Alleged N27bn fraud: Jubilation in Abia as EFCC quizzes T. A. Orji

The atmosphere in Abia State was yesterday charged as the people of the state jubilated continually over the quizzing of the former governor of the state, Chief T. A. Orji, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commissions (EFCC). In Aba, the commercial capital of the state, people continued to react and were seen in beer parlours and drinking joints discussing the development and commending the EFCC for doing a good job. The people also prayed and hoped that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.

The mood was the same in Umuahia and Ohafia, where people expressed delight over what they said was long overdue. It will be recalled that the Save Abia Initiative for Change (SAI4C), a voluntary association of concerned citizens of Abia State had in 2015, petitioned the EFCC against the former governor. In the petition titled; “How Governor T. A. Orji squandered N474 billion of Abia State government’s funds leaving an external debt of $35.9 billion (N8 billion), the petitioners told EFCC how, among other things, the former governor diverted billions of naira that accrued to the state from the federal government and its agencies. Notwithstanding the fact that the former governor was released after interrogation, the people expressed delight that the EFCC, by the mere invitation of Orji to their office for questioning, had given the people of the state hope that one day, the former governor would actually answer questions on how he managed the finances of the state during his eight years in power.

Nkemdirim, a tricycle operator in Aba told our reporter that most people had concluded that the present fight against corruption was not all inclusive, because the past administration in the state had not been probed. He said with the questioning of Orji by the EFCC, it was now clear that nobody was above the law and prayed that the anti-craft body would be diligent in its work so that those found to have stolen Abia State’s funds would be made to return such. A civil servant, who did not want his name in print, said no true Abia indigene would claim not be happy at the news that former Governor T. A. Orji was quizzed by the EFCC.

He added that with the move, there was every hope that Abia funds that were slashed away by her officials would be returned for the development of the state. He said: “Before now, it was like some of these people despite the obvious were clean and above the law, but with Wednesday’s move by the EFCC, it is now clear that the cries of the people have been heard.”

©newtelegraphng.com

Alleged N27b fraud: EFCC Arrests, Quizzes Ex-Abia Governor TA Orji

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday quizzed a former Governor of Abia State, Chief Theodore Orji over alleged N27billion fraud.

It was unclear yesterday if Orji, who was still being investigated as at press time, will be released or not.

According to a source, the ex-governor was invited by the anti-graft agency, following a petition.

Orji, dressed in milk-colour Niger Delta long sleeve attire, came with a lawyer for the interrogation.

The allegations against the ex-governor are: diversion of funds allocated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for Small and Medium Scale; misuse of ASOPADEC funds; diversion of Ecological Fund; and acquisition of properties with ill-gotten money in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Abia State.

The source said: “Following a petition, the discreet investigation of the former governor started in 2015. But it is now time to respond to issues in the petition.

“The office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), commercial banks and other relevant agencies have been invited and have given reasonable information.

“Our operatives have been questioning the ex-governor in the last seven hours. It is too early to conclude on whether or not he will be granted bail. So far, he is still in EFCC custody

The agency’s Acting Head of Media & Publicity, Tony Orilade, confirmed the development yesterday.

He said: “Yes. It is true that we have the former Abia governor with us. But I cannot say more than that. When it is time to press charges, we shall do that and the story would be in the media.”

The Abia Progressives Forum (APF) had in April urged the EFCC to probe the ex-governor and members of his family.

Its Chairman Mazi Okechukwu said the anti-graft agency should look into the activities of Orji during his eight-year tenure

©The Nation

PRELIMINARY CAMPAIGN CHARGE.- MOPYON

Very dear comrades in our political leaning-MOPYON, may I profoundly congratulate you for seeing this day-18/11/18 being the official lift of ban on campaigns by the INEC.

We had thus, patiently waited for this era of our domestic political evolution, haven succinctly stated the fundamental believes of this movement and taken a stand in view of the 2019 Polls, I hereby charge you all adherents of the MOPYON’s school of thought to campaign for Buhari, mobilize for Buhari, support Amaechi to make history again.

The election is between looters and strategic builders, therefore I charge you to fear no man for we have not received the spirit of fear, rather the spirit of brevity such as Amaechi has.
As we await the signal of the campaign directorate to implement our programs, I implore you to in churches, mosques, schools and other of our strategic structures to start without waiting; mobilize for the second bid of Mr President, Buhari.
This campaign and elections will be faced with fierce aggression, therefore challenge your Challenger with sporadic and unreserved aggression for even in the Bible in the days of John the Baptist, the kingdom suffered violence and the violent ones took it by force.
I release my spirit upon every structure and membership of MOPYON, we shall most assuredly return praising God.

COMRADE REMIGIUS NWAONU
(Aha Eji Eje Mba)
National Leader-MOPYON.

Multiple levies killing our businesses —Aba Traders

ABA—TRADERS at Ngwa Road, Aba have decried a new list of levies approved for them for payment by the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, insisting that the levies are burdensome.

