₦airaland Forum

this fool that just popped up charade and most unbelievable abysmal stories about the decision of T.A. Orji,you are the most obsequiousness infidel in the face of mankind.why don't you find some water to fill your leaking basket mouth than project bogus news.well, for the people that cares to know the truth. the issue of some of T.A's aides,some other appointees being sacked is a fake news, They were not sacked,rather they are suspended because of improper administration and lack of compliance.The singular, basic truth about the newest development was that T.A saw that some of his aides ,some appointees were not reaching out to the grass roots ,some roads that were supposed to be constructed are not duly carried out so that was the reason he took actions, i think any governor with right sense of judgement and belonging would have done the same thing Governor T.A did , This is profusely a decision that T.A Orji carried out according to what his power of attorney implies ,so Umuabia and Ndi Igbo,let us be right at the right time, and not bungle fake rumours in order to attract attention of our fellows,

For one to shoot up stories he should be sure he does have a good fact to enable every right thinking person buy into it.The issue of T.A sacking his aides is not a bad idea if actually those appointees did not live up to his expectation,but the fact is he did not sack them ,rather he suspended them due to the fact they did not comply with his orders as the case may be, ,as regard to reaching out to local council areas of the state,the grass root,and some roads and other project that were supposed to be put into place which have been neglected or given little attention to.so T.A has not done anything wrong,

Abia State Governor Chief Theodore Orji has commiserated with the
family of James Iroha, over the death of the Late Actor popularly
known as “Gringory” of the New Masquerade Fame.
In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary Ugochukwu Emezue, Chief
Orji described the exit of the humour merchant as a painful loss to
Abia, Ndigbo and Nigeria. Chief Orji recalled with nostalgia the role
Gringory played in the New Masquerade, which can be described as
highly, entertaining and educating.
Governor Orji maintained that the Late Abia-born Actor used the New Masquerade to correct some ills of the society.
Chief Orji urged the family of the departed to bear the loss with
fortitude, bearing in mind that Late James Iroha lived a selfless life
serving mankind and God. He reminded them that it is God that gives
and takes life as such they should look up to God in this trying
moment. He prayed God to give the departed rest.
UGOCHUKWU EMEZUE
Chief Press Secretary.culled from www.abiastate.gov.ng

Enugu, the capital of the old Eastern Region where the late Dim Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu presided as governor, will today bid him a final farewell.
President Goodluck Jonathan is expected to lead the tributes at the requiem mass for the repose of his soul.
Today’s event will be the major activity of the funeral programme before the body is taken to Nnewi, Anambra State, for burial tomorrow.
Tomorrow has been declared a work-free day by Governor Sullivan Chime.
It was in Enugu that Ojukwu declared the still-born Republic of Biafra. He lived in the ‘Coal City’ on his return from exile in 1982, until he took ill and was flown abroad on December 22, 2010.
Major hotels have been fully booked as visitors converge on the city which has been given a facelift by the state government.
More security men have been deployed. President Jonathan may also be in Nnewi for tomorrow’s funeral. Also expected are former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Heads of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar. Former Ghanaian President Jerry Rawlings and Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka were also seen in Enugu yesterday.
Also for the funeral are the governors of Abia, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states. Other governors are also expected. The newly re-elected governor of Cross River State, Liyel Imoke, will attend not only as a governor, but as a direct in-law of Ojukwu. His wife, Obioma, is Ojukwu’s niece.
Delegations from Haiti, Cote d’Ivoire, Gabon and Tanzania are in Enugu. These countries were pro-Biafran nations during the Civil War.
Yesterday, the Catholic Church, where Ojukwu worshipped, held a concelebrated requiem mass for the departed Igbo leader. Ojukwu never missed the daily morning mass and the mid-day angelus of the church.
The mass witnessed a large turnout of people. It was held at an open ground at the headquarters of the Enugu Diocese, the Holy Ghost Cathedral.
Although Ojukwu’s body was not brought to the service, his widow, Bianca and other dignitaries were there. The dignitaries include Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and his wife, the deputy governor of Enugu state, Sunday Onyebuchi, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chairman Victor Umeh, Prof. A. B. C. Nwosu, Prof. Ukwu I. Ukwu and Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Eugene Odoh.
Also at the mass were the Anglican Bishop of Enugu, Emmanuel Chukwuma, the Methodist Archbishop of Enugu, Bishop Samuel Uche and the leader of the Pentecostal churches in Enugu, Obi Onubogu.
At the service was a big crowd of Biafran War veterans aged between 70 and 90 years. They performed some military manouvres and rendered some war-time Biafran songs.
The Diocesan Vicar General, Monsignor Luke Obi, officiated at the mass, assisted by over 200 Catholic priests. The homily was delivered by Rev. Fr. John Nwafor, the Cathedral Administrator.
Fr. Nwafor described the late Ojukwu as “a man of great ideas and philosopher, a man of intelligence and humility and a man who saw tomorrow many years back”, adding that the mass symbolised the celebration of the overthrow of evil by God’s blessings.
He said the late Ojukwu dreamt of one Nigeria where there will be no oppression or subjugation. “A Nigeria where the Hausa can live peacefully in Igbo land and vice versa. A Nigeria where the Igbo man can live in Yoruba land as his home and vice versa.”
The late Ojukwu, he said, lived with the conviction of an egalitarian society where everybody is equal and a level - playing ground where everyone could attain his or her life aspiration.
The clergy said throughout his life time, the late Biafran leader was never accused of corruption. He challenged anybody who thought otherwise to come forward.
He reminded the people that the late Ojukwu was wrongly being accused of fighting a war of secession. According to him, he fought a war to protect his people from extinction.
“He did not lead Igbo to war but he led Igbo in war for self defence,” he said.
Governor Obi said the late Ojukwu’s life was a challenge to Nigerians, especially those holding public trust on the virtues of being selfless in service. He spoke during a symposium in honour of Ojukwu by Anioma people of Delta State at the Grand Hotel, Asaba.
Obi travelled to Asaba from Enugu with Senator Uche Chukwumerije and Prof. ABC Nwosu and left for Nnewi to inspect the final work at the Ojukwu Mausoleum.
The governor said he was overwhelmed by the type of honour Nigerians had accorded Ojukwu.
Insisting that Ojukwu’s name has become a byword for justice, he asked rhetorically how many Nigerians today would support such an ideal without asking what material benefit would come out of it?
Chairman of the occasion Chief Sunny Odogwu said the late Ojukwu was admired by everybody, including his military colleagues for his courage and gallantry. He urged Nigerians, especially the leaders, to correct what he called “structural deficiencies and social injustices” against which the late Ojukwu fought.
The lecturer, Prof. BIC Ijeomah, described the late Ojukwu as “the only nationalist”.
As Governor of Eastern Region, he had the responsibility to protect his people. That was not a rebellion, he said. Ijeomah decried as ‘unacceptable’, a situation where Igbo would always be made the sacrificial lamb for Nigeria’s unity.source:thejuristlawsblogspot.com

THE recent arraignment of two men, Silas Ihemeremadu and Stanley Nwaobilo before a Magistrate Court in Umuahia, Abia State on a two-count charge of impersonation and Advance Fee Fraud allegedly using the name of Chinedu Orji, the first son of Abia State governor, to dupe one Charles Esonu of the sum of N1 million is another eye opener and a confirmation of the desperation on the part of some people who want to pull him and his father’s government down for selfish and cheap political reasons.


Although these men have not been convicted or discharged by the court, it is worrisome and surprising that people could think such evil act and carry it out, especially with the recent youths empowerment programme by the state government where 4,500 youths were employed.
Well for those who have been following the plots and intrigues by the enemies of the family and the state government, the development did not come as a surprise.


Sometime last year, the same people who had made themselves known enemies of the state after losing out of the power struggle with the dismantling of their political dynasty by Governor Theodore Orji had through the media peddled false rumour that Chinedu Orji was nominated for ministerial appointment by his father, Governor Orji
That information later turned out to be a farce aimed at running the Governor, his government and family down by the same people simply because they were blocked from dipping their greasy hands into the state treasury.


Since their favourite pass time is exploring what to do or say to deceive the public and paint the Governor and government in a bad light, the same people had before now alleged that Chinedu was beaten by military men in Umuahia for challenging their authority. But this was later discovered to be untrue. There have been several other mischievous plots by these desperadoes to smear Governor Orji and his family.
Clearly, all their plots have been failing one after the other. So the latest alleged attempt to use the name of the Governor’s son to dupe someone should not come as a surprise to anybody, after all they had once hacked and bugged the Governor’s phone. It is obvious that at the end of the trial, justice would prevail because he, like his parents, has a good track record. Since Governor Orji assumed office, he has been able to draw a line between his government and his family, unlike his predecessors.
Even though his sons are graduates who are overqualified to be governors of the state or handle any appointment in government, Orji has not allowed them to interfere in the day-to-day running of his government, being mindful that at the end of the day, the buck stops on his table as the elected governor of the state.

