The Nation Newspaper

Tag: abia

  • Navy keeps criminals at bay in Abia community

    Navy keeps criminals at bay in Abia community

    Criminals have found it difficult to operate in Owerrinta, an Abia State community on the Imo State border. That is because the Navy has its school of finance and logistics there.

    Owerrinta is a travellers’ hub, a location from where transporters head Southwards or Southeast. The high volume of human and merchandise traffic have for year drawn all manner of characters to Owerrinta, a good percentage quite criminal.

    But crimnality has ceased since the navy moved in, bringing peace to the bustling border community, which hosts several popular secondary schools.

    One of the residents of the community who gave his name as Chima Njoku said that the presence of the navy in their community has given them a sense of belonging as they have impacted positively on their lives.

    Njoku said that the people of the community has always made their naval hospital accessible for them while their pregnant women are given free treatment and free HIV/AIDS scanning.

    From the community has also come more assurances from the navy on security, and not just for the community residents but for everyone else. The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Ibok Ibas, who came into town, said the Navy is determined to ensure adequate security along national territorial waterways.

    Speaking during a visit to the Nigerian Navy School of Finance and Logistics Owerrinta, Abia state, Admiral Ibas said that the criminal acts on the waterways will soon be a thing of the past. He said that the navy has been mandated to handle all issues concerning criminalities along the waterways such as illegal bunkering, stealing of crude oil, and piracy among others.

    The navy chief, who inspected ongoing projects in the school, warned criminals who have made the waterways their safe haven to steer clear or face the music. He noted that piracy, crude oil theft and other illegalities in the maritime environment have been a major source of revenue leakage for the country.

    “We are determined to bring them to a halt,” he said.

    The navy chief said the navy is prepared for war against maritime crimes.

    “We are prepared and winning the war against maritime criminals, and there will be no hiding place for them under this administration”.

    Admiral Ibas who spoke through the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command, Biola Mohammed, observed that the navy is determined to ensure that its personnel are given professional training.

    He said, “We in the naval arm of the Nigerian military are determined to ensure that our officers and men are given both professional and military education to enable them perform their duty very well.”

    “We give all strata of our men the best international standard training practices as is obtainable at any navy all over the world, therefore manpower development, professional ethics among others are our priority”.

    He expressed happiness with the level of development in the school and urged them not to hesitate to bring to his notice anything that will be a clog in the wheel of progress in their education in the school.

    Admiral Ibas also thanked the commandant of the school, Capt Abdulahi Aminu for the able way he and his men have been tackling the issue of criminals in the state and urged them to continue the good work.

    Earlier in his welcome speech, Capt Aminu thanked the CNS for finding time out of his busy schedule to visit the school.

    “Sir,” he said, “this shows that you have great regards for this school, the naval officers studying here and our host community”.

    Capt Aminu promised that the school and the ratings and officers in the school will not let the navy and the federal government down as they are determined to do their work with the best international standard practices.

  • ‘Why Cross River, Abia should form stronger ties’

    ‘Why Cross River, Abia should form stronger ties’

    Worried about the current situation of distrust among some ethnic nationalities in the country, the President of Abia Community (Nzuko Ndi Abia) in Cross River State, Prince Raymond Atulomah has stressed the need for Cross River and Abia states to forge stronger ties for socio-economic development of the two states.

    To achieve the objective, Atulomah said indigenes of Abia State resident in Cross River State were working towards holding the maiden edition of Abia Day fiesta in Cross River State.

    According to him, the Southeast and South-south states have a lot in common and have had long history of good relationships that should be improved on.

    In a chat with Niger Delta Report, Atulomah stressed that such synergy was necessary to develop the entire region.

    He said: “The Abia Day which will hold  on November 26, would be the first in the history of the people of Abia State resident in Cross River State. The fiesta will be a showcase for the rich cultural potential of Abians. People know the Igbo as businessmen. But we are not only businessmen. We have technocrats and professionals. We can be reckoned with in all spheres of life. So, we want to hold the fiesta in a grand style.

    “We embarked on the Abia Day because we have visited states and they have been showcasing their cultural heritage in their host communities. You will recall that some of us were born here, and some of us married here. But some of us don’t know that there are similarities in our cultures. We also want to let the host government know that Abia State has close relationship with Cross River State. If we hold the event, it would bring citizens of the two states closer.

