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Tag: ABA

  • Gov. Ikpeazu declares 3-day curfew in Aba

    Gov. Ikpeazu declares 3-day curfew in Aba

    Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has declared a three-day curfew that will last between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. in the commercial city of Aba with immediate effect.

    Ikpeazu made the declaration in a statement made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Tuesday.

    He said that the measure was to calm tension occasioned by the proclamation of a military operation code-named ‘Operation Python Dance 2’ in the South-East.

    He said that his administration was committed to the protection of lives and property and had to take such measure to protect residents of the state.

    “Abia State has for the past few days been the focus of security searchlight.

    “This is occasioned by the reported skirmish between some groups in the state, especially the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) with men of the Nigerian Army.

    “Government notes and has observed the frenzy of activities of members of IPOB within Afara – Umuahia, the ancestral home of the leader of IPOB for some months now.

    “Government is equally aware of the recent proclamation by the Nigerian Army of Operation Python Dance II within the South-East geopolitical region of Nigeria.”
    Ikpeazu said that the military operation was to check kidnapping, banditry, assassination, secessionist activities within the region, among other forms of criminal activities.

    “The recent confrontation between the Nigerian Army and members of IPOB on Sunday, 10th September, 2017, could presumably be attributed to the commencement of the said Operation Python Dance II.”

    The governor said that the state is a component part of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and that he subscribed to the supremacy of the Nigerian Constitution and all other extant laws.

    “The state government recognises the right of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to perform their statutory duty of protection of lives and property of Nigerian citizens.

    “Such duties must, however, be carried out within acclaimed Nigerian and international standards of engagement with the civil populace, with due respect to the human rights of citizens and sanctity of human lives.

    “Meanwhile, Aba residents are advised to observe a curfew from 6p.m to 6 a.m. from Sept. 12 to Sept. 14.

    “The government recognises the constitutional right to freedom of movement for all Nigerians, but objects to the influx of people into Abia State for purposes of unsettling the enduring peace in the state.”

    Ikpeazu urged residents of the state to go about their normal legitimate businesses without fear or favour.

    Meanwhile, Dr Unya Okocha, a medical doctor with Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), has reacted to the development.
    Okocha told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Aba that the curfew was necessary to stop possible bloodshed that could arise from confrontation with military men.

    He said that the cause of the trouble was that after Sunday’s clash with IPOB men in Umuahia, the army surrounded Nnamdi Kanu’s house with armoured cars.

    According to him, the anger of the IPOB people is rising and extending to Aba, hence the action by the state government to forestall clashes that can be bloody.

    He said that the curfew would take social and economic toll on the residents of the commercial city.

    However, in a reaction, Maj. Oyegoke Badamosi, the spokesman of 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, said that the army was quelling erupting unrest in Aba.
    Badamosi said that the army in Aba swung into action when it found that some miscreants were making bonfires on the roads to cause trouble in the city.

    Meanwhile, reliable police sources told NAN that some miscreants seeking opportunity to commit crimes had hijacked “IPOB sympathy protests” in Aba and turned it against the people.

    The source said that the action degenerated to breaking and looting of shops, resulting in the closure of Ariaria and other notable markets in the city, including roadside shops.

  • Abia State Gov declares curfew in Aba

    Abia State Gov declares curfew in Aba

    Apparently worried by the development coming after members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and soldiers attached to 14Brigade Ohafia, Abia State, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on Tuesday announced a three day curfew in Aba, the commercial nerve of the state.

    Ikpeazu in a release that he personally signed at the end of a crucial meeting with heads of security agencies in the state at the Government House, which was obtained by our correspondent through the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Enyinnaya Apollos said that the curfew would be effective from 6pm to 6am within the three days.

    While the Governor said that it doesn’t see anything wrong with the Python Dance II in the southeast as was initiated by the army authorities, it demanded that such action should be carried out according to international best practices.

    The release further urged members of the public and Aba residents to be law abiding and go about their businesses without any fear as government on its part was committed to ensure the safety of lives and property of visitors and residents of the city and neighbouring towns.