We have seen before now in the state where the mother of a former governor was in-charge of governance, even when she knew nothing about it. She decided who got what in government and all her sons were in government either as appointees or elected persons.
Time was when Government House Umuahia was relocated to a village in Abia North zone. It was from there the State’s business was conducted daily. Governance in the state then was more of a family affair carried out in a manner devoid of transparency and accountability.
But today in the state, it is not so because the present government has brought in openness and transparency, devoid of sentiment and emotion in the style of governance.
Following his experience of betrayal and conspiracy from his deputy and others during his first term in office, Governor Jonah Jang of Plateau State on assumption of office for second term appointed his son, Yakubu Jang his Special Adviser on Special Duties. Constitutionally, the Governor did not err or commit any offence and the appointment has not affected governance in the state in anyway. This is because the appointment is all about choosing somebody one can trust, after all Special Adviser on Special Duties to the governor has no business with making or implementing government policies and programmes. Such an appointee is an ordinary adviser whose advice can be taken or rejected by the governor at will. But despite that, Governor Orji during his first term in office had similar experience or something worse than that of Governor Jang in the hands of some his lieutenants; he did not toe the line of Governor Jang, yet his detractors have refused to give him a breathing space to carry out the business of governance in peace. But time will vindicate him.
Not deterred or bothered by the antics of these known enemies of the state and having known their antics before now, the people of state have ignored them for the good of the state, and have thrown their weight behind Governor Orji and his government for providing unprecedented good governance for them in all ramifications.
source: thejuristlaws..com

Governor T.A , Abians and huge crowd gathered in mass and pay last homage to late Dim Ojukwu,the Biafran war lord.the commemoration was observed in grand style with dignitaries who came out in masses to pay their last homage.
•Draped in Nigeria’s national colours, the casket bearing the remains of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was flown into Enyimba stadium yesterday morning.

The remains of Dim Ikemba Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu were yesterday received at the Enyimba stadium,aba

While a huge crowd gathered at the Enyimba stadium yesterday morning in Aba Abia state,southeast Nigeria to receive the corpse of the warlord, a military parade and ceremony was held in honour of the departed hero while huge crowd shouts in honour to commemorate the Biafran war Lord.

there was duly success in the commemoration of late ikemba of nnewi yesterday as abians and aba people came out in mass to pay their last respect to the late ikemba.the governor did greatly by instituting a very graceful occasion which was commendable by aba,abians and people from all works of life who convened in their numbers to pay tribute to the late hero, in respond to this caption i make old to say it is true that aba youth-people are commending governor and his organizers who helped to make the occasion a memorable one ,

I find it very irritated when some people would pop up contradictory information as regard to the befitting tribute of ikemba of nnewi hosted by the Governor of Abia State and how he was humiliated.in contrary to the bogus news being smeared all over the place by incongruous sect who are being empowered by dubious politicians, there was a graceful occasion of commemoration of ojukwu and Aba people have been hailing governor T.A Orji for his openness in organizing this event. He was also commended for not engaging his party people rather he instituted an open house committee for this event.Aba people proved that they are decent and responsible people. Aba and Abia people who gathered in mass did not disrespect their leader nor the brave soul of our late super Hero. Aba people showed off a proper patriotism for coming out in mass and supporting the governor on the state's commemoration of our late great leader and brother,IKEMBA of nnew

Massive turnaround in Abia State


THERE is no doubt that a new wind of change is blowing through Abia State. Statisticians, economists, political commentators and conservative chroniclers can attest to this as it could be seen from all sides of the prism.

THERE is no doubt that a new wind of change is blowing through Abia State. Statisticians, economists, political commentators and conservative chroniclers can attest to this as it could be seen from all sides of the prism.

According to Jack Welch: ‘Genuine leadership comes from equality of your ability to spark others to extraordinary performance’.

This is true of Abia State, where Governor T.A. Orji has united all the sectors and sections in peaceful coexistence. For the first time, Abia is speaking with one voice, banishing the soubriquets of ‘Abuja politicians’ and ‘Talibans’. The Onyema Ugochukwus, Ike Nwachukwus, Elder Adelu, Ojo Maduekwe, Vincent Ogbulafor, to mention but a few, all drink and dine in the same banquet.

A critical scrutiny of governance in Abia will show that every quarter of the year unveils new deals and showcases projects that beef up the social indices. A few examples will suffice: roads in Abia are into a constant change for the better.

Road construction firms have been mobilised with billions of naira for the second time to ensure that they meet up their target before the rainy season.

Construction works at the new secretariat that will accommodate some off campus ministries and the International Conference Centre with over 2,000 seating capacity are going on day and night.

A more edifying Government House has been initiated, indicating that Governor Orji is intent on breaking away from the ugly past of dormancy, squash buckling and blowing of hot air without substance.

Abians are enjoying an ambience of relative security as violent kidnapping and daredevil robberies that forced banks to close are now history.

Appointment of commissioners and transition chairmen went through the credible of stakeholders, political and traditional leaders, yielding ultra-filtration kind of result of high mark in educational qualification and professionalism.

Even in the transitional council, every ward is represented: some of the founding fathers who still enjoy good health like Eze Ogo and Dr. Anagha Ezikpe are still playing roles as we draw from their rich experiences in confronting new challenges.

The wind of protests and strikes which harassed most of the states evaded Abia as the governor pays the minimum wage with some extra that makes maximum impact.

Recently, 21 permanent secretaries were appointed, consequently injecting new blood in the job and heightening the morale, thereby dealing a deadly blow on stagnation syndrome that dampened the spirit of service and delivery.

In sports, Abia is not wanting as Eyimba is adjudged the best, as they are six-time league winners, two-time African champions and presently representing Nigeria in a continental soccer. Abia Comets have also been promoted to join Abia Warriors in the national league.

Bursary and scholarships have also been introduced in education where primary and secondary schools are tuition-free. Structural policy reforms are in place while classrooms and new buildings are sprouting up like mushrooms by the Micah Onyebuchi-led ASUBEB. These are replete in Commerce, Agriculture, Transport and Works ministries.

Health delivery, one of the most important aspects of life, has improved with over 200 health centres dotting the medical landscape of the state. The Mecure Diagnostic Centre, a robust partnership with Indians, has witnessed an upsurge of patients from the neighbouring states of Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Ebonyi and Cross River.

The specialist hospital next door offers an array of specialist services and compares favourably with others in Abuja and Lagos, so much that professionals in the Diaspora are eager for partnership and collaboration. Just recently, dialyses centres are under construction, ready to beef up the old ones installed in 2007.

Amachara Hospital has been upgraded with a specialist paediatric department. Right at the premises, buildings are sprouting up to house staff and doctors.

In the Commissioners Quarters at Ogurube Layout, more buildings are under construction to house more commissioners who are living off quarters. What a change and great expectations. At the national level, Abians are holding their own with favourable appointments.

Chief Emeka Nwogu of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Finance are two time ministers, superintending strategic positions in the country. They are daily in the news and are spotlight personalities.

Ndigbo have got some reckoning with Abia sons and daughters holding top military and para-military positions in the persons of Gen. Azubike Ihejirika, Air Vice Marshal Onyemobi, Rear Admiral Ajonu and Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Services, Mrs. Rose Chinyere Uzoma.

The high point is that all claims can be identified in the map of Abia. Have we had it so good before? We can go on and on. Certainly, things are turning around and you know why, for this are foretold. Proverbs Chapter 29 verse 2 says that ‘when the righteous are on the throne, the people rejoice.’


THERE is no doubt that a new wind of change is blowing through Abia State. Statisticians, economists, political commentators and conservative chroniclers can attest to this as it could be seen from all sides of the prism.

THERE is no doubt that a new wind of change is blowing through Abia State. Statisticians, economists, political commentators and conservative chroniclers can attest to this as it could be seen from all sides of the prism.

According to Jack Welch: ‘Genuine leadership comes from equality of your ability to spark others to extraordinary performance’.

This is true of Abia State, where Governor T.A. Orji has united all the sectors and sections in peaceful coexistence. For the first time, Abia is speaking with one voice, banishing the soubriquets of ‘Abuja politicians’ and ‘Talibans’. The Onyema Ugochukwus, Ike Nwachukwus, Elder Adelu, Ojo Maduekwe, Vincent Ogbulafor, to mention but a few, all drink and dine in the same banquet.

A critical scrutiny of governance in Abia will show that every quarter of the year unveils new deals and showcases projects that beef up the social indices. A few examples will suffice: roads in Abia are into a constant change for the better.

Road construction firms have been mobilised with billions of naira for the second time to ensure that they meet up their target before the rainy season.

Construction works at the new secretariat that will accommodate some off campus ministries and the International Conference Centre with over 2,000 seating capacity are going on day and night.

A more edifying Government House has been initiated, indicating that Governor Orji is intent on breaking away from the ugly past of dormancy, squash buckling and blowing of hot air without substance.

Abians are enjoying an ambience of relative security as violent kidnapping and daredevil robberies that forced banks to close are now history.

Appointment of commissioners and transition chairmen went through the credible of stakeholders, political and traditional leaders, yielding ultra-filtration kind of result of high mark in educational qualification and professionalism.

Even in the transitional council, every ward is represented: some of the founding fathers who still enjoy good health like Eze Ogo and Dr. Anagha Ezikpe are still playing roles as we draw from their rich experiences in confronting new challenges.

The wind of protests and strikes which harassed most of the states evaded Abia as the governor pays the minimum wage with some extra that makes maximum impact.

Recently, 21 permanent secretaries were appointed, consequently injecting new blood in the job and heightening the morale, thereby dealing a deadly blow on stagnation syndrome that dampened the spirit of service and delivery.

In sports, Abia is not wanting as Eyimba is adjudged the best, as they are six-time league winners, two-time African champions and presently representing Nigeria in a continental soccer. Abia Comets have also been promoted to join Abia Warriors in the national league.

