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  • Otti inaugurates new Abia council chairmen, deputies

    Otti inaugurates new Abia council chairmen, deputies

    The newly elected Mayors and Deputy Mayors of the 17 Local Government Areas in Abia State have been sworn-in with a charge to address the various developmental challenges confronting their localities.

    Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Banquet of the Government House, Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti said that though the Mayors emerged from different political platforms, the whole agenda remains the same which is putting Abia first.

    “We must do our best to bring a permanent closure to certain challenges that have held our communities for ages.

    “There are a few challenges that we must effectively tackle in short and medium terms including access to potable water, quality basic education, electricity for homes and businesses, affordable transportation, quality road networks including safe and secure neighbourhood,” he said.

    Otti, who said that the new Council functionaries are expected to take full responsibility in the development of their areas, warned that they should not fail Abians as there should be no excuse for low performance. 

    Governor Otti congratulated them on their emergence and appreciated ABSIEC for conducting a free and fair elections as well as thanked other contestants for their spirit of sportsmanship.

    Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the Mayor for Isuikwuato local government area, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke described their emergence as a rare honour to serve the people of the state.

    He said that they are mindful of the enormous task ahead of them but assured that they would perform accordingly as they are going to follow the template of Governor Otti.

    The Mayors and their Deputies include;

    1. Aba North – Timothy Iheke (Mayor), Christian Chijioke (Deputy)

    2. Aba South – Anyanwu Obilor (Mayor), Azubuike Nwankwo (Deputy)

    3. Arochukwu – Okereke Ezearo (Mayor) , Ngozi Nwafor (Deputy)

    4. Bende – Uwabunkeonye Bassey (Mayor), Ngozi Anya (Deputy) 

    5. Ikwuano – Dr Anthony Nwaubani (Mayor), Awuwa Lucky Chibuikem (Deputy)

    6. Isiala Ngwa North – Innocent Uruakpa (Mayor), Ahamdi Ahamba (Deputy)

    7. Isiala Ngwa South – Nnadozie Nwaogwugwu (Chairman), Vivian Obilor (Deputy) 

    8. Isuikwuato – Chinedu Ekeke (Mayor), Ifeanyi Njoku (Deputy)

    9. Obingwa – Maxwell Nwadike (Mayor), Destiny Isiguzo (Deputy)

    10. Ohafia – Eleanya Ojuu Kalu (Mayor), Eme Iro (Deputy)

    11. Osisioma – Chidi Christian Agu (Mayor), Victor Ugochukwu Nwogu (Deputy)

    12. Ugwunagbo – Ihenacho Chiemela Nwagbara (Mayor), Ugochukwu Ukaegbu (Deputy)

    13. Ukwa East – Chibunna Akara (Mayor), Thelma Ekeke (Deputy)

    14. Ukwa West – Dike Nwankwo (Mayor), Joel Udo Nwankwo (Deputy).

    15. Umuahia North – Smart Ihuoma (Mayor), Chinwe Odoemelam (Deputy)

    16. Umuahia South – Chinwendu Enwereuzo (Mayor), Enyinnaya Nwosu (Deputy)

    17. Umunneochi – Sunday Afuruike (Mayor), Igbo Chukwunenye Innocent (Deputy)

  • Abia LG polls: Otti expresses satisfaction with electoral process

    Abia LG polls: Otti expresses satisfaction with electoral process

    Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has expressed satisfaction over the smooth electoral process in Saturday’s Local Government Elections in the state.

    Otti spoke in an interview with newsmen after casting his vote at about 12:19pm at Ahiafor Umuru-Umuehim Nvosi Polling Unit 017 in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

    He also expressed satisfaction with the voter turnout and orderly conduct of the exercise.

    The governor was accompanied to the polling unit by his wife, Priscilla, who also voted in the same unit.

    He said that, aside from minor disruptions in Obingwa and Ohafia LGAs, the process was largely peaceful, with security agencies deployed to maintain order where needed.

    He encouraged the electorate to vote for credible candidates, who could deliver their campaign promises.

    He also reiterated the importance of choosing leaders based on competence rather than political affiliation.

    Otti said that council elections were particularly significant because they impact rural communities directly, allowing residents to elect candidates they know and trust.

    “The point remains that political parties are platforms for running elections and like you would notice, a lot of political parties have problems but irrespective of that, we have advocated that people should vote candidates that are credible and competent to deliver.

    Read Also: Otti approves N70,000 minimum wage for Abia workers

    “If you want to continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy, if you want to continue to enjoy performance then, you need to vote people like that.

    “I believe that this election would synchronize with that call I’ve been making because people have also been talking about it, that they are going to vote people who have capacity.