    Parts of the release read “Abia State has for the past few days been the focus of security searchlight occasioned by the reported skirmish between some groups in the State, especially Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) with men of the Nigerian Army.

    “Government notes and has observed the frenzy of activities of members of IPOB within Afara – Umuahia, the ancestral home of the leader of IPOB for some months now.
    Government is equally aware of the recent proclamation by the Nigerian Army of Operation Python Dance II within the South – East geopolitical region of Nigeria.

    “The operation as declared by the Army is intended to check kidnapping, banditry, assassination, secessionist activities within the region, amongst other forms of criminal activities.

    “The recent confrontation between the Nigerian Army and members of IPOB on Sunday, 10th September, 2017, could presumably be attributed to the commencement of the said Operation Python Dance II.

    “The Abia State Government unequivocally states that Abia is a component State of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and subscribes to the supremacy of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and all other extant laws.

    “While the Government of Abia State recognizes the right of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, to perform their statutory duty of protection of lives and property of Nigerian citizens, such duties must be carried out within acclaimed Nigerian and international standards of engagement with the civil populace, with due respect to the human rights of citizens and sanctity of human lives.

    “The Abia State Government is committed to the protection of the lives and properties of its citizens and others residing and doing business within the geographical entity called Abia State.

    “Abians and others living within Abia, are advised to remain law abiding and carry on their lawful business without fear, as efforts by Government will be made to reduce friction between the civil populace and military personnel in the State.

    “Meanwhile, Aba residents are advised to observe a curfew from 6pm to 6am from today 12/09/2017 to 14/09/2017.

    “Persons residing within the State are strongly advised to remain law abiding, while going about their lawful business without fear of molestation, and, not engage in any form of confrontation with military personnel or other security agents.

    “The Government recognizes the constitutional Right to Freedom of Movement for all Nigerians, but objects to the influx of people into Abia State for purposes of unsettling the enduring peace in the State.

    Finally, Abia State will co – operate with security agencies to maintain the rule of law and order in the State.”

  • Aba waits after floods

    Aba waits after floods

    Over one month after Aba, Abia State’s city of commerce and industry, was submerged, residents hope their pleas will be answered. SUNNY NWANKWO reports

    The downpour on July 23 was devastating. Two children were said to be swept off. Homes were wrecked, and many residents forced outdoors. Aba, Abia State’s commercial capital, had a sudden tragedy in hand. Those affected, mostly in Aba North and South local government areas, appealed for help, wherever they could get it, from the local government to Abuja, the nation’s capital. Six weeks after, some residents wondered if no one heard their pleas. Nothing of substance was forthcoming from any of the tiers of government.

    Some of the distraught residents took to abandoned petrol stations for refuge not minding the danger of being exposed to dangerous animals that may be occupying the makeshift shelter before their arrival.

    The lawmaker representing Aba North and South Federal constituency, Hon. Ossy Prestige  visited them alongside the head of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Owerri Operations Office, Hon. Ugo Evans. Prestige was moved to tears seeing the damage and horrible conditions under which dislodged families lived after the floods.

    Aba’s flood problems are multiple. There is a federal road project under the supervision of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) that could drain off Aba floodwaters to the Aba River. But the concern is that for years the project has not made any appreciable progress. That is why the residents often resort to self-help to prevent their houses from being submerged after several failed attempts to attract the attention of government to their plight.

    They dread the rainy season during which they go through much stress finding a way to their homes and then out again every day to look for daily bread.

    The Nation gathered that a trip to Ihieorji to Umunkama down to Ukwa which usually took a stop now takes up to three or four stops depending on where you are going. A trip to Umunkama which once cost between N30 and N50 now costs as much as N100 and even N200.

    A resident described their ordeal as hell on earth, adding that this year’s rain took them by surprise.

    A resident of Amucha, Mrs. Uchechukwu Nnadiugwu said, “To be frank, what we usually see here during rain is unbelievable. We are happy to see you guys here today. During rainy season, we hardly see food to eat because of several expenses we are expecting to make on flood disaster. We just pray God gives you people the strength to help us out totally from this predicament. On Sunday we didn’t go to church because we were using pumping machines to take water off our buildings. Seeing Prestige Ossy here, I’m so happy.”