Bursary and scholarships have also been introduced in education where primary and secondary schools are tuition-free. Structural policy reforms are in place while classrooms and new buildings are sprouting up like mushrooms by the Micah Onyebuchi-led ASUBEB. These are replete in Commerce, Agriculture, Transport and Works ministries.

Health delivery, one of the most important aspects of life, has improved with over 200 health centres dotting the medical landscape of the state. The Mecure Diagnostic Centre, a robust partnership with Indians, has witnessed an upsurge of patients from the neighbouring states of Akwa-Ibom, Rivers, Ebonyi and Cross River.

The specialist hospital next door offers an array of specialist services and compares favourably with others in Abuja and Lagos, so much that professionals in the Diaspora are eager for partnership and collaboration. Just recently, dialyses centres are under construction, ready to beef up the old ones installed in 2007.

Amachara Hospital has been upgraded with a specialist paediatric department. Right at the premises, buildings are sprouting up to house staff and doctors.

In the Commissioners Quarters at Ogurube Layout, more buildings are under construction to house more commissioners who are living off quarters. What a change and great expectations. At the national level, Abians are holding their own with favourable appointments.

Chief Emeka Nwogu of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Finance are two time ministers, superintending strategic positions in the country. They are daily in the news and are spotlight personalities.

Ndigbo have got some reckoning with Abia sons and daughters holding top military and para-military positions in the persons of Gen. Azubike Ihejirika, Air Vice Marshal Onyemobi, Rear Admiral Ajonu and Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Services, Mrs. Rose Chinyere Uzoma.

The high point is that all claims can be identified in the map of Abia. Have we had it so good before? We can go on and on. Certainly, things are turning around and you know why, for this are foretold. Proverbs Chapter 29 verse 2 says that ‘when the righteous are on the throne, the people rejoice.’ culled from thejuristlaws..com

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that he did not at any time say the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment (SURE) programme has been abandoned, as being speculated in the media.
Jonathan has come under heavy criticisms in the past few days from commentators over what many interpreted to be abandonment of the programme designed to be a palliative for the recent increase in the price of petrol and the attendant increase in price of goods and services.
This followed a statement by the President at the 58th National Executive Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party on 20 February 2012 in which he said the programme is no longer realistic.
The President had at that occasion directed the withdrawal of pamphlets which contain various programmes to be implemented under SURE which were being distributed to party members.
But in a press release signed on his behalf by Reuben Abati, his spokesperson on Monday, the President accused the opposition of deliberately misrepresenting what he said on the issue of reviewing the SURE programme at the PDP meeting.
“What he said in his opening remarks at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting last week, was that the full implementation of government’s palliatives to cushion the negative effects of the fuel subsidy removal as contained in the original SURE programme, was no longer feasible and will be reviewed in view of the partial rather than full removal of the subsidy on petrol,” Abati said in the statement.


He added that since the implementation of SURE programme was based on full deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil industry which government was unable to achieve, it is natural that there will be a review of the programmes.
“This new reality informed the President’s directive that the original SURE programme documents already circulated to the public, be withdrawn in order not to give the public false expectations.
“The SURE programme has not been cancelled. What President Goodluck Jonathan said at the 58th National Executive Committee meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is as follows: ‘We developed this with the expectation that we were going to completely deregulate the downstream sector of the oil industry, (after) the 100 per cent removal of subsidy.
“‘We couldn’t achieve that though there was an increase in the price. I don’t want this to be distributed; it will give a wrong impression.’
“These comments only show that President Jonathan is being transparent with the public rather than offer them unrealistic expectations. Sincerity of purpose is a virtue and should be encouraged.
“For those who are still in doubt, let it be stressed that the Dr. Christopher Kolade Committee charged with implementing the SURE programme, is still at work and has not been disbanded while a new SURE document containing the reviewed palliatives will soon be released to the public.
“We appeal to labour unions and other opinion-moulders in the society to desist from misinforming the public about government’s well-meaning programmes geared towards addressing the critical needs of the citizens,” Abati said.culled thejuristlaws..com

we should try and respect our leaders , it is biblical, governor t.a has employed every gained strength and wit to take abia to a new level.we are abian,let emerge together and offer the governor a maximum support, that a basic.singular way of helping the state surge forward.

Boko Haram: Nigeria deports 11,000 Aliens

Nigeria has repatriated around 11,000 foreigners mainly from Niger and Chad over the past six months to curb a growing Boko Haram insurgency, the immigration services said on Monday, according to AFP.
“The latest number of foreigners repatriated as at this morning is 11,000,” immigration services spokesman Joachim Olumba told AFP, updating an earlier figure.


“The bulk of them are from Niger and Chad.”
The extremist Islamist sect Boko Haram blamed for dozens of attacks in Nigeria that have claimed hundreds of lives, is thought to draw some of its members from neighbouring countries.
Olumba said the repatriation “has been intensified in the past six months following the Boko Haram insurgency,” adding: “We have an obligation to rid the country of undesirable elements.”


He said immigration officers last week caught 120 people trying to enter illegally from Niger “and we quickly sent them back to their country”.
Boko Haram’s deadly gun and bomb attacks have shaken Africa’s most populous country which is divided between a mainly Muslim north and predominantly Christian south.
Its base is in northeast Nigeria which borders Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
Violence blamed on Boko Haram, whose specific aims remain largely unclear, has since 2009 claimed more than 1,000 lives, including over 300 this year alone, according to a tally by AFP and activists.
The sect has previously said it wants to create an Islamic state in Nigeria’s deeply impoverished north.
Nigeria’s military authorities last week said Boko Haram has ties with Al-Qaeda in the Maghreb (AQIM).
culled from thejuristlaws..com

Draped in Nigeria’s national colours, the casket bearing the remains of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu at the State House, Abuja, this morning.

The remains of Dim Ikemba Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu were this morning received at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport in Abuja.


The body of the Biafran warlord arrived from London aboard a British Airline flight at about 4a.m.
While a huge crowd had gathered at the Hero’s Square in Owerri, Imo State, southeast Nigeria to receive the corpse of the warlord, a military parade and brief ceremony was held in honour of the departed hero at the Presidential Lounge of the Airport.
At the Abuja ceremony, it was in deed a harvest of tributes as notable Nigerians led by the Vice President, Architect Namadi Sambo, who represented President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan at the event, paid glowing tributes to the man who fought for equity, fair play and justice in Nigeria.
In the Presidential remarks read by the Vice President, President Jonathan said the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, lived an astute life in spite of his privileged upbringing.
He praised the bravery of the fallen hero who fought for equity and justice and stood for these virtues up till his death.
Others who paid tribute to Ojukwu include the Senate President, David Mark, who also chaired the Abuja event.
The Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, the Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha, the First Lady; Dame Patience Goodluck Jonathan, the FCT Minister, Bala Mohammed, as well Chief Tom Ikimi who delivered the key note address also honoured Ojukwu.
In his address, Ikimi noted that the life and times of the late Ojukwu will forever form a major milestone in the nation’s history and observed that his impact on the nation will continue to be debated.
Senator Ekweremadu noted that the late Ikemba came ahead of his time and also died ahead of his time and called on Nigerians to continue with the struggle for a peaceful and fair society which the late Ikemba died pursuing.


On her part, the First Lady saluted the courage of the late Ojukwu whom she said was not just an icon, but the pride of our nation.
She noted that Ojukwu had left a large footprint in the sands of our time.
As early as 6.30 a.m today, Imo State indigenes stormed Hero’s Square, built less than 10 months ago by the Rochas Okorocha administration, to celebrate eminent Igbo figures.
Today marks the first day, Ojukwu’s remains will touch ground on his native Igboland, for a tour of the five south-eastern states of Nigeria.
Starting with Imo State, the body will later be taken through Abia, Ebonyi, and Enugu, before it is interred in Ojukwu’s hometown, Nnewi, in Anambra State.


Thousands of citizens converged on the centre, very early to pay tributes to Ojukwu, while many other lined the streets of the state capital in celebration.
As at press time Ojukwu’s body was still being expected at the Owerri Airport where the state governor, Rochas Okorocha led a government delegation to receive the remains.
In a tribute, Governor Okorocha described the late Ojukwu as one who led a life that was defined by the values of sacrifice, honesty and persevearance.
“Nothing defined Dim Ojukwu’s life and its ideals more than his commitment to Justice and equity,” Okorocha said.
Different cultural groups also trooped to Hero’s Square to perform in honour of the man described passionately as the Igbo man’s hero.
Amid tight security, important guests and visitors to the venue were made to park their cars about 500 metres away from the venue.
Producers of souvenirs, almanac and other mementoes with the inscriptions on Ojukwu have been making brisk business.
P.M.NEWS learnt that most of the youths who were born after the civil war and only read or were told about the exploits of Ojukwu were passionate about him that they were ready to do anything to honour him.
Traders from all the nooks and crannies of Imo state closed their shops while the state government declared today as a public holiday.
Most of the youths who spoke with our correspondents said Ojukwu is more popular even in death.
They said his death has rekindled Igbo dreams of equality and fair play in Nigeria.
The security operatives made sure anyone entering the venue was thoroughly screened.
Anyone who disobeyed security operatives directive was made to frog jump.
The unprecedented crowd and important dignitaries including governors and others were still waiting for the corpse of Ojukwu as at press time.
culled fromm thejuristalaws..com

