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Tag: abia

  • Abia PDP frowns at speaker’s refusal to swear in lawmaker

    Abia PDP frowns at speaker’s refusal to swear in lawmaker

    The leadership of Abia State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has frowned at the continued disrespect for the judgment of the Court of Appeal that sacked Labour Party (LP) lawmaker, Destiny Nwagwu, by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa.

    A Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos sacked Nwagwu as Aba North State Constituency lawmaker and ordered that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should withdraw an earlier Certificate of Return handed over to him, after the judges declared the petitioner, Aaron Uzodike, as the winner of the February 25, 2023 National Assembly election.

    Our correspondent reports that Nwagwu had also threatened to resume sitting, citing the judgment of the Supreme Court, which validated the election of Governor Alex Otti, which was the same ground on which Uzodike equally approached the Appeal Court.

    Investigation shows that Uzodike has not been able to attend plenary sessions with other colleagues, as the speaker is yet to admit him as a member of the assembly, as required by law.

    Some constituents of Aba North have cried out over the action of the speaker, which they said was denying their representation at the assembly, as a result of the leadership gap.

    In an exclusive phone interview, the Vice Chairman, Abia North and acting Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Abraham Amah, who warned the speaker against contempt of court, said: “There is public outcry today that Speaker Emeruwa should do what is right. We have been talking about it and will not keep quiet until he does the right thing.

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    “The speaker is of course committing contempt of court. All over Nigeria, elections were subjected to judicial tests. The state and National Assembly election matters ended at the Appeal Court.

    “The Senate and House of Representatives have acted in compliance with the ruling of the Appeal Court in matters that affect them and their actions were not partisan. There were instances where members of political parties were sworn in, but in the case of Abia, we don’t know why the Speaker has refused to do what is right.

    “Unfortunately, he is telling the world that he has a pending matter at the court. It is just like saying Dr. Otti will not continue to be the governor after the ruling of the Supreme Court because the PDP has a case against him in any other court.

    “The action of the speaker is outright contempt of court; it is condemnable and not befitting of somebody who holds such high public office as speaker of the assembly.”

  • Abia’s peculiar headache

    Abia’s peculiar headache

    Police recruitment in Nigeria is different strokes for different folks. While some states were bursting their quota, such that their indigenes were reported to be falsely claiming other states for indigeneship just so they get a better chance of being considered, Abia bemoaned apathy by its youths towards filling the state’s quota. Lately, the government declared a manhunt of sorts for 700 applicants who were invited for interview in ongoing recruitment but who failed to honour the invitation.

    Worried by the reluctance to participate in the enlistment drive, the Abia government directed all levels of community leadership to embark on mobilisation of their youths towards filling the state’s quota. Information and Culture Commissioner, Okey Kanu, in a statement, said Governor Alex Otti had asked all local government ‘mayors’, chairmen of traditional rulers councils and their members in all the local government areas, presidents-general of town unions and community leaders to immediately mobilise their youths to ensure the state’s quota was filled. “The governor further directed all those who have been invited for the interview to, as a matter of urgency, appear for the exercise,” Kanu said, adding: “All invited candidates who are yet to show up for the recruitment exercise for one reason or the other should approach the office of the Commissioner for Information and Culture for further clarifications.”

    Apathy has typically characterised response by Abians to recruitment drive by the security services. Earlier, the National Commissioner representing the Southeast in the Police Service Commission, Mr. Onyemauche Nnamani, noted that barely 2,000 persons from the state applied for ongoing recruitment by the police compared to some states in the North with about 30,000 applications.

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    If you wondered why police recruitment of constables isn’t so attractive to Abia youths, Otti linked the trend to a perception of difficulties in rising through the ranks but admonished the youths to see police work as a place to make a career. Some other analysts suggested that perceived issues of ethnicity in career advancement and many job hazards put off the youths from joining the force. Meanwhile, the trend is not restricted to Abia but also obtains in some other states of the Southeast.

    There is always a disincentive in quota system, as opposed to merit, in determining access to, and career progression within a major establishment like the police. Be that as it may, the Abia government and governments of other states in similar situation may need to devise peculiar incentives for their indigenes who enlist, in addition to whatever they would get in the service. Scholarships for children of servicemen is one possible example. Otherwise, those states may just be hitting their head against the wall. 

