The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ikpeazu

  • Fani-Kayode, Omokri, Yakubu, Ugwuanyi, Ikpeazu, others get Senate panel’s nod

    Fani-Kayode, Omokri, Yakubu, Ugwuanyi, Ikpeazu, others get Senate panel’s nod

    • Ndume, Oshiomhole in fireworks

    There was drama yesterday at the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs Room during the screening of Ambassadorial nominees.

    A confrontation between  Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume and Adams Oshiomhole over a procedure tensed up the usually calm atmosphere as former ministers, former governors, ex-lawmakers and top technocrats filed in for screening.

    At  the end, the Committee cleared all nominees, including former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode; ex-Interior Minister, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd.); former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; former presidential aide Reno Omokri; Senator Ita Enang; Senator Grace Bent; and others.

    But it was Omokri’s turn that brought the session to a boiling point.

    The committee had been attending to nominees in batches of five. When Omokri walked in with four career diplomats and after due introductions, Ndume immediately moved a motion and urged the panel to let all five nominees, including Omokri, ‘take a bow and go.’

    The motion had barely landed when other senators, including Adams Oshiomhole, Ned Nwoko, Abdul Ningi and Mohammed Onawo, signalled their desire to speak.

    READ ALSO; Aregbesola’s ally, Adeoti, set to join APC

    Committee Chairman Senator Abubakar Sani Bello recognised Oshiomhole, prompting Ndume to insist that his motion must first be seconded before any comment.

    What followed was a heated verbal exchange that froze the screening for nearly 20 minutes.

    Ndume insisted procedure must be followed.

    Oshiomhole insisted recognition by the chairman superseded everything.

    At one point, Oshiomhole declared:

    “I cannot be intimidated by people who go here and there.”

    Ndume fired back:

    “There is a motion on ground. It must be seconded or it dies.”

    Oshiomhole retorted:

    “Then let it die. Allow me to speak.”

    The room grew noisy as senators argued over parliamentary procedure. The Chairman repeatedly appealed for calm.

    When order was restored, Oshiomhole used his floor time to defend Omokri. He described him as a ‘pragmatist’ who had shown the capacity to rise above old political hostilities.

    He said Omokri’s recent actions proved he could “work in the national interest” and deserved support.

    He also praised President Tinubu for appointing nominees who had previously criticised him, saying it showed “large-hearted leadership.”

    The Chairman eventually cut him short:

    “Senator Adams, you’ve made your point very clear.”

    Senator Onowakpo then seconded Ndume’s motion, clearing the path for the batch to take a bow.

    Ningi used his intervention to push for a nominee from his state and emphasised that ‘taking a bow’ was not equivalent to full Senate confirmation.

    Onawakpo supported allowing the diplomats and Omokri to bow and go, arguing that the committee had already established precedent.

    Despite the fireworks, the Committee cleared all nominees who appeared. Others cleared are: Jerry Manwe, Senator Nora Ladi Daduut, Erelu Angela Adebayo, Mrs  Florence Ajimobi, Olufemi Pedro, Ibas Ibok-Ete, Prof. Isaac Adewole, among others.

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele explained that many nominees were allowed to bow and go because they had served in the National Assembly or held senior public offices.

    Following full clearance for all nominees by the committee except Adamu Garba Talba Nangree, who was absent, the Senate may likely confirm the nominees next week.

  • No plans to leave PDP, Ikpeazu assures

    No plans to leave PDP, Ikpeazu assures

    The immediate past Abia Governor Ikezie Ikpeazu has informed members of Abia chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus he has no plan to leave the party. 

    He said he will rather stay with others to rebuild it. 

    But the absence of his predecessor Senator Theodore Ahamefule and his son, Chinedum Orji among other PDP members sparked debate on the possibility of a united PDP.

    Speaking during a PDP caucus meeting at the new party secretariat located at Onyerubi Crescent, Ogurube Layout, Umuahia,  Ikpeazu, who called for unity of purpose among members for PDP to quickly return to winning ways, stated that the exit of some of his former aides to other political parties remains their personal choice.

    “We must all take individual responsibility for our performance in the 2023 elections even as our party is going through self cleansing at the moment. I will remain in PDP and will never be found wanting in my responsibilities to our party and its rebuilding process. 

    “Those who want to leave will leave no matter what you do but loyalty is also about the realisation that at some point this party has been good to you. 

    “It is now time for sacrifice especially from those who previously benefitted from our party in one way or another as we must all join hands to reposition it,” he said. 

