The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Governor Okezie Ikpeazu

  • Abia donates vehicles to police

    As part of the efforts of the state government to assist various security agencies in the state, Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has donated over 20 vehicles fitted with modern communication gadgets to the police.

    It was gathered that the vehicles, which were supplied by Nigeria’s indigenous industrialist Innoson Motors, is in support of Abia State and President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign for the patronage of local content.

    At a brief ceremony, which held at the Government House, Umuahia, the vehicles were received by the state Commissioner of Police (CP) Ene Okon from Governor Ikpeazu on behalf of heads of other security agencies for dispatch to their various areas of operation.

    According to Ene, the gesture from the state government was to assist the police and other security agencies to effectively combat crime in the state.

    He called on the security agencies to deploy the vehicles for use across the state to ensure the security of lives and property of Abians.

    The governor, who maintained that his administration takes the security of lives and properties of Abians and visitors alike seriously, disclosed that the state government is committed to ensuring that business hours of major cities in the state were extended.

    “We take the security of lives and property of Abians very serious as it is a sacred assignment. I urge you to quickly deploy these vehicles to the streets to improve patrol as well as ensure that we maintain our position as the safest state in Nigeria.

    “Our administration is desirous of extending business hours in the state, especially Aba and Umuahia. There is therefore the need for you to map out strategies to secure the people during the day and at night. As further support, we will provide additional vehicles as well as ensure that functional street lights are deployed in the major cities of the state.”

    The State Commissioner of Police; Okon, while thanking the governor, promised that they will make good use of the vehicles and stated the commitment of the police and other security agencies in the state to rid the state of criminal elements.

    The Nation recalled that Governor Ikpeazu had donated over 40 patrol vehicles to security agencies in the state during his first term, a move that many said helped in boosting security in the state.

  • Fanfare as army ends operations in Abia

    With family and friends, army personnel celebrate the end of 2018 operations in Abia State, reports SUNNY NWANKWO

    One of the gigantic structures conspicuously located on the Ohafia-Arochukwu Road is the 14 Brigade Headquarters of the Nigerian Army. Despite its visibility, it is one of the facilities that even residents of the host community, Ohafia, would not go near if they don’t have anything genuine business there. Stern-faced soldiers mount guard at the gate.

    Last week, the brigade threw its gates open to the host community and other security agencies to mark the end of operational engagements of the brigade in the state.

    The event, which was originally meant to be marked in the first quarter of 2019, was rescheduled because of the Egwueke III militarily exercise in the Southeast and other parts of the country ahead of the 2019 General Elections.

    The event provided an opportunity for the military to socialise with members of the public to foster a harmonious relationship with the civilian population.

    In attendance were the GOC 82 Division, Major-General Abubakar Sadiq Maikobi, Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and other dignitaries.

    Some of the activities that thrilled the audience were tug of war, drama, dancing competition, award presentation to officers and soldiers who distinguished themselves in various areas of the just concluded military operations.

    Speaking at the occasion, Governor Ikpeazu represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Ude Okochukwu lauded the Army for maintaining the old military tradition of bringing its officers and men to socialise with their children, friends and well-wishers. He also thanked the leadershio of the brigade for using the event to showcase Nigerian culture.

    He said, “I am proud to say with all humility that officers and soldiers of the 14 Brigade and their families have given a good account of themselves in the true spirit of WASA going by what I saw. Therefore, I say well done to all the groups and teams that participated in this event.

    “The 14 Brigade has done well within the year in ensuring that Abia State remains peaceful in spite of their enormous responsibilities. Let me seize this to congratulate and commend the officers and men of 14 brigade for the professional conducted that they exhibited during the just concluded Egwueke III and Operation Safe Conduct during the 2019 General Elections.

    “Let me emphasise here that I will say that 2019 general elections went well and in this Abia State, it went well without any rancor and we will attribute this to the efforts of the Nigerian army in Abia State alongside with other security agencies in the state.