They stated that the multiple levies introduced by the commissioner have adversely affected their businesses as they find it difficult to make profit and feed their families. A leader of one of the lines in the market who pleaded anonymity for fear of victimization, said the Ministry in a release signed by the Commissioner, approved a total of nine levies which each trader in the market should pay.

He said apart from the fact that the Ministry kept bringing in new levies every year, some of the levies are being duplicated. “Each year, they kept bringing in new levies and these levies are duplicated and forced down on us. It is either you pay or your shop is locked up. Sometimes, they even threaten us.”

The trader said that the levies are much and they will not be able to pay them and still remain in business. The levies according to a document signed by the Commissioner included: Income tax-N3,600, Storage fee-N2,000, Infrastructural levy-N2,000, Sanitation levy, ASEPA,-N3,600 and security levy-N2,000 Others are renewal of Abia State Signage Agency, ABSA, levy -N3, 000, Scooping levy-N800, Fire Service levy-N2,500 and renewal of business premises -N2,000.

Contacted, Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief Charles Ogbonnaya, told Vanguard that the levies payable by traders at the market have been reviewed downward to N9,000, but gave no details.

Who do we believe now???

Bail Revoke: Let prejudice not smear Orji Kalu’s case – By Peter Eze

The reports of Dr Orji Uzor Kalu’s trial by now have swept through the ears of the ardent followers of the Nigerian news. One of the remarkable takeaways from the trial was the court’s recent action during the hearing of the case on Monday. The Federal High Court under the jurisdiction of Justice Mohammed Idris revoked the bail granted to the former governor following his failure to appear before the court.

Dr Kalu has travelled for an emergency surgical operation at a hospital in Wiesbaden Germany. According to comprehensive medical report dated 5th November 2018, which was also received by the Federal High court, Ikoyi, Kalu requires between 10 and 12 weeks to fully recover from the operation he underwent. It is also on record that Kalu duly informed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) through a letter directly written to its acting chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu before embarking on the medical trip. The EFCC prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Jacobs during the hearing on Monday also confirmed Kalu’s letter.

Meanwhile prior to Kalu’s travel, the matter was on indefinite adjournment. It was therefore very shocking that few days after the disturbing news of Kalu’s deteriorating health condition rented the air, coupled with rumors of him being in a state of coma in the German hospital , the federal high court served his lawyers a fresh notice of re-arraignment the following week. This kind of suspicious act challenges the faith and confidence in the judicial process.

One could only imagine the event that transpired in Kalu’s life within the seven days court notice. Should he disregard the neurosurgeon’s advice and endanger his own life or attend the court summon to fulfill his civic duty? Obviously, the speedy revisit of an indefinitely adjourned case with very short notice sounds questionable. The very short notice technically portrays Justice Idris’ act as if Kalu’s case is a company in which he owns a share. A lot of people may not know how the judicial system works and the legal position on the absence in court due to personal emergencies. We do not need to wait until we are in it. We think we’re in a democratic society protected by the constitution, rights and privileges. We think we’re run by rules. We think we are entitled to right to life as enshrined by the constitution. But in reality they are not being upheld by our judiciary. Our thoughts may be hallucinations.

I have heard and read several cases where defendants not only refused to appear in the court but treated court orders and proceedings with total contempt and disregard. In Kalu’s case, it is entirely different. He has been in the forefront of radical reform in judiciary and has always professed his stand on the rule of law. In his personal capacity, Kalu has supported and bankrolled many NBA activities held in Abia, Lagos and Abuja. These actions of him were strictly informed by the need to strengthen the judiciary considering its role in the nation building.

Dr Kalu has also shown exemplary commitment to his trial since it was instituted in 2007. Not until his current health status, over which he has no control, Kalu has always attended all court proceedings. He has always presented himself to the court notwithstanding any of his engagements.

On many occasions when quizzed by newsmen on the trial, Kalu has made it known that the corruption charge allegedly leveled against him is simply a vendetta and it’s politically motivated. What is even Kalu’s original sin in all this noise of alleged diversion of 3.2 billion naira? He has a strong business background and all his wealth before becoming a governor is traceable. He also has an exceptional and philanthropic global identity. Kalu’s continuous position in his case has always been same; he is an ardent believer in the rule of law and he is ever ready to play by the rules so long there is no external interference. He believes that the rule of law should be applicable to all and sundry irrespective of social, political and economic status. Once, during a national event, Kalu had stated that “the law is a respecter of nobody and until the system gives the rule of law its rightful place, no meaningful development will be achieved”. So, Kalu is interested in justice over this fabricated allegation even more than the prosecutor.

It is clear that throughout this litigation process, Kalu has shown absolute obedience to the court, but the same court has shown him hostility and judicial bully by treating him as if his life does not matter. The court acknowledged that Kalu is entitled to and has a right to life; has a right to seek medical treatment within and outside the shores of Nigeria. In addition the court said this right is further guaranteed by the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. But the acknowledgement was more hypocritical than anything else since it failed to practice what it professed.

