₦airaland Forum

The man who have changed things for better in Abia state

Ochendo global,you the man we know.you are security expert.

NEWS IN BRIEF:

Abia State Governor, Chief T. A. Orji, has described the 220 billion loan facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as a wonderful innovation, saying it shows that the apex bank has the capacity to touch the lives of the rural people as well as alleviate poverty and create employment at the rural level.

Governor Orji who disclosed this while answering questions from newsmen in Abuja after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the CBN for the sum of two billion naira, said the money would go directly to the people including farmers, artisans, the down trodden, women among others who he said would use it to improve themselves and impact the society.

He maintained that with the additional funding, there will be additional impact on the people as well as additional infrastructural development in Abia State noting that many more people will benefit from the loan.

The Governor who maintained that the loan would multiply effects on the state, said legislation is the best way to ensure continuity as incoming administration must obey laws formulated by the House of Assembly.

Heavenly Father ,keep us always united as it was meant to be.
Bless our leaders as they governed our land and above all, let it be you the foundation in which we stand.

Lord as we start a new week please help us through and I ask that you stand before us, behind us and to each side of us.

Guide us in all our decisions and aid us in making the right choices for ourselves as well as our country that we are responsible for.May this week bring us closer to you in every way.Amen

Just last week Friday, the 2nd batch of the Abia State Skill Acquisition Programme beneficiaries had their graduation ceremony in Umuahia.

Through this Skill Acquisition Programme, more than 1,500 new entrepreneurs have emerged and several job opportunities accessed from ancillary larger Firms.
The program in its last 2 batches operated with students accepted for a six-month free intensive course training (10, 000 Naira monthly stipend paid to beneficiaries), who graduated as certified entrepreneurs.

The major areas of training were in business economic and accounting principles, with specialization to undertake and manage specific businesses in Fashion Designing, Event Management, Fashion Beads designing, Poultry and Fishery farming, Computer Training operation, Photography/Video, Catering/Hotel Management and Beauty Therapy.
All trainees that graduate from these programs are given start-up capital, business related equipments, generator sets and lap-tops, so that they can run efficient private businesses.

Just last week Friday, the 2nd batch of the Abia State Skill Acquisition Programme beneficiaries had their graduation ceremony in Umuahia.

Through this Skill Acquisition Programme, more than 1,500 new entrepreneurs have emerged and several job opportunities accessed from ancillary larger Firms.
The program in its last 2 batches operated with students accepted for a six-month free intensive course training (10, 000 Naira monthly stipend paid to beneficiaries), who graduated as certified entrepreneurs.

The major areas of training were in business economic and accounting principles, with specialization to undertake and manage specific businesses in Fashion Designing, Event Management, Fashion Beads designing, Poultry and Fishery farming, Computer Training operation, Photography/Video, Catering/Hotel Management and Beauty Therapy.
All trainees that graduate from these programs are given start-up capital, business related equipments, generator sets and lap-tops, so that they can run efficient private businesses.

Kalu's late Mistress Mother poised for showdown over the suspected murder of her daughter at Kalu's USA residence
Reliable information gathered so far by some team of Lagos Journalists revealed that the late Ms Chinwe Masi's mum was is making frantic efforts to ensure that the former Governor of Abia State, kalu is re arrested over the suspected murder of her Daughter at Kalu's United States Residence. The Mother who appeared physically to be a shadow of herself described kalu as a serial killer whose reign as a Governor of Abia State was characterized by several killings of innocent and political enemies.
The woman also wondered why other victims especially the family of the two Ubakala brothers that were killed and burnt by OUK Bakkasi boys at Azikiwe street in Umuahia over WAEC examination purported written by a young man for Kalu. According to her, kalu who is yet to come into the USA for fear of arrest, will be hunted by Masi's ghost for life. Profusely, as she wept, she lamented that she has petitioned the new IG on the case as did with the previous ones. When contacted kalu admitted that Masi died in his house in the USA but refused to go into details.

No Case of Ebola Virus Outbreak in Abia’ -Says Chief of Staff

spread of malicious lies by two Aba-based correspondents of The NATION and The SUN newspapers over purported EBOLA Virus scare and death in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state.

“These stories are the very definition of barefaced lies, handiwork of mischief makers and concocted to create panic amongst Abians.

“It is unfortunate that at a time the nation is promoting the use of valid data, research and statistics to tackle challenges especially those that are health related, custodians of news are trading in lies and non verifiable stories.

“Contrary to what NATION and SUN newspapers want the public to believe, as at time of this release no case of EBOLA could be verified either in ISIALA NGWA or any other location in Abia State. The story of a woman whose identity cannot be ascertained that died of suspected EBOLA virus at Ndiolumbe ISIALA NGWA is possibly the figment of the imagination of those who are peddling the rumour.

“Again, it is sad that these mischief makers could claim that the state Commissioner for Health could not be reached for comments. This is absurd, wicked and unfair. The state Commissioner for Health and indeed his colleagues have been working round the clock as part of the state’s commitment to checkmating the deadly disease from entering the state. As at the same FRIDAY reported in the newspapers, the state’s Ministry of Health unveiled five centres designated as QUARANTINE in different areas of the STATE.

“The general public especially Abia residents are please advised to disregard the stories in The Nation and SUN newspapers as there is no case of EBOLA in Abia.”

Cosmos Ndukwe
Chief of Staff to
Executive Governor, Abia State

courtesy visit by the General superintendent of Deeper Life Christian Ministry world wide on the governor in Umuahia.
Gov. TA Orji flanked on the immediate left by the General superintendent of Deeper Life Christian Ministry World Wide, Pastor W.F.Kumuyi and his wife Ester (1st left) on the 1st right by his deputy Sir Emeka Ananaba, Abia state overseer, Pastor Damian Umeh and his wife Felicia

Adindu - the Yellow Syndrome As Empowerment Scheme


By Godwin Adindu

THERE is a yellow rainbow across the skyline of Abia State, a syndrome pervading the state. The colour, yellow, is ubiquitous in all nooks and crannies and has transformed into a mental construct. There is yellow everywhere. Governor Theodore Orji has painted Abia yellow with his Youth Empowerment Programme.