    “We would display to the world the cultural richness of Abians and also let them know who we are. We want the world to know about us and what we represent. You know that there will be a carnival in December and all the states will exhibit their cultures. So, this is just a prelude of what we are going to showcase during the Calabar carnival.

    “We are happy with what Governor Ben Ayade is doing in the state. His commitment to industrialise the state is commendable.

    “Abia is good at producing textile materials. So, if you are having a garment factory in Calabar, there is going to be a link. Some of us would benefit from this link. Captains of industry of Abia origin are coming on that day to tell the government how they can collaborate; how they can have that synergy to work together and see how the two states can be developed.

    “The relationship we have with Cross River State currently is very cordial. We have a rapport and that is why we want to use Abia Day platform to heighten it.

    “It is going to be a great occasion. We have reached out to our host communities. We have reached out to our traditional rulers here and we have their blessings. The Obong of Calabar, Edidem Ekpo Abasi Otu; Ndidem of the Quas, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Ndidem Patrick Oquabor; and Chairman Traditional Rulers’ Council, Southeast Region, His Royal Majesty (HRM) Eze Eberechi Dick will be our patrons and Fathers of the Day.

    “Expected at the event would be Governors of Abia and Cross River states, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and Prof. Ben Ayade respectively as special guests of honour. Recipients of awards at the event would include Governors of Abia and Cross River states, Speakers of Abia and Cross River states Houses of Assembly, John Gaul-Lebo and Martins Azubuike; Chairman Obong’s Council, Chief Bob Edem Duke; Cross River State Commissioner for Information, Mrs Rosemary Archibong and Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Asu Okang, among others.”

    Atulomah said they would also use the occasion to solicit support for their multi-purpose hall, to be known as Abia House. “We want to have our own home in Cross River State. I have not seen it elsewhere. We want to begin it here,” he said.

    One of the leaders of thought of Abia Community, Prof. Chris Okezie Ijioma, also emphasised the need for both states to work together.

    He said: “Whatever meaning you give to anything must be understood within a context, and therefore the Abians who are in Cross River State can only be understood in the context of the state. Whatever we are or continue to be would be as it relates to Cross River State, seeing Cross River State as a whole and the Abians as a part of that whole.

    “In this context, the whole cannot thrive without the individuals who make it up. Neither can you say much about the individuals without referring them to the context where they exist. Therefore, we are going to discuss collaborations to make an impact to the government here and how the government here can protect us. And we speak fundamentally that there has to be a good relationship between us and them. This is because without a good relationship, we cannot make a good impact as we are supposed to. We are working towards unity between Cross River and Abia states. So, whatever is going to be done on the Abia Day would be a catalyst towards this.”

    Legal Adviser of the Community, Kingsley Kalu, also said: “We are the same people. In fact, history has it that the Efiks migrated from Arochukwu in Abia. Culturally, the affinity is so much. There are lots of similarities in our cultures that sometimes I have to wonder why the tower of Babel had to be that we speak different languages. The people here are very open to visitors and very hospitable and the Abians have been integrated so much. So, Abia Day is a forum to showcase and reintegrate the uniqueness of the Abians and Cross Riverians and also to let them know we are closely interwoven.”

  • Abia PDP prepares for December council poll

    The Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has begun preparations for the chairmanship and councillorship elections in the 17 local government areas of the state.

    The ruling party in the state held the congresses for its councillorship candidates and set up a three-man ad hoc delegate in each of the 292 electoral wards in the state.

    Our reporter, who visited the wards, said the party conducted a peaceful congress in which most of the wards harmonised their lists and chose their candidates.

    But in Aba South, some people said the exercise was a sham because they were allegedly schemed out.

    A chairmanship candidate for Aba South and former chairman of the local government area, who spoke in confidence, said the exercise did not hold in the area.

    At Abayi Ward 1 in Obingwa Local Government Area, voting materials had not been brought to the polling unit when our reporter got there at 1.46 p.m.

    Voters and candidates were waiting for the materials to arrive.

    A councillorship candidate, Mrs Amba Ihejirika, accused some party members of planning to rig the congress.

    She warned against such move.

    At the council’s headquarters, materials were being shared at 4 p.m. At Umuola Ward 8 in Aba North Local Government Area, the congress was peaceful and the results announced.