A meticulous observation in the ruling on Monday seemed like a first step toward compromise. But I still want to believe the judge to be a person who respects and comply with the law and who acts at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Otherwise, he would be required to step away when it becomes evident there is unflinching bias or other impropriety in this case. After all, some unproductive politicians envious of Kalu’s success in all areas of life were recently thanking the honorable judge for revoking the former governor’s bail. It was also quoted by unreliable sources of how these enemies of progress device different manipulative means to reach the honorable Justice. The intention is to pressure him into cowing into an expedient kangaroo judgment against Kalu.

The honorable Justice must be reminded that a judge is always obligated to retain the general atmosphere of impartiality required of a fair trial and must not-under any circumstances-become sympathetic to a party’s unholy appeal. Fairness is the helm of judiciary practice and so every case that passes through the needle of the legal system must be executed with the highest level of fairness, at least this is our hope. God bless Nigeria!

ORJI UZO KALU speaks sense

“People were in power at the federal level but they failed to do anything. For example, since 1999 that Nigeria returned to democracy, there is no northern leader that has really ruled this country up to one term.”

“Former president Olusegun Obasanjo did two terms totalling eight years, while Goodluck Jonathan did six years. One would have expected these two leaders to turn the South-East to paradise if truly the problem is between the North and the South. Roads like the Enugu-Umuahia-Okigwe-Aba-Port Harcourt expressway, Enugu-Awka-Onitsha Expressway, Owerri to Port Harcourt, Aba, Ikot Ekpene-Calabar, Imo-Mbadon-Umuahia-Bende-Ohafia-Arochukwu-Cross River and the Okigwe-Nnewi highways.”

“These are the roads that people are complaining about. At the moment, you can see construction work going on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, while work is also ongoing on the Awka-Onitsha Expressway. There is also work going on now on the Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Road.”

“These are being done by the Federal Government of Nigeria under President Buhari. He once challenged me when I complained about the poor state of our roads.”

He said, “But we once had the secretary to the government of the federation, the minister of finance, minister of aviation, deputy senate president, deputy speaker of the House of Representatives and many others in powerful positions but that they did nothing about the roads.”

“Now the minister of works has given marching orders to the contractors handling the road projects to start the jobs. If our sons and daughters who had held influential positions in the recent past had improved on the development of our area, we would not be where we are today.”

“Sometimes, our people are fed with wrong information. We also have governors in the South-East, who didn’t really perform. If Jonathan had done these Roads, nobody would be talking about marginalisation today. If Jonathan had done the East-West road, nobody would be complaining.”

“The problem of Nigeria is that most people who found themselves in the position of leadership were not prepared for it. You must be able to manage yourself before you manage others

The Punch

A Run of Shame- By Dodoh Okafor

I consider it very shameful and an exercise in bad faith that Senator Mao Ohuabunwa through his aide is publishing on social media, the list of people he helped secure jobs for in all manner of backwater agencies including Post Office and other third rate MDAs stationed in rural area councils at Bwari, Abuja.

It is a shame that this is the best Mr Ohuabunwa can do is to brag about securing employment for his constituents in a parastatal in Abia state- something party ward chairmen and councillors do.

It is a shame that while northern senators are placing their constituents- scores of them- in grade A agencies like NDIC, NNPC and NLNG (where monthly salaries and allowances are in millions of naira) without saying a word about it, Mr Ohuabunwa brags about giving Abians job in an unknown parastatal in Bwari Abuja.

It is a shame that senators from northern Nigeria are already grooming successors, sending men into strategic national agencies, Mr Ohuabunwa is still talking about helping people secure employment in a parastatal in Abia state where the best a graduate earns is less than a hundred thousand a month.

But it is important we know this-

Mr Ohuabunwa by the end of May next year must have received over 2 billion naira as constituency allowance and alot more from several other sources. He is a member of several senate committees and is a position to do a lot better without even using it to harass innocent constituents- yet the best we get is a post from his social media errand boys telling us that he helped secure job for Abians in a post office.

I will personally mobilize against this senator. He is a waste of senatorial space and like those before him- a tragic representative.

Ndi Abia north, the search for a new senator is on.

The last we want is a man who tells the world that he offered you a glass of water when you visited him.

Perhaps he will also tell us about the beneficiaries of his “frying pan” empowerment next.

YOU CAN’T DOUBT A MAN LIKE DR. UCHECHUKWU SAMPSON OGAH – By Great Imo Jonathan

After sharing highlights of Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah’s industrial master plan for Abia State, someone said to me ” I love this to happen in Abia State but I doubt if your boss can do it”. He went further to say that ” this is a beautiful plan that will transform Abia State. But politicians are always in the habit of making promises they don’t have capacity to deliver. I doubt if he will be different”

I have no doubt that there are thousands of other people like him who may find it difficult to believe that Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah’s plan is achievable and that he will be different from others. They have good reasons to think that way. Because Abia State is replete with stories of failed promises by politicians.

But let me say boldly here that when Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah takes over government 2019, ABIA STATE WILL REJOICE. You can doubt anybody but don’t doubt Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, he is determined to make a difference.

Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah has shown capacity to deliver on his plan; don’t doubt him. Because you can’t doubt a man who grew his company from a one man business into a conglomerate of 16 companies in 10 years, with over 18,000 people directly and indirectly employed under him.

