₦airaland Forum

Thousands of small business owners, petty traders and artisans in Abia-North Senatorial District of Abia State showered encomiums on the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation (OUKF) for the successful conclusion of its Small Business Zero Interest Free Loan Scheme.

The OUKF, a non-business/political entity, had launched the first phase of the scheme in January 2018.

The second phase of the business empowerment scheme commenced on August 12, 2019 with the distribution of zero interest loans worth millions of Naira to petty traders and artisans in Abia-North Senatorial District boost their businesses.

The foundation’s team comprising both staff and volunteers led by its Executive Secretary, Rev (Mrs.) Jemaimah Ola Kalu, stormed the remote communities/wards in the five local governments of Abia-North to ensure that the funds were distributed to deserving beneficiaries.

In a statement, Rev Kalu announced the conclusion of the second phase of the petty traders’ empowerment exercise.

She thanked the OUKF Chairman, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, for his generosity and compassion for the less-privileged in the society.

The team leader also extended gratitude to the foundation’s workers and development partners for their contribution to the success of the exercise.

She said: “The second phase of the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation ward to ward petty traders’ empowerment programme in the 103 ABSIEC wards (as per the foundation’s rating) which started on the 12th of August, 2019 from Arochukwu Local Government Area, was successfully concluded on Friday, 13th September, 2019 at the three ABSIEC wards in Igbere, Bende Local Government of Abia State.

“We hereby thank God for the grace to finish successfully, divine strength and speed, journey mercies and protection.

“We thank the Chairman of the Foundation Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, the Board of Directors, our staff and volunteers, Key Stone Bank staff, Umuahia, especially the bank manager who ensured his staff attended to us very promptly. We also thank our other development partners and all those who upheld us in prayers.”

Speaking on behalf of thousands of other beneficiaries, Alice Okereke, a community leader in Lokpanta Ward, applauded the initiative of the OUKF for its laudable activities in Abia State and beyond.

Okereke noted that if other well-meaning Nigerians emulate Dr. Orji Kalu, the country will be a better place to live.

She described the gesture as “life changing”.

According to her, with the loan, her business and those of others will definitely grow beyond expectation.

She said: “We know Orji Kalu for his good works and passion for the people. He is a giver and a man with compassion, I must confess.”

The foundation was granted a Special Consultative status by the United Nations NGO branch (Office of the ECOSOC Support and Coordination) on the 26th of July, 2017.

Over the years, the OUKF has been involved in numerous empowerment programmes such as Free Palm Seedlings for farmers, Free Medical Outreach, Peace Initiatives, Youth Empowerment Summits, Scholarship Awards, Cultural/Tourism promotion activities and other social investment programmes in line with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals Agenda 2030.

Source - Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation Media Office.

https://instagram.com/ouk_foundation?igshid=105yymouaehzv

Kenneth Udeh – Abuja

Following the September 9th judgement of the Abia State Election Petition Tribunal which ordered for supplementary elections in some units of Abia North Senatorial Zone; Chief Whip of the 9th Senate Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has declared that he would win repetitively if elections were conducted 20 times in the entire Senatorial Zone.
Kalu stated this on Thursday when the APC party Chieftains in Abia state led by its Chairman Hon.Donatus Nwankpa and the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Uchechukwu Ogah, paid him a solidarity courtesy visit in Abuja.
The party leadership stated that they would challenge the ruling at the appeal court however, they were ready to face the supplementary election to retain the Chief Whip of the 9th Senate, Orji Uzor Kalu.
Nwankpa, who spoke on behalf of the delegation also seized the occasion to announce the rejection of the Abia State nominee on the board of the Niger Delta Development Commission,
He said, “We are here today in solidarity with the Chief Whip of the Senate. We are ready to be part of the election even if elections were to be held today.
“We are ready to appeal the judgement.
“There were flaws in the judgment Senator Orji Uzor Kalu’ case as declared by the tribunal. He has not been sacked. The court has not asked that his certificate of return should be withdrawn.
“He remains the Chief Whip of the 9th Senate and all things being equal, nothing would change it.
“What happened was a temporary set back and a distraction to the APC in Abia.”
He said the people of Abia – North were ready at all times to vote the former Governor of the state, nothing that if election was to be held twenty times, Orji Uzor Kalu would be returned.
“We are ready to appeal that judgement. You know how President Muhammadu Buhari’s case was delivered on yesterday (Wednesday) and that further exposed the flaws in Kalu’s case.
The APC chairman, who addressed journalists after the courtesy visit, said the party in the state rejected the NDDC nominee because he was not known to the party. “
He said, The APC in Abia State rejected the NDDC nominee. He is not known to the party and he cannot represent the interest of our people well.
“We have asked the Abia representatives in the Senate to reject him whenever he appear for screening.”
In the entourage, was the Minister of Mines and Solid Development, Dr. Uche Chukwu Okay who insisted that, Orji Uzor Kalu’s seat was not declared vacant, saying that, “he remains our leader in the party, he remains our leader in the state.
In his remark, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu explained that he would not lose sleep over the development, emphasising that he would win election anytime.
“In Abia North, we are not losing sleep. In Nigeria, if we conduct election in Abia North twenty times, I will win”, the lawmaker insisted.
“The sanctity of Court anywhere in the world is that if one is displeased with judgement, he can approach the upper Court and that is what I will do.
“I was not removed, I wasn’t sacked as reported in the media. The Court didn’t asked someone else to be sworn-in, in my place. We have our votes in tact and since the law allows me to appeal, I will appeal the judgement.”
The lawmaker said Courts don’t award remedies not sought for, hence, he remained the lawmaker while pursuing the case in the Appeal Court.

