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  • Abia to recruit 4,000 more teachers amid surge in public school enrollment — Otti

    Abia to recruit 4,000 more teachers amid surge in public school enrollment — Otti

    The Abia State Government has announced plans to recruit an additional 4,000 teachers to meet the growing enrollment in public basic schools across the state.

    Governor Alex Otti made the disclosure while hosting former President Olusegun Obasanjo to a dinner at the Government House in Umuahia.

    The move followed the outcome of a recent recruitment exercise conducted by the state, in which only 21,820 out of 29,000 applicants passed the qualifying interview.

    Expressing his strong commitment to quality education, Governor Otti emphasised his desire to ensure that every child—especially those from underprivileged backgrounds—has access to sound basic education.

    “We want to hire another 4,000 teachers to support our expanding school system,” he said.

    “Why am I passionate about this? I come from a very poor home and if I didn’t have the opportunity to go to public schools, I won’t be here with you today.

    “I want every child in this state to have the same opportunities that I had. The son of a poor man can become someone tomorrow just because of that opportunity.

    Read Also: Abia to leverage on sports to boost economy

    Governor Otti who informed the audience that the state of the basic education in public schools which led him to declare free and compulsory education, adding that he equally set up a taskforce to enforce the education policy but was surprised that people were willing to embrace education without enforcement. 

    “You go out in the streets and you see children hawking from 8am and it has become clear to me that these people were not in school not because they didn’t want to be in school but they couldn’t afford the fees.

    “But, I was still in doubt, then I said okay, we are going to make this education free and compulsory.

    “So, I set up a taskforce and the taskforce was supposed to enforce the policy and I actually made announcement that I was going to be arresting any child seen hawking things during school hours. 

    “Not because I wanted to keep them, but my plan was to keep them till their parents come to exchange them with themselves.

    “On implementation of the policy, we recorded massive explosion on enrollment. In fact, when I saw the numbers on Monday at the EXCO meeting, I was moved to increase the number of teachers that we will be recruiting.

    “The enrollment was mind boggling. Our people want to go to school. What we are now using the Taskforce to do is to move round the schools to ensure that the teachers are committed and dedicated to discharging their duties to make the free and compulsory education policy effective,” Gov. Otti stated.

    He said he equally approved and provided N100,000 for principals and head teachers as imprest account to enable them have the basic things required to run their schools.

    Governor Otti commended Chief Obasanjo for standing behind him from the inception of his aspiration to join politics till now. 

    In his speech, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo commended the performance of Governor Otti, describing him as a leader who is living up to the expectations in the delivery of good governance.

    The elder statesman noted that the public accolades on the performance of Governor Otti have affirmed to what he has personally witnessed including the Governor’s impact on governance in the state and urged him not to be distracted.

    The former President while reflecting on Nigeria’s economic potentials, lamented the ravaging poverty among the people despite the country’s abundant natural and human resources, adding that, Nigeria has what it takes to lift her citizens out of poverty. 

    He urged leaders at all levels to place the welfare of citizens at the heart of their leadership priorities.

    Also speaking, former Rivers State Governor, Chief Rotimi Amaechi appreciated Governor Alex Otti. 

    He advised Abia people to value what they have in Governor Otti and ensure that they return him to power in 2027.

    “So, I pray that all of us will go home and protect what we have and ensure that we come back in 2027 to enjoy the same dinner you are having now,” Amaechi stated.

    In their separate speeches, the member representing Isiala Ngwa North and South Federal Constituency, Ginger Onwusibe and the acting National Secretary of Labour Party, Sen. 

    Darlington Nwokocha, expressed delight in being part of Abia’s success story and thanked former President Obasanjo for his continued support for the Otti-led administration.

  • Ex-president Obasanjo hails Otti’s development stride

    Ex-president Obasanjo hails Otti’s development stride

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has described Governor Alex Otti as a performer and an exemplary leader who has impacted the lives of his people positively.

    Obasanjo stated this at the Unity Church Uzuakoli, Bende LGA, venue for the commissioning of the 46.36km Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Akara – Alayi – Abiriba Highway, reconstructed by Governor Alex Otti led government.

    Obasanjo recalled how terrible the road had been, especially the last time he visited Abiriba and described Governor Otti as a miracle worker.