THERE WERE NO DISGRACEFULL OCCASION AT THE LAST TRIBUTE OF DIM IKEMBA OF NNEWI,WHICH WAS OBSERVED AT ABA TWONSHIP STADIUM.THIS PEOPLE POSTING FAKE NEWS HERE SHOULD BE MINDFUL OF THEMSELVES.HOW COULD THIS BE TRUE.WE ALL WERE IN ABA AND THE CORPSE OF DIM OJUKWU  WAS WELCOMED IN GOOD HANDS WITH THE GOVERNOR AND PEOPLE OF ABIA STATE WHO HARMONIOUSLY COMMEMORATED THE LATE CHIEF ODUMEGWU OJUKWU AS HE HIS CORPSE WAS LANDED BY A HELICOPTER.FOR YOUR INFORMATION,WHO SOEVER THAT IS COOKING UP BOGUS INFORMATION BOUT TODAY'S EVENT SHOULD STOP IT BECOS ALL HE IS DOING MALAPROPISM OF DEROGATION AND  OPPROBRIUM WHICH WILL NEVER FETCH HIM ANY ATTENTION.PLEASE GOOD PEOPLE,LETS NOT BE MISLED BY PROPAGANDIST ENTITIES ,  A LOT OF US WERE IN ABA WHERE THIS EVENTFUL DAY WAS OBSERVED AT ENYIMBA STADIUM,SO WE KNOW WHEN TRUTH IS BEING TOLD.

well it is so unfortunate that people think that running the entire state affair is like running a family affair.i am not comfortable with the way people are reacting to the executive governor of this state.T.A has poured his heart to govern this state.he has been working tirelessly,but is quite ungrateful that some people are being paid for to malign and derogate the governor's administration in order to launch dis order and disagreement in the highest order that will continue to bring doldrums to our state.No governor has ever over came all strife,no matter how hard he tried to please people.booing and disrespecting His Excellency T.a Orji is uncalled for.It is our duty to employ moral reasoning mustered in the face of faith to support our governor to lift our state,not to stand on the opposing side on everything he does for the betterment and glory of this state.Our governor has been doing greatly in recent times ,since he was re-elected and going back from all the good works he had done so far,i make bold to say he deserves to be respected and not the other way round. Wise-up Umu Abia

Governor T.A , Abians and huge crowd gathered in mass and pay last homage to late Dim Ojukwu,the Biafran war lord.this commemoration was observed in grand style with dignitaries who came out in masses to pay their last homage.
•Draped in Nigeria’s national colours, the casket bearing the remains of the late Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was flown into Enyimba stadium this morning.

The remains of Dim Ikemba Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu were this morning received at the Enyimba stadium this morning.

While a huge crowd had gathered at the Enyimba stadium this morning in Aba Abia state,southeast Nigeria to receive the corpse of the warlord, a military parade and ceremony was held in honour of the departed hero while huge crowd shouts in honour to commemorate the Biafran war Lord.

Infrastructure: The springboard of investment by Gov. TA Orji
Let me in quick succession; graciously acknowledge the torrents of solidarity and felicitations of good will that followed our recent outing during the yuletide season. I was particularly enthralled by those exhilarating feed backs and genuine feelings of camaraderie. In the light of that, and following from popular demands and suggestions, my humble pledge is that as often as time permits, we will interact through credible mediums such as this.

With that understanding, let me in today’s endeavour, acknowledge the incontrovertible place of infrastructure in driving investment. It is indeed the latitude that expands the breathing space of investment. Our desire to propagate this position stems from the gains of our avowal to create a convivial and enabling environment for investment.

At different interactions we have reiterated the position of our mandate as enunciated in our blue-print that government has no business being in business. The understandable reason is premised on the laissez –faire attitude prevalent in government establishments and which had adversely affected the growth of government enterprises. Besides, the private sector demand on government in terms of encouragement is of minimal effect. This is against the back-drop of their organizational ability, which has endowed them with undisputable capacity to galvanize and or institute huge and impact making sectors which over-time acquire lives of their own.



This submission synchronizes with the on-going national challenge of de-regulating the down-stream sector of our petroleum industry. As we recall the constancy of change, let us remember the nature of man in resisting change. But history is replete with emulative feedbacks of glad tidings that followed the triumph of positive changes. It is only what is given a chance that will drive through and affect lives positively. I would rather we buy into the desire for optimal funding of the federating states (one of the eventual gains of deregulation) and be encouraged if not compelled to provide platforms for healthy display of private sector skills, rather than subsidizing to keep duplicating the mega-fortunes of the players, most of whom as it where, have metamorphosed into dreaded principalities known as cabals. Our heightened age of reasoning and awareness has provided us with the capacity to design effective means of monitoring and evaluating performance vis-à-vis the value of monetary resources at the disposal of each state’s chief executive.

Our persuasion is that the long run effect will positively permeate every facet of our system, with the recipe to jump-start every latent and moribund institution, which, hitherto may have been screaming under the crushing grip of infrastructural black-out. The pledged palliatives will cushion what will be the short-lived biting effects and if amenities are provided for the encouragement and revival of ailing small and medium enterprises, the rate of joblessness and idleness will significantly crash.

I may not be a soothsayer, but let me prophetically posit that the eventual out-come of encouraging private refineries as is the case in other climes, is that it will one day usher us into the advertorial race of players, jostling to announce the cheapest price of petroleum motor spirit on electronic and print media and providing other value added services, with a view to attracting patronage as is presently the case with the tele-communication sector. Granted that past failures and large scale insincerity may have been the bane of successive government, we must admit and call to mind, the words of our late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo “the problem is not in never falling, but in rising each time we fall.” Every pit fall or mistake must be seen and used as a spring board for tomorrow’s mile-stones.

The fore-going, has largely and evidently inspired us to leave very bold-prints in the sands of time. The deliberate man-made studs which sought to maliciously and mischievously truncate our first tenure drive to access an interest free loan for purposes of accelerating our infrastructural provision, is today’s stepping stone to success. We have graciously leaped forward in the Public-Private Sector synergy demonstrated by some remarkable and striking instances like the Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, located in Umuahia and Aba. The rapid nature of its expansion has given rise to the birth of Amachara annex also in the State Capital. With the essential and rare capacity to diagnose and treat delicate and sensitive health situations like heart, liver, eye and other allied cases, the specialist hospital was a break through that buoyed us to fast-track our working relationship with Millennium Development Goals, with over 210 health centres located in all the nooks and crannies of the state.



As our Nation grapples with prongs of security challenges, it evokes in Abia the memories of unsavoury experience which in the past menacingly starred us in the face. Social and economic activities took a flight, leaving animals and creeping things to in-habit the abode of men. But our implicit confidence in God produced the strategic formula which saw light overwhelming and triumphing over darkness. Comparatively, it was a child’s play to today’s catastrophic and cataclysmic upsurge occasioned by the ill-wind of Boko-Haram, which must be nipped in the bud for the Nigerian project to move forward.

It should not be a case of aligning with the centripetal government, only if the chief executive is of the same ethnic stock with us and failure which we un-leash all manner of may-hems in the polity. Peace and tranquility, as is the case in a secured environment, remains one of the global antidotes for attracting and embracing investments. The restoration of normalcy in Abia State has showered us with the favour of playing host to retinue of genuine investors, whose variety of wares will extensively deepen the concerted war against poverty.



Facilities for investment are like a tourist searching for a country with the best tourist attraction and we have God to extol for Abia’s receptive atmosphere which established the path-way for Juno-Hermes to berth in the state. The foreseeable success of that huge leap will usher Abia into the league of mass-employing cement producers. Our oil producing status, variously neglected and sidelined, is being enhanced and re-loaded.

Al-Kamali petroleum from far away Dubai will herald a major effort at the establishment of a refinery having accessed and endorsed the earmarked Owaza suitability. Same sense of serenity can also explain the coming on stream of the huge and massive workers secretariat, closely followed by the prestigious International Conference Centre due to seat over 3000 people. The workers secretariat will undoubtedly put paid to the perennial challenge inflicted by lack of office accommodation and increase government’s chances of converting several make-shift offices to better use. Our receptive atmosphere is being savoured by throngs of local and expatriate partners whose strategic input in our different development efforts will emphatically yield the expected results. Adequate security is indeed a strategic lee-way for investment, which cannot be overemphasized.
Each time I talk about light, it reminds me of the biblical emphasis: “and the light shinneth in darkness and darkness comprehendeth it not”. That Biblical analysis is a lucid and vivid illustration of the inexhaustible potentials inherent in the glowing of light. The redeemable case of Nigeria has been hampered by irregularities in policy formation and execution giving rise to age long decay of machineries. President Goodluck Jonathan is cleaning the Augean-stable which has contracted long and deep seated sludge. This effort will require the cooperation and understanding of all well-meaning Nigerians for light to become permanently lit in Nigeria. The on-going reform of government is an initiative rightly taken.



It has become a new vista which stake-holding investors are cashing in on to re-engineer the power sector. The merchandizing edge of Aba will further be explored as work is completed on the Independent Power Station at Alaoji. Motivated by the foresight of Geometric Power Company, it is one ground breaking initiative which small and medium scale enterprises in Aba cannot wait to consummate its reality. The strategic and indispensable role of power in driving the economy, has further convinced government to encourage investment in that regard which is why Mechanical Systems Limited is at the verge of activating the 132/133 KVA power station at Ohiya in Umuahia South Local Government Area. Electricity has been evacuated to relevant feeder stations awaiting the official commissioning of the power station. Hotels with a touch of class and star are dotting the landscape of Umuahia the capital territory ready to optimize their businesses as the 132/133 KVA Power Station goes full blast.



