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Tag: Ikpeazu

  • Abia guber: Nwosu fails to stop Ikpeazu

    A contestant in the Peoples Democratic Party December 8, 2014 governorship primaries in Abia State, Friday Nwosu, yesterday, lost his bid to stop the election of the state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu as the Supreme Court upheld the election of the governor.

    The apex court, penalised Nwosu for filing what the court considered a frivolous appeal. The Supreme Court, in a judgment on Friday, awarded N4million as penalty against Nwosu and in favour of the four respondents in the appeal. Nwosu, by the judgment, is to pay each of the respondents N1m as cost. Nwosu had, in his appeal marked: SC/693/17, challenged the judgment of the Court of Appeal, in which it was held that Okezie Ikpeazu was qualified to contest the 2015 governorship election in Abia State.

    Justice Amina Augie, in the lead judgment, upheld Ikpeazu’s election and dismissed Nwosu’s appeal. The lead judgment was read on behalf of Justice Augie by Justice Sidi Bage. Nwosu, who contested the December 8, 2014 governorship primaries of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but lost to Ikpeazu, sued at the Federal High Court, accusing Ikpeazu of submitting false information and fake tax documents to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Yesterday, Justice Bage, while reading Justice Augie’s judgment, said: “The appellant contested the party’s primary and lost to the 3rd respondent (Ikpeazu) and instituted a number of suits in the various divisions of the Federal High Court, challenging the outcome of the primary. “The appellant’s suit was initially filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja. It was transferred to the Federal High Court Umuahia and it was again, transferred to the Federal High Court, Owerri.

    “This is court affirm the decision of the Court of Appeal, Abuja, which set aside the disqualification of the 3rd respondent. “It upheld his victory at the primary and his ultimate election as the Executive Governor of Abia State. “The 3rd objection is upheld and the appeal is hereby dismissed. The appellant is ordered to pay cost at N1m to each one of the four respondents.” Justices Mary Peter Odili, Amiru Sanusi, Bode Rhodes-Vivour and Bage, who were on the panel, agreed with the lead judgment and the consequential orders made.

  • Buhari, Ikpeazu, Akeredolu, Aregbesola, Orji, others join Emenike to bury mum

    President Muhammadu Buhari was joined by other eminent politicians from across the country to witness the burial ceremony of the mother of Chief Ikechi Emenike, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State.

    Speaking at the burial ceremony at Umukabia, Umuahia North council area of Abia State, President Buhari said the was need for the country to be united through a handshake across the Niger.

    Buhari noted that Nigeria at this time needs more bridge builders across ethnic, religious and political divides for the country to attain the much desired national cohesion, peace and harmony among the diverse peoples.

    The President, who was represented by the minister of education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, said that there was need for those in political leadership and high in the society to build bridges of understanding and goodwill by using their positions well.

    He explained that he was in Abia because Chief Emenike, who is one of the children of the deceased, “is a bridge builder among us” who has used his endowment and position to help people and make them realise their goals in life.

    President Buhari described Emenike’s mother, Nneoma Helen Egobekee Emenike Uwagbama who passed away at the age of 85 as woman who did not spare the rod as her children were well brought up and helping to mould the society.

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu noted that Mama Emenike lived a good life as exemplified by the quality of her children, adding that the family should immortalise the good virtues of their matriarch.

    Ikpeazu called on them not to deviate from the good training they got from their late mother and consoled them by saying that they should not cry those who do not know Christ as death is an avenue every living being must pass through.

    Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Ondo state said that he was in Abia to testify to the humane character of Chief Emenike, who described as is a man of honour and dignity, while Governor Rotimi Akeredolu urged Emenike to be happy for being alive to bury his mother.

    In his sermon, the Prelate Emeritus, Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Dr Sunday Mbang, warned politicians against indulging in politics of blackmail.

    Mbang said politicians erroneously believed they could control time only to find out that when it was already late that and urged those who are still living in that delusion to retrace their steps before it is too late.

    The Methodist cleric said: “Today God has asked me to tell you that whatever you plan you have no control over time, as only God knows what tomorrow holds for each and everyone in this world”.

