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  • Otti appoints transition chairmen, deputies

    Otti appoints transition chairmen, deputies

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti yesterday announced the appointment of transition committee chairmen and deputies for the 17 local governments.

    Our correspondent reports that Dr. Otti had come under criticism by the opposition parties for reportedly withholding the seal of local governments and his inability to organise council election or appoint transition committee chairmen for the 17 local governments since he assumed office, which the opposition noted was not just contrary to Otti’s campaign promises, but also against democratic principles.

    While the governor had at different times assured his supporters and ‘Abians’ generally that he would organise local government election, he also said he would appoint transition committee chairmen to supervise the affairs of the councils before election would be organised.

    Otti said in a statement that he had submitted their names for screening and confirmation by the House of Assembly.

    Those appointed include IsialaNgwa South LGA: Chairman- Dr. Elelenta Nwambuisi Elele. Deputy- Mr. Eberechukwu Ahuruonye.

    Ukwa West LGA: Chairman- Mr. Newman Azu.

    Deputy- Mr. Anele Michael.

    Arochukwu LGA: Chairman- Chief Joe Ezearu. Deputy- Mr. Okezie Azuma.

    Others include Umuahia South LGA:

    Chairman- Mr. Obike Ejike Nnochiri, Deputy- Mr. Olendingwa Nwabueze. IsialaNgwa North LGA: Chairman- Mr. C. Y. Nwankwo. Deputy- Mr. Uchenna Nwanbuko.

    Umunneochi LGA: Chairman- Mr. Ndubuisi Ike. Deputy- Mr. Njoku Augustine C.

    The statement further said: Isuikwuato LGA. Chairman- Air Vice Marshal Chinwendu Onyike (Rtd).

    Deputy- Harrison Onuke

    Ikwuano LGA: Chairman- Mr. Osinachi Hycinth Nwaka, Deputy- Chief Charles Ugbuajah.

    Others include: Bende LGA.

    Read Also: Adventist world leader charges Otti, Ikpeazu to sheath swords

    Chairman- Chijioke Nwankwo, Deputy- Mr. Onyedikachi Iroegbu.

    Ohafia LGA: Chairman- Chief David Ogba, Deputy-  Mkpa Oju Uka.

    Obingwa LGA: Chairman- Dr. Eric Egwuibe, Deputy- Mr. Chiemela Ekpemu.

    Ugwunagbo LGA: Chairman- Nosike Ihesiaba, Deputy- Mr. Nnamdi Kelvin Chijioke.

    Ukwa East LGA: Chairman- Dr. Ngozi Nwagbara, Deputy- Chief Onyebuchi Nnah.

    Umuahia North LGA: Chairman- Chief Victor Ikeji, Deputy- Mr. Okechukwu Anthony Amah.

    Aba South LGA: Chairman- Mr. Uchechukwu A. C. Wogu, Deputy- Mrs. Nkiru Ugwu.

    Aba North LGA: Chairman- Ide John Udeagbala, Deputy- Prince Nnaemeka Ogbonna and Osisioma Ngwa LGA: Chairman- Israel Nweke, Deputy-  Young Ngwaziem.

  • Adventist world leader charges Otti, Ikpeazu to sheath swords

    Adventist world leader charges Otti, Ikpeazu to sheath swords

    The General Conference President of Seventh-Day Adventist Church, Ted Wilson has urged the incumbent and former governors of Abia, Dr. Alex Otti and Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu to work for the interest of the state.

    Recall that, there was no love lost between Otti and Ikpeazu since 2015 till date, especially following the decision of the incumbent administration to set-up a committee to probe the administration of the former governor of the state. The situation has generated bad blood not just among church members, but Abians as a whole.

    Wilson who was speaking at the Enyimba Stadium in Aba, the commercial nerve of the state on Saturday during a church service to mark the end of a week-long Centenary celebration of the Eastern Nigeria Union Conference (ENUC) of the church emphasized on the need for both Otti and Ikpeazu to put their political differences behind and work for Abians.

    Read Also: FG to open up 28 States for water transportation

    The Adventist Church World Leader who reminded Otti and Ikpeazu that they were also brothers of the same faith noted that both of them could work to bring more progress to the state if they should put away their political differences and reconcile.

    “The former and current governors of Abia State are both Adventists. And to the two of you, my dear brothers, you are brothers in Christ.

    “The two of you, working together under the power of the Holy Spirit, can bring about amazing forward progress and reconciliation to help the people of the great state of Abia.”

  • Abia cattle market:Reconsider relocation order, Igbo group appeals to Otti

    Abia cattle market:Reconsider relocation order, Igbo group appeals to Otti

    Coalition of Igbo Unions of Nigeria (CIUN), has appealed to the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to review his position on relocating the Abia Cattle Market located in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State.