  • Insecurity: Abia CP promises improved security, vows to end criminality

    Insecurity: Abia CP promises improved security, vows to end criminality

    Abia State Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, has expressed confidence that the state will experience significant improvement in security going forward, thanks to recent measures implemented by the state government.

    He also mentioned ongoing efforts to rescue the kidnapped Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.

    CP Onwuemelie made these remarks while briefing journalists on the outcomes of the State Security Council meeting chaired by Governor Dr. Alex Otti.

    He stated that the meeting conducted a thorough review of the security situation and concluded that the overall situation in the state is stable.

    He said: “We had a comprehensive review of the security situation and of course, we observed that the situation is stable.

    “The situation of security has improved even though recently, we had some pockets of issues around kidnapping.

    “But then, we sat down, we brainstormed and all I can say with regards to security going forward is that by the time we come up with the measures that we discussed there, we will soon move in leaps and bounds in improvement regarding security in Abia state.”

    Read Also: Abia panel issues bench warrant for ex-AG

    He stated that the government will leverage technology to checkmate crime and criminality in Abia, adding that already, a lot is being done in that regard.

    “You know these days there’s hardly any crime that will be committed without applying some technology.

    “In the same way, technologies can be applied or leveraged to deter as well as detect crimes and also criminals. So part of the robust measures that we will put in place and that are already being put in place must involve the application of technology.

    “So going forward, the state is already installing CCTV cameras in certain places and that is going to be done more strategically. Communication is going to be improved, there is so much that will be done with technology.”

    Regarding the kidnapped university don, Professor Godwin Emezue, the commissioner of police disclosed that security agencies including the police, DSS and the military are making concerted efforts to ensure he is rescued unhurt.

    “There is a concerted effort between and among the security agencies. The police, the DSS, the military, we are all working together to ensure that he is rescued and released unhurt.

    The state commissioner of police lauded: “Operation Crush” for doing well, noting that the success recorded in the Umunneochi and Uturu axis is a result of the deployment of Operation Crush.

    “Before the establishment or deployment of the forces that we deployed at Umunneochi and Uturu axis which includes the operation crush that place was like a no-go area.

    “So what we are experiencing now is what we call crime displacement, geographical displacement of crime and we are already on our way to ensuring that we deal with that.”

  • Abia panel issues bench warrant for ex-AG

    The Chairman, Judicial Panel of Inquiry on the Recovery of Government Property and Funds, Justice Florence Duruoha-Igwe (Rtd), has issued a bench warrant on the former Accountant-General (AG) of the state, Mr. Kelechi Imeoria.

    Chief of Staff to former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Mr. Anthony Agbazuere and his counterpart in the Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Don Ubani, had appeared before the panel after it issued them bench warrants for failing to appear before it.

    Imeoria was issued bench warrant over his failure to appear and produce a black Toyota Fortuna Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), said to have been in his possession after serving the Ikpeazu administration.

    Justice Duruoha-Igwe (Rtd), before adjourning the matter till February 9, directed that Imeoria be arrested and produced alongside the vehicle for panel’s inspection.

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    She said there was no reason or exemption letter from Imeoria or his counsel, Mrs. Esther Wosu that they would not be able to appear before the panel.

    Imeoria last appeared at the panel on January 26.

    The panel also entertained a petition by some teachers at International Secondary School, Abia State University (ABSU), over improper placement of their salaries at the point of transfer to the university, suspension without pay and alleged plans by the ABSU management to offer the college for sale or lease to a private investors, contrary to its original status as a public institute.

    The petitioners prayed the panel to intervene.

  • Abia okays setting up of lab for testing building materials

    Abia okays setting up of lab for testing building materials

    Abia State Executive Council has approved the setting up of Standard Materials Testing Laboratory in Umuahia. 

    Commissioner for Information and Culture Prince Okey Kanu made this known yesterday while briefing reporters at the Government House, Umuahia.

    He said the setting up of the laboratory was necessitated by the incessant collapse of buildings in the country, with the attendant human and material losses.

