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  • Power must shift in Abia, says group

    Power must shift in Abia, says group

    A group, the Abia Democratic Movement (ADM), has reiterated its support for power shift in Abia State, saying that it is the turn of Ukwa Ngwa to produce the next governor. The group said that Abia is not for sale to the highest bidder, urging stakeholders to insist on the rotational principle.

    The group rejected the campaign of calumny and blackmail against Governor Theodore Orji, who is leading the power shift agitation, warning that the resistance by anti-power shift elements may back fire.

    The leader of the group, Prince Sonny Aku, said the governor supported the zoning and Abia Charter of Equity, based on his principle and avowed commitment to fair play and justice. He spoke with reporters in Lagos, shortly after the meeting of the group.

    Aku said: “After due consultation, both at home and abroad, concerning the political situation in Abia and the unwarranted attacks on Governor Theodore Orji because of his resolve to make sure that power shifts to Ukwa Ngwa, I decided to call this press conference to send the message that enough is enough. Let no none take Abia for granted. Power must shift and the next governor must come from Ukwa Ngua.

    “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 Ngwa 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 Nkwa Ngwa is non-negotiable. Anybody who wants to truncate this agenda should wait and see what will happen in 2015. Those who have skeletons in their pocket will be exposed. Abia people know the source of their wealth.”

    He also alerted the state to plans by unpatriotic elements to create confusion and commotion, urging stakeholders to resist their nefarious activities. He said the plot by Orji’s predecessor, Orji Kalu, to weaken the administration through sporadic attacks, destructive criticisms and blackmail, would not work. Warning that the group would meet fire for fire, he said stakeholders were ready to move with the governor to any party.

    Aku recalled that Orji took over an “empty state,” characterised by lack of infrastructural facilities, absence of Government House and secretariat for civil servants and growing unemployment.

    He said: An Ukwa Ngua man will rule the state from the new Government House. Abia had no secretariat. Orji has put that in place. There was no High Court buiding before. Orji’s legacy projects should be completed. Those who made money from Abia, those who cornered the resources of our people have not deemed it fit  to invest in the state. Orji has no aircraft, ship, newspaper and real estate.

    “When Ukwa Ngwa man becomes the governor, we will invest in Abia and attract investors. I promise N1 billion investment. I have the connection and what it takes. I will attract investment to Abia. But, we are saying that the media attack on the governor to confuse him and frustrate the push for power shift should stop.”

    Aku recalled that he supported Kalu between 1999 and 2007. But, he pointed out that both went their separate ways when the former governor betrayed his predecessor by treating him as a domestic servant.  He said: “Kalu did not allow Orji to work. Kalu wanted to take us for granted.”

    The ADM leader said the agitation for power shift enjoyed the support of other ethnic groups and zones in the state. He said Nkwa Ngwa cannot afford to miss the opportunity to enjoy the slot from next year.

    Aku added: “The people of Nkwa Ngua have all it takes to govern the state. Kalu told us that he would not allow Ukwa Ngwa to succeed him. Nine out of 17 local governments are Nkwa Ngua. The population of Osisimo Local Government is more than three local governments in the North District.”

  • Zoning of Rep seat divides Abia PDP

    Zoning of Rep seat divides Abia PDP

    The planned zoning of one of Abia State House of Representatives seats to Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency to a particular area is threatening the peace in the constituency, it has been learnt.

    Several political groups are said to be at loggerheads over the arrangement.

    Sources told our reporter that the member representing the area in the House of Representatives, Prince Arua Arunsi, might have begun moves for his second term through the zoning arrangement.

    But a political support group, under the aegis of Equity Charter Movement, is alleged to be claiming that the seat had been zoned to Arochukwu.

    This is creating confusion on the true status of the seat.

    Anthony Nwankwo, the leader of another political group, Onyereubi Unity Forum, has dismissed the claims.

    He said there was no zoning in the area.

    Nwankwo said those talking about zoning were not the right parties, adding that those talking about zoning forgot that some other communities had not produced such a representative.

    He said: “These people don’t know what they are talking about. They are not political parties that can zone any position because the same area they are projecting has tasted that position. So, if we are talking about zoning, we should be talking about those who have not got to that position before…”

  • ‘We are striving for even development in Abia’

    ‘We are striving for even development in Abia’

    Abia State Governor Theodore Orji spoke with Associate Editor TAIWO OGUNDIPE and Assistant Editor Okwy Iroegbu-Chikezie in Umuahia, the state capital, on the activities of his administration, insecurity, succession battle and other issues.

    There have been some criticisms about the conditions of infrastructures in the urban areas in Abia State in recent times. What are some of the things you have done or you are doing in terms of urban renewal generally in the state?

    The entire state, especially the state capital and other commercial centres of the state are wearing a new look in terms or urban renewal accompanied by massive infrastructural development. In Umuahia we have moved the industrial market or timber market to Ikot-Ekpene Road. We now have a new cosmopolitan motor-park and the mechanic village located elsewhere to free the city centre from clogging. However, the transferof markets from the city centre and other allied services have aided our desire to develop commercial centres that drive rapid development outside the state capital.

    For instance, the relocated market at Ubani-Ibeku on Uzuakoli-Isuikwuato road has driven massive traffic that gave rise to the huge housing estates that run into thousands of housing units. As a matter of fact, property development along the axis is unprecedented and other ancillary services have not had it this good. This is what we intend to replicate in all the senatorial zones of the state.   We are not only serious about developing the human capital but also commerce and industry to complete our people’s entrepreneurial spirit.

    What do you have to say about the persistent criticism that it is only in Umuahia that you have concentrated the significant projects in the state? For example, some are alleging that there is none in the Isuikwuato Local Government Area among others.

    In terms of road and infrastructural development, in Isuikwuato Local Government Area we have five roads under construction apart from the one the NDDC is constructing. In this same local government we have built a modern school and we have renovated three schools. The former Chief of Army Staff, General Azubuike Ihejirika helped in bringing a military school and a language school that we have there now. Isuikwuato is like an urban area now; the place is highly urbanised. If there is any local government that should complain about neglect in terms of project, Isuikwuato should be out of it.

    Nevertheless, we make sure that these projects are evenly distributed. I cannot go to any other place and build a Government House; this has to be done in the state capital which is Umuahia. I cannot also go to any other place to build the International Conference Centre we are now building in Umuahia. It has to be in an urban area just like the one you have in Abuja.

    You have to bear in mind that Umuahia is the capital city of Abia and it must look like a capital city. If you go around the country the capital cities always look different. Here in Abia we are saddled with two major cities: Umuahia and Aba. Aba is not the capital, but the commercial centre, and things that are required to be there are not things that are required to be in Umuahia.