    Abia PDP chairman Asiforo Okere thanked members who have remained steadfast in supporting the party especially after the 2023 elections.

    He reminded them the party still maintains a majority at the House of Assembly.

    He announced the National Working Committee of the party has extended the tenure of elected ward executives by three months in acting capacity and the

    constitution of three committees to handle Peace and Reconciliation, Way Forward and Finance.

    Senator Austin Akobundu (Abia Central) stated that while people were free to leave and join a political party, the PDP in Abia State is a movement that nobody can kill. 

    On his part, elder statesman and member of PDP Board of Trustees, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu called for unity and stated the time for blame game was over. 

    Other members of the caucus who attended the meeting include the  immediate past Deputy Governor Ude Oko Chukwu; Senator Mao Ohuabunwa; PDP governorship candidate at the 2023 elections, Chief Okey Ahiwe; former and serving PDP members of Abia House of Assembly led by Hon Solomon Akpulonu; members of the National and State Working Committees and other invited stakeholders.

  • Organ failure: Ikpeazu calls for validation of folk medicine in Nigeria 

    Organ failure: Ikpeazu calls for validation of folk medicine in Nigeria 

    The immediate past governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has called for the validation of folk medicine in Nigeria.

    He said this would be one of the best ways to find lasting solutions to the rising cases of organ failures. 

    The former governor, who is a teacher and author in Pharmacology and Environmental Biochemistry, spoke at a one-day research products exhibition and award ceremony organised by The Nigerian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB) in Abuja. 

    He called for a thorough investigation on the people’s food consumption patterns with a view to finding the causes of organ failure, which has become prevalent in our society lately, and proffer solution to the menace through folk medicine.

    “I am particularly interested in the validation of folk medicine in Nigeria. Lately, there has been a high increase in cases of organ failure, especially the kidney. I think we need to look at some of the things that we are consuming that we were not consuming before and try to bring out what could be the culprit that is poisoning our kidneys, and causing organ failure,” Ikpeazu said. 

    The former governor stressed the need for collaboration between biochemists and other medical professionals for advancement in medicine and food technology.

    “People from other disciplines claim the hard work of biochemists. Therefore, we need a handshake between the industry and research labs. So much is going on in our various laboratories, but not until the industries open their eyes to some of the outcomes and fallouts from the labs can we begin to talk about advancement in medicine, food technology, or even science and technology. 

    “I pray that a time will come when the industries will understand that the raw materials that they need are found in the labs where biochemists are working very hard, toiling day and night,” he added. 

    The former governor, who was described as a silent achiever by the

    NSBMB’s President, Professor Matthew Wegwu, described Ikpeazu as a silent achiever.

    Read Also: We must make development happen, says Edo APC governorship aspirant

    The organization honored the former governor with a Legacy Award as “A Transformative Scholar In Leadership”.

    Commenting on the contribution of Dr. Ikpeazu to the advancement of Biochemistry, Prof. Wegwu said: “Your Excellency, sir, we are very proud of you. The obvious is that biochemists are not noisemakers, and you epitomise that attribute. You are a silent achiever. We went through your records and achievements as governor of Abia State and we arrived at one thing: you are a transformative scholar in leadership. 

    “I was privileged to assess your work. Even as a governor, you have beautiful publications and journals and over 45 published articles in Environmental Biochemistry.

    “I was present at the public presentation of your book, titled: The Biochemistry of Environmental Pollution, co-authored, as a teacher in environmental biochemistry. 

    “We are indeed proud of you, and remain grateful to you for representing us while you served as governor of Abia State,” Wegwu added.

    Dignitaries who accompanied Dr. Ikpeazu at the event were Prof. Anthony Agbazuere, Uzo Azubuike, Chimaobi Ebisike, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, Erondu Uchenna Erondu, Mr. Enyinnaya Appolos, Chief Jude Ndukwe, among others.

  • Ohanaeze Southwest greets Ikpeazu on victory

    Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the Southwest Prince Erondu Uche has congratulated Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on his victory at the election.

    Uche, in a statement, said: “I greet Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on his victory at the polls. Your victory is an indication that the people love you and are happy with your administration.

    “I encourage you to continue with the ongoing projects, and ensure their completion before the end of your tenure. I thank all Abians who participated in the election, either as candidates or electorate, and I advice all to do away with individual and party differences to support the present administration for the betterment of the state.

    “Your Excellency sir, the end of a journey is better than its beginning, you would have written your name in gold when you end well. Identify the little foxes that spoil the vine and keep sycophants at arm’s length.”

