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  • New squad for Abia police

    New squad for Abia police

    Hard times await criminals in Abia State as its police command has inaugurated a new squad trained to better contain hoodlums.

    Members of the squad have just concluded a two-week intensive orientation in weapon-handling, including how to cock a gun in three seconds, baton exercise, ambush and counter-ambush, among others.

    The new anti-crime team called Rapid Response Squad (RRS) was drawn from the State Police Headquarters, Umuahia, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Police Mobile Force 28 and 55.

    It is expected that with the experience they gathered during their training period as well as in continuous training and retraining, the officers will function optimally and help to reduce incidents of crime in the state.

    Speaking at the passing-out ceremonies to mark the inauguration of the squad, the state police commissioner, Adamu Ibrahim assured that with the setting up of the crime-fighting team, crime and insecurity in Aba and the state will be a thing of the past.

    Ibrahim urged the officers to work hard to ensure that the aim of the command in setting up the team is not defeated. The state police chief also expressed his satisfaction with the trainees’ gallantry throughout the orientation period.

    Mr. Ibrahim said he was optimistic that the new squad would have a great impact in the command. He donated a hilux van to the team and promised to equip them with the necessary gadgets they will need to function effectively.

    In his address Aba Police Mobile Force 55 Squadron Commander, CSP Wilson Dankwano lauded the CP for setting up the squad, noting the CP’s achievements in the state since he assumed office in the state.

    Dankwano expressed optimism that with the level of experience the officers gathered from the two weeks training exercise, the command will be better policed and more secure.

    The RSS squad commander, DSP Idehai Godwin described their experience during the two weeks training as a bit strenuous but said that it would keep his team fit and smart for the task ahead of them, adding that they can perfectly use the baton to also destabilise and arrest suspects.

    Promising to use their wealth of experience to nip crime in the bud in the state and Aba business community, Godwin requested for the provision of necessary working materials and gadgets to make their work easier and effective.

    Some of the officers interviewed promised to give their best, adding that they were aware of the expectation of the command and the public.

  • Abia primaries: PDP officer sues Muazu

    Abia primaries: PDP officer sues Muazu

    •Asks court to halt congress

    The Legal Adviser of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nkporo Eititi Ward in Abia State, Mr. U. O. Okocha, has sued the National Chairman of the party, Adamu Muazu and six others, seeking the stoppage of the state congress and primaries.

    He said the constitution of the congress and primary committee for the 2015 general elections was illegal.

    Other defendants in the matter are the National Secretary, Prof. Wale Oladipo; the state Chairman, Sen. Emma Nwaka; the state Secretary, Mr. Charles Esonu, Governor Theodore Orji and the Chairman of Abia PDP state congress and primary committee for the 2015 general elections, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya.

    Seven aspirants, including a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu and a former Deputy Governor, Eyinnaya Abaribe, are jostling for the party’s governorship ticket.

    In an ex-parte motion, the aggrieved member said the state congress and primary committee were already in favour of an aspirant.

    The ex-parte application, which is due for hearing today, was filed pursuant to Order Rules 4(1) and (2) of the Abia State High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules 2014.

    He sought an order to restrain the PDP national leadership from recognising, parading as members and or carrying out the functions of a state congress of the PDP, Abia State, pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

    Okocha asked the court to stop the Ogbonnaya-led congress and primary committee from conducting any congress primaries pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice.

    His affidavit in support of the application reads: “Since October 10, 2014, some members of our party have embarked on a course of breaching our party’s constitution by appointing an unconstitutional body to perform the function of a state congress in the primaries for the 2015 general elections in Abia State and Nigeria.

    “That under the combined effects of Section 25(1) (a), (31) (2) (e), 31(2) (j), 50(1) (2) of the constitution of the PDP as amended up to 2012, it is only the National Executive Committee (NEC) that can perform the function of constituting a state congress where the tenure of the state congress has elapsed and or dissolved.

    “That if the defendants/ respondents are not restrained, the political injury and bickering and instability that will be unleashed on me and our party will be grave and cannot be remedied because there is a real danger that some of the defendants will breach the peace in our party and cost me my political fortunes.”