For a visitor to Abia, the sea of yellow vehicles on the roads, all bearing the emblem of state and signaling the spirit of magnanimity of the leader is a sight to behold. The vehicles come in a variety of form, model, brand and make. They also come in classes. There are the long caravans, the small taxis, the mini buses that do the long inter-state journeys, the tricycles and the posh trucks of class and comfort. They all bear tell-tales of the glories of Abia and speak about a government's effort to re-construct the society by empowering the people.

Indeed, the Abia Youth Empowerment Programme is a dynamic apparatus of the Ochendo administration geared towards reining in the youth and empowering them with a means of livelihood. It is a welfarist policy and one of the most successful policy thrusts of the government. Orji has deployed this process to engage and harness the potential of the youths of Abia and thereby focus their minds towards meaningful endeavour. Borne out of a bitter experience of a generational youth deviance which manifested in the regime of criminality by the Abia youths, with the vice of kidnapping almost grounding the state, the empowerment programme is an effort at social reconstruction and capacity building. The resultant effect is the prevailing social stability in the state.

One key mechanism in the empowerment scheme is the donation of free vehicles to jobless youths to enable them engage in transport business. All vehicles under this platform are painted in yellow with the emblem of state hanging on the roof. With the countless number of such vehicles on Abia cities and communities, the project has turned Abia into a yellow state with a yellow syndrome.

Today, the Abia yellow automobile has transformed into a symbol. In a quite significant manner, the vehicles speak of the passion of the leader for the large and sensitive segment of the society - the youth. It has become a dynamic vehicle for driving and delivering democracy dividend in Abia. On Monday, July 21, Ochendo, in his well-honed manner, painted the headquarters of the Bende Local Government yellow. It was a day for the three local councils of Arochukwu, Ohafia and Bende. Lined up in the open field and in waiting for the arrival of the governor were over 200 brand new vehicles, all painted in yellow, which were later distributed to deserving youths free of charge. Thirteen other beneficiaries received N2 million each as empowerment grant to enable them groom small-scale businesses.

By the time he mounted the rostrum to speak, Ochendo went back through memory lane and recalled the state's recent history. There was a time when youths in the state went berserk and took to criminality. This experience, according to him, was what inspired the vision of the Abia Youth Empowerment Programme. "In my campaign, I promised the youths of Abia that I will initiate a different form of empowerment from what they used to know, as well as initiate the political inclusion of the youths of Abia if I am returned to power for a second term as the governor," the governor declared.

The administration is investing huge sums of money and resources in running and maintaining the Empowerment Programme. This vision has seen the governor working in cooperation with his first son, Chinedu and the First Lady in a tripartite arrangement that has seen the first lady running a large-scale free training programme in her Skill Acquisition Centre and other free humanitarian services under her pet project - The Hannah May Foundation - for rendering help and selfless support to all vulnerable groups in the society. The foundation had in the past distributed wheel chairs, artificial limbs, foodstuff and other consumables; and also built and furnished bungalows for some homeless families and widows. The Hannah May Foundation has worked in tandem with the governor in empowering women and youth in Abia State, with a mission to show love, by making life meaningful.

Kalu's late Mistress Mother poised for showdown over the suspected murder of her daughter at Kalu's USA residence
Reliable information gathered so far by some team of Lagos Journalists revealed that the late Ms Chinwe Masi's mum was is making frantic efforts to ensure that the former Governor of Abia State, kalu is re arrested over the suspected murder of her Daughter at Kalu's United States Residence. The Mother who appeared physically to be a shadow of herself described kalu as a serial killer whose reign as a Governor of Abia State was characterized by several killings of innocent and political enemies.

The woman also wondered why other victims especially the family of the two Ubakala brothers that were killed and burnt by OUK Bakkasi boys at Azikiwe street in Umuahia over WAEC examination purported written by a young man for Kalu. According to her, kalu who is yet to come into the USA for fear of arrest, will be hunted by Masi's ghost for life. Profusely, as she wept, she lamented that she has petitioned the new IG on the case as did with the previous ones. When contacted kalu admitted that Masi died in his house in the USA but refused to go into details.

Don Ubani: The search for Governor Orji’s ideal successor.
As the Holy Bible puts it in the Book of Ecclesiastes, ‘to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven’. This implies that, as it is with many other human engagements and enterprises, there is a time for a State Governor to be sworn-in and a time for him to make his or her exit.

At exactly twelve mid-night on 28th May, 2015, the tenure of Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji as Executive Governor of Abia State would constitutionally have come to an end. Being in a democracy, it is expected that his successor would be sworn-in the following day, being 29th May, 2015. Since government is a continuum, it is hoped that his successor would continue from where Governor T.A. Orji would have stopped. For the governed to wish that a successor continues from where his predecessor stopped means that the latter must have done well in office.

Within the Abia Polity, there is the consensus that Governor T. A. Orji has, despite strangulation of the first three years of his first tenure by forces from a family that never meant well for the state, done very creditably. There are numerous tangible infrastructural achievements his administration has recorded. His favourable disposition to the Abia work-force which translated to automatic promotion of workers to the next salary grade level as soon as he assumed office and the approval of a minimum wage of twenty thousand and one hundred naira as against the national minimum wage of eighteen thousand naira have endeared him to Abia Public Servants.


Since the creation of Abia State, no administrations has given up to ten percent of vehicles, on the basis of use and go home with, to both public servants and political appointees as the government headed by Chief T.A. Orji has. The records are verifiable.

Before the emergence of Chief T.A. Orji as governor, only very lucky Abia Youths managed to get wheel-barrows and ‘Tokunbo’ motorcycles’ as gifts of empowerment by the State Government. But today, the Chief T.A. Orji-led administration has doled out well over three thousand vehicles to Abia Youths just to enable them begin a fruitful private life and even develop to being employers of labour.

The health, housing, educational, agricultural and commercial sectors of the State have witnessed achievements that comparatively are more than ten times the totality of achievements recorded by all the previous administrations put together. Any doubting Thomas could, please, come for an open debate on this. Apart from the plurality of quantifiable achievements by the Ochendo administration, there are very many intangible innovations the Governor brought to bear on the governance of the State. Ochendo, as time has proved, believes that human differences, which are simply natural, should at any given time, be reconciled. He, therefore, does not believe in perpetuity of enmity. In this regard, he is not vindictive.

