OGEEJI'S BLOG

Abia Workers To Receive Salaries Before the End of the Year

2016-12-20T07:06:00.002+01:00

Abia Workers To Receive Salaries Before the End of the Year

There appears to be a ray of hope for Abia owed civil servants as the state government says she's working assiduously to ensure their payment before the end of the year.

This is coming as the state government and the organised labour held a meeting on ways of properly disbursing the 10.6 billion Naira received from the Federal Government.

The meeting between the state government and the organised labour which lasted for hours was geared towards arriving at terms of utilizing the fifty percent due to the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, MDAs, and parastatals in the state.

Speaking to newsmen at the end of the meeting, the Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman, Abia State Chapter, Comrade Uchenna Obigwe who expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the meeting said the interest of Abia Workers was central.

Obigwe also revealed that the #500 million reserved for the payment of gratuities have been plunged into the payment of salaries especially for the most vulnerable whose salaries range from two to three thousand among the pensioners.

The Abia Labour boss, who described as unacceptable a situation where institutions like the Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State University Teaching Hospital, and Abia Line Network who are revenue generating institutions can't pay their workers salaries, for at least three months, called for the reshuffle of the management of the affected institutions.

He expressed confidence that the committee set up by the government to tackle the issues of disbursement and others would come up with workable solutions to the payment of workers salaries.

The Trade Union Congress Chairman of the state, Comrade Christopher Okpara and Chris Okoro of the Public Service Negotiating Council, said the meeting was sacrosanct in maintaining the peace and welfare of Abia Workers.

Commissioner for Finance, Obinna Oriaku said the state government plans to ensure the payment of salaries of pensioners, MDAs and parastatals before the end of the year but must have the approval of the state House of Assembly through its appropriation.

He said the committee is expected to take a critical look at the indebtedness of the state and ways of dealing with it, to ensure adequate use of the 50 percent for payment of salaries.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu at the meeting pledged his commitment to the welfare of civil servants in the state,while promising to be accountable to them.

He said the civil service is the wheel that drives the state and must be given the desired attention.

The Governor while describing "ghost workers " as a major challenge called on them to join hands with his administration in identifying and flushing out the menace to aid in the sustenance of prompt payment of salaries.

Finally, FG releases N358m to Super Falcons

2016-12-16T17:10:00.003+01:00

Finally, FG releases N358m to Super Falcons

The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation on Friday said it has released to the Central Bank of Nigeria the payment mandate of $1.17m (N358m) to settle the allowances of the victorious Super Falcons.

The payment was confirmed by a statement from the OAGF signed by the Director, Information, Mrs Kene Offie.

It also said additional N113m has been released to pay the outstanding winning bonuses for the Super Eagles in the 2018 World Cup Qualifying matches.

The statement said the release of the payment mandate to the CBN was sequel to an earlier approval given by the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun.

The statement read in part, “The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation has released the mandate to Central Bank of Nigeria for payment of naira equivalent of $1,173,820.00 at N305/$ to Nigeria Football Federation to pay outstanding winning bonuses for Super Eagles in the 2018 World Cup Qualifying Matches and for the Super Falcons’ participation in the 10th Women’s Africa nations Cup.

“This is in furtherance of the approval from Hon Minister of Finance for the said amount to be paid.

“The mandate which is a sum of Three hundred and Fifty-Eight Million, fifteen thousand, One Hundred naira only has been paid by Central bank of Nigeria as at yesterday 15th December, 2016.

“Similarly, another mandate for the sum of One hundred and Thirteen million, Eight Hundred and Twenty thousand, Six Hundred and Two naira only has also been released by the Office of Accountant General of the Federation for the payment of wining bonus for Super Eagles in the 2018 World Cup Qualifying matches; and for the Super Falcon’s participation in the 10th Women’s Africa Nation’s Cup.

“This amount has also been paid to Nigeria Football Federation and is equally sequel to the approval of the Honourable minister of Finance.”

Results of the WASSCE for Private Candidates

2016-12-16T16:56:00.001+01:00

BREAKING NEWS:

Results of the WASSCE for Private Candidates, 2016 will be released by 2pm today by the Head of National Office, WAEC Nigeria.

MMM Nigeria top guider, Chuddy Ugorji, finally reacts to frozen accounts

2016-12-16T16:25:00.000+01:00

MMM Nigeria top guider, Chuddy Ugorji, finally reacts to frozen accounts

MMM Nigeria’s number one guider, Chuddy Ugorji, has finally reacted to the Ponzi scheme’s decision to pause withdrawals for one month.
Mr. Ugorji, who is quite active on social media, addressed several controversies and allegations leveled against him in a lengthy Facebook post on Friday.
A graduate of Karnataka State Open University in India, he is listed as the number one guider of the Ponzi scheme in Nigeria.
His wife, Amaka, had earlier calmed frayed nerves in a Facebook message she posted on Wednesday.
The pair tied the knot on November 12 in Lagos and their wedding was a certified “MMM” affair with the scheme’s logo and colours prominently displayed all through the festivities.
Many Nigerian socialites and celebrities including 5 Star Music act, Kcee, graced their wedding.
Further findings reveal that he joined MMM Global in 2015 and in 2016 played a major role in disseminating the Ponzi scheme’s gospel in Nigeria.
In his post, he said, just like every other MMM member in Nigeria, he woke up on Tuesday and saw the news that accounts have been frozen for a month and that he didn’t have any prior knowledge about it.

While debunking widespread claims that he is an admin on the MMM Nigerian site, Mr. Ugorji explained that he has always encouraged members to provide help only with their spare money and also get help at the end of 30 days.
In his parting note, he encouraged all ‘Mavrodians’ not to panic as the ban on their monies will soon be lifted on January 14, 2017 and everything will be back to normal in no time.
Read his Facebook post below:
This week has not been easy for all of us due to the news update on our POs. As we all know, the media has been a tool used by anti-MMMites and pessimists to fight against the growth of MMM Nigeria. Unfortunately some ignorant Nigerians who don’t understand what MMM is all about have been brainwashed by the information broadcasted by the media and social networks
Regarding the frozen mavro.
It is clearly stated on the news section on the website
Confirmed Mavro will be frozen for A MONTH .
The reason for this measure is evident. The system needs to prevent any problems that might arise during this festive season and this measure will be cancelled once the festive season comes to an end
Frozen of mavros does not mean MMM has stopped operations or crashed rather the system has adopted this measure to avoid any mishaps. The support system are working on issues to enhance the effectiveness of the community.
Also let’s note that contrary to what has been published by cheap bloggers, Am not the Admin of MMM but one of the top guiders of this great community. And non of us has access to the site, I woke up on Tuesdayand saw the News on my PO like every other person,
The MMM website is been managed in Russia by their control and supervisory team .They are responsible for every decision made,like pairing of participants to provide help and get help,resolving issues on the platform etc.
I have always been passionate about tutoring members and guiders about the ideology of MMM , the rules and the risk; I have encouraged members to provide help only with their SPARE MONEY and also get help at the end of 30 days. The reason members have to continue in this pattern of provide help and get help process is to ensure the sustainability of the system, because the platform is a peer to peer system, members knows that they own the system and pay only to themselves, There is no CENTRAL ACCOUNT.
Regarding getting help,every guider in the MMM community has a limit to withdrawal and I have never made withdrawals above my limit ,rather have always helped to ensure the growth of MMM Nigeria community.
Instead I have given more to the community through charity works and teaching of the ideology of MMM.

