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Tag: Theodore Orji

  • JUST IN: Former Abia governor Theodore Orji dumps PDP for APC

    JUST IN: Former Abia governor Theodore Orji dumps PDP for APC

    The third democratically elected governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Orji, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Senator Orji, who represented Abia Central Senatorial District in the Senate from 2015 to 2023, had announced his retirement from active politics a few months ago but did not formally renounce his membership of the PDP at the time.

    The Nation recalls that his son, a former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Enyinnaya Orji had earlier dumped the PDP amid the internal crisis rocking the party, once regarded as the largest political party in Africa. Political observers had widely interpreted the younger Orji’s move to the APC as a possible signal of his father’s eventual defection.

    Read Also: BREAKING: EFCC arraigns ex-governor Theodore Orji, son, two others for alleged N60.85bn fraud

    As speculated, the former Abia Central senator, who has largely maintained a low public profile since his retirement, has now formally left the PDP for the APC, a decision many analysts say had long been anticipated.

    Observers note that Senator Orji’s defection has further weakened the PDP in Abia State, given his influence and reputation as one of the party’s key rallying points and financiers in the state.

    Confirming the development, the former governor’s media aide, Mr. Ifeanyi Umere, told our correspondent that the defection was a personal decision. He added that there was no official reason provided for the move.

    While some stakeholders have welcomed the continued growth of the APC and what they describe as the strengthening of opposition politics in the state, others have expressed concern that the defection could deal a significant blow to the PDP’s structure and its prospects of regaining political dominance in Abia State.

  • Abia residents demand removal of gates, probe of property acquisition

    Abia residents demand removal of gates, probe of property acquisition

    Some residents living around the family edifice of former Abia State  Governor, Theodore Orji, in Azikiwe Street axis of Umuahia, have urged Governor Alex Otti to probe acquisition of properties and adjoining lands in the area by Orji.

    At a briefing in Umuahia, spokesman, Chidi Amadi, urged Otti to order demolition of some gates put on some of the adjoining streets to Azikiwe Road axis where Orji lives.

    The residents noted that the gates restrict free movement in the area.

    Read Also: Passports, visa, correctional reforms taking Nigeria to new level, says minister

    “We have suffered in silence for too long. This is the time to cry out and seek government’s support of the government.

    “The truth is that most of the original owners of the properties in and around Orji’s residence in Azikiwe Road, Umuahia, did not sell their properties willingly.

    “We call on Governor Otti to demolish the gates and constitute an objective panel to probe the way the former governor and his family acquired the properties /lands in Azikiwe Street’s vicinity,” he said.

  • ‘Let justice take its course in Orji, son’s trial’

    ‘Let justice take its course in Orji, son’s trial’

    Socio-political group, The Abia Torchlight, has urged Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to reject a plea bargain arrangement in the trial of former Abia State Governor, Theodore Orji, and his son.

    The agency, on February 28, arraigned Orji, Chinedum Orji, Dr. Philip Nto, Onwumene Obioma and Romanus  Madu at Federal High Court in Umuahia on a 16-count  charge of conspiracy, corruption, stealing and diversion of public funds.

    EFCC said the accused persons, between 2011 and 2015 in Umuahia, “stole and converted N22,500,000,000 being allocation to Abia State as security votes and committed an offence contrary to Section 390 (5) of the Criminal Code Law of Abia State.”

    The defendants pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

    The group, in a statement by Coordinator, Oguwuike Umunnakwe, lauded EFCC Chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede, for ensuring that the defendants were arraigned, unlike his predecessors.

    “By this act, the EFCC chief has renewed the people’s hope that the super rich are not above the law,” the group said.

    It, however, alleged a plot by some unnamed persons to ensure that the trial is aborted.

    Read Also: Tambuwal: I remain resolute, joining forces to reposition Nigeria

    “While commending Olukoyede for his courage, we call on him and President Bola Tinubu’s administration not to accept a plea bargain option.

    “We think a mere plea bargain will not approximate to justice here.

    “It is for this reason we call on EFCC and its chair never to compromise but to use the fraud cases involving Theodore Orji, his son and associates as a litmus test to prove that the government is fighting corruption,” the group said.