It is an open secret that the administration of Ochendo witnessed a very serious security challenge during his first tenure. There was an avalanche of commercial kidnapping and armed robbery especially in 2009 and 2010. This, principally, was a fall-out of negative dynamics of the human society, resulting mainly from exodus of criminal elements from Abia’s Southern neighboring State that clandestinely relocated to the most Southern Local Government Area of Gods Own State. That episode has become nostalgic history. It is, however, worthy of note that Governor T.A. Orji rose to the challenge posed by that bitter experience and through an unprecedentedly well co-ordinated synergy with President Goodluck Jonathan’s Federal Government, that nasty experience was successfully put behind us. The commitment and dexterity exhibited by Governor T.A. Orji in his fight against insecurity in the State, has, no doubt, made him a guru in counter-insecurity.


The Government of Chief T.A. Orji is hinged on deliberately calculated open administration. The Governor operates a policy of unrestricted communication between the governed and himself. He is an advocate of e-governance. Hence his mobile phone number is accessible to majority of Abians who reach him at any given moment, even when he is out of the shores of Nigeria. There is hardly any text message sent to him that Ochendo does not, at least, acknowledge. He is a very patient listener.

Parochialism is definitely an antonym for a good quality for leadership. A parochial person is basically narrow-minded and would always be guided by primordial sentiments instead of reasonableness of circumstances and realities. So far, Ochendo has acquitted himself as a broad-minded manager of both human and material resources. It, therefore, follows that an ideal successor for Governor T.A. Orji should be one that is broad-minded and assesses issues from a universal point of view. Anybody that would perceive Abia State from the narrow point of view of sectionalism should not occupy the number one seat of the State.

In Abia politics, time has revealed persons who harbor incurable animosity against their fellow human beings, in most times without any justifiable cause. A person, whose nature is to hate and does not make room for true reconciliation of human differences should not, for goodness sake, go near that seat. Among Abia politicians, experience has exposed those who would hardly answer telephone calls, return or even acknowledge calls from Abians they consider being less privileged. An arrogant and selfish person should not have anything to do with governance of Gods Own state.
In all, the ideal successor of Governor T.A. Orji must be an uncompromising believer in God, whose vision for Abia State would amount to a holistic accomplishment of the tenets of comprehensive governance, with everybody and section of the polity carried along.

Health commissioner denies Ebola outbreak in Abia

THE Commissioner for Health in Abia, Dr Okechukwu Ogah, has said that there is no outbreak of Ebola disease in the state.

Ogah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview on Friday that the suspected outbreak of the disease in Isialangwa South Local Government Area was mere speculation.

He said the case had not been confirmed, adding that the matter had been reported to the Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, for necessary action.

We have contacted Abuja over the matter because we do not have the scientific laboratory to carry out the test for the Ebola virus,’’ he said.

The commissioner said also that the suspected patient was not quarantined.

People are freely having contacts with the woman but nobody has contracted the disease since she was brought back,’’ he said.

He explained that information available to him showed that she was brought back from Lagos by her husband and dumped in the village.

The husband did not even drop her in their own place, hence the widespread speculation that she was suffering from Ebola disease,’’ he said.

Ogah further dismissed the speculations that the use of salt-water to bath could prevent Ebola virus attack.

He attributed the rumour to the handiwork of mischief makers, who were using the Ebola virus to deceive the people and create panic.

He urged residents to disregard the rumour and adhere strictly to preventive measures identified by the Ministry of Health, including desisting from eating bush meats and bats.

Meanwhile, the rumour about the efficacy of the salt-water bath has led to an increase in the demand for salt in local markets in the area.

NAN correspondent, who went round the Orie-Ugba Market, in the capital city, learnt that traders have continued to record high patronage.

Mrs Sera Ukpabi, and one Chidinma, who trade in salt, admitted that there was a sharp increase in the demand for the item by residents.

People buy more salt now than before,’’ Ukpabi said, adding that she had made more sales on Friday than before.’’

In a related development, Mrs Nnenna Uke, who sells bitter kola in the market, also said that there had been an increase in the demand for bitter kola.
Uke said that the development was not unconnected with the report that Ebola could be tackled with bitter kola. (NAN)

“Nnenna Otti remains Abia Chief Judge” – Governor Orji
“Nnenna Otti remains Abia Chief Judge” – Governor Orji
The Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore A. Orji, on Friday, reaffirmed that Justice Nnenna Otti remains the Abia State Chief Judge.

According to the Governor, “the status quo should remain while I go further to seek for a peaceful resolution between the House of Assembly and the Judiciary. The Chief Judge should continue doing her job as the Chief of Abia State”

In a press statement signed by Nnaji Obed Asiegbu, SA to the Governor on e-Governance and Strategy, the Governor also assured Abians of the measures already taken by the State to prevent the outbreak of Ebola disease in the State.


He also stated that a committee has been set up with the commissioner for health as the head.

“Some health facility areas has been designated for treatment and equipment are being procured already as pre-emptive measures to tackle the any outbreak”, the statement added.

Abia State Government cautions the Sun Newspapers and the Nation over misleading and malicious story

PRESS RELEASE:
The Abia State Government views with utter dismay the spread of malicious lies by two Aba based correspondence of NATION.and SUN newspapers over purported EBOLA scare and death in ISIALA NGWA south Abia State.

This story is the very definition of barefaced lies, handiwork of mischief makers and concorted to create panic amongst Abians.

It is unfortunate that at a time the nation is promoting the use.of valid data, research and statistics to tackle challenges especially those that are health related, custodians of news are trading in lies and non verifiable stories.

Contrary to what NATION and SUN newspapers want the public to believe, as at time of this release no case of EBOLA could be verified either in ISIALA NGWA or anyother location in Abia State. The story of a woman whose identity cannot be ascertained that died of suspected EBOLA virus at Ndiolumbe ISIALA NGWA is possibly the figment of the imagination of those who are peddling the rumor.