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/if-we-conduct-election-in-abia-north-twenty-times-i-will-win-orji-kalu-declares/

Assistant vice principal ��of Jesus group of schools,

tpiar:
Not applicable to born again church going Nigerian Christians.

When will this stalking ever end sef among Nigerians.

dem be like "Everything you can do I can do better also"

Kenneth Udeh, Abuja

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission Abike Dabiri-Erewa has said that 640 Nigerians have voluntarily registered to return home following the current upsurge in xenophobic attacks in South Africa. She further stated that the commission expects that more Nigerians would register in the coming days.

Abike, who stated this on Monday when she appeared before the Senate Committee on Diaspora, said that two airplanes would convey the 640 Nigerians in a couple of days.

She revealed that eight South African policemen were currently facing court charges over their involvement in the killing of Nigerians in South Africa. She corroborated the statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, that no Nigerian life was lost in the current attack.

She noted that the special envoys despatched to Johannesburg by President Muhammadu Buhari had already returned to Nigeria and were currently briefing President Buhari.

She explained that the president would take a decisive decision based on the report of the special envoy.

Dabiri, who briefed journalists after a meeting with the Senate panel led by Senator Bashir Ajibola, said Nigeria would not relent in its demand for compensation from the South African authorities for the affected Nigerians.

She said: “As I speak with you now, we have 640 Nigerians voluntarily registered to come home and they will be home in a couple of days and we believe that more will still be coming to register. Two planes will convey them. The envoy will be briefing the president. When we receive the first two batches, we will know how many more will come.

“With the envoy’s briefing to the president, we will be having everything in place. In the meantime, we continue to demand compensation for Nigerians that have been attacked in South Africa. Also, we know that eight policemen have been charged to court for their involvement in killings of Nigerians in South Africa and four more have been recently arrested.

“We are demanding that these investigations must end so that we can know exactly what is happening. As it is now, the move made by the government, Nigerians in South Africa are very excited about it. We continue to reiterate Mr. President’s directive that no Nigerian should be treated anyhow anywhere in the world. We assure Nigerians wherever they are that this government will continue to come to their aid.

“As for Nigerians in South Africa, we advise them to remain calm. There are some shops in volatile areas which should not be opened while we continue to engage to get justice for all Nigerians affected. We continue to demand compensation from South Africa for what has happened to Nigerians.

“Also remember the Nigerian woman that was killed that went for a conference, Mrs. Elizabeth Chukwu; we are still waiting for the results of the compensation. They promised us to get the result. Also, there must be consequences for actions. If policemen or your people go out killing people ad nothing happens to them, it will continue to happen. So South Africa should tell their people to put a stop to it. We believe a lot of education and awareness need to go to the South Africans on the street who believe that the foreigners are their problem.”

On Nigerians with expired passports, the Diaspora chairman stated that the commission would facilitate the provision of emergency travel certificates for those with expired passports and that the Federal government had put in place empowerment programmes for the returnees.

She said: “They went on their own and have volunteered to come back. They belong to states as well but on the part of the Federal government, we have the GIP programme that we encourage them to enrol in, small scale entrepreneurial programme with the Bank of Industry, Special Intervention Programme that we encourage them to enrol with.

“The South African government has said that this will stop but their government needs to show the political will that it will stop and to do so, prosecute perpetrators of the crime. If you say cases are in court, let the cases end. Killing is a criminal offence and should be treated as such.

“Eight South African policemen are in court over previous killings in South Africa.

“Four policemen were arrested and charged to court over the killing of a Nigerian in his house a while ago and in the case of Mrs Chukwu, the case has been made a high- profile case and is being handled by a brigadier-general. We are saying let these cases end so we’ll know the result.

That’s the first time that South Africa is charging it’s policemen to court. For this particular issue, no life was lost but properties were damaged.

Senate Committee chairman on Diaspora Senator Ajibola while answering questions confirmed that there was contact between the legislature in Nigerian and South Africa.

He said: “There is the inter-parliamentary union and communication is being made to ensure the issue is being raised at parliamentary level. These matters are more of the executive level regarding the issue of rule of law and political will.

“In as much as we are relating with the parliament of South Africa, we must know clearly that this is a turf that executive action is much needed. What we do is get briefing from our executive arm and we give whatever legislative support that might be required in order to ensure that they carry out that mandate.”

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/xenophobic-attacks-640-nigerians-register-to-return-home-dabiri-erewa/

Kenneth Udeh - Abuja

The Federal government has said that it has no plans yet to cut its diplomatic relationship with South-Africa.

The Federal government revealed this through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Godfrey Onyeama, when he met with the Senate Committee on Diaspora, Civil societies and Non-governmental Organisations.

Onyeama spoke with journalists on Friday after a closed-door meeting with the Senate Committee on Diaspora, Civil Societies and Non-governmental Organisations.

The minister said that the Federal government was committed to exploring available options aimed at bringing a lasting solution to the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.



“Today (Friday) we met with Senate committee and reviewed the situation in South Africa, and examined all the possible options and the causes of these attacks and agreed on a road map of moving forward.

“Mr. President has dispatched a special envoy who would be holding a high-level discussions with the South African government. The result of the discussion would give the government a basis on which further action should be taken.”

The foreign minister further stated that no Nigerian live was lost in the xenophobic attack.

The minister said: “We know for a fact that no Nigerian life has been lost, but we are extremely concerned now that there would be adequate compensation for the properties that have been lost or damaged.