     The appeal which was contained in a statement by the leadership of the coalition on Friday in Abuja maintained that the demolition of the market “Will have a negative boomerang effect on Igbo traders in the North and across Nigeria.”

     The statement signed by Mr. Obinna John Okoroafor and Udoka Onwuka, Chairman and Secretary of the group respectively, cautioned against ethnic profiling as they insisted that maltreating of the traders from the North could set a dangerous precedent which could ignite violence and clashes in various parts of Nigeria against Igbos.

     The group also cautioned against ethnic profiling as they insisted that maltreatment of the traders from the North could set a dangerous precedent that could ignite violence and clashes in various parts of Nigeria against Igbos.

     The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to the ongoing crisis at the Abia Cattle Market situated in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State.

     “While we acknowledge the importance of the Security of lives and property of all Nigerians living in every part of the Country, we strongly condemn and dissociate ourselves from ethnic profiling being perpetrated by Mr. Alex Otti against our brothers from Northern Nigeria doing business at the Umunneochi Cattle Market.

    Read Also: Otti urges Federal Fire Service to prioritise Abia in trucks distribution

     “This is because the thoughtless move by Alex Otti to eject the Northern businesses at the Cattle market forcefully will have a negative boomerang effect on Igbo traders in the North and across Nigeria.

     “We have observed with grave displeasure that Mr Alex Otti is selectively persecuting Northerners in the Market instead of taking a holistic approach that confronts the criminality going on in the Area.

     “We have carefully observed that the ‘vacate the Cattle Market ‘ ultimatum issued by Governor Alex Otti has greatly increased the already tense socio-political atmosphere in the Country.

     “The plight of Northern Traders in the Cattle market, if not handled satisfactorily, will set a dangerous precedent which will ignite violence and clashes in various parts of Nigeria against Igbos.”

  • Otti urges Federal Fire Service to prioritise Abia in trucks distribution

    Otti urges Federal Fire Service to prioritise Abia in trucks distribution

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti has urged the Federal Fire Service to give the state priority in the distribution of newly acquired fire fighting vehicles.

    Dr. Otti, who thanked the federal agency for choosing Abia to site a training school in the Southeast, said although Abia might not be the biggest state in the country in terms of size, the state was, however, very busy in terms of commercial and industrial activities.

    He spoke while receiving the Assistant Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Mrs. Ijeoma Achi-Okidi, who is on a working visit to the state.

    The governor said: “For us here in Abia, governance is comprehensive. While we are building infrastructure, while we are doing everything possible to create an enabling environment for investments and businesses, we will not take our attention away from protection. The Federal Fire Service is all about protection of life and property.

    “We do not want to wait until it happens and then we will be running helter-skelter. This is why we have operated safety of lives and property as part of our governance model and this is why we invited you.

    “There may be one or two things that are on ground, but the way I will like you to approach it is that there is nothing on ground, so that you can start from the scratch. Whatever you see on ground will just be a bonus.

    “There may be one or two trucks, whether they are serviceable or not, you will know. But if there are eight new trucks that have been brought in for the states, we will like to apply for two; and the other ones that you talked about that are so sophisticated, that can manoeuvre and go into tight spaces, it will be nice that since we have applied, that we also have some of them.

    “The whole idea is that the state may not be the biggest in size, but in terms of commercial and industrial activities, it’s a very busy state.”

    Read Also: Ezekwesili, Otti to Tinubu: Make your policies citizens-driven

    Mrs. Achi-Okidi, on behalf of the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu, an engineer; expressed “profound gratitude” to Governor Otti and the people of Abia State for the “wonderful relationship, recognition and privileges” accorded the Federal Fire Service.

    She informed the governor of the siting of a fire service training school being built in Uzuakoli, a project attracted by an ‘Abian’, a retired permanent secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dame Barrister Georgina Arisa.

    Mrs. Achi-Okidi said the Federal Fire Service was excited to see the Abia State Government after a very long time, rising to the challenge of having the federal agency to establish “a very good and robust fire station.”

    She added that the Federal Fire Service would give the state the support it needed.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, Mr. Chukwunenye Alajemba, said Dr. Otti was working towards ensuring that the Fire Service and all emergency response services in Abia were revived and well equipped to respond to the safety needs of Abia people.

  • 50 decomposing bodies, 20 headless ones, skeletons found at Abia market, says Otti 

    50 decomposing bodies, 20 headless ones, skeletons found at Abia market, says Otti 

    Abia State Government has, during a raid, discovered over 50 decomposing bodies, 20 headless bodies and countless human skeletons near Lokpanta Cattle Market in Umunneochi Local Government.