    “You (Gov. Otti) are a man of your word, a goal getter, a performer. You are a man who says no to what is bad and yes to what is good. You are an example of a leader.

    “You (Abia people) said you have had leaders before, but one thing you must know is that good leaders don’t flock and when you get a good leader, like you have got in Dr Alex Otti, you must maximise good use of him.

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    “This road you are all talking about, I traveled on it to Abiriba. It was hellish, and when I was told that the road you have done will get me from Umuahia to Abiriba in 35 minutes, I said this man called Alex Otti is a miracle worker.”

    While commending Otti’s efforts in giving Abia a facelift, Obasanjo said that what Otti is doing in Abia now is proof that whatever bad situation being witnessed in the country today can become good tomorrow.

    “I am a witness to what you are doing and urge you to keep doing what you are doing. If you look hard and wide, you will see that this governor does not lack a good team.

    “Of course, this is proof that whatever bad situation we are seeing today can be made good tomorrow.

    “All we need to do is to make sure that at every level, we must have the right leaders with the right team to work with.

    “For me, a political party is just a platform. What matters is the quality of the man, and the quality of Alex Otti is a good quality.

    “Well, when the time comes for elections, my advice to the people of Abia State is, don’t change a winning horse,” Obasanjo stated.

    Speaking, Otti said that the commissioning ceremony was an eloquent testimony of his resolve to be doing things differently and noted that the completion of the road project would, among other things, shorten travel time to motorists.

  • Otti, Obi, Usman meet INEC over Labour Party leadership crisis

    Otti, Obi, Usman meet INEC over Labour Party leadership crisis

    A high-level delegation of the Labour Party (LP) on Wednesday met with the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address recent developments within the party following a Supreme Court ruling on its leadership.

    The delegation was led by Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, and included the party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, acting National Chairman Senator Nenadi Usman, and members of the National Assembly, among others.

    According to a statement posted on INEC’s official X handle, the meeting focused on providing clarity and fostering mutual understanding between the commission and the party.

    The visit followed the Supreme Court judgment, which sacked the Julius Abure-led National Executive Committee.

    Read Also: Otti reaffirms commitment to health in Abia

    During the meeting, Governor Otti presented a Certified True Copy of the Supreme Court judgment to INEC.

    He emphasised the importance of engagement in aligning the party’s structure with institutional processes and upholding democratic principles.

    The Labour Party delegation was received by INEC’s Acting Chairman, Sam Olumekun, and other National Commissioners. Discussions centered on strengthening collaboration and reinforcing democratic values.

    Olumekun assured the delegation of INEC’s commitment to neutrality, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law in carrying out its constitutional duties.

    INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, was absent from the meeting as he is currently attending the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions summit in The Gambia, according to his Chief Press Secretary, Rotimi Oyekanmi.

  • Otti reaffirms commitment to health in Abia

    Otti reaffirms commitment to health in Abia

    Abia state governor, Alex Otti, has reaffirmed his commitment to making health care a top priority in the state.

    Governor Otti was speaking when he received a delegation of the consultant coordinating the Free Cataract Extraction for NNPC foundation, Dr. (Mrs) Anne Amugo, who was in Abia for the flag-off of the NNPC’s free cataract surgery initiative taking place simultaneously in three locations across the State.

    He said that health care is one of administration’s top priority because of its direct impact on the wellbeing of the citizenry.

    “Anywhere in the world, healthcare is not cheap. In places where it appears cheap, it is the option of death.

    “That is why we take healthcare seriously and will continue to support initiatives like this. This is the kind of thing we support and appreciate,” Gov. Otti stated.

    Governor Otti reiterated that his administration has no choice but to fix Abia and said that quality healthcare is central to his agenda of transforming the State.

    Read Also: Governor Otti’s local economy agenda

    While commending the organisation for choosing Abia as the flag-off location for the medical outreach, the Governor appreciated the impressive turnout of residents during the screening exercises.

    He attributed the large number of beneficiaries to effective mobilisation and the deep-rooted need for medical support to the people.

    Governor Otti, who noted that his administration has carried out several medical interventions, reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving access to quality health services for the people of the State.

