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Tag: Abia State

  • Police officer shoots colleague during an argument in Abia state

    Police officer shoots colleague during an argument in Abia state

    A Police inspector attached to Abia State House of Assembly member representing Isiala Ngwa North State Constituency, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, has shot his colleague, a fellow inspector dead, in a heated argument in Umuahia, Abia state.

    Geoffrey Ogbonna, the Abia state police spokesperson who confirmed the incident said, the victim, Inspector Ugwor Samuel, was shot dead by his colleague, Inspector Atule Benedict, both from SPU base 15, Anambra State, but attached to Hon. Onwusibe. It was gathered that the shooting to death followed an altercation between the two policemen over an undisclosed issue.

    A source revealed that after the incident, efforts to disarm the assailant police inspector, who was said to have gone berserk, threatening to kill anybody who came his way as he fled, failed. The source further hinted that the suspect escaped with his AK-47 rifle to an unknown destination, but later handed himself over to the SCID Umuahia, where he is being detained.

    The police spokesperson added that the erring policeman is now in custody while the deceased body has been deposited in the morgue. He said the case was under investigation by state CID Umuahia.

  • Flood: Ikpeazu assures Abia residents of emergency intervention

    Flood: Ikpeazu assures Abia residents of emergency intervention

    Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, has assured residents of Aba of government’s determination to embark on emergency remedial works at the gully erosion site when the rains recede.

    Ikpeazu said the Abia government would not wait for the Federal Government’s intervention through the Ecological office to save the people from perishing in the erosion.

    The governor made the promise on Friday when he visited the site of the gully erosion menacing the residents of Ovom Street, in Ogbor Hill, Aba.

    Ikpeazu, while inspecting the erosion site, expressed deep concern at the extent of the destruction and thanked God that no life was lost in the landslide that developed into the gully erosion.

    The governor expressed regrets that natural water paths in the area had been converted and houses built on them thereby subjecting the areas to additional pressure.

    Ikpeazu noted that the scale of the incident was clearly beyond what the state government could handle effectively.

    He pledged to send a definite emergency request to the Federal Government through the Ecological Office in the Presidency which was established to deal with such issues.

    The governor advised the people living around the area to relocate to avoid aggravating the situation.

    Ikpeazu was met at the site and taken round by the Member representing Aba Central State Constituency at the House of Assembly, Mr Abraham Oba.

    Abia Commissioner for Environment, Mr Sam Nwogu, a lawyer and Prince Ogbonna, a former Executive Chairman of Aba North LGA, were among those who accompanied the governor to the site.

  • NFF: Abia state governor, Ikpeazu celebrates Felix Anyansi-Agwu

    NFF: Abia state governor, Ikpeazu celebrates Felix Anyansi-Agwu

    Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has described the election of Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu as 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation as a “well-deserved recognition” of the latter’s years of dedication to the development of football, especially in Abia State through two-time CAF Champions League winners Enyimba FC.

    Anyansi-Agwu, under whose chairmanship Enyimba FC have won dozens of trophies nationally and on the African continent, was on Friday elected 1st Vice President of NFF at the Elective General Assembly in Benin City. The self-effacing administrator had served three consecutive terms as Member of NFF Executive Board.

    “On behalf of the good people of Abia State, I congratulate you and also want to assure you and the new NFF Board of our constant support. Nigerians are religious about football and everybody wants to see you succeed, so I wish you and the new Board the very best as you work towards returning Nigeria Football to where it belongs,” added Governor Ikpeazu.

    In his response, Anyansi-Agwu said his emergence as Vice President is a great thing “not just for me, but for Abia State and the entire South East.”

  • 24-year-old final year quintuplets mother begs govt for support

    24-year-old final year quintuplets mother begs govt for support

    A 24- year old final year student of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture in Umudike, Abia State, Oluomachi Nwojo, has delivered a set of quintuplets.

    The student of Environmental Management, a native of Abriba in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State, delivered the babies at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia through caesarean section.

    Oluomachi had two baby boys and three girls.

