₦airaland Forum

Abia State Government hands over subsidized bus scheme to the public

As part of the ongoing effort to make life easy for traders relocating into the new Umuahia main market, the Abia State government has handed over four brand new coaster buses to the transport committee of the market for easy transportation to and fro the market.

Handing over the buses to the chairman of the committee at the government house, Umuahia, the Governor, Chief Theodore Orji said the buses will be plying the market on regular basis.

According to him, the donation of the vehicles is a promise kept, noting that he had earlier promised to provide the traders with vehicles that would be conveying them and their customers to the market.

Stating further, the Governor said that the vehicles will serve both traders and others who have business in the market and made it clear that the essence of relocating the market is to expand the city of Umuahia.

He recalled that all attempts to relocate the Umuahia main market since 1935 failed until his administration due to its political will came to the rescue and stated that what the government has done is in the interest of all.

The Abia State Chief Executive assured that the State Government will not intervene in the management of the buses.

Chief Orji who announced that expansion work is ongoing on the Uzuakoli road leading to the market further maintained that his government is also building other access roads into the market to ease vehicular movement to the market.

Receiving the keys to the vehicles, the Chairman, transport committee of the market, Elder Onyemaechi Odum thanked the governor for all his efforts and pledged that the traders will continue to support him.

Happening now in ABIA STATE********:

Abia State Skills Acquisition Programme Graduation Ceremony for the Participants of skill acquisition (Sure P Programme).
The first Batch of 400 young women participants.

Get informed! The training was divided into 6 courses, catering, computer, fashion designing, fish/ poultry farming, hair dressing & beauty, and interior decoration

The Participants were paid a monthly stipend of 10, 000 Naira for the duration of the training and also were placed in different organization for internship so as to gain practical experience.

In addition, the happy ladies are graduating today with start up equipment and tools plus cash for working capital.

YES

HONESTY IS WHAT I NEED HERE IN THIS QUESTION BELOW:

Are you are happy and do appreciate the plan of Governor T.A. ORJI to relocate Umuahia main market to new market located at Ubani Ibeku where it's being allowed for the expansion and beautification of Umuahia, the state capital?

1. YES

2. NO

Why we‘re supporting Jonathan —Gov Orji

Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State in Umuahia, weekend, said the continued support for President Goodluck Jonathan by the people of the South East geo political zone was borne out of their belief in the indivisibility of Nigeria and the survival of democracy.

According to the governor, President Jonathan’s emergence is a ground breaking turn-around in Nigerian political landscape because it has become the bastion of hope for equity.


In a statement by his Special Adviser on Public Communication, Mr. Ben Onyechere, the governor said: “The open door policy of Mr. President, in conjunction with his even distribution of resources and amenities, has opened a new vista in the operationalization of our democratic culture which will stand the test of time as it will also serve to promote unity.

“I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the socio-economic trends in the polity of this country could not have been better due to his deliberate method of amenability and flexibility, not withstanding skirmishes and agitation of some members in the ruling party for more recognition. It is on record that the style of governance by Mr President has gained popularity internally and internationally because of his application of intellectual sensibility were patience is allowed to thrive over tribulation.”

Orji to Relocate 78-year Umuahia Market

Emmanuel Ugwu with agency report
Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji has declared that he was set to break a 78-year old jinx by relocating the Umuahia Main Market to a more spacious and conducive area.
The relocation of the market, the governor said was to allow for the expansion and beautification of Umuahia, the state capital.

He gave the assurance after inspecting the progress of work on the new market located at Ubani Ibeku area of the capital saying that the September 30 deadline for the relocation was still on course.

He said the traders “are very enthusiastic” about the change. “It is very feasible,” adding that the plan to relocate the main market started in 1935 during the colonial era but that no government had summoned the political will to effect the relocation due to the hostility of the traders each time the relocation was contemplated.

However, Orji said that he made an electoral promise to relocate the market and has backed his promise with the needed political will hence the construction of the new market, comprising over 7, 000 lock up shops.

“I’m sure the people will be better for it. You will see the beauty of a state capital, Orji said, adding: “I’ll feel fulfilled once they (traders) move into this place”.

The governor said that no effort has been spared to make the condition in the modern Umuahia market very good for traders, as provisions were made for adequate water supply, fire station, banks, hospital, school, among other amenities. He also said that a lot of concessions have been made to the traders hence “they have no reason to complain” as the cost of acquiring a shop has been reduced.

Orji explained that payment for the allocation form has been reduced to N20,000, while allocation fee was pegged at N100, 000. After the relocation each trader would be required to pay N300, 000, which would be spread over four years, before they could take full ownership of their shops.

He said new traders, who did not have shops in the old market would pay N100,000 higher. “What government has in mind is not to make money. Money would come to government in the long run,” he said.

Meanwhile, the traders have said they were recording cases of stealing and shop breaking at Umuahia main market, according to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Correspondent who monitored situation at the market on Friday gathered that because of the nearness of the relocation date, traders refused to pay the monthly security fee.

NAN learnt that the situation forced the security outfit securing the market to withdraw their services.

When contacted, the Chairman of Umuahia Main Market Amalgamated Traders Association (UMATS), Mr. Onyebuchi Ejidike, confirmed the reports of stealing at the market.
“Some traders actually reported that their goods were stolen as some whose shops were located along the railway line pulled-out their doors while packing out.
“Because of these rampant movements of traders out of the market, no one could predict what goes on in the market at night,” he said.

A trader who gave her name as Monica Mba told NAN that she lost three bags of stock fish worth more than N500, 000 following the breaking of her shop by criminals the previous night.
Another trader Onwuka Ikoh, who sold beverages said, “Criminals equally broke into my shop and carted undisclosed amount of goods.”

NAN recalled that Abia state government had fixed Sept.30, as the deadline for traders at Umuahia main market to relocate to Ubani-Ibeku.

This is in spite of the delay in the allocation of shops to prospective owner at the new market.
Ubani Ibeku is a community sharing boundary with Uzuakoli in Bende Local Government Area and it is about 10 kilometres to Umuahia.

Traders at Umuahia main market have been divided over their relocation to Ubani-Ibeku as some prefer to relocate to Onuimo, another market located in Obowo, a boundary community between Imo and Abia.