    We make sure we spread development to every part of the state because the whole state voted for me. If you don’t get rural education, you get water; if you don’t get water, you get health centre or construction of roads or empowerment for the people.

    There is no local government where they’ll say they have not benefited from those things I have mentioned and other things I have not listed. We have an even spread of development in Abia; we are not marginalising any local government.

    What do you have to say about the roads that seem hard to mend and construct in Aba? Why do you think Aba has remained a big challenge?

    Well, this issue did not start with me. Aba has been like that right from the time of  Mr.Sam Mbakwe (the first civilian governor of Imo State).  It was from Aba that Mbakwe started his political journey. Is it not the same Aba that made him weep? But today he is seen as a hero. After Mbakwe, how many governors have come and have been able to completely solve the problems of Aba? Every governor will come and play his part.

    And I believe we have tried for Aba. If you want to get Aba right without any assistance from the Federal Government or from any international organisation, then you have to abandon all the other things you are doing in the state and face only Aba. It is not only Aba people that voted for me. If you carry all the developmental projects to Aba, it will make you famous if that is your goal. Then what about the other 15 local governments in the state? What this government is doing is to make sure that we spread development evenly. We are even giving preference to Aba. Our resources have gone into Aba more than any other place in Abia State.

    For instance, I constructed Aba /Owerri Road with N1.7 billion. With that amount I can complete all the roads in Umuahia. The problem we have here is when you put little money in a place like Umuahia it is visible, but when you put huge amount in a place like Aba you don’t see it.

    You are also faced with the issue of road, the issue of erosion and the issue of clearing the gutters. The issue of sanitation in the same Aba is a monumental one because of the huge population and the people that are not disciplined. All the drainages are blocked by the people living there. They don’t make use of the dustbins we provide for them; they prefer to put them in the gutters. Anytime it rains, that is the time they throw away their refuse; they just throw it into the moving water. And the water will just go somewhere to block the drainage and that will cause problems for the government.

    These people are commercial people who find it difficult to cue in into the law; you have to force them. That is the problem with Aba and it will continue to be there. Maybe it will be a different story if a governor would come and stop all other projects and face Aba alone. One can’t do that. If you try it here, people will stone you and ask you if it is only Aba that voted for you.

    However, we give preference to Aba because of the importance of the place as the commercial centre of Abia State. We have not neglected Aba. I believe as a governor I have tried based on the resources that I have. There are a lot of improvements in Aba. I have mended many roads and constructed new ones. Sanitation is better now. There was a time refuse overtook the express roads to the extent that El-Rufai said it to the governor that was here then. But today you cannot see any refuse on the express roads. At least, this is an achievement but people will continue to complain; journalists will continue to write because they have to for people to buy their newspapers. But what I am telling you as an insider is that Aba’s problems have been there right from the time of Mbakwe. As I said that was where Mbakwe wept and I don’t want to start weeping like him (laughs), we have passed the stage of weeping. What I do with any money I get is to give Aba the larger sum and distribute the rest smaller sum, so that you carry every person along.

    Don’t you have people in place in Aba to monitor sanitation in terms of checking the abuse of refuse disposal in the commercial city?

    Of course we do, but unfortunately some people deliberately escalate the problems of Aba knowingly. The problems we have in Aba are the problems we have in urban areas that are similar to Aba. The problems we have in Aba, if you go to Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Rivers State you will see them. If you don’t see all you will see some.

    Instead of people to criticizing what is in their area they criticise what is in Aba and the same thing that is happening in Aba is the same thing that is happing in their own state. Aba’s problem is not a problem that is extraordinary in Nigeria, it is a problem that it is inherent; it is the same problem that is similar to other cities in the country.

    Apart from the issue of infrastructure, recently, you talked of galvanizing the traders, to turn Aba into industrial clusters like we have in some other manufacturing countries of the world, how far have you gone with the effort?

    We are on course. Despite all these things I am telling you that are inherent in Aba, we have people in this place who are ingenious. If Aba is as bad as people are painting it, why are people still living and doing their business there? That is one reasonable question to ask. Small scale industries are growing on daily basis; most of the industries that ran away are coming back. Nigeria Breweries left Aba before but it’s now expanding and retooling their factory to the tune of N16 billion.

    People are organising themselves to try out new things especially when it has to with enterprise. So, Aba is not as bad as it is being painted. We are in the business of organising things for them, they are cooperating and it is working out.

    Geometric Power is there. Prof. Barth Nnaji will soon commission the place. The power sector is thriving in Aba and you have the National Independent Power Project (NIPP) because they know the importance of Aba. That is why they have brought power very close to that place and once those things are on ground and start functioning, you will see that Aba will grow to our desired dream of the commercial nerve centre of the state.

    We have two constructions we are carrying out in Aba now: two markets, one in Osisioma and one very close to Osisioma on the express. These markets will provide an alternative for the populated Ariaria International Market in Aba that is overcrowded. The design they are making provides unique places such as where the shoemakers will stay in a cluster and can be reached by those who need their services as manufacturers and exporters. We have also made arrangement for people to come in and train them so there is a hall built as a training centre.

    Projects like these don’t come overnight. They take time like one to two years to realise depending on the speed of your development partners. But we intend to realise these projects soon, so when they come on board, you will see the difference.

    Who or what organisation is the government partnering with to deliver the Shoprite shopping mall in Umuahia and when would it be delivered?

    As a responsible government our primary function is to deliver the dividends of good governance to our people. My conviction was also spurred by the fact that people used to travel outside the state to buy quality things in major cities in the country. I went around and saw that Shoprite is in Enugu, Port Harcourt and several other places, but none in Abia and l made up my mind that we must bring it here to reduce the stress suffered by our people. What we did was to enter into partnership with a viable private company and by November the project will be delivered.

    How far have you gone with the construction of the airport in Abia State?

    We are still working on building the airport. We are perfecting the papers. We have brought in an expert, a consultant who is partnering with us. He is guiding us so that we will avoid initial mistakes.  In the interim however, we have constructed a helipad in Isuikuwato.

    What effort is your government making to tap into the tourism potential of the historical places in your state such as the Ojukwu bunker and the war museum?

    We are involved somehow, but it is principally managed by the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The Ojukwu bunker is an underground building where Ojukwu lived during the Biafran civil war. It was built by a Nigerian, during the war where he lived in safety. The war museum demonstrates the ingenuity of our people as all those war machines were built locally by the people to prosecute the war.