    Speaking, the final-year student expressed happiness at the delivery of her babies, describing it as a wonderful experience.

    She said: “This is my first delivery and I am grateful to God for making me a partaker of this wonderful blessing.

    “I believe God knows the best for my children; I am feeling fine and gradually recuperating from the birth of my babies.

    “I am calling on the government and good-spirited individuals to help me in training the babies because I cannot carry the burden alone.

    “At this stage, I need assistance to buy milk and other necessities for the babies.”

    The Director of Protocol at the hospital, Darlington Madubuko, said the delivery of the quintuplets was the first of multiple deliveries at the facility.

    “The hospital records more than 50 multiple births annually and our staff are well trained to successfully handle such cases.

    “We have had quadruplets before now, but this is the first time the hospital is recording the birth of quintuplets in the recent past.

    “The two male babies are in the neonatal unit of the hospital receiving treatment and the three female babies are with their mother in the postnatal ward,” Madubuko said.

  • BREAKING: NBTE restores Abia State Polytechnic’s accreditation

    BREAKING: NBTE restores Abia State Polytechnic’s accreditation

    The accreditation of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Abia State has been restored by the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Barr Eze Chikamnayo, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

    According to Barr Chikamnayo, the restoration of Abia State Polytechnic’s accreditation by the NBTE was made possible by the intervention of the State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.

    Recall that a few weeks ago, the accreditation of Abia State Polytechnic Aba was withdrawn by the NBTE in curious and controversial circumstances. The development was greeted with outrage and sadness by the people of the State.

    “Consequently, His Excellency, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu rose to the occasion propelled by the fact that the welfare of our citizens has always been of utmost concern to his administration beyond all other legalistic consideration .

    “We are, therefore , happy to announce that the accreditation of Abia State Polytechnic, Aba has been restored by the National Board of Technical Education ,NBTE owing to gallant efforts of our Dear Governor,” Chikamnayo stated.

    According to the Commissioner, the achievement was made possible by the provision of N450 million by the State Government to bail out the institution, and also by the immediate adoption of far-reaching reforms aimed at establishing sustainable growth and best practices in the institution.

  • Gov Ikpeazu to release N30m for Asa Electricity Project

    Gov Ikpeazu to release N30m for Asa Electricity Project

    Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia on Wednesday said he would immediately release N30 million to Ukwa West Local Government Area for Asa Electricity Project he earlier promised.

    Newsmen reports that this was contained in a statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka, issued in Aba.
    The governor disclosed this during a meeting with leaders of Ukwa West LGA who paid him a solidarity visit in Aba.

    Ikpeazu said the money would hit their bank account immediately the meeting ended on Wednesday.
    He challenged them to ensure the project’s delivery before the end of September, to ensure Ukwa West LGA residents have their own dedicated source of electricity.

    Ikpeazu also announced that he had released funds to the contractor handling the Uratta – Umuozuo – Umuekechi – Obokwe – Ugwati road.
    The governor told them that the first phase of the project, which covered Uratta to Umuekechi, had been completed.

    He said the second phase of the project from Umuekechi to Ugwati would commence from Aug. 22, promising that the work would not stop until completion.

    He, therefore, tasked the people of the area to own the project and cooperate with the contractor.
    Ikpeazu also assured the LGA that government would soon announce the appointment of its indigene as the substantive Chairman of Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC).

    He told the delegation that he delayed the appointment to ensure that all issues surrounding the matter were properly addressed before the announcement.

    He reiterated that Asa sons and daughters must be the only ones to be appointed Chairman of ASOPADEC and tasked them to support whoever is eventually appointed.

    Ikpeazu told them that Enyimba Economic City Project remained the most audacious economic development project in the entire South East of Nigeria.

    He said that Afrexim Bank had invested $150 million into the project while the Federal Government handed the management of its 20 per cent equity holding in the project through the Sovereign Wealth Fund.

    The governor said another crucial meeting on the project would hold in Barbados soon where he would require an indigene of Ukwa West to accompany him.

    He urged the leaders and people of Ukwa West to remain steadfast in their support for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and vote for the it in 2023 elections.