“We know that a private Nigerian airline (Peace Airline) is making available a plane at the disposal of those Nigerians who are ready to take the opportunity to leave South Africa, but that is totally voluntary.

“Based on our meeting with the distinguished senators, we have been exploring some other options; we have to ensure that this would be the last time that we shall ever be meeting to talk about all these attacks in South Africa and take necessary measures.”

Also speaking on diplomatic ties with South Africa, Onyeama confirmed that the Federal government was not close to considering severing it’s diplomatic relationship with South Africa.

He said: “We are not by any means at a stage of breaking diplomatic relations with South Africa.

“We shall wait for the envoy to return; there are different actions that can be taken at the diplomatic level without necessarily breaking diplomatic ties. After assessing all the facts and of course the way the South African government responded will be very important in helping us take a final decision.”

Furthermore, the minister said the Federal government would demand compensation from the South African government for all Nigerians affected by the attacks.

The minister said: “The Nigerian government will be demanding that the victims be compensated. Now, this is a very important issue because the South African government has been reported to say that nothing provides for them legally to provide compensation for these people.

“The South African authorities said that they would have to resort to the insurance companies or any related private arrangement. As a government, we are going to challenge that decision.”

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, Civil Societies and Non-governmental Organisations, Senator Ajibola Bashiru representing Osun Central, while also briefing journalists said the Senate would ensure that Nigerians affected by the attacks got compensation. He said that the Senate and the Federal government would jointly seek a permanent solution to the re-occuring attacks.

The Senator said: “As a committee on Diaspora, Civil Societies and Non-governmental Organisations, we actually called this meeting with the honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and his team to brief the committee on behalf of the Nigerian Senate as regards the incident in South Africa, what has been transpiring and the steps that have been taken.

“We are assured that based on credible information from the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, no Nigerian life was lost, although there were damages to property and there’s already an on-going effort to assess the extent of damage to those properties and with a view to making a clear demand to the South African government to give compensation to those whose properties have been damaged.

“Fundamental in resolving this matter is to appeal to Nigerians not to take the law into their hands as emphasised earlier by the committee on Diaspora to the Senate.

“In terms of evacuation, we also join the private airline (Peace Airline) – the Federal Government is assessing the situation and will also – be ready to support them in whatever effort, while ensuring that whatever steps we take, we must weigh the advantages and disadvantages and how they will promote the interest of Nigeria

https://www.sunnewsonline.com/xenophobia-no-plans-to-sever-diplomatic-ties-with-south-africa-fg/

Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the Permanent Secretary and a team of engineers from the State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, on Thursday, inspected ongoing roads construction in Nsukka Urban, Igbere TV reports.

Igbere TV reports that the governor and the team of engineers visited the construction sites at the New Anglican Road and Obechara Junction-Bishop Shanahan section of Aku Road, Nsukka.

After the inspection, the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure directed the construction company handling the two projects to stop work to enable the Ministry and Stakeholders of Amaeze Ani and Amaokpo Echara communities in Nsukka, meet and proffer solution for the flood routing/outflows from the catchment areas.

Thereafter, the affected two road projects, which have not been rehabilitated for decades, will be re-designed to address the identified challenges to serve the public better.

More details soon…


http://igberetvnews.com/965759/gov-ugwuanyi-inspects-ongoing-road-projects-nsukka-urbanphotos/

You are very right. The lazy and poor people are the ones that will strike first. God save us the middle class people when the revolution starts

PerfectMatchNG:
What happened in Lagos yesterday is an indication of what’s to come, it has nothing to do with Xenophobia or South Africans but a glimpse of what the middle class should expect from poor Nigerians who are waiting for a reason & an excuse to strike.

These people have constantly strolled into the malls year over year, too poor to shop & no hopes of a better tomorrow, sees other people with chubby looking kids rolling shop carts & loading groceries into their cars. They want these things too.

Engage poor Nigerians ones. You will see that undertone of “In this tough country, these people are living large and buying cars, they are thieves”. The middle class is the closest to Nigeria’s lower class. They will be the first target. This thing is here already. Just recently, I noticed my estate introduced armed mobile police personal to join the current one. The need to have this things is a signal that we have a failed society already. These people will not be able to save us. You’d be surprised they’d join in.

We are sitting on a nuke. Poor Nigerians are angry and they are not that angry at their government. They are angry at you because:
1. You drive a nice car
2. You travel for summer
3. You shop at Shoprite
4. Your kids, chubby.
5. You live in a fine house.

In this economy, how? If you lived through the riots of the mid 90s, you’d understand this is not new. The middle class is always at the receiving end. The people believe Nigerian can never be better, so they want those shiny things you have. At least that would give them some satisfactions.

If Nigeria ever gets a Revolution (which I pray we don’t get). It’s going to be the poor versus the seemingly rich. You don’t have to be rich to be a target. You just have to enjoy what others don’t enjoy. Scary times ahead.-
copied

Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has condemned the recent attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa, Igbere TV reports.

Igbere TV had previously reported that properties worth millions of naira, belonging to Nigerians, were set ablaze with many others looted by South Africans.

President of the Nigeria Union in South Africa, Adetola Olubajo, said the attacks began on Sunday morning in Jeppestown area of Johannesburg.

Mr Olubajo said in a statement on Monday that the mob “looted several shops owned by foreign nationals”, adding, ”but the police later dispersed the mob and made some arrest.”

But reacting, Kalu, a two-time governor of Abia, said the arrest was not enough, calling on Nigerians to stand firm and retaliate rather than waiting on South African to fish out the perpetrators.