    The Abia Torchlight warned that Chinedum’s entry into the All Progressives Congress (APC) should also not affect his prosecution.

    “We call on President Tinubu to allow justice to take its course, as that is what will pay his government better than defections… “

    The group also urged the Alex Otti administration to ensure the safety of government officials and others who have been designated as key witnesses in the fraud cases.

    The EFCC, in another count, accused the defendants of “stealing and conversion of the sum of N12 billion being the funds due to Abia State from the Paris Club Refund and thereby committed an offence contrary to the provisions of Sections 516 and 516(a) of the Criminal Code Law of Abia State.”

    The defendants were granted N50million bail each after they denied the allegations.

  • Court to hear EFCC‘s motion for final forfeiture of N228.4m linked to ex-Gov Orji 

    Court to hear EFCC‘s motion for final forfeiture of N228.4m linked to ex-Gov Orji 

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled hearing for May 28 in a motion filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), seeking an order for final forfeiture of N228.4million linked to former Governor of Abia, Theodore Orji.

    Justice Emeka Nwite chose the date on Monday after EFCC’s lawyer, Fadila Yusuf informed the court that her client has complied with an earlier order for publication.

    Yusuf said: “I wish to state that we have complied by publishing the report on the commission’s website and in a newspaper, as directed by the court.

    She then applied for a date to move the motion on notice for final forfeiture.

    Justice Nwite granted her request and and adjourned till May 28 for the hearing of the motion.

    In a supporting affidavit, the EFCC claimed that the money is a subject of investigation by its operatives, which was found in the possession of a firm, Effdee Nigeria Ltd.

    Read Also: EFCC arraigns businesswoman over alleged N34 million theft

    It said the money was suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activities.

    The EFCC added: “Effdee Nigeria Ltd is alleged to have conspired with others to defraud Abia State Government to wit: conspiracy, abuse of office, obtaining money by false pretence, money laundering and diversion of public funds.

    “Effdee Nigeria Ltd, in whose possession the monies were found, is reasonably suspected to have conspired with Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, the former Governor of Abia State, some officials in the former governor’s administration and his family members.”

    It stated that the ex-governor and others are being investigated for the allegations following intelligence report received by the commission against Orji.

    According to the EFCC, there is the need to preserve the money pending investigation and/or prosecution.

  • BREAKING: EFCC arraigns ex-governor Theodore Orji, son, two others for alleged N60.85bn fraud

    BREAKING: EFCC arraigns ex-governor Theodore Orji, son, two others for alleged N60.85bn fraud

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission today arraigned a former Governor of Abia State, Theodore Orji and four others before Justice Lilian Abai of the Abia State High Court sitting in Umuahia on a 16- count charge bordering on money laundering.

    Read Also: Troops kill 217 terrorists, arrest 122 oil thieves in February

    The ex-governor will face trial with his son, Chinedum Orji and others for alleged N60.85billion.

    Details shortly…

  • Ex-Abia Governor Orji: linking EFCC forfeiture to me malicious

    Ex-Abia Governor Orji: linking EFCC forfeiture to me malicious

    Former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji has condemned a recent publication linking him to an interim forfeiture of N228.4 million and the fraudulent activities linked to a company, Effdee Nigeria Limited.

    In a statement yesterday by his liaison office, the former governor said the publishers were out to tarnish his hard-earned reputation.

    He described the publication as “baseless” and “malicious,” accusing the publishers of spreading defamatory content without proper fact-checking.

    Orji said the report falsely claimed that he served as Abia State governor between 2016/2017, even thouhh his tenure had ended in May 2015.

    The former governor also refuted the claims that Mr. Uchenna Erondu and Mr. Austin Akuma were associated with his administration.

    He said the men had no connection with him during his time as governor.

    Orji also denied any knowledge of or dealings with Effdee Nigeria Limited, which the publication allegedly linked to him.

    “This publication is not only false but also maliciously intended to damage Senator Orji’s hard-earned reputation, a man known for his integrity and public service,” the statement said.

    The governor demanded that the story be retracted in major national newspapers and online platforms where the original report appeared.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s reforms unavoidable, will pay off, says Orji Kalu

    He also called for an internal investigation at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), which first circulated the story, to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

    Orji warned that failure to meet these demands would prompt him to take a legal action, including claims for damages caused by the false publication.