    Speaking earlier, the consultant coordinating the Free Cataract Extraction for NNPC Foundation, Dr. (Mrs) Anne Amugo, appreciated the support the organisation is receiving from Governor Alex Otti, which he said has been instrumental to the smooth rollout of the free cataract project in Abia State.

    She commended Governor Alex Otti’s giant strides in various sectors of the State economy, especially in the area of healthcare.

    She said that she was proud of the Governor as the Governor has changed the narratives in the administration of Abia State.

    The Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Ngozi Felix, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Ngozi Azodo, the Administrator of Eye Health Management Bureau and Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties, Dr. Mrs Betty Emeka -Obasi, the CMD, Abia Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Center, Dr. Chimezie Okwuonu among top government officials present during the courtesy visit to the Governor.

  • Governor Otti’s local economy agenda

    Governor Otti’s local economy agenda

    SIR: On Monday, April 7, the Abia State Government announced plans to roll out a new economic and business policy framework that will promote Made in Abia products. According to the Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, the policy, grounded in the state’s local content law, will mandate that all goods and services needed by the state to be sourced locally, wherever available. While the full policy details are expected in the coming weeks, its central principle is clear: if it can be made or done in Abia, the government won’t pay for it elsewhere.

    On paper, there is much to admire in this direction. This policy insinuates a vote of confidence in local enterprise, from tailors and shoemakers in Aba to agro-processors in Umuahia and Ummuneochi, and artisans in Ohafia and Nkpa. It has the potential to stimulate massive local economic growth by redirecting government spending back into the local economy. It can lead to job creation, increased demand for local raw materials and finished products, and most importantly, renewed pride in the Made in Aba brand.

    But as with any ambitious policy, the difference between success and failure will come down to execution. Without careful planning, this well-intentioned plan could stall, or worse, backfire. It must be implemented with pragmatism and flexibility

    We must be cautious not to box ourselves into a corner by enforcing a blanket no-outside-procurement rule. What happens when local suppliers, knowing the government has no choice but to buy from them, start charging inflated prices? What happens when contractors cut corners because competition has disappeared? What happens when demand far exceeds the current capacity of local producers?

    I hope it won’t be a rigid “Abia-only” rule, as this could create a protectionist bubble where local vendors, knowing they have guaranteed demand, stop innovating or improving. The result will be monopoly and mediocrity. The approach should be “Abia first”-prioritizing local businesses but allowing exceptions when products aren’t yet available at competitive quality or scale. The goal should be to grow local capacity, not trap Abia in a protectionist dead end.

    It should go without saying that the issue of quality is addressed. The truth is, Made in Aba brand lost its prestige in the first place because of inconsistent standards. If the government forces ministries to buy local without guaranteeing quality, we’ll just entrench the same problems. Setting up a real, functioning quality control agency should be non-negotiable. We don’t want to end up with a policy that becomes an expensive exercise in distributing shoddy goods.

    Read Also: LP Supreme Court victory: Triumph of will of people over will of few — Otti

    But perhaps the biggest hurdle is supply. I’d like to be kept righteous, but I think Abia businesses simply aren’t equipped enough to handle large government contracts, whether due to outdated equipment, lack of financing, or gaps in skills. For this policy to work, it must come with serious investment-access to low-cost loans, upgrades to industrial clusters, and training programs tailored to high-demand sectors. Otherwise, the government’s demand will outstrip what local producers can deliver, and the policy will collapse under its own weight.

    Still, if these challenges are met, the upside is enormous. Governor Alex Otti isn’t just proposing a procurement rule; he’s testing a model for how other states can turn their economies inward and grow from the ground up. Done right, this policy could do more than restore Made in Aba- it could redefine it. But that will require building an ecosystem rooted in excellence.

    • Chiechefulam Ikebuiro, chiechefulamikebuiro@gmail.com
  • Abure-led LP threatens sanctions on Otti, Obi

    Abure-led LP threatens sanctions on Otti, Obi

    • They lack power to call NEC meeting

    The Labour Party (LP) sank deeper into crisis yesterday following plans by the National Caretaker Committee (NCC), led by Senator Esther Nenadi-Usman, to hold the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting tomorrow in Abuja.

    Abia State Governor Alex Otti and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi called the NEC and a stakeholders engagement.

    But the Julius Abure-led National Working Committee (NWC) rejected the meeting, saying Otti and Obi  lack the power to call a NEC meeting.