In a statement sent to Igbere TV on Tuesday from his media office, the senator said “the gruesome killings, looting, arson of properties belonging to Nigerians and attack of Nigerian Embassy in South Africa is ill-conceived, disheartening and wicked”.

“How can any sensible
person attack and burn a fellow human being just because he or she has a feeling to do so ? Those mindless criminals who attacked and prevented law abiding Nigerians to freely conduct their businesses must be made to pay for their crimes. Arresting them is not enough”, he added.

Kalu questioned the essence of the renewed attack on Nigerians, adding that South Africans in Nigeria have always lived and conducted their businesses in peace.

According to him, “if the South African government do not do more to protect the lives of Nigerians, there should be no reason to allow them to operate freely in Nigeria. All their enterprises deserve to be closed down including MTN, DSTV, Shoprite among others.

“In the spirit of brotherhood, we have supported them. Our doors have always been opened but it’s time we retaliate by shutting our doors.”

Kalu while commending President Muhammadu Buhari for despatching a special envoy to South Africa, urged the federal government to hasten its intervention and institute stiffer measures against South Africa over the endless attacks.

The chief whip said the federal government should no long be patient on invoking the United Nation’s law on hate and all forms of xenophobic attacks against South Africa, “so as to make its government take the issue seriously.

http://igberetvnews.com/960069/breaking-xenophobia-senate-chief-whip-sen-kalu-calls-retaliation-says-arrest-enough/

Founder and Organizer of Miss Amnesty Nigeria Paegent Tracy Macwary has joined the league of Nigerian celebrity Mercedes Benz owners.

The former beauty queen and organizer of the popular Miss Amnesty Nigeria Paegent recently added the No 1 celebrity's Vehicle Brand worth Millions of Naira.

The delectable Paegent Organizer who started the project in 2017 , has since never looked back at taking the event to different levels with the 2019 Edition set to hold in November.

She posted a photo of the black coloured car on her facebook page attributing it to hard work, God and determination. She wrote:

" It doesnt matter how small you start, focus, determination and hardwork will elevate you.
I want to Thank God for his favour and grace in my life. More winnings on the way.
Hardwork finally paid off!
Its a Benz Baby��".
#Tracymcwaryfoundation
#missamnesty
#presidency
#Nextlevel
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2734378563240293&id=100000045296110

Jones Udeogu, a co-accused of former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, in an alleged fraud charge, yesterday told Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos, that it was only the Chief of Staff to the former governor, T. A. Orji, who determined who got what from the Government House account.

Udeogu, a former Director of Finance in Abia State Government House, made the disclosure while opening his defence to prove his innocence of the allegations.

While being examined by his lawyer, Chief Solo Akuma (SAN), the accused, who spoke from the witness box, said based on Civil Service Rules, he had no direct contact with the former governor or took orders from him, but from his Chief of Staff, who also managed Government House funds.

“According to Civil Service Rules, nobody can bypass the Chief of Staff to see or take orders from the governor. All the directors take orders from the Chief of Staff, unit heads take orders from their various directors and it is only the Chief of Staff that can give approval for who gets what from the Government House bank accounts.

“My duty then was just to work out release of funds in any forms either by cash or cheque from the accounts,” he said.

He added that all the disbursements of funds in Abia State Government House were made pursuant to the approval of the Chief of Staff.

Udeogu also denied partaking in payment of any money to the account of the third defendant (Slok Nigeria Ltd).

“I did not partake in the payment of funds to the account of Slok Nigeria Ltd. as alleged in counts 34 to 38. I am also not a signatory to the account of Slok Nigeria Ltd.

“Neither me nor any other staff of Government House paid any money into Slok account. We also did not receive any Board Resolution from Slok requesting for any money to be paid into Slok account,” he said.

Udeogu was docked alongside Kalu and a company, Slok Nigeria Ltd., before the court on charges bordering on fraud by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but the trio pleaded not guilty.

Further hearing in the matter continues today.

Source : https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/08/co-accused-exonerates-kalu/

ENUGU— MEMBER representing Ezeagu Constituency at the Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Barr. Chima Obieze has urged the State legislature and the people to support and encourage efforts by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in confronting the security challenges in the state.

In a motion raised on the floor of the House on Tuesday, Obieze assured that with encouragement and support, the tireless efforts of the governor will bring the new trend of insecurity in the state to an abrupt end.

The state lawmaker noted that the governor in its bid to secure lives and properties of citizens in the state has “ordered the immediate engagement of 5200 local vigilante (20 per ward) to be charged with the duty of maintaining Law and Order in the 260 political wards of Enugu State.

“Furthermore, the governor has charged the DSS office Enugu State Command to accept applications, shortlist, screen and select 1700 able-bodied young men, local farmers and hunters who will begin to serve as forest guards in the 17 Local Government Areas of Enugu state. The governor has also visited without fear, all the flashpoints and hideouts of these hoodlums.

“Our people say “eto dike na nke omee, omekwa ozo”. We must encourage the governor so that he can continue to do the needful and not be distracted by some of the uncomplimentary and discouraging remarks that come from our people. That is the price of leadership and their reprimand are made to motivate and not discourage the governor.”

Hon. Obieze, however, said the state, including members of the House must be pro-active and work towards restoring lasting peace and security and to fast-track the passage of Bills that would put an end to herdsmen terror in the state in order to compliment the efforts of the governor.

According to him, “we must re-emphasize that if we fail to secure the lives and properties of our people then we have all failed as a government. We must do everything legitimate, I repeat “everything legitimate” to safeguard our people.