    And Abia State remains one of the leading ingenious states in the country. And that is why we are doing well in the West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations. We are always coming second in the overall results of the examination in the whole country. There is something about Abia and other parts of the country that need to be harnessed.

    Abia State has seemingly not recorded any case of Ebola, what measures have your put in place to contain or prevent it from happening?

    We have put many measures in place. First of all is to enlighten ourselves, and all the people living in the state on the dangers of the disease, how to prevent it, and how it kills. Ebola has brought people to be conscious of cleanliness. This culture of cleanliness has come but it will not stop  here as we need to take it to the villages where people are still not fully aware of the need to maintain personal hygiene.

    We have set up a medical committee response team on Ebola. We have also equipped them with the kits to fight Ebola, both for the local and the state levels. We have provided quarantine centre in case if anybody gets infected with Ebola. Though we don’t expect anybody to get infected, but the place is ready for any eventuality. We have also distributed hand sanitisers everywhere in Abia State.

    We are ready and we are accompanying it with prayers because you cannot forget God in a situation like this and we pray to God that we don’t experience it in Abia State. My wife has her group that prays every Wednesday to push away evil from the state.

    How are you taking care of the challenges of kidnapping in Abia State?

    Of course, we have to take care of that on a daily bases, and also sustain our efforts. There was a time that some hoodlums came into the state and they decided to domicile themselves in Umuahia. First they kidnapped one lady whose husband works in the government house, on her way home.  She was freed after three days following payment of some ransom.

    There was another victim who owned a supermarket on Lagos Street in Umuahia. Unfortunately, he died in the hands of the kidnappers because he was diabetic and hypertensive. They just dumped the man’s corps for the family after collecting ransom from them. These same kidnappers were the ones who wanted to kidnap our Agric Commissioner. They shot the man when he resisted them and he died because of bullet wounds.   In another development, they kidnapped the treasurer of National Union Road Transport Workers (NURTW), who is from this place. And I had to summon the security agents to put an end to this. I gave them a note of serious warning to them. I told them that they must bring him alive.

    All the security apparatus heeded the call and worked assiduously and discovered the den of the kidnappers.  They discovered that they were keeping their victims in Ikwuano, very close to Michael Opkara University, Abia State, inside the bush a very old thatched house with an old man who lived there. You would never suspect that the man was the one who used to keep those kidnapped with machete. When he sees someone coming, he comes out disguised as a famer to cut grass to deceive people. Three of the kidnappers were killed but before they died they confessed that they were responsible for the other kidnap cases around the state.

    The efforts we have put in place in this state in terms of security are very essential so that people who live here will be secured in addition to the safety of their property.  Since after this incident of discovering the kidnappers’ den, this place is cool, people go about and sleep quietly and comfortably. Nightlife is on here in Umuahia and Aba. We will sustain this because it is something we have to do on daily bases.

    What are some of the things you have done in terms of youth empowerment?

    In the area of youth empowerment, I believe we are doing well. That is also what has cut down the rate of kidnapping in the state. Therefore, if I should rate ourselves, I will rate ourselves 95 per cent in the sense that unemployment is a problem we know exists not just in Abia but everywhere in the country. However, we have done enough to check it

    We all know that if the strength and intelligence of the youth are not harnessed, they will use them negatively. This made us to build skills acquisition centres in all local government areas of the state. We gave money to local government chairmen to build the centres.

    We have one here in Umuahia, which the first lady of Abia State is overseeing with the Ministry of Women Affairs, Abia State. Every six months, the centres take in 500 youths and train them. There you have resident teachers in all the technical areas, such as hairdressing, shoes making, farming, sowing and fish farming, among others. They stay there for six months. Within the six months, we pay them. After six months they graduate. We give them money and equipment to go and start on their own. Anytime they are doing their induction, if you get there, because of the number of people, you would think they are writing the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), School Certificate or Immigration job examinations. By so doing we are calming the youth and providing for them.

    What do you have to say about the controversial issue of non-Abia indigenes that were disengaged from the state civil service? 

    Currently, we are calling them back.  We have taken back over three thousand or so now. We are kind of hamstrung by the paucity of funds. I don’t want a situation where you employ people and you can’t pay them. You will be in trouble. Sadly, they are some of our people in other states that were disengaged and we are waiting for those state governments to reciprocate by re-engaging our people. That has not happened, but as a responsible government we will continue to do the right thing.

    The governor of Imo State, Governor Rochas Okorocha, expressed some happiness on the steps we have taken to re-engage his people but he has not gone beyond that to follow the path we have towed by re-engaging the people from this state. I see a conspiracy here, some people have taken it upon themselves to discredit everything we do but when we do the right things they turn a blind eye. This to me, this is the height of hypocrisy.

    You have been pushing the idea of equity, how is it working, what is happening? 

    I do know that equity is what God wants. It is enshrined by God and also by our chatter of equity, but that doesn’t mean we are excluding anybody from contesting. However, that is a direction that the party has taken but that doesn’t exclude any person. If you want to test your popularity, the field is open. Nobody will stop you if you want to buy the form. We are, however, pleading with Abians, to believe that what the party is doing is the right thing to do in accommodating all zones.

    What is the latest on your senatorial ambition?

    For the first time in history since Abia was created in 1991, I remain the only governor who is going away after his tenure and people are clamouring for him not to go and rest, but to proceed to the Senate. This ambition is championed by ordinary folks and, indeed, every strata of the society in the state, who appreciate what my administration has achieved in terms of delivering on our promises.

    I have not come out one day and told them that l’m interested in going to the Senate. If not that I stopped it, on daily basis, groups and organisations thronged here insisting that l must contest.

    The push on me is from my people. I didn’t initiate it, they did. And once it is the initiative of your people, you have to do what your people want you to do because they remain the power and power is derived from them. Once people are willing to give you the power, what problem do you have?

    A lot of people have been coming, offering assistance with the campaign. Yet I have not made any statement. You will see posters everywhere and I have commissioned nobody to print posters for me. These posters are done by people who are enthusiastic and very serious on the need to move the state forward.

  •  Abia Speaker empowers constituents

     Abia Speaker empowers constituents

    The Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu has given empowerment items to some members of Ohafia North State Constituency and some individuals from the 17 local government areas of Abia State. He said the gesture was borne out of his desire to appreciate members of his constituents for the trust they reposed in him to represent them at the State House of Assembly.

    During the event, Hon. Chukwu distributed gift items worth millions of Naira to over 200 beneficiaries.