    Another respondent, Ikechukwu Onyiba corroborated Mrs. Nnadiugwu, adding, “Almost all our tenants here have been driven away by the downpour. It got to a point where we had to use refuse to build local fence and today, the rain has totally destroyed the local fence and destroyed our homes and every property we had in our houses.

    “The reason why we are still here is because here is my hometown. I’m from here and have no place to run to. Our house here occupied over 15 plots of land, but as I speak to you now, there’s not a single tenant there. The flood comes from Ibadan Street, Ohanku and some other areas to us here to cause damage.

    “As I speak to you, two children died and their bodies were discovered the next day. Their mother carried their things to somewhere, but before she could return, the flood carried her two children. Where we are standing now used to be a house over 30 years ago, but flood has destroyed everything here.”

    In an interview with newsmen, Ugo Evans of NEMA said, “From what I’ve seen, it’s obvious that this area is a flood-prone area. And from what I also heard, it has been like this for the past 8-10 years. Many administrations have come and gone with zero remedy and no help is being given to residents of this area. What I’m seeing and hearing here is unbelievable.

    “According to what we’ve seen here today, it’s obvious that bad road networks and lack of drainage and plane area for flood control are the main problems. We shall come in and give them some relief materials to enable them replace their lost properties with the aid of state emergency management to sensitise people in this area on how to leave here. As soon as possible, this will be done. We are here as a fact-finding team, so when we are doing our recommendations, we’ll include medical aid because the possibility of an outbreak of disease abounds.”

    Also speaking, Prestige said, “My impression still remains the same. Federal Government needs to order its agencies to come to the rescue of Aba people. In my motion, I expressly said that Aba has been submerged by flood and that the flood menace in Aba need the urgent intervention of the federal government right now. Having come here with some officers of NEMA, I’m sure that the report they will give back to their office wouldn’t be different from what I’ve said in my motion.

    “Federal government as a matter of urgency should come to the rescue of Aba people because half of Aba is now almost having an IDP camp. I’m sure you saw some people sleeping in filling stations. Their bedroom and parlours are now in the filling stations.

    “NEMA has done so much in the Northeast, providing them with food items, houses and so on. Aba is also in need of such help because my people are suffering too. There is a serious problem in Aba. As I heard from one of the landlords saying that if not for the fact that he’s from there, that he would have run away because all his tenants have all moved away. People now sleep in churches and public places. This is exactly what is obtainable in the Northeast.

    “I know that in the last three months, over 13 billion naira has been spent in providing facilities and some of these relief materials in the Northeast. Even if it’s half or one quarter of what’s spent in the Northeast to Aba, I’m sure it will go a long way in making Aba people know that they are a part of this country.

    “It will not stop here. It will continue till NEMA does something. I assure Aba that they will be remembered. Let me inform us that prior to now I’ve written to the ecological office in the SG office about Aba.

    “I’m sure that apart from NEMA, FG through ecological office in SFG office will do something. The ministry of works and housing has sent their staff to measure the remaining part of the road with a view to continue after the rains. And the roads under construction must be done with the knowledge that here is flood prone area.

    “When dry season sets in, I’m sure the construction will continue. Raising alarm about flood disaster is not the issue. The execution part of the alarm is what matters.”

  • Embrace local culture, minister urges students

    The Minister of Information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has urged students and parents to embrace their local languages and cultures.

    Mohammed,who was represented at the Cultural Day celebration of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba by Mr. Uche Idika Kalu, the Curator of National Museum of Colonial History, Aba, lamented that Nigerians were abandoning their cultural heritage.

    He said events like the Cultural Day celebration reminded people of the need to preserve their cultures and traditions.

    The Minister praised the Igbo for their industry and hospitality. However, he condemned the quest for materialism, especially among the youth.

    He called for patience and hard work, warning that anyone who tries to acquire wealth through  crooked means would end up in regret.

