Author: Editor
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia The menacing activities of kidnappers suspected to be herders around Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State and its environs, are getting out of control, as the people have raised alarm over the latest tactics of the hoodlums. According to the locals, herdsmen who initially raped only women they met in the farms now invade homes in search of women. This sudden twist is coming barely one month after youths in Umunneochi staged a peaceful protest against incessant kidnappings in the area, demanding the relocation of the Regional Cattle Market at Lokpanta, which they alleged, provides safe haven…
The BBC’s political editor Chris Mason says the embattled prime minister has finally agreed to go after another torrid morning that saw several cabinet ministers walk out. The prime minister is expected to confirm the reports when he addresses the nation within hours. It is understood he will plough on with the top job until a new party leader is chosen over summer. It marks a huge turn of events after Mr Johnson vowed to stay on yesterday, saying quitting would ‘not be responsible’ because of the huge mandate he won at the 2019 General Election. He refused to go…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Assessing the performance of Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, in over seven years of his eight-year tenure is one that will surely divide the citizens of the state. While many of his party members are blowing the vuvuzelas for the governor, his political opponents, and indeed the general public, think his scorecard is nothing to write home about. In this Special Report, Stephen Ukandu, Ikengaonline’s News/Features Editor, provides a bird’s-eye view on the matter. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu mounted the leadership saddle of Abia State in 2015 amid high expectations and promises some of which he has met,…
Lawrence Nwimo, Awka Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN), South-East chapter, has threatened to go on warning strike if the prices of bakery materials fail to come down. The Zonal Chairman of the association, Chief Dominic Nwibe made this known on Wednesday while speaking with newsmen in Awka. According to him, the Anambra State chapter is waiting for directive from the national body to withdraw its services from July 13. In March, bakers complained that the hike in diesel price and exchange rate volatility caused many of its members across the country to shut down their business…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia Presidential flag bearer of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has reeled out qualities his running mate must possess, disclosing that he prefers a younger person. Obi who made the disclosure Wednesday while featuring on Arise Television interview programme, The Morning, Show said he would not run with recycled politicians who have been part of the rot in the system. According to the former Anambra State Governor, he prefers a younger person who has something to bring to table to complement his ticket rather than recycling old hands. Clearing the air on the rumours that he had nominated a businessman and politician, Senator Yusuf…
Nonsochukwu Uwa, Owerri Former Governor of Imo State and Senator representing Imo West Senatorial district, Rochas Okorocha, on Wednesday said his former Deputy Governor, Jude Agbaso, was impeached because of his alleged collection of bribe of N458 million from JPROS construction company in 2013. Okorocha disclosed this to newsmen in Owerri, through his Special Adviser on Media, Sam Onwuemeodo, while reacting to a statement credited to Agbaso. According to him, the former Governor’s anger was that, “in Agbaso’s latest vituperation, he described his government as the worst. But he failed woefully to say how. With his impeachment, he could not…
Stephen Ukandu, News/Features Editor President Muhammadu Buhari, Wednesday assigned portfolios to the seven Minister-designates after swearing them in. The President also effected a minor cabinet reshuffle before the commencement of the Federal Executive Council. The Senate had last week cleared all seven Minister nominees sent to it earlier by the President. Below is a list of the new Ministers and their portfolios: Sen. Adeleke Mamora – Science and Technology Mu’azu Jaji Sambo – Minister of Transportation Umanna Okon Umanna – Minister of Niger Delta Sharon Ikeazor – Minister of State for Niger Delta Senator Gbemisola Saraki – Minister of State for Mines and Steel…
Stephen Ukandu, News/Features Editor The whereabouts of the suspended Deputy Commissioner of Police, Abba Kyari, remains unknown after gunmen suspected to be terrorists attacked Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, on Tuesday night. Kyari was among the high-profile inmates in the facility before the terror attack. About 600 inmates were said to have escaped after the attack which lasted for hours. Ikengaonline gathered that Kuje prison is used for holding high-profile inmates and suspects, including former governors and ministers. According to officials, the facility houses over 900 inmates. One person was said to have died and three others injured during the attack. A…
Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia A highly-talented Imo youth, Wisdom Ofaja, who produced a remote-controlled prototype armoured tank in 10 days has appealed for assistance to enable him pursue his career in the university. The young innovator who hails from Obike Community in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, told Ikengaonline that his “desire is to study mechanical engineering in the university.” Our Correspondent ran into the 25-year old at Okpara Square Umuahia where he was manipulating his innovation to the admiration of the people. Ofaja who said he just wrote his Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination at BTC Aba, also said he…
Stephen Ukandu, News and Features Editor Unspecified number of inmates were feared missing as gunmen suspected to be terrorists, Tuesday night, attacked the Nigerian Correctional Service Centre Kuje, Abuja. The attack by the heavily armed group occurred around 10:00 pm according to media reports. Some high profile inmates at the centre including celebrity policeman, Abba Kyari, have been relocated from the facility after the attack. The Nigerian Correctional Service has confirmed the attack on the Custodial Centre. In a statement by its spokesperson, Umar Abubakar, in the early hours of Wednesday, the Service said the armed squad of the service in…