    Various political stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and party faithful thronged the play ground of Etitiama Primary School, Nkporo, venue of the event in their numbers in solidarity with the Speaker who donated vehicles and other items of empowerment worth over N50 million.

    The Speaker said the efforts of the state government had to be complemented through genuine contributions by individuals, even as he revealed that the gesture was his contribution in that regard.

    He said Governor Orji’s administration lays emphasis on entrenching good governance and delivery of democratic benefits for the common good of the people.

    “What is happening today is borne out of a sincere commitment to serve and leave an enduring legacy for posterity as well as complementing the efforts of the state governor to empower our people and make them self-reliant. It is gratifying to note that the administration of Governor Orji has aggressively tackled the issue of unemployment of Abia youths through empowerment and poverty alleviation programmes,” he said.

    Hon. Chukwu urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the items, even as he appealed to those who were not accommodated in the programme to be patient as they will be taken care of in the next phase of the programme.

    The Speaker said there are some ongoing road projects in his constituency which he said the governor has graciously promised to come and inaugurate before the end of his tenure in May, 2015.

    He reeled off the projects to include Abiriba –Etitiama-Nkporo and Abiriba –Ndi Ebe Abam roads, adding that he had completed construction and renovation of classroom blocks and staff quarters in some secondary schools in the constituency.

    Some of the items distributed to the beneficiaries at the event included 53 vehicles; 32 Q-link motorcycles, four bicycles, three giant electricity generating sets, 10 computer sets, 30 sewing machines, 50 small electricity generating sets, 10 weaving machines, 20 hair dressing kits, four vulcanising machines, four deep freezers, 10 sets of garri processing machines, 20 barbing kits, four grinding machines and  a complete set of modern disc jockey equipment and 3,000 customised printed wrappers.

    To ensure that he met the health needs of his people, a medical test session for malaria, hypertension and diabetes screening, among other health conditions, were also conducted to complement Governor Orji’s giant strides in providing quality healthcare for the people.

    While inaugurating a modern skill acquisition centre built and equipped at Abiriba by Hon. Chukwu where people will be trained in various skills and trades, Governor Orji praised Hon Chukwu for his people-oriented programmes and urged other lawmakers to emulate him.

    Though the event chaired by the PDP National Vice-Chairman, Southeast, Col. Austin Akobundu (rtd) was meant to appreciate the electorate for their support for Hon. Chukwu who is serving his third tenure as lawmaker and three years as Speaker of the 5th Abia Assembly, some party officials and leading politicians from the 17 local government areas soon turned it into a carnival-like event as they stormed the venue with their supporters.

    Some of those who attended the event expressed their gratitude to the Speaker for his benevolence, describing him as “the people’s lawmaker.”

    According to them, Chukwu has been too generous in attending to the needs of the people of his constituency.

    One of the beneficiaries, Orji Francis who received a Volkswagen Passat car said: “Hon. Oko Chukwu has been a source of blessing to the people of Ohafia North State Constituency and Abia State. He has been attending to the needs of his constituents without making noise about it.

    “Before today, I have received a lot of assistance from him. He is a good man who takes pleasure in alleviating the suffering of his people. Only God can reward his love for the people.”

    Hon. David Iro, PDP Youth Leader in Ohafia Local Government Area, who is among the six beneficiaries of SUV vehicles, said he had worked with Hon. Chukwu over the years, describing him as a benevolent person.

    Hon. Iro, who was former Councillor and Leader of the Ohafia Legislative Council, said Chukwu’s philanthropy accounts for why the constituency has re-elected him thrice and has vowed to support him for a higher office in 2015.

    He said: “Mr. Speaker has been secretly empowering his constituents over the years. Before today’s empowerment programme, he had donated many cars, gave scholarship to indigent students, paid medical bills and provided housing for the less-privileged without blowing his trumpet.

    “A few years ago, he sponsored about six of us to the local government as elected councillors. He has assisted a lot of people to secure employment and admission into tertiary institutions across the federation. This is why he has been re-elected thrice. Oko Chukwu is the people’s lawmaker. The people are already calling on him to seek a higher office in 2015.”

    He added that the Speaker had set a precedent which will be difficult to surpass. He urged other lawmakers to emulate his example.

    While addressing reporters, at the event which he described as monumental, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Obasi Okibeh Onwukah had said the empowerment programme has become a regular event through which the Speaker appreciates his constituents and people of the state for their support, adding that the items were not distributed based on party affiliation but on the basis of reaching out to the people of his constituency and state no matter their party inclinations.

    In attendance at the were Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji; his deputy, Chief Emeka Ananaba; members of the state executive council; members of the state Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Asiforo Okere; State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Emma Nwaka; his deputy, Chief Allen Nwachukwu,  among others.

    Other top party personalities present were the former Senate President, Senator Adolphus Wabara; former PDP National Chairman, Chief Vincent Ogbulafor; Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Elder Samuel Ikon; former state chairman, Abia PDP and BoT member, Chief Tony Ukasanya,; Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor, Chief Cosmas Ndukwe; Special Adviser to the Governor, Chief Ukpai Agwu Ukpai; the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Hon. Arua Arunsi; member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency; Hon. Uzo Azubuike and Deputy Chief of Staff, Abia Government House, Chief Charles Ogbonna.

    Also in attendance were former Deputy Governor, Chief Eric Acho Nwakanma; Chief Marc Wabara; Ambassador Okey Emuchay; and former Speaker , Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS) Parliament, Chief Mao Ohuabunwa,   Chief Bourdex David Onuoha, one of the leading aspirants for the Abia North Senatorial zone who was represented by one of his aides, Chairman of the State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Eberechi Dick; Enachioken of Abiriba, Eze Kalu Ogbu and other monarchs from across the state; Leader of the Ukwa Ngwa Ethnic Nationality, Elder Emmanuel Adaelu and former boss of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Chief Chuku Wachuku.

  • Abia 2015: Between zoning and merit

    Abia 2015: Between zoning and merit

    In Abia State, many Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftains are agitating for power shift. But, others are also insisting that zoning should not displace merit and competence. EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

    ABIA State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is warming up for governorship primaries. Aspirants have returned to the drawing board. There are many permutations and intrigues. Contenders are intensifying consultations with stakeholders. However, only an aspirant will get the ticket.

    There are ethnic sentiments. The contest is not only among aspirants, it is also among ethnic blocs. At the centre of the drama are the old Bende Zone and Aba Division, which has not enjoyed the slot since 1999.

    Many stakeholders ahave argued that Governor Theodore Orji’s successor should come from  Aba Zone, which is also known as the Ukwa/Ngwa bloc, line with the Abia Charter of Equity (ACE).