    The former governor, who also represented Abia Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly between June 9, 2015 and June 2023, urged the public to disregard the misleading report and reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and good governance.

    The statement said Mr. Uchenna Erondu never worked under Senator Orji’s administration, affirming that Uchenna Erondu served as Special Adviser during the regime of the immediate past Governor Okesie Ikpeazu.

    “The claim that Mr. Erondu was a Special Adviser is entirely false, as he had no affiliation with Senator Orji’s administration.

    “…Senator Orji has never had any knowledge of or transactions with Effdee Nigeria Limited, either during or after his tenure as governor.

    “No relationship with Mr. Austin Akuma or Mr. Uchenna Erondu: Senator Orji categorically denies any connection with these individuals, calling the linkage an unfounded attempt to defame him.

    “We view this as a clear attempt to defame and distract from the proven record of a leader committed to integrity and public service,” the statement added.

  • Group alleges witch-hunt plot against Theodore Orji

    Group alleges witch-hunt plot against Theodore Orji

    The Equity and Justice Initiative (EJI) has said that it uncovered a plot by some “disgruntled elements” in Abia State to use the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to tarnish the image of former Governor Theodore Orji.

    In a statement, the group claimed those behind the plot had been hatching it for years with the intent to harass Orji, whom they asserted did his job as governor creditably.

    Orji is the immediate past senator who represented Abia Central Senatorial District.

    The alarm comes days after Dr. Philips Nto, a former Finance Commissioner in the Orji Administration, raised his concerns over unending invitations by the EFCC without charge.

    EJI, in a statement by its Secretary, Dr. Abel Akudo, said the masterminds of the plot wanted to use the anti-graft agencies to disgrace Orji who voluntarily retired from active politics after his meritorious service to the state and the nation at large.

    Read Also: Southeast states littered with abandoned projects

    The statement reads: “We want to place Abians on alert about a clandestine mission by detractors to discredit Senator T.A Orji and his family using the anti-graft agencies.

    “What could be their grouse with the former governor or could it be a question of jealousy over his outstanding performance while in office and his rising profile even after leaving office?

    “Plans by some disgruntled individuals and groups to tarnish the image of Senator Theodore Orji have been unearthed.

    “In the past few years, these disgruntled elements who are hell-bent on pulling down the former governor have not relented in writing all untenable petitions against him before the EFCC.

    “It is on record that as a governor, Senator Orji acquitted himself creditably with great achievements that are there for everyone to see.

    “Even as a Senator, the former governor impacted positively on the lives of his constituents via his numerous empowerment programmes.”

    The group frowned at using anti-graft agencies to endlessly harass the former governor, arguing that he would not be unwilling to defend himself if charged to court.

    “The Senator TA Orji we know, will not be unwilling to face any panel, court summons or trial by any anti-graft agency to give an account of his stewardship while in public service.

    “So, instead of resorting to continued smear campaigns, the detractors should be more reasonable.

    “Every plot seen and unseen by this power-hungry group to rubbish the former governor will fail.

    “In the nearest future these disgruntled elements will be exposed to the public as their identities will be made known to Abians,” the statement added.

  • Senate: I’ve forgiven Theodore Orji, says Kalu

    Senator-elect for Abia North and former state governor, Chief Orji Kalu, said on Thursday that he had put his political enmity with his successor, Sen. Theodore Orji, behind him and was prepared to work harmoniously with him in the Senate.

    Kalu said this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent in Umuahia, shortly after receiving his Certificate of Return from the Independent National Election Commission in Abuja.

    He said: “I have forgiven him (Orji) for the benefit of Abia people and we are going to work as one family in the Senate in the interest of Abia and Nigeria.

    “We are going to have a robust relationship in the Senate because the interest of Abia and Abians is uppermost to me.”

    NAN reports that Kalu and Orji, who succeeded him in 2007 as Abia governor, had been arch- enemies for almost a decade due to political differences.

    Kalu, who won the March 9 National Assembly polls, after two consecutive attempts, said that he would work assiduously to re-write the history of representation in his senatorial district.