You can’t doubt a man who built a world class Auditorium for Abia State University, worth over 800 million Naira of his money.

You can’t doubt a man who gave scholarship to over 1000 Abia Youths over period of 8 years.

You can’t doubt a man who is the highest employer of Labour in Abia State outside the government.

You can’t doubt a man who is building 12 world class industries and agricultural farm settlement in his community, located on over 20,000 hectares of land. No you can’t.

You can’t doubt a man who transformed his community through massive infrastructural development using his personal fund.

You can’t doubt a man who build houses for widows and the less privileged. Before building a house for himself, he has built houses for widows. I don’t know many that have done that.

You can’t doubt a man who pays stipend to widows, orphans and less privileged in the society. This is the only man who borrows money to meet other peoples need. Honestly it is hard to believe.

You can’t doubt a man who empowered youths in his community by giving them employment. In like manner he gave countless number of people money to start businesses. That is the man for you.

You can’t doubt a man who built a very functional health center for his people with his money.

You can’t doubt a man who electrified his community.

You can’t doubt a man who built an ultra modern water scheme with mini dam.

You can’t doubt a man who constructed roads in his community with a beautiful community gate comparable to any major estate in highbrow areas of Abuja and Lagos.

You can’t doubt a man who built a palace for his king and built the house of God for his people.

You can’t doubt a man who transformed his community from an obscure village into a magnificent community with street lights and CCTV Cameras in strategic locations; thereby providing security in the community.

You can’t doubt a man who has 16 years banking experience with accolades.

You can’t doubt a man who rose to the zenith of banking profession as Assistant General Manager of a prestigious bank like Zenith Bank Plc.

You can’t doubt a man who resigned voluntarily to take a personal risk in the volatile world of business.

You can’t doubt a man who in 7 years built his business into a conglomerate of 16 subsidiaries.

You can’t doubt a man who in just 10 years has employed thousands of people and they are well paid.

You can’t doubt a man who built one of the biggest oil storage depots in sub-Saharan Africa, with 16 loading arms.

You can’t doubt a man whose company has automated tank gauging and dispensing systems.

You can’t doubt a man whose company has two finger jetties that can conveniently berth two vessels simultaneously.

You can’t doubt a man who whose company has functional and dedicated jetty with about 9m draft at low water.

You can’t doubt a man whose Jetty is included on NPA Global Map.

And you can’t doubt a man who transformed a swamp in Rivers State into an economic hub that is now called Energy City in Port Harcourt, where he has invested billions of Naira and provided thousands of jobs.

Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah’s Masters Energy Group, has a target to have 42,000 persons in its workforce by the end of 2022.

BUT WHAT WILL INTEREST YOU IN ALL OF THIS IS THAT HE IS NOT THE RICHEST MAN IN ABIA STATE OR SOUTH EAST. DR UCHECHUKWU SAMPSON OGAH IS SIMPLY A MAN WITH VISION, A MAN WHO LOVES HIS PEOPLE AND A MAN WITH THE HEART OF GOLD AND COMPASSION. HE IS NOT PERFECT BUT IN THE MIDST OF WEALTHY MEN IN THE STATE DR UCHECHUKWU SAMPSON OGAH IS AN ANGLE.

He is a man that has resolved not to speak evil about people but he has also resolved not to keep quiet in the face of the need to take Abia state to Eldorado.

As a follower of Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, I have developed the capacity of mind to do bigger things like the things he has promised to do in Abia State. You can’t be around Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah and not dream big. He has made positive impact in the lives and minds of those around him. Even in his immediate family, his influence is so evident; all his siblings are literary billionaires and yet they are humble like Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah.

Dr Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah represent the quality of leadership required to transform Abia state.

You can’t doubt a man like him.

Great Imo Jonathan

JUSTICE MUHAMMED IDRIS GOT IT WRONG ON ORJI KALU’s BAIL REVOKED – By Abubakar Musa

It beat my imagination how Nigeria political system will turn around our judicial system that was supposed to be the common man’s last hope, have now turn around to be his worst nightmare.

His Excellency Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu is one free-minded leader, that is transparent on how he acquired his wealth, before venturing into politics. Aside from politics he is a known successful businessman, a guru in the business sector , in which our country(Nigeria) knows how much he contributes to the growths of our economy. This man as at 1999 gave out a whopping sum of 100 million to Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to add to his campaign and also gave the PDP a party he was among of the founding fathers Five hundred million.

If such man could bring out that amount of money in his account then to support both individuals, that alone tells us, he is already a billionaire . In regards to this, Justice Idris should also that not only that Orji Kalu’s case is politically motivated, the said case have lingered for years. In regards to do the needful towards his profession the revoke of bail is politically sponsored,because the masses knows too well that Orji Kalu is ill and that he travelled for a medical surgery.

