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Author: leonard okachie

  • Group faults Abia Speaker’s disregard for press freedom

     

    Speaker
    By Leonard Okachie
    Umuahia, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Ngwa Rangers Condemn has condemned the action of the Speaker of the Abia House of Assembly, Mr Emmanuel Emeruwa, who ejected a journalist from a press briefing without any justification.

    The group in a statement issued to newsmen on Friday, by the Publicity Secretary Mr Kingsley Ihesiaba, described his action as outrageous and autocratic.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Kingsley Chibuike, the Umuahia Correspondent with Enyimba TV and Radio Limited, Aba, was walked out of the briefing at the Assembly complex on Thursday, without any explanation.

    Enyimba TV and Radio Limited is the operator of Enyimba 94.3FM, Legend 98.3FM and Rose 101.9FM.

    The group claimed that no speaker of the Abia Assembly had ever sent a journalist out of a news conference.

    According to the statement, we will not allow a few individuals paid with taxpayers money to turn into tyrants.

    The statement read in part: “We are appalled that a sitting Speaker would resort to such dictatorial behavior, silencing the very people who are meant to hold him accountable.

    “This action is a clear indication of Hon. Emeruwa’s disdain for the fundamental rights of citizens and his utter disregard for the principles of democracy.

    “As enshrined in Section 39(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, “every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.”

    “We have noted that Emeruwa’s action is a result of the bold and courageous questions the correspondent had asked in the past.

    “We condemn this action in its entirety and reject this blatant attempt to intimidate and silence the press.

    “We demand an immediate apology to Kingsley Chibuike, the Press, and the people of Abia State from the Speaker for his actions and a commitment to respect the rights of journalists to report without fear of intimidation or harassment.

    “We also demand that the Speaker takes concrete steps to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.”(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LEO/VIV

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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

     

     

  • 13 Brigade ermerges winner of inter-brigade competition in Abia

    13 Brigade ermerges winner of inter-brigade competition in Abia
    Army
    By Leonard Okachie
    Ohafia(Abia), June 28, 2024(NAN) The 13 Brigade, Calabar, on Friday emerged winner in the 82 Division Inter-Brigade Warrant Officers and Senior Non-commissioned Officers Competition 2024.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the competition was held at 14 Brigade, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, among five formations  under 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.
    The Chief Umpire, Lt. Col. Ifreke Peters, who announced the results after the five-day keen contest, said 13 Brigade scored 6920 points to emerge winners of the competition.
    He said that 82 Division Garrison, Enugu and 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri came second with 6780 points each.
    Peters further announced 44 Engineers  Brigade, Enugu came fourth with 6600 points while the host, 14 Brigade Ohafia occupied the fifth position.
    He said that the formations participated in various activities including drill, weapon handling, combat swimming,  map reading, 5km fitness test, 10km half marathon race, navigation and obstacle crossing.
    Participants who distinguished themselves in various events contested for were given award prizes in the male and female categories.
     Winners in each event were presented with trophies, while 14 Brigade, Ohafia was given a wooden spoon having emerged fifth position.
    Speaking during the closing ceremony, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, emphasised the importance of training in the Army.
    The GOC, who was represented by the Division Training Officer, Brig.-Gen. OO Ejere, said that the competition was intended to improve leadership  qualities and organisational ability among the soldiers.
    He congratulated the participants as well as 13 Brigade for emerging overall winner, while urging others to work harder in the next competition.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    LEO/VIV
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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Army begins inter-brigade WOs, SNCOs competition in Abia