Again, it is sad that these mischief makers could claim the State health commissioner could not be reached for comments. This is absurd, wicked and unfair. The State Health Commissioner and indeed his colleagues have been working round the clock as part of the State’s commitment to checkmating the spread the disease from entering the State. As at the same FRIDAY reported in the papers, the STATE had unveiled five centres designated as QUARANTINE in different areas of the STATE.

The general public especially Abia residents are please advised to disregard the stories in Nation and SUN as there is no case of EBOLA in Abia.

Cosmos Ndukwe
Chief of Staff to
Executive Governor, Abia State

I never anointed successor for 2015 — Governor T.A

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji today reassured the people of Abia State that his administration has not anointed any successor for the post of governorship in the forthcoming 2015 elections.

Speaking at the government house in Umuahia, Abia State capital, he stated that such insinuation was unfounded and that such decision can only be taken by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of the state and not him.

He urged the people of the state to shun rumours capable of tearing the state apart, and reminded them on the need to be cautions concerning the forthcoming 2015 general election.

On the rumour going the round concerning his impeachment, the governor described it as laughable and baseless.

Governor orji also assured his government’s commitment to protect lives and property of both indigenes and non-indigenes of Abia and noted that the unity and progress of the state remain his cardinal focus until the dream of transformation becomes reality.

TRIBUNE

Abia Takes Measures to Ward off Ebola Disease



Though no case of Ebola disease infection has been reported in Abia, the state government is not leaving any thing to chance as it has designated some hospital wards across the state to handle patients showing symptoms of the dreaded disease in case of outbreak.

State commissioner for health Dr Okechukwu Ogah made this known Friday during the event to mark this year’s World breastfeeding week, saying that the pro-active measure has become necessary in view of the devastating effect of the disease now ravaging the West African sub-region.

Ogah, who fielded questions from journalists in Umuahia, said that aside designating some hospital wards for the management of Ebola cases, the state ministry of health has embarked on public enlightenment campaign to educate Abia residents about the Ebola disease and what to do in the event of an outbreak.

Is Alex Ikwechegh merely trying to launder his image?

Recently, former Aba North elected Chairman, Ikwechegh Alex, granted an interview titled ‘Orji has put Abia in national political grid!’. From all indications, Alex was merely trying to launder his image if he has any.

There is this Igbo analogy that goes this way. You pulled your gun at me, pulled the trigger and it did not shoot, because there was no bullet and I was not killed. Now you weep profusely, telling me that you are sorry. What if the gun exploded and blew the head off me? Crocodile ties!

The other scenario is that of a cowboy in a Western. Remember Westerns, sometime the most popular films of the forties fifties and all. This cowboy heard a gunshot. He fell off the horse and hid in-between two narrow walls, panting and shaky. He actually had a gun but didn’t return fire. When the heat was over, he cleaned his dusty jacket and emerged from his hiding, boasting how he returned fire. He thought that nobody saw him in his hiding place but somebody did and just touched the muzzle of his cold gun to prove his lies.

All the above fit Alex the smart Alec. Alex Ikwechegh got into council through the maneuver of his uncle and mentor, Orji Uzor Kalu. While Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, one of the richest Local Governments with high revenue profile, he was the greatest debtor. He refused upon all entreaties to pay Local Government workers. In Unconfirmed stories that loomed larger than life, he was known to elope to South Africa, spend his holidays in the company of Nolly Wood stars he drenched with money meant for sweating, LGA Staff while he drowned in Champagnes and the best of South African wines.

Families of malnourished workers under him in the council, went to bed hungry. Dependent relatives died in hospitals due to no care, children of some couldn’t go back to school because Alex did not pay, but in the interview, he employed the usual style of Nigerian politicians who think that they can always change history by mere telling new stories in glossy magazines, newspapers and badly written biographies. Alex is a beautiful piece of fakery.
He was the youngest of the chairmen and was expected to be closer to the people, especially the youths but he took to the ostrich strategy and was credited with the saying that ‘T.A. Orji shouldn’t bother him about salaries of workers but should mind his business. If he feels so aggrieved that he should use the state fund to pay. That after all, they derived their powers from one source.’

In the interview in Business Day newspaper of Friday, August, 1, 2014, Page 43, South-south /South-east news page, he reeled off so many funny and shameless niceties about the Governor and Abia State. Hear him, “The Governor is saving lives. Civil servants no longer embark on strike, as their salaries are paid and on time. I remember when the global economic recession hit us at Aba North, when we couldn’t even pay salaries. In fact, about 85 percent of local government areas could not pay salaries at that time. The governor used part of state funds to assist us. I don’t know how he did it, but he ended up clearing those salary arrears.

From such sweet talk and sensible nonsense, it is obvious that Alex is planning to come back to PDP. He claims to be a member of PDP, maybe in Abuja for I am sure that he is not in Igbere, his home place. Alex equally claims to have followers whom he will galvanize into action to work for PDP or campaign for T.A. Orji in the senatorial bid. Two questions are enough to unveil the feignings of Alex. Where has he been? How many years have passed since he lay low like the proverbial bedbug waiting for the heat to cool off? Hogwash! Lies and damn lies.

Alex has no followers except phantom objects and mannequins he bought in South Africa for his large wardrobe, aftermath of his reckless shoppings in his uncountable trips. He should first apologize to the workers, especially those who died waiting for Alex to pay.

We are waiting for Ikwechegh in Igbere. NULGE is watching with keen interest.

This is one insult we would repudiate as Abia labour would not be intimidated with his connections, or ignore his gargantuan misdeeds and his shameless displays of wealth that were squeezed from the Local Government workers he refused to pay.

There is no point asking if am angry. Yes I am not only angry, I am bitter and will show this any day I see Alex’s photos on posters. Alex should be told that the ballot box is back and votes count in Abia. No dirty rubber stamps and promotion of scoundrels into authority.

.Ikwuegbu wrote in Abia North LGA.

EFCC Petitioned Over Delay in Trial of Orji Uzor Kalu

A group known as Transparency Initiative based in Abuja has petitioned the EFCC over the prolonged delay in trial of former Abia governor Orji Uzor Kalu. Kalu is standing trial for looting over 4billion Naira from Abia treasury. The group at a conference in Abuja said it has to take this action as the case of OUK seems to be buried.