@ Alex ,if you don't mind I will advice you to try and see this link below, there is a lot to learn from it : http://southeastnewsonline..com/2013/07/photonews-infrastructural-development.html?spref=fb

@ Alex is that your problem? If that seems to be your problem then you do not have any problem at all....and you should stop bothering yourself because you do not have any case.....because the governor has been working and the area you highlighted has no problem even without any election conducted ,so go baby sit your worries @ Alex

T.A would remained honoured with sufficient grace to carry on the affairs of this great state of what many have described as one of the poorest states in the South EastOchendo is working,atleast he has recorded many achievement in health sector ,provided a lot to the youth to which many of them has relied on to lead a good life.His labour shall not be in vain, he has been steadfast, and has not be deterred by criticisms of those who knows nothing about democracy, about moral burden he inherited .But despite the challenges, he has made quite a huge effort which has resulted to a speedy development of our twenty two year old state. It’s obvious that the impact and contribution may have not been felt so swiftly, but am sure that in no less a time to come; Abians will find T.A Orji for more honours.
I saw how he started building a workers secretariat which seven executives (including two civilians) could not do. Visiting to what used to be general hospital Amachara and u will discover great transformation which T.A Orji has carried out. That hospital brings s me feeling of good memory, because my mom always told me I was born there. I am glad that the glory of the hospital and on the other hand saves us the agony of losing our loves ones to curable ailment. I would urge us to take a walk to the hospital; there are essential facilities at the specialist Hospital which are world class. You would be astonished as to the money invested in securing duality facilities like the dialysis machines, the MRI machines and more. Those who think these facilities do not mean anything should wait until they are struck by ailments.
I did not forget the tranquility that has been the order of the day over the former Timber Market around World Bank Housing estate. Visiting the Industrial Market further confirmed that a huge difference has taken place in the Abia state.
T.A orji has reconstructed the seemingly intractable Osisioma Deport Road. In his wisdom, he encouraged Prof.Barth Nnaji to keep alive his geometric power station dream by providing access roads and other infrastructure. T.A also summoned courage to open up the famous school road drainage. I did not forget how overzealous trader that filled the Aba environ occupied the drainage systems and built shops on them. That was the constitutor of the failure of most roads I have heard people cry of few road in Aba that are not good but if we can give heed to the government calls for a proper utility of facilities as they will help us to maintain a healthy environment.
T.A has made concerted effort to rescue Aba . Taken a smooth ride to Water side University of Nigeria Institute of Languages .That long stretch of road ,reconstructed by T.A shows how much of a leader he is .At Milverton .i saw how he offered Luxurious bus owners and transporters long lease of life. The Milverton Road is an achievement .I could remember some time ago that the bad condition of that road made most transporters to withdraw their services from Aba.The consequences was most commuters; especially the predominant Aba business class had only limited choices. Take a long stretch to Azikiwe Road you will discover there is no port holes where Azikiwe to Asa road used to be traffic den owning to the gullies that dotted the entire road .Speaking about Ukwu Mango road, it’s been reconstructed yet I hear a few say it’s been neglected, but this to me is a blind argument about that road. We know what people suffered within the area of Aba for well over thirty years, but the rescue operation he carried out face-lifted the entire Aba area to a greater good for the people.
Over 220 Primary Health Centres and the on-going youth empowerment which T.A initiated and is still in progress may be for another, and above all I feel I owe a lot to you by your rare exhibition of love for your people. You have voted to reduce poverty among the citizens of Abia State ,i can only ask for a more fruitful years ahead of you, and long life.

Taken a smooth ride to Water side University of Nigeria Institute of Languages .That long stretch of road ,reconstructed by T.A shows how much of a leader he is .At Milverton .i saw how he offered Luxurious bus owners and transporters long lease of life. The Milverton Road is an achievement .I could remember some time ago that the bad condition of that road made most transporters to withdraw their services from Aba.The consequences was most commuters; especially the predominant Aba business class had only limited choices. Take a long stretch to Azikiwe Road you will discover there is no port holes where Azikiwe to Asa road used to be traffic den owning to the gullies that dotted the entire road .Speaking about Ukwu Mango road, it’s been reconstructed yet I hear a few say it’s been neglected, but this to me is a blind argument about that road

I did not forget the tranquillity that has been the order of the day over the former Timber Market around World Bank Housing estate. Visiting the Industrial Market further confirmed that a huge difference has taken place in the Abia state.
T.A orji has reconstructed the seemingly intractable Osisioma Deport Road. In his wisdom, he encouraged Prof.Barth Nnaji to keep alive his geometric power station dream by providing access roads and other infrastructure. T.A also summoned courage to open up the famous school road drainage. I did not forget how overzealous trader that filled the Aba environ occupied the drainage systems and built shops on them. That was the constitutor of the failure of most roads I have heard people cry of few road in Aba that are not good but if we can give heed to the government calls for a proper utility of facilities as they will help us to maintain a healthy environment.
T.A has made concerted effort to rescue Aba

T.A's Achievement speaks for him.....see below

Opposition only concerned about PDP affairs, they are jobless – Orji

Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, has said that the opposition parties in the country were only concerned about the challenges of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, and nothing more.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by one of his media aides, Ike Ben Onyechere, Orji noted that “The random insinuation and instigation from known chronic opposition quarters over matters that are internal to the party smack of lack of direction of their leadership whose only hope of survival is to fish in troubled waters. It is laughable that their only manifesto is focusing on misunderstanding between party members which is an indication that they are building on sandy soil.

“But we have news for them which is that they will be abundantly disappointed because the leader of PDP, which is the President of this country is equipped with the instrumentality of interest aggregation and harmonization, not only in the party but the nation at large.”

The governor explained that In politics, it is common that what is permanent and paramount is interest, but such must be devoid of misplaced ambition targeted at undermining the authority of the President, because anybody who wants to be a king must first be subordinate to an existing king.

Orji who had described Jonathan as a symbol of national unity, added thus, “With contemporary party politics in Nigeria today and matters arising from therein, it has become obvious that the President is a man whose time has come, judging from his amiable mannerism in his method of aggregation with regards to contending interests in the nation at large.

“It has become pertinent and unavoidable for every player irrespective of varying platforms to agree on one thing which is that we cannot have two Presidents at the same time, for which reason, we must be very cautious so as to preserve the entity of presidency which is the image, substance and gateway to the nation and as such any misdemeanor against the Presidency can adversely affect the economy, particularly with the drive for direct foreign investment in the country.”

He added that it has also become important to bring to the knowledge of the opposition that their methods of instigation in matters that are internal in PDP is not only nefarious but subterranean.

“There is no other person suited for our situation than this President whose devise of solving issues can only be applauded by all and sundry. It’s also true that most of the challenges facing this nation today are meant for the development of our polity, economy, and social status because in every challenge, there is a value which is the reason the president must not be distracted from any quarters, be it internal or external, because we are all equal stakeholders in the unity of this country,” concluded the statement.

Ochendo Liberation Farms ready in three senatorial zones of Abia State


ABIA State Government says its proposed Ochendo Liberation Farm to be set up in the three senatorial zone of the state is ready and will take off soon.

750 youth have already been selected from across the state to be the pioneer beneficiaries of the scheme.

The farm settlements are located in Abriba, Ukwa and Ikwuano for Abia North, South and Central zones, respectively.

According to the Commissioner for Information, Eze Chikamnayo, who briefed journalists, weekend, in Umuahia, each of the farm settlement has over 30 hectares of land.