    Governor Alex Otti disclosed this during his monthly media chat tagged: ‘Governor Alex Otti speaks to Abians”, held at the Government House, Umuahia.

    He said his administration is committed to tackling insecurity without minding whose ox is gored.

    The governor said prostitution, narcotics trade and other criminal activities around the cattle market necessitated the raid, adding that some brothels were demolished “and there is now calmness at Umunneochi.”

    Dr. Otti said Lokpanta market would be turned to a daily market that would open at 6am and close at 6pm.

    “It will become a general market, as sections are allotted to cattle dealers and other businesses too. My government will fence the market to ensure security,” he said.

    The governor said Lokpanta area was notorious for kidnapping and armed robbery, hence the decision of his administration to make the market a daily one.

  • Otti leads prominent Nigerians to bid Irukwu farewell

    Otti leads prominent Nigerians to bid Irukwu farewell

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti at the weekend led prominent Nigerians to bid Prof. Joseph Irukwu farewell, as the former President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide was buried.

    Irukwu, who died in July at 89, was buried last Saturday in his hometown, Amokwe Item, in Bende Local Government of Abia State, after funeral ceremonies that traversed London, Lagos and Umuahia.

    The body of the erudite insurer, lawyer and administrator was committed to mother earth after an inter-denominational church service at Jane Egbichi Oteh Mini-stadium, Amokwe Item, where the virtues of the late elder statesman were extolled in tributes and eulogies.

    Dr. Otti acknowledged the achievements of the late Prof. Irukwu in fields such as insurance, law and his leadership activities in Ohanaeze, stressing that the most profound accomplishment of the late insurance guru was his devotion to the Christian faith.

    He advised people to emulate Irukwu, saying: “If you believe you’ve achieved great success in life, but you have neglected to sit and pray to God, it’s time to reconsider your priorities.”

    Former President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Gary Igariwe, on behalf of the apex Igbo socio cultural group, said Irukwu was an exceptional leader who distinguished himself in service.

    Read Also: Otti hopeful of eastern railway track return

    He prayed that God should console the bereaved family.

    The President-General of Item Development Association (IDA), Sir Onwuka Orji, said the late Prof. Irukwu trained and mentored many Item professionals and captains of industries, “who are excelling all over the world.”

    He said his death had created a big vacuum in Item land and Nigeria.

    The event attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel; ex-governor of old Imo State, General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd); Sen Enyinnaya Abaribe; former Senate President Adolphus Wabara; President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu; former Director-General of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and prominent indigene of Item, Arunma Oteh and others.

  • Abia to clear pension arrears

    Abia to clear pension arrears

    Abia State Government has reassured pensioners of its commitment to clear pension arrears before the end of the year.

    Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr Okey Kanu said the decision was informed by the promise made by Governor Alex Otti during his campaign to improve the welfare of pensioners.

    He said a verification was being conducted to ascertain genuine pensioners. He stated that as soon as the exercise was completed, payment would commence.

    He said: “Let me reiterate the government’s position to pay off outstanding pensions once the verification is done. It is a promise that was made during the campaigns, and since this government came on board, it is a promise that will be kept.

    Read Also: Ndume’s plenary walkout unsettles Senate

    “Before the end of the year, all outstanding pensions will be paid as soon as the verification is concluded,” he added.

    Kanu said he was delighted with the efficient manner in which the exercise was being conducted.

    He expressed optimism that the smooth operation of the verification would lead to its timely completion by next week.

    Kanu further said the exercise had garnered commendation throughout the state for its execution.

    He said the verification team visited elderly pensioners, who could not travel, in their homes, while those who were unable to attend in person were guided to use the Sub-Treasury and those residing far from the verification centres were provided with online codes to participate.

  • Otti hopeful of eastern railway track return

    Otti hopeful of eastern railway track return

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti says it is his wish that train services return to the eastern tracks after a long time.

    He said this at his residence when he met officials of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Eastern District, who were on a business visit to him.

    Dr. Otti noted that rail transportation used to be the most viable means of transportation in the country, but suddenly disappeared in the last three decades.

    He promised to support the corporation with all they required to function in the state and requested them to update him with developments regarding the ongoing rehabilitation of the rail line.

    Otti promised to address the request for security and further engage the people on the need to protect and safeguard railway installations in their localities.

    He said anyone caught engaging in vandalism would be dealt with.

    The Railway District Manager, Mr. Modibbo Mohammed, said their visit was to brief the governor on the ongoing rehabilitation of the railway track from Port Harcourt.