    Chief Emenike, a publisher, development economist and politician, in his funeral speech extolled the life of his late mother, noting that mothers are truly the ones created in the image of God, adding that they go extra mile to ensure the success of their children.

    He descried mothers as the most kindhearted creatures whom God used to make the most sacrifice to see to the upbringing of their children and the welfare of the family.

    Emenike said, “If not for my mother I would have ended up as a roadside mechanic and my senior brother, a roadside panel bearer, our mother insisted and sacrificed to ensure that all her eight children got the best education”.

    The attendance at the funeral defied political colouration, geographical and religious locations as governors, senators, ministers, senior clerics, and captains of industry were among the huge crowd of mourners and sympathisers that attended the funeral ceremony.

    These include Governors Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and the host governor, Ikpeazu.

    Other high profile personalities that came to condole with the Emenike family were Senators Theodore Orji (Abia Central) Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia South), Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, former governor of Abia and now minister of science and technology, Chief Timipre Silva, former governor of Bayelsa State and former military president General Ibrahim Babangida, who was represented by Senator Dagash Dangana.

     

  • Ikpeazu is a man of destiny, says Fayose

    Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose has described his colleague in Abia State, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, as a man of destiny.

    He urged the Abia electorate to vote him for a second term in 2019.

    Fayose spoke yesterday in Abia while inaugurating the  1.2 kilometre Umuatako Street in Osisioma, Aba, commercial capital of the state, built by the Ikpeazu administration.

    Fayose, who was in Abia on a one-day state visit, noted that Ikpeazu has performed well.

    He said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had what  it takes to improve the living standard of the people.

    Fayose lauded the quality of the road and standard of its drainage.

    He assured Ikpeazu of the continuity of his administration.

    “Abia people, I have come here again today to tell you that my brother, Governor Ikpeazu is a man of destiny. Anybody fighting him will fail. Those who fought him in 2015 failed, even when they went to courts, they also failed. I am urging you to vote him again in 2019 so that he will continue and conclude the work he is doing for you.

    “I have seen the kind of roads he is building for you, they are of high standard with quality drainage both sides, that is how to build a road and that is what Governor Ikpeazu is doing. Keep supporting him and our party the PDP. Don’t allow blackmailers and corruption people to come and hijack your state. Only PDP will bring development and change as Governor Ikpeazu is already doing.”

    Ikpeazu said his promise to inaugurate Umuatako road with streetlights was fulfilled as the lights are now functional.

    He explained that his government would provide residents with good projects, which is the only vehicle that drives good leadership.

    Also, ex-governor and senator representing Abia Central, Theodore Orji, noted that he is proud to identify with the laudable projects of Ikpeazu.

  • Ikpeazu: Get your voter’s cards ready

    The people of Bende Local Government Area of Abia State have endorsed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for second term. At the endorsement rally in Uzuakoli, the governor urged residents to collect their voter’s cards, ahead of next year’s poll. EMMANUEL OLADESU reports.

    The p eople of Bende Local Government Area, Abia North Senatorial District of Abia State, have endorsed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for a second term.

    The endorsement has significance because of the influential indigenes from the area. They include the late Commodore Amadi Guy Ikwechegh, former military governor of  Imo State from 1986 to 1989, former Governor Orji Kalu and   House of Representatives member Hon. Nnenna Ukeje-Elendu, who has been representing Bende Constituency since 2007.

    Bende Council is also the cradle of Hon Cosmos Ndukwe,  Deputy Speaker ofAbia State House of Assembly, Secretary to State Government (SSG) Dr Eme Okoro, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), Chief Jerry Kalu, Sir JC Ogwo, Hon. Nnamdi Njoku, and Chief Ekeoma Eme.

    At a rally in the famous Practicing School,  Uzuakoli, the people urged Ikpeazu to declare his second term bid, assuring him of support. It was witnessed by traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youth groups, artians and peasants.

    Speakers at the rally included Hon. Ukeje, Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe, the council chairman and  Chief Gabriel Elendu.