According to him, the farms will concentrate mainly on cassava, oil palm, cocoa, cashew which are areas the state already has comparative advantage while they will also go into other sector of agriculture.

Ezechikamnayo also announced that the 750 youth would be trained for nine months, after which they would be given incentives to establish their own farms as a way of empowering them.

Meanwhile, the government has said that it is building 12 modern secondary schools in ten Local Government Areas, with the target of giving the rural poor masses access to good education.

Abia - Time to Tell Own Story

The old adage has it that the taste of the pud-ding is in the eating. Indeed such should be the apt description for the recent giant strides recorded by Abia State government in the education sector. Just recently, the state came out tops in science and mathematics exhibition ratings organised by the Science and Mathematics Teachers for primary schools in the country. The event held at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

Probably because it is Abia, it is most unlikely that the feat will not dominate public discourse, lest the state will be accorded its due and such ripple effect may likely alter the plan of detractors.

Be that as it may be, one glaring thing is that the feat has rekindled the confidence of stakeholders, especially in the education sector, moreso with the damage-control by stakeholders in the sector globally. It is equally a boost to the untiring efforts of the state governor to leave legacies in the state during his stewardship.

Before now, the fate of education in Abia was nothing to write home about. Even though it is not really an isolated case, but since the damage was not done by the present government, we can ignore and overlook it, yet we will not give the present government its due.

I was to stumble on the comment by one of the arm-chair critics who takes delight in casting aspersions on the state government and its officials. This time around, his grouse was that the government was giving out vehicles to some jobless youths as a means of empowerment when states in the North made plans to sponsor their citizens for overseas training. But I know he was simply advertising ignorance.

It is not unlikely that his sentiments are buoyed by our traditional penchant to give preference to paper qualification without any adequate back-up in terms of practical and basic knowledge. At best our people are in dire pursuit of those " core" professional disciplines not for anything else but the misconceived values the society has placed on them at its own detriment. Little regard is given to the salient but very vital areas that lubricate the wheels of the economy. We are also burdened with the class regimen of salutary academic degrees.

Whereas it is the obvious absence of the basic technical know-how that has plunged our country into the pitiable abyss of condemnable status of a consumer-society, we have often misplaced knowledge with paper qualifications. We have even upped the stakes today to include complementary foreign degrees to announce our accomplishments just as those who do not understand the essence of vacation now use Western summer peak to show "they also belong".--VANGUARD

It is so good to know that sooner than later that the new Ultra modern market will start to operate and this will help a lot..the old main market is too crowded and it has created a lot of hold-up and road jams ,so i see it as a new development in Abia..

Nnaji Obed Asiegbu :

#Smileonfaces Recently the Market Union of Umuahia Main Market appealed to the Governor of the State, Chief T.A. Orji through the committee for the relocation of the market on the issue of the price of stores in the new market and the method of payment.

After due consideration at the plight of the traders and the prevailing economic situation in the country, His Excellency, Chief Theodore Orji, the Governor of Abia State has decided as follows:

1. All traders who will be relocated to the new market will pay a deposit of one hundred thousand naira (N100, 000.00), instead of the initial fee of one hundred and fifty thousand naira.

2. The traders will pay a non-refundable fee of twenty thousand naira only.

3. The traders who own stores at the old market will pay total sum of four hundred thousand naira only for each store of which the one hundred thousand naira deposited is part of.

Those who do not own any store at the old market will pay a total sum of five hundred thousand naira only for each store of which the one hundred thousand deposited will form part of.



The balance of three hundred thousand naira for store owners and four hundred thousand naira for non store owners will be paid instalmentally within a period of four years.



UGOCHUKWU EMEZUE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY.

H.E. T.A. Orji expresses gratitude to the Nigerian Army for effective partnership with the State Government on security


NA in Abia
Governor TA Orji has expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army for collaborating with the State Government in eradicating kidnapping and criminal activities in parts of the State.




Governor Orji was speaking at the Nigerian Army Finance Corps Biennial Training Conference 2013 with the theme:Transforming the Nigeria Army towards meeting security challenges and national development, the role of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps holding at the Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia.

He said that the State Government will continue to cooperate with the military to fight security challenges and described security as key to socio economic development.

According to him, no investment in security is a waste and described the theme of the conference as apt.
The governor who thanked the Nigerian Army for choosing Abia for the conference said the choice is a clear statement of the peace and tranquilty in Abia state making it one of the safest states in the country, attributed the achievements he has made to the assistance of the Army in instilling security in Abia.
He stated that the military has defined a new role in sustaining the nascent democracy in Nigeria urging them to exercise caution so as to achieve a greater result in providing security in crisis prone areas of the country.
The governor said he has no doubt that the military will rise up to expectation in protecting the nation’s democracy and thanked the chief of Army staff Lt. General Ihejirika and other high ranking officers for their dogged fight in rescuing Abia and the country from criminal elements.
In his speech, the chief of Army staff, Lt. Gen Azubuike Ihejirika represented by the General officer commanding, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, Major AA Olaniyi said the conference will strengthen the military to be efficient in service delivery and in management of its resources , adding that the conference is timely.
While thanking the governor for his logistic support to the military, the chief of Army staff assured that his men are combat ready to wage war against any cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and related cases in parts of the country.
He stated his determination in transforming the Nigeria Army for greater performance and urged the participants to take the training seriously.
Earlier, the Chief of Accounts and budget, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen.A I Muraina said they have the task of managing the core finance operations of the Nigerian Army effectively in ensuring that resources are utilized in the most cost effective manner.
Major Gen. Muraina explained that the conference will help them improve service delivery in the management of public funds through accountability and prudent management of their resources.http://www.abiastate.gov.ng/news/h-e-t-a-orji-expresses-gratitude-to-the-nigerian-army-for-effective-partnership-with-the-state-government-on-security/

Abia Governor, Chief Theodore Orji has flagged off the 2014 Budget Estimate



Defence with a charge on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the State to ensure that budget data is captured in the required degree of detail, with the source and reason for every transaction identified.
Declaring the session open, the Governor said the measure will assist observers view the budget information in the appropriate context and implored them to show due diligence in the budget process especially as the country moves from the current cash to public sector Accounting standard and project to programme based budgeting approach.
He said that the State Government in its effort to introduce a lasting legacy in the fiscal management process in the State consciously signed in with the comity of state’s in the country to evolve a budget process which has become robust in line with international best practices.
According to him, the budget defence session will bring about a budget system that is designed for better policy formulation, fiscal planning, budget analysis, accountability, routine financial management and international comparison.
He said that it is customary that this time of the year every administration chart the course toward the realization of its development goals and objectives of the next fiscal year, maintaining that the current budget code named Budget of Hope is being implemented guardedly to ensure that the objective and thrust is attained.
Governor Orji maintained that it is for that reason that the State is witnessing the high level of infrastructural and social development that are on in the state, adding that the truth that Abia State is making giant strides to emerge as one of the strongest economy in Nigeria is not in doubt given the infrastructural foundation laid by the current Government.
He appreciated the Planning Commission for commencing the 2014-2015 budget process on time as well as the MDA’s for preparing their proposals in line with the call circular.
In her welcome speech, the executive secretary, Abia State Planning Commission, Mrs. Adanma Iheuwa assured that the 2014 Abia State budget would be programme based and capture the MDA’s proposals and reflect government policy priorities within the limit of the State’s fiscal targets.
She said that Abia is among the first in Nigeria to key into the new approach of the International Public Sector Accounting standard IPSAS for public sector at all levels of government approved by the federal government by the adoption of the National Chart of Account as basis for budgeting and accounting.