The first Abia State Economic and Investment Summit recommended the institution of a one-stop-shop. Its acceptance and adoption was done with military dispatch. This will insulate investors from the frustrating bottlenecks and red-tapisms prevalent in our systems and institutions.



We opened up access roads that were hitherto impassable and the cheering news is that those areas have been invaded by Private Sectors with the facility to develop properties for commercial purposes. Government is not relaxing in its oars in opening up more. Songhai Farms located in Okwoyi will largely benefit from the road, leading to that area, which is being asphalted. The new Umuahia modern market springing up in Ubani, will have several access roads leading to it, including the on-going Umueze-Emede road. Same genuine and concerted effort is being replicated in Aba to ensure drastic reduction in difficulties people encounter in going about their legitimate businesses. The on-going reconstruction of roads in Aba is massive and holistic. We are hoping that in a short while, completion of Aba-Port Harcourt road, Obohia-Ugwunagbo road and Railway axis of Aba–Owerri Road will be celebrated. This will stimulate the enterprising spirit of our people and make them more result oriented.

As I conclude this piece, may I assure our existing and upcoming development partners, that provision of infrastructural conveniences is our sacrosanct obligation, which we cannot shy away from.

T.A. Orji culled from www.abiastate.gov.ng

Governor T. A. Orji Declares Public Holiday For Ikemba Ojukwu!
Governor T. A. Orji Declares Public Holiday For Ikemba Ojukwu!

Governor T. A. Orji has declared Tuesday, Feb 28, work free day to enable civil servants and others in the state pay their last respects to Ikemba Nnewi, Eze Igbo gburugburu. He urged Abians to come out en masse to receive the legend tomorrow at Aba township stadium.culled from www.abiastate.gov.ng

Governor T. A. Orji has equipped the transition Committee Council Chairmen and vice Chairmen with sports utility vehicles and hilux vans
Governor T. A. Orji has equipped the transition Committee Council Chairmen and vice Chairmen with sports utility vehicles and hilux vans

The Abia State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Don Ubani, has admonished transition Council Committee Chairmen, members and officials of the seventeen Local Government Councils in the State to show effective commitment towards their internal revenue generation.
Chief Ubani made this call in a release he issued in Umuahia shortly after Governor T.A, Orji had issued a sports Utility Vehicle to each transition Committee Council Chairman and Vice Chairman and a hilux van to each Local Government Council specifically to facilitate effective revenue generation,
According to Chief Ubani, revenue generation should be the driving force of any local government administra¬tion that is determined to exercise a reasonable level of financial autonomy but regretted that a combination of administrative nonchalance, inefficiency and lack of transparency has rendered this sector of local government administration non-existent and dysfunctional.
The Information boss stated that with the provision of a brand new hilux van for internal revenue generation, each Council is now expected to embark on a legitimate aggressive revenue generation as provided for in the Constitution of the Country.
Chief Ubani, who asserted that any local government administration that is worth its salt, should be capable of generating, at least, thirty percent of its annual budget, urged officials of the third tier administration in the State to restrategise on their internal revenue drive and, above all, exhibit quantifiable transparency and accountability in the financial affairs of their councils.

Chief (Sir) Don Ubani, KSC,JP (Okwubunka of Asa)
Honourable Commissioner for Information And Strategy culled from www.abiastate.gov.ng

ABIA STATE 2012 BUDGET; A CLEAR MANIFESTATION OF GOVERNMENT’S COMMITMENT TO TRANSFORMATION

On Monday 19th December, 2011, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of God’s own State of Abia, Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, dutifully presented the state’s 2011 fiscal year budget to the State’s House of Assembly. In the words of the governor, the budget is that of transformation. -
The budget, which has a cumulative of one hundred billion, one hundred and two million, three hundred and eighteen thousand, four hundred and seventy naira, (N100,102,318,470,) shows an increase of nineteen point eight percent; (19.8%), over the 2011 fiscal year budget of eighty billion, two hundred and forty-four million, four hundred and fourteen thousand, five hundred and forty naira, (N80,244,414,540).
The objectives of the budget include, among other things, transformation of God’s Own State and sustenance of successes recorded in the state’s democratic experiment since May 2011, as well as repositioning the state on the path of sustainable economic growth and development.
It is expected that the budget will implement some components of the medium term expenditure framework for the state vision 20:2020, which will motivate integrated multi-sectoral grass-roots’ developments predicated on enhancing sustainable socio-economic well-being of the people of the state.
As would be expected, strategies have been mapped out for the successful implementation of the 2012 budget. They include:

1. Transformation of Aba city as the commercial cum industrial hub of the nation.
2. Consolidation of the state government’s efforts in protecting the lives, property and businesses of the citizenry.
3. Transformation of moribund government-owned industries via public-private-partnership approach.
4. Reinvigoration of enabling environment for investment into the oil and gas sector, including a refinery, and
5. Consolidation on the achievements of government in the general health-care delivery in the state and adhering to a knowledge-based economy.
A breakdown of the budget shows that it will be financed by the under-listed projected recurrent revenue;
> Internally Generated Revenue (I.G.R) = N22,202,318,470
> Federation Account (FAAC) = N58,900,000,000
> Value Added Tax (VAT) = N10,000,000,000
> Derivation = N 9,000,000,000
According to the budget out-lay, recurrent expenditure in 2012 will be fifty-six billion,nine hundred and ninety-seven million, two hundred and fifteen thousand and seven hundred naira while the capital expenditure amounts to sixty-five billion, three hundred and ninety-two million, nine hundred and twenty-four thousand, two hundred and twenty naira. The sum of forty-three billion, one hundred and five million, one hundred and two thousand, seven hundred and ninety naira is proposed to be transferred from the recurrent revenue and an expected capital receipt of twenty-two billion, two hundred and eighty-seven million naira will be generated by way of grants and loans. The capital budget is separated into four main sectors as follows:
1. Economic Sector = N34,206,595,410
2. Social Sector = N5,132,200,000
3. Regional Sector = N 6,124,000,000
4. General Administration = N18,613,128,800,
amounting to the sum of sixty-four billion, seventy-five million, nine hundred and twenty-four thousand, two hundred and ten naira. The economic sector of the budget encompasses
1. Agricultural
2. Manufacturing and Commerce
3. Energy and Power
4. Roads and Bridges.
In the social sector, qualitative and affordable education, quantifiable health, well-managed information services and sporting activities will receive a lot of boost. On the other hand, the regional sector will pay adequate attention to environmental and allied matters. General administration will gulp the sum of eighteen billion, six hundred and thirteen million, one hundred and twenty-eight thousand and eight hundred naira.
All in all, the state budget of transformation is expected to take the state to its desired level of social, economic and political transformation. Successful implementation of budget 2012 is anchored on the state government’s adherence to due process, and uncompromising insistence on and pragmatic application of transparency.
May God continue to bless Abia State.
Chief (Sir) Don. Ubani, KSC, JP.

Source: www.abiastate.gov.ng

For many great men who had traversed the planet earth, hardly did any of them have more than two very important dates in their lives. Ordinarily-speaking, man born of a woman is naturally associated with two eventful dates; the day of his birth and the day he joins his ancestors in the world beyond.
But in the case of the former military governor of defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria; Late Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, there exists an outstanding difference. Because of the distinctiveness of his rare and unique personality, it stands evidently incontrovertible that late Emeka Odimegwu Ojukwu had, willy-nilly, unprecedentedly contributed immensely in shaping the course of Modern Nigeria.
His social and political engineering in the firmament of the Nigerian dynamics was inevitably captured and recorded by history and unequivocally constitute landmarks in Nigeria's March to Nation-hood.
Many contemporary writers and commentators have already written and said much about Ojukwu's date and place of birth, his privileged family background; with a golden spoon, not silver, and, of course, the bourgeois elitism that surrounded his brilliant academic career, culminating in his displayed astuteness in intellectualism and capped his pursuit with a masters' degree in History.
With his rare intellectual background, Dim Ojukwu, driven by a combination of vision, selflessness, determination, 'patriotism and humility willingly resolved to enlist into the Nigerian Army as a mere recruit. By that singular act, Dim Ojukwu carved a niche for himself as the first University graduate of African extraction to join the British Colonial Army as an ordinary recruit.
Some writers, purely for selfish destructive reasons, had insincerely and most unpatriotically labeled Dim Ojukwu as a rebel and an ethnic jingoist. This is an indecent and unacceptable manifestation of parochialism of an intolerable dimension. Such narrow-minded writers had pitiably failed to appreciate the fact that the Late Dim Ojukwu, as a Battalion Commander of the Nigerian Army in Kano, as at January 15, 1966, had bluntly and successfully refused to recognize the military coupd'etat plotted by the late Major Patrick Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu. He condemned the coup as he reasoned that, even though the political conflict, intolerance, and rivalry between the Late Chief Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo and Late Chief Samuel Akintola had turned the defunct Western Region of Nigeria into a regional disaster and catastrophe, resulting into uncountable deaths and equally threatening the corporate existence of the new Independent Nigeria, Military Coup was not the solution to be applied to the 'Wild West'.
When the Late First Military Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria; Major-Gen. Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-lronsi, eventually took over the reins of the country after Late Kaduna Nzeogwu had surrendered to espirit de corps of military regimentation and superiority, history recorded another significant date for Dim Ojukwu as the first military governor and Chief Executive of the defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria.