    The Rector of the polytechnic, Prof. Friday Eboh, described the event as important one.

    He said the school decided to mark the yearly cultural festival to help promote the cultural heritage of various ethnic groups in Nigeria.

    He urged parents to join the school and other stakeholders in the campaign to ensure that customs and traditions of various ethnic groups in the country continue to exist.

    Highlights of the event were various displays from various ethnic groups on the campus.

  • Attempted abduction: Lawyer blasts Aba Policemen

    Attempted abduction: Lawyer blasts Aba Policemen

    Aba based lawyer, Barr. Emperor Gabriel Ogbonna has narrated how he narrowly escaped death by the whiskers in the hands of gunmen who had wanted to abduct him from his residence located at Ogbor Hill, off the heart of Aba, Abia State.

    Ogbonna, though could not disclose the hospital where he was receiving medical attention, in a facebook post on his wall thanked members of the public for praying for his quick recovery but however blasted policemen in Aba for not “doing their job.”

    He also dismissed reports that has been making wave in the commercial city that the gunmen were assassins, but a failed kidnapped attempt.

    The post on his timeline with the caption “stronger than the will to live is the will to thrive” read “On Monday the 28th day of August 2017, I closed work and I was driving home.
    As usual, I called my wife to inform her that I was coming home so that the gate can be opened.

    “Before I could reach my home, the gate was already opened so as soon as I drove in, about four to six men armed with AK47 guns and pistols pounced on me, trying to abduct me.

    “I didn’t know who they were so I was confused. They were shooting sporadically both at me and in the air and one of them aimed at me and shot me at the back.

    “The Ak47 bullet entered my back, passed through very close to my stomach cavity or sac and came out through the front. I instantly collapsed and my right leg was broken, broken into three pieces.

    “The gunmen wanted to carry me into their vehicle but due to the fact that my body was heavy, my leg shattered and I was bleeding from my stomach, they were arguing whether to take me with them or leave me in a pool of my blood.

    “They then drove off and the boys in my street took me to the first hospital then rejected me but the second hospital accepted me and both surgeries and treatment of the eight inches long bullet was been done on me.

    “I went to the land of the dead and came back. But I made up my mind that I shall not die. I under that almost everyone in the social media was praying for me.

    “My church was praying, the government was praying, friends were praying, lawyers were praying, my family was praying.

    “All-over the world calls were coming, the Aba community were praying, my classmates were coming. Some wanted me to come over to America or Europe for treatment. Never have I see such an outpouring of love.

    “So any people who came to see me in the hospital were turned back, big men, prominent men, we turned back. Some managed to see me at least. When I recover fully, I will dedicate a piece to tell the world that played what role toward my recovery.

    “But I was not just determined to live, I was determined to thrive. I saw that stronger is the will to thrive than the will to live, and that when you desire to thrive, life comes naturally.
    Today, I am recovering. It is a slow process but a steady process.

    “I read several persons and website insinuating that what happened to me was an assassination attempt. I make bold to state that what happened to me was not an assassination attempt, no. It was a kidnap attempt gone badly.

    “The Nigerian police are highly incompetent. They will stay few metres away collecting money from transporters and would run away when they hear a gun shot.

    “The other day I was on TV program and the Abia State commissioner of police called, I advised him to cause his boys from search vehicles instead of collecting Rogers and let vehicles pass at hot areas.

    “The Nigerian police in Abia state is just interested in collecting money from motorists and bail money without doing anything.

    “If you have a bomb in your car and ten men with Ak47, and police stop you and you give them N100, they will allow you pass. And if they hear a gunshot, they will run away instead of coming to help the victim; Shameless people.

    “The money spent on maintaining the police is a waste, complete waste. So many people have identified with me at this time, and more are still. I am grateful. I shall recognize you soon when I get better.

    “I have going through the internet and i never knew I was this loved by Nigerians. Only few people have the privilege of reading their eulogies while alive. I thank you all. I am still the same person you know I have not changed, and shall not change.”

