Plateau killings: Buhari meets Saraki, Dogara in Aso Rock

*We’ll try our best to stop killings, Says Saraki

*Nigeria can’t afford to lose fight against violence – Dogara

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki on Wednesday assured that the National Assembly will play its roles to urgently end the spate of killings in the country.

He gave the assurance when himself and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara met with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking with State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, Saraki said “We met with the president to first of all commiserated with him and get a briefing from him. Part of the briefing he explained how steps are being taken to forestall reoccurrence and restore sanity because this is a great concern to him and to us also.

“To see what can be done with NEMA and security agencies, we will all work towards it, nobody is happy with it and we will all come together to ensure that we restore sanity.
“We commiserate with all families, it is our own intention to also go and pay our own condolence visit to the people of Plateau.

“Our general appeal at the end of the day is that we all live together in peace and harmony and we will continue to do our best to see that this kind of thing does not happen again.” he said
Dogara expressed condolence to Mr. President, the government and people of Plateau state over the killings in the state.

According to him, the President has briefed them on what he saw first hand when he visited Plateau Tuesday and measures he is putting in place to prevent reoccurence.

He said “These are very sober moments for all of us in a situation where people in hundreds are continued to be killed and we can no longer tolerate this kind of situation as a government.

“Whatever it is we must not loose the fight against violence because we can’t loose that fight and still keep our civilization.

“If you go to the north east you can see the level of devastation caused by Boko Haram everything resembling progress from schools to hospitals to government institutions, everything has been pulled down. And we don’t want a replication of this all over the country.

“The President has taken enough steps, these are security issues, they are not matters that you can discuss but he has told us what he is doing, the reorganization that he plans to put in place to ensure that this don’t happen.

“My advise to our people not just Plateau State, Benue, Zamfara, Taraba virtually some communities faced with this situation especially in the north, I think the issue of securing our communities, living in peace must be taken as a project, is something each and everyone of us must invest in whether as traditional rulers, as community leaders, councilors, chairmen, all strata of society must invest in peace building.
That is is the only way we can live in a secure community and ensure that we progress as a country.” he said

Abia SSG Okoro Vows Not To Sign Ex-Governor, Orji Kalu’s Pension Voucher

The secretary to the Abia State Government Chief Eme Okoro, has been accused of currently standing on the pension of a former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu.

Dr Eme Okoro

Dr Orji Uzor Kalu

A source close to the SSG’s office revealed that Okoro has vowed (as far as Okoro remains SSG) to ensure that Kalu will not receive his pension for refusing to make him a permanent Secretary when he was Governor.

The source who pleaded anonymity also revealed that former deputy Governors that served the State had been paid their pension as at when due.

According to the source, “Okoro said that he has a personal quarrel with Chief Orji Uzor Kalu and as such he will not sign his pension vouchers.

“He said he is angry with Kalu because he refused to make him a permanent secretary, when he was supposed to be made a permanent Secretary. But the truth is that he was over aged to be made a permanent secretary that time. He was 70 years as at that time and how can a man of that age be made a permanent secretary?

“Besides he was not even a core civil servant to be made a permanent secretary. He was the zonal director of ADP as at then. But he was asked to convert to a director first before thinking of becoming a permanent secretary but he refused”.

Efforts made to reach Okoro to respond to the accusation proved abortive as calls put across to his mobile phone line indicated that it was not reachable

©ABN

PMB 2019: Amaechi and His Audacity – Uzoukwa Ebere

Going by all ramifications and sound reasoning, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi will be rightfully adjudged to have assumed an indispensable status in the present political configuration, by sheer hard-work and willful audacity.

A two-term Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly; chairman, Nigerian Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies; two-term governor of Rivers State; former chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum, Amechi is virtually prided and adored for his doggedness, sagacity, and audacity. He definitely means and represents many things to different people.

Amaechi’s early sojourn to limelight began with his appointment as secretary of the defunct National Republican Convention in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. Between 1992 and 1994, Amaechi had become special assistant to the deputy-governor of Rivers State, Dr Peter Odili, a member of the Board of West Africa Glass Industry and Risonpalm Nigeria Limited.

Upon identifying his great potentials in politics and public administration, Odili adopted him as a political son, guided and nurtured him in politics and later facilitated his election into the Rivers State House of Assembly in 1999. He was subsequently elected Speaker of the House of Assembly and chairman of Nigerian Conference of Speakers of State Assemblies. He was re-elected into the State House of Assembly in May 2003, as well as re-elected Speaker of the State House of Assembly.

Amaechi contested and won the People’s Democratic Party primary for Rivers State governor in 2007. His name was substituted by the party, an action he challenged in court. The case eventually got to the Supreme Court. He became governor on October 26, 2007, after the Supreme Court ruled that he was rightful candidate of the PDP and winner of the April 2007 governorship election in Rivers State. He was re-elected for a second term of four years in April 2011.