  • Can Ikpeazu get second term?

    As Abia State prepares for Saturday’s governorship poll, Smart Nwachi examines the chances of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at the poll.

    THE essence of democracy is to provide a veritable tool for socio- economic and political development for the people and provide the platform for participatory governance.

    As democracy is defined as the government of the people for the people and by the people, democracy enthrones leaders who are collectively chosen by the majority of the people.

    It is expected that leaders who are elected into various positions of trust should endeavor to endear themselves to the people who elected them. This obviously is achievable through good leadership.

    The Abia state story is not far from the analogy above. This is because of the strategic position of Abia state in the  political economy of the south east as one of the states that holds a high profile commercial activity in Nigeria.

    In realising this strategic fact, the Governor of Abia state, Dr.Okezie Ikpeazu took the bull by the horn through the Enyimba Economic City Project. The philosophy behind this project is to launch the popular Ariaria international market into global attention such that people from all works of life would find the market suitable for their trade. By so doing the economy of the state will no doubt improve in geometric progression.

    Although, Ikpeazu’s administration was greeted with so many distractions such as protracted legal battle which followed his election in 2015, his administration was able to pierce through the thorny path to chat a new course for the overall well being of the people of the state. For instance, one sector that the Ikpeazu led administration has made remarkable impact is on the area of road construction across the three senatorial zones of the state.

    Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state is certainly the better. Roads which were hitherto abandoned have received proper attention. Worthy of mention in this regard include Faulks road being handled by SETRACO. Work has also commenced on the strategic Port-Harcourt road not to mention Ukaegbu, Ehere, Umuola and many others.

    As at the last count over 70 roads have been completed with so many others on-going.

    Despite space constraint, it is worthy to mention that the governor has also made remarkable in road into the overhauling of the health, education and agricultural sectors of the state respectively. But a revisit the Enyimba Economic City Project, cannot be over emphasized. This is because of the economic importance and the benefits the investment will yield  to the people of the state when completed.

    This singular project which has seen the governor travel the length and breadth of the world, from Singapore to china, as well as other Asian and American countries , is sitting on a wide field of 9,803 hectares of land spreading across three local government  areas of Ukwa east, Ukwa west and Ugwunagbo .

    There is no doubt that the  Enyinmba Economic City Project will open up Nigeria’s business fortune internationally and cushion the effect of population influx into the state, the city is also designed to provide Urban Housing of over 3000 units as well as over 2000 industrial business units with an estimated annual value output of more than five billion dollars.

    The project which is to be done under Private Public Partnership with Crown Realities Plc, the host communities, Abia state government and federal government of Nigeria has witnessed its first phase fully designed and would commence in the first quarter of 2019. This is indeed a one in a million project.

    One predominant cankerworm that has eaten deep into the developmental fabrics of our dear nation is the inability of successive administrations to continue with the project of their predecessors. This ugly monster is the reason behind abandoned projects scattered in almost 36 states of the federation, thereby retarding economic growth and creating unemployment.

    In one of his media outings, Governor Ikpeazu noted that he will be fulfilled in life to see the Enyinmba Economic City Project completed and commissioned as the project is capable of re-writing the ugly economic story of the state as well as provide over 600,000 job opportunities for the teaming youths of the state

    Majority of Abians who realize the prospects in the Enyinmba Economic City Project express worries that the next administration may not complete the project and therefore called on all the citizens of Abia state to reconsider Ikpeazu for his second term to enable him realize this lofty dreams.

    Dr Ugodinma Onyika , a community leader from Ugwunagbo local government area, said economic empowerment of the people is not rested on short term gifts such as cars, cash, but a solid foundation such as the Enyimba Economic City  Project which has a positive multiplier effect and can stand the test of time

    He commended Ikpeazu for conceiving such a wonderful idea and urged him to face the project squarely “even if this is the singular project he would achieve in his time as a governor, his name must have been written in Gold”.

    Maxi Ukaoma Wabara, a businessman, noted that visionary leadership is the ability of such leader to see far beyond his immediate surrounding and focus into a distant future which according to him is represented by the Ikpeazu’s Enyinmba Economic City Project.

    Maxi Wabara was of the view that politicisind of ideas was not the best for the state and urged politicians and the entire people of Abia state to allow the governor to return for the second term so that this noble dream targeted towards boosting and laying a lasting economic foundation for the state was not abandoned half way.