Bloggers who get paid for promoting rumour, when ignorant Nigerians click on their blogs, Google Ad sense pays them per click. Hence they seized this opportunity to enrich themselves even when most of them are participants and have taken more from the community, many of them are involved in uploading Fake Pop’s and multiple accounts all in the bid to frustrate the programme of the community and that is part of what is been looked into and it would be stop so that we have a healthy and stronger MMM NIGERIA in 2017

MMM founder is a Russian Sergey Mavrodi not a Philippines .I have never been to Philippines, the stories about going to the Philippines are untrue.
I stand for the true ideology of MMM which is anchored on providing and getting help willingly.
Let’s hope the best and STOP the PANIC! We shall overcome by God’s grace.

Abia bans revenue agents from 2017

2016-12-16T16:02:00.000+01:00

Abia bans revenue agents from 2017

Abia State Government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure increase in her internally generated revenue from the 2017 fiscal year.

To this effect, the state has banned the use of agents as revenue collectors in the state in 2017.

A statement signed by the State's Deputy Governor, Sir Ude Oko Chukwu, who is also the Chairman of the State's Internally Generated Revenue Council reads:

"This is to inform all concerned that, the IGR Policy of the state did not provide for appointment of revenue agents.

"MDAs are by this notice directed not to appoint any agent for the year 2017, as Abia State Government will not be held liable for any contravention.

"All Revenue matters must be directed to the IGR council. Please be guided."

Abians, particularly residents of Aba and Umuahia, are therefore requested to avoid paying any revenue agent or "consultant" who claims to be acting on behalf of the state from the fiscal year 2017 and going forward.

kpeazu’s opponent withdraws suit after ‘bashing’ from judges

2016-11-08T17:39:00.000+01:00

Ikpeazu’s opponent withdraws suit after ‘bashing’ from judges

J.C Idogho, counsel to Friday Nwosu, has withdraw an application challenging Okezie Ikpeazu as governor of Abia state.
He took the action after he was bashed by a seven-man panel of the supreme court.
Nwosu was a contestant in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election that produced Ikpeazu as the party’s candidate in the 2015 election.
On Tuesday, he prayed that the supreme court take over appeals from the court of appeal in Owerri, Imo state.
Nwosu sought to be declared winner of the governorship election since Ikpeazu was accused of “discrepancies” in his tax document.
The allegation was the reason the federal high court Abuja ordered Ikpeazu’s sack from office as governor.
While moving his application, Idogho said: “[We pray for] an order to grant a relief to bring forward to the supreme court for hearing and determination by the supreme court CA/OW/C9/2016.”
But responding, the seven-man panel of justices led by Ibrahim Tanko said: “The first leg of your motion is it a lame leg or a fit and proper leg? (referring to the prayer above).
“There is no appeal before us on that. I have never heard of that – we grab an appeal that has not been heard and concluded by the lower court.
“If you want to change the precedent of the law, go to national assembly and convinced them of changing the law, then maybe of we are still alive then.
“I am telling you that you off track, we cannot direct the lower court. I have never heard of this in my life before.”
At this point, Idogho applied that his application be withdrawn.
Tanko, the justice, struck out the suit but he did not award charges as suggested by Alex Izinyon, counsel to Uche Ogar.

ABIA PPA GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, UDENSI BATTERS WIFE

2016-11-04T19:14:00.000+01:00

ABIA PPA GOVERNORSHIP CANDIDATE, UDENSI BATTERS WIFE

The Abia State Peoples’ Progressive Alliance (PPA), gubernatorial candidate in 2015 election and a Knight of St. Christopher Anglican Church, Sir Chikwe Udensi has reportedly battered wife to the point of death over domestic issues.
Udensi a former ALGON Secretary General and close political ally of a former governor of Abia State, Mr. Orji Uzor Kalu was said to have constantly abused the wife Mrs. Chidinma Udensi over little misunderstanding arising mostly from his escapades with other women.
The physically abused lady was said to have been locked up in one of the rooms, deprived of medical assistance and made incommunicado by the husband who threatened to kill her and cover the case up with his police connection.
The distraught uncle of the lady, Mr. Godstime Uchenna who spoke to Realm Newspapers via his Face book account lamented the severity of the injuries sustained by his sister during the assault saying that Udensi has refused the family access to their daughter.
According to Mr. Uchenna, the latest assault occurred when Mrs. Udensi who could no longer bear the humiliation of being beating over common couple’s argument asked for a divorce; a request that infuriated Udensi who felt that such move will dent his reputation.
“It started as normal couple arguments then slaps to minor beatings and now major beating to the extent that he has disfigured her.
“She has tried to endure but it's getting worse each day, she no longer wants to stay in this marriage because she could be killed one day.
“She got the beating of her life for daring to ask for a divorce because Udensi knows that such will dent the deceptive Knight image he has paraded in the public.
“My sister is presently under lock and key and he is not letting go, Udensi is threatening to kill her or take away her kids if eventually he sneaks out or make the story public.
“He is influential with the Police Force, so it will be impossible to rely on them. She has tried to leave many times but security is tight. She was terrified initially after years of domestic violence but she has become bold enough to go public about her predicament.” Uchenna said.
Uchenna who described Udensi as a womanizer, violent abuser, arrogant and heartless man however noted that the latest assault was not the first time as it has become a decimal recurrence.
“I'm calling on human rights activists, lawyers and anyone who can help free this woman, No one deserves to die in marriage,” he added.