“We must say no to any excuses, no to any obstacles, no to any sentiments, no to any hindrances, no to fear, no to selfish considerations and do the needful. No other achievement can be worthwhile if our people can’t sleep with their eyes closed. No investment can thrive in an atmosphere of chaos, crime and insecurity.

“As a Legislative House, we must also fast-track the packaging and presentation of the necessary Bills and speedy passage of Laws that will put an end to farmers/ herdsmen crises in our dear State.”



In his prayers, he urged the State legislators to pass a resolution commending the state governor taking up initiatives to rejig the security architecture of the state in the wake of recent spikes of insecurity.

He also urged the legislature to endorse the decision of the State Security Council to engage 1700 Forest Guards.

Other prayers include: “reassuring the people of Enugu State of our unflinching support for this initiative and our commitment to give every necessary legislative approval for its funding and implementation.

“Calling on all qualified persons especially hunters, hewers of wood, etc, to offer themselves for this service for the protection of our respective families and villages.

“Calling on public-spirited individuals and corporate organizations (especially those doing business within the state) to further support this desirable programme through provision of Radio Communication equipment and Surveillance/Monitoring Vehicles to facilitate its operationalization.

“Thanking Ndi Enugu for their support and co-operation in the war against criminality while urging them to remain vigilant for the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.”

The bill was Co-sponsored by:

Rt. Hon. C.C. Nwamba
Rt. Hon. Iloabuchi Aniagu
Rt. Hon. Mary Onyinye Ugwu
Hon. Okwu Chinedu
Hon. Chijioke Ugwueze
Hon. Ibenaku Onoh
Hon. Jane Eneh
Hon. Sam Ngene

https://journalist101.com/2019/08/27/gov-ugwuanyi-needs-our-support-encouragement-to-keep-enugu-secured-state-lawmaker-obieze/

Former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, on Tuesday, denied allegations that he stole N7.2 billion while at the helm between 1999 and 2007.
He said Abia State under him had no such fund.

Kalu made the denial while continuing his testimony before Justice Mohammed Idris of a Federal High Court in Lagos to prove his innocence of the allegation level against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The former governor, while responding to a question from his lawyer, Prof. Awa Kalu (SAN), over the allegation, disclosed that there was no way he could stole what was non-existence.

“Abia State doesn’t have such amount. Even the day I was leaving, we borrowed money to pay salaries. Abia State didn’t have even a billion naira in any account at the time I was governor”, he said.

To back up his denial of the allegations, the former governor, who is currently the Chief Whip of the Senate, also spoke about the difficulties he encountered in running the state with allocations from federal government.

He said:  “The monthly allocation of Abia State when I took over in June 1999 was N168 million. It was averaging between N168 million and N172 million monthly. The first month that I came in, there was even no money to buy diesel. I spent my own money to run the state for six months.

“In the year 2000, monthly allocation was between N170 million and N189 million. In 2001, it came to about N302 million to about N380 million. I can recollect in 2002, it was almost the same and in 2003 when the revenue allocation was changed, we were having about N400 million.

“The highest money I got as governor came from 2004 when we have about N1 billion and from that time up till May 2007 before I left, what we had was N1.6 billion.

“Throughout my stay in office, I never owed salary and pension. When I took over as governor and before I left, we moved it up to N500 million. It was from this that we were able to do a lot of things”.

Kalu had earlier in his evidence told the court that he has been a successful businessman before venturing into politics.

Speaking on his line of businesses before he began his political journey, he said: “I was running a group of companies under Slok Nigeria Ltd and I have a big furniture factory in Maiduguri. I was also trading in cows. The cows were coming from Chad to Umuahia. I also had a vegetable oil factory in Aba supplying to people in Kano and Maiduguri.

“I was also into shipping activities with major oil companies. We also have a very big corn farm in the East and Bauchi.

“We were a major shareholder before another shareholder bought off First Bank. In 1994, the then Hallmark Bank had a problem and I later bought majority stake in the bank. We also had major interests in banks in DRC, Gambia, Sieria-leone, Liberia and the then Sudan before crisis set in”.

The former governor also disclosed that he also deals in buying and selling of property.

He further disclosed that he made all his statements to the EFCC under bad treatment from some police officers.

“When I learnt they were looking for me, I called Ibrahim Lamorde that I was in the United States and that I will show up upon my return to the country.

“But when I returned to Nigeria, they were waiting for me at the airport and whisked me away to their office. After I was beaten up thoroughly by police officers, I asked them what was my offence and they told me I have been insulting President Obasanjo. Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Ibrahim Lamorde later came to apologise to me”.

Further hearing in the matter continues on Wednesday.

https:///A3vSRDtuOe

The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Suleiman Balarabe, has been sacked following the wake of insecurity in the state, Igbere TV can authoritatively report.

Igbere TV reports that Mr Balarabe has been replaced with Ahmed Abdulrahman as the new CP. Abdulrahman has since resumed duty as the Police Commissioner in the state.

Igbere TV learned that Balarabe’s sack followed several calls and unending protests for his removal as Enugu Police Commissioner by several pressure groups.

We had reported that residents in the state took to the streets to protest against the then CP following the killing of one Mrs Regina Mba by hoodlums on Thursday last week.

Balarabe had been accused of incompetency and highhandedness by several groups and individuals, in the wake of insecurity in the Southeastern state. He was also accused of not effectively complementing the efforts of the governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi in checkmating the activities of hoodlums and bandits it the state.