On July 15 1966, Nigerian Military Officers of Northern Nigeria extraction, led by the then major Theophilus Danjuma, staged a counter-coup, during which they killed Major-Gen Ironsi who was a guest of the Military Governor of defunct Western Region, Lt. Col Fajuyi. The Danjuma-led coupists also killed Fajuyi who had attempted resisting the killing of Gen. Ironsi as his official guest.
As at the time of the Northern-plotted -Danjuma led coup in July 1966, the most Senior Nigerian Military Officer, after Gen. Ironsi, was Brigadier Ogundipe, of Yoruba extraction.
In the established culture of military leadership and sequence, leadership of the Nigerian state should have naturally been trusted upon Brig. Ogundipe. But the Northern Military Coupists installed Lt Col Yakubu Gowon, a relatively Junior Officer to Brig. Ogundipe. This act was, for sure, not acceptable to Dim Ojukwu, who saw it as a contravention of military discipline and ethics. As a well-bred intellectual and quintessential soldier, this was an overt injustice and flagrant display of indiscipline and its attendant impunity that had to be resisted.
With the successful over throw and killing of Gen. Ironsi, the North broke lose and embarked on a rampage that ended up as a pogrom targeted at ethnic cleansing of the people of forrrier eastern Region of Nigeria, especially Ndi Igbo, resident in such Northern cities as Kano, Kaduna, Maidugiri, Bauchi, Sokoto, Jos, Zaria, Markurdi and the smaller towns.
As the Military Governor of former Eastern Region, that period was the most challenging in the life and times of Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu. He found himself between the devil and the deep blue sea. He was principally committed to the Unity of Nigeria but at the same time he had to do something in order to stop the orgy of wanton massacre of Easterners in the North.
The situation in the North compelled Dim Ojukwu to embark on wide consultations. The outcome of the consultations with leaders of the defunct Eastern Region was the declaration of the Federal Republic of Biafra on 30th May, 1966. This date became water shed in the political history of Nigeria.

It is equally important to state that the 30th May, 1966 declaration of Biafra spontaneously gave rise to Gowon's administration splitting the country into twelve states; with the former Eastern Region being divided into three states; (I) East-Central State, (2) Rivers State and (3) South-Eastern State.
It should be mentioned that for thirty months, starting from May 1967 to January 1970, Dim Ojukwu, as the General of the Biafran Army and Head of state, sustained the struggle for his people's protection against total annihilation. He achieved this uncommon feat despite total blocade by the Federal government of Nigeria and hostilities by both Britain and former soviet union of Russia.
The Magic behind Dim Ojukwu's sustenance of a struggle that Gen, Gowon had boasted would be crushed in less than forty-eight hours was his vision, transparency, discipline, selflessness and ingenuity throughout the war, the people in the 'Biafran' enclave never witnessed short -fall in fuel supply. Yet Biafra had no functional refinery. The International air-port the former Biafran war-Lord constructed at Uli was one of the busiest in Africa. Yet it operated only in the nights because of air-raids. The Electronic Explosive device called "Ojukwu bucket 'or Ogbunigwe' which had the capacity to kill hundreds at a time, was purely an indigenous creation; courtesy of Dim Ojukwu's wonderful ability to harness talents amongst his people.

The Ojukwu Bunker at Umuahia which housed the administrative headquarters of Biafra after the collapse of Enugu, and which measures 29 feet underground and was built only in ninety days despite incessant bombardment of Umuahia, is a super-master architectural edifice that is capable of dwarfing the famous Hanging Towers of Babylon.
As Ojukwu's body is brought to Enyimba International Stadium at Aba Today; Tuesday 28 February, 2012, Governor T.A. Orji and the Local Organizing Committee for this burial of 'the people's Leader and Hero, invite all Abians and admirers of heroism to come out en-masse and give honour to whom it is due and at the same time urge all Nigerians to conduct a critical frank study of those virtues that were inherent in the Late Governor of Former Eastern Region of Nigerian State. The Abia Local Organizing Committee for the burial of this quintessential leader must have to express immense gratitude to His Excellency; Governor T.A. Orji (Ochendo), for graciously providing enough fund for the L.O.C to accord befitting honour to our former military governor of defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria. May the soul of Ikemba find peace in the bosom of the Lord, Amen!
CHIEF (SIR) DON UBANI; KSC, JP
(OkwubunkaofAsa)
Chairman Sub-Committee on Media & Publicity.
Abia State Local Organizing Committee
For the Burial of Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu

Culled from abiastate.gov.ng

PPA suspends founder, Orji Kalu, 12 others, alleges anti-party activities
A major crisis is brewing in Abia State chapter of Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, as the State Working Committee, SWC, Tuesday suspended the party’s founder and Board of Trustee Chairman, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, and 12 others for alleged anti-party activities.
Also suspended are party leader, Mrs. Eunice Uzor Kalu, former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Nnanna Uzor Kalu, former Chief of Staff to Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, Mr. Mascot Uzor Kalu, Mr. Chris Aja and the party’s state auditor, S.N. Akpagu.
Others affected by the suspension announced by state party chairman, Ezeogo Emeka Onuoha, include the party’s state publicity secretary, Chief Oliver Obiezu, financial secretary, Mr. S. A. Idika, and chairmen in Aba South, Aba North, Bende, Obingwa and Ummunneochi local government areas.
The state party chairman said no external influence was responsible for action of the party in effecting the suspension, even as he directed the suspended party officials to return all party documents in their possession within 24 hours.
Onuoha alleged that the affected officials had been instigating people to disorganize and disintegrate the party. Onuoha warned that nobody was above the party.
But in a swift reaction, the publicity secretary of the party, who was affected by the suspension, Chief Oliver Obiezu, dismissed it as “a very laughable project.”
He said the action of the party “goes to demonstrate the level of ignorance of the party chairman and his cohorts.”
He said the action was against the constitution of the party and, therefore, illegal and void.
“There exists a party constitution which spells out the resignation, removal and replacement of functionaries anchored on congress consideration and endorsement.
“This was not followed by the gentleman and the breach renders the action null, void and of no effect whatsoever”, Obiezu said. culled from thejuristlaws..com

Boko Haram may tear north apart – Yuguda
Bauchi State Governor, Isa Yuguda said on Thursday that the north is going through tasking periods that could lead the region to disintegrate.
But he was quick to add that ''without the region Nigeria will not stand.''
Yuguda made the remark when he received the management of Federal Radio Corporation Nigeria (FRCN), Kaduna Zonal Station led by its Zonal Manager, Alhaji Ladan Salihu, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Bauchi.
He said, “The FRCN must use its vehicle of communication to promote peace and unity in the north. We must show our determination in re-uniting the north and to promote peace because the north is, at the moment, in pieces.
“We have serious challenges in the north. It is a big task on all of us to promote peace and tolerance and everyone must take this seriously. If we don’t do that and the north collapses, posterity will hold us responsible.
“When Gen. Yakubu Gowon came here, I urged him to use the experience he acquired as a Nigerian head of state in uniting the nation especially the north.
“If we don’t have the north, I don’t think Nigeria will stand,” the governor added.
Yuguda also called on Nigerian leaders to emulate the virtues of the late Sardauna of Sokoto, Sir Ahmadu Bello, whom he described as a sincere, honest and God-fearing leader.culled from thejuristlaws..com

Police arrest Gani’s widow, son

FUEL SUBSIDY PROTEST
A procession rally in memory of the victims who died in last month’s protest against the withdrawal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government was yesterday stopped abruptly by the police at Maryland, Lagos.
The police then arrested a former President of Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (ASUU), Dr. Dipo Fasina, the widow of the late Lagos lawyer-activist, Chief Gani Fawehinmi, Ganiyat, his son, Mohammed and 13 others.
The procession was to mark the 40-day memorial of the victims who were shot dead by security operatives during the nationwide protest. The subsidy withdrawal led to an increase in petrol price to N141 per litre from the former price of N65. Government was, however, forced to review its decision with the price coming down to N97.
The procession had taken off peacefully at 9am from the Yaba, Lagos Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and was headed for the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park at Ojota when gun-wielding policemen intercepted the marchers at Maryland.
The policemen led by Deputy Superintendent Noah Adesoyin demanded the police permit authorising the procession.
An argument ensued between the two parties with the police asking the activists to disperse. The activists insisted on continuing.
The policemen fired canisters of teargas into the crowd and arrested some of the protesters.
The names of the others arrested by the police were given as Ayodele Akele, Tunde Agunbiade, Keshinro, Popoola Ajayi, Sola Olatunde, a journalist with City FM - Iyatse Joshua, Kazeem Akinrinade, Kulu Oladejo, Alex Omoteseyin, Prophet Moses Adeola, Akin Adedeji, Agbodemu Musiliu, and Ismail Olawale.
They were, however, released last night on bail following the intervention of Lagos lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana.
The procession was organised by the Joint Action Front (JAF), the Lagos branches of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA), the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and The Muslim Congress (TMC).
The TMC expressed disappointment at the police action which it described as insensitive, unprofessional, irresponsible and dastardly.
It said the deployment of aggressive policemen to " repress, brutalise and injure innocent Nigerians on peaceful procession" was " uncivilised, intolerant and undemocratic, considering the fact that the procession had been widely publicised through press conference to dispel fears, suspicions and insinuations from government and security agencies.
"Even journalists and pressmen from TVC, Galaxy, AIT, Silver Bird and print media were not spared. The use of tear-gas for peaceful protest devoid of violence caused pandemonium, injuries, traffic jam and confusion at Maryland-Ojota area. Whosoever ordered the disruption has made a costly mistake by subverting free speech and freedom of association, a cardinal principle cherished by the international community and advanced democracies. This is another error from the Nigerian Police authority and government."
Source: thejuristlaws..com