    Also, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains led their supporters to defect to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The defectors included Chief Ude Eme Obike, Chief Sunday Akachukwu Oko and Chief Johnny Ukpabi. PDP leaders said the base of the opposition has been destroyed, following their defections.

    Former chairman of the local government, Chief Ukwu Rocks Emma, described Ikpeazu as a people’s governor, adding that he is tested and trusted.

    He said: “Ikpeazu is a Governor after our hearts. Bende, the land of warriors, would go to battle in defence of this trusted governor. Bende stands with you since you have stood by Bende when you became governor. From the election of the deputy speaker to the appointments of Secretary to the State Government, two commissioners, special advisers and special assistants, chairmen and members of board of parastatals, the governor has carried Bende sons and daughters along in his journey. Why then should we not carry Okezie Ikpeazu along?”

    The former chairman also lauded Ikpeazu for fighting the infrastructure battle in Bende. He said residents are happy over the construction of many roads, including Lohum- Nkpa-Port-Harcourt Expressway, Alayi-Item-Nkporo, Akoli Imenyi and Alayi Erosion Control projects; Aba Road-Ceramics-Isi Court, and Umuahia Dual Carriageway.

    “When you launched the Made-In-Aba campaign, you got us there. That campaign is a promotion of the industry of the Bende man. You are globally expanding our market horizon and increasing the per-capita income of the Bende man.

    “When we match Governor Ikpeazu’s giant strides in education where Abia has consistently maintained the first in WAEC, where the abandoned Umunnato General Hospital is transmuting to a National Hospital before our  eyes and where agriculture is finally getting due recognition, culminating in the Item Poultry Farm Village and the New Rice Mill here in Uzoakoli, we have no option than to support you for a second term.

    “If we adopt the lingual franca of the Nigeria proletariat, that is, the pidgin English, the title of this address could be: Why Bende dey raise voice dey shout: Governor Ikpeazu, carry go till 2023.

    An excited Ikpeazu thanked the people for endorsing him. He promised to return to them at the appropriate time to respond to their call for him to re-contest next year.

    He said: “Bende people have spoken, and I thank you for speaking as a people. I also thank you for the endorsement.  Bende is among the local government areas in Abia State that I don’t need to campaign because I know that I have the support of Bende people.

    “When I look around and see the number of our people here today, I remember your support for me in 2015 and I have no doubt that I will always have your support. But, let me say here that I will come back to Bende to respond appropriately on your demand for me to contest again in 2019.

    The governor promised to sustain the tempo of achievements till the end of the first term. He said his government was laying a concrete foundation for the future prosperity of the state.

    Ikpeazu added: “One thing I will assure you is that Abia State will never go back to the days when we were regarded as a pariah state. Jointly with Bende people, we will continue to upgrade our state infrastructure and make our people bold in wherever they do.

    “That is why we took on the made in Aba campaign which Bende people have benefited from. Today our people in Aba are proud of what they do with their hands. We sent them to China and they proved to China that we are very hard working people. As governor, I promised to wear only made in Aba cloths and I have kept my word.

    The governor urged the people to protect public utilities in the area. He said the on-going projects will be completed.

    He stresed: “This administration will not do road that will last only one year, we are doing roads that will last at least 20 years, that is why we engage reputable constructions firms. We have Setraco working on Port Harcourt and Faulks Roads in Aba, Arab Contractors on Aba Road in Umuahia, the Chinese Construction Company at Osisioma flyover and Bulletin Construction Company at Abiriba-Nkporo Road.

    “We also have some very reputable local contractors who are doing very well. All our urban and semi-urban roads must have drainage on both sides and terminate at an appropriate water receiving facility.”

    Ikpeazu advised the people to collect their voter’s cards, stressing that voting is impossible without the cards.

    He lauded Bende for producing about 30 tons of Abia rice last year, urging them to double their efforts.

    Ikeazu added: “We will reconstruct dilapidated roads in the council in addition to providing portable water at Item and Ozuitem.”

  • Ikpeazu gets nod for second term

    A political pressure group, Ultimate Grassroots Mobilisers (UGM), has endorsed Enugu State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for a second term.