According to Transparency Initiative other former governors who are standing trial have been going for their cases except OUK. The group insisted the Abians must be told how their money was spent and not Kalu telling the world that he is being witch hunted. Kalu looted Abia treasury and its annoying seeing him talking against corruption, the group added.

It urged EFCC to resume Kalu's trial as the world is watching

Former chairman of PPA Larry Essien says that he has been vindicated over his assertion that Orji uzor Kalus senatorial ambition in 2015 is a huge joke. Essien in an exclusive interview with our reporter few months ago stated that kalu has lost political relevance and his touted ambition for the senate was laughable. Speaking to southeastnewsonline Essien said that kalus celebrated recent interview, where he revealed that his ambition now is to be the NFF chairman as he( kalu) is ready to sacrifice his presidential ambition, is a strong confirmation that kalu is not a serious person. Essien opined that the kalu he knows is a rabble rouser . The Akwa Ibom born politician said that even if kalu contest the state F A association chairman he will fail. I dey laughooo Essien concluded

Orji, Others for Echoes Africa Launch
Governor of Abia State, Chief T.A. Orji will on Tuesday, lead other prominent sons and daughters of the state among other dignitaries, to the public presentation of the magazine, Echoes Africa. Ochendo Global as the Governor is popularly called (consistent with his practice of supporting and promoting indigenes of Abia state who positively represent the state referred to as God’s Own State), is to be the father of the day at the Public Presentation of the magazine, whose founder and Editor-in-chief is New York-based Ify Ezinwa, an indigene of Abia state.
Echoes Africa Magazine is a United States-based publication that focuses on development and developmental issues in Africa. It is published bi-monthly, (6 times a year) and goes out to the Nigerian Diaspora, the Nigerian public, the diplomatic community in the United States, Canada and Nigeria, prospective investors to Africa, institutions of higher learning, the business community in the United States and Nigeria, the African Diaspora, prospective tourists to Africa and the general public.
The Editor in chief, Ify Ezinwa was recently recognised by the City University of New York (CUNY) which presented her an award for outstanding service during the 2014 African Women’s Day in New York based on the impact of the publication.
According to the publishers, Echoes Africa magazine aims at telling the African story to the rest of the world by highlighting the continent’s best assets and developmental processes taking place, as well as profiling successful Africans, African-originated businesses/organisations and their immense contribution to the development of societies across the globe. Echoes Africa magazine also aims at reorienting the public on issues relating to values and individual role in the development of the society. It is designed to be the voice of the African continent.
Guests to the event scheduled to hold at the Nicon Luxury Suites, Abuja, include top Government officials, some state governors, the diplomatic community, political leaders, civil society groups, the business community, stakeholders and members of the press.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, is to give the Keynote address, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Chairman, Senate Committee on Gas as the Guest of Honor as well as Sir Emmanuel Mbaka, the Managing Director of Platinum Mortgage Bank as the Chairman of the occasion.

T.A Orji is the man who has brought in change in the state

Next Abia gov: I’m on same page with T.A. Orji -Ralph Egbu

Many who are conversant with Abia politics are likely to see today’s caption and wonder aloud: Is it true that Ralph Egbu, former Secretary to State Government in Abia and friend to Orji Kalu is on the same page with Governor T.A. Orji? Then let me clarify a few things before we go into the main dish for today. My philosophy and brand of politics has no place for enmity. Even when I bump into stormy weather, my attitude has always been that tea does not become drinkable until it takes a ‘bath’ in hot water. In other words, until it passes through fire!

Adversity or obstacles are not man-made or walls as we think; they are God’s designs to shake us off from comfort zones and make us attain greater heights for which we were made. Above all, I am one of the few who believe that our politics suffers greatly from lack of robust intellectualism and mentorship. If these were in place, most political players in our nation would begin to appreciate and cherish the difference between politics and governance. We would then begin to accord greater priority to the latter because the crux of engaging in politics where sanity reigns is to bring about a positive transformation of the environment; every other thing including enlightened self-interest assume very distance positions in this hierarchy of objectives.

So what I have been laboring to bring out is that you steer clear if your direct services are not required. But you don’t stay aloof; you must remain conversant with happenings around you, so that at the appropriate time, one can make constructive and valuable interjections and interventions, the kind am about to do. The politics surrounding who takes over from Governor T.A. Orji has, as would be expected, been gathering momentum. As is the case in the past, the issues are leaving the realm of the reasonable and cogent and entering the realm of inanities. Histories that were never heard are being raked up and flaunted as groups, persons and zones desire to reap both due and undue advantage. Even those we would not expect to see venture into politics at the governorship level, have surprisingly rolled their sleeves, removed their shoes and taken a jump into the murky waters of gubernatorial race. Some friends visit my private office to find out what I think and my simple answer drawn from knowledge and experience is that the phenomenon is democratic and very healthy for democratic growth. The essence of democracy is found in mass participation in the process of governance and if many find the need to want to contest, what it means is that gradually the fine tenets of democracy are beginning to sink in.

If it goes on at the rate I see, what it would portend is that a short while from now, no gang of dubious persons or group with narrow interest would be in position to influence things arbitrarily to our general discomfiture. The general public is still as I write grappling with these aspects. But as they do, the state governor decided to define the issues substantially with his open declaration that democratic principles notwithstanding, the course of governance, sense of brotherhood and the pillars of fairness, equity and justice would be served far better if the choice of the next Abia State governor in 2015 was allowed to be made from Abia-South senatorial zone. Since that proclamation a new vista has come to bear on Abia polity. The majority have seen sense and reason with him and yet there are a few, especially those with deep pockets, who argue that democracy is about no restriction and what they call merit.