Police nab 5 over alleged diversion, theft of pharmaceutical products

2016-10-06T15:56:00.001+01:00

Police nab 5 over alleged diversion, theft of pharmaceutical products

The Police Area Command, Aba, Abia state has arrested 5 suspects for allegedly diverting a truck conveying pharmaceutical products to some cities in the South East zone.
Parading the suspects identified as Joseph Iro, Emeka Iro, Okechukwu Nlewem, John Okeke and Damian Okuta, in Aba, Police Commissioner, Abia state, Leye Oyebade, said the truck with Registration number, SR 511 SA, with green head and white body, left Lagos to deliver some pharmaceutical products to customers of Fidson Company in the area, but was snatched at gunpoint.
He added that men of the Police anti robbery squad in Aba traced the truck to Umuojima area where the contents were being offloaded into another truck without registration number.

According to him, “On 26th September, 2016, at about 8pm, the Police Area Commander, Aba, intercepted a distress call that a truck conveying pharmaceutical products was snatched at gunpoint.

The tracking device fixed to the truck was disconnected, but we located them at Umuojima in Aba where the products were being loaded into another white truck. We arrested the suspects and the two trucks. The suspects will soon be charged to court to serve as a deterrent to others. There is no hiding place for criminals in Abia state.”
In a related development, the Police in Aba have recovered an abandoned Toyota Camry Car with registration number, Lagos AAA 196 AP, at Umuokoroato village in Obingwa council area.
Police sources said that no arrest has been made while efforts have begun to locate the owner of the car and why it was abandoned.

Monarch jailed two years for embezzling N40m shrines’ cash

2016-10-06T15:38:00.000+01:00

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a two-year imprisonment sentence against a traditional ruler, Eze Bob Ubiaru, for embezzling N40 million out of N60 million compensation for the relocation of shrines in his domain.

The shrines were relocated for the installation of public power infrastructure on their sacred land.

But the monarch reportedly converted N40 million of the cash to his personal use.

A statement by ICPC’s spokesperson Mrs. Rasheedat A. Okoduwa said the suspected accomplice of the convicted monarch, Patrick Ubiaru, was discharged and acquitted.

The statement said: “Eze Ubiaru, the traditional ruler of Ipupe Community in Ubakala-Umuahia South Local Government of Abia State, and the Secretary to the palace, Patrick Iyke Ubiaru, were charged by ICPC before Honourable Justice Agwu Umah Kalu of the High Court of Abia State for fraudulently converting N40 million out of N60 million paid to the community as compensation to relocate the community’s shrines in order to give way for the power project under the National Infrastructure Power Project (NIPP), which passed through the community.

“The charge against the traditional ruler, who was the first defendant in Count One, was brought under Section 363(1) and punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 80, Laws of Abia State 2005.

The first defendant was also charged under Count Two for conferring corrupt advantage upon himself, contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

“…Ubiaru was charged under Count Three for criminal alteration of records of community meetings, contrary to Section 15(a) and punishable under Section 68 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

“…The trial judge held that the prosecution had proved the case in Count One beyond reasonable doubt, in that there was enough evidence to show that the first defendant did not use the money to relocate the community shrines but actually converted the money to his personal use.

“Justice Kalu, however, discharged and acquitted the first defendant on Count Two on the grounds that the prosecution failed to prove that the first defendant was a public officer, as stipulated in Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

“With respect to the second defendant, the trial judge held that although the prosecution clearly proved alteration against the second defendant, the prosecution, however, failed to prove that he was at the material time in the employment of the Eze-in-Council, which was one of the ingredients of the offence.

“…The judge convicted Eze Ubiaru on Count One and sentenced him to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of N3 million, while Ubiaru was discharged and acquitted.

“Justice Kalu also held that the sum of N10 million in the deposit account of First Bank Plc fixed by Eze Ubiaru from the proceeds of the crime be forfeited and given to the true representatives of Ipupe Community who are to be identified by the Chairman of Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State.

EU gives AU funds to fight B’Haram

2016-08-26T17:04:00.000+01:00

EU gives AU funds to fight B’Haram

The European Union has released some funds to the African Union to support the regional campaign against the Boko Haram terror threat in Nigeria and the countries of the Lake Chad Basin.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, disclosed this while receiving some participants of the Bangladesh Defence College on a world tour, led by Rear Admiral Anwarul Islam at the Army headquarters on Friday.
Buratai also said that the the campaign against Boko Haram is getting more support in the international arena, with the United Nations supporting the activities of the Multinational Joint Task Force.
He added that apart from the support by international bodies, individual countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and France are also making contributions to intensify the fight against the insurgents.

ABIA GOVT TO UNVEIL LOGO, ANTHEM AT SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATION

2016-08-26T13:47:00.001+01:00

ABIA GOVT TO UNVEIL LOGO, ANTHEM AT SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATION

The Abia government plans to unveil a new logo and anthem on Saturday to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the state’s creation.

The Deputy Chairman of the Abia State Advisory Council, Chief Bob Ogbuagu, told newsmen in Umuahia on Thursday that the unveiling was part of the activities lined up for the silver jubilee celebration.

Ogbuagu said that other events included an interdenominational thanksgiving service and the conferment of awards on distinguished Abia indigenes and friends of the state.

He declined to comment on the implications of the new logo and anthem within the context of a corporate Nigeria, saying that everything would be made manifest during the unveiling.

“When the logo and anthem are unveiled, you will see the content and be able to judge whether it has any negative implication on the corporate existence of Nigeria or not,” he said. Speaking on the protracted governorship tussle in Abia, Ogbuagu said that the state would have been engulfed in a conflagration if the council did not intervene.

“We have been talking to the gladiators. The state would have been engulfed in serious conflagration if the elders did not intervene,’’ he said.

He appealed to those still challenging Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu’s election in court to embrace peace and remain calm so that Abia would move forward.