    “So, we say a very big thank you to all of you. We can also not forget in a hurry what the Nigerian Army have done in Abia State in the last couple of years when we were terribly traumatized and almost humiliated as a state by hoodlums in the name of kidnappings, the Nigerian Army came to the rescue. I want to also request that you shouldn’t relax, but to continue to ensure that you continue doing those things that you know how to do well so that Abia State will continue to remain one of the most peaceful states in the federation.

    “I want to conclude the commander 14 Brigade and his team for organizing this fantastic WASA despite their busy schedules. I want to also appreciate the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Enugu and heads of other security agencies and paramilitary agencies for the synergy and cooperation extended to 14 Brigade in order to ensure that Abia State continue to remain peaceful and safe.”

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Major-General Abubakar Maikobi, represented by his Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Clement A. Apere, said, “The event provided the people with the opportunity of showcasing the rich Nigerian heterogeneous culture and tradition in the army through the medium of West African Social Activity which is an age-long military tradition from the founding fathers of the Nigerian army.

    “West African Social Activities and other get-together organized in the Nigerian Army are aimed at reducing tension and stress to enable the soldiers forge ahead and face future challenges.

    “I recognise that all officers and men of 14 Brigade has worked assiduously throughout the year 2018 in support of the Chief of Army Staff’s vision and the attainment of 2018 training objectives. Some of you will be honoured today for distinguishing yourself in various areas within the past one year, I congratulate you for such feat and I advise that you keep it up.

    “I wish to thank the governor for his unflinching support for the Brigade amidst other state commitments. I want to thank members of the host community for your warm hospitality which has in so many ways provided the enabling environment for the Brigade in the discharge of its duties. I know that this event will further promote the already existing cordial relationship.

    “I will not forget to express our appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai under whose leadership the Nigerian Army has made a giant stride towards professionalism.

    “It is pertinent to remind officers and soldiers to always remain apolitical and be conscious of your conduct within and outside the barracks as worthy ambassadors because whatever attitude that you exhibit affects the image of the Nigerian Army.

    “I also wish to state that it is our duty to guide and protect our democracy jealously because as a soldier, one hundred percent loyalty is what is expected of us.

    The 14 Brigade Commander, Solomon Kumapayi I thank the almighty God for making it possible for us to gather here today. Nigerian Army Social Activity is an accepted age-long military tradition that is aimed at creating a social an conducive atmosphere for relaxation for officers, soldiers and their families to socialize with their host community at the end of the training year.

    “The origin of the Nigerian Army Social Activity could be traced to as far back as the Second World War when the Nigerian Army fought as part of the larger West African Frontier Force; during this period, indigenous West African Armies came together to celebrate their cultural heritage with their kinsmen at the end of every training year.

    “In the past, delegates were usually sent to obtain permission from the colonial masters by village heads to seek the release of their soldiers for this yearly event. However, instead of releasing the soldiers yearly to attend the occasion at their country homes, the colonial military masters then incorporated this tradition to the armies and named it West African Social Activity known as WASA which we have adopted the name, Nigerian Army Social Activity.

    “The tradition included dancing and singing among others. This age-long tradition introduced by the colonial masters is still being held in most of British Colonies in the West African Sub-Region including Nigeria. This legacy has helped to command the confidence of soldiers, foster esprit de corps and share in the spirit of the existing cultural diversities of personnel and families within the barracks. Since the end of colonialism in 1960, this tradition was sustained by the indigenous army and has always been an annual recurring feature in the present Nigerian army forecast of events.

    “Additionally, Nigerian army social activity plays a vital role of reminding older generations of the barracks community of the good time in Nigerian villages and at the same time, connecting the younger generation who were probably born outside their traditional communities to their roots.

    “In contemporary time, the Nigerian Army social activity has also become an avenue where the formation units showcase its achievements during the training year.

    “On this note, I wish to state with all sense of humility that we have been able to achieve the brigade’s training objectives for the year 2018 which is to improve professionalism and sustain regimentation among others. This was made possible by the zeal and determination of officers and soldiers supported by their families in 14 Brigade. To this end, the Brigade participated in several competitions to include corporal and below quarter guard competition, combat efficiency, just to mention but a few.

    “May I urge you to continue to maintain your responsibilities to your families and I urge you to do more as you can see that we are going to honour those who distinguished themselves in various skills held within the year. There is also a reward for hard work.