    The same happened at Sand and Gravel Ward at Ogbor Hill area of the local government.

    At Okporo and Igbere communities in Abia North, the congresses were also peaceful.

     

     

  • Abia NIPOST sensitises on World Post Day

    Abia NIPOST sensitises on World Post Day

    The Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST) Umuahia chapter has celebrated this years’ World Post Day with one thing mind: to tell everyone that NIPOST is still in existence and in business.

    Speaking while leading the workers of NIPOST in Umuahia, the Area Postal Manager (APM), Mr Pascal Ijara said that the day is set aside by the United Nations all over the world to celebrate post offices and their services.

    Ijara said that the UN established the Universal Postal Union (UPU) to also remember when postal administration worldwide was co-opted into the UN since 1874, therefore this year makes it 142 years since the celebration started.

    He said that the Umuahia chapter of the NIPOST decided to have a road march to let the people know that they have not been shut down like other organisations that were created with them many years ago.

    The APM said, “We decided to have a different World Post Day celebration from what we normally used to do by moving around the state capital to let the people know that post offices are still working hard to deliver mails and parcels to the door steps of people and promptly too.

    “We went to the state command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the commandant asked us if NIPOST is still in existence, what we did have opened the eyes of many people who never knew that we are still operating”.

    “Many people have this funny feeling that with the demise of NITEL that NIPOST had also gone the same way because we were created the same day, however being born the same day does not mean that we are going to die the same day, we are still very much alive”.

    “People also have the feeling that with the advent of GSM phones and Internet that NIPOST has died a natural death, but I want to let people know that our services are quite different from the modern communication technology, which is the reason behind our still being in business”.

    Ijara said that most people still prefer using NIPOST to receive their parcels from all over the world as it one of the most trusted way of sending things to their loved ones, adding that other services includes new money order and stamp duty.

    Earlier in his address the Director-General of Universal Postal Union, Bishar Abdirahman Hussein said that since the establishment of the union that their customers have always been their main focus all over the world.

    Hussein said that for the past 142 years that UPU came into being, “We have been able to create a seamless network for communication across borders, allowing the Post to deliver the world and modern communication and consumer demands have pushed the Post to deliver right to customers doorsteps.”

    He said, “Our customers trust us and we are also the only trusted partner to provide locally and globally essential services to the public even as delivering at door steps is no longer enough, as people want service when and where they need it, which requires more flexible and personalised services.”

  • Police parade 20 suspected criminals in Abia

    The Abia State Police Command has paraded 20 suspects for various crimes.

    Also, a suspect, Onyekachi Michael, has apologised for his crime.

    The 25-year-old said he was arrested during his first attempt at robbery.

    He said he joined the others to raise money for a surgery he needed to save his life.

    Parading the suspects in Umuahia, the state capital, Police Commissioner Leye Oyebade said they included electricity transformer vandals, who were apprehended at various points across the state.

    Michael told reporters that he stole a laptop and sold same to his friend, Ifeanyi Okocha, a professional Disc Jockey (DJ) for N15,000.

    The suspects said he needed N45,000 for his surgery, adding that Okocha pledged to buy the lap top without knowing that it was stolen.

    Also, then police paraded Samuel Okorie, who allegedly connived with other members of his three-man gang on October 1 to rob and kill Mrs Anthonia Dike at Lopkaukwu in Umunneochi Local Government Area.

    The suspects were said to have trailed the woman to Ofeme in Umuahia North Local Government Area on September 29.

    Oyebade said the woman was returning from Jos, the Plateau State capital, after a business trip, when the incident occurred.

    He said: “Okorie and his gang, who are on the run, attacked occupants of the vehicle but shot Mrs Dike.”

    Among the suspects was a 300-level undergraduate of Political Science at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) in Awka, Anambra State, Franklin Ukachukwu.

    The suspect allegedly specialised in stealing household property.

    He was arrested with other members of his gang and the woman who allegedly bought the stolen items, Nwakala Adiele, of Owahafor in Obingwa Local Government Area.

    Items recovered included a Toyota Sienna with registration number AGL 676 DH, five standing fans, three TV sets, including one plasma TV set, two generators, CD players.