    But, apart from the Enyimba Economic City Project, Abians are aware of many other laudable projects across all the sectors which were started by the present government and ongoing which gives credence to the need for Ikpeazu’s administration to be given a second term in office.

    The Abia State political landscape has provided a peaceful trajectory which had afforded the three senatorial zones of the state opportunity for the number one position of the state.

    Abia north senatorial zone had the slot of the governorship between 1999-2007 followed by the Abia central between 2007 – 2015 before the turn of the Abia south which presented the incumbent who will spend one term by may 29 this year and have performed creditably and should be allowed for  Equity-sake to complete his second tenure

    His other two strong contenders, Dr. Alex Otti of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and Dr. Uche Ogah of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have exhibited desperation in their quest to become the governors since 2015 against the Charter of  Equity propounded by the founding fathers of the state.

    But, behind the duos desperation is a peep into their past. Dr Alex Otti was alleged to have run down Diamond bank as managing Director which led to the bank being acquired today by Access bank Plc while his counterpart, Dr Uche Ogah is alleged to be bankrupt with some of his workers being owed for the past eight months.

    Stella Odimegwu, an Ohafia born legal practitioner described the ambition of the duo as a wild goose chase. She said “APGA and APC in the state are divided against themselves with two Governorship candidates parading themselves and it can not stand. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has done well in this his first term and should be allowed to complete his tenure”

    “These are the same people who dragged him for years at the court after the 2015 governorship election and they are out again. These two ambitious men who cannot wait for their turn come 2023 are the real enemies of the state,” she said.

    Odimegwu added: “Ikpeazu,s chances are brighter and the he is favored to win the election. I am not scoring him 100 per cent, but he should  be voted and supported by the entire Abians to complete the good works that he has started”

     

  • Ikpeazu lacks capacity to lead, says Alex Otti

    THE governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, has said that he does not have any personal problem with the incumbent governor of the state, Okezie Ikpeazu, “apart from the fact that the governor lacks the capacity to govern the state.”

    Otti, who said he was propelled by love in his quest to rescue Abia State, told a large crowd of charged Abia youths who gathered in Umuahia during the week, to celebrate the Valentine’s Day with him and his wife, at an event, “Valentine with Alex and Priscilla”, that Ikpeazu was a product of godfatherism and therefore malleable and susceptible to manipulation.

    He said that Governor Ikpeazu with his limited capacity, coupled with the overbearing influence of his godfather, Senator T. A. Orji, had done the best he could for Abia State and unfortunately his best was not good enough and therefore did not have any need to aspire to lead the state for a second term.

    According to Dr. Otti, “We do not have any problem with him as a person, but we have problem with his ideas. We have problem with his vision or lack thereof. We have problems with his leadership quality, again, or lack thereof. He has done his best. Our verdict, as Abia people, is that his best is not good enough,” he said.

    A statement by the Director, Media and Publicity of Alex Otti Campaign Organisation, Kazie Uko, quoted the APGA governorship candidate as saying that Abia State was blessed with many smart and intelligent people who are also good and hardworking, but unfortunately, “all of us collectively allowed evil to thrive in the state, by what we did or what we didn’t do.”

    Otti further explained: “Go back to 1999; that was when we got it wrong and once the fundamentals are wrong everything else would not be right. So, we allowed people who had no vision to take over the governorship and governance of our state and when they finished, they installed their godsons”.

    He admonished the youth on the danger of standing aloof or sitting on the fence and not getting involved in politics. “I’m sensitizing you this afternoon to get interested in politics. Don’t be an apolitical animal because man is a political animal.

    Apart from the intellectually rewarding political talk, the ‘Valentine with Alex and Priscilla’ was highly entertaining and exhilarating. It was laced with songs by a choral group, music, comedy, sumptuous food and drinks. It provided opportunity for the youth to meet and interact with the prospective governor in relaxed and cozy atmosphere, devoid of any kind of tension.

  • Get ready to leave, APC tells Ikpeazu

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State has told Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to begin packing ahead of his eviction from the Government House.

    APC’s spokesman Benedict Godson, in a New Year’s message yesterday, accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of being wicked to Abians, and betraying the people.

    According to Godson, 2019 is a year of liberation and transformation from the clutches of PDP leadership.

    Godson begged Abians to be patient as their suffering would soon end, saying when Uche Ogah becomes governor, he would enthrone change and people-friendly leadership.

    He said: “It’s a new year and everything about this year must be new in our state. For us here, it’s a year of liberation and transformation. Our people have endured a lot from PDP. Our people have suffered a lot, but there’s always a time to say it’s enough.