    In a supporting argument, the applicant said his “right to participate in the state congress primaries of the PDP and to protect the sanctity of the party’s constitution faces a clear and present threat by the respondents, who have failed, neglected and refused to abide by the terms of the PDP constitution as amended.”

    “It is our submission that due to the respondents’ refusal to conform to the provision of the PDP constitution as amended up to 2012 and with respect to the state congress primaries of the party, which may be conducted in 14 days time, there is a case of extreme urgency, which merits the discretion of the court in granting the relief sought,” he added.

  • Abia Poly to get second campus

    Abia Poly to get second campus

    The Rector, Abia State Polytechnic, Sir Allwell Abalogu Onukaogu, has said construction work would begin on the second campus of the institution in Osisioma, on the outskirts of the commercial city soon .

    The campus, when completed, will accommodate new programmes and students’ hostels among other facilities.

    Onukaogu, who disclosed this to reporters, said the foundation laying ceremony of the campus would be performed by Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji.

    “The campus when completed will solve students’ accommodation problems, provide space for the establishment of more departments, mass communication among other humanities courses and would be equipped with modern sports’ facilities for students’ recreation

    “This place was never supposed to be a temporary site because the idea of the polytechnic in Aba was to promote the industrial potentials that Aba have, so there was no need taking the campus out of Aba.

    “We intend building hostels for our students over there. Zenith Bank has indicated interest to partner with us through Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. Secondly, all Humanities and Management Colleges will go there. There is a plan to establish a School of Mass Communication. There will be a modern library and a mini administrative block because here (present location) remains the main campus.

    “There will be sporting facilities so that students can recreate.  Then as time goes on, we may begin to think of agricultural programmes because the land is big enough to accommodate an agricultural department and students.”

    Orji expressed confidence in the ability of the institution’s graduates to compete favourably with others.

    “The equipments we have in surveying, not to talk of environmental science cost millions of naira and I tell you that there are a very few states in the country that has the equipment that we have here.  In fact, old polytechnics don’t even have the kind of equipment that we have.  Come to our hospitality and tourism department, we have 28 chalets that can stand any level of competition with five star hotels.

    “Our Food Science and Technology graduates can work in the most modern food establishment unlike their contemporaries that need to be retrained before working in a modern food processing factory. We have facilities that can bake 1,000 loaves of bread in 30 minutes.

    “Institutions now ask us to fabricate dredging machines for them which other polytechnics that are even up to 40 years cannot do.

    “So, when they say, there was a polytechnic before that was teaching Accountancy, Public Administration, what do you need to teach those programmes? You need classroom and manpower, but if you are teaching Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Electrical Electronic, you do not only need staff, you need equipment and we have these equipments not only in quantity, but the latest versions of the equipment,” he said.

     

     

  • Abia NIPOST marks World Post Office Day

    Abia NIPOST marks World Post Office Day

    The annual World Post Office Day was observed in Abia State in a very unique manner as the parastatal shut down its operations for two hours to celebrate their day which the workers aptly termed Christmas Day celebration.

    Members of staff of Abia NIPOST wine and dined except those on essential services such as selling of stamps and delivering of parcels who stayed back at their duty posts while colleagues of theirs brought their own foods to their desks.

    The occasion was the celebration of this year’s World Post Office Day in commemoration of the creation of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) about 140 years ago with the theme ‘Posts Claim Their Place in the Changing Communication Landscape.”

    Speaking during the ceremony, the Area Postal Manager, Mr. Ignatius Umeadi said the creation of the UPU 140 years ago established a multi-lateral framework for the exchange of documents and goods across borders and paved the way for globalised trade and commerce.

    Mr. Umeadi noted that nowadays post services are poised to play very important role in a new wave of globalisation being ushered in by the internet, which calls for greater inclusion of citizens everywhere.

    He said: “With half of the world’s population living in the rural areas, the postal network is well placed to reach them through prompt delivery of mails, including parcels.