  • Traders make brisk sales as Aba hosts IPOB leader Kanu

    Traders make brisk sales as Aba hosts IPOB leader Kanu

    The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State on Sunday August 27 to further push the course of his group. Sunny Nwankwo, who was at the event, writes on how many traders made fortune from the visit.

    Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, gained its popularity through the ingenuity of its residents and their huge interest in trade and investment in economic activities. This accounts for why the city would be bubbling with human and vehicular movement in many parts of the city within the week days except Sundays when major markets of Ariaria, Cemetery/Eziukwu, Ahia Ohuru (New market), Shopping Center among others remain closed.

    But the long held belief that Sundays, usually provide residents of Aba the opportunity to commune with their maker (God for Christians) and also provides them the space to attend social functions and to meet family and friends who they may have not being able to see for a very long time was set aside at the weekend.

    While the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was in Aba at the weekend to further preach the message of emancipation he has for his supporters who thronged the premises of Boys Technical College (BTC), Aba located along Faulks road, many SME owners took the advantage to display their wares to make brisk cash at the event.

    From Biafra insigma to food items and amongst others were all on display for people to buy.

    Some of the traders who spoke to our reporter said that they couldn’t afford to miss an event that would help them make some sales in order to put food on their family tables.

    They however told our reporter that they reduced the price of their items at the rally ground to ensure that as many that would want to buy the items can buy such.

    One of the traders, Ikechukwu Goodluck said that he has been preparing for the event since last two weeks when he got wind of Kanu’s imminent visit to Aba as he stated that he knew that many people would be in attendance.

    A food vendor, Mrs. Ifeoma Uzoma said that she has not recorded the kind of patronage she recorded since she started selling food and prayed that a day like that would continue to be witnessed.

    While these people were having a field day, Kanu had a message for his supporters and to the federal government of the country.

    The IPOB leader, who described Aba as the “Spiritual Land of Biafra”, said that he was not going to go on exile, urging his supporters and those who believed in the Biafra course to be strong and resolute.

    He also used the opportunity to reiterate that there won’t be election in Anambra in November or any part of “Biafra Land” even in 2019 unless there was a date for referendum which the group has been clamouring for.

    Kanu who paid tribute to those reportedly killed at National High School Aba by security agencies in his words said “Here we are, is Biafra Land. Aba is the spiritual capital of Biafra land. We started in Aba in 2015 at CKC (Christ the King Catholic Cathedral). That day, heaven authenticated our move that IPOB will restore Biafra and that’s what we’ve come to do. We died in Aba; At National High School.

    “They shot and killed us in other places in Biafra land when they were protesting for my release. As our people rest in the grave, we’ll never rest until Biafra is restored. I don’t care what they say in Abuja. I don’t give a damn what they say in Lagos.  “I’m a Biafran and we are going to crumble the zoo. Some idiots who are not educated said that they’ll arrest me, and I ask them to come. I’m in Biafra land. If any of them leaves Biafra land alive know that this is not IPOB. Tell them that’s what I said.

    “Tell buhari that I’m in Aba and any person who comes to arrest Nnamdi Kanu in Biafra land will die here. I’ll never go on exile I assure you.

    “Some people talk about restructuring, are we doing restructuring of Nigeria now? Are we doing fiscal federalism? Are we doing devolution? What we want is Biafra!

    “Forget all the nonsense they write about us. We are not slowing down and no man born of a woman can stop us. They thought we are joking and God gave us a simple message that no one can stop us. The movement to restore Biafra is unstoppable.

    “God sent me to you, Aba people and I am giving you His message. Our veterans here, your own message is that you’ll see Biafra alive not in death.

    “The message of heaven is what I bring to you. Don’t be afraid. The plans of our enemies are not going to be actualized. The enemies are planning, but we are formidable.

    “We are going to boycott Anambra State election. After Anambra 2017, in 2019, there’ll be no elections in Biafra land. Signed and sealed. My message is that there’ll not be election in Biafra land ever again until they give us date for referendum.”

     

  • Importation of vegetable oil killing local industries, says industrialist

    An industrialist in Aba, Abia State, Chief  Emma Obi, has decried the continued  importation of banned Olin (vegetable) oil into the country.

    Obi, the immediate past chairman of Industrialists Association, Aba (IAA) and managing director of Polema Industries Ltd, said: “Government should check if the importers are paying duties at all for these goods because we are sure that if they pay 35 percent duty on all these goods (vegetable oil), they can not sell at the cheaper rate they are presently selling them thereby trying to close local industries, particularly the agro allied industries today.

    “The duty for palm oil is 35 percent, Olin is totally prohibited, but what they are doing now is to front their importation with palm oil, but in actual sense, palm oil will not be more than 5 percent of the total goods and they would now bring it in. Even at that, with the 35 percent duty, the price they are selling it now shows that they are not paying the duty because if duties are paid, they couldn’t be selling at the price they are selling today.”

    Advising the Federal Government, the industrialist said: “Government should go back to cross check all the documents importers of palm oil present in recent past because a ship loads of oil is about N2bn and if you check 35 percent duty on it, it is N700m. So, if they had paid it, there is no way they would have been selling below the global price here in Nigeria. They are only doing that because they cut corners to bring the goods into the country.”

    Obi  went on: “Government should understand that the cheapness of goods that are imported from outside is not the actual price at their country of origin. Their governments give over 15 percent subsidy to make sure that the private industries are working because what they are aiming at is not for profit, but for the industries to retain production and continuously employ and pay their workers, but here we don’t see unemployment as anything.

    “What we have had over the years is a situation whereby imported goods are cheaper than those manufactured in the country and this is killing local industries and creating serious unemployment. Government should make it attractive for people to invest their money in production, but if those who have invested in this sub sector are being frustrated through high electricity tariff and making the country a dumping ground for foreign goods, it means it will not be attractive for others to enter.”

  • Hope in Enyimba City

    Hope in Enyimba City

    A Federal Government’s electrification plan could put business people who generate most of Abia State’s revenue out of years of anguish, reports SUNNY NWANKWO

    The Federal Government has a plan to provide 24-hour power supply for Ariaria International Market, where most of Abia State’s internal revenue is generated. The plan will clean up the market, speed up the traders’ business and generate more cash for the state.

    It will be historic if the plan works out. Aba, where the market is situated, has had its fair share of electricity agony. Power supply through the public grid is woeful. It is irregular; when it is available, it does not last, and when the bills come they are so inflated that the frustrated consumers call them crazy. This has had untold effect on the products which Ariaria traders and fabricators push out: they are overpriced because they are produced with privately generated power. Some otherwise talented workers have taken to violent crime because they were unable to cope with the power challenges. Other residents take to demonstrations. A House of Representatives member who represents Aba North and South Ossy Prestige favours dialogue rather than protests. That was why he set up a town hall meeting with the traders and others stakeholders to talk things over, suggest what to do and leave the rest to him and other others.

    “Many persons are not here today because they said this was not the initial plan,” Prestige said at the town hall. “They preferred demonstration which they believed that after it, they would be called and addressed, but I said no. If there is an opportunity for us to discuss, it is better than any demonstration. There is nothing better than dialogue in conflict resolution. All groups and representatives are free to tell these people our problems here today so that we can reach a conclusion that will be binding. If this dialogue fails, then we will do the obvious of which you know I’m ready to lead.”

    While Hon Prestige is working out things from his own perspective, the federal government has a plan of its own: to light up the nest where the golden egg is laid.

    The Managing Director Rural Electrification Agency and Special Assistance to the Office of the Vice President on Power, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi in an interactive session with leaders of various unions in Ariaria International Market held at the secretariat of Aba Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (ACCIMA), said that the power project will be executed by Total Support Energy; an Independent Power Project agency commissioned by the federal government to provide 24 hours power supply to traders of Ariaria International Market.

    Ogunbiyi described Ariaria International market traders as key to the economic growth of the country especially now that the federal government is committed to promoting the local manufacturing sector. She expressed the hope that the project, on completion, would reduce the cost of power supply to the traders.