END10/9/13
www.abiastate.gov.ng

T.A has made concerted effort to rescue Aba . Taken a smooth ride to Water side University of Nigeria Institute of Languages .That long stretch of road ,reconstructed by T.A shows how much of a leader he is .At Milverton .i saw how he offered Luxurious bus owners and transporters long lease of life. The Milverton Road is an achievement .I could remember some time ago that the bad condition of that road made most transporters to withdraw their services from Aba.The consequences was most commuters; especially the predominant Aba business class had only limited choices. Take a long stretch to Azikiwe Road you will discover there is no port holes where Azikiwe to Asa road used to be traffic den owning to the gullies that dotted the entire road .Speaking about Ukwu Mango road, it’s been reconstructed yet I hear a few say it’s been neglected, but this to me is a blind argument about that road. We know what people suffered within the area of Aba for well over thirty years, but the rescue operation he carried out face-lifted the entire Aba area to a greater good for the people.
Over 220 Primary Health Centres and the on-going youth empowerment which T.A initiated and is still in progress may be for another, and above all I feel I owe a lot to you by your rare exhibition of love for your people. You have voted to reduce poverty among the citizens of Abia State ,i can only ask for a more fruitful years ahead of you, and long life.

Abia state government since the inception of the 2nd tenure of Chief T. A. Orji has made tremendous achievements in the area of water and electricity through the ministry of public utilities.
In the area of water,” a comprehensive consultancy services has been carried out on how to rehabilitate the old Umuahia Urban water scheme and other water schemes in the state through the ministry of public utilities and water Resources. The ministry is also liaising with the federal ministry of Niger Delta for the Regional water schemes in the state to be captured in the federal government’s subsidy Removal Reinvestment programme (SUREP).
This will involve the reconstruction, rehabilitation and expansion of the water schemes. Also, the rehabilitation of Umuokpara water scheme has been executed. In the area of electricity the timely intervention by the state government facilitated the inspection and pre -commissioning tests of the Completed 132kv network from Alaoji- Umuahia and the 132/33 KV injection substation equally energized. Consequently, the state government in 2011 awarded contract for the construction of 5no 33kv High Tension feeder lines from the Ohiya 2×30 MVA, 132/33kv injection substation.
The 5 No 33KV feeder lines radiates from Ohiya injection sub-station to the following locations – Afara, Ubakala, Nkwoegwu, Ntigha Umungwa. Construction work along Afara, Ubakala, Nkwoegwu and Umungwa has been completed while work on the Ntigha axis is in progress. This has greatly increased the electricity supply situationin Umuahia metropolis and its environs.
In addition, government initiated and completed the installation of solar energy streetlights in the following areas of Umuahia metropolis-house of Assembly junction to Bende Road, Ndume Otuka Road, Road 3 Low Cost Housing Estate, Health centre Road, World Bank, Adelabu street and Bende road which has reached about 80% completion.
Tuesday at 5:38pm · Like
Eze Obioma One of the greatest legacies of the Chief T. A. Orji’s administration in the state is the sustenance of peace in the communities. This has impacted positively on development. Through its relevant agencies like the ministry, of local government and chieftaincy Affairs, it has resolved Ezeship and , inter- community disputes in rural, grassroots communities through prompt, settlement of 76 ezeship and inter-community disputes.
The government has provided conducive environment for local government administration by taking proactive decisions ‘fed actions on security reports received from the local governments. The Abia state government has continued to pay allowances of Ndieze regularly in addition to facilitating payment of over NI00m old debts as well as arrears of salaries owed by the 17 LGAs and ensured regular prompt payment of salaries owed by local governments in the state. The state government during the period under review completed the construction of the JAAC / Ndieze secretariat crescent with asphalt by direct labour; procured and distributed 3711 300KVA transformers to the 17 local governments and institutions in the state. Government also procured and distributed 72 vehicles to the 17 transition committee chairmen and all Revenue units of the 17 LGAs as well as the principal officers of Abia state traditional Rulers council. Government has also made funds available for the renovation of the local government headquarters and also produced uniform sign posts for them. The ministry in keeping with the governor’s directive empowered 6000 Abia youths across the local government areas.
Tuesday at 5:40pm · Like
Safiya S Musa Soniiiii...how many times I don tell you say make you stop to try help those who have vehemently refused to help themselves biko? It's time wasting and energy sapping abeg..dem say the man has done wonderfully well (even though it can't be seen, nor did he say so), so wetin be your own for the matter na? All Abians are comfortable, they all have jobs, there's none hungry amongst them, poverty has be wiped clean from the land, kidnapping and Armed Robbery is a thing of the past, all roads are motorable, everyone feeds well, all the streets and homes have lights (guess there's an awesome gas turbine providing that), free education for all (did ABSU student protest recently), no hassle, no stress; all thanks to TA Orji, the most performing Governor in Nigeria

ABIA: YESTERDAY, TODAY, TOMMORROW

By T. A. Orji

Having attained the adolescent age of 22, the history making founding fathers of Abia State, will at the prevailing positive turn of events, begin to bask in a deserved sense of fulfillment, on account of the reality that the much desired steady progress they patriotically wished for the State has been ubiquitously stimulated.

Let me pre-empt and adventurously probe into our minds to disabuse same of any untoward & irrelevant assumption that may want to diminish the awe-inspiring camaraderie I have always consummated with our esteemed readers, given that this endeavor is dispassionately intended to celebrate the path finders of Abia State and, overtly highlight how we were conscripted into the cherished values that drove them.

On the strength of that understanding, encomiums will also be lavished on our retired but not tired General, Ibrahim Babangida for heralding the birth of todays adolescent Abia.

As our effervescent General acknowledges the flight of time, he will agree as well as we do, that he appended his signature to a document that was neatly & meticulously promoted by assemblage of Abia eggheads, some legendry & some of blessed memory.

This divine stewardship, celebrates with a depth of gratitude the tripod of equity, justice and fair play, which they bequeathed the State.