    “And it’s a local government election. We all know our people,” Otti said.

    He further expressed the hope that the elections would reflect the people’s desire for capable leadership and reinforce the delivery of democratic dividends at the grassroots level.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the elections, which suffered initial hiccups over the late arrival of materials and officials, later gathered momentum.

    (NAN)

  • Abia lawmaker assaults bolt driver, threatens to make him disappear

    Abia lawmaker assaults bolt driver, threatens to make him disappear

    Member representing Aba North/Aba South federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, has been caught on a viral video assaulting a Bolt driver sent to deliver a parcel in his Abuja residence. 

    The first-time lawmaker elected on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) was also heard on the video threatening he can make the driver disappear in the whole of Nigeria and nothing will happen. 

    He told the driver he was a Senator of the Republic  threatenening to deal with the driver, after slapping him three times, saying he will not pay for the service for disrespecting him.

    As of the time of filing this report, he was yet to respond to a WhatsApp message The Nation sent to his mobile. The spokesman of the House was also yet to respond. 

    Below is a full transcript of the what transpired below the lawmaker and the driver:Hon. Alex: Do you know where you are? Do you know who I am? So, you think I will give you my money with the way you have spoken to me? 

    Driver: I did a job for you and you have to pay me. 

    Alex: You will not see a penny from me with this great level of disrespect. You are very stupid. Very very stupid (he makes a call and his heard talking to someone in phone). Madam, who is this stupid boy that you sent to this my house? Who is this foolish boy you sent to my house? How can this stupid idiot come to my house and say I am supposed to come and meet him in his car and collect the snails I am buying from you? 

    Can you imagine this rat? I can make this man disappear in the whole other Nigeria and nothing will happen. Can you imagine this rat? I am not going to give this boy one naira of my money. No, no, no. I am. Not going to give this silly boy one naira of my money 

    Driver: You have been insulting me and I have been quiet. 

    Alex: And I pray that you do. I pray that you insult me. Can you please insult me? I am not going to call my policemen to beat you up. I will beat you up myself to show you that I am a big brother to you. I will slap the hell out of you, beat you up and you lock you up in my generator room. How dare you? Do you know who you are talking to? Do you know where you are? Is it because you see me sitting out here? 

    Driver: Please sir, pay me and let me go. 

    Alex: Look at this monkey oooh. Are you looking at me and thinking that you can beat me? Who do hell you think you are talking to (he slaps the driver) ? Do you know who I am? I am a Senator of this Republic (another slap). Do you know who the fuck I am? How dare you?. 

    Driver: Are you slapping me sir? 

    Alex: (seen picking up his phone) You see, in this place, I will deal with you. 

    Driver: Are you slapping me sir? 

    Alex: I just did and I am coming back. How dare you? His dare you? Howe dare you? Do you know who I am? 

    Driver: Did you just slap me three times? 

    Alex: I just did twice and the third one, you will soon receive it. How dare you? Common get out of this place. 

    Driver: I need my payment. (Making a narration) This is where I am. I just got three slaps from this man because I told him to come. Get his stuff and pay me my money. He claims.. (Cuts in) 

    Alex: Tell them. My name is Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwecheg, a member of the House of Representatives. Tell them I slapped you. Call the Inspector General of Police. Call him, let him come here. Record me very well. You came to my house, you disrespect me. 

    Driver: I did not disrespect you. I said pay me my money and let me leave. 

    Another slap ended the short video

  • Couple beheaded in Abia

    Couple beheaded in Abia

    The Abia State Command, Nigeria Police Force (NPF) yesterday confirmed the beheading of a couple, Mr. Jacob Udo and his wife, Comfort.

    They were from Itumbuzor, Isiala Autonomous Community in Bende Local Government Area.

    The killers, after beheading them, dismembered their bodies.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, said: “Yes, we received such a report yesterday at Bende Divisional Headquarters.

    “The crime scene has been visited, exhibits recovered, body deposited at the mortuary, and investigation is ongoing.”

    Read Also: Tinubu’s 64th independence speech complete, positive — UI-LISA’s report

     Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, who is from the constituency, condemned the incident.

    In a statement, the Deputy Speaker said: “I unequivocally condemn the brutal killing of the couple. This shocking act of violence contradicts humanity’s basic principles. My thoughts are with the victims’ families and their loved ones.

    “I urge the authorities to investigate and bring perpetrators to justice. We stand together against violence and extremism, advocating for a culture of tolerance, respect, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.”

  • Abia govt to implement new minimum wage for civil servants in October

    Abia govt to implement new minimum wage for civil servants in October

    The Abia state government has announced plans to begin paying a new minimum wage to its civil servants starting in October.