CBN to stop dud cheque issuers from operating current account

2016-08-25T21:05:00.000+01:00

CBN to stop dud cheque issuers from operating current account

Godwin Emefiele, CBN Governor

The Central Bank of Nigeria is in the process of stopping issuers of dud cheques (returned cheques) from opening current account, the Deputy Director, Banking Supervision, CBN, Mr. Stephen Nwadiuko, has said.
He said the CBN was working on the credit bureaus in the country to build a data base that would reveal bank customers who issued dud cheques three times within a specified period and barred from operating current accounts.
Nwadiuko spoke in Lagos on Wednesday during the third National Credit Reporting Conference.
He said, “The CBN is working with the credit bureaus so that a data base is built to identify bank customers who have issued dud cheques for three times in a given period. There is the Dud Cheque Act of 1977, which provides for the prosecution of issuers of dud cheques.
“But since nothing has been done with that document, the CBN is trying to do something within its own powers that will stop customers who are fond of issuing cheques on unfunded bank accounts.”
Earlier, the Governor, CBN, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, who declared the conference open, had said the CBN would support credit bureaux to enhance credit and economic growth.
Emefiele, who was represented by the Branch Controller, CBN Lagos, Mr. James Iyari, said, “The CBN has recently approved the payment of one-off sign on fees with credit bureaux for all the microfinance banks and other micro financial institutions licensed by the CBN in order to support effective use of the infrastructure provided by the private credit bureaux with a view to deepening the subsector.
“The credit bureaux have been recording steady increase in the number of registered borrowers. From a mere 78,189 in December 2010, the total number grew to 18,640,000 in June 2012. The number as of 30 June, 2016 stood at 33, 456, 922. I want to commend the bureau operators for this feat and charge them not to rest on their oars as we still have more grounds to cover if we must have a robust credit reporting system in Nigeria.”
Emefiele said the CBN in collaboration with the IFC had continued to provide training to operators and regulators in order to build capacity in the credit reporting industry.
The Chairman, CBAN, Mrs. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, who is also the Managing Director of CreditRegistry Services, in her welcome address, expressed optimism that the contribution of the credit bureau segment of the financial services sector would have immense impact on the growth of the economy.
She said, “I strongly believe we will consolidate on past successes, enhance the promotion of regulations and policies that will improve access to credit, deepen our strategic business ties and grow the credit bureau segment, financial services sector and Nigeria will get better for it.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other financial Institutions, Senator Rafiu Ibrahim, while answering questions on the sidelines of the conference, applauded the contributions of credit bureaus in the country, especially in the area of identity management.

Law school caught lawyers writing exams for students’

2016-08-25T20:56:00.001+01:00

‘Law school caught lawyers writing exams for students’

Prof. Olanrewaju Onadeko, Director-General, Nigerian Law School, said on Thursday that some lawyers have been caught writing examination for students in the school.
Onadeko, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), disclosed this when he presented the school`s report to the annual general meeting of the Nigerian Bar Association in Port Harcourt.
Onadeko, who did not state the number of affected lawyers, said the matter had been reported to the NBA.
He urged the association to take action against such lawyers to save legal education in the country.
Mr Rotimi Jacob, SAN, charged the NBA to address the issue raised by the director-general of the law school.
He said those found guilty should be disciplined after due process had been followed to determine their cases.
Jacob said the issue was serious because of its implications on the future of legal education in the country.
The outgoing President of NBA, Mr Augustine Alegeh, said the association had not received report of such incident in the past two years.
He, however, said that the NBA had a committee to handle the matter on receipt of the report.

NAN

The Abia State Executive Council has approved

2016-08-25T13:26:00.000+01:00

The Abia State Executive Council has approved the immediate relocation of the Faculties of Law and Humanities to Umuahia, Abia State.
Also Faculty of Engeneering will be located at Abia South with immediate effect. EXCO also approved #10, 000 reduction of school fees for Abia indigenes in Abia State University, Uturu.
This was made known by the Hon. Commissioner for Information, Culture and Strategy, Abia State, Comr. Bonny Iwuoha at Government House Umuahia.

Stop distracting Gov Ikpeazu, Emeka Wogu tells Abians

2016-08-22T15:50:00.000+01:00

Stop distracting Gov Ikpeazu, Emeka Wogu tells Abians

The former minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu has admonished Abians to stop distracting the Governor of Abia state , Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, but call on them to support him to achieve his developmental blue print for the state.

Chief Wogu made the call at the Government House Umuahia while answering questions from newsmen after a private visit to the Governor.

He said that the Governor cannot achieve much if he is distracted and called on all to lend their weight behind him.

"I think he should be allowed to concentrate on the development of the state without distractions."

Chief Wogu, who hails from the Ukwa/Ngwa bloc of the state, said that the Governor should not be seen as an Ngwa Governor, but Governor for all Abians.

He further advised that people should not demean the office of the Governor.

The former minister who contested the PDP primaries with the Governor and lost said that there is always one Governor at a time, adding that as a long standing lawyer, he did not go to court because he knows the limits he can go.
"As a lawyer for 30 years, I know where to win and where to loose, he said.

He stated that the Governor has done well in spreading the dividends of democracy to all parts of the state.

He also called on Nigerians to support President Buhari'so administration as it means we'll for the people.

According to him, his anti corruption policies as well as his program on security are paying off and expressed optimism that the economy will soon get better.

Abia crises is not about Ukwa/Ngwa versus "Ohuhu"

2016-08-16T21:45:00.000+01:00

Abia crises is not about Ukwa/Ngwa versus "Ohuhu"

With all sense of responsibility, I write this note to dispel the growing insinuations that the current political crises in Abia State is between Ukwa/Ngwa nation and others called "Ohuhu" or old Bende.

It is purely a political struggle between the forces of good led by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and dark unconscionable political opportunists desperately seeking to seize power through the opprobrious backdoor.

In this struggle, I believe that majority of political leaders and common folks from the old Bende division are solidly behind the Governor, just like a minority of Ngwa people might be against him. At online social media I have read pro-Ogah posts written by individuals from even Obingwa and pro-Okezie posts by people from old Bende block of the state. Outside social media same observation is valid.

The current crises is simply power struggle, albeit of the undesirable negative type, with potentials to slow down development and fractionate a hitherto unified state if not we'll managed. Unfortunately, it is only in Abia State that satanic forces have congregated to continue to sow evil seeds 17 months after the elections and more than 6 months after the Supreme Court confirmed that Governor Ikpeazu was validly elected.

While I recognize that Uche Ogah's inconsiderate quest for power and immunity from prosecution as well as his unfortunate attempt to execute a civilian coup in Abia may have been the immediate precursor of the current crises, it is still important to note that this whole nonsense started from an Ukwa/Ngwa man called F N Nwosu who sought to reap where he did not sow and allowed his greed for power to shut his ears to pleas by well meaning Abians who knew for a fact that Governor Ikpeazu did not default in payment of his tax.

If Mr Friday Nwosu had not approached Uche Ogah with his evil plans that one wouldn't have "guyed" him and started his own inordinate quest for power. Furthermore, while incendiary elements within and outside Igbo land with anti-Igbo agenda may have hijacked the legal processes and the associated politics to pursue their own agenda of either making money from our people or destabilizing an Igbo state for their masters, it is still important to point out that both Uche and Nwosu did not take permission from any Igbo or Abia community before embarking on their ill advised opprobrious quest for power. If Uche and Nwosu had invited Isuikwuato and Obingwa people, respectively, to a meeting before starting off I can confidently say that the majority would have said "don't destabilize Abia".