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    “This government is trying to ensure such instances do not occur in our state. 

    “The lab may include where they test materials for road construction. It will also provide a platform for a research for those who want to carry out research in such areas. 

    “They will be able to use such facility to carry out research when you want to test materials,” Kanu said.

    Throwing more light on the Standard Materials Testing Laboratory, the General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, said it is an initiative government feels is worthwhile.

    Agumuo, who said the lab would also be set up in other areas of the state, noted that it had the capacity to handle soil test, reinforcement of rods, aggregate materials and asphalt. 

  • Abia CP lauds Otti’s effort in curbing kidnapping

    Abia CP lauds Otti’s effort in curbing kidnapping

    Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, has commended Governor Alex Otti for the effective measures taken to address the previous insecurity challenges in Abia.

    CP Onwuemelie said the institution of good governance by Governor Otti’s administration has helped security agencies in the state rise to the occasion in combating criminal elements in the state.

    CP Onwuemelie expressed his appreciation over the weekend while leading a team from Operation Crush to two schools in the Lekwesi community, Umunneochi local government area.

    These schools had been taken over by kidnappers.

    The Commissioner of Police was accompanied by the special adviser to the governor on security, Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd).

    According to the CP, there is a connection between good governance and security.

    He said the schools visited have been dilapidated for a long time, adding that reconstruction of the schools would make it difficult for criminals to make use of them as dens.

    The CP said: “There is a connection between good governance and security. We can tell you that from what we have experienced in the past seven months, good governance has come back to Abia.

    “Beyond that or in addition to that, you can see collaboration among security forces, the military, police, and all other security agencies are working hand in glove with the support of this government.

    “We assure the people of Abia State that we would put in our best to make sure that the vision of the Governor for a safe and secure Abia state is accomplished.”

    CP Onwuemelie further said that the entire area is vast and the culverts seen in the bushy areas could be used to hide victims.

    He said: “Because, if you are not aware that those culverts are there and you are passing by, you just pass on top. There is a possibility that any structure that provides cover can be used to hide kidnapped victims including the culvert but we must also tell you that in the past seven months, the challenge of kidnapping has been tackled very well in Abia state.”

    Also speaking, the special adviser to the governor on security matters, Commander Macdonald Uba said the kidnappers took advantage of roads that were not done around the schools in that area by successive administrations in the State to take over the schools as their den.

    He said that the Abia state government would do the road and reactivate the schools so that the kidnappers would have to leave the environment.

    He said since the people of the community have seen what Governor Otti is doing in that area in terms of security, they should continue to give timely information to the government and security operatives.

    Contributing, the Mayor of Umunneochi LGA, Ndubuisi Ike, said kidnapping in the area has significantly reduced compared to how it was before the emergence of Governor Alex Otti.

    He said they want to leverage technology to ensure that the incidences of kidnapping in the area are dealt with.

    The mayor of Umunneochi, who said that the kidnappers vandalised the schools and wanted to dominate the area a few years ago, appreciated Governor Otti, and the security agencies for what they have done so far to keep Umunneochi safe from the hands of kidnappers, who they said were from outside of Abia and Southeast.

    The mayor said: “The governor has been very supportive. There is nothing we need on security that he has not provided. It is a war we are steadily winning, it is a war we are determined to win.

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    “And soon we are hopeful that with the help of the CP, the Governor, and the security architecture in the State, we will return Umunneochi to normalcy.

    Some members of the community including Stephen Udeogu, Mr. Njoku Augustine, and Chief Anthony Akuma narrated how good life was being enjoyed before the kidnapping incidents started.

    They informed that upon the invasion of the Lekwesi Secondary School by kidnappers, the students were moved to Lekwesi Primary School, where the kidnappers equally chased the pupils out and occupied the schools and started using them as kidnap den.

    They appreciated the effort of Governor Alex Otti to arrest the menace and assured that the Umunneochi community would cooperate with the government and security men to ensure the total security of their community.