  • Navy chief warns criminals in Abia

    Navy chief warns criminals in Abia

    The new commandant of the Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College, Owerrinta, Abia State, Captain Abdullahi Aminu has warned criminals to steer clear of the state or face the music.

    Aminu said that the navy in the state was prepared to tackle criminality with all seriousness, adding that the naval headquarters had empowered to bring felons to heel.

    Speaking at the naval college, Owerrinta during the third quarter of its quarterly route march and show of strength, Capt Aminu said that the exercise was aimed at ensuring that naval ratings and officers were fit at all times.

    Capt. Aminu said that during the exercise that officers and men of the naval college are expected to show the people how ready they are to tackle the menace of criminals within and around the state.

    He noted that part of their charge is to ensure the security of life and property of their host community and the state wherever they are based, stressing that since their advent at Owerrinta that there has been peace.

    He recalled that barely two days he assumed office as the new commandant, that his men rescued a four year old boy who was kidnapped at St Theresa’s Catholic Church Obosi in Anambra state.

    The naval boss said that the boy was kidnapped on Sunday at Obosi Anambra state and was rescued the next day in Abia state, “This tells you the preparedness of my officers and men in crime fighting and we are determined to do more”.

    Capt Aminu said that from what he has observed on the fitness of his men which shows low level of fitness, “I am going to introduce the route march to be a monthly thing, which will be done at the end of every month”.

    “The idea is to ensure that my men are fit at all times to face the security challenges that have been trying to overrun both the state and country, every military man should be fit and ready at all times in case of any crisis so as not to be caught unawares”.

    “What we are doing which is done every quarter is approved by the navy headquarters, as signals are sent before the date of the route march, as it is  enshrined in our rules”.

    “The exercise is also to let criminals operating within the state to stay clear or be consumed as we are prepared to ensure that our environment is secured at all times and I am sure that we have not been doing badly in that area”.

    He used the forum to give kudos to members of the host community for their effort in ensuring that they perform their security duties to the optimum level, stressing that they have been giving them useful information to work with.

     

  • ‘Abia poly’s N2b not mismanaged’

    The immediate past chairman of the governing council of Abia State Polytechnic Aba, Prince Christopher Enweremadu has said that the current chairman of the council did not get his facts right about the contentious N2 billion bank overdraft. Enweremadu, a former speaker of the state House of Assembly, said the new chairman’s allegation that the fund was mismanaged was not backed by facts and figures.

    Enweremadu said, “If the chairman had gone through the history of the polytechnic, he would have appreciated that when we came on board, the institution owed N1.1 billion to several banks and also seven months’ salary arrears to staff. After a careful review, my council agreed that the sum of N2 billion be taken as overdraft with an interest of N25 million and by this time no bank was willing to lend any money to the institution, which made us to go for a term loan’ with a lesser interest rate”.

    “When the N2 billion term loan came we had reduced the bank loan to N900 million and part of the agreement with First Bank was to buy over the loan which they did and tellers were issued to Abia Poly and by the time they took their bank charges, we had N1 billion left”.

    “Out of this amount, we had a running battle with the then rector on what to do with the remaining N1 billion, the then council insisted that the amount should be used to repay the loan through building hostels that would yield money, the management insisted on using it to pay salary arrears.”

    “The staff salary by them was N134 million monthly and from the N1 billion that was left, about six months’ salary was paid off, so the chairman saying that contracts were wrongfully awarded smirks of mischief”.

    “Only about N35 million was paid to a contractor, as most of the said contracts were awarded without any money to back them up, so the current chairman talking about mismanagement of funds when we left N210 million which he has not accounted for till date”.

    “It should be noted that since the N2 billion was gotten without the account being serviced, interest was being taken from the principal sum, so this is a case of kettle calling pot black, but this man took the sum of N26 million of the school fund to refurnish an office that

    has no problem”.

    “Here is a man who increased his sitting allowance from N64,000-N260,000 and goes there three times in a week to enable him claim the money from an institution with lean resources, if this not fraud and mismanagement, I wonder what it is”.

    “I want to advise him to address issues before the institution and stop chasing shadows”.

    “I want to appeal to Abia state government to take a critical look at the accounts books of the Polytechnic to know exactly what happened to the said N2 billion, as no bank gives loans to institutions to pay staff salary”.

