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Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The Catholic Bishop of Umuahia Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Kalu Ukpong, has stated that those plotting to unseat Governor Alex Otti of Abia State in 2027 are “wasting their time.” Bishop Ukpong emphasized that the 2027 elections would be a walkover for Otti due to his remarkable achievements in office. He made the statement on Sunday during a luncheon hosted for the Governor at the Mater Dei Catholic Church, Umuahia. “Otti’s good works over just two years have done his campaign for him,” Bishop Ukpong said, adding that he hosted the Governor to celebrate his “impactful and…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Civil society organization, African Centre for Human Advancement and Resource Support (CHARS-Africa), has urged the Abia State Government to emulate Imo State on the ban on graduation of pupils in non-exam classes and the yearly change of textbooks. It also commended the Imo State Ministry of Education for placing firm guidelines on the conduct of graduation ceremonies and textbook usage in both public and private primary and secondary schools in the state. The policy, according to the CSO, will help curb extortion by school proprietors and management. CHARS-Africa, in a statement by its Executive Director, Amaka Biachi,…
Our Reporter, Abuja Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and spokesman of the African DemocraticCongress (ADC), Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, has condemned what he described as a coordinated attempt by supporters of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mobilise the Yoruba and South-West people against former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, for exercising his democratic rights. In a post on Monday via his X handle, Abdullahi said it was “incredible” that Aregbesola was being demonised simply for choosing to align with the Nigerian people, stressing that such actions were undemocratic and dangerous for the nation’s unity. He recalled that after the…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Traditional Rulers in Abia State, have expressed their support for the decision of Gov. Alex Otti to secure $125 million from the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), for the Abia State Integrated Infrastructure Development Project. The Chairman Abia State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Linus Nto Mbah (LINTO), said the facility would fast-track development in the state. Ikengaonline had reported the the Federal Executive Council, FEC, chaired by President Ahmed Tinubu, had last week, given approval for the loan. Commenting on the loan, Eze Mbah said the facility would support the construction of approximately 126 kilometres of road…
…Celebrates birthday of another statesman Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has hinted that his administration is setting up an independent agency for the maintenance of public infrastructure, especially in institutions of higher learning. Otti made the disclosure while speaking at the 75th birthday celebration of elder statesman, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, organized by the state government. He said the aim was to prevent the collapse of public infrastructure even after he had left office. The governor also stated that his government is currently equipping youths in the state with leadership skills to prepare them for future leadership…
Our Reporter, Abuja President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, returned to Nigeria from London early Monday morning, looking fit and energetic, thereby dispelling rumours about his health. Reports had circulated on social media alleging that the Senate President was critically ill and receiving treatment in a London hospital. However, Akpabio dismissed the claims as false and mischievous. “There’s nothing like that. I’m fit as a fiddle. I only stopped over in London for a short vacation,” he told journalists on arrival. Akpabio had earlier attended the Sixth World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, held between July 29…
Our Reporter, Abuja Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to rise in defense of democracy by registering and collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), which he described as “the bridge to a new Nigeria.” In a rallying message shared on his X handle Monday, Obi stressed that the destiny of the nation lies in the hands of its citizens. “The future of our dear nation is in your hands. The greatest strength of democracy is in the voter’s card. Your PVC is the voice of the voiceless, the shield of the weak, and the weapon…
Our Reporter, Abuja Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate and former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, has hailed the life and achievements of renowned pharmacist and industrialist, Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, as he marked his 75th birthday in Umuahia, Abia State. The milestone celebration, which Obi said via his X handle on Saturday also featured the public presentation of a book detailing Ohuabunwa’s journey, brought together dignitaries, colleagues, and admirers from across Nigeria. In his tribute, Obi described the celebrant as “a colossus whose example continues to inspire younger generations,” stressing that Ohuabunwa’s life stands as proof of what diligence, vision,…
Our Reporter, Abuja The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has dismissed suggestions that Saturday’s bye-elections across 13 states and 16 constituencies reflect the strength of the opposition coalition, insisting instead that the exercise exposed the deep flaws in Nigeria’s electoral process under President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC alleged that the polls were marred by violence, vote buying, ballot manipulation, and widespread administrative lapses. Abdullahi stressed that the party did not present candidates in most of the contested constituencies, adding that the…
By Chidi Anselm Odinkalu Abdul Oroh is an unlikely avatar of the Nigerian dream. An Afenmai from Ivbiaro in Owan West Local Government Area of Edo State in the South-South of Nigeria, Abdul had the privilege of seeing Nigeria’s promise at independence and its descent to the edge of the proverbial precipice. Born in August 1960, he was less than two months old at the celebrations when the country attained independence on 1 October 1960. Six and a half decades later, Abdul has worked his way through many careers, managing not to quit any. After a decade as a senior…