Amaechi’s administration invested massively on infrastructural development, construction of roads and bridges, sticking to the vision of connecting all parts of the state by road. He was also committed to urban renewal and modernisation of transportation services. Amaechi’s government by sheer foresight, began the construction of a monorail to provide mass transportation within the city of Port Harcourt. While exiting his constitutional second term as governor of Rivers State, Amaechi was merely in a quagmire as his hitherto good relationship with Dr Goodluck Jonathan, immediate past president and Commander-in-Chief, soured, nosedived and eventually crashed. Jonathan and his henchmen toppled and dismantled his political structure in his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party. This jolted Amaechi into reworking his political roadmap.

Amaechi had embraced then presidential candidate, Gen Muhammadu Buhari, as he strategically resurrected and overhauled his seemingly dwindled and nearly dropped presidential ambition. He encouraged and psychologically re-inspired Buhari’s spirit and morale towards re-contesting the presidency for a record four times and frontally against his kinsman, Jonathan, who was also seeking re-election. Upon his appointment as the director-general of Buhari’s Campaign Organisation, Amaechi was further confronted with a survival battle. His future hovered between victory and defeat vis-a-vis the gains and consequences associated with both. Apparently propelled by an audacious spirit driven by high propensity for success, Amaechi fearlessly weathered the storm and as he made history by serving Buhari with the first-ever democratic victory in his lifetime.

As a way of compensating his doggedness and unquantifiable contributions towards President Buhari’s victory, many bookmakers predicted and closely expected the president to appoint Amaechi either Secretary to Government of the Federation or his Chief of Staff. That wasn’t the situation, hence President Buhari had a better plan and arrangement for his campaign chief. Thereafter, Amaechi was appointed Minister of Transport and charged with the enormous responsibility of revamping Nigerian transport system, as well as redesigning the administrative apparatus for its functionality. As a patriot, he accepted that challenging responsibility hence he refocused his disposition towards offering a quality service to Nigerians. His scorecard as Minister of Transport vis-a-vis critical reforms spearheaded upon his appointment undoubtedly speak volumes of an achiever ostensibly disposed to the service of his people even amid daunting challenges.

But Amaechi’s re-engagement as Buhari’s campaign director-general has again posed fresh challenges. Is Amaechi disposed politically and mentally to deliver again? Is President Buhari’s electoral value still intact and appreciable to enhance Amaechi’s success in 2019? Is President Buhari favoured by critical variables and political dynamics that tend to change the 2019 turf? What strategies will Amaechi deploy to deliver victory for Buhari again?

An aggregation of opinions still rate Amaechi high on strategy formulation and political permutation. While many entertain fears over Buhari’s 2019 chances, Amaechi, as reliably gathered, has already designed a roadmap with right strategies mapped out for the reelection of President Buhari. Among his many strategies is a reconciliation which he identifies as a potent and veritable tool for electoral victory. Conceding that President Buhari has within the last three years ruffled some feathers, unimaginably stepped on toes, marginalised and obviously failed to galvanise and politically protect diverse interests of some of his allies and ethnicity, Amaechi, upon underscoring that political calculations tend to suffer a setback amid grievances, bickering and internal wrangling, is genuinely championing a true reconciliation. Among other clear-cut strategies, Amaechi is taking critical steps to reconcile aggrieved stakeholders who rebelliously are regrouping to retire President Buhari back to Daura in 2019. Amaechi is strategically closing ranks with notable Igbo leaders within and outside the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that the president wins in the zone, against all odds. He is already making an inroad by selling the 2023 dummy to Ndigbo and, thus, conditioning its realisation to a support for President Buhari in 2019.

Also collaborating with Amaechi, an Igbo and Pro-Buhari Re-election group, known as One Destiny Organisation (ODO), believes that a massive and resounding support for President Buhari will morally but politically justify the 2023 Igbo presidency under the platform of APC. The group, through its national coordinator, Ohiri O Lewis, had declared:

“It has become obvious that Ndigbo did not take the right decision in the last general elections when it comes to the presidential election. That, among other things, has set the zone backwards in the present Nigerian political arrangements. To regain our position, the Igbo must be properly positioned and physically seen to be supporting the re-election of President Buhari in 2019.

“It behooves on Igbo leaders to bring our people together from wherever they are for them to throw their support for the re-election of president Buhari. We must genuinely redouble our efforts towards sensitising and mobilising our people to ensure that President Buhari wins in South-east in 2019.”

It is generally expected that Amaechi will swing into full action immediately APC concludes its national convention. His action plan, as clearly mapped if carefully executed, will potently turn things around and even shock those that are predicting President Buhari’s defeat in 2019.

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BREAKING: Sen. Abaribe Arrested by DSS in Abuja

The Department of State Security service (DSS) has arrested Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Igbere TV can authoritatively report.

Barrister Ndudi Nwagbara who is Abaribe’s Legal Adviser also confirmed this to Igbere TV correspondent on telephone call that Abaribe was arrested this morning.

When our correspondent inquired to know the reason, he said there was no reason given yet by the DSS for his immediate arrest.

Recall that Senator Abaribe was the one who granted Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra bail last but until now, Nnamdi Kanu’s whereabouts is unknown.

More Details soon

Abia Integrated Front Inaugurated, Vows To Sack Ikpeazu

A political group, Abia Integrated Front, AIF, has been inaugurated with a charge on the coordinators and members to unite and work together to achieve the forum’s aim of ensuring the election of Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike as the governor of Abia state come 2019.