It is therefore a great disservice to truth and good conscience to allow people desecrate the peaceful brotherly struggle by alluding to one group being against another in Abia.

In any case, some of the strongest supporters of the Governor, including me, are from "Ohuhu" or Old Bende. Likewise, the Governor retains overwhelming support from Ukwa la Ngwa political elites and common folks who see hope of a greater Abia in him based on his antecedents, nature, capacity and love for the whole of Abia State and Nigeria.

At a town hall meeting held at Obehie in Abia South senatorial zone on the 20th of June 2016, Governor Ikpeazu told the mammoth crowd of mostly Ukwa/Ngwa people the following:

"My dear brothers and sisters from Ukwa/Ngwa, it is true that I am one of you, it is also true that we've not been governor until now, but I am the Governor of Abia State, and not just the Governor of Ukwa/Ngwa people.
"So when I want to take decisions about our state, I will think of Abia as a state and not Abia South or Ukwa/Ngwa. This is one truth that I must tell you.

"I know where I come from, and our brothers and sisters from Old Bende know that I come from somewhere. We must be fair to every Abian and visitors in our land."

The massive support of Ukwa la Ngwa people for the Governor is naturally expected because his charity indeed began from home to the wider Abia society long before he became Governor. Just like the pockets of opposition from that base is also expected because even Joseph's brothers had to sell him for him to become what God destined him to be. Every great dream and push attracts envy, starting from home. Old Bende people, like their Ukwa/Ngwa brethren, also have political fortune seekers who might have reasons to oppose the Governor.

Adversity from home or abroad does not stop great men from excelling because all great leaders know that for an aircraft to even take off from home (Tarmac) it must face the wind and defeat it first at the Airport. Governor Okezie knows that very well, hence he glides on like an eagle.

Since I was born, to now that I am old, I have never seen darkness defeat light in a contest. Just like I have never seen a permanent triumph of evil over good.

Ultimately Governor Ikpeazu will triumph and serve our dear state creditably till 2023 (I know his achievements will re-elect him in 2019) but we must avoid spending part of those remaining years to repair damaged inter-communal relationships. Do not say or do things that are capable of widening our line of division, even under provocation.

I am aware of the social media and telephone threats to many Okezie supporters by nonentities displaying their horrible home training. Please ignore them and remain focused, after the reggae the law will play the blues for some to dance.

The standard for measuring success or victory in Abia political struggles remain unchanged: we don't shed blood for power.

Every well meaning Abian should take this to the bank: we shall pray and put in every possible effort to ensure the vindication of Governor Ikpeazu as well as end the distractions to his government. His hands will surely be strengthened to deliver on his programs aimed at making Abia the greatest state in Nigeria.

Aka Chukwu di ya, onweghi ihe madu puru ime. Onye emegbula Nwanne ya maka ochichi.

It normally ends in praise when the man of praise, Dr Okezie Chibuike Victor Ikpeazu, is involved.

Stand firm and don't shake or look back like Lot's wife, so you don't join many that will turn to pillars of salt after this crises.

OK

Five reasons you should sleep naked

2016-08-13T23:41:00.000+01:00

It encourages greater intimacy
Apart from king sleeping next to a loved one exciting, our naked body releases oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone.”
A 2009 study published by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden, says “Oxytocin reduces blood pressure, cortisol levels and helps to reduce stress.
This hormone does not only help relationship, but also your health!
It can keep you cool
One way to be cool during sleep is to abandon cloths.
It may help relieve insomnia
According to Dr. Cameron Van den Heuvel of University of South Australia’s Centre for Sleep Research, regulating sleep temperature may bring some relief to sufferers of insomnia.
“Studies of sleep onset insomniacs show that they consistently have a warmer core body temperature immediately before initiating sleep, when compared with normal healthy adults. This results in a state of heightened arousal that prevents them from falling asleep when they go to bed, probably because they have to wait for their bodies to lose the heat that’s keeping them awake. We’re only talking about a half to one degree but that small temperature change can result in significant differences in arousal between insomniacs and people without sleeping problems.”
The implication is that sleeping naked relieves insomia.
It can help relieve stress
Sleeping naked can relieve stress because it lowers cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone commonly referred to as the “stress hormone,” and when levels are chronically spiked, health problems can arise, such as a propensity towards high blood pressure, weight gain, and a compromised immune system.
It can make you look and feel young

During sleep a variety of growth hormones, as well as anti-aging hormones such as melatonin, are released. These hormones serve to keep us looking and feeling young. To encourage the optimal release of these growth hormones, we need to get those seven to eight hours of sleep.

High Chief Raymond Dokpesi

2016-08-12T20:05:00.000+01:00

High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, the Chairman and CEO of Daar a Communication speaking to the media after submitting his nomination form at the Party Secretariat to contest for the office of the National Chairman of our great Party, the PDP.

The 2016 series of the Abia Women's August Delegates Conference

2016-08-09T22:18:00.001+01:00

PRESS RELEASE

The 2016 series of the Abia Women's August Delegates Conference AWADEC, organised by the office of the wife the Governor in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs will officially begin this week.

The event which will hold in the three senatorial zones has the theme: "Education for better life". It will feature lectures from distinguished women achievers in health, agriculture and human rights as well as exhibitions from various women groups, from Local Government Areas in each senatorial zone, while delegates from various professional women groups, women organisations, community groups and welfare associations, will attend the events.

A release signed by the chief press secretary to the wife of the wife of the Governor, Eze Ajuzie, says the series will begin on Wednesday August 10th with Abia Central conference to hold at the Isiala ngwa North LGA, the Abia North conference will take place at Bende Local Government Headquarters on Monday 15th August 2016.

Time is 11 a.m every day.

The release further directs delegates to arrive to arrive the venues at 10:30a.m each day to complete registration procedures before the arrival of the special Guest of Honour , Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu.

Eze Ajuzie,
Chief press Secretary,
Office of the wife the Governor.

Why EFCC Is Not Investigating Sen. Orji”

2016-08-08T21:07:00.003+01:00

Why EFCC Is Not Investigating Sen. Orji”

Don Norman Obinna is the Media Adviser to the immediate past Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial district at the National Assembly, Sen. Theodore Ahamefule Orji. In this interview with SAM OBINNA IBE he speaks on how T.A. Orji has transited in the past one year from executive to legislator among other political issues in Abia state.