We have not forgotten how President Olusegun obasanjo wrote to UK and USA about Orji Kalu, describing him to be corrupt, and in their letter back to him proved him wrong , as they stated clear in their response : that his excellency Orji Uzor Kalu is not corrupt, that he is a young man with vision , a very successful businessman and politician they knows too well. They further made it clear to Nigerians during their reply to obasanjo that Orji Kalu have only one house in Maryland USA which he bought in 1991, also the UK Govt made it clear that Orji Kalu have only one house in UK, which he bought in 1993, and all this were acquired out of political office , so why label him corrupt they ask obasanjo????

Doesn’t Orji Kalu has the right as a citizen of Nigeria out for medical medical? Again a lot of news are in the air, that some bigwig politicians are giving out fat envelope to Justice Idris Muhammed in order for him to frustrate his excellency Orji Kalu and possibly jail him. A lot of our brothers and sisters here in the north are currently in school because of his hand of friendship through his foundation, we are hereby calling on the our northern leaders and the chief judge of the federation to look into Justice Idris activities for it is clear that Justice Idris is becoming bias and is gradually turning this case into his source of daily bread, through what he gets from this bigwigs politicians that wants Orji Kalu jailed through him. We the Hausa’s are known for integrity and we urge Justice Idris to stand by it.

Nigerians believes in Judicial rule of law, and it is clear that his excellency Orji Kalu have always respected this rule of law, and have never missed a case, is this case more important than his life? Due process must be followed , the money Orji Kalu spent as governor, was his security votes as we heard, which he has the right to ,he deserves a lot respect from our Judicial arm of government, if efcc claims that they have a witness against him, then what is delaying their witness from coming forth to testify???

The bail revoke by Justice Idris to Orji Kalu , whereas he knows too well that Orji Kalu is out of the country for a medical surgery , is a clear evidence showing that the bail revoked is politically motivated, and this also proves to us that Justice Idris is involved in money exchange hand, and should be called to order, For the needful to be done. Anything that indirectly affect Orji Kalu , directly affects close to 2 million Nigerians that are on his payroll , and we know what that will brings to our Nigeria economy.

PANDEMONIUM BECLOUDS OTTI AS EHIEMERE RECEIVES COURT ORDER.

The Leader Of Abia First Campaign Organization and defeated aspirant in the Just concluded APGA Governorship primaries in Abia State, Alex Chioma Otti has been thrown into perpetual hullabaloo as his factional party Chairman Augustine Ehiemere receives court order.

Mr Ehiemere who has been parading himself as the Abia State APGA party chairman was issued an Order from a federal high court of competent jurisdiction to refrain from impersonation and imposting as the State chairman of the party.

It will be recalled that the said Mr Ehiemere was removed as the chairman of the party on the 25 September through a court order issued in a high court sitting in Umuahia, the court order reinstated Chief Onapuruagu Nnanna Ukaegbu as the Authentic Chairman. Since then Ehiemere have refused to accept his fate and work with the mainstream party structure led by Prince Nnanna Ukaegbu. The ousted chairman who has been a frontline coordinator of Abia First Campaign Organization, a Campaign structure owned and sponsored by Alex Otti and friends, during one of their meetings which he claimed to be party primary election announced his Principal and Boss Alex Chioma Otti as the flag bearer of the party. As an internally displaced politician with the highest form of cluelessness, he was further deceived by the National Chairman of the party Victor Oye and was issued a certificate, maybe as Abia First Campaign Organization Governorship Candidate.

In contumacy and flagrant violation of judicial pronouncement, Alex Chioma Otti has been lawlessly perambulating himself as the candidate.

Recently, he traveled to America to solicit for funds to run his campaign forgetting in a haste that whatever that is built on a sandy soil of illegality will not last long as it can never stand before the law.

Augustine Ehiemere has been playing hid and seek and dodging from being served the court order. But his disappearance tactics failed him yesterday when he was served the court order restraining him from parading himself as Abia state APGA chairman. This concert took place at INEC headquarters in Abia state yesterday 08/11/18 as he posed to contest for Abia IPAC chairman. On sighting Amb Okiyi SVCC, Hon kelvin and Hon Ugochukwu, he began to sneak from one INEC office to the other. However, his antics failed him when the court bailiff who came there with the Authentic dogged State Chairman Prince Nnanna Ukaegbu caught him at the upstairs corridor possibly as he wanted to switch office as usual. He was just like a rat🐀 caught in a trap without an escape route.

The bailiff duly served him his order in all forms. This service further discredits all the activities of Alex Otti and his cohorts, and Upholds the Chairmanship Of Prince Nnanna Ukaegbu and the Candidature Of Sir Chikwe Udensi as the Authentic GUBER Flag Bearer Of APGA in Abia State.

This latest development has thrown Alex Otti in a state of political catastrophe as it marks the beginning of his end in the contest.

No amount of distraction will stop us from taking over Abia govt house-APC

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Abia State chapter has urge all its members and the entire people of the state to ignore some politicians who claim to be part of the APC family, but are indirectly working in favour of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to destabilize the party.

The APC in Abia added that the goal of taking government house, Umuahia and other political positions away from the PDP come 2019 is one that must be achieved no matter the distraction the opposition is willing to sponsor.