    She said that the essence of the meeting was to interact with leaders of various market unions and to get accurate data; number of traders, shops and an estimate of power regularly consumed on a daily basis to enable them estimate what amount of power to be provided.

    Ogunbiyi said the power plant project would specifically be for Ariaria traders, artisans and fabricators, adding that Geometrics would be providing power to homes and offices in the commercial city and its environs. She also used the opportunity to urge the market leaders to sensitise their members on the need to provide accurate information to the team to avoid underestimation.

    In an interview, the Managing Director of Total Support Energy, Mr. Ubani Nkagineme stated that if his team would get the needed cooperation from the market leaders and their members, the power project would be ready for use by December.

    “If Ariaria market cooperates with us, we will use two to three weeks to gather data that we need. We will be able to advise government on how much power that is required to give steady power supply to the traders in Ariaria International Market. We can also be able to project the amount of power that they would require in years to come so that the infrastructure would be planned properly.

    “Government is not promising to solve all their problems at once, but it is good to start somewhere. The reason Ariaria was picked is because it is a key market to the economic growth of the state and the country at large. If Ariaria is working and everybody knows that Ariaria is working, it becomes easier to get others. Once we finish the study, like I said, if Ariaria market cooperates with us well, before Christmas, you will have 24 hours power supply in Ariaria.”

    Elder Emeka Igara, chairman Ariaria International Market in his speech disclosed that the market has over 200,000 shops with average of 10,000 customers patronising the market on a daily basis and expressed hope that the number would increase as soon as the project comes to fruition.

    The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on Youth Empowerment, Mr. Chinenye Nwogu said the state was to ensure that the project worked, stressing that the importance of Ariaria International Market to the incumbent administration in the state cannot be overemphasised.

    Nwogu also expressed hope that the power project would boost trade and investment, create employment and job opportunities to teeming unemployed Abia youths as well as reduce crime rate in the state.

     

  • Flood: Aba’s old nemesis returns

    Flood: Aba’s old nemesis returns

    Its commerce has won many over, but there is one thing Enyimba City has not conquered: flooding. SUNNY NWANKWO reports on the deluge that swamped Aba

    In a room in one apartment you could only see a few inches of the backrest of a plastic chair sticking out of the water. Everything else was underwater except for some half-submerged weighty household items placed on the chair in the hope that they would be safe from the flood. They were not.

    Aba may be Abia State’s commercial nerve, crawling with irrepressible business people and ingenious fabricators, but it is also notorious for its floods. Such is the flood disaster that the late Chief Sam Mbakwe in his days as governor of old Imo State, of which Abia was once a part, wept as he stood before then President Shehu Shagari. He needed federal government’s intervention. Decades after, Aba is still troubled by its old watery enemy.

    Enyimba city in the last one month has witnessed persistent rains, sometimes so heavy that most parts of the city would be flooded, making human and vehicular traffic extremely difficult.

    Sunday, July 23, was one of the days when many residents of the economic and business-oriented city wished never came. It was the day many residents of the three most crucial local governments: Osisioma, Aba North and South at the heart of the commercial city, experienced for the first time this year what they described as one disaster too many. It was a day flood sacked over 100 families from their homes and damaged property worth several millions of naira.

    While the residents hope for some relief in the “August break”, some have called on the authorities to fix the flooding menace in their areas in order to save their homes and properties. One of the people affected by the flood was the wife of a former military administrator of Cross River State Mrs Rosemary Archibong. She appealed to Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, NEMA and other relevant bodies in charge of addressing flooding issues in Abia to intervene to save their properties.

    Mrs Archibong in a telephone interview with our correspondent said her residence was still flooded days after the Sunday downpour. She said that the persistent flooding of her street and apartment has forced her tenants and many residents on the street to vacate, adding that the problem could cause more harm if not urgently checked.

    He husband died last year.

    She said, “This house is what I am left with and I can’t afford it because of flood, which has been a regular occurrence whenever it rains. I know that the issue of flooding will be solved and that is why I am appealing that the state government and those responsible should come to our aid to fix this problem once and for all.”