    The Abure NWC threatened to impose sanctions on the two leading figures.

    It went ahead to ask the leader of the LP caucus in the House of Representatives,  Victor Afam Ogene, to step down.

    It said Otti, the only LP governor, and Obi, the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, have given their nod to tomorrow’s meeting as part of plots to weaken the platform ahead of 2027 elections.

    Read Also: The audacity of insecurity

    The intra-party leadership squabble escalated at the weekend after the Supreme Court set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal affirming Abure as national chairman.

    The apex court also declined to dabble into the protracted crisis, which it described as an internal affair of the party.

    The Supreme Court judgment threw the warring chieftains into confusion, with Abure and Nenadi-Usman laying claim to the leadership of the party.

    Rising from what it called the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja presided over by Abure, it cautioned Otti and Obi of any anti-party activity capable of undermining the peace, unity, and integrity of the party.

    The NWC accused Otti of plotting to cripple the party before jumping ship to contest the 2027 governorship election.

    It decried Otti’s call for an unauthorised stakeholders meeting and allowing LP members to contest local government polls on the platform of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

    It described the NEC meeting of the caretaker committee summoned by Obi and Otti as illegal.

    A communique signed by the National Chairman, Abure, and National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, said the party would not tolerate indiscipline.

    It reads: “NEC in session notes the various anti-party activities of Governor Alex Otti, including calling of unauthorised stakeholders meeting and usurping the powers of NEC. He also conducted LGA Election using another political party.

    “The governor has also intensified his effort to factionalise the party leadership by calling an illegal NEC schedule to hold on Wednesday (tomorrow). The leadership of the Labour Party is also aware of the governor’s plot to cripple our party before moving to another political party where he hopes to contest the 2027 governorship election.

    “His anti-party activities is unbecoming of highly respected personality and can no longer be acceptable, NEC stated that it will not hesitate to discipline him in line with Article 19 of the party’s constitution.

    “NEC in session in exercise of its duties, hereby caution the former presidential candidate of our great party not to participate in any action capable of undermining the peace unity, and integrity of the party as the NEC will not hesitate to issue stiffer penalty if found culpable.”

    According to the NEC, the Supreme Court ruling did not sack the NEC led by Abure.

    It reaffirmed the Nnewi National Convention held on March 27, last year that produced the current NWC members under the chairmanship of Abure.

    NEC also condemned the activities of the Caretaker Committee “illegally established by Alex Otti and Peter Obi in a so-called Stakeholders meeting held on the 4th of September 2024 in Umuahia.”

    It added: “The NEC in session believes very strongly that the present National Working Committee will lead the party in subsequent elections to victory and therefore reimpose their confidence in the NWC”.

    The party also stripped its House of Representatives Caucus leader, Victor Ogene, of his position and appointed  Ben Etanabene as Caucus Leader in the House.

    It said: “NEC in session reviewed the activities of the House of Representatives Caucus leader,  Victor Afam Ogene and wishes to note as follows: “That the voice of the current leadership of the party is not being heard in the hallowed lower chambers;

    “That there is a lack of cohesion amongst our members in the House; that the leadership appears to be compromised; and

    “That the ideology and programmes of the party are not well represented.”

    “NEC in session, as a result of the aforementioned, decided to relieve Hon. Ogene of that leadership role for dereliction of duty. Consequently,  Barrister Ben Etanabene has been appointed by the NEC in session as the Labour Party’s Caucus Leader in the House of Representatives. NEC mandated the NWC to communicate the decision to relevant authorities.

    “He is to hand over all the party’s properties in his possession, particularly all the financial contributions made so far by other Labour Party lawmakers which are in his possession to the party, and render proper account to the party with immediate effect.

    “The party will go to any length to retrieve all its belongings, including monies that belong to it which Hon. Ogene is holding tight to.”

    Hon. Ogene, a foremost journalist, who represents Ogbaru constituency in Anambra State, said last night that he was elected as leader of the caucus by his colleagues and not appointed by the party.

    He said he retains confidence of no fewer than 25 of the 28-member caucus.

    Abure is talking about money contributed my members, I am not the treasurer of the caucus.

    He promised to make available his response to Abure’s tirades today.