Just yesterday, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Enugu pushed for Balarabe’s removal, saying Enugu was known for peace until his redeployment to the state as Commissioner

http://igberetvnews.com/938328/breaking-igp-bows-pressure-removes-enugu-commissioner-police/

More pictures

Small scale Business owners and Artisans comprising of both the Young and Elderly in Abia-North Senatorial District of Abia State had yet another cause to smile, during the 2nd phase commencement of the Orji Kalu Foundation Petty Traders Zero Interest Free Loan Scheme.

The Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation (OUKF), a non-business/political entity, had earlier launched the programme in January 2018 for Petty Traders,Artisans and other Small business Owners in Abia State.

The zero interest financial loans has since become a watershed for petty traders and Artisans for it has continued to boost their businesses.

Last week The 2nd Phase of the scheme was launched in Arochukwu LGA which saw the disbursement of the free interest loans to hundreds of beneficiaries.

Speaking to newsman during the launch of the 2nd Phase in Ohafia Local Government, the Executive Secretary of the Foundation Rev. Mrs .Ola Jemaimah Kalu ( Perm Sec Rtd) outlined the areas covered and the idea of the zero interest loan programme of the Foundation.

She explained that the loan was Repayable over a period of 12 months (with a 2-month moratorium) at zero interest, the small business support is aimed at taking unemployed youths off the streets.

She said
" We have just launched the 2nd Phase of the scheme for this year. Last week we concluded Arochukwu LGA and by our estimation we have reached out to 20 Abia State Electoral Independent Commission (ABSEIC) wards of various local governments as against the initial 18 we did last year. We created 2 additional wards so that more people can benefit.

Today we started from Ohafia LGA and we have distributed the funds to beneficiaries in Uduma , Isi UGU , Ania and Akanu Ukwu , Ohafor, Amibe , Okagbu, Isiama , Umuayanwu and Ebem Oha wards all of which are in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State.

Afterwards we shall proceed to Nkporo and Abriba wards then we take a break and conclude with Isiukwuato , Umunneochi and Bende LGA .

The idea of the fee loan scheme is to empower the petty traders. We are working in line with the United Nation's Obejective of eradicating poverty by 2030.

The OUK Foundation apart being registered with the Copoarate Affairs Commission (CAC ) also holds a consultative status with the ECOSOC department of the United Nations."

In separate remarks, two small scale merchants, Hon. Arunsi Ubani Okafor (Trader ) and Mrs. Rosemary Ani (A Poultry dealer ), commended the foundation for its programmes for initiative, promising to make good use of the funds when available.

Mr. Arunsi Ubani in expressing his satisfaction said "I am delighted because of this laudable gesture of the OUK Foundation which is being promoted by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu. This is a Project which Senataor . Orji Uzor started even before he got into office.

If you look around you will see people beaming with smiles on their faces because of these supportive loans .

The funds will go long way in supporting our business, because with this loan I as a trader can buy more goods in order to meet up with customer demands.

We are indeed very happy we pray that God continues to strengthen and give the Foundation and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu more wisdom.
We are confident that more divdends of democracy will be attracted to us so we are very much happy."

It can be recalled that the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation in 2017 distributed Toyota Sienna buses to select transporters in the state under its youth empowerment scheme at a ceremony which had in attendance Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The Foundation has partnered with international organizations, and has continually impacted lives positively through various initiatives, including free health service, free distribution of 450,000 high Specie palm seedling to farmers , scholarship scheme, youth empowerment and leadership mentoring.

By Kenneth Udeh - Abia

https://abacityblog.com/2019/08/23/petty-traders-artisans-others-rejoice-over-resumption-of-orji-uzor-kalu-foundation-loan-scheme/

More pictures

Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Kalu’s Protocol Officer, Ugochi Okoroafor, on Sunday, tied the knot with her hubby, Frank Uchechukwu Frederick.

The traditional marriage which took place on Sunday, Aug. 18, held amidst huge fanfare and press coverage.

The exquisite event was held in Ozu Abam, Arochukwu LGA of Abia State.

The event, which held in grand style, witnessed dignitaries from all walks of life, including the former Governor of Abia State and Senator, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu.

The event was was also graced by Ugochi's colleagues all of whom are Aides to the former Governor and Senator.

Here are beautiful moments from the epoch making event as captured.

http://igberetvnews.com/914563/senate-chief-whip-senator-kalus-protocol-officer-ugochi-weds-grand-style-photos/

If the games are truly fixed, you will never share such secret with anyone, not even your friends. So stop trying to scam innocent Nigerians, lazy ass human

The Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation has inaugurated its upgraded website to encourage e-participation and bring its humanitarian activities closer to Nigerians.

The upgraded website orjiuzorkalufoundation.org features more unique contemporary designs and interface. 

The completely redesigned website offers a unique gallery of all the foundation's activities, newsletter , e-registration, and user interface to reflect the foundation's motto "securing a brighter tomorrow".

According to statement by Mr Kenneth Udeh, The Media Officer ,Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation the idea of the website was in line with the foundation's rebranding objective to encourage expanded participation of all Nigerians in the foundation's programmes.

The Media officer explained that the launch was in line with the 21st century infotech demands for greater understanding, orientation and public participation in the foundation's activities.

Kenneth, noted that Nigerians could now request for information from the foundation,submit any proposal , lodge complaints and the foundation would respond promptly.

According to the statement,

“The Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation in line with its re-branding policy has upgraded it's website orjiuzorkalufoundation.org.

The motive is to provide more awareness about the foundation's existence as well as it's activities to the generality of Nigerians. The upgraded website showcases a unique gallery of events and humanitarian empowerment programmes which it has embarked on over the years.

The new website provides a platform users to subscribe in order to receive quarterly newsletters from the foundation, it also provides links for easy access to its social media handles and further more the would provide news any of its current activities, forthcoming empowerment programmes, events amongst many other features.