It is instructive however to retrospectively reveal that the on going new vista in Abia State has had its fair share of challenges occasioned by past pitfalls of elevating ineptitude, favoritism, apostasy and unbridled god-fatherism, which like a dark cloud, over-shadowed the State.

Our subscription to the vitality of stocktaking is what has thrown up events of yester-years, & its importance will further illuminate our understanding of todays Abia and its precarious state, before the gubernatorial change of baton.

Without mincing words, the administrative compass instituted by successive governments in Abia State, were not particularly broad and expectantly ambitious. The young Abia whose frame was weak & frail on account of that, tumbled & fumbled in the challenge of establishing a virile identity road map. Consequently, Abia was left hollow and malnourished.
But on assumption of office, this government chose not to sympathize with blame game & bulk passing, irrespective of the enormous infrastructural layback, which in quick succession starred it in the face.

But it has been tortuous in the sense that when you juxtapose the grossly inadequate resources available on offer with the countless tasks to address, your mind will always skip a bit.

The inevitable option of widening our approach to governance, earned us the merit of streamlining & prioritizing activities so we can look before we leap.

A sectorial x-ray, for which preponderance of opinion favored injecting life into the strategic & vital health care sector, motivated us to tackle its unfortunate absence in the State.
Today, we can rewind to proudly flaunt our health delivery blaze captured in a humble beginning which like the biblical mustard seed, began with an initial 65 health centers & latter grew to 250 evenly distributed health centers. Contrary to the medical gloom, which in the past cascaded over the State, Abians are now exposed to the relief of choosing from vast spectrum of medical facilities available in the State. Nothing could have been more enthralling than to celebrate the medical icing of realizing Abia State Specialist Hospital & Diagnostic Center, built in synergy with Me-Cure Health Services of India. The Abia of yesterday which medically groped in the dark has today earned her self a deserving pride of place in medical tourism.

Time was, when disillusionment reigned in the air following from the brazen confiscation of values meant for public good. Abians could sadly not spot a crane in any construction site any where near the State. At best, we could only pride in the conversion of primary school halls to government offices. Typical of man, the story has changed & the laughable poser agitating the minds of the people is anchored on the illusion that this mandate will not deliver on the numerous construction works it has occupied itself with.

Without wanting to despicably dismiss our fears, the submission in this regard will always be that the application of Gods divine initiative, which earned us the victory we are consummating, will graciously see to their completion. We have
Positioned our hands on the plough to collectively drive home the sense of belonging we pledged to give Abians & the expectations of our people on the capacity of this mandate to deliver will always be revered & respected. This inspiration will constantly feature in our genuine desire to deliver the gigantic & imposing twin workers secretariat, to free us from the nightmare & unacceptable layback of operating from old & antiquated classroom blocks. On another note, it will engender the requisite motivation critical for effective work delivery in our civil service system.

One of our very critical targets is to relocate the chaotic Umuahia main Market to the vastly spacious & serene Ubani neighborhood. Having attained the construction of over 4000 shops, asphalting the major network of roads, & hooking the market to national grid, government will in a matter of very few months relocate the main market to Ubani. This inevitable measure will clinically rid the Capital City of confusion & reduce the volume of filth. The necessity of this approach is that it will synchronize with the vision behind the already relocated Umuahia Timber Market, where sanity has since returned to the neighborhood of World Bank & Low Cost Housing Estates.

The other huge eruption of eye wondering legacy is in the direction of a classical new government house. This fast sprouting edifice will be delivered to the good people of Abia State in record time. It will deservedly reward their persevering wait for a government House of such magnitude, & free Abia from the retrogressive past of operating in a rented building.

So also will the almost completed International Conference Center, JAAC & ASUBEB high rise buildings be completed & credited to our eventful mandate.

Let me observe with a note of appreciation, the amazing harmony in government-labor relations, which follows from several trade off of interest. Consequently, every payment regime from NLC’S minimum wage, CONMESS, CONHESS & USS has been fully implemented.
In the face of obvious scarce resources, & against the backdrop of inherited debt burden, government has not given a thought to borrowing, bond market or other wise. Having delivered on the necessity of prudent management, people oriented projects and elimination of irrelevancies, our shrewd & coat cutting style of governance, earned us the endorsement of Nigerian Senate as a financial healthy State.

With out meaning to say that I am saving the best for last, our security scorecard is positively reflecting in throngs of investors who desire to display their wares in the State. To conscientiously design a lasting investment framework, a bill seeking to establish a Public-Private-Partnership Agency has been sponsored in the State House of Assembly.

As we commemorate the 22nd anniversary of Abia State, let us for the umpteenth time pledge our commitment to upholding the virtues which stimulated our founding fathers to collectively work for the creation of Gods own State.

Being Governor T. A. Orji’s fraternal message, marking the 22nd anniversary of the creation of Abia State. Source :

http://www.abiastate.gov.ng/news/abia-yesterday-today-tomorrow-by-t-a-orji/

Power Generating Firm Begins Operation In Aba

A power generating firm, Geometric Power System, owned by former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji will begin generation and distribution of power in Aba next month.

Prof. Barth Nnaji, who is also served as Chairman of the firm said, necessary arrangements have been concluded for the power company to take off.

Nnaji explained that distribution of electricity from the power plant will be carried out under the name of Aba Power Limited.

He, however, maintained that generation of power will be carried out by Geometrics Company located at Osisioma in Aba.

Nnaji spoke on Monday while hosting the General Secretary of National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, Comrade Joe Ajaero, who was in Aba to inaugurate a chapter of the union in the new company.

The former Minister, however, disclosed that the company would be officially commissioned in August by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He disclosed that 141 Mega Watts of electricity would be generated at the plant. According to him “the power needs of Aba will be supplied and excess supplied to the national grid.

Professor Nnaji explained that the major target of the project which began in 2004, was to make Aba become the industrial capital of Nigeria.

VANGUARD

All categories of retired civil servants have been paid up to March this year. The finances and General Purposes Committee has been strengthened to entrench due process, transparency and accountability in the award of all government contracts. The reconstruction, evaluation and updating of the state government’s debt had been done at the state level, the first in the south East zone. Plans have been concluded to extend same to the LGAs before the end of the year. The government has fine tuned appropriate framework and strategy that would compel remittance of collected revenue to the Board of Internal Revenue (BIR). This has become necessary because revenues expected from various internal sources have failed to reach projected levels.T.A is been active ever since the second tenure ,and we are happy that transformation has come to stay