Let me state this before I move on to look at the issues: I stand by Gov. T.A. Orji 100 per cent on this matter. By coming out very early to express this preference, he has in my estimation, proved beyond doubt that democracy and the politics that flows from it should be about bonding people and tapping from their various potentials in a healthy collective manner, for the greater good of the society, and in particular the human elements for which societies exist in the first instance. When we talk of zoning, it does not expressly preclude anybody from exercising his or her democratic right; what is being said is that among competing democratic rights, justice, fair play and equity are all part, and the people determine in the end which of the variables predominate at a particular time. Those who make so much fuss about this development should rather sharpen their democratic skills and weapons and go into the field to face the people’s judgment. I served Abia meritoriously at very top levels in two different dispensations – military and civilian; I mingle with them at different strata, teacher, community leader, church leader, journalist and politician and I can attest that in spite of some efforts to make the race look like a business engagement, majority of the indigenes cutting across all the zones desire peace and sense of oneness which they strongly believe can be enhanced if the last senatorial zone that is left to produce a governor is assisted to do so. I wholeheartedly support this position because great societies are products of elaborate human engineering.

The America democracy remained a big flaw until Americans saw the need to introduce a Barack Hussein Obama. Keen observers with a knack for hidden news would have known eight years before Obama came that he was being nurtured to fill that space. How many of us have ever wondered why Obama, a black and young man, was given the honour to address the convention of a big national party even when he was nobody in the real sense of it? Zoning which in developed nations is also called affirmative action, recognizes the level of development of an entity and appreciates that all settlers may never be on equal terms and so initiates some steps to bridge the gap or improve sense of belonging. Those who wave the merit flag as if they are carrying the cross, forget that there is one community today that cannot provide one or two very competent persons to run society. It is what evil men among us have made of zoning and not zoning itself that is bad.

Let me say this as I conclude: Kalu who preceded Orji stayed in, on rotation.

The thinking was that old Aba zone would take over from Bende. But when senatorial zone became constitutional, it was adopted. I was at Okpara Auditorium when that was done. Uzodinma Okpara, son of Michael Okpara was there, Damian Ozurumba was there. Some say it happened under Progressive People’s Alliance (PPA) government, fine. But in shaping society, the government in power takes the lead. Is this not true? I thought government is a continuum or is it now selective? I am not bothered about semantics! Let those who want to exercise their democratic right do so and let those who believe that democracy is also about justice adequately carry on. I am sure of the victory of supreme principles over lesser ones. On this score, I restate that Governor T.A. Orji has done extremely well and has my total support.

Abia Takes Measures to Ward off Ebola Disease


Though no case of Ebola disease infection has been reported in Abia, the state government is not leaving any thing to chance as it has designated some hospital wards across the state to handle patients showing symptoms of the dreaded disease in case of outbreak.

State commissioner for health Dr Okechukwu Ogah made this known Friday during the event to mark this year’s World breastfeeding week, saying that the pro-active measure has become necessary in view of the devastating effect of the disease now ravaging the West African sub-region.

Ogah, who fielded questions from journalists in Umuahia, said that aside designating some hospital wards for the management of Ebola cases, the state ministry of health has embarked on public enlightenment campaign to educate Abia residents about the Ebola disease and what to do in the event of an outbreak.

Details to follow

GOV ORJI WILL DELIVER ABIA TO PDP IN 2015, SAYS AIDE *LAMBASTS APGA NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
Abians have been urged to intensify their support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)- led government in the state and discountenance the claim by the All Progressives Grand Alliance( APGA) that it will clinch the state in 2015.
The Chief Press Secretary to Abia State Governor, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, who made the call while briefing journalists at the Government House, Umuahia, described as laughable the claim by the National Chairman of APGA, Chief Victor Umeh during his recent trip to Abia that his party will take over the state in 2015.
He said that Abia is 100% PDP and that there is nothing like APGA in the state and charged cChief Umeh to mind his business.
According to him, Chief T.A. Orji will deliver the state to the PDP as usual and assured that there is no space for any other party in the state.
Mr Ajunwa pointed out that Chief T.A. Orji has made a lot of impact in all sectors of the economy of the state and surpassed the achievements of past leaders of the state, adding that he has shown commitment to the Abia project.

PDP's Decision to Cede 2015 Governorship Position to Abia South A Collective Decision- Says Gov Orji’s Aide
The decision of Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus to cede the 2015 governorship position of the state to Abia South zone has been described as a collective decision and not solely that of the state Governor, Chief T.A. Orji.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, stated this in his office when he received the leader of Abia Democratic Alliance, Mr. Chuks Ibegbu and the President General of Ohaneze Youth Council, Hon. Okechukwu Isinguzoro who paid him a courtesy visit.
According to him, the governor only subscribed to the decision of the party having made it clear that he would not lord it over Abians who will succeed him but rather confer with all Abians who ultimately will decide who succeeds him.
He made it clear that Governor Orji is a democrat and an equity keeping governor who will stop at nothing to ensure that justice is done and called on all Abians to embrace the decision of shifting power to Abia South in 2015 since it will engender peace and unity in the state.
Mr. Ajunwa used the forum to call on well-meaning Abians and Nigerians to support the youth empowerment programme of the Abia State government while appealing to youths in the state to refrain from engaging in crime but instead engage in meaningful ventures.
Earlier in his speech, Mr. Chuks Ibegbu said they came to identify and support Governor Orji over his bold decision to hand over power to Abia South at the end of his tenure and described it as welcome development which will foster fairness and peace in the polity.
He thanked the leadership of the PDP for lending support to the policy of zoning and enjoined the Abia South people to choose a credible candidate who will sustain the legacy of Governor Orji and see the entire Abia as his constituency.
In his speech, the President General of Ohaneze Youth Council, Hon. Isinguzoro appreciated the Governor on the level of youth empowerment by his administration and implored other South-east governors to emulate him.

Uzor Kalu (OUK)'s Mother attacks President Jonathan

The mother of the former Governor of Abia State has joined his son to attack President Jonathan...According to reliable sources, the Mother of the former Abia Governor is now a ghost of herself as the on gay marriage is affecting her being practicing bisexual. It is no longer news that Mrs Eunice Kalu has been involved deeply in this lifestyle since over a decade ago since her last husband, a trader who died few years ago, sent her packing before his mysterious demise few years ago.

It is also no news that his Son OUK, is a well known gay in the country, no wonder why he is well accepted among the Northern Elite right from Maiduguri...being gay brought in wealth and influence according to his friends.