Infrastructure: The springboard of investment by Gov. TA Orji
Let me in quick succession; graciously acknowledge the torrents of solidarity and felicitations of good will that followed our recent outing during the yuletide season. I was particularly enthralled by those exhilarating feed backs and genuine feelings of camaraderie. In the light of that, and following from popular demands and suggestions, my humble pledge is that as often as time permits, we will interact through credible mediums such as this.
With that understanding, let me in today’s endeavour, acknowledge the incontrovertible place of infrastructure in driving investment. It is indeed the latitude that expands the breathing space of investment. Our desire to propagate this position stems from the gains of our avowal to create a convivial and enabling environment for investment.
At different interactions we have reiterated the position of our mandate as enunciated in our blue-print that government has no business being in business. The understandable reason is premised on the laissez affaire attitude prevalent in government establishments and which had adversely affected the growth of government enterprises. Besides, the private sector demand on government in terms of encouragement is of minimal effect. This is against the back-drop of their organizational ability, which has endowed them with undisputable capacity to galvanize and or institute huge and impact making sectors which over-time acquire lives of their own.
This submission synchronizes with the on-going national challenge of de-regulating the down-stream sector of our petroleum industry. As we recall the constancy of change, let us remember the nature of man in resisting change. But history is replete with emulative feedbacks of glad tidings that followed the triumph of positive changes. It is only what is given a chance that will drive through and affect lives positively. I would rather we buy into the desire for optimal funding of the federating states (one of the eventual gains of deregulation) and be encouraged if not compelled to provide platforms for healthy display of private sector skills, rather than subsidizing to keep duplicating the mega-fortunes of the players, most of whom as it where, have metamorphosed into dreaded principalities known as cabals. Our heightened age of reasoning and awareness has provided us with the capacity to design effective means of monitoring and evaluating performance vis-à -vis the value of monetary resources at the disposal of each state’s chief executive.
Our persuasion is that the long run effect will positively permeate every facet of our system, with the recipe to jump-start every latent and moribund institution, which, hitherto may have been screaming under the crushing grip of infrastructural black-out. The pledged palliatives will cushion what will be the short-lived biting effects and if amenities are provided for the encouragement and revival of ailing small and medium enterprises, the rate of joblessness and idleness will significantly crash.
I may not be a soothsayer, but let me prophetically posit that the eventual out-come of encouraging private refineries as is the case in other climes, is that it will one day usher us into the advertorial race of players, jostling to announce the cheapest price of petroleum motor spirit on electronic and print media and providing other value added services, with a view to attracting patronage as is presently the case with the tele-communication sector. Granted that past failures and large scale insincerity may have been the bane of successive government, we must admit and call to mind, the words of our late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo “the problem is not in never falling, but in rising each time we fall.” Every pit fall or mistake must be seen and used as a spring board for tomorrow’s mile-stones.
The fore-going, has largely and evidently inspired us to leave very bold-prints in the sands of time. The deliberate man-made studs which sought to maliciously and mischievously truncate our first tenure drive to access an interest free loan for purposes of accelerating our infrastructural provision, is today's stepping stone to success. We have graciously leaped forward in the Public-Private Sector synergy demonstrated by some remarkable and striking instances like the Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, located in Umuahia and Aba. The rapid nature of its expansion has given rise to the birth of Amachara annex also in the State Capital. With the essential and rare capacity to diagnose and treat delicate and sensitive health situations like heart, liver, eye and other allied cases, the specialist hospital was a break through that buoyed us to fast-track our working relationship with Millennium Development Goals, with over 210 health centres located in all the nooks and crannies of the state.
As our Nation grapples with prongs of security challenges, it evokes in Abia the memories of unsavoury experience which in the past menacingly starred us in the face. Social and economic activities took a flight, leaving animals and creeping things to in-habit the abode of men. But our implicit confidence in God produced the strategic formula which saw light overwhelming and triumphing over darkness. Comparatively, it was a child’s play to today’s catastrophic and cataclysmic upsurge occasioned by the ill-wind of Boko-Haram, which must be nipped in the bud for the Nigerian project to move forward.
It should not be a case of aligning with the centripetal government, only if the chief executive is of the same ethnic stock with us and failure which we un-leash all manner of may-hems in the polity. Peace and tranquility, as is the case in a secured environment, remains one of the global antidotes for attracting and embracing investments. The restoration of normalcy in Abia State has showered us with the favour of playing host to retinue of genuine investors, whose variety of wares will extensively deepen the concerted war against poverty.
Facilities for investment are like a tourist searching for a country with the best tourist attraction and we have God to extol for Abia’s receptive atmosphere which established the path-way for Juno-Hermes to berth in the state. The foreseeable success of that huge leap will usher Abia into the league of mass-employing cement producers. Our oil producing status, variously neglected and sidelined, is being enhanced and re-loaded.
Al-Kamali petroleum from far away Dubai will herald a major effort at the establishment of a refinery having accessed and endorsed the earmarked Owaza suitability. Same sense of serenity can also explain the coming on stream of the huge and massive workers secretariat, closely followed by the prestigious International Conference Centre due to seat over 3000 people. The workers secretariat will undoubtedly put paid to the perennial challenge inflicted by lack of office accommodation and increase government’s chances of converting several make-shift offices to better use. Our receptive atmosphere is being savoured by throngs of local and expatriate partners whose strategic input in our different development efforts will emphatically yield the expected results. Adequate security is indeed a strategic lee-way for investment, which cannot be overemphasized.
Each time I talk about light, it reminds me of the biblical emphasis: “and the light shinneth in darkness and darkness comprehendeth it not”. That Biblical analysis is a lucid and vivid illustration of the inexhaustible potentials inherent in the glowing of light. The redeemable case of Nigeria has been hampered by irregularities in policy formation and execution giving rise to age long decay of machineries. President Goodluck Jonathan is cleaning the Augean-stable which has contracted long and deep seated sludge. This effort will require the cooperation and understanding of all well-meaning Nigerians for light to become permanently lit in Nigeria. The on-going reform of government is an initiative rightly taken.
It has become a new vista which stake-holding investors are cashing in on to re-engineer the power sector. The merchandizing edge of Aba will further be explored as work is completed on the Independent Power Station at Alaoji. Motivated by the foresight of Geometric Power Company, it is one ground breaking initiative which small and medium scale enterprises in Aba cannot wait to consummate its reality. The strategic and indispensable role of power in driving the economy, has further convinced government to encourage investment in that regard which is why Mechanical Systems Limited is at the verge of activating the 132/133 KVA power station at Ohiya in Umuahia South Local Government Area. Electricity has been evacuated to relevant feeder stations awaiting the official commissioning of the power station. Hotels with a touch of class and star are dotting the landscape of Umuahia the capital territory ready to optimize their businesses as the 132/133 KVA Power Station goes full blast.
The first Abia State Economic and Investment Summit recommended the institution of a one-stop-shop. Its acceptance and adoption was done with military dispatch. This will insulate investors from the frustrating bottlenecks and red-tapisms prevalent in our systems and institutions.
We opened up access roads that were hitherto impassable and the cheering news is that those areas have been invaded by Private Sectors with the facility to develop properties for commercial purposes. Government is not relaxing in its oars in opening up more. Songhai Farms located in Okwoyi will largely benefit from the road, leading to that area, which is being asphalted. The new Umuahia modern market springing up in Ubani, will have several access roads leading to it, including the on-going Umueze-Emede road. Same genuine and concerted effort is being replicated in Aba to ensure drastic reduction in difficulties people encounter in going about their legitimate businesses. The on-going reconstruction of roads in Aba is massive and holistic. We are hoping that in a short while, completion of Aba-Port Harcourt road, Obohia-Ugwunagbo road and Railway axis of Aba–Owerri Road will be celebrated. This will stimulate the enterprising spirit of our people and make them more result oriented.
As I conclude this piece, may I assure our existing and upcoming development partners, that provision of infrastructural conveniences is our sacrosanct obligation, which we cannot shy away from.culled from thejuristlaws..com
T.A. Orji

THE symbolic procession of mourning in honour and tribute to the late Ikemba Nnewi, Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu,began, today, in Abia state as part of the final ceremonies for his burial, with Governor T.A Orji, the Chief mourner ,members of his cabinet,are commemorating the Biafran hero with symposium organized at prestigious places like ,National war museum located at Ebite-Amafor ,Umuahia(Ojukwu Bunker).The procession was attended by dignitaries and distinguished persons from all works of life around the state of Abia.farewell DIM-DIM chukwuemeka odumegwu Ojukwu,as we the people of Abia state join in the mourning of your demise.

Happy times in Abia health sector
THE health sector is one the areas the administration of Governor Theodore Orji of Abia state can be said to have done well. The administration has touched virtually all the sectors of the economy, but it has literally revolutionized the health sector in the state. In fact, the health sector is one the government pays a lot of attention to.