    “I wish to thank the GOC and staff officers of 82 Division of Nigerian Army for their guidance and support in achieving the feat earned in the year 2018 by the brigade. The brigade will continue to do its best in the fight against kidnapping, oil theft, robbery and other vices bedeviling the brigade’s Area of Responsibility within Abia State.

    “I want to assure you that the 14 Brigade 2018 Nigerian Army Social Activity promised to be very exciting, featuring colorful and entertaining cultural dances, tug of war and inspection of local dishes as would be presented by the various units and sub-unit stands.”

    Highpoint of the event was award presentation to the Governor and Deputy Governor of the state, the GOC 82 Division and other officers that distinguished themselves in various areas within the year in review.

  • Ikpeazu to security agencies: clamp down on hoodlums

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed security agencies in the state to urgently review the security situation around major streets in Umuahia, the capital city.

    The streets including Orlu, Kaduna and Arochukwu by Calabar Road were identified as black spots where hoodlums and criminal elements gather before they go out to execute their nefarious acts.

    Our reporter gathered that the activities of hoodlums around Orlu, Kaduna and Arochukwu streets have caused fear among residents while road users avoid the road especially at night because of the activities of hoodlums who dispossess them of their valuables between 7pm and 6am.

    A release by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Enyinnaya Apollos said that the move by the state governor was geared towards clearing the area of hoodlums who have been accused of robbing and molesting innocent citizens on a regular basis.

    The release said the governor has also directed the state Commissioner for Public Utilities to immediately commence the deployment of street lights around the area including Umuwaya Road to Shopprite and the aforementioned flashpoints as well as ensure that previously deployed street lights within the state capital function optimally.

    Governor Ikpeazu who expressed the determination of his administration to tackle crimes through job creation and proactive security engagement also directs that brothels located around the aforementioned areas be closed down immediately and proprietors of such facilities, including joints where hard drugs are sold, be prosecuted.

    Unconfirmed reports in Umuahia on Tuesday had it that in line with the marching orders, the state security agencies on Monday night raided four notorious brothels in the capital city.

    The brothels which have now been shut down were said to have been used as hideouts after perpetuating their evil act.

    It was gathered that some suspected hoodlums were arrested during the raid.

    Efforts to speak with the spokesman of the Abia State Command on the Nigerian Police, SP Geoffrey Ogbonna proved abortive as his mobile lines were not reachable at the time of filing the report.

  • Ikpeazu to Abia workers: we’ll pay your salaries promptly

    Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the prompt payment of the state workers’ salaries.

    Dr. Ikpeazu said this when the Abia State Women Public Servants Association staged a solidarity rally at Government House, Umuahia. He re-echoed government’s stand that workers in the state’s public service are up to date in receiving their salaries except for a few parastatals and agencies.

    The governor spoke through his deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, expressing the government’s appreciation of the women for their love and support and for coming out to make the world know that the civil servants in the state are not being owed.

    He pointed that he will continue to give subventions and bailouts to every parastatal in the state.

    The governor also noted that there is no progress in the absence of equity, fairness and justice and used the forum to urge the women to vote him back in office in the forthcoming governorship election.

    Speaking on behalf of the association, the President, Chief Mrs. Charity Ukonu said they came to show appreciation to the state governor on how he has piloted the affairs of the state, adding that since he came onboard their salaries are paid as at when due.

    Chief Mrs Ukaonu assured the governor that Abia state workers will vote overwhelmingly in the forthcoming elections to return him back to office to complete his second term in office.

  • Ikpeazu, Otti’s face-off heats up Abia campaigns

    As Abia State prepares for the general elections, Associate Editor, Sam Egburonu, who visited the state during the week, reports that the conflict between Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of PDP and the governorship candidate of APGA, Dr. Alex Otti, is heating up the polity

    The suppressed tension and hostility that have trailed election campaigns in the state became concretised during the week when a debate for the governorship candidates of some political parties in Abia State ended in chaos, even as sporadic gunshots at the Abia Hotels, Umuahia, venue of the event, created confusion and fear.

