, Adam say our eyes don open. Indeed, our eyes don open..

Let me stop here to continue with further exposition on Ikuku in politics in the second part of this article. I know you can't wait to read the part 2.

Thanks for reading
My name is Chuks Omesie
Alias Chuks Digits
I am an Abia who likes to analyze local political activities in my own way