Inaugurating the local government coordinators in Umuahia, the 2019 gubernatorial hopeful and convener of the forum Rt. Hon. Azubuike, who decried that for several years, Abia has been denied every opportunity of good governance also promised that the “RESTORATION AGENDA” which will be his policy thrust will be committed to “the principles of participatory democracy that lays emphasis on the people’s welfare, ensure public accountability in order to restore confidence in the institutions of government, promote discipline and leadership by example, as well as the principle of social justice and the equality of opportunities for all Abia citizens.”

The former speaker of the Abia state House of Assembly who also stressed that he will run for only a term of four years, promised even development across all sectors and localities in the state.

Also speaking, the state coordinator of AIF, Chief Michael Ezeji Irom said the forum which is a working to give backing and weight to the APC is battle-ready to wrestle and take over power from the PDP in 2019, calling on every Abian to join force with the team to liberate the people from what he called the shackles of “government of a family”.

Chief Irom also charged the local government coordinators to mobilize members in the 17 local governments that will work to actualize the “RESTORATION AGENDA” disclosing that the group will also produce members of the state and national assembly.

Fathers’ Day: Orji Kalu Honoured with “Authentic Hope In Governance” award

The Presbyterian Church Of Nigeria (PCN) Emmanuel Parish 2 Federal Low Cost Housing Estate, Umuahia – during its 2018 Father’s Week – honoured His Excellency Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu (MON) as ‘Authentic Hope In Governance’ award.

Represented on Sunday 17, June 2018 – by the Executive Secretary of Orji Uzor Kalu Foundation, Rev Mrs Jemima Ola Kalu, the former “Action” Governor Of Abia State, Dr. Kalu, who is the special guest of honour, received the award as ‘Authentic Hope In Governance’ award, The award is in recognition of his commitment and exemplary service in the lord’s vineyard and immense contribution towards humanity and the growth of the church.

Speaking before handing over the award, on the THEME: “Men Who Live By God’s Word”, the convener of the program Dr. Eke Udochu JP, described the Business Mogul and the 2019 Abia North Senatorial Hopeful as a man who lives by his words.

He narrated how the former governor promised and lived by his words, he pointed out that instead of failed to honour his invitation due to his (Dr. Kalu’s) busy schedules, he sent a representative.

According to Dr. Ekeh, Dr. Kalu is a man who, despite all his riches and wealth, has made himself accessible to his people.

He said “Politics apart, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu is a man that keeps to his words, I only called him on phone just ones for this program and he honoured it.

“When he was a governor, he was very accessible and friendly to his people despite his busy schedules.

Dr. Ekeh, while preaching further cautioned the public for believing everything they hear without confirmation.

He quoted the Holy Bible that men who lived and walked with God are men with foresight, thus, he said Dr. Orji Kalu is not excluded from the calibre of the men.

He thanked Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu for the honour, and urged him not to relent from doing what is right.

Anglican Church honours Engr Adimoha with Award of Excellence

A youth leader and The national Vice Chairman South-East of the APC National Youth Caucus Engr Emma Uche Adimoha was honoured and presented with the “Award of Excellence” by the St Paul’s Parish of the Anglican Church on Sunday 17/6/2018 in Umuahia during the Father’s day service.

Speaking after he was presented with the award, Engr Adimoha thanked the Almighty God for the Divine gift and also encouraged the Church to remain steadfast in upholding the teachings of Christ.

He also thanked the Reverend and the congregation for the gesture.

This Award has intensified my commitment to the fulfillment of my Divine purpose, He said.

MY TAKE ON THE EXISTED PRESIDENTS IN NIGERIA-1999 till date.- Benard Ogbe

I was with a group yesterday having political discussions… To my greatest supprise, some people where antagonizing themselves… Some said cash flowed in circulation during Goodluck and OBJ’s administration…

I looked at them and laughed at their notions kind of painted with ignorance…

But I couldn’t had let them live with that, so I asked them a question…

With all the money the PDP shared, why are people broke, does it mean they never invested??? To my aught most surprise, their response was cold such that one said at least he got up to #170,000.00…

It was then I realize some Nigerians are terrible people. And that the PDP in their administration enslaved the masses with pea nuts, giving them little to satisfy their immediate quest… Money that could be used for things that could last the taste of time, squandered…

I went further to ask, does it mean we can eat our cake and have it??? This time they became curious to know the reasons I asked… Then I quickly realized it’s time to talk some sense into them, and I believe you could learn from their experience…

The strong hold of the PDP on Nigerians is not far from a calculated attempt to do us the more you look, the less you see….

The only thing the PDP did that was commendable, was not returning democracy back to the military… Every other things they did was to satisfy their selfishness in building their wealth…..

From 1999 till they where smoked out of Aso rock, there was never a Federal road projects they started and finished, go check your records. To know the height of it, is their inability to completing their own multi million secretariats…

If we look deep into the Presidents that had served since 1999 and 2015, there was nothing they ever did right. If one of these Presidents is from your region, I challenge you to speak on any notable things they did to effect your life….