NAPTIP TO PARTNER ABIA STATE

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons and other related offences (NAPTIP) has reiterated its desire to partner with the Abia Government to end child abuse in the State. Speaking at the Sixth Abia Women Integrated Conference/Pre-August meetingin Umuahia on Tuesday, Mrs. Nkiruka Michael, the South East Zonal Commander of NAPTIP, said cases of child trafficking and labour were on the increase. Michael explained that more than eight million children in Nigeria were involved in various forms of abuse. She said that NAPTIP had prosecuted more than 100 cases of child trafficking, adding that 200 victims in the zone had been rehabilitated. The commander said the cases had direct bearing on the proliferation of illegal maternity homes and appealed to the state government to take steps to ban such homes. "There must be a dedicated effort on the part of the government and other bodies to solve the socio-economic problems which contribute to the problem,'' she said. Michael said the government needed to enforce the existing laws on the right to education for the child as provided for in the Universal Declaration for Human Rights and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In her speech, Mrs. Odochi Orji, the wife of the State Governor, called onrelevant government agencies to scrutinize the procedure for there registration of motherless babies' homes. Mrs. Odochi Orji called for the review of the processes of child adoption in order tosave future generations. She said the idea was to identify the fake from the genuine and help toabolish the illegal business of child trafficking and close all baby factories in the society. Mrs. Odochi Orji said it was immoral for a woman to sell her child because of poverty and appealed to the womenfolk to discourage their peers

Agriculture to remain in forefront of Abia transformation


Abia State recently hosted the seventh joint World Bank/Federal Government supervision mission on Third National Fadama Development Project covering the South East zone.

The event marked another milestone in the history of the state’s several fruitful collaborations with the World Bank and the Federal Government, in its passion to quickly develop the state through agriculture.

Abia State is the food basket of the South East geopolitical zone as it has a highly diversified agro-ecological condition, which makes the production of a wide range of agricultural products possible.

The state produces cash crops such as cocoa, rubber, cashew, palm oil, rice, maize and cassava in commercial quantities.

Agriculture is one of the most potentially viable sectors of the state’s economy, particularly in terms of its employment generation potentials as well as its contribution to the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

Therefore, the agricultural sector and other goals of the FADAMA projects will remain in the front burner of our march towards transforming Abia State.

Governor Theodore Orji acknowledged the noble objectives of FADAMA, which is targeted at the rural poor and that is why his administration had taken the lead in quickly keying into the programme, when it was launched at the federal level.

To show its interest in agriculture and rural development, the state government immediately released N15 million as its preparatory FADAMA project-fund in 2009.

Governor Orji also promised to continually honour the state’s obligations in spite of the paucity of funds, by directing the accountant general of the state to make all outstanding remittances to Abia State FADAMA III without further delays, beginning from the end of February 2013.

The governor also acknowledged the high level of commitment of our local government areas to ensure the success of the project in Abia State.

Consequently, he has instructed the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to ensure that all funds accruing to the FADAMA III project from the LGAs be deducted at source in order to ensure a steady cash-flow into the project.

In the words of the governor, “It has been of immense joy to see the huge impact that Abia State FADAMA III is making in the lives of our people, especially through the sub-projects that are spread throughout the state. I, therefore, make bold to say that the agricultural revolution, which we have embarked upon in this state has received a great push from FADAMA III projects, and will be absolutely incomplete without them.

“Our administration is committed to transforming the agricultural sector of our state and nation’s economy and in line with the visions of the Federal Government. This is why Abia State wasted no time in accessing and disbursing to genuine farmers the N1 billion agric loan backed up by the Federal Government and CBN efforts.

“We have equally continued to provide some improved cocoa seedlings, fertiliser and other required agro-inputs to our farmers to improve farm products.

“Right now, we have commenced the establishment of our Liberation Farm projects in our 17 local government areas of the state. This is to revive interests of the youth in farming and creating young agro-entrepreneurs.

“We have equally continued to make remarkable efforts in our rural infrastructure to help drive rural development, create wealth, and raise the level of food security in our state.”

To deepen the agricultural transformation agenda of the present administration in the state, Governor Orji recently had a meeting with Boon Intiratana, commercial councilor of the Royal Embassy of Thailand with the intent of partnering the Asian country in agriculture and food processing.

Meanwhile, the pilot project of the Liberation farm programme at Okikpe in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state will be inaugurated in April this year.

About 850 youths, 50 from each of the 17 local government areas of the state, would be trained in poultry, piggery, plantain plantation and aquaculture under the programme.

The programme, according to Ike Onyenweaku, commissioner for agriculture, was designed to be attractive to the youths. The state government will also provide grants for the trainees after their training to start their own farms.

Agriculture is known as one of the most potentially viable sectors of Abia State’s economy, particularly in terms of its employment generation potentials as well as its contribution to the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

To give agriculture a boost, the current administration in the state is impacting positively on farmers through its agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture and the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP).

Consequently, the Governor Orji-led administration’s plan to create jobs and increase the state’s IGR through the establishment of mega farms in all the 17 local government areas (LGAs) of the state has already started recording some milestones, starting with the privatisation of Abia Rubber Company.

No fewer than 1,200 youths have so far been employed by the company and many more would be employed as they expand.

This administration has also entered into partnership with a Malaysian conglomerate to revitalise some oil palm estates in the state located at Ohambele, Ukwa East and Ulonna in Umuahia North Local Government Area of the state.

This is in line with the administration’s resolve to jump-start the industrial development of the state through the creation of agro-based value chain-industries and agro-young entrepreneurs in the rural areas of the state.

Entrepreneurs under the scheme will be fully engaged in the emerging mechanised farms, which have commenced in the state with the establishment of the Liberation farms in the three senatorial zones.

The proposed mega farms to be sited in the three senatorial zones of Abia State have commenced with the establishment of a plantain farm at Okeikpe in Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.

About 1,700 youths would be trained and empowered in cassava, fishery, poultry and piggery farms that would also be established under the programme in the 17 local government areas of the state, while about 300 casual workers would benefit from the project. The mega farms are expected to serve as centres for intensive production of all agricultural products as well as job creation centres.

Plans are also on to establish a modern abattoir in Aba, the commercial hub of the state, by a Canada-based food processing company under the public private partnership (PPP) arrangement. This administration, however, needs the support of farmers to actualise its dreams of making the state the food basket of the South East and Nigeria at large.

Orji Uzo Kalu is Abia's Greatest Mistake - Gov Orji


Being text of a press statement by Cosmos Ndukwe, cheif of staff to the executive governor of Abia State on the misleading report in SUN Newspaper - May I reiterate my confidence in you to all things be custodians of the truth. You belong to one of the noblest professions in the world. If there are a few persons who are bringing disrepute to the

profession, then it is very unfortunate.

The attention of the State Government has been drawn to a report credited to one OKEY SAMPSON of SUN NEWSPAPER on a purported curse by MASSOB placed on the State Government officials. Without any intention of joining issues with the owner of SUN who is Abia’s greatest mistake; it is important to remind him that we have too much on our hands to attend to owing to the rot he supervised for the eight years he was in office as Governor of Abia State. May be he does not know, statements made by individuals ought not to be credited to the State Government as the State has not issued any official statement regarding Aba; rather we are busy remedying the disaster caused by the same person who was here for 8 years

If the best he could do is to offer his platform for the cursing of Abia State Government, we will therefore say without mincing words that the man who saved Aba from massive flooding and opened up to their roads in the last one year has no business with the curse. The curse should be gladly welcomed by a former Governor who cannot point to one good road in Aba now as his parting gift to Aba people.