APC in reaction to a publication attributed to one Dr. Emmanuel Ndukwe and one Chidi Ayaja where they claimed that one Chief Ikechi Emenike is the governorship candidate of APC in Abia State for 2019 election.

In a telephone chat with our reporter Abia APC Publicity Secretary, Comrade Benedict Godson urged the PDP to stop hiding behind and sending their errand boys like Dr. Ndukwe to do work of opposition simply because Abians have rejected the PDP for putting the state in terrible state.

The Abia APC also reminded Abians that parallel election has been Chief Emenike’s stock-in-trade as a politician and there is no need to be worried as he has come to exhibit what he is known for.

The party urged the PDP to realize that the Abia APC is a moving train that cannot be derailed by immature mischievous political jiggery-pokery from clumsy and incompetent political party that has failed the state.

In the words of Godson: “Everyone knows which party Ikechi Emenike actually belongs to. Hiding under APC and doing the bidding of PDP will not take him anywhere. He has come again because that is what he does every four years.

“Ikechi Emenike has done this same thing in some political parties he once belonged to. When Emenike was in ANPP, he held a parallel congress and parallel primaries and he ended up with nothing. When he joined PDP he did parallel primary against T. A Orji. In 2014 he also held a parallel primary against Dr. Nyerere. And now, this time around he is at it again.

“During his mother’s burial we all saw the handwriting on the wall. No APC member was invited. It was a PDP affair where governor Ikpeazu, former governor T.A Orji and all serving PDP senators and elected officers were present. The government even graded the road leading to his house for him and participated fully.

“The truth is that he is a member of APC by name not by participation and loyalty. We challenge Emenike to mention any prominent Abia politician in APC that is with him? Aside him, who else is running for any position together with him in his so called party. He alone is the Rep candidate, governorship candidate, senatorial candidate and all that. even down to State Assembly he is their sole candidate.

“The PDP is just using him because they know that Ikpeazu has been a disaster and they have nothing to talk about aside trying to destroy the formidableAbia APC.“

Speaking further Godson said, “Emenike wants to build a political dynasty in Abia, but that is not going to work out. He wants to be governor, his wife is currently a serving ambassador, his clan’s man, Okechukwu Enelamah is the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment. And this minister has never been an active member in the party. Abia doesn’t have a minister he should because there is no impact from him.

“We have given Abians candidates who will bring the change we desire. From our governorship candidate Dr. Uche Ogah (the liberator of Abia) to Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, Sen. Nkechi Nwaogu, Sir Marc Wabara and many others in various positions Abia can boast of worthy men and women they can elect as leaders.

“It is obvious that APC is not leaving any stone unturned in bringing change into Abia. The PDP errand boys can keep deceiving themselves until we march into Abia government house and other positions to give our people proper representation.”

Godson thanked the entire party leaders for making Abia APC a party that creates fear in the heart of the ruling party in the state. He also thanked the National leadership of the party led by comrade Adams Oshiomhole whom he described as an upright man whose leadership has added more integrity to the party.

He said: “We wish to appreciate our able National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshomhole for bringing sound leadership into the party. We also appreciate our state chairman, Hon. Donatus Nwankpa.

“We thank our leaders His Excellency Chris Akomas, Prince B.B Apugo, Senator Chris Adighije, Hon. Acho Obioma, Sen. Bob Nwanunu, Rt. Hon. Stanley Ohajiriuka, Rt.Hon. Martins Azubuike.
Rt.Hon.Agwu U Agwu.

“Chief Nyerere Anyim, Bar Emeka Nwogu, Dr. Chidia Maduekwe, Hon. Chinenye ike, Chief. Nduka Anyanwa, Barr. F.N Nwosu, Chief G.O.Onyemaobi, Gen. Ogbonna Okoro, DIG. Azubuike Udah, Prince Paul Ikonna, Engr. Okey Nwaubani, Bar. K. C. O, Amb. Okey Emuchay, and other important party leaders for their roles and advice.

“Most importantly, we appreciate all APC members in the state. They are the real owners of grassroots politics from ward level to the state level.”

END

NOTICE! NOTICE! NOTICE! ABIA GOVT, SEN. ORJI CONSPIRE WITH ABIA CP TO DECLARED ME WANTED… Obinna Don Norman

I have been dependably informed by a close police source in Abia State Command that the state government and Senator Theodore A. Orji, using the services of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Anthony Ogbizi have concluded plans to declare me wanted over factual publications on The Realm News (www.therealmnews.com) and my Facebook page exposing the gross mismanagement of Abia State funds by its past and present government.

This evil machination to treat me like an incendiary and/or a criminal was to be carried out late last month (October) but was circumscribed by the sudden transfer of the Abia CP by police hierarchy; though his transfer modalities are being sorted out and yet to be made public.

Their plan is to quickly arraign me in their kangaroo court, adjourn the case incessantly and later grant me bail with stringent conditions. This is to aid their univocal objective which is to suppress the ongoing revelations on Abia State finance as well as disrupt my book (Raped & Enslaved –Abia’s Era of Kleptocracy -) launch scheduled to hold towards the end of November.