Let’s have a look at President Obasanjo…

The greatest mistake made by Nigerians, was allowing him be our President at the first instance…

He’s the deffinition of the word “Stinginess”…
He want everything to himself. Which affected his performance. If there was a way he could name Nigeria after him, he would have gladly done….

They asked me why???

I wasted no time to say, he portrayed that, when he openly called for a third tenure…. Who knows he could have immortalized his name after Nigeria…

What did OBJ do for Nigeria ?????

He created agencies to fight individuals such as the EFCC then.
You’re immediately his enemy the moment you challenged him and with the help of his tools, he shows no mercy but to bring you down….. There was never a significant projects his administration completed 100%… Do you want to talk of roads???? Of course if you be a traveller, you will understand with me my take on this….

I was beginning to talk more but got interrupted by one in the group that was getting more audience and his words tend to confirm my point, this gave me more spirit to talk, in doing this, I asked , bro, where’re you from?
At first, he said “Am a Nigerian”… This again struck my mind of the belief that when we keep ethnicity aside, Nigeria would be more better. However, to drive home my points, I hurriedly beckoned on him to tell me specifically where he originated from in Nigeria…

When he did tell us, I realized the reasons he never wanted to at first, he was protecting his own…. Guess what??? He’s from same state with the man in question OBJ…. I quickly rebuked him never to protect the interest of a man that means no good to his life… But his presence went a long way to convincing the growing listeners the points I had to share with them. Seeing my enthusiasm, he broke it open” the man no fit do the road when lead to his village self” I broke into laughter…. What a world!!! Then I asked, what does he need THIRD tenure for, is it to re write his wrong for his village???

If not for the likes of the efforts of President MKO Abiola from same state, It could be concluded the kind of breeds produced from that region…

There was no federal roads comeleted in his administration. However they where awarded and completed on paper…

OBJ has the record of the worst President Nigeria ever had since 1999 till date. I don’t want to link his inability to recognizing June 12, a circumstances he solely benefited from…. The back bone upon which he enjoys largely in the world today, the factor that magnets to him the forces that installed him Nigeria President….

And we fail to realize that, If he, was unable to declare June 12, something under his nerves then, what good could he be to the Nation???

Should I talk on the power sector under him??? They maybe no need because even the blind can tell the bad situations experienced with electricity in the country during his reign as President, forgetting that power is the first check of an economy in welcoming investors….

I refuse to talk so much on President Yar’Adua… He would have been a great performer but life became short. We knew his ability while a governor Katsina state… He declared his assets long before any… That is prudence in play… “May his soul rest in Peace”… Amen…

Now to the tall handsome man from the South-south…

Even though am stringed from this region, I bet to differ in my perspections on his personality, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan…

This was a man his name had always wished well… Starting from his days in the local to timeline…. With the kind of death and take over luck he had, one would have expected him to make the difference for Nigeria as death snatched his boss away…

On my opinion, GEJ would have completed just the first tenure of his Boss and hands over power back to the north, after all the title Presidency had already been tagged to his name which would have earned him more respect and also give the PDP a longer life span to perpetrate their evil, but thank God his greed and selfishness terminated their plots….

One similarities between OBJ and GEJ is their hunger to exciding the stipulated 8 years in office…OBJ wanted 12 years while GEJ deserves 10 years… What a democracy !!!

He came during his first campaign to deceive Nigerians, telling us how he “had no shoes, books uniforms” we believed him thinking he could be our First President from the ghetto…..

At least he could feel our pains and probably re write the wrongs of his master OBJ…..

I lack adjectives to qualify this man GEJ….

-He quickly forgot how and when he had no shoes, the moment he started wearing BOOTs…

-Forgot when he was paddled in canoe across the river going to school, the moment he started flying Presidential jets. Forgetting he had bridges to build for those he left behind….

-He forgot the taste of our water the moment he started drinking portable water should I say Cway???

-He forgot the proposed airport in the era of his Boss President Yar’Adua, named after him in his state Bayelsa, as it was only good to fly and land in neighboring states airports and then chopper home for traditional duties….

Hmmmm, What a way to treat his people!!!….

Looting became the principle order of the day… Looting simultaneously to measure up with the masses, making it look like the economy is balanced not knowing their loots could result to a fall in our economy as the melt down waved in….

I commend his humility to embracing defeat by the Buhari’s administration though we knew there was nothing he could have done but to take a bow…. After all, you can never be wrong in all….

I maybe very young then, when Buhari took over in a coup…. But if it where to be an action movie, I would have loved to watch it over and over again to know the true nature of this man called Gen. Buhari….

As life transcends into what we now enjoy, “Democracy”, the choice of Buhari became a threat that brought him to loosing four times….

It began to get clearer what I conceived many years ago about him…

As the trends and lacuna that begot the down fall of a party PDP that held sway governance since inception of democracy 1999, it became obvious all fingers seem to point at one direction…

Behold it was that same man rejected, abused and almost driven to his political extinction. It became more clearer the kind of man he is that I percieved years ago….

He could be the only one that can smoke the PDP out of Aso rock.

I saw the integrity in him and those willing to match him up… I looked around and saw the greatest factors that had drawn our nation to it’s status “godfatherism” cut off…. I saw fears hovering around the nation at the rebirth of a greater Nigeria posed for change. The rich and poor alike…..