SUN NEWSPAPERS have not paid their staff for four months. That is newsworthy. In the history of Abia, we have had a Governor who did eight years and built Abia on the pages of newspaper, who lived in a rented Government House and had civil servants operate from make shift blocks. That is newsworthy.

We are used to the antics of a man in dire need of attention and support. We do not intend to dress him in such borrowed robes. No amount of subterfuge, blackmail or artifice from this propaganda paper and their confusionist owner would deter us from cleaning the heap of rot in Abia State. Aba in particular is still work in progress.

Nnaji Obed Asiegbu

SA e-Governance & Strategy

to the Abia State government

Abia governor lambasts Orji Kalu


The state government said it is repairing the rot Orji Kalu left in Abia.

The Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji, has lambasted his predecessor in office, Orji Kalu, over a publication in the Daily Sun Newspaper alleging that top government officials in Abia have been placed on a ‘curse’ by members of the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB.

The governor, who addressed a press conference through his Chief of Staff, Cosmas Ndukwe, in his office on Monday said “the attention of the State Government has been drawn to a report credited to one Okey Sampson of SUN NEWSPAPER on a purported curse by MASSOB placed on the State Government officials.”

According to Mr. Ndukwe “without any intention of joining issues with the owner of SUN who is Abia’s greatest mistake; it is important to remind him that we have too much on our hands to attend to owing to the rot he supervised for the eight years he was in office as Governor of Abia State”.

A report in the Sun newspaper of Monday, had stated that “reacting to a live TV programme, where former Abia State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Eze Chikamnanyo, stated that most roads in Aba, including Ngwa, had been rehabilitated by the state government, MASSOB said the statement was ridiculous and untrue.

“Speaking through its Director of Information, Aba region, Mr. Sunny Okereafor, MASSOB said that based on the former commissioner’s claim, his organization had assessed the roads and found out that it was false and deceitful, adding that the residents are living in squalor.

“MASSOB described as baffling, the rate at which government officials allegedly dish out lies, especially on the state of roads in the city, which it said were in terrible condition”.

In its response, the state government, while disparaging Mr. Kalu said “maybe he does not know, statements made by individuals ought not to be credited to the State Government as the State has not issued any official statement regarding Aba; rather we are busy remedying the disaster caused by the same person who was here for 8 years.

“If the best he could do is to offer his platform for the cursing of Abia State Government, we will therefore say without mincing words that the man who saved Aba from massive flooding and opened up to their roads in the last one year has no business with the curse”.

It added that “the curse should be gladly welcomed by a former Governor who cannot point to one good road in Aba now as his parting gift to Aba people”.

Be concerned with your problems

The Abia State Government said the former governor should be concerned more with his inability to run his business successfully, where ‘the real news is’.

“SUN NEWSPAPERS have not paid their staff for four months. That is newsworthy,” it said, adding that ” In the history of Abia, we have had a Governor who did eight years and built Abia on the pages of newspaper, who lived in a rented Government House and had civil servants operate from make shift blocks. That is newsworthy”.

“We are used to the antics of a man in dire need of attention and support. We do not intend to dress him in such borrowed robes. No amount of subterfuge, blackmail or artifice from this propaganda paper and their confusionist owner would deter us from cleaning the heap of rot in Abia State. Aba in particular is still work in progress,” they said.

Related posts:

Abia governor lambasts Orji Kalu
Abia governor, Theodore Orji, is a political neophyte, says Orji Kalu
Orji Kalu’s party, PPA, thanks Abia varsity for stripping former governor of degree
Abia Governor attacks predecessor, Orji Kalu, as “political failure” who forged school certificate
Abia governor, Orji, plans presidential campaign posters in my name, says Uzor Kalu

USING PROFESSIONALISM TO ENHANCE DEMOCRACY

As earlier on acknowledged, using credible platforms of this magnitude, the demise of our political constraints authored by god-playing gladiators of yester-years opened our eyes to the frightening enormity of infrastructural laybacks prevalent in the State. We doggedly soldiered on and anchored our implicit confidence on the virility of great things starting in small beginnings. In the proverbial twinkle of an eye, seeming impossibilities and intractable situations began to evaporate for us to behold and celebrate new vistas scarcely believed were going to be instituted in the State.

I have quietly thought hard about this, and the more I do, the more my submission rests on the vitality and inevitability of subscribing to the concept captured above.

The much-expected will to devotedly believe in the workability of the State, facilitated the emergence of a way. This exhilarating paradigm shift, was critically needed to drive home the truth and sincerity of purpose which largely influenced our acceptance of the stewardship to govern. Especially in the face of torrents of well-placed and in most cases un-substantiated allegations which, increased in momentum during the atrocious days of belligerents, who thrived in the illicit business of kidnapping.

Today’s vital stocktaking designed to torchlight the health delivery mileage in Abia State has increased my non-negotiable devotion to the potency of believing.

The health delivery miracle in Abia State is therefore vividly captured in the flashback of a humble beginning, accommodated in the belief that we can locate at least a health centre in each of the wards in Abia State. We animated this belief, beyond wishful thinking by quickly accepting the hand of fellowship offered by the Millennium Development Goals, MDG. The resultant and cascading air of freshness, which ruled the political, landscape of the State, landed Abia in the league of eventful States.

With an initial count of 65 health centres, the latter triumphantly surpassed the former and netted 250 functioning health centres dotting every geo-political enclave of the State. Institution of primary health centres in Abia State began to stimulate access to basic health facilities, which hitherto seemed utopian and also tore through the identity crisis plaguing the State.

The reality of Abia State Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre, attained in association with Me-Cure Health Services of India, is a gigantic reward in the application of believing and it has made Abia a destination of note in medical tourism.

The fitting syntax to exhaustively promote the goodness in believing is obviously lacking. But suffice it to say that the difficulties of jumping mountainous hurdles to land the medical milestone currently reigning in Abia, east of the Niger is worth flaunting.

It can only get better, given the recent commissioning of a dialysis centre and the on-going ophthalmology centre, which is waiting in the wings to be unveiled before the expiration of three months’ time.

It is only a healthy Abia that will consummate infrastructural necessities. We have therefore continually tapped from the fountain of believing to diversify our insatiable hunger for more medical breakthroughs.

Over 18 brand new vehicles have been distributed to our primary health centres to facilitate health care delivery. Okikpe General Hospital in Ukwa East of Abia South, Arochukwu General Hospital in Abia North, and Amachara General Hospital in Abia Central, are each being upgraded to 100-bed hospitals. Like they say, “success has many friends, but failure is an orphan”. The trails so far blazed in the health care sector, equipped and elevated our curriculum vitae to secure accreditation from the Medical Examination Board for training of House Officers. A functional Chest Clinic installed in liaison with Agbami partners of Chevron oil field at the State Specialist Hospital, has added to the measures designed to intervene in varied health situations.