The OUKFOUNDATION has within the past few years embarked on massive empowerment programmes which include: Transportation Empowerment scheme in which Vehicles were given our free of charge to beneficiaries to engage in transportation businesses, Interest Free Loans for petty traders , Free Medical Treatment for IDPS in the Northeast , Scholarship Grants , Distribution of Free High Yielding Palm Seedlings among many others .

The OUKFOUNDATION remains committed to the upliftment of the status of the under privileged in Nigeria and Africa at large.

With this development humanitarian empowerment is now being drawn closer to the people in line with the UNITED NATION'S act which the foundation holds a registered consultative status.

The Foundation can be accessed via www.orjiuzorkalufoundation.org .
Twitter @OUKFoundations and Facebook @Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation."

The OUKFoundation a registered non-profit, non-governmental organization was founded over 20 years ago with a mission to uplift the under privileged.
It focuses on mass orientation on people's rights and responsibilities, creating opportunities , providing economic as well as health empowerment initiatives for total transformation.
The United Nations NGO (office of the ECOSOC Support and Coordination) granted special consultative status to the Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation on the 26th of,July 2017.

The foundation is Chaired by Senator Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu a former Governor of Abia State and Rev. Jemaimah Ola Kalu as its Executive Secretary.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/theeagleonline.com.ng/orji-kalu-foundation-launches-ultramodern-upgraded-website/amp/

gurunlocker:


Hope they can face SARS also....

Tasued students did that yesterday

Companies being run by Indians, do not take good care of their workers, especially the casual workers. So I will advise him to go for the latter

Joevics:
I would advise you continue with the job.

If your long term goal is to become a successful career person, then take the work as your stepping stone.

It would be difficult for you to get a good job without experience.

There is a chance that the company may retain you, so continue working, at least to gain experience in any way you can.

Money agent business my seem lucrative now. But have in mind that your chances of getting a better job is higher when you are currently working.

See my Signature.

Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia-North Senatorial district has dismissed reports making the rounds on social media space that he has made certain appointments.

In a statement by his Media Office, the former Abia State Governor said; “Our attention has been drawn to news reports and social media messages stating that the Senate Chief Whip, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has made certain appointments.

“Our office has also in the past few days been overwhelmed with calls from various persons making enquiries and seeking confirmation if appointment(s) of any sort has been made.

“We would like to state clearly that neither the persons mentioned or the appointments are known to Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

The statement continued, “Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu hereby, uses this medium to categorically dismiss such information as it is totally false . We urge the general public to be duly guided against false news of such nature”.

The media office described messages as false, emanating from mischievous persons and dubious characters in their attempt to mislead and fleece unsuspecting members of the public.

https://www.abnews247.com/2019/07/i-have-not-made-any-appointments-senate-chief-whip-orji-kalu-warns/

Amuocha:
Ambode sef

He's eligible to hold the passport for life, because he's a former governor, and not a former commissioner nor minister

Ultimatezlant:
Hope no be neato c mom


E fit be the xenophobia people o

Neato C mama na Mrs chikwe and not chukwu

More scenes from the dinner party

More

More photos

Over 17 Senators,15 Ambassadors storm Senator Orji Kalu’s Residence for grand victory dinner in Honour of Senate President Ahmed Lawan.

Senator Orji Uzor-Kalu on Thursday hosted the newly elected President of the National Assembly Senator Ahmed Lawan and his Deputy Ovie Omo-Agege to election victory dinner.

Delivering his welcome remark, Senator Kalu representing Abia-North Senatorial Zone described the occasion as a celebration of victory.

The Senate President, Mr Ahmad Lawan and his deputy, Mr Ovie Omo-Agege, were on Thursday hosted to a dinner by Sen. Orji Uzor-Kalu.

The event, which took place at Uzor-Kalu’s residence in Abuja, was also attended by some senators, members of the diplomatic corps, among others.
Namely: Senator Bassey Albert , Senator Oseni Yakubu, Senator Sandy Onor , Senator Chris Adhihije, Senator Uche Ekwunife, Senator Gabriel Suswam, Senator Jubrin Barau, Senator Robert Boroface, Senator Solomon Olamilekan (Yayi), Senator Stella Odua, Senator I.D. Gyang ,Senator Halliru Jika, Senator Rochas Okorocha, Senator Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Deputy Senate President Ovie-Omo Agege , Senator Abba Moro amongst others

Members of the diplomatic corps included; High Commissioner of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Ambassador Republic Francaise (France),South African (Acting) High Commissioner, High Commissioner to Ghana, Deputy Head of Commission German Embassy, Ambassador of Brazil, Ambaasor of Senegal, Embajada de Espana (Ambassador of Spain), Political Counsellor British High Commission Abuja, Deputy High Commissioner British High Commission,Commissioner Government of Canada High Commission, Ambassador Embassy of Belgium, Ambassador Czech Republic amongst others.

Senator Kalu urged all the lawmakers to see themselves as brothers by giving the necessary support that would help move Nigeria forward.

He said ”We have the assemblage of men and women that know Nigeria very well.
”At the chamber, we are going to be voting on bipartisan basis to ensure a better life for Nigerians,” he said.
According to him, tonight is not a speech-making night.

”No motion is going to be moved here and no motion is going to be seconded here. All we are here for is to eat and drink,” he said.

Sen. Ken Nnamani (APC-Enugu), who said the presiding officers of the 9th Senate were elected in a transparent manner, described the Senate as ”an assembly of elders.”