    “By the time I left as the chairman of the governing council of the Abia Poly, we were able to reduce the backlog of salary arrears down to four months, but now the salary arrears have gone up to seven months which is the reason the staff are on strike.”

  • Abia partners Turkey

    Abia partners Turkey

    In a bold step aimed at growing the state’s economy, the Abia State government has started a business relationship with the Republic of Turkey, with a plan to draw from the country’s industrial and technological experiences to develop its local potentials.

    The relationship which began with the visit of the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu and some of its key officials to Turkey in September last year, was taken further last week with the hosting, by the Turkish Embassy in Nigeria, of a session for businessmen and women from the country and Abia State.

    The event, held in Abuja on September 27 did not only afford Abia State the opportunity to showcase its potentials and market itself to international audience, it provided avenue for physical interactions and exchanges between businessmen/women and intending investors on both sides.

    Ikpeazu told the gathering that he was fascinated by the story of Turkey steady economic growth and wants his state to benefit from the Turkish experience in growing its small scale industries (SMEs) to the level where the SMEs now serve as the hub of the country’s industrialisation.

    “We are a young state with growing economy, dominated by SMEs. We that felt the best thing was to learn from Turkey how they were able to manage and grow their SMEs into a major economic hub on which the country’s economy revolves,” he said.

    IKpeazu identified some of the business advantages of the state to include its location, serving as a confluence state between the South-south and South -east regions of the country and located within 30 minutes’ drive from the capital cities of the major oil producing states of Rivers and Akwa Ibom, aside from being an oil producing state itself.

    “Beyond that, our strength lies in our ability to make things with our hands. We boast of over 50,000 shoe and garment making enterprises. We believe that our people can learn from the Turkish experience.

    “The emphasis, during my last visit to Turkey, was how to deploy Turkish technology to produce beautiful shoes and dresses. Our interest is that, in days ahead, flowing from this friendship, we will begin to experience the fruits of the collaborative efforts between our businessmen and investors/businessmen from Turkey.

    “We are very energetic and resourceful people. We are working to ensure that Abia becomes the first state in the country where businesses will enjoy uninterrupted power supply, and thereby becoming a new destination for investment in the country.

    “Yes, of course, the beautiful thing is that we have critical manpower. Our people are not completely ignorant of what it takes to make shoes and dresses. So, what they need is the technical input which we intend to get from Turkey now.

    “What we expect is that the Turkish people will teach us how to use these machines and produce on a large scale. The first incentive is that our story, trajectory of development has a socio-cultural bearing with what our people believe in.

    “Under our watch, we will ensure secure and peaceful business environment by providing security, peaceful political environment. We will allow you easy access to whatever you require to set up and grow your businesses as you want, he said.

    Ikpeazu said is state is currently working to ensure that any business seeking to set up in Abia, can access land and related requirements within 14 days.

    The state’s Director of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) Office, Austin Ufomba, in a presentation, highlighted the state’s comparative advantage; identified the numerous natural resources that abound in the state and also, touched on its various investment opportunities.

    Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hakan Cakil lauded the initiative between his country and the Abia Government. He was enthusiastic that the relationship will yield positive results.

    He noted that it was the first time the embassy would witness such a showcase by a state government in the country, describing it as a brilliant idea that would serve to benefit both Nigerian and Turkish businesses.

    “Abia State has rich natural resources and we have a very dynamic private sector in Turkey and the Turkish private sector has a growing interest in Nigeria. So, we hope that in the coming months or years, Turkish private companies will invest in different areas in Abia. “We are doing our best to encourage more of our companies to come to Nigeria and do business. There is need for us to turn the potentials of the countries’ friendship to opportunities for enhanced business relations and bilateral trade,” Cakil said.

    At the event were the state’s leading politicians and businessmen including the immediate past governor, now Senator Theodore Orji and Senator Enyinanya Abaribe. Members of the Aba Chamber of Commerce and Industry and other businessmen/women from within and outside the country were at the event, which afforded them the opportunity to explore business opportunities with their Turkish counterparts.

     

  • Navy chief warns criminals in Abia

    The new commandant of the Nigerian Navy Finance and Logistics College, Owerrinta, Abia State, Captain Abdullahi Aminu has warned criminals to steer clear of the state or face the music.