During the debate by the National Assembly on the issue of gay ban, Mrs Kalu aka Odiuko sponsored people to oppose the planned bill but she failed.

Today, it is reported that Mrs Eunice Kalu lifestyle (Spiritual and Social lifestyle) and that of her cronies has been shattered and she had resolved to lead her group to attack Mr. President for signing the gay ban bill.

A reliable source, confirmed her determination to use the SUN Newspaper owned by her son to fight against Jonathan in 2015 while painting Jonathan Government an anti human rights government before the World.

It is also reported that Mrs. Eunice Kalu, Odiuko and his son, OUK have started to mobilize gay activists from across the globe to stage protest in Lagos, Abuja and Enugu.

Just last week, a gay club reportedly owned by OUK in Victoria Island Lagos was demolished following tip by neighbours to security men just as his massive gay edifice in Abuja has been sealed by the Abuja Municipal Council.

Intrepidity Of A Leader For Equity In Abia State


By CHIEF (SIR) DON UBANI, ksc, Jp





RIGHT from the earliest history of man, leadership has been a characteristic feature of human enterprise. Where any society is, by way of its socio-econo-political development, depicts a clear measurement of the potency of its leadership. It, therefore, follows that the gap between two human societies is a reflexion of the differences between the two different leaderships.


Gov. Theodore-Orji, Abia State
In human development, there has always been a distinction between a leader and a ruler. While the former is altruistic, visionary, broad-minded and is concerned with the fate of generations yet unborn, the latter is egocentric, parochial, materialistic, acquisitive and short-sighted. In two societies where one has a leader and the other a ruler, there is always a wide world of difference.


Majority of third – world countries, despite the abundance of natural resources God endowed them with, have remained undeveloped or, at best, under developed principally due to the quality of their leadership. How would one ever expect a society which leadership is inclined to pleasures and euphoria of the moment to grow?


As would be recalled, history is replete with the rise and fall of many Empires and Kingdoms. In Sub-Saharan Africa, such Empires as Songhai, Mali and Kanem-Bornohad fallen because of lack of vision and altruism on the part of their leaders. Historiography equally reminds man that renowned Roman Empire and most recently the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, U.S.S.R, got disintegrated as a result of inarticulate leadership. All in all, any headship of any society or organization that is not anchored on equity, simply but terribly reflects rulership as against leadership.


The strategic importance of effective application and administration of equity in any human milieu does not need to be over-emphasized. Suffice it, however, to say that where there is equity, there is a sense of belonging that generates patriotism, dedication, development, progress, harmony, security and stability.


On the contrary, mere absence of equity, in whatever form and at whatever level of human congregation, becomes a catalyst for frustration, unpatriotism, self destruction, retrogression and eventual societal dislocation and collapse. This is because, under such a very disharmonious circumstance, no sane man would expect any positive contribution from a segment or strata of a society that feels discriminated against, marginalized and psychologically traumatized.


It is in the spirit of equity that the authors of Nigeria’s Federal Constitution of 1999, as amended, even though tele-guided by the Nigerian Military, clearly divided each of the thirty-six states of the Federation into three senatorial zones. It is also in the same spirit that the same constitution provides a maximum period of two tenures of four years each for a governor of a state. In this respect, common sense dictates that the position of a state Governor should rotate amongst the people of the constitutionally stipulated three senatorial zones of each state.


In Abia State, for example, the three senatorial zones are;
(1) Abia – North, made up of Arochukwu, Bende, Isuikwuato, Ohafia andUmunneochi Local Government Council Areas


(2) Abia – Central, consisting of Ikwuano, Isiala Ngwa North, Isiala Ngwa – South, Osisioma Ngwa, Umuahia – North and Umuahia – South.


(3) Abia – South, comprising Aba – North, Aba – South, Obingwa,Ugwunagbo, Ukwa – East and Ukwa – West Council Areas.


Going down memory lane, Abia – North had occupied the governorship seat for two tenures of four years each; 1999 – 2007. Currently, Abia Central has been on the seat since May 29th 2007 till date and the occupant; Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji, would be safely and successfully rounding off his second tenure on 29th May, 2015.


From the above narrative, it is very lucid that the only senatorial zone that is yet to have a stint at the State’s governorship seat is Abia – South.


At this juncture, it would be necessary to state that in rotating the governorship seat of any Nigerian State, the consideration, principally, should not be based on geo-cultural affinity as the Nigerian Constitution does not provide for it. Rather, the emphasis should be on senatorial delineation.


It would also be necessary to elucidate the very simple fact that in Abia State, constitutionally – speaking, power rotation can not be hinged on primordial sentiments of Old Bende and Ukwa/Ngwa groupings. If this were to be so, it would automatically have followed that an indigene of Ukwa/Ngwa should have become the governor of the state immediately after the tenure of an indigene of Old Bende who governed the state from 1999 to 2007.


There is no gain saying the fact that in a democracy, every citizen has the right to legitimately aspire to any height of leadership. At the same time, the same democracy makes it imperative that the constitutionality of the polity must be strictly adhered to.


As it has earlier been made manifest, the difference between a leader and a ruler has always been very clear. A leader is a man or a woman of immeasurable vision, who is capable of visualizing the future. Such a man imagines socio-econo-political problems and selflessly solves them well ahead of time.


It is, therefore, no wonder why the Governor of Abia State; Chief T.A. Orji, has been consistent in his advocacy that his successor shall be a product of equity in rotation. On many different occasions and fora, he has reminded his audience that he is a product of equity in rotation and that whoever will be his successor shall equally be a legitimate product of rotation in observance of the State’s Senatorial realities.


Governor T.A. Orji is not a lonely voice crying in the wilderness. Many of his colleagues are in the same boat of equity, justice and fairness with him. Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu State has never hidden his strong belief that the next governor of the state should come from Enugu–North Senatorial Zone of the state. Governor Martin Nwancho Elechi of Ebonyi State has equally advocated a power shift to Ebonyi–South. Governor Godswill Akpabio of Akwa-Ibom State has repeatedly said that his successor should come from Eket Senatorial District in 2015 while Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State has made it clear, through a legislation by the State House of Assembly, that the next governor of the state shall hail from the Northern Senatorial Zone of the state. Lest we have forgotten, the immediate past Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, had successfully insisted on power shift on senatorial basis that gave rise to the emergence of his successor; Mr. Willie Obiano.