    The ACE was agreed upon to assuage the fear of domination by any section. Its major element is the rotational principle. The idea is that power should rotate among the three zones.

     

    Old blocs

    Three zones-Afikpo Division, Bende Division and Aba Division- were relevant at the beginning. Based on the agreement, the governor has said that he would hand over power to Ukwa/Ngwa next year.

    The governor said the ACE, which prescribed power sharing, is sacrosanct, adding that bits implementation will foster peace and equity. Orji said he would not like to take any decision that would plunge the state into political crisis. Hence, the decision to respect the charter.

    Criticisms have trailed the decision. Now, there is a debate on which part of Ukwa/ Ngwa Zone would produce the governor. The  Ukwa/Ngwa Zone comprises of nine councils. Obingwa, Aba South, Aba North, Ugwunagor, Ukwa West and Ukwa East are under Abia South Senatorial Zone. Osisioma Ngwa, Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South councils are in the Abia Central Zone. This is the Umuahia/ Ikwuano bloc.

     

    Agitations

    Ukwa-Ngwa people are found in three local government areas in Abia Central. Political heavy weights, including  Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Acho Nwakanma, Chief A.C.B Agbazuere, and Chris Akomas are of Ukwa/Ngwa origin. But, they are from the Central Zone. That is why some people have argued that  power sharing is a matter between the old Bende bloc and Aba bloc. More  Ngwa people are found in Abia Central Senatorial District.

    However, despite the agitation for zoning, some stakeholders believe that zoning should not displace merit and competence. To these people, the best aspirant should succeed the governor.

     

    Merit and competence

     The governor’s support for power shift to Ukwa/Ngwa is not in doubt. But, this is not enough.

    Aspirants are flaunting their credentials. In the race are Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Friday Nwosu, a lawyer, and  Senator Nkechi Nwaogu from the Central District. Some people have said that the female aspirant would be the choice of  Ukwa/Ngwa people

    A two-time senator and a former House of Representatives member, she has experience.  She has said that gender is not a disadvantage, but an asset.

    “If my party will support me, I will run for the post of governorship. It is my aspiration, my desire. I have the qualification and experience to pilot the affairs of Abia State, if given the mandate to govern Abia,’’ she said.

    But, Nwosu, also said that he is fit for the job because he has pedigree. Also, Abaribe has said that he is the most qualified aspirant, having served as the deputy governor and senator.

    The aspirants are determined. But, at the primaries, the wheat will be seperated from the chaff.

  • Can Abaribe get PDP ticket in Abia?

    Can Abaribe get PDP ticket in Abia?

    Since 2003, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has been eyeing the governorship in Abia State. He is a top contender in the race for next year’s election. Can he get the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket? EMMANUEL OLADESU examines his chances at the primaries.

    In the last two months, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has been shuttling between Abuja and Abia State. He has been holding consultations with stakeholders on his governorship ambition. Among aspirants itching to succeed Governor Theodore Orji in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he appears to be the most popular, judging by his pedigree. But, it is left for PDP delegates to either select him as the flag bearer or reject him at the shadow poll.

    Many factors will shape the primaries and the general election in the Southeast state. These include zoning, pedigree of aspirants, their popularity among delegates, financial muscle and the influence of the governor.

    Apart from Abaribe, other contenders are the Managing Director of Diamond Bank, Dr. Alex Oti, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Mr. Uche Oga, Mr. Okey Emutchay, Mr.  Friday Nwosu, Hon. Acho Nwakanma and Chief Mark Wabara.

    Sources said some aspirants are in the race to bargain for other positions. But, all of them are warming up for the shadow poll.

    The slot has been zoned to Abia South District. This may put the ambitions of some contenders in jeopardy.  Oga is from Abia North and Senator Nwaogu is from Abia Central.

    Many party chieftains have described Abaribe as the main issue in Abia in 2015. In the course of his consultations, he has received warm receptions across the local governments.

    The senator is a curious survivalist. He is the former deputy governor whose career was once liquidated by his former boss, Chief Orji Kalu. Instead of deserting the battle, he headed for another party. But, he could not make much impact. His structure has been a vital asset to him. When the coast was clear, he retraced his steps back to the PDP, bouncing back as a senator. In the Upper Chamber, where he represents Abia South, he is not a bench warmer. Abaribe as the Senate’s spokesman has endowed his seat with visibility. Today, many see him as the most experienced and qualified to succeed Orji.

    However, he is a victim of elite conspiracy. Abaribe is principled. He is perceived as man man endowed with a heart of steel and stone. Thus, some cabals believe that, if he becomes the governor, it may be difficult to control or cage him. But, the senator has a grassroots followership that is so passionate and committed to his cause.

    However, Abaribe’s popularity has also sent jitters down the spine of his  opponents. His campaign organisation has alleged that certain aspirants have resorted to blackmail and sponsorship of false publications to portray him in bad light and reduce his chance.

    So far, the Senate’s spokesman has visited 10 local government areas. They are Ukwa East, Ukwa West, Obingwa, Isiala Ngwa North, Umunneochi, Isikwuato, Bende, Ikwuano, Aba North and Aba South.

    When his campaign train rolled into Isikwuato local government area, Abaribe was overwhelmed by the large turnout. He praised the people for their dedication. Reflecting on zoning, he said, although he is favoured by this consideration, he would not be governor of any zone, but the governor of Abia State. “I have a commitment to serve the state and bring to bear on governance my integrity, honesty and transparency,” he said.

    However, there are hurdles to cross. Although the governor has not openly anointed a candidate, there are insinuations that he may later throw his weight behind a candidate he is grooming. However, Orji has debunked the claim, saying that he would provide a level playing ground for aspirants. The governor emphasised that he would not impose any aspirant on the chapter.

  • Matters arising from Abia 2015 guber race

    Less than seven months before voters in Abia State, will file out to vote for their next governor, the question of the senatorial zone to produce a successor to the incumbent, Chief Theodore Orji, is already generating intense debates across the state.

    And it would not be surprising if the development translates into intrigues and high-powered permutations in the days ahead.

    At the centre of this unfolding drama, are the power blocks, which are the old Bende zone and Aba division. Of the two zones, the old Aba bloc is yet to produce the state governor since 1999.

    On the strength of this, the popular expectation is that Orji’s successor will hail from old Aba zone, which is also known as the Ukwa/Ngwa bloc in line with the Abia Charter of Equity, ACE.

    The ACE, which was occasioned by the need to assuage the fear of domination by any section, provides that the governorship of the state be rotated among the three zones.