In line with Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, government has built over 200 health centres across the 17 local government councils of the state. Most of the health centres, which are mainly located in the rural areas, have been equipped, while some of them are being equipped. Health personnel have been posted to those already equipped.

Though they don’t have resident doctors, visiting doctors are attached to them but qualified nurses are permanently attached to attend to patients with the visiting doctors coming regularly.

And the Governor recently directed all the Transition Committee Chairmen in the 17 local government areas to ensure that all the health centres that were ready have all the relevant health personnel. He told them to inform the government if those in their council areas lack personnel, especially nurses and visiting doctors.

Orji said the aim of setting up the health centres was to ensure that health care services are within the reach of the rural masses who sometimes, due to lack of health centres, die or lose their children to minor illnesses that could be easily handled at the health centres.

Perhaps, the health revolution of the Orji administration is best noticed in the building of two world class diagnostic centres located in Umuahia and Aba. The centres are run in partnership with Mecure, a first class Indian Health Institution.

So far, the diagnostic centres have been a huge success as various ailments hitherto treated overseas are now diagnosed at these centres. And as a result of the success recorded so far, the government has acquired more space at the Umuahia Centre to set up a Dialysis Centre for patients with kidney problems.

According to the Health Commissioner, Dr. Okechukwu Ogar, the state governor, Theodore Orji has paid all the counterpart funds relating to HIV/AIDS programme that is run in the state and for other health agencies that have anything to do with AIDS.

The Commissioner said that the state government “has given grants to the state Ministry of Health and other agencies that have health-related matters on AIDS, to run an awareness programmes and also fund other organisations to manage the AIDS programme at Owaza in Ukwa West council area”.

Ogar noted that the state governor has given approval for the employment of about 11 consultants to handle most of the over 200 health centres scattered across the state and once they are employed that the health situation in the state will improved.

He said that when the newly employed consultants resume duties they are expected to bring their wealth of experience to bear on the health sector in the state and also help to train other general practitioner doctors that will be working with them.

Besides, the wife of the Governor, Mercy Odochi Orji has been playing very positive role in the state’s health sector with her active involvement in the sensitization and mobilization of the rural women in the various maternal and child immunization programmes.

In one of the immunization programmes, the Governor’s wife said that she has strong interest in the good health for the rural women and their children because: “As a mother, I know the pains associated with child delivery. I am, therefore, committed towards the success of this follow up action to combat deaths associated with child delivery. It is a comprehensive package that cares for both pregnant women and under-five children.

“Mothers need not die in childbirth. We must give our young women the information and support they need to control their reproductive health, help them during pregnancy and care for the new born well in childhood”.

So far, with just lest than one year into his second term administration, the performance of the state in health sector could be described as very well with hope that before the Governor’s second year runs out in 2015, the state’s health sector must have been taken to the desired culled from Vanguardnews

Resolution of Executive Council meeting…ratified the award of several road projects
The Abia State Executive council met on Wednesday 15th February, 2012 in the Executive Council chamber, under the chairmanship of His Excellency; Governor T. A. Orji, and, as usual took very far-reaching decisions that will positively touch on the lives of the good people of God’s Own State.

SECTION A:

1. Council adopted report on phase I of staff salary verification exercise in the state civil service which uncovered unidentified 558 staff in her payroll, amounting to a total of #20, 098, 601.22.

2. Council frowned at the recalcitrance of electronics dealers at Aba who are still carrying on with their trade in residential areas of the Enyimba city and insisted that such traders must have to comply with the laws of the land.

3. Council observed with pain that discipline in the state civil and public services was been eroded by the nonchalant attitude of senior civil and public officers to punctuality and regularity, and consequently directed the state’s Head of Service to issue a circular that shall be mandatory on civil and public servants in the state sign the attendance register on assumption of duty in the morning and also sign out at the end of the day’s work at 4p.m.

4. Council noted with consternation the inexplicable and, certainty unacceptable habit of few Permanent Secretaries who are fond of moving from one Ministry or Department to another with staff they cunningly label indispensable staff and unequivocally directed the Head of Service to make sure the ugly habits stops immediately.

5. Council, in its determination to resuscitate the N.N.P.C depot at Osisioma, directed that a meeting should be arranged between His Excellency and Traditional Rulers from Ukwa-West in order to further address the problem of vandalization of oil pipelines and illegal bunkering in the area, next week.

6. Executive council observed with dismay that project vehicles given to Ministries, Departments and Agencies are no longer serving the purpose for which they are given, and accordingly, directed the S.S.G to direct Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to give detailed account of the vehicles.

7. Council expressed a deep sense of loss and regret over the death of the former Governor of defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria; Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, and urged Abians to troop to Enyimba International Stadium Aba enmass on 28th of February to pay honour to the late leader and hero of the Igbo Nation, whose body will be lying in state at the stadium and equally attend the burial on the 2nd of March, 2012 at Nnewi. culled from http://www.abiastate.gov.ng/2012/02/resolution-of-executive-council-meeting/

Governor has shown his determination to give Abia an entirely new face.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief (Sir) Don Ubani, has reiterated the State Government’s commitment to turning the economic fortunes of the people of God’s Own State to a very high point of fascination. Chief Ubani gave the assurance in a press release he issued shortly after Governor T. A. Orji had paid inspection visits to project sites in Aba; the Commercial Centre of the State, where heavy Construction Works are going on concurrently, at the instance of the State Government. The Information boss stated that the magnitude of infrastructural work currently going on at Aba was a clear manifestation of the governor’s determination to give Abia an entirely new face. As Chief Ubani put it, for Governor T. A. Orji to have chosen 14th of February, which is a lovers’ day, to visit Aba, certainly means that Aba is, indeed, very dear to the State Government. Chief Ubani, who expressed maximum optimism that the numerous projects being handled in Aba by the State Government would be completed before the rain set in heavily, also reminded the people of Enyimba City to appreciate the simple fact that the development of any society is a collective responsibility between the Government and the governed. Hence it is important that residents of Aba should co-operate with the State Government by keeping the city clean and also paying their taxes, as stipulated by law.culled from http://www.abiastate.gov.ng/category/projects/roads/

Governor has shown his determination to give Abia an entirely new face.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief (Sir) Don Ubani, has reiterated the State Government’s commitment to turning the economic fortunes of the people of God’s Own State to a very high point of fascination. Chief Ubani gave the assurance in a press release he issued shortly after Governor T. A. Orji had paid inspection visits to project sites in Aba; the Commercial Centre of the State, where heavy Construction Works are going on concurrently, at the instance of the State Government. The Information boss stated that the magnitude of infrastructural work currently going on at Aba was a clear manifestation of the governor’s determination to give Abia an entirely new face. As Chief Ubani put it, for Governor T. A. Orji to have chosen 14th of February, which is a lovers’ day, to visit Aba, certainly means that Aba is, indeed, very dear to the State Government. Chief Ubani, who expressed maximum optimism that the numerous projects being handled in Aba by the State Government would be completed before the rain set in heavily, also reminded the people of Enyimba City to appreciate the simple fact that the development of any society is a collective responsibility between the Government and the governed. Hence it is important that residents of Aba should co-operate with the State Government by keeping the city clean and also paying their taxes, as stipulated by law.

PPA suspends founder, Orji Kalu, 12 others, alleges anti-party activities
UMUAHIA—A major crisis is brewing in Abia State chapter of Progressive Peoples Alliance, PPA, as the State Working Committee, SWC, Tuesday suspended the party’s founder and Board of Trustee Chairman, Chief Orji Uzor Kalu, and 12 others for alleged anti-party activities.

Also suspended are party leader, Mrs. Eunice Uzor Kalu, former member of the House of Representatives, Chief Nnanna Uzor Kalu, former Chief of Staff to Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, Mr. Mascot Uzor Kalu, Mr. Chris Aja and the party’s state auditor, S.N. Akpagu.

Others affected by the suspension announced by state party chairman, Ezeogo Emeka Onuoha, include the party’s state publicity secretary, Chief Oliver Obiezu, financial secretary, Mr. S. A. Idika, and chairmen in Aba South, Aba North, Bende, Obingwa and Ummunneochi local government areas.

The state party chairman said no external influence was responsible for action of the party in effecting the suspension, even as he directed the suspended party officials to return all party documents in their possession within 24 hours.

Onuoha alleged that the affected officials had been instigating people to disorganize and disintegrate the party. Onuoha warned that nobody was above the party.

But in a swift reaction, the publicity secretary of the party, who was affected by the suspension, Chief Oliver Obiezu, dismissed it as “a very laughable project.”

He said the action of the party “goes to demonstrate the level of ignorance of the party chairman and his cohorts.”

He said the action was against the constitution of the party and, therefore, illegal and void.

“There exists a party constitution which spells out the resignation, removal and replacement of functionaries anchored on congress consideration and endorsement.

“This was not followed by the gentleman and the breach renders the action null, void and of no effect whatsoever”, Obiezu said. culled thejuristaws..com

PPA EXPELLED ORJI KALU ‘S FAMILY FROM THE PARTY .
This story from a genuine source has it that the PPA has terminated and expelled Orji Uzor Kalu’s family from participating on every active and non-active work and activities regarding the party. This strait-laced sanction was as a result of inappropriate dealings which the family members have been deeply involved lately, which has engendered the image and reputation of PPA. This decision was taken by the chairman and the entire PPA stake holders in order to absolve the party the ugly streak of reproach and shame.
We await Orji Uzor Kalu’s reaction.