    “It is on record that in sub-Saharan Africa, 80 per cent of post offices are located in smaller cities and rural areas where majority of the people reside.”

    Umadi further said in the era of internet, the post offices needed to do more if they are to face the challenge of the modern communication system, explaining that despite the internet; post offices are still needed, especially in the developing countries where 32 per cent of the population has access to the internet.

    He, however, said “the global postal network is a tremendous asset for extending the digital reach, not only to the benefit of citizens and businesses, but also for governments, development agencies and other stakeholders who seek solutions to many of the challenges our world is grappling with.”

    He also said the World Bank had earlier said post offices are the cheapest providers of remittance services, ahead of banks and money transfer operators and the second biggest contributors to financial inclusion after banks with one billion people holding a postal account.

    Umeadi further explained that there are new opportunities with cross-border e-commerce.

    “Though this type of business is still relatively new, global online sales should reach $1.5 trillion by the end of the year and in most cases, all online purchases are delivered by post,” he said.

    He explained that postal activities stimulate the global economy and improve livelihoods, adding that there are 640,000 post offices worldwide.

    Mr. Umeadi said he foresees postal service that will make an impact through the globalised world as the communication landscape continues to evolve.

    “But we need governments to provide electrical and internet connectivity for the impact to be effective,” he said.

    In his remarks, a member of staff at the head office, Pastor Herbert Okpara called for unity among the management and staff, even as he urged members of staff to remain steadfast in their duties and never to disregard the importance of NIPOST.

    Pastor Okpara commended the management and staff of the NIPOST for their efforts in ensuring that their welfare package is improved, urging them to do more, as good welfare package is all that the staff need to improve on their inputs.

  • Wabara: Why I want to rule Abia

    Wabara: Why I want to rule Abia

    Sir Marc Wabara is a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Abia State. He spoke with EMMANUEL OLADESU on his plans for the state.

    Could you give an insight into your background?

    I am a native of Ohambele in Abia South Senatorial Zone. I was educated at the Federal Government College, Sokoto, where I obtained a “Division 1” Grade in 1972. After receiving a Higher School Certificate (HSC) in 1974 from the Federal Government College, Ilorin, I gained admission to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and graduated among the top 10 per cent of my faculty with an Upper Honours degree in Finance. I majored in Banking.

    In search of the golden fleece, I enrolled at the School of Business Administration, Adelphi University, Garden City, New York, USA where I earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree (with distinction) in 1982. I majored in Finance and earned 3.92 cumulative points out of possible 4 points.

    I started work in 1977 as an Accounting Trainee in the Finance and Accounting Department of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Later, I joined Mobil Producing Nigeria as an Accountant before moving to Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, New York in 1982 as a Manager-in-Training. In January 1984 I was hired by International Merchant Bank (Nigeria) Limited, with responsibilities spanning correspondent banking, London Club, Commercial Debt Rescheduling as well as Credit & Marketing. I moved to African Continental Bank Limited (ACB) and Chartered Bank Limited respectively as a Senior Manager and Senior Manager/Deputy Head of the Credit & Marketing Division.

    Between 1991 and 1993, I was a General Manager in the Treasury/International Operations Division of Manufacturers Merchant Bank Limited. It was from there that I was recruited in 1993 as the pioneer Managing Director/Chief Executive of then Hallmark Bank Plc. In November 1999 I assumed the position of Chairman/Chief Executive of the bank until January 2006.

    Aside from consultancy services in financial Services, Oil and Gas and Real Estate sectors, I was in May 2013 appointed by the Federal Government as a Member of the Board of Directors/Chairman of the Technical/Projects Monitoring Committee of Cross River Basin Development Authority. I also hold executive and non-executive board positions in public and private institutions requiring practical experience and professional skills for achieving socio-economic and political growth targets.

    I started as a banker several years ago and rose through the ladder. I came in as an analyst and grew in the banking profession to become the Chairman and Chief Executive of the defunct Hallmark Bank. This background provided me with an opportunity to create jobs and finance projects both at small, medium and large scales.

    Why are you contesting on the platform of the PDP?

    The party has done very well considering the challenges we have faced as a nation. Mr. President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, the leader of the party, has provided exemplary and qualitative leadership anchored on love, peace and unity, thereby enhancing the dividends of democracy. Consequently, we have as a nation by the activities of PDP we have experienced unbroken democratic system of governance. The party has therefore provided an effective alternative to military rule. Given the overwhelming support the party has received especially in Abia State and nationwide, I am confident that the support will further improve in the forthcoming elections in Abia State.

    Abia State was until recently a hotbed for kidnappings and armed robberies. How will you respond to this challenge if elected?

    This challenge will continue to be confronted frontally. I must commend the Governor for restoring adequate security in the state. Consequently, the issue of sustenance of security will remain a top priority. The fact remains that, no matter the economic model and policy designed to improve the welfare of the people, without adequate security, they cannot be implemented.

    What are your plans for the state?

    Effective leadership is about service to the people, and this is what I will offer the people of Abia. We need to galvanize our people; once the people believe in you, once they trust you, you can – all working together – develop the state.

    I have the experience, the requisite qualifications and the maturity to take Abia to the next level. Having been a manager of human and material resources in the private sector, I will hit the ground running because the high office of Governor has very little room for learning on the job. Also, we have the human and material resources in Abia to move the state forward.

    One of our priorities is sustenance of the current security in the state. Secondly, we will enhance small and medium scale enterprises as a foundation for industrial growth and development. Aba’s status as a commercial nerve centre will be enhanced through provision of relevant infrastructure to boost trade and commerce within the state and beyond. The increase in economic activity arising from enhanced industrial growth will boost revenue and compliment receipts from statutory allocations.

    My experiences and exposure are the talents that I will bring to bear in ensuring that Abians continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy which they richly deserve. Therefore, my message to Abians is to keep hope alive and continue to vote PDP, a party that has deepened democracy in Nigeria. Leadership is about service to the people; I will bring to Abia judicious and transparent utilization of public funds, so that governance at all levels within the state will remain accountable to the people. To serve Abia State transparently, equitably and with the fear of God is an irrevocable commitment.

    Have you actually been endorsed by the governor for the election?

    Let me say that what the governor has done is to endorse the party’s decision to zone the 2015 governorship slot to Abia South Senatorial District. This is in line with PDP’s Constitution on the rotation of offices. Following this decision, I have offered to serve the people of Abia selflessly, transparently and with the fear of God.

    Do you support the decision of the governor to zone the governorship to Abia South Senatorial Zone?

    Let me say that I support that decision for the simple reason that it accords with equity and good conscience. I must also add that I believe that it was not a decision the Abia State Governor could have taken lightly. As a matter of fact, the constitution of Peoples Democratic Party encourages zoning, so that everyone is carried along.

    I believe that the governor and the party did the right thing because first and foremost, we have three senatorial zones in Abia State just like every other state of the federation. Abia North has produced a governor, Abia Central has also produced a governor; so it is only just and equitable that Abia South should take its own slot. This zoning arrangement is bound to unite the people. All well-meaning Nigerians should commend the governor and the party for their courage in taking this laudable decision, which is bound to engender equity, justice and fairness.

    How do you plan to bridge the funding gap being experienced by many SMEs especially in Aba?

    Funding is very key to any business. The experience and contacts that we have in Nigerian and international financial systems provide excellent opportunities to attract investible funds for SMEs and large-scale manufacturers at single-digit interest rates necessary to boost industrial expansion. In collaboration with Nigerian banks, emphasis will be made to attract these funds from the international community where interest rates are presently very low, as high cost of funds constitutes serious impediments to productive and manufacturing activities.

  • ‘Why Spar is major tenant in Abia Mall’

    The choice of Spar as the maintenant in the new Abia Mall in Umuahia has been attributed to global rating which placed the retail chain as the world best the retail business.

    This assertion was made by the Abia Commissioner for Informa-tion, Hon. Chikamayo Eze during a meeting with key stakeholders and retailers in Lagos.

    He said having a great retail chain, such as Spar, in the mall, will  reposition the state capital as a commercial hub.

    The mall, which is the newest addition to the growing retail space in Nigeria, is set to open for business in April 2015.  The fully-digital mall, with 24-hour power supply and free parking space, considered a one-stop destination for dining, shopping, entertainment, banking and telecommunications, would boost the economy of Abia State in the region of 10 per cent to 15 per cent, said Eze.

    According to the property developer, Pro-M Limited, the convenience of a fully air-conditioned mall housed within an area of 11,557 square metres will soon be within the reach of everyone in Abia. The mall is set to contribute to the continuous economic growth in the East such as provision of jobs to its immediate environs.

    Recently, there has been renaissance of mall culture around the country. Started with Palm Shopping Mall in 2004, which was commissioned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the major state capitals and cities have experienced the establishment of mega shopping acres.

    According to Eze, the government has no reason in the management of businesses but would create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state. Government has no business in running this, the beauty of government today is to provide enabling environment for private people to operate and to provide amenity to the community, because the essence of governance is welfare of the people, is not management of business.”

    Explaining the economic viability of the project in the state, Director, Abia Retail Company, Chuka Okoye said that the mall alone would generate over 1600 direct and indirect jobs in the state capital. He, however, assured tenants that the mall management has put in place arrangement to promote good business relationship hence to encourage growing businesses.

    “We have over 60 per cent of the mall occupied already, we have dragged global brands like SPAR and others to Abia State,” Okoye said.

     

  • Abia plans business summit

    As part of its contributions towards rekindling the interest of investors in Nigeria and the world at large to invest in Aba and help the city regain its pride of place in the economic map of the world, Abia State has concluded plans for the the first Aba Business Summit.  The summit is coming four years after investors fled the once economic pride of Abia State because of insecurity challenges.

    Organisers of the Summit comprising a group of intellectuals from different professional backgrounds known as Abia Think Tank Association said all was set for the second edition of the programme.

    At a press conference in Aba, the President of the group, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa (OFR), said that the two-day interactive programme with the theme, “Aba as the Centerpiece of Abia Economic Renaissance”, was to consolidate and deepen the gains of the maiden summit.

    According to Ohuabunwa, the summit scheduled to hold on Thursday, October 23 and Friday October 24 is aimed at helping private and public sector business managers that have interest in the restoration and transformation process of  Aba, Enyimba City into a modern industrial and commercial city with global influence “which entails building a strong partnership in terms of robust  synergies of financial and sundry support to strategic developmental goals for the transformation of the economy of Abia State, Nigeria and the West African sub-region.”

    Mazi Ohuabunwa, who is also National President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, revealed that the event was going to provide opportunities for business owners in Aba to have a one-on-one chat with investors, entrepreneurs and financial experts who will take them round on how best they (traders) can develop their businesses, source loans to fund their businesses, how to get about getting loans that they can repay at a stipulated time with a subsidised interest rate.

    He expressed his hope that the outcome of the two-day summit was going to engender meaning development in business and economic activities in the state and the country in general, adding that they have already started working collaboratively with higher institutions on how traders and businessmen and women with no or less educational background could be incorporated into their institution’s programmes in order to expose them to the best and acceptable practices of doing businesses.

    Prominent dignitaries that are expected to present speeches at the event are Governor Theodore A. Orji, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Emeka Wogu (Labour Minister, Ms. Arunne Ote, Director-General, Security and Exchange Commission, Dr. Alex Otti, GMD/CEO Diamond Bank and Prof. Barth Nnaji, among others.

  • Abia reassures residents of quality health care delivery

    Abia reassures residents of quality health care delivery

    Abia State Government has reassured its citizens of its commitment to providing quality health care service delivery to them irrespective of their political and religious leanings and wherever they may come from.

    Speaking at the launch of the Health Fair in Bende Local Government Area, wife of the governor, Lady Mercy Odochi Orji said the commitment accounts for the huge government investment in the health sector whose aim was to enhance people’s access to quality health care services.

    Lady Orji said it was in furtherance of this objective that necessitated the building of the specialist hospitals in Aba and Umuahia, the dialysis centre in Umuahia and the chest, ear and eye centres also at Amachara in Umuahia.

    She maintained that government had also built 100-bed hospitals in nine local government areas and over 250 primary healthcare centres in various wards of the state, all with the aim of ensuring healthcare delivery at the doorsteps of the citizens.

    The governor’s wife commended the state governor, Chief Theodore Orji for showing great commitment in the health sector which has enhanced the quality

    of healthcare delivery and in ensuring that people of Abia State remain healthy.

    Speaking about the health fair, Lady Orji said it was aimed at educating and sensitising the people, particularly the aged about their health status and benefits of maintaining healthy living. She advised the people on the need to go for routine medical checkups.

    Lady Orji noted that good dietary and regular exercise will ensure physical fitness and ensure longer life, stressing that health of the people is the concern of the present administration. She also pledged that it will not be compromised for anything else.

    She also advised them to maintain clean environment, regular visit to health centres, even as she urged the aged to control their cholesterol and sugar levels by eating more of vegetables and fruits.

    She added that the fair was part of the health packages of Governor Orji which are targeted at reaching the people of Abia who live in the rural areas and taking the state to higher level of development. She opined that when the people are healthy, the state and government will be the better for it.

    Earlier in his address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Okechukwu Ogah said the health fair was a health awareness campaign aimed at explaining, promoting and providing health information to the people due to current insurgency of non-communicable diseases.

    Dr. Ogah said diseases such as hypertension and diabetes have become alarming health concerns globally and leading causes of most deaths in the world due to lack of appropriate knowledge among the patients as they do not show clear symptoms early enough.

    He commended the governor for recognising the importance of health of the people by ensuring that they remain healthy and enjoy the benefits of democracy, through the provision of healthcare facilities for the people at the rural areas.

    Dr. Ogah further praised the wife of the governor for her untiring efforts towards ensuring that the people of Abia stay healthy through her numerous health programmes. He urged the people to make good use of information and opportunity provided at the fair in bringing healthcare delivery closer to them.

    In his speech, the chairman of the council, Mr Ukwu Rocks Emma commended

    the Abia governor’s wife for promoting quality healthcare delivery for the people. He further enumerated other achievements of the governor and his wife which have positively touched the lives of the people.

     

     

  • Abia residents assured of safety

    Abia residents assured of safety

    Abia State Police Command and the state government have respectively promised residents of the state and visitors of adequate safety of their lives and property.

    Ember months (September to December) are usually regarded as the height of economic activities in the commercial city as volume of trade, vehicular and human movement and activities are usually on the rise as the city usually witnesses influx of people from other states and other Africa countries.

    Abia State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu in an interview with reporters during an official visit to Aba Area Command assured residents that the police in the state were doing everything possible to ensure that lives and property were protected, especially in Aba as the city sets to host people from different climes who may be coming into the city for their businesses.

    Adamu, who accepted that ember months are usually hectic for the police and other security agencies because of the influx of people in the state said police were prepared to tackle any form of challenges, adding that the police, in collaboration with other sister agencies, have mapped out strategies to ensure that the peace already recorded in Aba and other parts of the state were not breached and when it happens, police would respond promptly.

    The police boss who disclosed that arrangements had already been concluded by the state government to distribute security vans to security agencies, described the distribution of the vehicles as timely, even as he expressed his hope that such gesture was not only going to solve logistic problems, but will also enhance their productivity.

    Thanking Aba residents for their support in crime fighting, he further solicited the co-operation of residents to provide useful information to police concerning any suspicious movements in their areas, stressing that being proactive is one of the easiest ways of crime fighting.

    He also had an interaction with officers; rank and file in the 16 police divisions under Aba Area Command. He promised them of better welfare, adding that with the expected or planned recruitment exercise by the Police Service Commission, the issue of shortage of manpower complained by some Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) would be addressed.

    In a related development, Abia State Government has equally assured Abia residents and visitors of their safety.

    The Chief Press Secretary to the state government, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, in an interview with our correspondent on the preparedness of the state government to tackle any breach of security said the “state government has provided security agencies in the state with the necessary logistics that would enable them to perform effectively within the ‘ember’ months and beyond.

    Ajunwa said people should feel free and go about their legitimate businesses without fear, adding that security agencies have also been put on alert to ensure that there would be no breakdown of law and order in the state.

    He said: “Security issues are not what we discuss on paper. But I can assure you that Aba residents and visitors that will be coming into the state during these ‘ember’ months to do their businesses that the state is doing everything possible to ensure safety of lives and property.

    “Abia State is and has always been secured. The state government has provided security agencies with the necessary logistics.

    “Those who reside in Aba and their properties are also protected as well as visitors that will come to stay or do business. No visitor has come into Abia State and had a problem in the past.

    “You know it is the primary duty of any responsible government to protect lives and property of people living in the state and the government of Abia State has done that 100 per cent.

    “Abia is the number one state in Nigeria when it comes to issues of security. It shall continue to make the safety of its citizenry and visitors a priority. So, people should continue to visit Abia and any part of the state having in mind that their safety is assured.”

  • 2015: Battle for Abia Government House

    2015: Battle for Abia Government House

    No fewer than 10 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirants are warming up for  primaries in Abia State. Governor Theodore Orji is pushing for power shift to Ukwa Ngwa, Abia South Senatorial District. But, some stakeholders are calling for a level-playing field for contenders. Who becomes the flag bearer? Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the scramble for power in the Southeast state.  

    The succession battle started last year. At the ceremony marking the 22nd anniversary of the creation of Abia State, Governor Theodore Orji reflected on  governance and peoples’ expectations. He told stakeholders in Umuahia, the state capital, that the next governor would inherit some challenges.  He highlighted some of the virtues expected of his successor.

    Orji said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate would be a credible politician worthy of peoples’ vote. The governor said he would not impose any aspirant. He was also emphatic that he would not permit any imposition by any stakeholder.

    Few weeks ago, the governor maintained that his views had not changed. When critics alleged that he had already anointed a candidate, he dispelled the rumour. In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, the governor said  the candidate would emerge in a democratic primaries. Orji said no aspirant would be excluded from the process, adding that the state would not be under any family domination and idol worship.

    “There was a time in the history of Abia State that nobody could become an ordinary councilor without worshiping an idol. After worshiping an idol, you then worship an individual and his family. Abia people may not have known what I did for them; my major achievement is the liberation of Abia State from idol worship and family domination,” he stressed.

    However, the governor said the ruling party will adopt zoning for next year’s poll. This statement has implications for the contest. In fact, it has polarised the state into pro-zoning and anti-zoning forces.

    In the last one month, the contest has assumed a new dimension. Aspirants have embarked on last minute consultations with stakeholders across the 17 councils areas. Some of them have been endorsed by various individuals and groups. Keen watchers of the Abia politics have described the state as a potential flashpoint, owing to the interplay of forces.

    Sources said former Governor Orji Kalu and his supporters are challenging the governor to a duel. There is a plot to weaken him, ahead of the exercise. But, the governor is also gathering supporters to resist the onslaught. The entire South District is backing the governor, following his support for the rotational principle.

    Haling the adoption of zoning, the leader of the Abia Democratic Movement, Prince Sonny Aku, said: “Let no none take Abia for granted. Power must shift and the next governor must come from Ukwa Ngwa.

    “Those who had rule the state cannot come back through the back door through their crony. It will not work. The governor must not be disturbed or distracted. He must complete all his projects and be allowed to hand over to an Ukwa Ngua man. We will not sit down and fold our arms. We will not allow anybody to rubbish the governor. Any attack on the governor is an attack on Abias.”

    Aku, a prominent businessman and community leader, added: “We will do everything legally to stop the attack on the governor and the confusion they want to create to deny the people of Nkwa Ngwa their right. Abia will go where the governor will go. Governor Orji has followers and Abia people are with him. In 2015, power shift to Ukwa Ngwa is non-negotiable. Anybody who wants to truncate this agenda should wait and see what will happen. Those who have skeletons in their pocket will be exposed. Abia people know the source of their wealth.”

    But, apart from zoning, there are other factors that will shape the contest. These include the quality of aspirants, their popularity among stakeholders and delegates, financial strength and the influence of the governor,  who is expected to hand over to a successor who has the ability to continue with the modest foundation laid by his administration.

    Close associates of the governor insist that it would be a great disservice to the state, if any aspirant who has a link with past retrogressive forces succeeds  him. In their view, another retrogressive successor may reverse the gains of the last seven and half years.

    A PDP chieftain from  Ohafia Council, Chief Kalu Asiegbu, said Abia cannot afford to return to another period of doom. “If I have my way, I will call on  delegates to the primaries to shun any aspirant who held positions during the last administration between 1999 and 2007,” he said.

    Also, the Methodist Archbishop of Umuahia, Most Rev. Sunday Agwu, said  the state must not return to what he described as the years of locust. At a thanksgiving service organised for the Secretary to the Government (SSG), Prof. Mkpa Agu Mkpa, at the Wesley Methodist Church, Umuahia, the cleric also reflected on zoning, saying that it is only meaningful, if it throws up a competent person. Turning to the governor, he said: “We have heard that your party has a zoning system. So, you intend to hand over to Ukwa/Ngwa indigenes. Your Excellency, our plea is that you should be careful about the person you are handing over to.

    “We will not want to have a governor who is selfish, inaccessible, an idol worshipper, not compassionate, parochial, clannish and inhumane, or a governor who does not like to support the work of God.”

    Aspirants eyeing Orji’s job include Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Mr. Friday Nwosu, a lawyer, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Mr. Marc Wabara, Mr. Okey Emuchay, Mr. Uche Ogah, Chief Acho Nwakanma and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank Plc, Dr. Alex Otti.

    Nwosu has been endorsed by party chieftains, monarchs, religious leaders, businessmen, women groups, youths and non-indigenes, who are fascinated by his hard work, accomplishments and integrity.

    Nwosu hails from Obingwa Council. He is popular across the three districts. He is a staunch supporter of the governor. Observers see him as a front runner, a bridge builder, who is not in the race to settle scores, a loyal party man and an aspirant who does not have links with previous rulers of the state. Nwosu is also perceived as a non-controversial figure.

    Declaring his ambition in Umuahia, he said: “I’m in the race for the governorship position in Abia State, not just to run, but to build on the foundation laid by Governor Theodore Orji, who has laid a solid foundation for the State. As a legal practitioner of 22 years standing, I have the capacity, vision and commitment to take the state to the next level.

    “I offer my wealth of experience to serve and assure you I will not disappoint the people of Abia State. If I have any plans to deceive Abia people when I become governor, let God stop me, but if I have good intentions for the people of the state better than other aspirants, let God make me governor to the glory of His name. I vow to serve God and humanity selflessly.”

    Nwosu urged the people to support Orji. “Abia state has witnessed several administrations in the past, yet, it has no secretariat, conference centre and other structures. Ministries were scattered around the state capital while the Government House is rented. It was only during Governor Orji’s tenure that things began to change for the state.”

    Abaribe, who is in the race for the second time, is a former deputy governor. He was shoved aside as the number two citizen under former Governor Kalu. He went to the defunct All Nigerian Peoples Party (ANPP). When he returned to the PDP, he bounced back as a senator. In the Upper Chamber, he is the spokesman.

    Like Nwosu, the senator is favoured by zoning. Besides, he said that he is the most qualified for the front seat, having served as the deputy governor. Many groups and associations have also endorsed Abaribe.

    Nwaogu is the only woman in the race. She is an Amazon. She is popular in her district. But, she is not favoured by zoning.

    The senator is active in the Senate. He is also in touch with the grassroots. On regular occasions, he has organised empowerment programmes for constituents, who have applauded her kind gestures. Nwaogwu has supporters. But, it appears that she may not be favoured, owing to gender consideration.

    Nwakanma is a seasoned banker. He is popular in the financial sector. He is also perceived as a man of integrity. But, he is new in politics.