    This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, during a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting, chaired by Governor Dr. Alex Otti.

    While Kanu did not confirm if the wage aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ₦70,000 benchmark, he stated that the new wage would apply to all categories of workers in the state.

    The government also said it would construct 17 court halls across the state’s local government areas to enhance the administration of justice.

    He further disclosed that the state Ministry of Health will next week organise a free medical outreach at Ugwunagbo.

    He said there would be free medical consultations, maternal and child healthcare services and free diagnostic tests.

    He also said that in a bid to encourage Abia athletes, the governor has concluded plans to host para-Olympic athletes who made the state proud, particularly Miss Onyinyechi Mark who won gold in the 61 kg category and Miss Esther Nworgu who also won silver in the 41kg class.

    Our correspondent reports that the Abia State chapter chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya had vowed that the leadership of the workers’ union will not accept any decision by the governor of the state, Dr. Alex Otti to pay members of the union anything less than N70,000 minimum wage approved by the federal government.

    Comrade Ogbonnaya reacting in a telephone interview with our correspondent on Tuesday maintained that their stand on the payment offer ₦70,000 minimum wage to workers on level 1 step 1 was sacrosanct.

    According to the state NLC boss, what the leadership of the NLC in the state will be discussing with the state government as they continue with the ongoing negotiation is the consequential adjustment of the payment of the minimum wage as it affects civil servants on other grade levels.

    “I even thank God that the governor has said it at last, but our position still remains the same.

    “Between now and the end of October, by His grace, we will finish the negotiation and everything will fall in place.

    “As we speak, we are just coming back from the NLC leadership training concerning the ₦70,000 minimum wage and the negotiation process.

    “Any moment from now, we will write government officially for us to discuss the consequential adjustments that will come up with a veritable outcome.

    “The ₦70,000 is the beginning; level 1 step 1. Other agreements or negotiations on consequential adjustment will follow.

    Read Also: Minimum wage: FG backdates implementation to July 29

    “We want to thank the governor of Abia State for giving Abia people have new lease of hope; that come the end of October, everything being put in place, workers will receive their new minimum wage.”

    On what they may do if the governor fails to pay workers the ₦70,000 minimum wage, Comrade Ogbonnaya said: “We don’t need to deliberate on that.

    “The Commissioner said that the state government will pay ₦70,000 minimum wage by the end of October.

    “The payment of ₦70,000 starts with level 1 step 1. Level 1 step 1 cannot earn the same thing as level 8 or 13. It is a right step in the right direction and we commend the governor, at least for joining other counterparts to pay the ₦70,000 minimum wage.

    “By the end of this October, as the governor has just said, the payment of the new minimum wage will start.”

  • Tension in Abia community over death of middle-aged man

    Tension in Abia community over death of middle-aged man

    There is palpable tension in Umuikaa community in Umuojima Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State following the unannounced death of a middle-aged man.

    The deceased who was identified as Thankgod Emmanuel, a 26-year-old and indigene of Abala Ibeme in Obingwa Local Government Area of the state, but a resident in Umuikaa community, was allegedly killed by an indigene of the Osisioma community.

    It was gathered that trouble started when the deceased, Emmanuel saw his alleged killer, Chiemela Chimeze, 28-year-old and indigene of the Umuikaa community with his stolen mobile phone and demanded that the phone be returned to him.

    Read Also: Troops bust another gunrunning syndicate in Plateau, recover weapons

    Reports have it that the refusal of the Umuikaa indigene to hand the said mobile phone over Emmanuel-led to a brawl between the two.

    The accused was said to have, in the heat of the fight, used a knife to stab Emmanuel in the chest, causing him to bleed profusely.

    Reports have it that Emmanuel died in the pool of his blood, forcing his relatives (some indigenes of Abala living in the Umuikaa community) to resort to reprisal as they launched an attack and set ablaze the family house of the said killer which housed some commercial shops.

  • Abia distributes palliatives to prison inmates, orphanages, others

    Abia distributes palliatives to prison inmates, orphanages, others

    Abia State government has announced the distribution of palliatives to inmates of the state correctional facility in Umuahia, the state capital.

    The state government also shared the palliatives to civil servants, persons with disability, Abia Correctional Center, Amaudo Itumbauzo Center for Mentally ill Destitute, orphanages, widows, and among others.

    This is even as the government said it had been fair and transparent in the distribution of the four tranches of the federal government palliatives to the citizens.

    Read Also: FG shuts Eko bridge, ramps for 8-week repairs

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Policies and Intervention, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru stated this while briefing the journalists on the distributions of the federal government palliatives across the State.

    He said that the state government received a total of 16,800 bags of 50kg rice and 13,260 bags of 50kg maize, converted the maize to rice by selling the maize to buy rice, as well as adding more 4,800 bags of 50kg rice to it, and making it a total of 30,800 bags of 50kg rice which was distributed across the state in the first batch.

  • Abia transparent in distribution of FG’s palliative materials – Otti’s aide

    Abia transparent in distribution of FG’s palliative materials – Otti’s aide

    The Abia Government says it has observed the highest standard of transparency in the distribution of Federal Government’s palliative materials to the vulnerable and special targeted beneficiaries.

    The Special Adviser to Gov. Alex Otti on Policy and Intervention, Rev. Fr. Christian Anokwuru, said this on Friday, while briefing newsmen on the tranches of the materials so far received by the state and the modalities for distributing them.

    According to Anokwuru, the state received 16,800 bags of 50kg rice and 13,260 bags of 50kg maize.

    He said that the maize was later exchanged with rice, bringing the quantity of rice received and distributed to 30,800 bags.

    He said that the State Government also augmented the quantity with additional 4,800 bags.

    Giving a breakdown of the  materials, he said that the state took delivery of 24,000 bags of 25kg rice in the second batch and allocated 19,524 bags to Abia civil servants from Grade Levels 1 to 8.

    He said that 4,476 bags were distributed to persons with disability, Abia Correctional Center, Amaudo Itumbauzo Center for Mentally-ill Destitutes, Orphanages and widows, amongst others.

    Anokwuru said that the distribution was carried out by his office, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs and Office of the Wife of the Governor.

    He said that the state also received 13,260 bags of 50kg maize and 3,196 bags of 25kg garri in the third batch.

    He said that it distributed 601 bags of maize and 144 bags of garri to  each of the 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    He said that faith-based organisations got 156 bags of maize and 38 bags of garri, while boarding schools got 23 bags of maize and six bags of garri.

    The governor’s aide also said that the state received 8,900 bags of Urea and NPK fertilizers in the fourth batch, which came in June.

    Read Also: Abia to punish those encroaching on public schools’ land

    He said that a guideline and dates for the distribution of the items to 15 LGAs had been mapped out.

    He said that Aba North and Aba South LGAs, with minimal farming activities, were excluded.

    He said the state designed the distribution plan to support farmers in both rural and semi-rural areas because of the importance of agriculture to the state economy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Anokwuru was assisted at the briefing by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Cliff Agbaeze, and Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma.

    (NAN)

  • Abia to punish those encroaching on public schools’ land

    Abia to punish those encroaching on public schools’ land

    The Abia Government says it will henceforth initiate legal action against any individual or organisations found encroaching on plots of land belonging to state-owned schools.

    Commissioner for Information, Mr. Okey Kanu, disclosed this in Umuahia, while briefing reporters on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting.

    Kanu said that the committee set up by Gov. Alex Otti on the Recovery of School Lands had made remarkable progress with new discoveries.

    Read Also: Endrick’s golazo secures Madrid’s UCL victory on opening day

    He said the committee discovered that individuals were not the only suspects in the act.

    According to him, market associations, religious organisations and communities are also involved.

     “The committee is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that all those involved in taking over schools’ land are brought to book,” he said.

    The commissioner further said that the committee was divided into three groups for effective coverage of the three senatorial districts.

  • BREAKING: Lagos, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa-Ibom get new commissioners of police

    BREAKING: Lagos, Abia, Ebonyi, Akwa-Ibom get new commissioners of police

    …we will monitor your performance, says PSC chair

    The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of four substantive Commissioners of Police for the Abia, Lagos, Ebonyi, and Akwa Ibom State Commands.

    According to the PSC, these appointments follow the recent promotion of senior police officers, which created vacancies in several state commands.

    The newly appointed Commissioners are Isah Danladi Nda for Abia State Command, Olarewaju Ishola Olawale for Lagos State Command, Anthonia Adaku Uche Anya fdc for Ebonyi State Command, and Miller Gajere Dantawaye for Akwa Ibom State Command.

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    Chairman of the Commission retired DIG Hashimu Argungu, urged the new commissioners to be committed to making a positive impact on the security management of their respective states.

    Argungu disclosed that the Commission will monitor their performance stressing that they should not waste time to hit the ground running

    According to a statement issued, on Friday, September 13, by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ikechukwu Ani, the PSC boss told the new Commissioners that they must build a competitive, competent, and efficient Police Force in their states of posting adding that the Commission will continue to encourage them for optimum service delivery.

    He said their appointments should be seen as a call to greater dedication to the service of their fatherland.

    The approval of the postings signed by the Secretary to the Commission, Onyemuche Nnamani, has been conveyed to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun for implementation.