    The group promised to ensure a stress-free re-election for Ikpeazu.

    The Deputy Coordinator, Stanley Ijoma, spoke when he visited the Chairman of Aba North Local Government Area, Prince Stanley Ogbonna.

    According to him, the group endorsed Ikpeazu because of the projects he has executed.

    He said: “No one else will have the confidence to demolish houses to pave way for roads like Governor Ikpeazu is doing in Aba. Look at Faulks and Osusu Roads, everywhere is clean and neat. That’s how a city should be and Ikpeazu is trying to restore the city’s original master plan.

    “Anyone who believes in the truth will support Ikpeazu to finish his term in 2023. The foundation he is laying now is what incoming governors will use. Let us all unite to support Ikpeazu for 2019.”

    Ogbonna, who was happy with Ikpeazu’s endorsement, said he believes in playing politics in good faith.

    He hailed the group for identifying with the PDP in Aba North, and promised to carry their message to the governor.

  • I run a research-based govt, says Ikpeazu

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has said all the roads built by his administration are products of careful and thorough research.

    Ikpeazu, who spoke on the four-point programme of his administration – trade and commerce, agriculture, small and medium enterprises and technical education – said the government decided to build roads because of the noticeable gaps in road infrastructure.

    He said: “We have gaps in roads. It is not all kinds of roads, but those that lead to major economic hubs. We run a research-based government and all our projects, especially roads, are products of thorough research.

    “After a careful research, we resolved to build cement-based technology roads leading to most of our economic hubs and we are partnering with the Council of Registered Engineers in this direction.”

    The governor added that the roads were purpose-driven, of great economic significance, and were not based on friendship or political patronage.

    On education, Ikpeazu said his administration would fence the 312 schools in the state and power them with solar energy.

    According to him, the government was running a programme tagged “Education for Employment”, which had graduated 1,000 persons, out of which 170 would be absorbed into the local government system.

    He added that the government is targeting seven million palms and had in its nursery not less than three million.

  • Kinsmen endorse Ikpeazu for second term

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has been endorsed for a second term by nine of the 17 local government chapters of the Peopl3s Democratic Party (PDP). EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the hurdles he must cross to win next year’s poll. 

    Three  years ago, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, former university don and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain,  was endorsed for governor of Abia State by the people of Ukwa/Ngwa.

    Last week, the zone endorsed the governor for a second term. Was the endorsement based on ethnic affiliation? Prominent leaders ot the zone said the state deserved a government of continuity, adding that Ikpeazu has lived up to expectation.

    However, some leaders of the opposition parties have disagreed with the endorsement. In their view, the governor could have done better.

    Ukwa/Ngwa spread across nine of 17 local governments in Abia. The councils are Aba North, Aba South, Isialangwa North, Isialangwa South, Osisioma, Obingwa, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa West and Ukwa East.

    The endorsement ceremony in Okpuala Ngwa, the ancestral headquarters of Ngwa, was reminiscent of the 2014 endorsement when former  Senate President Adolph Wabara and  Elder Emma Adaelu  led what they described as a “one million”man match to the Government House, Umuahia, and presented Ikpeazu to former Governor Theodore Orji as the sole candidate, despite the fact that the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Anyim Nyerere, hails from Ngwa.

    Wabara, who moved the motion for Ikpeazu’s endorsement, said: “Our son and our brother, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, is a silent achiever and performer. He has performed creditably and that confers on him the right to lead once more. Our people today speak with one voice to make a proclamation in support of the governor, asking him to contest again in 2019.”

    The motion was seconded by  Chief  Chukwu Wachukwu, former Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE). He said: “Abia North was governor for eight years with Orji Uzo Kalu; Abia Central governed for eight years with Senator Theodore Orji. Abia South is completing four years with Governor Ikpeazu. Therefore, as a people, we unanimously, through a voice vote, declare our support for the re-election of Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu  in 2019, because he has done well and also because he must complete the eight year tenure of Abia South people.”

    Adaelu explained that the governor has the constitutional right to seek re-election. He added: “We have seen governors in Abia State and I will boldly state that there has not been any like Ikpeazu.”