”Nigerians are looking forward to a different outcome this time around because of the way you were elected."
Nnamani, who congratulated Lawan and Omo-Agege, said the nation’s interest, rather than party’s interest, must prevail at all times at the assembly.

He urged the lawmakers to always ensure the quick passage of the budgets.
”If President Muhammadu Buhari succeeds, you have succeeded yourselves. Therefore, there is no more excuse,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic community, the Ambassador of Israel to Nigeria, Shimon Ben-Shoshan, called on the lawmakers to put aside party differences and work for Nigeria’s progress.

The senate president, who thanked Uzor-Kalu for organising the dinner, said: ”the Nigerian project is a project of the Nigerian people and not a political party’s project and everybody must ensure that it works.

”In the 9th Senate, we are going to work together and we will distribute functions across party lines,”he said.
Lawan disclosed that the two-term governor of Abia, Uzor-Kalu, was his roommate at the University of Maiduguri in 1980.

https://abacityblog.com/2019/06/14/over-17-senators15-ambassadors-storm-senator-kalus-residence-for-grand-victory-dinner-photos-inside/

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not adopted Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as Deputy Senate President, a leading contender for the position, Orji Kalu, has declared.

The Abia North Senator-elect also debunked he has withdrawn from the race.

The National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Onilu, had on Monday morning issued a statement the National Working Committee has formally adopted Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as the party’s candidate for the position of Deputy Senate President.

Kalu, who had some days ago met behind closed doors with President Buhari, disclosed the President only adopted the candidacies of the duo of Senator Ahmed Lawan and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila for the positions of Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives respectively.



Buhari, he said, only stated anyone is free to contest for other principal positions.

In a statement by his media office on Monday and signed by Ken Cole, the former governor stressed as a staunch supporter of President Buhari and a loyal and committed member of the APC, he (Kalu) would always abide by the decisions of the President and highly respected members of the National Working Committee (NWC).

He, however, said the speculation of the formal endorsement of Omo-Agege was the handiwork of selfish elements in the party who ware self-serving and desperate to cause disharmony among party stakeholders.
Kalu said: “Ahead of tomorrow’s inauguration of the 9th national assembly and election of principal officers, politicians have started deploying different antics to satisfy their ambitions.

“One of such is a statement credited to National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mallam Lanre Onilu claiming that President Muhammadu Buhari and the NWC of the party have formally adopted Senator Ovie Omo-Agege as the party’s candidate for the position of Deputy Senate President.

“I hold the President in high esteem as well as the National Chairman of our great party, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and other members of the NWC and as such, I will not disobey any formal pronouncement by them.

“However, I am still in the race to become Deputy Senate President because the President and the NWC have not adopted any candidate and as such the contest is open to all members of the party, who have the capability.

“ I have the political dexterity, leadership qualities and goodwill to complement the efforts of the Senate President in actualizing the objectives of the legislature in support the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in taking Nigeria to greater heights.

“Leadership positions in the 9th Senate should be given to people who have the will to support the agenda of the APC while not deviating from the ideals of democracy.



“As I continue to mobilize support for the position of Deputy Senate President, I commend the President, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole and other stakeholders of the party for their support.”

He added: “Come tomorrow by the special grace of God and to the admiration of APC members and Nigerians at large, I will emerge as Deputy Senate President in the 9th national assembly”.

Kalu, while appealing to the leadership of the APC to give a level- playing ground for all contenders for the position of Deputy Senate President, who are APC members, maintained that he (Kalu) is still in the race except otherwise advised by the President or the party’s highest decision-making body

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the South South, Mr. Ighomena Akpovoka has debunked the purported endorsement of Senator Ovie Omo-Agege by the South South Caucus of the party.



Akpovoka said that the said endorsement orchestrated by the Deputy Chairman of the APC (South South), Chief Hilliard Etta, cannot stand because it was contrived on personal self interest and did not follow due process.


According to the aggrieved party chieftain, Etta, who is an in-law of Senator Omo-Agege cannot unilaterally endorse his in- law and expect other contenders to the position in the South South and other zones to accept it without a challenge.





In a statement signed by the Ughelli born politician, the so called endorsement of Omo Agege was inconsequential and thus null and void. Akpovoka stated that the Deputy Senate President of the 9th Senate will be elected on the floor of the Senate and if there should be any endorsement prior to that contest, it must come from the honorable men and women of the NWC of ruling party. He observed that Etta’s endorsement did not take into confidence the fact that other APC senators- elect such as Orji Uzor Kalu (Abia North) were still in the race for the DSP of the 9th Sena

“That is the only endorsement any contestant should seek and not the narrow and biased endorsement of a section of our party. The action of Chief Hilliard Etta, who could not deliver any electoral seat in Cross River, his home State to APC, is capable of causing disunity in our party and should be admonished by the National leadership of our party.



“I seek only one endorsement and that is the endorsement of our National Working Committee; not even the endorsement of the South East APC caucus will I accept. In the absence of the NWC endorsement, then the election of the next DSP will be resolved on the floor of the 9th Senate,” Akpovoka said.

https://www.newtelegraphng.com/2019/06/dsp-omo-agege-not-apcs-adopted-candidate-akpovoka/

More pictures

Senator Ahmed Lawan the ruling APC's candidate for Senate Presidency and Abia-North Senator (elect) Dr. Orji Uzor were pictured together all through the lecture held for the incoming members of the National Assembly in Abuja today .

Recall , that Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu had endorsed Senator Ahmed Lawan and also reinstated his call for the Deputy Senate Presidency to be zoned to the Southeast.

Source https://twitter.com/iamkennethcole/status/1137071307047231489?s=19