  • Otti appoints Okonjo-Iweala, Arunma Oteh, Sanusi, Agu, 15 others as members of Abia Global Economic Advisory Council

    Otti appoints Okonjo-Iweala, Arunma Oteh, Sanusi, Agu, 15 others as members of Abia Global Economic Advisory Council

    The governor of Abia State, Alex Otti on Thursday, January 18, announced the appointment of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Ms. Arunma Oteh and His Highness Khaleefa Muhammad Sanusi II as members of a nineteenth man Abia State Global Economic Advisory (AGEAC) of the state.

    Other members include former Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) President, Chidi Ajegbu Mr. Bolaji Balogun, Mr. Victor Onyenkpa, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru, Mr. Uche Orji, Mrs. Ndidi Nwuneli and Mr. Chika Nwobi, Dr. Olugbenga Adesida, Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe, Mazi Clement Owunna, Dr. Uzodinma Iweala, Mrs. Ezinwa Okoroafor, Mr. George Agu, Mazi Uzo Nwankwo, Mr Chinedu Azodoh and Dr. Benedict Oramah.

    The governor said that five members, drawn from the State Executive Council, who would represent the state government on the Advisory Council include himself (Governor Otti), the Attorney-General and Honourable Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ikechukwu Uwanna; Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr. Kingsley Anosike; Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Mr Michael Akpara; and Honourable Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Isaac Ukaegbu respectively.

    Otti said that the constitution of the Abia Global Economic Advisory Council (AGEAC) was part of his administration’s strategic plan to ensure the overall economic development of the state.

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    He added that the appointment of the 19 distinguished Nigerians with global records to serve on the Council was aimed at building Abia into a self-sustaining economic hub.

    Otti, who lamented that the economy of Abia State has suffered neglect and became fragile due to untold economic sabotage, over the years, said his administration since its inception on May 29, 2023, has commenced the socio-economic re-engineering of the state from what he described as the wreckage of over the last two decades.

    He said: “Our programmes are already re-positioning and rebuilding Abia State as the economic pride of Nigeria.

    “Therefore, it is essential to ensure that its economic development strategy is founded not only on a thorough understanding of the local economic environment but also on the dynamics of the emerging forces now shaping the future of the global economy.

    “The newly appointed members bring a wealth of experience and expertise in various sectors, enhancing the diversity and dynamism of the Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council.

    “Their collective knowledge will play a pivotal role in shaping policies that drive innovation, attract investments, form solid partnerships, and ensure the overall economic resilience of our great state.”

    According to Otti, the Secretariat of the Council would be managed by Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu, Principal Secretary to the Governor/Chief Strategy Officer, and Mr. Charles Egonye, Technical Assistant to the Governor, and supported by Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko and Ms Amaka Okonkwo from the private sector.

    The Abia State Global Economic Advisory Council serves as a key advisory body, offering strategic insights and recommendations to guide the state’s economic and investment policies.

    The Advisers will collaborate closely with the relevant State Commissioners to address the unique challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that Abia State remains at the forefront of innovation and economic development within the region and globally.

  • Abia to halt brain drain in health sector

    Abia to halt brain drain in health sector

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has said his administration would introduce special welfare package for health workers, to discourage them from seeking greener pasture.

    He spoke while declaring open a programme by the Ministry of Health tagged: ‘First State Council on Health’, held at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia, with the theme: ‘Providing an Accessible, Affordable and Quality Health Care System for the New Abia.’ 

    Dr. Otti said the Japa syndrome had taken its toll on the heath sector in the state, adding that his government was leaving no stone unturned to address the challenge.

    “Government has resolved to motivate our health care workers through prompt payment of their salary and improvement of welfare packages that we will introduce from 2024,” he said. 

    He said improving the health care system was one of the cardinal objectives of his administration, recalling that he had promised to make people’s health a priority during the campaigns. 

    He said it gladdened his heart that the accreditation of Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), which was lost a couple of years ago, had been restored, with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria increasing its quota into the Abia State University College of Medicine and training of house officers.

    The governor said his administration was about recruiting workers to strengthen the health sector. “We are in the process of recruiting new skilled birth attendants in order to improve health care service delivery in the state. 

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    “Our ongoing digitalisation of Abia State civil service has uncovered some workers that have left their duty post for greener pasture, yet still receive remuneration from the government.” 