    “There is a lot of work to do for my constituency and we shall work to support the programmes of the Federal Government to ensure they succeed,” he said.

    Read Also: Samuel Kalu relieved as mother regains freedom

    Kalu, who was a member of the House of Representatives in the aborted Third Republic, promised that the ninth Senate would reverse the unnecessary delay in the passage of the annual budget.

    He said that the Senate would ensure that the Appropriation Bills received expeditious considerations, once they were presented by the president.

    “The consideration and passage of budget estimates would not exceed three months. Once the president presents the bill in September, by December we would have concluded the consideration.

    “By so doing, the budget would be ready by January for the president’s assent,” Kalu said.

    He said that during the consideration of the budget, the ministers would be restrained from embarking on overseas trips.

    “They must be available during the budget defence. They would not be allowed to travel overseas until the budget is ready,” Kalu said.

    He said that his membership of the Senate would be remarkable, saying that he would strive to build harmonious relationship among all the ethnic nationalities in the National Assembly.

  • Former Governor Orji wins Abia Central Senatorial seat

    Abia State former Governor and Senator representing the Abia Central senatorial district, Chief Theodore Orji, has been declared the winner of the just concluded senatorial election.

    The returning officer Prof. Yusuf Omeh declared him winner on Monday at the Independent National Electoral Commission office, Adelabu road, Umuahia the State capital.

    According to Prof. Omeh Orji polled 55,461 to defeat his closet rival and the candidate the All Progressive Congress (APC) Sen. Nkechi Nwaogu.

    The Returning Officer also announced that Nwaogu scored 29,860 Votes to come second in the election while the candidates of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) Chidi Ajaegbu who polled 19,534 votes to clinch the third position.

    In related development the member representing Ikwuano/ Umuahia Federal Constituency, Chief Johnson Onuigbo has been declared the winner of the Houses of representatives’ election in the constituency.

    The Returning Officer Prof. Georgina Ugwuanyi declared him winner after announcing that he polled 30,669 votes to defeat the All Progressive Congress candidate Mr. Ikechukwu Apugo who scored 23,279 votes.

    Ugwuanyi also announced that the candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance Chief Markdonald Uba scored 10,312 votes.

    Also the member representing Arochukwu/ Ohafia Federal Constituency Chief Nko Nkole of the People s Democratic Party was declared winner of the seat.

    He scored 7,072 to defeat the APC candidate Chief Iroh Orji who polled 5496 votes.

  • I will retire from politics in 2023 – Senator Orji

    The Governor of Abia State and the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial District at the senate, Senator Theodore Orji has said that he would retire from active politics in 2023 after serving for 8 years in the Senate if he wins the 2019 elections.
    Orji said though it is always difficult for politicians to voluntarily retire from active politics, he would be an exception as he would do that to show example and that politicians can retire honorably.
    He said that his retiring from active politics is that he will no longer seek for any elective political position, “From 2023, I will still be in politics but would not run for any elective position but would rather play the role of a father, mentor and guardian”.
    Orji, who spoke through Ifeanyi Umere, his liaison officer in Umuahia, also named maturity and experience as the factors that make him and his successor, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu maintain cordial relationship.
    He also said that Governor Ikpeazu has done well to earn his support, adding that the Governor would even win the 2019 elections to do a second term, just like others before him served out their two terms.

    Read Also: Senator Orji denies being quizzed by EFCC

    Orji said, “In 2023, I will quit active politics; I don’t know if there are politicians from Abia State that have done that, retired voluntarily. Politicians hardly retire. The 2019 is going to be the last election I will participate in for myself as an elective person and I am sure, very confident, that I am going to win not minding the antics of the opposition”.
    On the cordial relationship with his successor, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Orji attributed it to his experience and maturity which has ensured that they enjoy mutual respect and understanding.
    He said, “The secret of the cordial relationship between me and my successor has been maturity and experience. I am a mature man and I am an experienced person. I have got this experience before now”.
    “So I use my good experience to follow the incumbent Governor. The relationship is based on mutual respect and understanding which will continue even when he leaves office as the governor of the state”.
    He further said that Ikpeazu has done well to earn his support, insisting that the governor would win the 2019 governorship election in the State to enable him do two terms as those before him did.