How has Sen. Orji been able to transit from executive responsibilities to legislation considering the fact that both have different exigencies?
Well, the job of legislation is not the job for rabble-rousers or garrulous people; it is the job of the witty. Sen. Orji no doubt, proved his leadership prowess during his term in office as the executive governor of Abia state between 2007 and 2015 when he inherited a dysfunctional state replete with challenges as large as Mount Everest and wittily transformed the challenges by harnessing to the best rewarding proportion the potentials that abound.

So having set that unprecedented record, the issue of transition was not difficult because he has a blue print of the objective he wants to accomplish as well as time frame for its accomplishment. That was why he set the ball rolling immediately he was elected the Senator representing Abia central senatorial district by sponsoring eight bills as part of his legislative oversights and at the same time ensuring the wellbeing of his constituents with mouth-watering empowerments to ensure their financial freedom in just 365 days at the red chambers of the National Assembly.

Are there plans to attract Federal projects to his constituency as well as plans to tackle the ecological challenges in that area?
We are not talking about plans anymore, it is no longer a question of if but when because as we speak, through the persuasive demands of Sen. Orji at the NASS, the Federal Government through the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has requested for expression of interest for constituency service for the maintenance/repairs of critical failed sections, along Umuahia-Ariam, Ikot-Epkene road in his constituency; Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State.

We also have the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs invitation for prequalification and direct tendering for works, goods and expression of interest for consultancy services for the 2016 capital projects for the design and supervision of Mbom-Ameke-Olokoro-Umuikea roads, 7up/Umuola-Nkwo Elechi Ohuhu road-5km and the consultancy services for training and empowerment in agriculture and other value chain in Abia State. These are verifiable facts because they were published on Thisday newspaper edition of Monday, June 13, 2016. So hopefully after the rainy season, works will begin on these roads to ameliorate the transportation hardship of our people.

Recently, a group under the auspices of Ndume Otuka Ibeku Youth Council issued a communiqué alleging that Sen. Orji caused division and hatred in Ibeku clan. What is your take?
First and foremost, as an Ibeku man I don’t know of any organization with that name and I can also tell you that the names of the so called president and secretary of the so called organization are pseudo names based on my research.

So I want to believe that it is the handiwork of mischief makers or failed politicians who want to be heard because no true sons of Ibeku will make such pitiable allegation against a man who ensured the financial freedom of over 50, 000 youths as the then governor of Abia State with various empowerment programmes as well as ensured that Ibeku youths are educated to be able to compete with their contemporaries from other clans and states. It is and will remain a political statement until those behind the masquerade unveil themselves. All I can say is that Sen. Orji is well loved by his people and you can see that through the warm reception they accord him each time he visits Abia State.

What is your reaction to Nduma Otuka Youths call to EFCC to investigate Sen. Orji?
Like I said before, the group is not in existence and from their so called action it is obvious that they are not conversant with the happenings in Nigeria. EFCC does not investigate a public office holder who discharges his or her duty diligently and Sen. Orji happens to be one of such persons. However like I said before, we will not in any way glorify the ranting of disgruntled elements. We will rather tell the people of Abia Central what Sen. Orji has done this past one year which I have highlighted in the beginning.

How has his representation so far transformed the lives of his constituents in this past one year?
I will say his representation has affected his people in several unimaginable ways because apart from these legislative oversights which are his primary responsibilities Sen. Orji has also touched the lives of his people evenly. As we speak, he introduced an annual scholarship scheme designed to produce 240 graduates in four years. 60 indigent students; 10 from each of the six LGAs that make up his constituency will annually benefit from this scheme. The scheme has produced its first 60 beneficiaries last year and the second batch of another 60 beneficiaries will come up sometime this year. Sen.

Orji has also restored the limbs of some luck physically challenged persons in his constituency with the donation of 20 wheel chairs; ensure also their financial freedom with the donation to the indigent entrepreneurs vocational equipment such 25 sewing machines, 25 grinding machines, 25 2.5KVA generating sets, five tricycles, and two 18-seater buses. And in furtherance to his Food Security Bill, Sen. Orji also provided 100 liquid fertilizers for farmers to ensure robust farm produce. We were told by a representative of the Abia State Min. of Agriculture during the presentation that if properly utilized, the fertilizers are capable of enriching 200 hectares of farmland. So you know what that means to agriculture in Abia State.

It is also worthy of mentioning that another set of 250 bags of fertilizers have been purchased by our amiable Sen. Orji to be distributed to farmers in his constituency. They will soon be distributed to farmers. Again, we also have other projects which are intended to develop our pupils and youths to ensure that they compete effectively with their contemporaries from other states and in the world as well. So over all, he has provided avenue for financial liberation of his people.

Apart from the well- publicized legacy projects, what other achievement(s) would you say are Orji’s greatest that endeared him to the people while in office as governor of Abia State?
Of course, security was one of them, remember the era of the contrived kidnapping which apart from the security threat it constituted also to a large extend crippled the buoyant Abia State economy. You have to appreciate Sen. Orji’s ingenuity in tackling as well as exterminating the menace of abduction with the application of scientific methods despite the fact that this happened when kidnapping was alien to us. Another, is the elimination of idolatry which held sway in Abia State prior to his emergence. It was a known fact that qualified Abia youths were debarred from political appointments and participations with this anachronistic ideology and of course the effect was the abysmal underdevelopment which Abia state suffered before its liberation in 2010.

Then the most recent one which earned him the enviable title of Opuru Iche (Unique), 1 of Igbo land is his insistence that an Ukwa Ngwa man will be supported to become the governor of Abia state in line with the Abia Charter of Equity against fierce opposition by some people whose motive was to stoke up the polity and made mess of the unity which Sen. Orji labored to contrive among the people. These three achievements no doubt were what endeared him to the masses and to a large extent the reason he was elected en masse by his people to represent them at the National Assembly. That decision has proven to be a smart one as this last one year has proven.

What else should the people of Abia Central Senatorial district be expecting from Sen. Orji in the coming years?
Well Sen. Orji believes so much in the “Right Base Approach to Development”; a political ideology which sees the people as the right bearers and government, the duty bearers. In other words, Sen. Orji believes that the people are rationale and as such should be consulted in decision making and in provision delivering.

There are insinuations that Sen. Orji is responsible for the problems in Abia PDP, governorship tussle because of imposition of unpopular candidate; what is your take?
Well I do not know if there are problems in Abia PDP, all I know is that some external forces with the help of some selfish Abia politicians are trying to disrupt the peace and tranquility we presently enjoy in Abia State by disrespecting the Abia Charter of Equity. Although I do not understand what you mean by popular candidate all I can say is that what we need in Abia state is a competent candidate with integrity and thank God that was achieved. All the candidates that contested and won elections in Abia state on the platform of PDP were not appointed rather they were elected according to the wishes of the electorate.