    Otti said the government had begun revamping and strengthening primary health care system and ensuring that there were health care workers to man such facilities across the state. 

    He added that the government had resuscitated health insurance scheme.

    The governor said his administration had continued to retrofit and retool health care facilities in every part of the state, noting that the  government had renovated and inaugurated general hospitals in Amachara, Umuahia, and Abia State Specialist and Diagnostic Centre, Aba Road, also in Umuahia, while work was ongoing in other 14 general hospitals across the state. 

    The Minister of Health, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Abia State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ifenyinwa Uma-Kalu, said the event was apt, arising from the experience of COVID-19, which exposed the inadequacies of health care and the need to improve on it. 

    Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, described the event as a demonstration of the commitment of the Otti administration to prioritise developmental initiatives capable of unlocking the potential of Abia’s strategic human capital to fast-track the attainment of socio-economic development of the current administration.

  • Abia monarch seeks govts’ collaboration in community policing

    Abia monarch seeks govts’ collaboration in community policing

    The traditional ruler, Abala Autonomous Community, Abia State, Eze Chimaeze Nwokenne, yesterday sought governments’ collaboration with the monarchs to ensure an effective community policing.

    He made the call while speaking with reporters shortly after his coronation as the Ezeukwu III of Abala Ancient Kingdom at Abala in Obingwa Local Government.

    He said although most communities had already engaged the services of both young men and women as local vigilantes, lamenting that the only challenge was maintenance.

    According to him, “these young people offer selfless services but nothing to help them run their families. Some things must be done urgently to sustain those engaged as local vigilantes, to prevent collapse of security.

    “At the community level, we don’t have what it takes to sustain or inspire them.

    “The local and state governments must be consciously and deliberately involved because the issue of insecurity at the communities must be addressed before it overflows to the cities.

    “So, there should be a cordial relationship between the traditional rulers, the local and state governments in order to create an atmosphere of peace and security in Nigeria.”

    Nwokenne, who expressed gratitude to God for his enthronement as the third traditional ruler of Abala, promised to rule his people with the fear of God.

    “I will be a listening ruler, a team player and equally obedient in leading them to the path that will generate peace and progress especially for youths,” he said.

    The traditional ruler, who called for ‘catch them young’ programme on security, underscored the need to start teaching students on the dangers of crime and criminality in primary schools,

    Governor Alex Otti, who congratulated Nwokenne on his enthronement, said his choice at the moment to be part of the new Abia dream was not by accident but symbolic.

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    He was represented by the Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Prof. Joel Ogbonna.

    Earlier, the Chairman, Central Planning Committee, Mr Justice Ogbonna, said the community selected and accepted Nwokenne after the late Ezeukwu II, HRH Eze Paul Ekwenye, who died about three years ago.

    Ogbonna, who thanked the state government for granting Nwokenne the approval and staff of office, said his emergence had resonated new spirit of love and unity in the community.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ceremony featured cultural display and entertainment as well as attracted many traditional and religious leaders, government functionaries, politicians and others.

    The 10 villages from the community paid homage to their new king, while the high point of the ceremony was the conferment of chieftaincy titles and awards on the deserving sons and daughters from the community.

  • Police arraign skit maker over false information in Abia

    Police arraign skit maker over false information in Abia

    The Abia state police command has filed charges against a skit maker named MC Sweet, who is based in Aba over a video he posted where he allegedly accused Ngwa people of opposing the ongoing reconstruction work on Port Harcourt road, and demanding compensation from the Abia government before the work could continue.

    Our correspondent recalled that the skit maker had claimed that the said youths and community leaders were allegedly lured to Umuahia, the state capital where they were arrested and subsequently detained in police custody at the orders of Governor Alex Otti.

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    The state government had earlier debunked the claim.

    The skit maker, our correspondent reports, was arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Aba South local government area of the state.

    The arrest and subsequent arraignment of the skitmaker was said to have followed a petition written to the Abia State Police Commissioner by Aba Ngwa People’s Forum that was irked by the post from the skirtmaker.

    The Chief Magistrate, Erinna Enyeribe, was said to have granted him bail while adjourning the case to February 29.