    The leader of the delegation, Chief Don Ubani, told the governor that the people of Ukwa West LGA were fully behind the PDP in the 2023 elections.

    He thanked Ikpeazu for the release of the funds for the Asa Electricity Project and assured him that the funds would be judiciously used for quick completion of the project.

    He told the governor that Asa people had adopted him as their sole candidate for the Senatorial seat in 2023.
    He also said a motion for that was moved by the member representing Ukwa West State Constituency at the State Assembly, Mr Goddy Adiele.

    Those present at the meeting were the Executive Chairman of Ukwa West LGA, Chief Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Environment, Mr Sam Nwogu, and Mr Chinedum Elechi.

    Others who were part of the delegation includes Mr Ralph Egbu, Mr Tony Mezie – Nwaubani and Mr Henry Chilaka.

  • Abia: APGA Guber Candidate picks lawmaker as running mate

    Abia: APGA Guber Candidate picks lawmaker as running mate

    Prof. Greg Ibe, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Gubernatorial Candidate in Abia, has picked a lawmaker in the state, Mr Obinna Ichita, as his running mate.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Prof. Gregory Ibe Media Associates (ProGIMA) and made available to newsmen in Umuahia on Monday.

    ProGIMA stated that Ichita emerged after “an extensive, rigorous and painstaking screening” by the party.

    It explained that he was chosen from the shortlist of three eminently qualified Abia persons.

    “In arriving at the choice of Ichita, the party adhered strictly to existing guidelines, protocols, due process and ground rules.

    The statement added that he became the favourite because of “his enduring membership of APGA even during turbulent periods”.

    Other factors included Ichita’s “sterling performance” as APGA leader in the house, public acceptability and grassroots support, amongst others.

    “It is believed that he will bring his vast legislative experience to bear on the ticket,” ProGIMA stated.

    It also hoped that the legislator would blend with “Ibe’s robust background in business, academia and international diplomacy to reposition Abia”.

    Ichita is a two-term member of the house, representing Aba South constituency. He has consistently championed the cause of good governance in the state.

  • Kelvin Ugboajah, Abia APC senatorial aspirant is dead

    Kelvin Ugboajah, Abia APC senatorial aspirant is dead

    The All Progressive Congress, Abia Central  Senatorial aspirant, in Abia state, Hon Kelvin Ugboajah, has been confirmed dead.

    The senatorial aspirant gave up the ghost in the early hours of Saturday, July 11, 2022 after a brief illness,

    Meanwhile, his death was announced  on Tuesday via an official statement signed and released by Late Ugboajah’s family Ariam Usaka Oboro clab in Ikwuano Local Government Area of the State.

    The late politician, Hon Kelvin Ugboajah, was a lawyer, and had served twice as Abia State Commissioner of Works, and Lands during the administration of former Governor Orji Uzor Kalu.

    Kelvin Ugboajah was a former Executive Chairman of Ikwuano Local Government Area of the State, and also ran for the House of Representatives seat for Ikwuano/Umuahia federal Constituency seat under the All Progressive Congress, during the 2019 general election.

    Until his sudden demise, he also doubled as a member of the Board, Obafemi Awolowo Federal Teaching Hospital, Osun State.

    Meanwhile, reacting to the unfortunate death, the Action Democratic Party House of Representatives Candidate for Ikwuano/ Umuahia federal constituency seat of Abia State for the 2023 general election, Chief Paul Meregini, expressed sadness.

    In a condolence message issued to newsmen on Tuesday, in Umuahia, the Abia capital, Chief Meregini, who recalled his political relationship with the deceased, described Late Ugboaja as a patriot, genuine political leader and committed democrat whom during his era as the executive chairman of Ikwuano Local Government Area, demonstrated uncommon leadership.

    “Ugboajah played inclusive and development-oriented politics which endeared his party members and people to him until his demise. He was a team player who was only concerned in what will benefit the people and was never sentimental to issues concerning the development of Abia, southeast and Nigeria as a whole,” he said.