    Aminu said that the navy in the state was prepared to tackle criminality with all seriousness, adding that the naval headquarters had empowered to bring felons to heel.

    Speaking at the naval college, Owerrinta during the third quarter of its quarterly route march and show of strength, Capt Aminu said that the exercise was aimed at ensuring that naval ratings and officers were fit at all times.

    Capt. Aminu said that during the exercise that officers and men of the naval college are expected to show the people how ready they are to tackle the menace of criminals within and around the state.

    He noted that part of their charge is to ensure the security of life and property of their host community and the state wherever they are based, stressing that since their advent at Owerrinta that there has been peace.

    He recalled that barely two days he assumed office as the new commandant, that his men rescued a four year old boy who was kidnapped at St Theresa’s Catholic Church Obosi in Anambra state.

    The naval boss said that the boy was kidnapped on Sunday at Obosi Anambra state and was rescued the next day in Abia state, “This tells you the preparedness of my officers and men in crime fighting and we are determined to do more”.

    Capt Aminu said that from what he has observed on the fitness of his men which shows low level of fitness, “I am going to introduce the route march to be a monthly thing, which will be done at the end of every month”.

    “The idea is to ensure that my men are fit at all times to face the security challenges that have been trying to overrun both the state and country, every military man should be fit and ready at all times in case of any crisis so as not to be caught unawares”.

    “What we are doing which is done every quarter is approved by the navy headquarters, as signals are sent before the date of the route march, as it is  enshrined in our rules”.

    “The exercise is also to let criminals operating within the state to stay clear or be consumed as we are prepared to ensure that our environment is secured at all times and I am sure that we have not been doing badly in that area”.

    He used the forum to give kudos to members of the host community for their effort in ensuring that they perform their security duties to the optimum level, stressing that they have been giving them useful information to work with.

  • ‘Abia poly council N2b overdraft not mismanaged’

    The immediate past chairman of the governing council of Abia State Polytechnic Aba, Prince Christopher Enweremadu has said that the current chairman of the council did not get his facts right about the contentious N2 billion bank overdraft. Enweremadu, a former speaker of the state House of Assembly, said the new chairman’s allegation that the fund was mismanaged was not backed by facts and figures.

    Enweremadu said, “If the chairman had gone through the history of the polytechnic, he would have appreciated that when we came on board, the institution owed N1.1 billion to several banks and also seven months’ salary arrears to staff. After a careful review, my council agreed that the sum of N2 billion be taken as overdraft with an interest of N25 million and by this time no bank was willing to lend any money to the institution, which made us to go for a term loan’ with a lesser interest rate”.

    “When the N2 billion term loan came we had reduced the bank loan to N900 million and part of the agreement with First Bank was to buy over the loan which they did and tellers were issued to Abia Poly and by the time they took their bank charges, we had N1 billion left”.

    “Out of this amount, we had a running battle with the then rector on what to do with the remaining N1 billion, the then council insisted that the amount should be used to repay the loan through building hostels that would yield money, the management insisted on using it to pay salary arrears.”

    “The staff salary by them was N134 million monthly and from the N1 billion that was left, about six months’ salary was paid off, so the chairman saying that contracts were wrongfully awarded smirks of mischief”.

    “Only about N35 million was paid to a contractor, as most of the said contracts were awarded without any money to back them up, so the current chairman talking about mismanagement of funds when we left N210 million which he has not accounted for till date”.

    “It should be noted that since the N2 billion was gotten without the account being serviced, interest was being taken from the principal sum, so this is a case of kettle calling pot black, but this man took the sum of N26 million of the school fund to refurnish an office that

    has no problem”.

    “Here is a man who increased his sitting allowance from N64,000-N260,000 and goes there three times in a week to enable him claim the money from an institution with lean resources, if this not fraud and mismanagement, I wonder what it is”.

    “I want to advise him to address issues before the institution and stop chasing shadows”.

    “I want to appeal to Abia state government to take a critical look at the accounts books of the Polytechnic to know exactly what happened to the said N2 billion, as no bank gives loans to institutions to pay staff salary”.

    “By the time I left as the chairman of the governing council of the Abia Poly, we were able to reduce the backlog of salary arrears down to four months, but now the salary arrears have gone up to seven months which is the reason the staff are on strike.”