    Instructively, the document specified the sharing of political offices in a manner that none of the divisions at the time of creating the state would dominate the other.

    The old blocs

    Accordingly, the zones at the period ACE was adopted were Afikpo Division, Bende Division and Aba Division.

    It is believed that the ACE made the creation of the state from the old Imo State possible, and had guided the emergence of two state chief executives so far.

    That may have informed Governor Orji’s declaration at different fora that he would hand over power to Ukwa/Ngwa people in 2015.

    According to Orji, the ACE, which prescribed power sharing in the state, remains sacrosanct and will be implemented in the interest of peace and equity. Orji said he would not like to take any decision that would plunge the state into political crisis, hence the decision to respect the charter.

    Ever since the governor made this known, divergent reactions have been trailing the decision, particularly from those, who are opposed to the idea. The promise also brought about a debate on which part of Ukwa/ Ngwa zone would produce the governor in 2015.

    Instructively, the  Ukwa/Ngwa zone comprises of nine council areas of which Obingwa, Aba South, Aba North, Ugwunagor, Ukwa West and Ukwa East fall under Abia South senatorial zone while Osisioma Ngwa, Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South councils make up the Abia Central zone with the Umuahia/ Ikwuano bloc.

     

    Complaint and opposition

    The opposition and complaint are hinged on the argument that Ukwa-Ngwa people are found in three Local Government Areas in Abia Central.

    Political heavy weights like Senator Nkechi Nwogu, Acho Nwakanma, Chief A.C.B Agbazuere, Chris Akomas among others, are of Ukwa/Ngwa origin, but situated in the central.

    This is why most analysts, opined that power sharing in the state remained between the old Bende bloc and Aba bloc.

    Instructively, the larger concentration of the native Ngwa are believed to be found in Abia Central Senatorial District.

    However, there is uneasiness in the camp of those, whose argument is that zoning should not overwhelm competence.

    To this group, the best man, who could be trusted for continuity should emerge from any part of state.

     

    Capability to serve

    While where the pendulum would swing to, is still left to be seen, analysts are of the opinion that if the disaffection arising from the governor’s support for the Ukwa/Ngwa is not addressed, the Ukwa/Ngwa people might lose the opportunity of providing the governor come 2015.

    Amid the ensuing permutations, the entrance of Senator representing Abia Central District, Sen Nkechi Nwaogu, has altered the political calculation, as she comes in with vigour and great sense of accomplishment.

    Nwogu is believed to stand a better position of representing Ukwa/Ngwa people

    A two-time Senator and a former House of Representatives member (2003 – 2007), she is known for her wealth of experience in administration and resource management.

    With this seemingly robust profile, the mood of the people outside and within the state, suggests that she stands a better position of representing Ukwa/Ngwa people.

    Before now, her aspiration existed in the realm of speculation, but the two-time senator, recently put the doubts to rest.

    Nworgu, at the PDP secretariat in Umuahia, formally declared her interest to govern the state on the platform of the PDP.

    The lawmaker, who holds two records of being the first woman from Abia to take a seat at the House of Representatives and the Senate, insisted that her gender would not be a disadvantage in her quest to succeed Orji.

    “If my party will support me I will run for the post of governorship. It is my aspiration, my desire. I have the qualification and experience to pilot the affairs of Abia State if given the mandate to govern Abia,’’ she stated.

     

    Massive empowerment programmes

    Reputed for her massive empowerment programmes, Nwaogu asked not to be judged by her by gender, noting that her qualification and antecedents, stand her out.

    The Senate Committee Chairman on Gas, insisted that she would build on the framework already laid by the incumbent, whose legacy projects have formed the foundation for a new Abia.

    She is believed to have made her marks in the upper legislative arm as the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Banking, where she used her position to get the banks conform to good corporate practices.

    Her experience as a former member of the House of Representatives has played a key role in her robust parliamentary activities in the Senate so far.

    With this towering profile, it is not doubt that Nwaogu is a remarkable force among all the aspirants.

  • My agenda for Abia, by governorship aspirant

    My agenda for Abia, by governorship aspirant

    Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, a Chartered Accountant, is a governorship aspirant in Abia State. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain  spoke with ADEBISI ONANUGA on partisan issues. 

    Why are you in politics, particularly the governorship race of Abia State?

    Like I told people, my coming into politics is beyond zoning, it’s beyond controversy, it’s beyond politics because there’s a reason why God is bringing me out at a time like this for the people of Abia State to rejoice. I want to be governor of Abia so that our people will feel the true dividends of democracy being evenly distributed. What I mean is that, if you do two kilometers of road in the South, you do same in the Central and in the North and make the people to experience just and equitable governance . I’ve told my people that this is the first time we would have a true governor, who is an Abia governor for the entire Abia people, home and abroad.

    What is your platform?

    I’m a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). I’m PDP man; I’ve always been in the PDP; I’m a party person; I believe in its ideology, but, I’m not a desperate politician.

    Why are you contesting in the PDP?

    This is because I’ve always been a member of the PDP. One thing you need to understand is that there are two sets of people in the party; we have politicians, who are partisan politicians, and we have politicians who are committed to the party, but they are at the background. It’s just like what you have in a partnership with a dormant partner, but he has his contributions to the partnership. So, from inception of the PDP I’ve been a member.

    What is the assurance that you will be a good governor, if given the opportunity?

    I have over 6,000 people under my employment; it’s all about managing people and resources effectively and efficiently. I’ve ran this place successfully from scratch to where we are today; from zero position to a balance sheet of several billions. So, you can understand what I am talking about. For me, it is about when God calls a man He also empowers him. There is not much difference between public governance an private business undertaking. They are almost the same as it is all about managing people and resources effectively and efficiently. Those who left private enterprises like Governor Obi of Anambra,  Chime of Enugu and Akpabio of Akwa Ibom have justified this assertion.

    What is your pedigree?

    In Abia today, we need a technocrat who can exhibit uncanny business sense and take Abia as a business entity and to bring out the best out of the state in consolidation and building up what the current governor is doing. So, everybody knows that the challenges of doing private business in Nigeria today are enormous, but by and large, we are successful. And  mark this, in my entire career, I’ve never been a failure. So, as long as it is God that is leading me, there’s a pact with Him and I see success ahead. Life itself is full of challenges; a man can decide to go  and take his bath and, in the process slumps in the bathroom and die. Yes, there are challenges both in private and public business, but the ability to navigate round the challenges is what makes the difference. I therefore, offer to make that difference as I have what it takes.

    Have you ever held any elective position before?