    No room for caretaker committee, says Ekiti LP chairman

    The Chairman of LP in Ekiti State, Mr Odunayo Okunade, said there is no room for national caretaker committee.

    He spoke in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, after the meeting of the State Executive Committee.

    Okunade said that the caretaker committee was unknown to the party’s constitution, adding: “They are mischievous people that had grown wings after the ground breaking achievements of the party’s 2023 Presidential election.”

    He said the Supreme Court judgment had put a stop to the wranglings and insinuations that had been clogs in the wheel of progress.

  • LP crisis escalates as Abure-led NEC threatens to sanction Otti, Obi

    LP crisis escalates as Abure-led NEC threatens to sanction Otti, Obi

    • •House of Reps Caucus Leader, Ogene sacked

    The recent Supreme Court ruling on the Labour Party (LP) leadership crisis has thrown the chieftains into confusion.

    The Julius Abure-led faction, and the Nenadi Usman-led faction of the party claimed that the Supreme Court ruling validated their leadership.

    The Supreme Court set aside the judgment of the Court of Appeal in Abuja, which recognised Abure as the national chairman of the Labour Party (LP).

    A five-member panel of the apex court said the appellate court lacked the jurisdiction to enter any pronouncement in favour of Abure since it had earlier found that the subject matter of the dispute bordered on the leadership of a political party.

    The court held that the substance of the case centred on the domestic affair of a political party, which no court has the powers to meddle into.

    Consequently, the Supreme Court allowed an appeal that was filed by a former Minister of Finance, Senator Esther Nenadi Usman and Hon. Darlington Nwokocha, who are the chairman and secretary, respectively, of a Caretaker Committee that was earlier appointed to pilot the affairs of the party.

    Following a leadership crisis that rocked the LP, the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party resolved to remove Abure as the national chairman.

    To fill the leadership vacuum, the party constituted a 29-member caretaker committee, with the former Finance Minister, Senator Usman as Chairman and Hon. Nwokocha as Secretary.

    The decision was sequel to the outcome of an expanded stakeholders’ meeting of the party that was hosted in Umuahia by governor Alex Otti of Abia State. The candidate of the party in the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi, chaired the meeting where Abure was sacked from office.

    In a swift reaction, Abure-led National Executive Committee (NEC) has threatened to sanction the Abia State Governor, Alex Oti, should he go ahead with the planned “illegal” stakeholders meeting, scheduled to hold on Wednesday, April 19, 2025.

    It also warned the party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, against any conduct or utterance, which promotes disunity within the party.

    The party leadership said it would no longer take kindly to anti-party activities from any member “no matter how highly placed.”

    In the same vein, the LP NEC also announced the sack of Hon. Afam Ogene from his position as leader of the party’s caucus in the House of Representatives. In his place, NEC appointed Barr. Ben Eternabene, as the new leader.

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    These decisions were contained in a communiqué read by the Party’s National Secretary, Alhaji Umar Farouk, at the end of a NEC meeting held at the party’s National Secretariat, In Abuja, on Monday.

    Farouk said, “NEC in session in exercise if it’s duties , hereby caution the former presidential candidate of our great party not to participate in any action capable of undermining the peace unity, and integrity of the party as the NEC will not hesitate to issue stiffer penalty if found culpable.”

    The party’s NEC also expressed satisfaction with the resent ruling of the Supreme Court affirming the supremacy of the party in determining its leadership.

    Farouk further said, “Accordingly, NEC in session reaffirmed the Nnewi National Convention held on the 27thof March 2024 that produced the current National Working Committee (NWC) members under the chairmanship of Barrister Julius Abure.

    “NEC in session condemns in strong terms the activities of the Caretaker Committee illegally established by Alex Otti and Peter Obi in a so-called stakeholders meeting held on the 4th of September 2024 in Umuahia.

    “The Supreme Court admonished party leaders and members of the party to always abide by the constitution of the party.

    “NEC noted that Article 14 (4) (B) gives power to call meetings only to the National Secretary with the approval of the National Chairman.

    Accordingly, NEC warned all members to abide by the constitution of the party.”

    Speaking specifically about the Abia State Governor, the communiqué said, “NEC in session notes the various anti-party activities of Gov. Alex Otti, including calling of unauthorised stakeholders meeting and usurping the powers of NEC.