Life has been injected into the fast fading School of Health Technology Aba, just as we have always gone the whole hug to secure the continuous accreditation of Abia State University Medical College and Teaching Hospital by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

The administration of Health Insurance Scheme, currently undergoing perfection of grey areas, could not have come at a better time. This intervention will provide the necessary soft landing for Abians requiring treatment in various health situations. It will also drive home the truth that our government is not insensitive to the huge monetary demands on certain health situations and is therefore poised to cushion the financial effect.

Extension of MTN Yellow doctors programme in synergy with Abia State Government has been warmly received, just as a result-oriented partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC, for training and re-training of midwives is being initiated.

Abia State Government and four United Nations health agencies have pledged to deepen their areas of partnership in the promotion of maternal and child health, exclusive breast feeding, safe pregnancy delivery and optimal care for the new-born baby.

The motivational pledge of government is not only driving the on-going construction of doctors quarters at Amachara annex of the Specialist Hospital, but had earlier featured in the faithful implementation of every payment regime, ranging from Consolidated Medical Salary Scale, CONMESS, to Consolidated Health Salary Scale, CONHESS. It is a confidence-building measure, stimulated by our government for emergence of the necessary platforms for optimum performance of health workers in the State.

Our steel-hearted dedication to lift the State from the ashes of despondency is rooted in our understanding of the miracles that will take place in the State, if we believe.

Rather than retreat in defeat, and deceitfully begin to provide infrastructures on billboards and television, the obvious financial gridlock prevalent in the State, compelled our mandate to re-strategise. To that effect, we had always risen from the drawing board of dexterity and prudent management to establish one undisputable legacy or the other. For emphasis sake, our pathetic monthly federation allocation is infinitesimally inadequate to rescue Abia from the depth and sorry past of infrastructural neglect, which has been her lot, since creation.

This has seen us triumphantly leveraged on obvious constraints to attain varied infrastructural milestones scarcely believed will take place in Abia State.

Before Abians will blink, we will roll the drums again to inaugurate the imposing State High Court Complex in Umuahia and Aba, the wonderful State Secretariat, and the expansive, modern and well-laid Umuahia Market comfortably situated at Ubani.

We will believe more to make more history.

T. A. Orji is the Governor of Abia State.

ONWUMERE AND HIS MULTIPLE LIES

We certainly may not have heard the last from Odimegwu Onwumere. It is not hidden in any way who Odumegwu works for. Therefore no surprises when he cobbles falsehood and forces it down on the reader in the most unpalatable style with jumbled phrases and incongruous expressions that even affront authors of Onitsha Market Literature of the sixties. Going through his gibberish on the Nigerian Voice, an internet publication, he resumes with blackmail and bashing of Sir T. A. Orji. His empty claims are incoherent swinging from the unreal to the highly imaginative.
His claims that internal roads in Abia are worsening is damn lies. Abia State under Ochendo has run an open door policy where journalist and other misinformed people have been led to verify the truth. He cites one Don Norman Obinna, their new hatchet man, who quotes another unnamed principal who debunks Ochendo’s claims of Legacy Projects. For Obinna and his principal, the Chinese saying that ‘I heard is not as good as I saw,’ become evident here.
This is funny and reveals their real intent and the unreliable sources. If Don saw things for himself, why quote a so-called principal who is so unsure of himself that his name is not used in such a highly volatile claim. In Onwumere’s words, the said principal prefers obscurity. Why wouldn’t somebody who prefers obscurity be fallacious? Or did he mean anonymity?
Well, from Onwumere’s disenchanted view, Abia Governor has not done anything right. Do we even need the opinion of an ex convict like onwumere on issues of such seriousness?
One thousand Onwumeres cannot obliterate the works of Ochendo because they are laid on solid grounds. They are touchable and very highly verifiable. The world knows the truth.
Those claims that the Good Governance team was fooled or showed phony projects is a very poor attempt. It is as blatant a lie as it is a poor attempt to rubbish the collective image of The Labaran Team.
The Good Governance team for their information is a carefully selected group involving people in different fields. There were journalists, led by Mohammed Garba, the NUJ President, Yemi gbambose the chairman of Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union (RATTAWU), civil society groups like Nkechi Okemiri of National Council of Women Societies, (NCWS). These are people knowledgeable in their fields that you cannot hoodwink. The Honourable minister while with his team in Abia was thorough enough that he made contact with the so-called opposition who aired their views. Mr. Labara Maku did well to convey their message in the open to the Governor who replied without rehearsal. One of their grievances was the non accreditation of the Amachara School of Nursing which the governor presented as one of the reasons for the reconstruction and upgrade of Amachara to a specialist hospital with construction going in seven buildings.
Talking about internal roads, be it in Aba or Umuahia, with facts on the ground, no other Governor in the South East geopolitical Zone can equal T. A. Orji on the construction of roads in the second tenure to which many have been completed and commissioned even with the burden of two big cities of Umuahia and Aba, the government is not complaining.
T. A. runs an open administration and is receptive of worthy suggestions and constructive criticism. If you operate guerrilla journalism with distorted facts and complicated stories, obviously you are a mischief maker and should be seen and described as such. Onwumere, since the governor disagreed with ‘their Oga at the top,’ he has engaged in ill motivated, incessant attacks on the dutiful governor. There are indications that Onwumere is criticizing for his selfish interest which is based on his negative principle of earning few coins for his irregular meals. One would be tempted to ask, is opposition a permanent position? Does onwuwere imply that Sir T A Orji has not done anything right that is worthy of Onwumere’s acknowledgment? What did his master achieve in his eight years? If there was much done, T A wouldn’t have been this bogged and busy.
Chief T A Orji has been procedural, attending to issues and needs of Abians based on needs and funds available. All the roads in Aba or Abia cannot be done in one tenure.
As has been stated earlier, 2015 is not too far. T. A. Orji is not going for re-election as governor. Onwumere, Don Obinna and their Oga at the top, should get ready with their candidate. We are not expecting any surprise performance since their Oga failed in the Senatorial bid last term and has refused to rebuild. Are they going to perform magic? By their fruits we will know them.

EDDIE ONUZURUIKE

ORJI UZOR KALU in conjucntion with his NJIKO NDI IGBO and DIVINE MANDATE is set to to ridicule the presidency. He e is bent on getting all (at all cost) videos and images of the Okirika scene between DAME PATIENCE JONATHAN AMAECHI. He is dire need of causing the video to go viral on net. OUK trades in blackmail ,subterfuge and confusion . Who is still in doubt that ORJI UZOR KALU is evil?