So much expectations from an administration that inherited the rots left behind by the PDP that led to their sweep off….

This time it was as if I was talking more than I should, I tried to excuse myself but seeing the eagerness within, I saw it as an opportunity to spite it out, I was encouraged…

But the fact remained, no mater how you look at President Buhari, his willingness to fight corruption as we all know had been the cause of all the wobbling and miss herps around the nation…

This shows self dignity and uniqueness to doing the right thing in the right manner and to the benefits of all…

They can’t take that away from him because they don’t have it…

I was trying to now find my way out of this deep discussions that has taken minds off the track but just had to drop something little in encouragement of my generation which had links with Buhari’s signing to law , “The Never Too Young To Run Bill”

We knew some people down played him for appending his signature, making jest on his plea
for young Nigerians to allow him run his second tenure and I asked, what is wrong if he pleaded??

Any youth of 35 years should know the time is not now to run for Presidency, you can’t spring from the blues and expect Nigerians put the country in your hands,in her conditions.

We should respect him for at least setting the stage. We can start from Assemblies, National / state to have a better political build ups…

For those that think the young once can’t match feats with the old, I clearly bet to differ here, the youths comprises over 70% of Nigeria electoral processes…. From INEC to electorates depends on the youths for a successive elections,
if it be rigging, the youths are employed by these big headed pliticians to run the rigging so you see, the moment the youths of our generation stand to wanting to take over, nothing foreseen could stop us… The old would simply come, cast their votes and go home.
…………..oh yes, we can do it !!!

I Commend the efforts of the young people that channeled their energy into positivity, the YIAGA and the likes of Mohammed Dauda Gombe, that stood to support the fighting, “Not Too Young To Run Bill”. Such efforts is what you can always expect from our generation….

As I begged to take my leave, had no options but to quickly note a sincere fact of all I had for Nigerians, I had to deposit in all sincerity the fact that,they was never a South east leadership in my analysis and I think it calls for questioning… Are they writing themselves out of leadership? Why are they cold about producing an Igbo President?… I don’t want to get deeper into this but I think it’s good I leave the South-east with this piece of advice….

When opportunity is made available, the failure to grabbing it, results to “had I known”….

2023 is open for South east Presidency, how prepared we are is determined by our take in the 2019 elections, wisdom is needed to sail through….

Bernard Ogbe
Political activist And Seasonal Writer

bernardogbe@gmail.com

BREAKING! THREE SUSPECTED DEAD AS ARMY & POLICE CLASH IN ABA

Not fewer than three persons were on Friday reported dead in Aba, the commercial nerve centre of Abia State as personnel of the Nigerian Army attached to the Ngwa High School Forward Operation Base (Charlie Coy) and personnel of Mobile Police Force (PMF 55) unit in Osisioma Local Government Area of the State clashed.

While a yet to be confirmed report has it that a police officer’s hand was severed in the shootout, another report has it that two mobile policemen and a soldier died in the incident.

It could be recalled that in 2015, soldiers from Ngwa High School FOB and policemen of PMF 55 clashed at the same Osisioma junction, leaving a policeman who was hit by a bullet during crossfire that lasted for about thirty minutes dead.

While efforts to reach both Police and Army hierarchy in the state until the time of this report failed to yield fruits as the State Commissioner of Police and the spokesman of the Command, Michael Ogbizi and Geoffrey Ogbonna respectively were yet to reply to a text message our correspondent sent to their phone lines.

Sources who claimed to have witnessed the incident feared that incident which caused pandemonium at the major exit and entrance route into the commercial nerve centre of the state also wounded many passersby.

According to one Chinyere Ikem, the incident forced many shop owners to quickly close for business while many petty traders along the Expressway abandoned their wares to scamper for safety as lorry load of mobile and regular policemen arrived the scene that is already charged with gunshots.

Ikem said that while some passengers going to different parts of the country that were yet to board vehicles to their locations were trapped in the shootout, others coming into the city, used alternative routes to avoid being caught in the web of the crisis.

“It happened like what we used to watch in American movies. It happened in a flash and before you know what is happening, trucks of army and police vans were everywhere.

Police and army were shooting themselves face-to-face. From what we later learnt, two policemen and a soldier died in the gun duel. It is better seen that told. I don’t know what is happening at this Osisioma junction. Don’t forget that some time ago, police and army clashed here and shot at each other leaving one policemen dead.

“I saw some people running with blood stain and I guess they were hit be stray bullets. Police and army leadership in the state should call themselves to order. They are sister agencies and I don’t think that it is in their own interest to be fighting among themselves when they are supposed to be working hand in hand with each other especially as the state Governor is doing his best in tackling insecurity in the state,” Ikem stated.

While normalcy has since returned to the area at the time our reporter visited the scene, shop owners were yet to open for business as people in clusters recount their experience of the incident.

However in a swift reaction, Abia State Government in a press release through the Commissioner of Information in the state, Chief John Okiyi said the state received with sadness “disturbing reports of an unfortunate confrontation between a group of soldiers and police officers at the Osisioma area of Aba earlier today (Friday June 15).”