    “He also conducted LGA election using another political party. The governor has also intensified his effort to factionalize the party leadership by calling an illegal NEC schedule to hold on Wednesday.

    “The leadership of the Labour Party is also aware of the governor’s plot to cripple our party before moving to another political party where he hopes to contest the 2027 governorship election.

    “His anti-party activities is unbecoming of highly respected personality and can no longer be acceptable, NEC stated that it will not hesitate to discipline him in line with Article 19 of the party’s constitution.

    “NEC in session noted that it would not hesitate to discipline any other erring member who violates the party’s constitution regardless of how big or powerful such individuals may be.

    On Ogene’s removal as LP Caucus leader: “NEC in session reviewed the activities of the House of Representatives Caucus leader, Honourable Victor Adam Ogene and wishes to note as follows:

    “That the voice of the current leadership of the party is not being heard in the hallowed lower chambers; that there is a lack of cohesion amongst our members in the House; that the leadership appears to be compromised; and that the ideology and programs of the party are not well represented.

    “NEC in session, as a result of the aforementioned, decided to relieve Honourable Ogene of that leadership role for dereliction of duty. Consequently, Hon. Barrister Ben Etanabene, has been appointed by the NEC in session as the Labour Party’s Caucus Leader in the House of Representatives.”

    The NEC subsequently mandated the NWC to communicate the decision to relevant authorities.

    It also demanded that Ogene hand over all the party’s properties in his possession, particularly all the financial contributions made so far by other Labour Party lawmakers, which are in his possession to the party, and render proper account to the party with immediate effect.

    The party vows to go to any length to retrieve all its belongings, including monies that belong to it, which Hon. Ogene is holding tight to.

    Earlier, in his address of welcome, Abure, who chaired the NEC meeting said, “Recent developments within our party, particularly in the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s pronouncement on the leadership matter, have necessitated this gathering.

    “Let me begin by extending our profound appreciation to the Supreme Court of Nigeria for its courageous and principled stance in affirming the supremacy of political parties in managing their internal affairs.

    “In its judgement concerning the Labour Party, the apex court unequivocally reasserted that leadership disputes arising within a political party remain within the exclusive purview of the party’s constitution and governance structures.

    “Accordingly, the court declined jurisdiction in the appeal brought by Senator Nenadi Usman, thereby reinforcing the foundational principle of party autonomy.

    “It is, however, regrettable that certain actors, most notably Senators Nenadi Usman and Darlington Nwokocha, have chosen to misrepresent the ruling, deliberately misleading the public and attempting to manufacture confusion through a purported “Caretaker Committee.”

    “Let it be stated categorically: this so-called committee is both unconstitutional and illegitimate.

    “Those who convened the meeting in Umuahia lacked the legal authority to do so, and they neither hold the office of National Chairman nor National Secretary as required by our party’s constitution.

    “The Labour Party held a valid National Convention in 2019, whose tenure was constitutionally due to end in June 2023.

    “In response to the extraordinary demands of the 2023 general elections, our NEC meeting in Asaba in April of that year, authorized a one-year extension, pushing the end of tenure to June 9, 2024.

    “In line with this resolution and the constitution of our party, a fresh National Convention was duly convened and held on March 27, 2024, in Nnewi, Anambra State.

  • Otti debunks engaging ESN to fight crime in Abia

    Otti debunks engaging ESN to fight crime in Abia

    Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has dismissed claims that his administration enlisted members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to tackle insecurity in the state.

    The rumours, which circulated over the weekend, alleged that the Otti-led government engaged the ESN to drive away Fulani herders and protect farmers from attacks on their farmlands.

    Speaking on Sunday through his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, Governor Otti described the reports as false, malicious, and misleading, stating they have no connection to his administration.

    Ekeoma said the rumours were deliberately crafted to incite disaffection and cause unnecessary tension in the state. 

    He noted that similar fake claims had been made in the past but were ignored by the government.

    He explained that the state decided to address the current speculation to prevent unsuspecting members of the public from being misled by what he called a “dubious fabrication.”

    Read Also: Aba residents appeal to Otti after losing property worth millions in midnight fire

    Ekeoma in the statement said, “The attention of Abia State government has been drawn to a post by a faceless blogger alleging that the Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, “has approved the involvement of IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN) to confront Fulani Herdsmen and Protect Abia Farmers, following the continued inaction of Nigerian Security Forces”.