Some believe that Sen. Orji has not been fair to his estranged Godfather Dr. Orji Kalu; when will he reconcile with OUK?
Well there was no time that it was said or rumoured that Orji Kalu met Sen. Orji for any political assistance and Sen. Orji refused to grant it if such request is within his powers. Those who know Sen. Orji very well will attest to the fact that he is kindhearted to a fault and can never hurt a fly not to talk of harboring resentment. Instead of believing hear say, I think it will be better we wait for the day when that will happen, let’s see if Sen. Orji will refuse to offer assistance. The issue of when will they reconcile should not exist in the first place because reconciliation is only needed where there is offense. So if there was no offense why do you talk about reconciliation?

Confusion as Obasanjo is sighted at PDP event venue

2016-08-06T08:44:00.002+01:00

Confusion as Obasanjo is sighted at PDP event venue

There was a mild drama on Friday at the Shehu Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, the venue of the inauguration of the Peoples Democratic Party national convention committee, as former President Olusegun Obasanjo was sighted on the premises.
The former President was at centre to attend a programme on Agriculture while the PDP leaders were also at the same premises to attend their party’s event.
Obasanjo had on February 16, 2015, torn his PDP membership card, saying he was leaving the party for good.
Interestingly, leaders of the PDP rushed to pay homage to the former President when he was sighted at the venue.
The PDP convention holds in Port Harcourt on August 17.
Our correspondent gathered that one of the administrators of the building had alerted the PDP leaders of the presence of Obasanjo in the building.
It was gathered that as soon as the party leaders were informed about Obasanjo’s presence, they rushed out to greet him.
Among those that were said to have rushed out to pay homage to the leader of the party included its National Chairman in charge of the National Caretaker Committee, Sen. Ahmed Makarfi; the Secretary of the committee, Sen. Ben Obi and a former Deputy President of the Senate, Ibrahim Mantu.
The former President greeted them briefly and proceeded to attend the programme he had come for.
Leaders of the party had been visiting its aggrieved members with the aim of reconciling them with the now factionalised party but they had yet to visit the former President.
Members of the Board of Trustees of the party visited former President Goodluck Jonathan in Abuja two days ago.
They had earlier visited the home of a former Minister of Finance, Adamu Ciroma.
c

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe led the people of Abia South Senatorial District

2016-08-05T19:25:00.003+01:00

Today, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe led the people of Abia South Senatorial District, the people that owns the governor to a solidarity visit to one of their own, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, in Government House Umuahia where they showed their support to their son of the people.

ANOTHER SLAP ON OTTI'S DESPERATION AS COURT DISMISSES HIS APPEAL, AWARDS N50, 000 COST.

2016-08-05T16:04:00.000+01:00

NEWS: ANOTHER SLAP ON OTTI'S DESPERATION AS COURT DISMISSES HIS APPEAL, AWARDS N50, 000 COST.

Appeal Court Abuja Division has dismissd an application filed by Dr Alex Otti of APGA to join the appeal filed by Governor Okezie lkpeazu against the ruling of Justice Abang of Federal High Court, Abuja that Sampson Uche Ogah be sworn in as Abia Governor, claiming that lkpeazu had no authentic tax clearance before the PDP December 8, 2014 primary election.

Court said Otti lacked locus stand to be granted leave to join the appeal as it was an internal affair of PDP.

Court dismissed it for lacking in merit and awarded #50,000

Senator T.A. Orji Has Touched the Lives of His People

2016-08-05T13:19:00.000+01:00

Senator T.A. Orji Has Touched the Lives of His People’

Mr. Don Norman Obinna, Media Adviser to the immediate past Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial district at the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, in this interview with Peter Uzoho highlights the achievements of Senator Orji in the past one year

Senator T.A. Orji has been in the Senate for over one year now. How is he finding his new job as a lawmaker?

Well, the job of legislation is not the job for rabble-rousers or garrulous people; it is the job of the witty. Senator Orji no doubt proved his leadership prowess during his two terms in office as the executive Governor of Abia State between 2007 – 2015. His eight years were eventful as he left legacy projects behind for posterity. So having set that unprecedented record, the issue of transition was not difficult because he has a blue print of the objective he wants to accomplish as well as time frame for its accomplishment.

That was why he set the ball rolling immediately he was elected the Senator representing Abia Central Senatorial district by sponsoring eight bills as part of his legislative oversights and at the same time ensuring the wellbeing of his constituents with mouth-watering empowerments to ensure their financial freedom in just 365 days at the Red chamber of the National Assembly.

What are the eight bills he sponsored in less than one year?

It sounds unbelievable, isn’t it? That is the hallmark of an astute and sturdy leader. These bills we are talking about are not just mere bills rather they are bills when enacted will have positive impact on the Nigerians. We have the Food Security Bill, 2015 (2nd Reading), the objective is to compel government to provide quality food as part of its primary responsibilities. The establishment of a Food Security Agency will enable vulnerable and marginalised groups like children, pregnant women and lactating mothers have access to quality food.

Also of paramount importance is a provision in the Bill which seeks to establish a Food Security Agency that will implement the blueprint on food security mapping system. The bill when enacted seeks to empower the proposed Food Security Agency to collaborate with the Ministries of Finance, Disaster Management, Planning and National Security to actualise its mandate and strengthen their capacity in food emergencies. So when enacted, the Food Security Bill will ensure a healthy society, and a robust population because it will certainly reduce drastically and/or eliminate completely the menace of malnourishment, morbidity, neo-natal mortality, high rate of child and maternal mortality which Nigeria is the second largest contributor with the loss of about 2, 300 under-five-year-olds and 145 women of childbearing age every single day according to the current UNICEF record. In other words, about 8.395 million and 52, 925 annual infants and maternal mortality will be prevented.

We have the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council Act Cap N 117 2004 Repeal and Reenactment Bill (1st Reading), with the objective to further encourage, promote and co-ordinate investment in the Nigerian economy; National Planning Process Bill 2015, SB.73 (1st Reading); and Deep Offshore and Inland Basin Production Sharing Contracts Act CAP PD3 LFN 2004 (Amendment), Bill 2015 (SB – 11 9) (2nd Reading). Others are the Nigerian Biodiversity Bill 2015 (SB 79), (1st Reading); Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (Alteration), Portfolio Designation Bill 2015 (1st Reading), Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA), Bill 2015 (SB 78), (1st Reading); and a bill for an Act to Establish a Centre for Diseases Control and other Related Matters (1st Reading).