    As the guests at the event ran to different directions for their lives, it was alleged that the gunshots and teargas canisters were actually fired by security aides to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, the governorship candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Dr. Alex Otti, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who were participants in the debate.

    The Nation gathered that the trouble actually started inside the conference room where Ikpeazu and Otti exchanged hot banters while answering questions during the debate. At a point, the debate was almost brought to a halt as supporters of the governor cut the proceeding to a halt for over 10 minutes, alleging marginalisation of their principal.

    It all began when one of the moderators tried to stop Ikpeazu, saying he had exhausted the time allotted to him to answer a particular question.  The governor, visibly embarrassed, openly protested. At this point, as would be expected, his aides and supporters who accompanied him to the debate took over the floor by force in order to defend him. This led to a disagreeable and rancorous atmosphere, a development that paved the way for the sporadic shooting after the debate.

    Although the governorship candidates’ debate, organised by some media groups and entitled “2019 Abia Governorship Debate, was not only between Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of PDP and Dr. Alex Otti of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), The Nation reports that it turned out as a straight confrontation between Otti and Ikpeazu, who literally quizzed one another. Other participants however included Hon. Blessing Nwagba of SDP and Accord Party’s Barr. Emeka Uwakolam.

    Judging from their utterances and disposition throughout the debate, it would not be wrong to say that each of them came to the event prepared to tackle the other.

    But according to the Director, Media and Publicity of Alex Otti Campaign Organisation, Kazie Uko, “they tried to stop the debate just because Dr. Otti looked at Governor Ikpeazu in the eyes and told him unequivocally that he (the governor) was sitting on a stolen mandate. That was all he said as he opened his remarks on why he wanted to be governor of Abia State. Note also that at that point, Ikpeazu did not controvert the allegation.”

    Tempers also rose when the APGA candidate also reminded the governor of “his promise not to seek reelection, if he did not complete all projects started by his government,” and wondered “if he was going to keep to his word now that it was certain that the Osisioma Bridge, which the governor had showcased as his landmark project, had become abandoned.”

    Responding Ikpeazu said, “Well, I’m going to run for re-election because the money I was supposed to use to complete the Osisioma Bridge, I have used it to complete the Okobo Bridge, on the Abam-Arochukwu Road. At least, I have completed that one bridge, the only thing that is left is to do the road”, Ikpeazu responded to the amusement of some in the audience. The governor also took two other punches at Otti: One, on Abia Charter of Equity and second on Otti’s time as Chief Executive Officer at Diamond Bank.

    Reacting, Otti said: “I would have been surprised if after building the road that leads to Akwa Ibom State, from where we know that some people ancestrally hail from, so thank you very much for doing the one going to Arochukwu.

    “Now, on the issue of Diamond Bank, there is a transaction that’s going on, so I will not talk much about it. But I will like to remind him that banking business is not like government business, particularly in Abia State. I left banking in 2014, that’s five years ago. I can give an account of what I did in the four years that I stayed in Diamond Bank. Once I left, I left. It’s unlike what we find in some governments where a governor leaves and he doesn’t leave; he continues to manipulate his successor. I do not know what happened in Diamond Bank because I had left. But my records are very clear and they’re there to show”.

    On equity, Otti replied: “Equity is important, particularly if you’re coming with clean hands. Abia State is in trouble. Abia is in comatose, so it’s like a man who’s on life support and a doctor shows up and he says he wants to know where the doctor comes from. We need to cure the state. We need to deal with the problems of the state and it goes beyond where somebody comes from ancestrally or where he comes from, by birth. We’re looking for competence, we’re looking for people who are straight, we’re looking for people who have skill, we’re looking for people who have past records of performance and we have seen four years. We are not impressed. ”

    Although the discussions at the debate was designed to centre mainly on the state of the Abia economy, security, infrastructure development, youth employment, education and health, among others, guests at the debate venue and majority of Abians that monitored the debate have expressed concern over the combatant disposition of the two candidates at the debate, wondering if it is a signal to what would obtain during the election.