This is not the first time such conspiracy to arrest me like a common criminal is being orchestrated. In May 2018, series of threat messages were sent to me by Abia State House of Assembly Majority Leader, Mr Chinedum Orji (the son of the immediate past governor and now senator representing Abia Central, Sen. T. A. Orji).

They read thus:

“No problem. You can do all your abuses. Don’t stop. What I will do to you will be a child’s play to what happened between us before.”
“A criminal. You can run but can’t hide. This is the end of my conversation with this criminal. You will regret the day you were born.”
Few weeks after these threat messages, some gunmen in civvies invaded my children’s school to arrest them in place of me but failed. They, however, arrested the principal of the school and forcefully obtained from her the location and name of the estate where I reside in Lekki-Ajah, Lagos.

Not sure of my home address, the men laid ambush at the estate gate for one week before they eventually arrested my two underage sons with the help of their pictures they downloaded from my Facebook page. Like common criminals, my underage (15 and 16 years old) boys were arrested in place of me, beaten, their clothes torn, handcuffed, thrown into a waiting car and whisked away to Ajiwe police station, Lekki-Epe Exp. Rd. close to Abraham Adesanya estate.
They were detained alongside their mother and my lawyer who had gone to the police station to bail them. My lawyer was detained and her phone confiscated for recording the condition of my children. While they were released after some hours in detention, the boys spent a night in Ajiwe police station’s cell with street urchins and others arrested for various criminal related offenses.
Their ordeals were later published in the New Telegraph newspaper of Monday, May 7, 2018, page 8 under the headline: “Police Storm School, Arrest Teenage Boys in Place of Dad” and in the Nation newspaper of Tuesday, May 8, 2018, page 4 under the headline: “Journalist’s Wife Relives her family’s ordeal in police hands.”

Several other unsuccessful attempts had been made thereafter to arrest me in Abia State by these people using ladies of easy virtue as baits. I have also been trailed severally by unknown men prompting me to notify the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Mr Imohimi Edgal via test messages. During our last conversation, he advised me to go and meet the Lagos Police Command PPRO, Mr Chike Otti.

Mr Chke Otti had also apologised to my family and opted to help my underage sons recover from the trauma of the unlawful detention. But the desperation of Abia State Government through their willing police officers to take laws into their hands will not stop, hence their latest plan.

I am a journalist, a former Associate Editor of New Telegraph newspaper and presently the Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of The Realm Newspapers Nigeria Ltd., publishers of The Realm News. I am not a criminal and do not deserve to be treated as one. We stand by every news story published on Abia State Government.

If Sen. Orji and Abia State Government had no underhanded motive, they should approach the court of competent jurisdiction to seek for justice than resorting to the use of police and gunmen to chase after me.

By this letter, I wish to inform the Amnesty International, Nigerian Union of Journalist (NUJ) the general public and relevant security agencies that Abia State government, Sen. Orji and his son, Chinedum Orji should be held responsible if anything happens to me or any member of my household.

I want to also use this medium to urge the police hierarchy to caution their men to avoid criminals hiding under them to assassinate me. I will not be cowered to stop my statutory responsibility of monitoring government and public office holders and make them accountable to the society by any individual(s) or Group(s)

2019 ELECTIONS: Buhari’s Integrity Counts…

It’s a bothering situation if people want Nigerians to believe school leaving certificate of Buhari is the predicament of Nigeria as a nation.

Firstly, we must diagnose our past leaders to know if they also had certificate problems that led to their poor mismanagement of funds nor performance that begot the call for Buhari’s emergence or have they woken from their slumber, making them want a return to power nor catalyse the changes they never effected with their certificates while in office?

If truly Buhari’s certificate is a problem but had served the nation years before democracy, with notable legacy as a pivoter of the existence of our refinery, a legacy Nigerians had deepened on for years in our economic growth as minister, and with his integrity profile also, contested Presidency number of times and finally became successful as a Nigerian President, then Nigerians should be in agreement that they have been blind and must be thankful to this same Buhari for opening their eyes to witnessing politics in play.

We need no prophets to tell us, the PDP have ran out of concept and plans to removing Buhari from presidency as they failed to ask GEJ why he refused to mount pressure on Buhari’s school leaving certificate to giving him an edge during the 2015 general elections or better, contesting that in court?

To bring up Buhari’s certificate issues now is a clear facts of the fears, withstanding a man like Mr President at the poll.

But let’s get it straight on….

Owing to the originality of the certificate of past Presidents that served Nigeria since democracy, judging from the ways they used their numerous certificate IQs, using Biro’s to execute their looting plans for years in office, many would prefer this Buhari the integrity man for a rescue as many had died from their carelessness of diverting public funds meant for our roads and infrastructural developments to their personal assets…

I believe what Nigeria needs is a leader with the pains of the people at heart and not leaders with magnified certificates that does not in any way atone for good leadership.

May I remind the PDP and others the implications of degrading Buhari on the account of school leaving certificate…

Over 60% of the Nigerian voters of age between 50years and above are people without school leaving certificate, and saying Buhari has no certificate, to them, reading the lines, means they also need school leaving certificate to vote nor make the right choice of leadership. As the PDP relegates them to the background, making them feel they meant nothing to the decision making of a nation Nigeria in their ridicules.