What about the controversial Bill for Institute of Chartered Politicians?

The imaginary bill was blown out of proportion by detractors and selfish individuals who have been rattled by Senator Orji’s unprecedented achievements in the National Assembly. Senator Orji did at no time sponsor the so called “Bill for Institute of Chartered Politicians” as circulated by mischief makers. It was only a sarcastic proposition he made while contributing to a debate on an Act to Establish the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants of Nigeria (CIMAN), sponsored by Senator Barnabas Gemade representing Benue North East. Those who know Senator Orji well are very much aware of his comicality and his suggestion for the said bill was not just an exception.

Are there plans to attract Federal projects to his constituency as well as plans to tackle the ecological challenges in that area?

We are not talking about plans anymore, it is no longer a question of if but when because as we speak, through the persuasive demands of Senator Orji at the National Assembly, the Federal Government through the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has requested for expression of interest for constituency service for the maintenance/repairs of critical failed road sections, along Umuahia-Ariam, Ikot-Epkene road in his constituency; Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State. We also have the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs invitation for prequalification and direct tendering for works, goods and expression of interest for consultancy services for the 2016 capital projects for the design and supervision of Mbom-Ameke-Olokoro-Umuikea roads, 7up/Umuola-Nkwo Elechi Ohuhu road-5km and the consultancy services for training and empowerment in agriculture and other value chain in Abia State. These are verifiable facts because they were published on THISDAY newspaper edition of Monday, June 13, 2016. So hopefully after the rainy season, works will begin on these roads to ameliorate the transportation hardship of our people.

How has his representation so far transformed the lives of his constituents in this past one year?

I will say his representation has affected his people in several unimaginable ways because apart from these legislative oversights which are his primary responsibilities, Senator Orji has also touched the lives of his people evenly. As we speak, he introduced an annual scholarship scheme designed to produce 240 graduates in four years. 60 indigent students; 10 from each of the six LGAs that make up his constituency will annually benefit from this scheme. The scheme has produced its first 60 beneficiaries last year and the second batch of another 60 beneficiaries will come up sometime this year.

Senator Orji has also restored the limbs of some physically challenged persons in his constituency with the donation of 20 wheel chairs; ensure also their financial freedom with the donation to the indigent entrepreneurs vocational equipment such 25 sewing machines, 25 grinding machines, 25 2.5KVA generating sets, five tricycles, and two 18-seater buses. And in furtherance of his Food Security Bill, Senator Orji also provided 100 liquid fertilisers for farmers to ensure robust farm produce. We were told by a representative of the Abia State Ministry of Agriculture during the presentation that if properly utilised, the fertilisers are capable of enriching 200 hectares of farmland.

So you know what that means to agriculture in Abia State. It is also worthy of mentioning that another set of 250 bags of fertilisers have been purchased by our amiable Senator to be distributed to farmers in his constituency. They will soon be distributed to farmers. Again we also have other projects which are intended to develop our pupils and youths to ensure that they compete effectively with their contemporaries from other states and in the world as well. Senator Orji has also shown his media friendliness with the donation of five sets of office furniture to Radio Nigeria (Pacesetter FM), Umuahia, for the refurbishment of some of their offices gutted by fire. So over all, he has provided avenue for financial liberation of his people.

Apart from the well publicised legacy projects, what other achievements would you say were Senator Orji’s greatest that endeared him to the people as governor of Abia State?

Of course security was one of them; remember the era of the contrived kidnapping which apart from the security threat it constituted also to a large extent crippled the buoyant Abia State economy. You have to appreciate Senator Orji’s ingenuity in tackling as well as exterminating the menace of abduction with the application of scientific methods despite the fact that this happened when kidnapping was alien to us. Another is the elimination of idolatry which held sway in Abia State prior to his emergence. It was a known fact that qualified Abia youths were debarred from political appointments and participations with this anachronistic ideology and of course the effect was the abysmal underdevelopment which Abia State suffered before its liberation in 2010.

Then the most recent one which earned him the enviable title of Opuruiche 1 (Unique One) of Igboland was his insistence that an Ukwa Ngwa man will be supported to become the governor of Abia State in recognition of the Abia Charter of Equity against fierce opposition by some people whose motive was to stoke up the polity and made mess of the unity which Senator Orji laboured to achieve in the state. These three achievements no doubt were what endeared him to the masses and to a large extent the reason he was elected en masse by his people to represent them at the National Assembly. That decision has proven to be a smart one as this last one year has proven.

What else should the people of Abia Central Senatorial district be expecting from Senator Orji in the coming years?

Well, Senator Orji believes so much in the “Right Base Approach to Development”; a political ideology which sees the people as the right bearers and government, the duty bearers. In other words, Senator Orji believes that the people are rationale and as such should be consulted in decision making and in provision delivering. Apart from the fact that we have organised some handful of radio interactions where people called his attention to some pressing issues. Senator Orji has also concluded plans to organise a town hall meeting where he will meet with his constituents to discuss and see ways their lives can be further improve upon.

He also has some programmes on the pipeline designed to eliminate idleness among our youths. That means that we are going to see some vocational and empowerment programmes which will create wealth for our people and ensure the sustenance of his philosophy which is to make possible an egalitarian society permeate with wealth creators.

All he is asking for is the continuous support of the people, of course he has shown that he understands their feelings with the donation of 600 bags of rice to the widows, elderly and the less-privileged in his constituency – 100 bags each – to the six LGAs that make up his constituency as well as helping the women of Umuamainta complete their hall. No one would have done the business of representation better than Senator Orji and that is the reason he is revered in Abia.

Ikpeazu applauds trailblazing journalism

2016-08-03T22:06:00.000+01:00

Nation Newspaper @ 10: Ikpeazu applauds trailblazing journalism

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has felicitated with the management and staff of the Nation Newspaper for what he described as its trailblazing footprints in mainstream and social media publication in Nigeria in the past ten years.

In a goodwill message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos, Governor Ikpeazu applauded the management and staff of the media house on the occasion of the celebration of its 10th anniversary in robust journalism.

Governor Ikpeazu urged them not to relent in their drive to maintain their position as the widest circulating national newspaper in Nigeria.

The Governor also called on the management of the newspaper to continue to provide balanced information in the reportage to the reading public and deepen the existing partnership with his government by reporting more on the positive developments across the state to the reading public.

He also called on the management to support his made in Aba campaign through focused feature stories and community reports that will let the world know that Aba and Abia State are open for business in support of the local economy.

Governor Ikpeazu wished the newspaper many more years of celebration of journalistic excellence.