    Former governorship candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Reagan Ufomba, said Ikpeazu has spread the dividends of democracy to the three senatorial districts.

    “In the spirit of equity, inclusiveness, fairness and justice, re-electing Ikpeazu in 2019 is task for all Abians, from Ukwa through Umuahia to Arochukwu, because he has done well, and there is no alternative than to allow him to continue with his good work till 2023.”

    However,  Ufomba urged the governor to sustain the tempo of  achievements.”We also call on our Old Bende brothers to demonstrate love and oneness, as we have always done to them in the past, by ensuring that the Ukwa-Ngwa people enjoy two terms as exercised by other zones in the state.” he added.

    The monarchs, led by Eze Bernard Enweremadu of Ngwa Ukwu, said Ikpezu had their support. He said: “If it is not just, if it is not fair. It is equitable for an Ngwa man to govern Abia eight years, as others did. As it was in 2015, so shall it be in 2019, ” Eze Enweremadu added.

    An excited Ikpeazu described the endorsement as a show of love and demonstration of the  unflinching support of Ukwa/Ngwa people for him.

    He urged the people get their Permanent Voters Cards, as a sign of seriousness, if they want him to re-contest in 2019.

    The governor said the endorsement underscored the resolve and unity of the nine local governments.

    Ikpeazu said: “ You shouldn’t  be here asking me to contest again in 2019, if you don’t have your voters card.”

    The governor assured the people that he will continue to fulfil his campaign promises, based on his five-point agenda.

    Ikpeazu’s media aide, Enyinnaya Appolos, said the opposition is frustrated and disappointed by the governor’s achievements.  Reacting to the allegation that most of the projects executed by Ikpeazu are either undertaken by the Niger Delta Development Commission, or the Federal Government, Appolos chided the critics for falsehood. He  listed the 38  road projects completed  by the governor, which he said, are verifiable.  and called on Media Practitioners in the country to visit and verify all of them.

    Appolos told reporters in Umuahia, the state capital, that Ikpeazu will not derail, adding that the quality of performance was in appreciation of the mandate of 2015.

    The Chief Press Secretary  said:  “Governor Ikpeazu promised a new Abia with world class infrastructure, improved environment for business and Small and Medium Enterprises.

    “Two years down the line, there comes a need to do an assessment of what has been done.That was the reason for the tour embarked upon by the governor, media practitioners, members of the PDP National Working Committee and stakeholders in the state recently.”

    Apollus recalled that while disgrunted opposition leaders planned to distract the governor through litigations, he has decided to remain focussed.

    He said the road project in Eketa community in Isiala, Ngwa South Local Government Area, was neither   embarked upon by the NDDC nor   attracted by Dr. Alex Otti of the All Progressives Grand Alliance. He said it is part of the 10 kilometre road per local government promised by the governor.

    On whether or not the governor should re-contest for the 2019 elections, Apollos said: “Constitutionally, the governor has the right to seek re-election in 2019. Abians too want him to contest. Various groups and even individuals are saying you have done well; we want you to contest in 2019. But, he has not said so”.

    “As Enyinnaya Appolos from Isiko and Abia, having seen what Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has done, I will want him to contest in 2019. Knowing where Abia used to be before 2015 and what Abia is at the moment, I can only imagine what Abia will look like by 2023.”

     

  • Nine councils endorse Ikpeazu for second term

    Nine councils endorse Ikpeazu for second term

    Nine of the 17 local government areas in Abia State have endorsed Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for a second term.

    Aba North; Aba South; Isialangwa North; Isialangwa South; Osisioma; Obingwa; Ugwunagbo; Ukwa West and Ukwa East said on the basis of his performance, Ikpeazu deserves to be reelected for a second term. They called on all sons and daughters of the area to work for the governor’s victory in 2019.

    The endorsement came at Okpuala Ngwa, the ancestral headquarters of the Ngwa people, during the Great Ukwa Ngwa Declaration at the weekend.