    He said the first phase of the laying of new rail covering 63 km from Port Harcourt to Aba would be completed by the end of the year, while the 2nd phase from Aba to Umuahia would be delivered in the first quarter of next year.

    Read Also: Alex Otti flags off reconstruction of 6.7km Port Harcourt Road in Aba

    He solicited the support of the governor in tackling vandalism of the rail tracks stacked in some locations in the state and appealed for a patrol vehicle to assist them in security.

    Modibbo said the railway services, when fully operational, would create jobs for youths and provide alternative means of transportation.

    He hailed the governor for the massive infrastructural development witnessed in the state within his short time in office.

    The Principal Secretary and Chief Strategist to the governor, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzoukwu; Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Ikechukwu Monday; Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu; Commissioner for Trade, Commerce and Industry, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu; Commissioner for Transport, Sunny Onwuma; Special Adviser to the governor on Trade, Commerce and Industry, Chief Nwaka Inem; Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Due Process, Dr. Oluebube Chukwu; Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Homeland Security, Mr. Chukwunenye Alajemba, among others, were present during the meeting.

  • Businessman solicits support for Otti’s govt

    Businessman solicits support for Otti’s govt

    United  States-based businessman, Chief Frank Emeka, has urged Abia State residents to support Governor Alex Otti in piloting state’s affairs.

    Emeka, in a statement after the tribunal upheld Otti’s election, noted the governor has not disappointed in his leadership style. 

    He said: “I congratulate our governor for his victory at the tribunal. That victory is not just for him, but for Abians yearning for good governance.

    “Otti, since assuming office, has not rested. He has provided Abians with the leadership and quality governance they have been yearning for.

    ‘’He is repositioning the state for greatness and needs the support of all, irrespective of political and religious affiliation.”

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    “I urge Abians to give him support in his efforts to reposition the state for greatness. The court case is  a distraction; it should never have happened. And I am glad the court has now put a seal to his victory at the polls. 

    “It is now left for politicians and Abians to rally round and give him the support to take our state out of the doldrums.”

    The businessman vowed to support Otti to fix Aba and turn it around as the true commercial centre of Nigeria.

    “To this end, I would be bringing United States-based investors to support the governor’s determination to increase the state’s foreign direct investments,” he added.

  • Fuel subsidy: Otti rolls out measures to ameliorate effects on workers

    Fuel subsidy: Otti rolls out measures to ameliorate effects on workers

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti says his administration is working on measures to improve the welfare of workers, to reflect the prevailing economic realities occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

    The measures include a template to begin payment of transport allowance to civil servants and to raise the salary of civil servants by a certain percentage from this month, to cushion the harsh impact of the rising inflationary trend as well as ensure the survival of civil servants under the present economic hardship.

    Dr. Otti, who broke the news while delivering the 63rd Founders’ Day Lecture Series of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN), held at the Princess Alexandra Auditorium and Unity Hall, UNN, said the gesture would alleviate their economic challenges, following the removal of fuel subsidy.

    He said plans were on the way to raise the salary of civil servants by a certain percentage, to cushion the harsh impact of the rising inflationary trend as well as ensure their survival under the current economic hardship.

    The governor, whose lecture centred on the theme: ‘Petroleum Subsidy Removal; Dealing with the Challenges, harnessing the opportunities’, said his administration had granted tax holiday to micro, small and medium enterprises to enable them manage the shock that emanated from the subsidy removal.

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    He noted that government had continued to streamline the revenue collection process, to ensure efficiency, cut out double taxation and make the system independent in ways that limit activities of middle men.

    Otti announced plans to revive the Abia State Scholarship Board and grant scholarships and bursary awards to Abia students studying in higher institutions across the country.

    He said besides Abia State, he would love to champion a conversation with his governor colleagues in the Southeast for the expansion of scholarships for thousands of brilliant students in the region.

    “Nothing must stand in the way of the education of our young people because we shall be doomed if we compromise any further on our investments in quality education.

    “I don’t just mean funding the desperation to acquire certificates, but something more holistic as this

    university has been doing for 63 years. Education is something we must take even more serious”

    The governor said his extensive commitment in road rehabilitation and reconstruction was aimed at increasing investments in the state, which would lead to higher employment opportunities for the younger generation and expansion of business opportunities for MSMES.

    “The ultimate agenda is to systematically improve the investment climate in Abia so that the environment does not sabotage the efforts of our entrepreneurs who pass through severe difficulties to remain in business,” he added.

    Otti said the planned launch of a 10-billion naira MSME Fund as announced in his inaugural speech was still on course, while modalities to accessing the fund would soon be unfolded.