Okiyi who said that the state government was working with heads of security agencies to bring the situation under control also assured that investigation was ongoing to know the cause of the incident and to fish out those behind the incident.

“We are working with the heads of the concerned security agencies in the state to ensure that the situation, which has been brought under control, does not repeat itself or escalate within the state.

“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has also directed full investigation of the circumstances that led to the breach of public peace with a view to preventing future occurrence of such armed confrontation that endanger the lives of innocent citizens and security agents working in the state.

“While we are currently working with law enforcement agencies to review the immediate and remote cause of the incidence, members of the public are advised to go about their normal duties as the situation around the area has been pacified.

“Those responsible for this breach of public peace will certainly be unraveled and punished according the law,” Okiyi added.

©ABN

NORTHERN PEACE TOUR, ELECTION 2019 : ORJI KALU STORM’S BUHARI’S HOME TOWN AS EMIR SAYS NIGERIANS WILL ASK BUHARI TO CONTEST FOR 3RD TERM.

Kenneth Udeh – Katsina

Former Governor of Abia State extended his tour of the North in continuation of his peace advocacy Tour and the re-election of President Buhari.
His visit to the hometown of the President coincided with the “Hawan Sallah Festival” a cultural Fiesta organized the Emirate of Daura to celebrate happiness and peace usually after the Ramadan Fast .
Dr. Kalu was gracefully received by the Emir of Daura HRH. Alhaji Dr. Umar Farouq commended the Traditional Ruler for promoting peace in the community he also used the opportunity to solicit continued support of President Buhari’s re-election.
Addressing the monarch Kalu said:

“Your Royal highness we on a national tour for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari. We thank you and other traditional rulers for promoting peaceful co-existence among the people.

I understand very well that the President is your son but we want you to double your effort to ensure that he is massively re-elected and make 4+4 to be equal to 8.

We want you to go beyond Daura in mobilizing support for the re-election of President Buhari . Those that don’t want President Buhari to win his 2nd term are those who want to loot the country we also want to thank you for allowing us participate freely in the Dubar festival.

In his response, the Emir said :
You have always been welcome to this palace right from inception. I also want You to know that by your coming you have done three things.
You have honoured the palace by coming at this period of time in which we are celebrating the end of the Ramadan fast .

The palace belongs to not just to the people of Daura but the entire Africa. It has a very rich cultural history which has been in existence for over 2,600 years.

On Buhari’s re-election the traditional monarch said I and the entire people of Daura welcome your message with open arms . Let me say that whomsoever loves Buhari loves the people. I want specially commend you on what you have been doing on this your mission.

No evil will prevent Buhari from winning his 2nd Term with God after the five years most Nigerians will see and hear how Buhari will Nigeria better for all and even beg him to go for a 3rd Term.
I am pleased by the love you have shown to President Buhari and I want to assure that the entire people of Daura and Katsina are praying for you that God in his infinite mercy will continue to guide you in all your endeavours. I also extend by my greetings to the good people of Igbere and Abia State I thank them for having such a person like you .

CHIEF OGAH DECLARES FOR UMUNNEOCHI/ISUIKWUATO FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY

Umunneochi/Isuikwuato federal constituency has been thrown into excitement as the news of the declaration of Chief Amobi Ogah is broken to them, Chief Ogah who is set to declare his ambition to run for house of representatives is described in many quarters as the man Isuikwuato / Umunneochi federal constituency is waiting for.

He will be making his intentions known to them officially in his ward on Sunday the 17th of June 2018, while venue will be Akpukpa primary school, Uturu.

UNIZIK GRADUATE BATHED WITH ACID BY UNKNOWN MAN IN PORT HARCOURT

A beautiful lady identified as Miss Nkiruka Jane Nnaji who hails from Amorji Akpugo in Enugu State is in lament following the unfortunate circumstance which befell.

The report has it that Jane graduated from Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, in 2016 and was awaiting her youth service before she was attacked with acid.

She Wrote:

“It happened on April 11, 2017, in Port-Harcourt. After my graduation I went into cosmetic business; I got a very small shop where I was managing. I was coming back from my shop that fateful day, at about 8:00 pm;

I was walking to the house when I started hearing a male voice calling ‘Chi-chi’. I thought it was somebody that wanted to toast me; I thought it was a way of attracting my attention.

“I didn’t really give him any attention. When he kept calling that name I felt it could be a way of taking my phone or robbing me so I put my phone in my bag and in less than three seconds somebody tapped me on the shoulder.”

“Immediately I turned, he poured the substance which was in a small container on me and I screamed. He ran away while I was screaming and shouting for help. People came out, poured me water and eventually they took me to the hospital that very night.

“I was in the hospital in Port-Harcourt there for two weeks before I was referred to National Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu. When I went to Orthopaedic, the next day they went on strike;

I went into coma because then the wound had already been infected because the hospital where they took me wasn’t a burns hospital. So they did not take proper care of the wound so it was bringing forth pus and was smelling.

“So I went into coma and was rushed to a private hospital, Hill-top; it was there I had two surgeries and stayed there for 35 days after paying over N1m.