    Former Senate President Adolfus Wabara, who moved the motion for the endorsement, said: “Our son and brother, Okezie Ikpeazu, is a silent achiever and performer. He has performed creditably well and that confers on him the right to lead once more. Our people today speak with one voice to make a proclamation in support of the governor, asking him to contest for governor again in 2019.”

    Chief Chukwu Wachukwu, who seconded the motion, said: “Abia North was governor for eight years with Orji Uzo Kalu, Abia Central governed for eight years with Senator Theodore Orji and Abia South is completing four years with Governor Ikpeazu. Therefore, we, as a people, unanimously declare our support for the re-election of Okezie Ikpeazu as governor of Abia State in 2019, because he has done well and also because he must complete the eight year tenure of Abia South.”

    Statesman Emmanuel Adaelu explained that the governor has the constitutional right to seek re-election in 2019, and as such deserves the support of his people.

    “We have seen governors in Abia State and I will boldly state that there has not been any like Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. He has done so well and the evidence of his great works are everywhere for the world to see.

    “So we are boldly and eloquently declaring our support for him to re-contest in 2019.”

  • Ikpeazu: I‘m fulfilling my campaign promises

    Ikpeazu: I‘m fulfilling my campaign promises

    Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines the achievements and constraints of Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in his bid to implement his campaign promises. 

    Expectations were high in Abia State almost three years ago when Okezie Ikpeazu, a former university don, succeeded former Governor Theodore Orji. The state was just trying to find its feet, owing to its slow pace of development. The infrastructure battle has not been won and residents demanded a new lease of life.

    The governor inherited many challenges, which he wanted to tackle immediately. He was determined to make a difference. His priority was the provision of essential social amenities to guarantee improved welfare and boost trading activities. Also, he had a commitment towards safeguarding security. But, the cloud of uncertainty did not fizzle out in time. The poll that brought him to power was inconclusive. Abia is not known for any politics of affection. Gladiators are always at war before, during and after elections. The governor’s attention was somehow distracted by protracted litigations, which later ended in his favour in court.

    During his inauguration, Ikpeazu urged Abians to be hopeful. He also advised them to make sacrifice for the state as the country was facing hard times. Noting that raising and spending of money is the task of governance, called for a paradigm shift in income generation. Ikpeazu said while optimization of government spending should be accompanied by significant internally revenue generation growth.

    The governor also said probity will be the watchword. “This government intends to be firm in plugging all revenue leakages alongside developing new channels. I call on all sons and daughters of Abia to key into this by ensuring that they fulfill their statutory obligation to pay all their taxes timely.

    “We will restructure our Inland Revenue Service to become a strategic contributory parastatal in the actualization of our vision for Abia. We will bring private sector competence and mindset to this agency, thus paving the way for significantly increased IGR levels. With this, our vision for better life for our people can be realised,” he stressed.

    The governor now has a good tale to tell, judging by his performance in the six critical sectors: agriculture, trade and commerce, oil and gas, education, health care delivery, and infrastructure development. “We have lived up to expectation by delivering on our campaign promises. Our record and achievements speak for us in all the areas. Despite the financial constraints, we have made a big difference,’ Ikpeazu told eminent Nigerians who visited some of the project sites.

    Many of them testified that the state has become a huge construction site. Road construction is the vogue in the Southeast state. But, other sectors are not neglected. Reviewing the activities of the administration, Works Commissioner Hon. Eziuche Ubani said the people were satisfied with the giant strides. If performance will be a yardstick for re-election, he said Ikpeazu has no cause to worry. “We are not worried about the next election. This governor has been working,” added the former House of Representatives member.

    The distribution of the road projects reflects the senatorial spread. The commissioner said Abia South has 35, Abia Central has 39 while Abia North has 13. Some of them are virgin roads. Many of them are handled by reputable foreign contractors; some are also handled by indigenous ones. But, Ubani the governor has always insisted on good standard. “No contract failure is tolerated. Proper agreements are signed with contractors,” he added.

    The Commissioner for Information, John Okiyi, explained that 10 kilometres of roads are constructed in each local government to open up rural areas and assist farmers to have access to the market. He said the roads inherited by the administration are not allowed to become abandoned projects.