  • OSINACHI BURIAL: Late gospel singer finally laid to rest (PHOTOS)

    Amidst tears, the remains of the late Ekwueme singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu, have arrived in her hometown in Amakpoke Umuaku community, Abia State (around 12:00pm.) for burial.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Osinachi, who died on April 8, 2022, allegedly suffered domestic violence prior to her death.

     

    Until her death, Osinachi, who sang the popular song ‘Ekwueme’, was a chorister at the headquarters of the Dunamis International Gospel Center in Abuja.

     

    The burial rites of late gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu, commenced on Tuesday.

     

    Prior to the final internment today (Saturday), a night of worship was held in Abuja on Thursday, June 23 while a Night of Prayer was also held in Isochi, Umunoci in Abia state yesterday, June 24.

    Late Osinachi Nwachukwu

     

    Family members of Osinachi accused her husband, Peter Nwachukwu, of domestic violence, leading to her death.

     

    However, the husband of the late Ekwueme crooner denied brutalizing Osinachi to death, stressing that she died of lung cancer.

     

    Following the allegations against Nwachukwu, the police had arrested him and was charged for allegedly committing the crime that contravenes Sections 104 and 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA) 2015, Section 221 of the Penal Code and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) 2015.

     

    Speaking at a High Court in Abuja, where he was arraigned, Nwachukwu said he never hit the deceased singer.

     

    “Let me tell the whole world, I have suffered a lot. I have been abandoned. What killed my wife was cancer of the lungs, I didn’t hit my wife.

     

    “Cancer of the lungs killed my wife, Osinachi Nwachukwu, so I’m suffering for what I do not know, “ he spoke while being moved from the courtroom.

     

    Nwachukwu was accused of killing his wife following domestic violence he subjected her to while she was alive.

     

    To this end, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, had arraigned Nwachukwu on a 23-count charge bordering on domestic violence and homicide.

    Peter Nwachukwu in court

     

    The Abuja National Hospital had performed an autopsy on Osinachi but the result was handed over to the police.

     

    Meanwhile, the court had remanded Nwachukwu in Kuje Correctional Facility till the end of the trial.

     

    See photos below:

    Osinachi Osinachi

  • 2023: Methodist bishop emerges Abia ADC Guber Candidate

    Bishop Sunday Onuoha of the Methodist Church Nigeria on Saturday emerged as the Governorship Candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) for the 2023 general elections in Abia.

    Onuoha polled 330 votes to defeat his rival, Mr Otisi Ukiwe.

    The 41-year-old son of the former Military Vice President, Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe (rtd.), polled 160 votes.

    The Returning Officer, Mr Nkem Ukandu, who declared the result, returned the cleric as the duly elected Governorship Candidate of the party.

    In a post-election speech, Onuoha congratulated Otisi for being part of the contest.

    He promised to run an all-inclusive government, if elected.

    He said that his emergence marked a new beginning for Abia.

    “Abia people have spoken this night. They said they want a man of integrity, honesty and vision to lead them.

    “They said they want a paradigm shift and I hereby offer myself to serve,” the clergyman said.

    The exercise, which took place at Kolpin Society, Umuahia under heavy presence of security operatives, was hitch-free.

    It attracted an unprecedented number of Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) from across party lines.

    Meanwhile, the state President of the Joint National Association of PWDs, Mr Wisdom Kalu, in an interview said that they came to show solidarity to the clergyman.

    Kalu said: “All our members are here to show solidarity to the bishop, in spite of our party affiliations

    “Only 76 members of our association, who are card-carrying members of ADC, voted as party delegates

    “What you are seeing today is a reward to the bishop, who has never stopped to show us love and care, even when others abandoned us.

    “For us, this is a pay back time.”

    Another member of the association, Mr Chukwuemeka Anyim, said he was happy and excited over the cleric’s victory.

    Anyim said that he was also happy because “this is the first time PWDs in Abia would participate in the primary election of any political party in the state”.

    Anyim, therefore, urged other parties to emulate ADC by involving PWDs actively in their activities.