    Other residents of Aba also affected by the flood are counting losses which they suffered in the torrential rain that has left them homeless.

    The Nation gathered that residents of Amucha by Ohanku and Ibadan Street off Ngwa Road, Ama Ogbonna, Dike Street by Garden Avenue, Off Okigwe Road, Ekeakpara and other parts of North and South Local Government Areas of the state were the worst hit.

    Unconfirmed reports from Ngwa Road have it that about three children were reportedly swept away by the water and were not seen at the time of filing this report.

    Some of the displaced persons who spoke to our reporter appealed to the state governor, Abia State Emergency Management Agency (ASEMA) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to come to their aid as they were yet to recover from the shock of the flood.

    A resident of Agalaba Street in Osisioma Local Government Area, Comrade Charles Alili narrating the incident to our reporter where he was taking refuge with his family, said, “By 7am in the morning (Sunday), while we still waking up from sleep, we heard a loud sound. We thought it was thunder, but in less than five minutes, the whole compound was filled with water.

    “We later found out that the fence demarcating our house from the other side failed and the water from Ekeakpara zone of Osisioma that couldn’t find its exit route because the gutter was blocked, emptied into our compound.

    “The whole flats in our compound were submerged and what we quickly did was to evacuate about 16 children that were in the compound when the incident happened. An aged woman of about 80years was equally taken away with the help of neighbours who came to our rescue.  Our properties including cars were not left out. No life was lost, but property worth millions of naira was damaged. No one can make use of any property in his or house again because the water was above window level. No cloth to wear to market and school and as it stands; we are yet to think of what to do. We are appealing to NEMA and ASEMA to come to our aid. We are just like refugees in our own state.”

    A resident of Amucha by Ohanku, off Ngwa Road that simply gave his name as Nkemakolam disclosed that the damage the rain dealt on Aba South residents were running into millions. This is even as he stated that many residents of Amucha and Umuogele as at 10am “this morning was still trapped in their residents”.

    Nkemakolam said, “The embankment which has been built by house owners over the years as a palliative to stop rain from entering their houses collapsed during the heavy rain on Sunday, causing many houses to submerge. We even learnt that some people are looking for their children as we speak. The damage by the rain is severe and we want government to come to our aid because the damage is too much for us to bear.

  • Widow raises alarm over son’s arrest by army

    The family of Arthur Enyinna of Abala village in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State has raised the alarm following his arrest by soldiers in Aba, the commercial hub of the Abia State.

    The family said they were yet to be informed by the army about Arthur’s whereabouts, adding that he is a staff of the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, ASEPA, Aba zone.

    Family sources told newsmen that Arthur was arrested by soldiers attached to the Army unit stationed at Asa Road, Aba, on July 14, 2017 and that they were yet to see or hear from him since his arrest

    They stated that the army were yet to also tell the family members the reason they arrested him, a development said to have caused his mother emotional and psychological trauma.

    His mother, Mrs. Comfort Enyinna, a widow, in an emotion-laden voice, decried her son’s arrest, calling on the soldiers to release him. She stressed that Arthur is not a criminal.

    She said, “I’m appealing to the Army to release my son wherever he is being held. He is not a criminal and ought not to be made to suffer. He has been sick, and came home on Thursday and left for work on the following day, only to be arrested. We have visited several Army units in Aba and they told us that he is not with them. I wonder who my son could have offended. I plead with the person to pardon him, he is not a criminal. We have also reported his arrest to his office at ASEPA, yet they have not done anything to trace his whereabouts.”

    Efforts to reach Deputy General Manager, Abia State Environmental Protection Agency, Aba zone, Chief Rowland Nwakanma in order to find out what the agency was doing to ensure the rescue of his staff failed as he couldn’t take repeated calls to his mobile phone.

    When contacted, Army Public Relations Officer (APRO), 14 Brigade, Ohafia, Abia State, Major Oyegoke Gbadamaosi confirmed Arthur Enyinna’s arrest, adding that he has been handed over to the Department of State Services (DSS), Abia State command.