“I was taken back to Orthopaedic, by then they had called off the strike; it was there that I had the remaining three surgeries. So altogether I have gone through 5 plastic surgeries in the cause of this acid attack.

“Eventually I lost the two ears; I still have a contracture on the neck, and then the left hand, and then the hair at the back.

“I don’t know because I never quarreled with anyone. If I had quarreled with anyone maybe by now I may have arrested the person. So I don’t really know.

I take this to be a mistaken identity because the name he was calling wasn’t my name. My name is not Chi, or Chinyere or anything related to that.

And the person didn’t wait to see the face of the Chinyere he was calling. So maybe he took me to be Chinyere and poured me that substance”.

“Even that very night they say they caught the person. But they thought he stole my phone because they heard me screaming. They saw him with an android phone and they confronted him accusing him of having snatched the phone from the girl that was screaming.

He said no it’s his phone. They said ok if it’s your phone, call the number. They dialed the number and it rang and they gave him back the phone and he left. So it was while I was in the hospital the person brought the number to me.

I called the police and gave my statement but they asked me to pay N70,000 to track the number alongside other expenses.

I didn’t have much money and I needed even more for my treatment so couldn’t raise the money. After my statement, they left and I didn’t hear from them again until today”.

Upon her condition, Jane has refused to question God. “I know my God has a reason for whatever happens. He is still my God and has seen me through even when doctors gave me 30% chances of survival. I am grateful to Him for keeping me alive.”

I am soliciting for funds. I am begging the public and the government in any way they can assist me so that I can be able to go for this surgery. This surgery is just my life.

I know I will not be ok, but at least after the surgery, I will be near normal. I will be able to have my ears back and the stiff neck will be released. At least I can have myself back and then know what to do with my life.

All I am pleading is just a way of helping me. I am really pleading and soliciting for this fund so that I will be able to go for the surgery in India.”

Jane’s parents are also not financially capable to pay the bills. Her parents live in Jos; her father is a retired soldier and is not working while the mum is doing nanny work in a nursery school.

Contact Jane: 07030863802

THE DIABOLICAL ENCHANTMENT OF ABIA STATE GOVERNOR… By Emmanuel Ugwumba!!!!!!

Yesterday being the 14th of June, 2018, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in a desperate move to deceive the nation and Abians abroad engaged in a crowd renting and forced gathering of traders and market women across the state in a poorly conceptualized One Million March. This obviously is in an attempt to rebuild his already battered political image occasioned by his poor performance and the heartless looting of Abia state resources.

This is a sign that Ikpeazu government is not popular, hence is using intimidation and underhand tactics in an attempt to create an impression of being popular within the state.

Despite these machinations of the governor, evidences abound that the masses of Abia are suffering untold hardship of unimaginable proportion.

Furthermore, it is evident that Ikpeazu after looting and squandering the resources of Abia State is desperate to create an impression that he is loved by the people of the state. But unfortunately this cheap propaganda has failed flat on his face. The hunger ravaging the state and the mountains of unpaid salaries and pensions are manifest evidence that he is on a voyage of self deception.

Apart from the unpaid salaries, pensions and allowances of workers, Ikpeazu has dug the ordinary masses of the state like Keke drivers into deeper poverty through multiple taxation. His revenue brigade who helps him to collect taxes that goes into his personal pocket have not only become a violent army of occupiers, they have also become murderous in their desperation to force resources out from people who obviously have none. They have increasingly resulted to blood let because Ikpeazu is looking for more money to bribe and settle vested interests who’s support he require to stay in power by all means in order to continue to loot the treasury. Just recently, Ikpeazu’s men murdered a man of God in the state, a usual blood offering that was institutionalised by his godfather T. A. Orji.

Ikpeazu cannot account for the humongous resources at his disposal. The charred being witnessed everyday on national television as projects are not even worth the job of ordinary local government chairmen in some states. A comparative engagement with a state like Ebonyi that is less financially endowed reveals his criminal deception and mediocre thinking. Imagine spending millions of Naira in paid advertisement on television every week to showcase dirty Abia environment and poorly executed projects that are less in worth when compared to the amount being paid to display them.

The poor perception of life by Ikpeazu administration and his criminal activities and that of Abia PDP are made manifest in his lack of vision and the manner they are handling the affairs the state; so mediocre. There is definitely no way Abia can become a state to be reckoned with in the comity of states with such incoherent governance and deception.

This latest act of desperation, of forced endorsement and armtwisting of market officials and traders is a warning to all Abians home and abroad that the state is under diabolic siege. We all need to wake up to the reality of the diabolic enchantment of the Ikpeazu led administration. Except people of good conscience rises up now and put a stop to this diabolism, we will discover soon that the state has been impoverish beyond redemption and the future of our children raped beyond repair.

It is not about zone, political parties, power and politics, it’s about the future of Abia State. It’s about where we should be and the reality that is before us. It’s about the quality of infrastructure and the standard of life and leadership we desire for our state. If we don’t do something like our brothers in Anambra did, we will soon become the dustbin of the nation, as we have already become the shame of the entire South East states under Ikpeazu and his godfather T. A. Orji.