Governor T.A. Orji’s advocacy for power shift based on Senatorial understanding simply presents him as a leader who appreciates the fact that the strongest link in a chain is, surely, its weakest link. Being the consummate administrator that he is, the Governor realizes that no society can enjoy full development and growth if within it a section or an area perceives itself as a victim of calculated marginalization and deprivation. This thinking makes the humble but result – oriented Ochendo astatesman of note. Politicians think of self advantages but T.A. Orji is concerned with what will enthrone peace, harmony, security and progress in his state even when he would have left office.


People from all walks of life and shades of opinion in the state have, out of their own volition, acknowledged Ochendo as a man that is worth his salt. It would, therefore, be expected that all and sundry should appreciate the wisdom of Sir T.A. Orji’s advocacy for equity in rotation of the governorship of the state.


There could be very many wealthy gubernatorial aspirants from either the North or Central Senatorial Zones of the State who, if equity and political morality were to be thrown to the wind, would easily grab the seat based on cash and carry syndrome. Interestingly, such wealthy personalities had, for the umpteenth time, publicly expressed their appreciation of and belief in Ochendo’s concern for equity and peaceful co-existence. It would, therefore, not be out of place if such persons toe the line of patriotism and selflessness by giving support to the governor in his bid to enthrone equity. It must be mentioned here that the Northern senatorial zone of Abia State did not succeed itself in 2007. It will also follow that the central senatorial zone will not succeed itself in 2015.


To the good indigenes of Abia South, made up of the three clans of Asa, Ndoki andNgwa, in their alphabetical order, every care must be taken to make sure they put their acts together. In the pursuit of their aspiration, ego, bitterness and inconsiderate rigidity for which many political actors from the zone are known, should this time, give way to selfless, liberal, patriotic and friendly consideration. That negative and self-destructive tendency of “if not me, let all of us fail” for which they are known and ridiculed should be a very distant thing of the past. Again, some prominent men in the zone who, like Esau in the Bible, are fond of selling their birth right because of greed, should, for goodness sake realise that this is the most crucial moment in the political history of the zone.


Furthermore, it should be noted that he who goes to equity should go with clean hands. Since Abia-South is asking for the governorship of the state in 2015 based on equity and competence, the zone should also make sure that equity reflects holistically in the zone.


In this regard, should an Ngwa indigene of Abia–South, for instance, clinche the governorship of the state, the Senator for the zone should come from Asa. This is because Ngwa should not produce the governor and the Senator at the same time. Taking cognizance of the fact that an Ndoki man; Rt. Hon. Adolphus Wabara, represented Abia-South at the Senate for eight consecutive years, 1999 – 2007, equity would demand that if the senate position of Abia – South should rotate to Ukwa in 2015, the position should go to Asa which is Ukwa–west. The House of Representatives seat should, in that case, be retained by Ukwa – East.


On the other hand, if an indigene of Ukwa becomes the Governor in 2015, the Ngwagroup should retain the senatorial position. Under such a circumstance, the House of Representatives’ seat for Ukwa would be occupied by an indigene of the Local Government Area that did not produce the Governor.


In summary, Governor T.A. Orji must be commended for his intrepidity and resoluteness in his pursuit of equity.

Aregbesola deserves a second term says Orji Uzor Kalu
Osun State Radio and Television are currently playing Kalu's jingles where the former Abia Governor is telling Osun people to vote for Aregbesola.
The advert which is also being promoted by Aregbesola's campaign team is also in Punch and other newspapers with the theme "Aregbesola deserves a second term" Says OUK.
However, the former PPA Chairman, Chief Larry Essien who spoke on this development said that kalu is a frustrated and confused politician. According to him, "Kalu is now a rolling stone who is seeking for relevance without minding his actions. How can someone that is accusing some politicians from his State of undermining his readmission into PDP be seen campaigning for a different party? Isn't that an act of confusion by an inconsistent character?

Even APC has rejected him as PDP did, Essien reiterated. Chief Larry Essien also queried kalu's denial of campaigning for Fayemi of Ekiti, Aregbesola of Osun and other APC leaders sometime ago. Can he also deny his voice on the radio and television this time? Essien asked.
http://naijanetworknews.

Governor Orji preaches peace, unity as Muslims celebrate Sallah

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has called on Muslims to pray for peace and unity of Nigeria as they celebrate this year’s Ramadan and Eid-Fitri festivities.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, Governor Orji said that the one month holy prayer embarked upon by Muslims apart from the potency of its spiritual rejuvenation, said the prayers would help to bring about the needed peace to drive the Nigerian project.
Governor Orji who noted that the Christian and Muslim communities in Abia State have continued coexist over the years peacefully without any rancor, said other Muslim faithfuls in the country to emulate from the Abia example.
He said that peaceful co-existence of the country is a mandatory civic responsibility for all Nigerians to be involved in and not an issue for the government alone.
Governor Orji also called on Muslims to use the Sallah celebration to show love to all citizens especially the less-privileged ones in the society. The less-privileged ones according to him should be supported with financial and material gifts in order to give them a sense of belonging which they crave for.

Gov Orji Sympathizes with Victims of Generator Fume in Aba



Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has sympathized with the worshippers of the Young Peoples Christian Fellowship at 8, Eziukwu Road, Aba, who became unconscious as a result of the inhalation of carbon monoxide poison from a generator set packed inside the church.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, Governor Orji said since the sad news was broke to him that he had been praying fervently for their quick recovery.

Governor Orji who expressed happiness over the prompt treatment given to victims to save their lives by some good Samaritans including medical experts, implored Abians to continue to be their brother’s keeper.
He said what the affected worshippers needs most is our prayers to enable them recuperate fast adding that God Almighty who they had gone to sought His face would give them divine healing.

The governor also frowned at the unprofessional way a local radio station reported that 39 worshippers were confirmed dead in the incident.He implored journalists to verify the source of their news before going ahead to feed the general public with such news, regretting that the said report from the local radio station caused panic in the entire state.