    Competition
    By Leonard Okachie
    Ohafia (Abia), June 24, 2024 (NAN) The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army on Monday, began the 2024 Inter Brigade Warrant Officers (WOs) and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers’ (SNCOs) competition in Abia.
    The competition, hosted by the 14 Brigade, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks, Ohafia, is intended to improve leadership  qualities and organisational ability among the soldiers.
    The competition is also intended to prepare troops for more challenging responsibilities.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the five-day event will feature  weapons handling, fitness test, shooting, half cross country, map reading/navigation, obstacle crossing and drill.
    Declaring the competition open, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, urged the participants to take the competition serious, as well as ensure true spirit of sportsmanship and comradeship.
    Dada, who was represented by the Division Training Officer, Brig.-Gen. OO Ejere, said the Army would continue to train and retrain soldiers in order not to be found wanting on the day of reckoning.
    He said the programme was in compliance with Army Headquarters Training Directive for the Year 2024 and in furtherance of 82 Division training goals.
    The GOC said the 2024  competition provided room for more participation by female soldiers.
    He said  the participating teams included 13 Brigade, Calabar; 14 Brigade, Ohafia; 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri; 44 Engineers Brigade, Enugu and 82 Division Garrison, Enugu.
    In a welcome remark, the Commander, 14 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Olusola Diya, enjoined participants and officials
    to put in their bests to make the competition a success.
    He said  all venues earmarked for the various events to be competed in had been properly prepared to meet the standards.
    “As participants, we should not dwell in the winning or losing aspect of the competition, rather,  participate to gain more experience and attain a better sense of sportsmanship.
    “It will eventually help you carry out your military responsibilities effectively as leaders.
    “It is hoped that all participants will put in their best to be good ambassadors of their respective formations,” Diya said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LEO/CHOM/DOE

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Dianabasi Effiong

  • Oil theft: Army destroys 14 boats in Abia, arrests suspects

    Oil theft: Army destroys 14 boats in Abia, arrests suspects

    Bunkering
    By Leonard Okachie
    Asa (Abia), June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Army on Friday, destroyed about 14 illegal oil bunkering vessels arrested with stolen crude oil in the oil-bearing Asa Community of Abia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Army operatives set the vessels ablaze, including eight large Cotonou boats, at Isimmiri Waterside in Ukwa West Local Government Area.

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, who led the operation, told newsmen that six suspects were arrested in connection with the illegal oil bunkering.

    Dada, who was accompanied by the  Commander, 14 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Ohafia, Brig.-Gen. Olusola Diya, said that the suspects had been handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps for further investigations and prosecution.

    He said that the Army was at the creek in respect of carrying out one of the mandates of Operation Udoka, “which is to make sure that any form of economic sabotage does not happen within its joint operation area.

    “We have been here since Thursday, conducting operations against saboteurs that are trying to take out the crude oil that is the mainstay of our economy,” he said.

    Dada also said that the operation was based on intelligence report, adding that the suspects had attempted to start siphoning the crude from the pipeline, before they were arrested.

    He further said that the suspects had sunk some crude oil-laden boats in the water before the troops got there, adding that, the troops were in the process of recovering others.

    The GOC said that all the 14 boats were destroyed, in line with the Standing Operating Procedure.

    “The person that is involved in this particular location is on the run presently but we will get him, it’s just a matter of time.

    “This is more of a cartel and we believe that a lot of people are actually involved.

    “The proceeds are being used to finance these acts of terrorism.

    “But as a note of warning, this is just the beginning.

    “We will continue with this operation and make sure no stone is left unturned.

    “The Nigerian Army will in no way tolerate any form of sabotage to the economy of this country,” Dada said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LEO/CMY/USO
    Edited by Collins Yakubu-Hammer/Sam Oditah

     

     

     