    Under the first phase of the road projects, N6 billion was earmarked. Many of the projects are ready for commissioning. The goal is to promote trade and open up the communities. They include Idima-Abam, Ndi Oji/Ndi Okereke Bridge/Abam-Arochukwu, Ohafia Ring Road, Abariba-Nkporo, Abariba Ring Road, Eluama in Isuikwata, Nkpa, and Owerrinta-Egbelu Mbutu. Others are Umuala, Adaelu, Umuode, Umuechilegbu, Umule, Kamalu, Ovom, Owerri Road (off Okigwe), Ochefu, Weeks Street, Aba, and the six-lane Port Harcourt Road. Excited at the completion of the road in his ward at Isialangwu South Council, the Leader of the Council Parliament, Chief Chidi Nwotie, praised the governor for his rural development project. He said: “The road has opened a lot of opportunities for the people of the area. The governor does not need to give the people rice, salt or anything again before they vote for him in next election.”

    The Ndioji-Ndiokereke Bridge stands out among the projects. It links the rest of the state with Arochukwu and Abam, the home of rubber and cocoa plantations, and the agricultural hub of the state. House of Representatives member Hon. Nko Nkole, who represents the constituency, said the people were grateful for the project. The people of Arochukwu-Ofion Constituency will not forget this rare gesture,” added.

    Many of the infrastructural facilities are concentrated in Aba, the commercial hub. The construction of the road that lead to the Areare market has led to a free flow of traffic for the first time in 21 years.  The city is also benefiting from the urban renewal and street lightening projects of the administration. Ubani explained that it was deliberate, stressing that “if Aba is working, the state is working.” He said the governor was trying to restore the glory of the commercial capital. “We concentrate on Aba. Aba has suffered the dearth of infrastructure. Everybody in the state is connected to Aba. It is the economic hub. Many people from all over the state live there. Anything you do in Aba is done for the entire state. Aba should be given special attention because it is the economic nerve centre,” he added.

    Also, efforts have been made to construct roads leading to other states. Abia is surrounded by seven states, which have built roads to the border towns. Thus, the governor decided to the roads that lead to these borders to enhance inter-state transportation.

    In Abia, agriculture is a core priority. This is in line with the diversification policy of the government. Farming is no longer perceived as the occupation of the uneducated. In fact, youth participation in agriculture has boosted employment. Agriculture Commissioner Uzor Azubike explained that, under the Fadama Project, N300 million has been released as grants to farmers. “We have also encouraged rice farming in the state and we are having rice mills for packaging, marketing, refining and polishing,” he added. The poultry village is being developed at Umuoza. To avert herdsmen/farmers rift, he said plans are underway to introduce native goat anching, adding that N1 million will be given to interested farmers as loan. “We are matching traditional and modern farming practices,” he added.

    Education is also been defended. Stakeholders have hailed the governor for school rehabilitation project and the supply of adequate education infrastructure. “372 primary and secondary schools are being renovated,” said Okiyi, who added: “Students and teachers deserve a conducive environment.”

    In Umuahia, the state capital, the Investment Building has been completed. It is an architecture for ensuring ease of doing business. Ubani said: “What is needed to set up a business-land matters, tax, rates, right of way-are there in one building. All the professionals are there to attend to businessmen and investors.”

  • Ikpeazu pardons nine inmates

    Ikpeazu pardons nine inmates

    Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has pardoned nine inmates in Abia and other parts of the country.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Justice and Chairman, State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy, Umeh Kalu (SAN), said the pardon is in commemoration of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

    According to the statement, the prisoners are serving various jail terms at the Enugu, Aba, Umuahia and Kirikiri, Lagos prisons for stealing, advance fee fraud and assault.

    Two of the prisoners had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment, while a female murder convict had her death sentence commuted to a pardon, with an order made for her immediate release.

    The statement reads: “The other six prisoners were granted total pardon and also ordered to be released forthwith. All the releases were made by the governor, on the advice of the State Advisory Council on Prerogative of Mercy.

    “The governor wishes that the released prisoners will take advantage of the new lease of life granted them, and forever refrain from crime.”