₦airaland Forum

By Chukwudimma Aaron-Okonkwo

On August 27th, 1991, the Military administration of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida created Abia State. Abia State was created from Imo State and was so named from its four densely populated cities of Aba, Bende, Isiukwuato and Afikpo. But Ebonyi State was later created, and Afikpo became part of it.

However, many people think that Abia State was named from the Bible. In Luke 1:5, we read, "There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth" (KJV). The name 'Abia' in this verse refers to the head of the eighth of the twenty-four courses into which David divided the priests (1 Chronicles 24:10).

Furthermore, the State has been priding itself with a slogan, "God's own State". But has the State, since its creation, truly lived up to this slogan? Can we enter Abia State today and proudly beat our chest that she is truly God's own?

The State, from its creation, has been ruled by five Military administrators namely; Frank Ajobena, Chinyere Nwosu, Temi Ejoor, Moses Fasanya and Anthony Obi, and four Civilian Governors namely; Ogbonnaya Onu, Orji U. Kalu, Theodore Orji and now Okezie Ikpeazụ.

When Nigeria returned to a democratic rule in May, 1999, Orji Uzor Kalu took the leadership of Abia State as the Executive Governor. In his first term in office, he embarked on a massive road construction and reconstruction in the State. Virtually, almost all roads in the commercial city of Aba were giving a brand new look by his administration.

Governor Orji Uzor Kalu- who is currently in the Nigerian Senate representing the people of Abia North- delivered to the people what seemed to be good governance, and the then President of Nigeria, HE Olusegun Obasanjo nicknamed him "Action Governor".

During his first term in office, people lived as if they were in paradise. Businesses thrived as people from all part of the country and the neighboring countries (Cameron ��, Benin ��, Ghana ��, Togo �� etc) come down to patronize Aba made goods. Most of them had to settle in Aba because they fell in love with the serene nature of the city �.

The International markets in Aba lived up to their names; they were truly international. The Manufacturing companies in Aba and Umuahia truly increased their productions. Goods were produced and sold cheap. Citizens were gainfully employed and timely paid. The downtrodden established kiosk businesses and made handsome profits. Poor kids hawked and made gains to sponsor themselves in school.

But little did the people of Abia State knew that the newly constructed and reconstructed roads will bring them agonies, pains and sufferings as the then government leaves office. Little did the good people of Abia State knew that they are about to experience worse form of governance. Little did the manufacturing industries knew that they are about to be sent packing from the State. Little did the new lovers of the State from across Nigeria and the neigbouring countries knew that they will be forced out of the State.

Is it true that there are still good roads in Abia State? Let's look ahead.

#AbiaRoadsAreDilapidated

Little did they know not knew.

consecrated:
By Chukwudimma Aaron-Okonkwo

On August 27th, 1991, the Military administration of General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida created Abia State. Abia State was created from Imo State and was so named from its four densely populated cities of Aba, Bende, Isiukwuato and Afikpo. But Ebonyi State was later created, and Afikpo became part of it.

However, many people think that Abia State was named from the Bible. In Luke 1:5, we read, "There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth" (KJV). The name 'Abia' in this verse refers to the head of the eighth of the twenty-four courses into which David divided the priests (1 Chronicles 24:10).

Furthermore, the State has been priding itself with a slogan, "God's own State". But has the State, since its creation, truly lived up to this slogan? Can we enter Abia State today and proudly beat our chest that she is truly God's own?

The State, from its creation, has been ruled by five Military administrators namely; Frank Ajobena, Chinyere Nwosu, Temi Ejoor, Moses Fasanya and Anthony Obi, and four Civilian Governors namely; Ogbonnaya Onu, Orji U. Kalu, Theodore Orji and now Okezie Ikpeazụ.

When Nigeria returned to a democratic rule in May, 1999, Orji Uzor Kalu took the leadership of Abia State as the Executive Governor. In his first term in office, he embarked on a massive road construction and reconstruction in the State. Virtually, almost all roads in the commercial city of Aba were giving a brand new look by his administration.

Governor Orji Uzor Kalu- who is currently in the Nigerian Senate representing the people of Abia North- delivered to the people what seemed to be good governance, and the then President of Nigeria, HE Olusegun Obasanjo nicknamed him "Action Governor".

During his first term in office, people lived as if they were in paradise. Businesses thrived as people from all part of the country and the neighboring countries (Cameron ��, Benin ��, Ghana ��, Togo �� etc) come down to patronize Aba made goods. Most of them had to settle in Aba because they fell in love with the serene nature of the city �.

The International markets in Aba lived up to their names; they were truly international. The Manufacturing companies in Aba and Umuahia truly increased their productions. Goods were produced and sold cheap. Citizens were gainfully employed and timely paid. The downtrodden established kiosk businesses and made handsome profits. Poor kids hawked and made gains to sponsor themselves in school.

But little did the people of Abia State knew that the newly constructed and reconstructed roads will bring them agonies, pains and sufferings as the then government leaves office. Little did the good people of Abia State knew that they are about to experience worse form of governance. Little did the manufacturing industries knew that they are about to be sent packing from the State. Little did the new lovers of the State from across Nigeria and the neigbouring countries knew that they will be forced out of the State.

Is it true that there are still good roads in Abia State? Let's look ahead.

#AbiaRoadsAreDilapidated

Little did they know.

Abians, where are thou?

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Commentor:
Little did they know.

[/s]

I live in Aba. Roads are terribly bad. If you live around Arriaria junction, and you suddenly need an emergency, Trust me, you will die B4 you reach general hospital. I feel ashamed sometimes to answer Abian.

God knows we never voted Ikpeazụ contrary to what people say. We voted massively for Alex Otti. I don't know how Ikpeazụ entered

[s]

Commentor:
Little did they know not knew.

[/s]

Abia needs revolution