  • 2027: Abia APC chairman urges unity among party leaders

    2027: Abia APC chairman urges unity among party leaders
    APC
    By Leonard Okachie
    Igbere(Abia), June 20, 2024(NAN) The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia, Dr Kingsley Ononogbu, has appealed to the party leaders to work in unity to win other Senatorial zones and the governorship seat in 2027.
    Ononogbu made the appeal on Thursday during a “unification” party meeting held at Camp Neya, Igbere, home of Abia-North Sen. Orji Kalu.
    He said: “We are going to work together as a starting point because I am a builder, not a spoiler.
    “When I became chairman, I was told that there were different groups but I made sure I identified with all of them.
    “We should gradually create a template that will make us work together until Congress comes, then everyone can make their choices and we would have achieved that unity.
    “If we work together, we can take over Abia-Central and Abia-South and if we get it right we can win any election.
     “These quarrels have not gotten us anywhere, we have to come together so we don’t lose again.”
    Ononogbu described Kalu, who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation, as a “priceless asset” to the party.
    He  highlighted the indelible impacts of the former Abia governor in moving the party forward.
    The chairman explained that Kalu’s influence had ensured that the party remained a force to reckon with in the state.
    He  specifically narrated the comforting fatherly role Kalu played when he made up his mind to resign his chairmanship position due to  infractions within the party.
    Former state chairman of the party,  Chief Donatus Nwankpa declared that the APC was no longer factionalised in Abia.
    Nwankpa, who currently serves as the National Welfare Secretary of the ruling party,  urged  Ononogbu to reach out to all stakeholders of the party.
    He  also commended Kalu’s representation at the Senate, saying “Sen.Orji Uzor Kalu is the most performing Senator.
    “He is a grassroots and charismatic Senator.”
    In his remark, Kalu said that henceforth, loyalists of different stakeholders were to participate in any political meeting he summoned.
    Kalu also enjoined all stakeholders to obey the directives of Ononogbu.
    He said: “Nobody should disobey what the chairman has said; when you get to various wards, make sure you hold meetings.
    “Whenever you call for meetings, ensure that all the factions attend and make sure you invite the party chairman.
    “You have heard from the party chairman and the National Welfare Officer, you must seek peace.”
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting, hosted by Kalu, had in attendance local government and ward executives, including loyalists of the party’s 2023 Governorship candidate, Chief Ikechi Emenike.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    LEO/SOA
    Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

  • Abia: Arochukwu/Ohafia stakeholders hail lawmaker’s 1-yr performance

     

    Lawmaker

    By Leonard Okachie

    Ohafia(Abia), June 20, 2024 (NAN) Political stakeholders in Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia have expressed satisfaction with the performance of their representative, Rep. Ibe Osonwa, in his one year in office.

    The constituents spoke in separate interviews with newsmen during a stakeholders meeting organised by the lawmaker on Thursday in Ohafia.

    The community leaders, comprising  lawyers, technocrats, youths and women leaders, said they were impressed with the lawmaker’s account of stewardship for one year.

    They described him as “the best legislator” ever produced in the constituency as he had given the constituency a good voice in the National Assembly.

    A legal practitioner , Etigwe Uwa , said it was appropriate and the duty of the constituents to assess their elected representatives at all levels.

    “The assessment must, however, be constructive rather than destructive.

    “ He has been at the forefront of restoring electricity to Ohafia.

    “That is so important; without power, businesses and families will not be as productive as they can.”

    Uwa, however, said that membership of the parliament should not be judged by the distribution of palliative and money.

    According to him, the duty of a legislator is law making and given the bills sponsored or co-sponsored by the representative, he has not done badly at all,“ he said.

    Also, Dr Odo Ijere, the Convener of a famous think tank, Abia Infrastructure Mandate, said that Osonwa had been upwardly, passionate and zealous in his representation.

    “He appears very prepared for the job of people’s representation.

    “He has so far carried on his job with panache; a good knowledge of what the people want and the effrontery required to thread on toes to get the job done.

    “So far, I will say kudos to his great efforts and I’m also wishing him well in his political journey,” he said.

    A cleric from Ndi Ibe Ohafia, Rev. Nkechi Garrison, said that the lawmaker had a bright and promising plan and purpose for the constituency.

    “Firstly, I will congratulate him for his move and effort concerning the restoration of electricity in Ohafia and other neighbouring villages.