    “It’s important to state that the above statement is false, malicious and misleading, and has nothing to do with Abia State government led by Governor Alex Otti. 

    “The post is intended to create disaffection and cause unnecessary tention in the state.

    “The authors of the statement had issued a similar FAKE statement a few weeks ago, but we intentionally ignored them, however, we feel it has become necessary for the government to respond to the latest statement so that innocent and unsuspecting members of the public will not fall prey to such a dubious fabrication.

    “For the records, the government of Abia State under the leadership of Dr. Alex Otti could not have contemplated embracing the services of none-state actors to fight criminals and insecurity of any kind in any part of the state.

    “The state government’s confidence in our various security agencies led to the establishment of the state’s joint security taskforce codenamed “Operation Crush”. 

    “The joint taskforce has recorded tremendous success in the entire state and has kept the state safe and secure, in spite of skeletal cases of armed robbery and kidnapping which the government is working assiduously to completely eliminate.

    “Those who have decided to play dirty politics by inciting fear and violence against the state and its citizens, not minding the danger they pose to the lives and properties of Abians, should know that their actions will attract severe consequences whenever they are caught.

    “The government hereby enjoins Abia residents to ignore the false statement and see it as another move by desperate enemies of the state to present it in bad light for their selfish agenda.”

  • LP Supreme Court victory: Triumph of will of people over will of few — Otti

    LP Supreme Court victory: Triumph of will of people over will of few — Otti

    The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, says he received with excitement, the April 4, judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria which sacked the Julius Abure led National Working Committee of the Labour Party (LP), paving the way for the return of peace, unity and order in the party.

    Otti said the leadership of the party had been vindicated by the Supreme Court judgement, which rightly held that Abure and his NWC had since “outlived their tenure,” which informed the constitution of the Senator Nenadi Usman-led National Caretaker Committee in Umuahia, the Abia State Capital, in 2024.

    According to the governor, “I’m not just happy with the judgement; I also celebrate that the highest court in the land has vindicated our position that the tenure of the Abure-led National Working Committee had since expired.

    “This sound judgement by the Supreme Court was the basis for our decision to set up the National Caretaker Committee led by distinguished Senators Esther Nenadi Usman as Chairman and Darlington Nwokocha as secretary” he said.

    Read Also: Food prices drop, ease cost of living

    Otti added that the vision behind the setting up of the committee was to foster peace and unity, while strengthening the party to consolidate on the gains made in the last election, assuring that he and other leaders of the party would ensure that the party is reformed at all levels to become a more formidable political platform with the requisite structures and democratic credentials to offer effective and people-oriented leadership.

    Otti commended the Supreme Court for its sound judgement which didn’t just meet the popular expectations of genuine Labour Party members in particular and Nigerians in general but one that would contribute in deepening democracy and sustaining good governance.

    The Abia governor commended all those who kept faith and remained calm and peaceful while the battle for the soul of the party lasted, including the NLC, TUC, Party Stakeholders and supporters and all men and women of good conscience across the nation.

    Otti called on the former national officers of the party to join hands with the National Executive Committee (NEC) and the National Caretaker Committee (NCC) of the party to move the party forward, assuring that he and other leaders of the party are committed to building an all-inclusive party devoid of discrimination and favoritism.

  • Aba residents appeal to Otti after losing property worth millions in midnight fire

    Aba residents appeal to Otti after losing property worth millions in midnight fire

    Residents of No. 74 Lagos Street, Obohia Road, in Aba South Local Government Area, Abia State, have called on Governor Dr. Alex Otti for assistance following a devastating midnight fire that destroyed property worth millions.

    While no lives were lost, the fire left the affected residents homeless, as their belongings were completely consumed by the flames. 

    Read Also: Otti calls for peace, tolerance

    The fire started at approximately 11:17 PM, quickly engulfing the entire building and reducing everything to ashes.

    Eyewitnesses reported that the fire spread rapidly, overwhelming the structure before emergency responders could arrive. 

    Though the exact cause remains unknown, residents suspect an electrical fault may have sparked the blaze.

    The displaced individuals were seen attempting to salvage whatever they could, while urgently seeking help. As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official statement from the state fire service.