They may not read this online but be sure we must bring to their notice how much downgrading the PDP take them to be. Maybe that’s the PDP’S greatest reasons for failure to care for them like they should.

This will fight back in no distant time for…. -When a child stretches his neck too much to see beyond the limits, his heart must be ready in willingness for what the eyes could see in return~

A stand for Buhari is a stand against those numerous certificate leaders that held Nigeria ransom for 16years, using their certificates IQs to ruin our economy by privatizing our common industries to themselves like the Telecom and our Otta farms, Hilltops and many more, rendering many Nigerians jobless in the process.

A stand for Buhari is a stand against the returns of the clusters that drove Nigeria into the mess She face today and handed to Buhari to take the blames.

A stand for Buhari is a stand for continuity of our common infrastructural projects, abandoned by past administrations, which the most educated Presidents never saw needs for projects continuity as solutions to our economy boost.

A stand for Buhari is a stand for an almost successful diversification of our economy as the agricultural sectors and solid minerals are re positioning our economy.

To My President, Muhammadu Buhari….

They can only make you tougher, they can’t swallow you, for irrespective of your stature, the people behind you are so robust, large and intelligent that they can not be deceived for darkness has no meeting points with light. Light must come significant as darkness flees…

Your transparency is the BEST ever experienced in our democratic bowels of history.

Your emergence as Nigeria President has brought more youths to participating in politics, looking beyond the ordinary and of a truth, there’re more to what the eyes could see, that is revealed. Many may not admit publicly based on selfish desires but inside their hearts, there is no deceit about this fact.

Standing with you is a choice but be rest assured, victory shall resound and you must remember you have lots to attend to in the next coming years before the breeze of leadership, be felt and contested in the South East come 2023….

To destroy they say, is easier than to build, plus corruption fighting back, 4years is not measurable to the destructions of 16years.

Common sense remains the judge in this regards as we continually Keep Hopes Alive….

Bernard Ogbe
A Political Activist And Seasonal Writer
bernardogbe@gmail.com
08116581238

THE ABIA EPISODE OF APGA SAGA- By Authority Michael Ukpabi

APGA would have averted the current national ignominy if it’s National Leadership has a modicum Of respect for the rule of law, due process, and provision of the party’s constitution.
The case in Abia can be considered even more severe with an in-depth investigation into the marrow of the matter. The actions of the NWC can be described a castle built in the air and an effort in futility.

It will be recalled that on September 25th 2018, an Abia State high court sitting in Umuahia, the state capital, granted an order sacking all executives of the Abia State chapter of APGA.
The affected bodies were, ward, local government Area and state Executives of the party.
Beyond that, the court presided over by Hon. Justice C. U. Okoroafor, reinstated Barrister Prince Nnanna Ukaegbu, to the position of the state chairman of the party.

The court further restrained APGA agents, party men, servants, privies, any other person or persons acting on their behest from implementing or giving effect to all decisions, directives and activities pertaining to the running of the affairs of APGA in Abia State,taken or reached at without the participation or involvement of Prince Nnanna Ukaegbu as the state party chairman.

But In clear defiance of the ruling of the Abia State High court of September 25, the National Leadership Of the Party conspired with a faction of the party in the state led by the ousted chairman one Mr Augustine Ehiemere, and presented Mr Otti and other candidates for the 2019 general election.

Nevertheless, Prince Ukaegbu has maintained that only candidates that emerged from the primaries conducted by the state chapter of the party currently recognized by the judiciary and led by Him is eligible under the law to present candidates to INEC.
During one of his briefing he explained that
When two contending sides of a Political party are struggling over the leadership of the party, they are called factions, but when you have a judicial pronouncement in favor of one of the factions, it now becomes the mainstream and authentic structure of the party. He emphasized that the party now have a judicial pronouncement on its leadership in Abia State, and that is now the law.

It is clear that a judicial pronouncement from a court of competent jurisdiction and under the 1999 constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria (as amended) is part of the law, and once they is a judicial pronouncement it becomes a law until it’s set aside.
Party Chieftains and observers have recognizes the APGA in Abia State headed by Prince Onapuruagu Nnanna Ukaegbu as the mainstream structure of the party, while the other group can be referred to as a faction of APGA.
The implication of this is that the claims of Alex Otti and the meeting that produced him is an effort in futility and will not change until a lower court sets aside the ruling of the lower court.
The authentic and legitimately recognized Governorship candidate of APGA in Abia State is Sir Chikwe Udensi who emerged winner in the election conducted by the genuine APGA chairman Prince Nnanna Ukaegbu where Sir Udensi defeated Alex Otti with a landslide margin.
SOON, Justice will rule over injustice. That the National Leadership disobeyed the ruling of the court does not erase the law.

We are confident in the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure that issues arising from the just concluded party primary elections are properly addressed.

INEC isn’t APGA and will obey any court order in prospect to substitute nor replace any candidate.
I STAND WITH SIR CHIKWE UDENSI..