    “Ohafia has been in total darkness for the past five years and we believe God that through Osonwa, Ohafia will be totally liberated and businesses will begin to thrive again,” Garrison said.

    A student leader from Okon Ohafia,  Owen Idika, described the lawmaker as the best lawmaker in the history of the constituency.

    “ Osonwa is the best representative Aro/Ohafia has ever had. God bless that man for me,” he said.

    A woman leader, Mrs Ogbonna Olua, said the lawmaker had started well, adding that his good work in the House was visible.

    A community leader in Arochukwu, Nnanna Okoro, described Osonwa’s performance as excellent.

    Okoro said that the lawmaker had done well through his bills, motions and petitions. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

     

    LEO/CJ/

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    Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

  • Abia Govt. warns against impersonation in disability commission

    Abia Govt. warns against impersonation in disability commission

    Impersonation

    By Leonard Okachie

    Umuahia, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Abia State Government has warned that it would deploy appropriate sanction on anyone found impersonating the state in the guise of the Chairman of Abia State Disability Commission.

    Mr David Anyaele, Special Assistant to the Governor on Persons with Disabilities, gave the warning during an interaction with newsmen in Umuahia, on Thursday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an individual has been parading himself as the Chairman of the commission.

    NAN further reports that the immediate past Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, had appointed Mr Eldad Monu, a person with disability, as chairman of the commission.

    Ikpeazu had in May 2023, sworn in Monu alongside the governing board representing various disability clusters.

    Reacting, Anyaele said that the incident had come to the notice of the government, while stressing that it was taking steps to investigate the activities of the alleged impersonator.

    He said that Gov. Alex Otti had on his assumption of office one year ago, announced the dissolution of all boards of ministries, parastatals and agencies of government pending reconstitution.

    Anyaele said that the governor, had during last month’s media chat, made it exclusively clear that he was taking steps to reconstitute the other board of ministries, parastatals and agencies, after the ones he already put in place.

    He described the person’s action as “an affront, act of deceit and impersonation.”

    According to him, many national and international organisations have been falsely and fraudulently led to funding his activities under the guise of representing the Disability Commission.

    “The public is advised to report any entreaties, requests or demands by this impersonator or any other person acting on his behalf, using the Disability Commission as a cover, to the State Government, for appropriate action,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LEO/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Ehimiri Estate: Court dismisses suit against Abia Govt.

    Ehimiri Estate: Court dismisses suit against Abia Govt.

    Judgment
    By Leonard Okachie
    Umuahia, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Abia High Court sitting in Umuahia, on Wednesday, dismissed a suit filed against the State Government by the Okwuta Isieke Ibeku Community, Umuahia for “lacking the capacity to stand”.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the suit was filed by
    Messrs Onuoha Onyecherelam, Ebere David and Onyebuchi Obike, on behalf of the community in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

    Joined as respondents in the suit were the Commissioner for Lands, Housing, Survey and Urban Planning and the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state.

    Others were the Director-General/General Manager, Housing Corporation, Umuahia and occupants/occupiers of Ehimiri Housing Estate, Umuahia.

    The claimants had, in a suit No:HU/76/2023, sought the recovery of possession of the land “traditionally known as and called Uzo Eke Okwuta Ibeku, presently called Ehimiri Housing Estate, Umuahia”.

    They argued that the ownership of the land was settled in their favour in the Supreme Court judgment delivered on May 12, 1972.

    They had claimed that the respondents entered into and remained in occupation of the land without their community licence, consent or that of any predecessor in-title of their community.

    The claimants thereafter sought a declaration that the possession of all the occupiers and alienation of Uzo Eke Okwuta, presently called Ehimiri Housing Estate, was void, illegal and of no legal effect.

    They also sought an order for the recovery of possession of the estate.

    The presiding Judge, Justice Uchechi Enwereji, delivered the judgment in favour of the respondents.

    Reacting to the judgment, Counsel for the claimants, Mr Uka Okocha, said that they had filed an action to discontinue the originating summons after discovering some procedural defects in it.