    As a student, I was the President of the Accountancy Students Association in Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu where I had my Higher National Diploma (HND) and I was the best; till tomorrow, I’m still the best person that had ever held the position. The records are there for all to see. I have held several elective positions in several organisations both in community, educational and religious bodies for several years and excelled in them all. Friends and associates can attest to this very fact.

    What is your agenda for Abia?

    While we were praying, the Lord told me that the theme for my manifesto shall be called Abia Rejoice and, based on the acronym, we would be able to drive the basic change that will cut across all strata of life that will make the people to rejoice. Every programme mapped out is to make the people rejoice. My manifesto, which we shall soon unfold when the time is legally right encompasses all aspects of governance that are people, directed and when implemented will turn Abia  into one of the most organised and economically viable states in Nigeria. I am sure you know that chronologically, Abia is the first state in Nigeria and the only God’s own state. So, it shall be in every material particular in my time.

    Many believe that Abia State has been backward ,in terms of development. Why?

    You’ve said it. Some are born administrators, some are born teachers or one vocation or the other. That is why I believe that this time around, Abia needs a technocrat and a visionary leader, a man who has the capacity to be able to generate all the deliverables in the state. I’ve told people in Abia State that, if I’m sworn in within one year and there is no significant progress,  I will resign and come back to my numerous businesses. For instance, you should understand that Aba is not only the biggest and the most effective commercial city for the Eastern Region; it was for the entire nation. That was the reason why every other leader has always referred to Aba as the Japan of Africa. And, if you look at Aba, the successes achieved by Governor Mbakwe came  from Aba because he was able to develop Aba and the people were therefore able to pay increased revenue to the old Imo’s treasury. What people have not understood  is that you need to develop that commercial city.

  • Abia: The Arthur Eze puzzle

    Last week, we drew the attention of Nigerians to a gaffe by former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, while speaking at a gathering of All Progressives Congress (APC) faithful in Owerri, Imo state. A repeat of the details of our submissions in that article is not necessary here but the synopsis  was that if Atiku is that wonderful, he should first make his native state, Adamawa, work better before coming to Imo to fan the amber of discord among the people.

    The same week, another prominent Nigerian, Prince Arthur Eze, came all the way from his native Anambra State to pass a no-holds-barred verdict on Abia State. Prince Eze, according to a newspaper report, had, at an event hosted by the Abia State government, lambasted the current administration for running it down. “Abia stinks” was how the only newspaper that reported the matter put it. The significance of this sole franchise to report Eze’s outburst will emerge in the course of this article but it is worth mentioning, at the moment, that though the circumstances are not entirely the same, Eze like Atiku was sowing the seed of discord among the good people of Abia State.

    Since that pronouncement, I have kept tab on the newspapers to see reactions to it, both from within and outside Abia State, and my findings are quite interesting. The only reactions are coming from individuals and groups known to be critical of the current administration in the state and which merely keyed into the Arthur Eze diatribe. Incidentally, those – individuals and groups—that have reacted so far are not domiciled in the state. And interestingly but not unexpectedly, their only medium of expression is the same newspaper that solely reported the Eze outburst.

    Yet, Eze had wondered whether there are no longer courageous men and women in Abia that could come out to condemn Governor Theodore Orji and his administration. So, the question is, why have Abians not made a song and dance of what Eze said? Why does it seem that they have decided to ignore Eze? And why is it that no other newspaper (apart from the one owned by the immediate past governor of the state) reported both the Eze comment and subsequent reactions?

    The answers are not difficult to fathom. The Abia political elite, which Prince Eze was most probably addressing, is far too sophisticated to see his comment as worthy of drawing its members into a needless quarrel among themselves or between it (or a section of it) and the governor. The reason for this is further that the Abia elite is so much conversant with the matter of Abia that it might have felt that it does not need an Arthur Eze to remind them of it.

    Before Eze went to Abia, Abia leaders had ways of making their feelings known to the governor and even though some of them might not be 100 per cent pleased with him, they might not believe that an outsider has a larger interest in the state than they do. Governor Orji might not have lined the streets of Abia with gold but because the nature of his administration is such that brings both the leaders and the people closer, they already knew more than what Eze was trying to school them on. They might have their fears and worries but they also know the constraints faced by their state.

    I have said severally before that the thing that sets the administration of T .A Orji aside is that it has succeeded in making Abia the only state in the South East geo-political zone where members of the political elite work on one page with the governor. Abia is the only state in the South East (at least ) where you could find a senator, the minister representing the state, top party hierarchy etc sit at the high table with the governor at an event. In order states, the members of the political elite have been chased away, either by design or default, leaving the governors to deal only with the people they can mesmerize. I was a keen watcher of the administration before Orji’s and I can state without any equivocation that the type of synergy that currently exists among members of the political elite in the state was hardly there.

    This is significant because though “firing” (electricity) and “watering” (potable water) is good, the major ingredient for developing any political entity, such as a state, is harmony among members of the political class. Differently put, political scientists have affirmed that over seventy percent of the content of governance is made up of intangibles; things (like law and order, political harmony etc) that cannot be seen or touched ( like road, electricity, hospital etc) but which form the very basis upon which the tangibles can be conceived and executed.

    This is what Governor Orji has given Abia State in no small measure.

    This is not the forum to tabulate what Orji has done in terms of  physical infrastructure; just as it is not our responsibility to do so. But it is sufficient to mention that no matter how bad the situation in Abia might be, it does not warrant the type of brashness which Prince Eze employed. At best it was a hyperbole but essentially Eze’s assertion was too ordinary to come from a fellow of his standing.  “Stinking” is an expression one would have expected from an implacable political rival of Governor Orji and who is not ready to concede anything. Is Prince Arthur Eze, Eze N’Ukpo, Ozo Igbo Ndu, a political rival to T.A Orji? No, in the strict sense of it but there is a familial relationship between him, Eze, and one of Orji’s worst critics today; a situation that tempts anybody to believe that Eze’s hit at Orji is part of the fight between the governor and the fellow in question.

    I am referring to His Excellency, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Governor T.A Orji’s immediate predecessor. Eze is an uncle to Governor Kalu’s wife and though it is difficult to say that  Eze was  merely echoing Kalu and his camp, it remains a puzzle that Eze could find liberty  in so berating a governor of a state in Igboland where he, Eze, belongs to the topmost echelon in the political establishment; and who is therefore expected to  shun  the market place approach to resolving issues of politics and governance among people of the Igbo nation.

    Even when we disregard the fact that Kalu and Eze are in-laws, the rift between  the former and Governor Orji has become such that every well meaning Igbo leader has become worried and wishing that the matter be resolved without further delay. Prince Eze might have meant well for the people of Abia State but his posturing and timing of his utterances make even the worst critic of Governor Orji to conclude that he is taking sides with Dr. Kalu.

    Since the Abia incident, Dr. Kalu’s newspaper has published at least four follow-up articles and news reports, all amplifying the views expressed by the Anambra prince. I have written more than a dozen articles on the Kalu-Orji rift, all soliciting for a stoppage. The present intervention is informed by the desire, after seeing that Prince Arthur Eze’s outing in Abia is a negation of the quest by several Igbo leaders for a truce. But it is not late for Prince Eze. As a highly influential Igbo leader (Ozo Igbo Ndu), he should return to Abia to do what is expected of a leader of his standing.

  • Abia govt to resuscitate ailing industries

    Abia govt to resuscitate ailing industries

    A wind of change is sweeping across the industrial landscape of Abia State, Southeast Nigeria. This is coming on the wings of an aggressive industrial revolution programme embarked upon by the state government under Governor Theodore Orji. The programme, The Nation learnt, has already raised hopes of possible rebound of most of the moribund flagship industries that once epitomised the entrepreneurial and can-do spirit of indigenes of the state.

    Already, most residents of the state, described as ‘God’s own State,’ are upbeat over the return of flagship industries such as Modern Ceramics, Golden Guinea Brewery, (both in Umuahia, the state capital), as well as Aba Glass Industry. For instance, repair work have since started at Golden Guinea Breweries. The exercise would see the company’s obsolete machines replaced with new ones imported from Germany. This was sequel to the setting up of a committee by the state government to revive the abandoned firms.

    According to the governor, government set up the committee following its discovery that the company, which was earlier said to have been sold to a private company was not actually sold to anybody. He said the new committee is already discussing with the management of the breweries with a view to finding a lasting solution to the problems of the company established by the administration of Dr Michael Okpara as premier of the defunct Eastern Region in 1960.

    In its heyday, Golden Guinea Breweries was the toast of the beer industry in the country. The company offered thousands of employment to indigenes of Abia State  in particular and Nigerians in general, until it was abandoned by previous governments. Then the company was engaged in the brewing, bottling and marketing of Golden Guinea lager beer and Eagle Stout, as well as producing and marketing Bergedorf premium Lager beer and Bergedorf Malta under a franchise from Holsten Brauerei AG of Hamburg.

    Governor Orji, The Nation leant, had earlier promised to revive the breweries during his first term in office as one of the avenues to provide jobs to the people, but the promise was not fulfilled because, according to him, government was not told the truth about the actual problems of the company. As he explained: “What happened was that when the company had financial problem, it was bailed out by the people now occupying the place because the management of the brewery was unable to re-repay the loan, warranting the new management to take over the place although they could not move the company forward.

    “It has been a problem to us. It is time for me to tell the people the real truth about Golden Guinea Breweries. Golden Guinea had a problem before I came on board, but nobody told me. I was misinformed that the place was bought. I looked for the person who supposedly bought it and encouraged him to revive it.”

    The governor further explained that the supposed buyer went to Germany and brought investors, but it was later discovered that the man was playing games. “However, the General Manager explained that the man rescued them when they were in financial crisis, but the man now claims to have bought it. That was why the German investors ran away,” he said, adding, “We want to sort it out, we have put up a committee to look into the problem and advise the government. That was the problem we had, otherwise we would have gone far with the project.”

    Modern Ceramics Industries Limited in Umuahia is also staging a come back, courtesy of the state government’s industrial revival programme. After 14 years of inaction, the flagship firm, the first in Africa, has been handed over to a private firm, UCL Resources & Investment  Limited, to reposition it. This followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the new core investor in the project and the state government for the reactivation of the state-owned ceramics company. Abia State Commissioner for Commerce, Industries and Technology, Chief Otuu Irunkwu signed on behalf of the government, while Reverend Father Mike Okoronkwo, Managing Director of UCL Ltd, signed for the company.

    The foreign partners of the core investors visited the company recently and accepted to invest $120 million to resuscitate the company, which stopped production in 1996 following a major breakdown in the company. Although, the signing ceremony was done during the administration of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu, Government Theodore Orji has renewed the commitment of his administration to breath life into the company.The firm, when fully operational, will employ about 1,000 people directly while proving thousands of jobs indirectly. The governor said the company now has the required expertise  and financial wherewithal courtesy of the private sector buy-in to help turn around the fortunes of the state’s economy.

    He said his government is focused on the industrialisation of the state through the promotion of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement. He said the revival of the Aba Glass industries boasts robust employment possibilities that will take the youth off the streets. “Our goal is to build at least one operational industry in each of the 17 local government areas of our State, with a major focus on agricultural services, food packaging, energy production, and hospitality industries. While we also intend to recover old and ailing industries in our state, it is our goal to expand and develop new cities beyond Aba and Umuahia through industrialisation and creation of new markets, the Governor said.

    The state’s power sector is also set to experience a major boost following the recent invitation of a Chinese trade and investment company, JMET Corporation, which has indicated its willingness to invest in the power sector in Abia. This was to aid the industrialisation process. According to the National Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria-China Business Council (NCBC), Chief Matthew Uwaekwe, the corporation, a subsidiary of Jiangsu Sainty International Group, would build and operate industrial power projects of various capacities to serve the emerging industrial clusters in the state.

    He also said the corporation would embark on the manufacturing of pre-paid meters and recharge cards, and also invest in recreation parks. Other areas of investment, he disclosed, include exploration of oil and gas potential in the state, and development of estate for mass housing. Uwaekwe gave the assurance that the group would bankroll any selected investment in the state. “The Chinese group will provide full and adequate finance for suitable, consequential and people-friendly projects in Abia,’’ he said.

    During the visit of the Chinese businessmen, the leader of the team, Mr. Juan Qiangjing, praised the governor for the rapid transformation going on in the state, promising that Chinese investors would take advantage of the prevailing friendly atmosphere in Abia to invest in the area.

    The state government is also  involved in providing support to the Geometric Power Incorporated and the National Integrated Power Project of the Federal Government, located in Ala-Oji, so that they can achieve their projected dateline to deliver un-interrupted 24 hours power supply to Abia State and its environs.

    When this happens, “many of our Small and Medium Scale Industries in the state will grow and create jobs. It will also boost our plan to build an Industrial Park in Aba City, to encourage the pulling together of resources, to support the sagging entrepreneurship of Aba-made goods, and their return to international fame,” Governor Orji said.