Already, there is a grand plan between Okezie Ikpeazu and T. A. Orji to install Chinedu Orji (ikuku), T. A. Orji’s son as the next governor of the state after Ikpeazu had 8 years. They have become so emboldened because they have succeeded in trampling the people of the state and are now confident that they can do anything and get away with it.

This is a call to all Abia men and women of vision, a call to all Abia indigenes who desire a great future for the state to rise up and challenge these heartless undertakers in power who are manipulating the destinies of our people to no end, because of cheap material gains.

Abia is dead in the woods and something must be done and done now. The diabolical oligarchs in power in the state must be made to realise the limit of their shenanigans. It’s time to fight for the future of our people and redeem ourselves from the shame and underdevelopment that has been foisted on us. The time to end their emotional blackmail and diabolic manipulation is now.

Abians arise and take your state back. Arise and put a stop to the shame brought on us by T. A. Orji and Governor Ikpeazu.

Abians arise and let the whole world know that we are not slaves and that we are not cowards.

Abians arise!

Emmanuel Ugwumba

You are our consensus candidate come 2019…ASMATA assures Ikpeazu.

Abia State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) on a 2 million March in Solidarity to the Governor of Abia State Dr.Okezie Ikpeazu at the Government House, Umuahia, has made a promise to reciprocate Governor Ikpeazu’s giant strides in Abia State by standing by him in the coming general election.

They decided to close their shops today to honour the governor especially on the quality of construction and rehabilitation of roads being done in Abia State.

They specially thanked the Governor for the wonderful job on the road leading to Ariaria International Market, Port Harcourt road and other roads leading to various markets in the State.

They expressed satisfaction with the giant strides of the Governor which has robbed off on the patronage of their various products.

In Agriculture, Health, Commerce & industry, Security ,Road infrastructure etc. The traders scored Governor Ikpeazu very high.

The wife of the Governor Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu was also eulogized for positively impacting on the people. They made mention of such kindness in the area her free school feeding initiative, building of over 30 houses for indigent persons within the State , empowerment of over four hundred people with skills and start-up capitals, donation of wheel chairs, clutches and artificial limbs to physically challenged people. ASMATA also thanked Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu for setting up sickle cell diagnosis and treatment centre.

They traders reiterated their unalloyed support, loyalty and Solidarity to the administration of Governor Ikpeazu come 2019.

Governor Ikpeazu in response, promised to do more while appreciating the Solidarity and show of love by Abia traders from all markets. He pointed out some of the interventions he has made to make sure moribund companies such as Ceramics, Golden Guinea etc are revived to create wealth and employment.

ANOTHER CHILD OF DR. ORJI UZOR KALU—-Agodi Okoro

Something is brewing up in the South-East of Nigeria and one thinks it has everything to do with the former governor of Abia State, for short, OUK.

The necessity for continuity, and the youths of that region particularly are keying into that vision. Never again should the youths sit down and watch as their destiny play out and orchestrated by the old foxes, seems to be the thinking amongst the youths.

Perhaps the youths of the country, especially from that axis are gradually coming to the recognition that enough of the blame games overtime of political monsters who have never had their interests at hearts simply the always drive to achieve their selfish crave. And it is time they became participants rather than spectators.

Not only are they being encouraged to go into politics, they are learning from their master, OUK: politics and politicking should not any longer be the pursuit of power for its sake or to attain it to dominate, but also be an innate possession to serve the people, essentially the weak in the society.

One such youth who is taking advantage of the set pace of their mentor is the young fellow from Arochukwu, Abia State, Agodichinma. Okoro.

The young man has got it all, he is well equipped to want to represent that region and serve the people; he is not in the pursuit of this special interest with a hat of stupidity on; he has prepared himself well, both mentally and otherwise to get himself ready for the great task ahead. His CV speaks volumes and his wealth of experience is glorious and shall be most profitable to the Arochukwu people he has deemed to serve:

He is an accomplished Educator/Civic & Community Leader.
Agodichinma, popularly called Agodi, is a vibrant passionate young man
with the aspiration to bring quality education and effective representation to his people using his expertise, skills and wealth of
experience. Agodi is happily married with three.
A thoroughbred educationist worked at various capacities mentoring,
counselling and developing our youths. In 2015 he established The
Kiddies Cove Academy Schools Owerri, Imo State to nurture our future
leaders. Agodi is a motivator, leader, mentor, thinker and a good listener.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION/EXPOSURE/EXPERIENCES :

* He has a Bachelors degree in Education, B.ED and a Masters degree in
Educational Administration and Planning, M.ED.
* Served at various committees under Ministry of Education and Ministry of Lands.
* Served under the Former Chief of Staff Imo State .
* Served under the Former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Imo State.
* Served under the Former Commissioner for Special Duties .
* Served under the former Chairman Board of Internal Revenue.
* Served as Government

Liaison Officer Owerri Municipal Council.
* Served as a State Development Coordinator SDC in Imo State.
* Member Common Wealth Council for Educational Administration and Management…

The people from that region must note: The era of voting idiots into offices of responsibility to start marshalling their idiocies on the people should be a far cry from the future of great expectations to redeem the people and the rots of the past.

Your choice must be wise and you must allow your vote count.