    “Abians should start to feel the change that’s coming our way. From the campaigns to the main election, we urge them to work, vote and see the devastating downfall of their oppressors and return all glory to God at the end.

    “Every resident uncomfortable with where we are currently languishing, must play roles towards this liberation and transformation. God has sent us someone who will make things easier and better for us. We urge Abians to understand that no one can give what he doesn’t have.

    “The emergence of Dr. Uche Sampson Ogah as governorship candidate signals the revival of Abia’s industrial prowess and revitalisation of its commercial and business status. This is God sending us a liberator, and all we need to do is believe and work with him to rescue Abia from the shackles of this reckless and incompetent government.”

  • Ikpeazu: pray for peaceful elections

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has urged Abians and voters to pray for peaceful polls.

    Ikpeazu, in his New Year’s message yesterday, admonished residents to be vigilant to ensure that fifth columnists and enemies of peace do not use them to instigate crisis.

    The governor, who said most of the interventions, projects and policies of his administration were intended to yield long-lasting and sustainable impact, called on those seeking elective position, to stick to clean campaigns devoid of activities that may disturb the peace of the state, or stoke crisis.

    He said: “As a people and as a state, we must reject fear-mongering, hate speech, divisiveness and provocation. I am committed to working with security agencies to ensure peace and safety during the elections.”

    The governor, who warned “underperforming and underachieving” parastatals that his administration would no longer allow financial wastage, stressed that the government would not continue to commit huge resources to personnel costs without getting services.

    He added: “Let me warn heads of under-achieving and under-performing parastatals that in 2019, it will not be business as usual. We cannot continue to commit huge resources to personnel cost without getting commensurate services from the personnel. Some parastatals are performing below capacity, while cabals within others have frustrated every effort aimed at reforming the parastatals for efficient services. We will conduct a review and take a tougher stance against some of these individuals and groups.

    “The parastatals make and retain revenue for their operations without remitting any money to the state, yet they still collect subventions and owe salaries, while their less buoyant counterparts in the private sector are thriving and turning in profits. I urge all heads of Parastatals to do a honest internal assessment to give the people value for the money we are spending on them.”

  • Ikpeazu swears in new Permanent Secretary

    Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has sworn-in Mrs Onyinyechi Nwachukwu, as a Permanent Secretary in the state Civil Service.

    The ceremony took place at the Government House, Umuahia on Monday.

    Speaking at the event Ikpeazu described the civil service as the engine room of government policies which play great role actualisation of good governance.

    He said civil servants, especially permanent secretaries, play great role in the formulation and implementation of government policies.

    “Whether we do well or not depends on the ability of civil service to interpret properly and accurately the ideals and vision of the State Government as well as implement same as expeditiously as possible.

    “Resources are scarce, so prudent management of resources is part of strategies you will need to utilise,” Ikpeazu said.

    He said one of the core objectives of the present administration is to serve the people of the state and ensure their interests is protected.

    Ikpeazu said he was confident the new permanent secretary would live up to expectations.

    Responding, Nwachukwu, appreciated the state government for giving her the opportunity to serve the people of the state.

    She assured that she would discharge her duties without fear or favour.

  • Ikpeazu approves road repairs in Abam community

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has approved the construction of a six-kilometre ring road running through Ndi Okorie-Eziafor-Atan-Ndi Oji Abam ring road in Arochukwu Local Government Area.

    This development is part of measures Governor Ikpeazu has taken to fulfil the promise he made to Ndi-Abam during the Grand civic reception organised in his honour on the 18th of August, 2018, which was held in Uzo-Abam.

    The Commissioner for Works, Hon. Eziuche Ubani while inspecting the site assured the people that all the necessary documentation have been concluded with the project Engineers and work is expected to commence soon.

    Also, during the Commissioner’s visit, was the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency, Uko Nkole who is from Abam clan.

    Nkole affirmed the governor’s willingness to the fulfilment of his promise to Ndi-Abam.

    The President General of Atan Abam Development Union, while reacting to the August visitor, thanked the Governor for approving the road which he said when completed, will give a new lease of life to the community.

    He also said that the people of Abam will rally support for the Governor and Nkole who has within his 3 years in office rehabilitated the Anyim bridge, that link Abia and Akwa Ibom State, provided and installed transformers for Atani Abam community which ended the nine years of electricity outage and secured federal civil service jobs to many of their sons and daughters.