    “What transpired at the governorship debate confirmed the political tension in the state ahead the governorship election. It is a development we must all be conscious of as the Election Day draws closer. It shows that the bitterness over the handling and results of 2015 elections in Abia is still very fresh. We pray this year’s elections will be free and fair and violent-free,” Chief Ukandu Iheukwumere from Isuikwuato told The Nation in Umuahia

    Like Chief Ukandu, Madam Eunice Chikwe, a woman leader in Aba, said the forthcoming elections “will likely reflect the confrontations in 2015.” She however said “politicians and voters in the state seem more prepared this time to guard their votes and ensure that the collective will of Abians is not suppressed at every level.”

    It is a known fact today that Abia is another Southeast state that promises to feature intriguing results in the forthcoming elections.

  • Ikpeazu urges INEC, security agencies to ensure free, fair, credible elections

    As part of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that Abia State achieves free, fair and credible elections, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has urged on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to provide a level playing ground for all political parties.

    Ikpeazu spoke at the 2019 Abia Town Hall Summit with the theme “Nmepe na  nchekwa ime obodo anyi”  organised by the Association of Abia State Town Union in Partnership with Hope Givers Initiatives at Abia Hotel Umuahia, the state capital. He said the time had come for Ndi Igbo to reflect and take a common stand on their welfare.

    Ikpeazu, represented by his deputy, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, described the gathering as very timely.

    Chukwu said such gathering would help provide the opportunity for the sensitisation of the people of the Southeast on the need to present a united front and to also present candidates who would ensure their pride of place in political and economic matters was not lost.

    He promised that the state government would sustain the partnership it has established with town unions.

    The former governor of Anambra State, and PDP Vice President flag bearer, Mr Peter Obi and the Chairman on the occasion, Chief Acho Nwakanma, advised Ndi Igbo to vote in a credible government with their interest at heart.

    They said  the summit was an eye opener for the Igbo to make good use of their votes.

    Also speaking, the State INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Joseph Iloh represented by Mr Chigozie Godfrey, urged the unions to sensitise their people on the need to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which he described as the only weapon to elect leaders of their choice.

    Highpoint of the summit was the presentation of distinguished awards on Ikpeazu,  Chukwu, former deputy governor, Chief Acho Nwakanma, Commissioner for local government and Chieftaincy Affairs and Sir Christopher Enweremadu. There was a goodwill message from the president general, Association of Abia Town Unions, Sir George Mgborukwe.

  • Abia launches Umuahia transport scheme

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has flagged off a poverty alleviation scheme: the Abia State Transport Loan & Artisan Support Scheme known as ‘Abia State Easy Taxi Programme’.

    Launching the scheme at Michael Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, the state capital, Ikpeazu charged the beneficiaries and drivers to be worthy ambassadors of the state, stressing that the vehicles were strictly for commercial drivers and not for politicians or civil servants.

    The governor added that the taxi scheme was introduced for ease of doing business and to improve the transportation system in state capital and its environs.

    He said that with the taxi scheme, visiting investors would find it easy to move around the capital for business.

    Ikpeazu urged the Commissioner for Transport Chief Kingsley Imaga, and the General Manager of the transport loan scheme Chief Nnamdi Balogu to organise special training for the drivers to enable them become efficient in their duties.

    Imaga said the scheme is an indication that Governor Ikpeazu has good plans for his people.

    Balogu said the vehicles could reach anyone who needs it within 10 minutes of a phone call, adding that that the drivers would pay back the money by installments.

     

  • Abia woos India to revive comatose firms

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has urged the Indian government to partner with the state to revive ailing industries, and establish new ones, in Aba, the state’s commercial heart.

    Ikpeazu was speaking at a symposium and cultural fiesta organised by the Indian Universities Alumni Association in conjunction with the Indian High Commission in Nigeria in Aba.

    The governor said Abia is always willing to partner with India to create jobs for Abians.

    Okezie who was represented at the event by the chairman of Aba South Local Government Area, Mr. Emmanuel Emeruwa, urged the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri B. N. Reddy to see the potentials in Aba and help in reviving ailing industries in the commercial city.

    “Most textile industries are owned by Indians. And I also want to remind our High Commissioner that Aba has a textile industry that is no more working. We will like you to discuss that with your superiors on how to make Aba textile industry work again. The facility is available and we can make better use of it in our relationship.”

    Ikpeazu went further to inform the High Commissioner of the level of patronage on Indian products and urged him to try and locate some of such industries in Aba as the state is willing to give them all they need.

    “Here in Aba, taxi is scarce, but we have more than 12,000 Keke (tricycle) all from India operating only in Aba metropolis alone. People even come to Aba to buy them. I invite you and your business partners to build such companies that can manufacture keke here in Aba. There is no point going to India to buy it while the market is readily available here in Aba.

    “If you need land, we will give you and everything else you need. It is profitable to do business here. We don’t want to continue with importation when we know you can build those things here. The Southeast will be grateful and entire Nigeria will rejoice over it.”

    Responding to the governor’s call, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, who was represented by the Deputy High Commissioner of the Commission, Shri Subhash Chand, promised to take the call home, assuring that India will continue to remain partners with Nigeria.

    “India fully supports Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan with predominant focus on promoting agriculture and allied sectors as part of building a globally competitive economy.

    “I am happy to inform you that as part of our cultural outreach, we will bring to you proponents of Yoga who will not only share with their knowledge of Yoga, but will also do live demonstration of Yoga. I am sure Aba Chapter of Indian Univeraities Alumni Association will mobilise its members and make Yoga part of their life.”

    Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, the president of Indian Universities Alumni Association Aba Area Chapter, Chief Ben Egwuonwu said that there is need to establish Indo/Nigeria Cultural Educational and Business Centre in Aba for the advancement of mutual interest of both countries.

    Egwuonwu said that the reason why Aba should be chosen as the location for the sitting of the Indo/Nigeria Cultural Educational and Business Centre is simple as he listed: “Aba is virtually equidistant to Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Ebonyi, Anambra, Enugu, Bayelsa, Delta and Cross River States. It is about 45-90 minutes’ drive at average speed of 80/100k hour to any of the above states.

    “Aba is the heartbeat of Southeast and Southsouth of Nigeria that comprises 11 states. It is the capital of small and medium scale enterprises in Africa. Thus, it is called the ‘Japan of Africa’ because of its fabrication prowess.

    “Aba is the commercial nerve centre of Southeast and Southsouth of Nigeria and the Alumnus population of Aba Chapter Area of this organisation has the single largest number.”

  • Three die as soldiers clash with Police in Aba

    Three persons were on Friday reported dead in Aba, the commercial nerve of Abia State as personnel of the Nigerian Army attached to the Ngwa High School Forward Operation Base (Charlie Coy) and personnel of Mobile Police Force (PMF 55) unit in Osisioma Local Government Area of the State.

    While a yet to be confirmed report has it that a police officer’s hand was severed in the shootout, another report has it that two mobile policemen and a soldier died in the melee.

    It could be recalled that in 2015, soldiers from Ngwa High School FOB and policemen of PMF 55 clashed at the same Osisioma junction, leaving a policeman who was hit by a bullet during crossfire that lasted for about thirty minutes dead.

    While efforts to reach both police and army hierarchy in the state until the time of this report failed to yield fruits as the State Commissioner of Police and the spokesman of the Command, Michael Ogbizi and Geoffrey Ogbonna were yet to reply to a text message our correspondent sent to their phones.

    Sources who claimed to have witnessed the incident feared that incident which caused pandemonium at the major exit and entrance route into the commercial nerve of the state also wounded many passersby.

    According to one Chinyere Ikem, the incident forced many shop owners to quickly close for business while many petty traders along the Expressway abandoned their wares to scamper for safety as lorry load of mobile and regular policemen arrived the scene that is already charged with gunshots.

    Ikem said that while some passengers going to different parts of the country that were yet to board vehicles to their locations were trapped in the shootout, others coming into the country, used alternative routes to avoid being caught in the web of the crisis.

    “It happened like what we used to watch in American movies. It happened in a flash and before you know what is happening, trucks of army and police vans were everywhere.

    Read Also:Court grants bail to seven Jewish worshippers in Abia

    Police and army were shooting themselves face-to-face. From what we later learnt, two policemen and a soldier died in the gun duel. It is better seeing that being told. I don’t know what is happening at this Osisioma junction. Don’t forget that some time ago, police and army clashed here and shoot at each other leaving one policemen dead.

    “I saw some people running with blood stain and I guess that they were hit be stray bullets. Police and army leadership in the state should call themselves to order. They are sister agencies and I don’t think that it is in their own interest to be fighting among themselves when they are supposed to be working hand in hand with each other especially as the state Governor is doing his best in tackling insecurity in the state,” Ikem stated.

    While normalcy has since returned to the area at the time our reporter visited the scene, shop owners were yet to open for business as people in clusters recount their experience of the incident.

    However in a swift reaction, Abia State Government in a press release through the commissioner of information in the state, Chief John Okiyi said that the state received with sadness “disturbing reports of an unfortunate confrontation between a group of soldiers and police officers at the Osisioma area of Aba earlier today (Friday June 15).”

    Okiyi who said that the state government was working with heads of security to bring the situation under control also assured that investigation was ongoing to know the cause of the incident and to fish out those behind the incident.

    “We are working with the heads of the concerned security agencies in the state to ensure that the situation, which has been brought under control, does not repeat itself or escalate within the state.

    “Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has also directed full investigation of the circumstances that led to the breach of public peace with a view to preventing future occurrence of such armed confrontation that endanger the lives of innocent citizens and security agents working in the state.

    “While we are currently working with law enforcement agencies to review the immediate and remote cause of the incidence, members of the public are advised to go about their normal duties as the situation around the area has been pacified.

    “Those responsible for this breach of public peace will certainly be unraveled and punished according the law,” Okiyi added.

  • Ikpeazu’s stand on plastics

    Abia State on Tuesday, June 5 joined the rest of the world to mark Environment Day. Sunny Nwankwo writes about the position of Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, who was at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike to mark the 2018 edition of the day. The report.

    Plastic are destroying the world slowly, environment-alists have been warning. They are blocking drains in cities, killing sea creatures, even birds, and endangering the entire world.

    That is what informed the growing campaign to limit the use, or check the misuse, of plastics by recycling or safely disposing of them.

    On June 5, the world marked Environment Day, and joining the global event was Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, a biochemist and former waste manager.

    Ikpeazu called for legislation against use of plastics for packaging and storage, saying it will help to check polluting the environment with plastics.

    Governor Ikpeazu spoke at the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUAU) during the 2018 World Environment Day titled: “Beat Plastic Pollution, If you can’t, re-use it, refuse it.”

    He said, “The only way forward is to opt for a refusal of the plastics option. Let us legislate against its use for packaging and storage. There are more sustainable and environmentally friendly options. Plastic is an extraneous substance to the environment. It is not naturally occurring and is largely derived from the polymerisation of ethylene.

    “Therefore the chemical structure of plastic renders them resistant to most biodegradation processes. Indicating that they can be retained in the physical as well as biological system for longer period of time. Hence it’s accumulation which constitutes pollution to the environment.”

    He identified a high level of plastics production for storage, packaging transportation and slow degradation processes as major factors that lead to increased levels of plastics in environment.

    He said. “Whereas it is possible to control the method of plastics handling in the developed world, in Africa and indeed Nigeria, more plastics are burnt and the rest are left to block drainages, leading to flooding and utter pollution of our waterways.

    “The implication of handling plastics is far-reaching. If they are allowed into the sea, it takes a long time to degrade. The marine conservancy has predicted that foam will take 50 years to decompose while plastic beverage holder will take 400 years. A disposable napkin will take 450 years while fishing line will take 600 years.

    “Unfortunately, a by-product of this degradation is byphenol which also has profound deleterious impact on aquatic life, as well as consequences for human organs that encounter it.”

    In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Francis Otunta thanked the Governor for making time out of his busy schedule to visit the University and to come and deliver the lecture on plastic pollution in the environment.

    The Governor was accompanied to the University by his Commissioner for Education, Prof Ikechi Mgbeoji, Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Aham Uko, Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Uzo Azubuike and Commissioner for Information, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Dr Uchenna Onyeizu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment and Climate Change, among other top government functionaries.