    Okocha said that they had filed a writ of summons in respect of the subject matter.

    However, Counsel for the fourth respondents (occupants of the estate), Mr Okey Kanu, said that the respondents had asked the court to dismiss the suit because it was statute barred.

    Kanu said that the claimants’ counsel wanted the suit to be struck out, which they (defendants) opposed but urged the court to dismiss it.

    “And that is what the court has done today,” he said.

    Responding to the writ of summons filed by the claimants, Kanu said, “You can’t re-institute the suit on that subject matter.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LEO/USO
    Edited by Sam Oditah

     

     

     

  • Group seeks collaboration with Abia Govt. to boost tourism

    Tourism

    By Leonard Okachie

    Umuahia, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A group, Royal Ambassadors Family Enlightenment Foundation, has sought collaboration with Abia Government to enhance performance of tourism and entertainment sector in the state.

    The group’s Director-General, Mr Jonathan Okwudiri, made the request, during a courtesy visit on Mr Justice Martin, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Tourism and Entertainment in Umuahia on Wednesday.

    He said that the request was in line with Gov. Alex Otti’s vision for economic growth.

    Okwudiri said that the group was eager to explore avenues for collaboration to develop some of the moribund tourism sites, for business opportunities.

    He listed the sites of interest to include:  Ojukwu Bunker, National War Museum, Azumini, Blue River, Arochukwu Caves and Long Juju Slave Route.

    Okwudiri also said that the foundation wished to organise and host the Miss Abia Tourism Beauty Pageant 2024, where models in the 17 local government areas would participate.

    “Also, we propose Talent Hunts as well as Dancing Competition for women and youths from the 17 LGAs of Abia.

    “These events will not only celebrate beauty pageants and talents hunts, but also attract visitors, fostering tourism and cultural exchange,” he said.

    Responding, Martins said that the government would be willing to collaborate with the foundation and any other group that had the interest of humanity.

    He told the group that the state government did not have control over Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum, saying that they were  Federal Government-owned monuments.

    On the state-owned tourism sites, Martins asked for time to put things in order, saying that the state was going through some recovery process.

    He said that the present administration decided to ban beauty pageantry in the state because some organisers decided to exploit participants.

    “Rest assured that we will collaborate with you, but we ask that you give us some time,” the governor’s aide said. (NAN)(www. nannws.ng)

    LEO/OIF/MNA
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

     

     

     

  • Rhema University earns full accreditation in Medicine, Surgery and others

    Rhema University earns full accreditation in Medicine, Surgery and others
    Accreditation
    By Leonard Okachie
    Umuahia June 14, 2024(NAN) Rhema University Nigeria, Aba, has received full accreditation for all courses offered by the university, including Medicine and Surgery.
    This is contained in a statement Issued on Friday, by the university’s Public Relation Officer, Mr Earl Okezie.
    Okezie stated that the development was sequel to October/November 2023 accreditation visits by the National Universities Commission(NUC).
    He said that the accreditation was contained a letter by NUC and signed by the Acting Director of Accreditation on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Abraham Chundusu.
    He listed the courses offered full accreditation to include Accounting, Banking and Finance, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Human Anatomy, Mass Communication, Medicine and Surgery, Biochemistry and Chemistry.
    Okezie recalled that the Commission had earlier offered full accreditation to the university’s Nursing Science Department.
    He explained that it came in the heels of the accreditation received from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, as well as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria for Medicine and Surgery.
    According to him, “we had equally received accreditation from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria for our Medical Laboratory Science programme.
    The statement quoted the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ogbonnaya Onwudike, as saying that the cheery news would further boost the university’s continual quest to equip humanity for excellence.
    Okezie stated that the university opened its gates for admissions 14 years ago, when it received the Federal Government’s license to operate as one of the private universities in Nigeria.(NAN)(www.nanews.ng)
    LEO/EAL
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    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi