Orji Uzor Kalu Campaigns Against PDP in South West

The former Abia governor says there is no need to replace both governors with PDP candidates because they have delivered on their promise.

Governor-Kayode-Fayemi-and-Dr.-Orji-Kalu

Despite his controversial membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, a former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu has openly thrown his weight behind the re-election of two All Progressives Congress, APC, governors.
Within one week, Mr. Kalu visited Governors Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State and Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State during which he asked the indigenes of the states to return the governors because of their excellent performances.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has fixed the Ekiti State governorship election for June 21 and that of Osun State for August 9.

Both governors have been adopted as candidates of the APC in both states at separate events Saturday.
Mr. Kalu’s endorsement of Mr. Aregbesola appeared particularly shocking as he did so the same day (April 5) the PDP primary election was holding in Osun State.
A former deputy governor of the state, Iyiola Omisore, emerged the governorship candidate of the PDP, beating Olasunkanmi Akinlabi, a former senator and Oluwole Oke, a former member of the House of Representatives in the contest.
While attending the 15th edition of the Walk of Love in Ipetumodu, Osun State, Mr. Kalu said though he was a friend to both Messrs Aregbesola and Omisore, there was no need to replace the governor because he had worked for the people of the state.
“I am a statesman and PDP man. I made a promise a month ago to honour this Walk to Love event,” the former governor said.
“Omisore is a personal friend of mine. Aregbesola is my friend as well. Governor Aregbesola has worked for the people of Osun. You don’t need to change a winning team. I also wish to express my support for our president, he is trying.
Let’s pray for President Jonathan and let’s pray for Aregbesola.

“I want to thank the governor for making today’s Walk Exercise in a way I have never done before. Governor Aregbesola has done well. I am not here on party basis. I am a bonafide member of my Party (PDP). When someone has worked, we should learn to recognise performance in Nigeria. Governor Aregbesola has worked.”
“There are few Governors that can walk as we have walked today, without pure water being thrown at them. If what I have seen today is a test of popularity, then Aregbesola is indeed popular. God Bless you!”
While visiting Mr. Fayemi at the governor’s official residence last Wednesday, Mr. Kalu asked the people of Ekiti State to rally round him (Fayemi) because he had delivered on the promises to them.
He said he was impressed by the diligence and commitment with which Mr. Fayemi delivered the dividends of democracy to the people and that he had got reports from the people that the governor was doing well.
The former governor said Mr. Fayemi had provided the people access to good roads, quality education and health among others, in his developmental agenda.
“Ekiti people should rally round the governor,” Mr. Kalu said. “According to what Ekiti people said, the governor has done very well. He has put in the mechanism and software for the job. Everything will not come in one day. You will start from somewhere and operate it.
“He is giving them access to good roads, access to education and health and there is no doubt that I have been impressed since I have gone through the southwest based on what I saw on ground.”
The former governor, who said he was on tour of the country to preach national unity, stated that though he was sure the PDP would battle Mr. Fayemi in the election, he was convinced the governor would win.
While describing the position of governor as a burden of service, Mr. Kalu asked all the parties in the contest to play politics with decency and honour and avoid shedding of blood in the coming elections.
According to him, all hands must be on deck to ensure the survival of the country’s democracy.
The former governor advocated a two-party system, saying that this would further strengthen democracy and give it more meaning.
Earlier, Mr. Fayemi had lauded Mr. Kalu for the patriotic step he was taking towards the sustenance of the unity of Nigeria. He said the step transcended political and religious affiliations.
He assured that he would never engage in the politics of bitterness even though people would want to take sides during elections.
He stressed that his administration would never mix politics and governance as he was committed to banishing poverty from the State.
It is not clear if the PDP will sanction Mr. Kalu for campaigning for candidates of another party as his action amounts to anti-party activity.
According to Section 58 (1) (g) of the PDP constitution, anti-party activity is a punishable offence. Section 59 also listed the sanctions to include reprimand, censure, fine, suspension, debarment from holding party office, removal from office and expulsion from the party.
The PDP spokesperson, Olisa Metuh could not be reached for comments. Repeated calls by PREMIUM TIMES to his mobile telephone lines for three days did not go through.
Mr. Kalu returned to the PDP last year in controversial circumstances after about six years of leaving the party.
Although he ruled Abia State between 1999 and 2007 on the ticket the PDP, shortly before he left office he floated the Progressives Peoples Alliance, PPA, which eventually won the governorships of Imo and Abia States in the 2007 election.
The PPA began to wane after the 2007 polls as some of its chieftains began returned to the PDP. Mr. Kalu contested the Abia North senatorial election on the platform of the PPA in 2011, but lost to Uche Chukwumerije of the PDP.

How OUK denied us Fayemi and Aregbesola

The Governors of Ekiti and Osun states, Mr kayode Fayemi and Rauf Aregbesola have 
condemned the denial of ex Gov of Abia Uzor Kalu that he never endorsed them ahead of
 their elections few months ahead. Kalu recently in his Sun Newspapers denied endorsing
 these APC Governors during his courtesy calls to them. The APC Governors after their
 state congresses last saturday lampooned OUK for such denial which shows that he is 
not a man of integrity. It was learnt that these APC Govs who have been using 
Kalus open endorsement to campaign are worried that Kalu could turn around to deny 
what he said, that was shown on AIT, NTA Channels and even reported on his papers the
 sun and telegraphs with front page pictures. It was learnt that while fayemi said 
that kalu who came to lobby him to come into APC is a political leper, Aregbesola said 
he will advertise Kalus visit on one national daily to prove Kalu wrong

Former Gov of Abia is set to become a Muslim

Barring any last minute change of mind it has been confirmed that former Gov of Abia

 is set to become a Muslim so as to be accepted into APC. An impeccable source hinted

 that Kalu who met with some northern APC governors was given the option which kalu 

gladly accepted. These governors made it known to kalu that since APC is dominated by

 Muslim it will be easier to convince Tinubu who is a Muslim to accept the 

former Abia gov into their fold kalu was further reminded that since PDP has rejected

 him, its better he changed his religion, a dev that may appeal to Tinubu to soften 

his stance on OUK.  Kalu who our source said is desperate to join APC however confided 

in one of his close associates that he is ready to convert to Islam to get what he

 wants, insisting that he has been humiliated by PDP.

 

 "Afterall I can always change to christianity when I get what I want, 

this people don't know , I'm a gamji man"

Police Arrest Notorious Armed Robber In Aba

The police in Aba, Abia state have arrested a notorious armed robber who leads a robbery gang terrorizing residents of the commercial city.

The robbery kingpin identified as Christian Anorue alias ‘Africa’ was arrested along Ngwa road, Aba by policemen from Ndiegoro Division in Aba South council area who were on routine patrol in the area.

As at the time of filing this report, Anorue is said to have made confessional statements to the police. He is believed to be behind the February 26 raid of a commercial warehouse at 185 Hospital road, Aba where over N2million was stolen by his gang before policemen over ran them and recovered the money.

Public Relations Officer of the Abia state police command, ASP Geoffrey Ogbonna who confirmed the incident in a telephone interview with our correspondent stated that Anorue had been on the wanted list of police in the state after he escaped police arrest during a robbery incident with his gang.

According to him, “Anorue is a notorious armed robber and kidnapper whose gang has been terrorizing Aba residents. He has been on police wanted list after he escaped police arrest on the day he and his group were robbed various warehouses in Aba using tricycle. Most members of his gang had already been arrested and are remanded in prison.”

New Eye Centre in Umuahia Abia State

 Gov. T.A. Orji Ochendo built over 250 Primary healthcare Centres bringing the PHCs to 710 in Abia State , two Diagnostic centres Umuahia & Aba, 9 (100) bed General Hospitals across the 3 Senatorial Districts, a new Dialysis Centre, massive expansion work going on at the Abia State Teaching Hospital Aba, Chest Clinic at Amachara (PPP), Pediatric Clinic & Emergency Centre at Amachara and today, a brand New Eye Centre has been commissioned by H.E T.A Orji. Ochendo is excellently safeguarding the health of Abians. According to our Governor, he will also like to be remembered as a Governor that Governed healthy people. For us in Abia State, Healthcare is a priority and the ECentre is indeed a very value added project

ORJI KALU AND HIS ATTACK ON ABIA STATE

The former governor of Abia State Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu will not stop using Sun newspaper and his aids to attack the office and person of the Executive Governor of the state, His Excellency, Chief T. A Orji, Ochendo Global. This is even when it is confirmed that the sun Newspaper was established with Abia State funds and the printing machines meant for the Abia Newspapers publishing company, publishers of Ambassador Newspapers.

In his latest attack, Kalu used a certain Ebere Wabara, Who has no home, to attack the Governor and his son who is happily married and living in Umuahia. First, Wabara, according to our sources, hails from Ukwa East local government area of Abia state. His tiny village, Umuogo, our sources reveal, was burnt down some years ago when they brutally murdered five police men in cold blood.

Before the incident, Wabara, the powerful media advisor to Kalu, had not visited his village for over 15years.

Wabara is married to a woman from isialangwa south local government area where he built a house for himself and his immediate family. So, why can’t Ebere Wabara build a house at Umuogo? Why has he not gone to his native village for over 15 years? The answer is simple. Ebere Wabara committed an abomination and his father disowned him, banned him from entering his compound and cursed him for life. Details in another piece. He is under the influence of that curse. And he can only work with those that are under curse. Like Orji Uzor Kalu who was cursed by his ‘ real father’ Johnson Nsiegbe. Ebere Wabara’s father cursed him that he will be wandering till death. Ebere was practicing journalist, resigned from journalism and went into banking. Today, he is back into journalism and media advisor to Kalu.When Ebere’s cousin, Chief Adolf Wabara was in the senate, Kalu used him to write all manners of stories against the Senator. How can Ebere Wabara, who has not been to his village for over 15 years know what is happening in Abia State? When did he visit Abia State last?

Ebere said that ‘ anyone interested in development should take a trip to Abia state and see the level of dilapidation, especially in the major cities’.There are two major cities in Abia state.They are Umuahia and Aba. Governor Orji has tarred numerous roads in umuahia, built the new secretariat complex, built international conference centre, built a permanent government house, built the Dialysis centre, the mecure, the Amachara specialist hospital, high court complexes, the skill acquisition centres, thee library, two new markets...Industrial markets police and army lodges and the street lights are functioning. And more. Ebere should go to umuahia and verify these things. In his next sucide mission, he should tell Abians why kalu did not build any single structure in umuahia for good eight solid years which many now describe as eight years of locusts.

In Abia, Governor Orji has embarked on massive road construction. The roads include Ukwu mango road, Ikot Ekpene road, Aba- Owerri road, Faulks road, Ngwa road, Azikiwe road, and other roads. Work is going on on other roads. How about the new High court complex built by Ochendo in Aba?

The major problem in Aba is the blockage of the drainages. These drainages are being opened up.

A few years ago, kidnapping and armed robbery were the order of the day in Aba.

Today, kidnapping and armed robbery are things of the past in Aba. Is Ebere Wabara reading?

Let it be included here that the kidnapping in Abia state was sponsored by kalu and his mother, Eunice uzor kalu. Eunice had the effrontery to order Governor Orji to giver her security contract so she could call the kidnappers to order. But the Governor refused, arguing that a woman in her class has no knowledge of how to handle security matters. Kalu’s mother went wild.

She latter changed her mind and asked her second son, Nnanna, to get the security contract from the Governor. The governor gave Nnanna who was in the House of Representatives for years without moving a motion, the sum of N500 million as mobilization for security contract. Nnanna took the money to kalu and Eunice and three of them shared it and kidnapping continued. Until T .A Orji decided to take the bull by the horn and kidnapping disappeared? Is Ebere Wabara listening?

In Aba also, Governor Orji started the street projects. But Mother Excellency kicked against it. Her reason was that the governor should not try to overshine his son by such projects. Kalu, Eunice, Ebere is it not so? Ebere Wabara, to satisfy his paymaster, did not spare the son of the Governor, Engineer Chinedum Orji, Ikuku. He described him as power drunk, that he is assisted by jobless elders to run the state and that his word is law. Something must have gone wrong with Ebere Wabara, perhaps he is suffering from the curse placed on him by his late father. In Abia State, Ikuku does not attend government functions. In Abia state, Ikuku is not seen in any office in government house. In Abia state, those who have his phone number say he hardly puts his phone on. So how does he run the government when nobody sees him both at government functions and government house?

It is on record that most, if not all the governor’s appointees have never come in contact with Ikuku. What Abians, genuine Abians, Abians who are not under any curse know is Ikuku pleaded with the father to include the youth in his administration. And the father did just that, hence the Abia state youth empowerment programme, which has seen many Abia youths become car owners. Many of them have been trained in various skills. Where were Nnanna and Mascot when kalu was Governor? They were there in government house, daily, making the state and political appointees.

Our dear Ebere Wabara should be reminded, if the curse placed on him by his father has not affected his medullar oblongata, that Mrs. Eunice Uzor Kalu cleared every political appointee under his paymaster, kalu. He must also pay a specific amount of money. Most, if not all these appointees were workers in the kalu’s private offices. After the appointee was cleared, he was taken to Okija shrine to take oath of allegiance. All elected chairmen and councilors under kalu were also taken to Okija shrine for oath taking. They would gather at Enitona hotel, Aba, from where a notorious Godwin Duru would taken them through Mbaise villages, Owerri streets, Orlu town, before moving in to Okija. Whereas kalu’s mother was busy milking the state, Ochendo’s wife, Mrs. Marcy Odochi Orji and Ikuku are busy empowering Abians. Mrs. Odochi Orji has empowered over 50,000 widows and indigent persons in Abia state. How many did Eunice empower? Killing freely was the order of the day in Abia state under Orji Uzor Kalu. Ebere should ask Kalu to tell him who killed Chukwudozie Nwachukwu, 29, and Okechukwu Maduekwe, 27 two young and promising Ubakala boys at the safari Restaurant and Business centre, 99 Azikiwe Road, Umuahia. By way of expo, the two young men were killed when Kalu wanted to kill the owner of the school certificate he is parading, because the young man threatened to expose him. But he ended up killing two innocent persons. Ebere Wabara must have been to Igbere before. He should ask Kalu who killed Eze Ukaegbu of Igbere. Ebere Wabara hasn’t told the public how many people that governor Orji has killed. There are others that the kalus killed that we will mention their names in our next edition. Is Ebere Wabara not aware that kalu’s first wife, Ifeoma, became mental while addressing women at the saint Michael cathedral, Aba? And that it is common knowledge that Eunice Kalu inflicted the madness on her. Are these not parts of kalu’s fame and credibility?

Ebere Wabara forgot to mention one single structure built by kalu for eight years. Just mention one. Tell Nigerians just one thing, not two, that kalu achieved for eight years. Because Kalu’s credibility and fame cannot reach high heavens without one single structure attended to his eight years reign in Abia state. We remember he achieved a Toronto degree certificate from the Abia state University, Uturu. Ebere should ask kalu how he earned this Toronto degree certificate and what happened to the fake document today. Ebere is old enough to know the story of a certain Igbo man who packed papers in a carton and donated to the university of Maiduguri in the name of cash. That Igbo man is Orji Uzor Kalu. Is Ebere taking note? Is Ebere still talking about credibility and fame for Kalu?

Yes, the president of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Gary Nnachi Enwo- Igariwey went to kalu and told him to drop his ‘ presidential’ ambition for 2015. That is what we read in the papers. Two things: it is either kalu organized the visit or Gary went to mock him and warn him not to allow himself to be used by the north to create crisis in the southeast. The visit also clearly shows that it is only Kalu that northerners can buy over with money or threats that if he doesn’t play the spoiler role for them, they will expose his dirty deals with him.

I am sure that Ebere was of age when Kalu contested the 2007 presidential election and came last. I am sure that Ebere was of age when kalu contested the 2011 senatorial election of Abia North and lost woefully to senator Uche Chukwumerije. Kalu did not even win in his booth at Igbere.

So, can Ebere Wabara, except he is under the influence of the curse placed on him by his father, Tell Abians, Ndigbo and Nigerians that kalu is any threat to presidential Jonathan in 2015?

I don’t know how many genuine awards that kalu won when he was G

overnor for eight years. But I know that Governor T A Orji has won over 50 genuine awards both in Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, U. A. E, the United States of America and the united kingdom. Ebere, do we count?

Also, I don’t know how many genuine awards that Nnanna, Mascot and Eunice won for eight years. But I know that IKUKU OMA Abia has won several genuine awards including the award of the pillar and hope of Nigeria youths by Imo state police community relations committee, PCRC, and the award of Media personality of the year 2013 by the independent Newspaper publishers Association, INPA, Imo state. I mention these two because they are awards from outside Abia state. They are from Imo state. Ebere Wabara, any comment? 

If Kalu is ahead of Governor Orji, it can only be on the negative side. Governor Orji has a peaceful home but Kalu has a scattered home. Governor Orji and Ikuku are graduates with verifiable degree certificates; Kalu is a school drop out who used his position as governor to force the Abia state university, uturu, to award him a Toronto degree certificate. Kalu’s mother, wife, daughter and brothers have broken marriages; Governor Orji, wife, ikuku and his sister have peaceful marriages. The Kalu’s have blood in their hands and on their heads, Governor Orji and his family have no such record. Ebere Wabara should be man enough to mention the ‘little’ achievements that Kalu and Orji recorded between 1999 and 2007. Yes little achievements. But mention just one. Or doesn’t Ebere Wabara know the means of these ‘little’ achievements recorded by kalu? How can Ebere Wabara say that kalu ferreted Orji to Abia state liaison office in Lagos and swore him in as a governor just before Nuhu Ribaadu of the Economics and financial crimes commission, EFCC? Okay, can Ebere tell Nigerians and the world the offence T.A Orji committed for which the EFCC arrested and detained him?

In case Ebere Wabara does not know, T A Orji was arrested and detained because of financial crimes committed by kalu. They wanted T. A Orji to make statements implicating kalu, but Orji refused. That was what happened. Is Ebere with me? Ebere has flair for insulting elders. He insulted his father; he insulted his elder brother who is a monarch. He insulted his cousin who was former number three citizen of Nigeria. Now he is insulting bull in government house. Has Ebere forgotten Eunice Uzor Kalu who’s was the beginning of wisdom in Abia state? Has Ebere forgotten how Mother Excellency was worshipped by every Abian who wanted any favour from the government house? Is Ebere Wabara aware that men and women had to talk to Mother Excellency kneeling down? Is Ebere Wabara Aware that men and women became slaves under Orji Uzor Kalu? Because Ebere Wabara is under curse, he can say that the likes of Dr. Anagha Ezikpe, General Ike Nwachukwu, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, Prince Vincent Ogbulafor, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, and other statesmen are jobless. But I make bold to ask Ebere: Where were these statesmen during the eight years of Orji Uzor Kalu and where are they today? If Ebere Wabara cannot answer this simple question, we will answer it for him next time.

Breaking News...APC debunked Orji Uzor Kalu's claimed APC wooing call.

APC has debunked claims by former Abia Governor, Orji Uzor kalu that the party is wooing him to join its fold. A credible source in the party hierarchy maintained that APC did not send Atiku to go and speak with kalu on any issue concerning the Party. Atiku and kalu he said may have met on their business interest.

APC insisted that it barred kalu from joining the Party earlier when Kalu approached Bola Tinubu.  Kalu is an expired politician who cannot add value but crisis he added. APC urged his faithful in Abia State to disregard such story coming from Kalu.

The Party urged kalu to rebuild his PPA since PDP has equally rejected him.

Our source noted that kalu is terrible, as he wants to use his meeting with Atiku to showcase falsehood, which is his style. APC has already warned kalu who it described as a political leper not to use its name to seek for relevance. 

It would be recalled that in his usual style Orji Uzor Kalu abused Atiku recently calling him all sorts of name a situation that forced Atiku to described kalu as a political imbecile.

Abia State: Orji Uzor Kalu Should Be Rearrested

Orji Uzor Kalu enjoying the riches earned from the collective treasury of Abia State

While tin foil conspiracies and loaded injustices trade places with piety and justice the likes of the former governor of Abia state in the person of Orji Uzor Kalu [OUK] continues in the shame less gloat of ill-gotten gangsterism and simple inhumane greed for the mere satisfaction of a childish ego.

Orji Uzor Kalu’s coming to the scene in Abia state saw mischief of the doorsteps of every decent citizen of the beloved state in his 8 years as governor of the state he sought it unnecessary to develop certain aspects of what to build or develop a befitting state capital. Rather he sought to parade himself as an empty netted vessel around the hallow praises of chartered journalists and yeoman.

Orji Uzor Kalu in his his water sport vehicle – earned from the collective treasury of Abia State

In OUK’s 8years as the governor of Abia State, he collected a little over N500billion from the federated state accounts as state allocations. With the said amount, he was able to achieve many fete. He was able to erect a greed-ridden mansion at his home country village of Igbere – of the type never witnessed in Abia State. He was able to revamp his Sun Newspaper into one of the leading national dailies in Nigeria. He was able to kit up his mother from an ordinary mother to the Queen Mother of all Abians. He was able to purchase priced properties across the nation and across the world.

Adding muster to the already fermenting soup, OUK’s residence in Abuja is located across the street from the Presidential complex at the Aso Villa. He was able to use the N500billion t rebuild his ailing Sluk Airlines – to operate as a national carrier of a central African country. He was able to name the Abia State liaison office in Abuja – after himself. He egotistically named it the Orji Uzor Kalu’s house. A simple exhibition of carnal hatred for the people of his State.

Orji Uzor Kalu under arrest the EFCC for looting the Abia State treasury

Meanwhile in Abia State, the odorous leftovers of the hateful governor lingers causing a quiver to the smooth sail of the current administration. This is so partly because he was not able to utilize any part of the N500billion erect a befitting secretariat for the civil servants of Abia State – who toil daily to ensure the state remains a working state. He sought it unnecessary to erect a government house or a government lounge or a conference center.

But the OUK egotistical showmanship and nihilistic antecedents goes beyond his inability to lay the foundations upon which subsequent administrations can stand to develop and/or move the state further. Rather he actually placed himself as the major obstacle against development of the state. Acting in combination with his praise singers.

Acting in combination with praise singers who often are clothed in the regalia of pressmen and presswomen, stand to rain unmitigated insults and fabricated propaganda projectiles aimed at halting what progress the State of Abia appears to be witnessing under the leadership of Governor Theodore A. Orji. Such progress as the erection of befitting infrastructural edifice for bedrock administrative structures necessary for the smooth running of a state government – the-likes of new modern structure erected for the High Court in Umuahia, the modern structure erected for the Abia Broadcasting Station, the remodeling and modernization of selection secondary school in each of the local governments in the State, the building of three major markets in Umuahia to aid the decongestion of Umuahia – as the capital city, the erection of a world class conference center, the erection of a modern E-Library, a skill acquisition center, the erection of a befitting office complex foe the Abia State Environmental Agency, the remodeling and modernization of the numerous diagnostic centers in Umuahia to include Dialysis centers [already in the month of February 51 patients were handled at one of the centers], the erection of a comprehensive and modern Bus/Car park with lounging amenities and markets, etc.

Orji Uzor Kalu is display of ill gotten wealth belong to the treasury of the Abia State government

These seemingly progressive steps which is hoped would serve as a breath of fresh hope for the eventual betterment of Abia State for the future generation to come – appears not sit well with the former governor and his paid praise singers. They forget to see the obvious and the gains in collective achievement in moving the wheel of progress towards the generally agreed direction. Rather, they point to areas where the present governor or administration may have not touched – largely due to limited resources – as evidence that the administration has failed or is failing to perform. More often, they point to the road networks in Aba as symptomatic of the maladministration plaguing the current administration. But they forget or rather fail to realize that the former governor may have had a hand in the dilapidated nature of Aba. The former governor’s inability to develop any one of the sectors in Abia State – made it virtually impossible for any coming administration to hit the ground running. OUK failed to address the issue of Aba – he passed the buck to the Ochendo administration. And after 8 wasted years during the OUK administration, the Aba situation went from bad to worst. The road network which the OUK administration were supposed to have touched were not touched. He failed to it in Umuahia or in Aba. But his men appear to have forgotten.

This was why Governor Theodore A. Orji could not keep OUK as a political godfather. Being stripped of his godfathership position in Abia state and also Imo State, he has had difficulty finding a place to rest his shortcomings.

NIGERIA WILL PASS THROUGH THIS RED SEA by Gov. T. A Orji

The Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, has said that Nigerians must unite against evil that is currently threatening the peace of the country as the only way to overcome and pass through its red sea.
In an Easter message by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Charles Ajunwa, made available to our correspondent in Umuahia, Governor Orji said terrorist organisations always seek ways to divide communities, but those who have overcome and have been able to attain stability have done it through unity.

"They stand united against terrorism. We believe that Nigeria will overcome and this Easter presents us that opportunity to reflect on the words of our Lord Jesus Christ. Unity is devoted to by demonstrating that the teachings of Jesus Christ can be lived every day.
“This is the time that we must treat ourselves as brothers and sisters and work together to defeat the evil act of terrorism. We must stand together at all times regardless of our colours or ethnic backgrounds.
“We must uphold the unity, progress and greatness of Nigeria, even in the midst of our challenges. It is the only way we can say we are part of this country, because our souls long for its greatness.”
The statement added: “As a state we ask all citizens to lift up prayers everywhere to God for our deliverance. In our characteristics as God’s Own State, we are not relenting in praying to God for Nigeria and we want to encourage others to do likewise.
“We desire a nation where all Nigerians can move freely from one part of the country to another, where our children will not be kidnapped from schools and our women will not be Molested by the evil men.
“We have no doubt about the commitment of the leadership of this country towards ensuring a stable country with peace roundabout and the resilience of our military men has equally shown that we can overcome this evil.
“This Easter is momentous, because the love of Jesus is what has made the difference in every nation and we must do all we can to demonstrate this love to one another and to our dear country.
“If the children of Isreal can pass through the red sea in their most difficult time, Nigeria will do it also.”

Just for the record: How M K O Abiola was killed

 It is a memory that will rekindle all details that related to the elimination of the winner of June 12 1993 election, Chief MKO Abiola. Friday, 20th July, 2001 Theodore Bethnel Zadok, who for the two years preceding the chief’s death was in charge of his security and welfare in government custody stands before the Oputa Panel to reveal it all. It is more than shocking. 

Ex leader, Abdulsalam Abubakar

ABUJA — THE last moments of the late Chief M.K.O. Abiola were relived publicly for the first time yesterday by the man who should know: Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Theodore Bethnel Zadok, who for the two years preceding the chief’s death was in charge of his security and welfare in government custody.

He was testifying at the Oputa panel sitting in Abuja where former DMI boss, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo also alleged massive looting of public funds by top officials of the Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Zadok in his evidence-in-chief at the hearing of the petition by Abiola’s first son, Kola and physician, Dr. Ore Falomo, related how he was apparently handed away from Chief Abiola, and by the time he returned to him, he had been offered tea, only to die a few minutes thereafter.

Reading from a prepared text, the police officer said: “I was posted to head the detention base of Chief M. K. O. Abiola with about thirteen (13) body guards under me. and since the day I took over the duties of the detention camp of Chief M. K. O. Abiola I was responsible for collecting the sum of N800,000 (Eight Hundred Thousand Naira) quarterly from Major Hamza Al-Mustapha to the commissioner of police FCT command Abuja for his feeding. That is three times a day subject to what the wanted to eat. I also took care of his health by seeing the Doctor any time he complained of any illness. In view of this he never ate any food or drink any thing without me tasting it first before giving it to him to eat or drink.

“I always collected some money from the Chief Security Officer Major Hamza Al-Mustapha to buy toiletry fruit drinks, bedding and water.

“The Chief Security Officer Major hamza Al-Mustapha ordered me to give Chief MKO Abiola Koran and Bible for reading and I used to collect some money from the Chief Security Officer to buy some newspapers and magazines for the chief to read, and also give the chief some plain sheets for anything he might wish to write. My lord, Chief MKO Abiola never believed that I was a Security man who came to guide him but a son who came to take care of his father. I will like to support this statement with a written note written to me by Chief MKO Abiola.

“Before General Oladipo Diya’s coup attempt, Major Hamza Al-Mustapha, on the 10^th of December, 1997 ordered me to take Chief MKO Abiola to any safe place, preferably the commissioner of police guest house at Wuse. And after the said failed coup attempt Major hamza Al-Mustapha ordered me to move Chief MKO Abiola from the commissioner’s guest house to Kado Housing Estate popularly known as Jeremiah Useni Housing Estate Kado.

“On the 8^th day of June 1998 the day the Head of State General Sani Abacha died the chief Security Officer Major Hamza Al-Mustapha ordered me along with Lt. Ikilama to move Chief MKO Abiola from Kado Housing Estate to Gado Nasko Barracks and from there all the 13 body guards attached to me were withdrawn except the driver and leaving the soldiers of the Guards Brigade to take over the guard.

But I was still left behind to be bringing food to Chief MKO Abiola as usual from the police officers mess Wuse Zone 7. Chief MKO Abiola was informed of the death of General Sani Abacha and the appointment of General Abdulsalami Abubakar as the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief. he wrote letters to general Abdulsalami Abubakar and the service Chiefs gave them to me to Photostat them for him. He gave me some copies to give to Major Hamza Al-Mustapha and passed the rest to the rest to the respective owners. After the expiration of the second quarter allocation of N800,000 (Eight Hundred Thousand naira) I approached Major A. S. Aliyu Chief Security Officer to general Abdulsalami Abubakar to collect the money for the next quarter he only told me he had heard me.

Murdered for pursuing his rights as June 12 1993 election winner.

“On the day in question, the 7^th Day of July 1998 at about 11.30hrs, the Chief Security Officer to general Abdulsalami Abubakar Major A. S. Aliyu called me on the radio set, asking me to see him his office. I then proceeded in his office and he instructed me to bring Chief MKO Abiola to Aguda House for an interview to be hold by 1300 hrs.

“I then went back to the base and informed Chief MKO Abiola of the interview and he asked me whether Major Hamza Al- Mustapha was aware of the said interview, I told him didn’t know because Major Hamza Al-Mustapha was busy handing and taking over but I would see if I could locate him to inform him.

“He asked me to bring his dresses which he would wear and also asked me to give him 30 minutes to enable him get dressed. At about 1230hrs the Chief Security Officer to general Abdulsalami Abubakar Major A. S. Aliyu came to the base. To the best of my knowledge, that was the first time he knew that place, wanting to know if we were ready and I replied him almost ready. As we opened the door the Chief was already waiting for us. Together we went out and headed to Aguda House, venue of the Interview.

“Before we all left the base, chief MKO Abiola was in sound and healthy condition. He did not complain to me of any illness. About 100 metres from the door stand of the Aguda House, the controller from the control room called me on the radio set and said, I quote, “30 BRAVO your LOG I answered ALFA GOLFF UNIFORM DELTA ALFA, HOTEL. And he said MAIG SERIA GOLFF from the OSCAR FOSTRO FOSTRO OF CHALIE OSCA GOLFF SERIA you should ROMEO PAPA TANGO to see the subject INDIA MIKE MIKE I answered RECEIVED.”

Meaning 2i/c Prescort your present location. I answered Aguda House and he gave the message from the office of the Chief of General Staff and that you should see the Chief of general Staff Admiral Mike Akhigbhe immediately please and I answered noted please.

“As we arrived at the Aguda House door step, I led Chief MKO Abiola inside the house and I took permission from the Chief Security Officer to General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Major A. S. Aliyu in whose custody I left Chief MKO Abiola.

“He asked me to use his vehicle, leaving my vehicle at the door step where it was packed.

Abdul Salam Abubakar

I then took his vehicle as entrusted and left to see the Chief of General Staff Admiral Mike Akhigbe at about 1310hrs and I came back from seeing Admiral Mike Akhigbe at about 1350hrs, only to discover that my vehicle was not there at the packing spot. On arrival, I saw one of my Body Guards Sunday Pada standing by the side of the door. I asked him where they had gone. He replied me they were inside and that the Chief Security Office only sent my vehicle to Aso-Clinic and as I was about to enter the room, I met with the Chief Security Officer, Major A. S. Aliyu who told me that Chief MKO Abiola was not feeling fine and after taking a cup of tea he coughed and feel down.

“I quickly went inside and I saw Chief MKO Abiola lying on the floor facing down. I called him. for the first time he answered, and I lifted him up and turned him upside and called him again for the second time he did not answer. At that time doctor Sadiq Sani Wali from Aso Clinic arrived and about examining the chief. I told him we should rush the Chief to the clinic for proper treatment. Myself, the Chief Security Officer, Major A. S. Aliyu, Doctor Sadiq Sani Wali and the two white men standing lifted Chief MKO Abiola into my vehicle outside for onward movement to Aso-clinic.

Before getting to Aso-Clinic I saw Dr. Sadiq Sani Wali pressing his (Abiola’s) stomach up and down a kind of resuscitating him. As we arrived the clinic, Chief M.K.O. Abiola was rushed to the Emergency Room where I stood by with the doctors including the two white men and the Chief Security Officer Major Aliyu until when Dr. Sadiq Sani Wali later confirmed to us that Chief M.K.O Abiola was dead.

“We came out of the Emergency Room and the Chief Security Officer Major A. S. Aliyu phoned the villa, I heard him saying to the ADC please, connect me to the Head of State I have an important message for him. For about three minutes they continued the discussion with the Head of State while he was moving towards his vehicle outside. So I didn’t hear what he was discussing with the Head of State after the phone we both left for villa,

“The questions to ask are:

• Who gave Chief M.K.O. Abiola tea in my absence?
• Who tasted the tea before giving it to him?
• And in whose presence was the tea tested?

“The questions are for the Chief Security Officer to General Abdulsalam Abubakar; Major Aliyu to answer. And I want to testify before this Honourable Commission that on the 6^th day of July 1998 at about 2200hrs Kola Abiola the son to late Chief M.K.O. Abiola his step mother; and about three of his sisters were with their father at Aguda House until 0130hrs of 7^th July, 1998. I want to say categorically here that his father Chief M.K.O. Abiola was in a sound and healthy condition.

“Based on the statement made to the Commission by Femi Falana on the 5^th day of July 2001 that Chief M.K.O Abiola was driven from Kano State to Abuja where he said that the Chief fell inside the Black Maria four times before arriving Abuja is totally false, because to the best of my knowledge Chief M.K.O Abiola was never detained out of Abuja.

“On the 28^th day of July 1998, I collected from the Commander Brigade of Guard Gado Nasko Barracks the late Chief M.K.O Abiola’s property and handed them over to Alhaji Babagana Kingibe on the 31^st day of July, 1998 who ordered his orderly Sergeant Mustapha Gana to check, sign and collect the property from me and he Babagana Kingibe made a contact call to the family of Chief M.K.O. Abiola to come forward and collect the said property.

After his evidence-in-chief, he was then cross examined by Mr. Femi Falana.

Falana: You said you were not retired, you were not posted and yet you have been on salaries. Since when have you been receiving salary without rendering services to this station.

Zadok: Since August 1 1998 on the day the personal assistant the former Inspector General of Police Superintendent Udi informed me in the villa that two officers from force CID Lagos were in the villa and that I should submit their names at the gate for them to see my OC. I submitted their names. When they entered, they told us they were taking over from us, without any written letter.

I did not know that Major Aliu was aware of it. We were moved out of the villa without any document. Since August 1 1998 I have not worked in any police formation.

Falana: Were you close to Abiola in detention.

Zadok: Yes I was close to him.

Falana: What ailment did Abiola complained to your about?

Zadok: He complained of his high blood pressure.

Falana: You said on June 8 1998 your bodyguards were withdrawn and soldiers took over the protection of Abiola.

Zadok: Yes.

Falana: Did he write letters that you knew of while in detention?

Zadok: Yes, he wrote condolence letters to Mrs. Yar’Adua when General Yar’Adua died. Also when General Abacha died, he wrote condolence letter to Mrs. Abacha to be forwarded to General Abdulsalami Abubakar for vetting as he said two heads are better than one.

Falana: Do you know the contents of the letter?

Zadok: No, the letters were always sealed.

Falana: Is Major A.S. Aliu still in the army?

Zadok: Yes.

Falana: Were you with him when Commonwealth Sec. Gen. Emeka Anyaoku held a meeting with him?

Zadok: Yes I was there. They all took photograph together.

Falana: Had this ever happened before?

Zadok: No, it never happened before during his detention.

Falana: the photograph was to let everybody know that he was hale and hearty.

Zadok: Yes.

Falana: Was it to your knowledge that a foreigner was allowed to give food or drink to a detainee in Nigeria? (Find Out You Will Not Believe Your Eyes!!<=Story Link by NMW)

Zadok: To the best of my knowledge no foreigner had ever done this.

It was my duty to taste any food or drink before giving it to Abiola.

Falana: When Abiola was given tea to drink was the first time you never tasted anything given to Abiola to take?

Zadok: Yes it was the first time.

Falana: You normally tasted food or drink before you gave it to Abiola to prevent any harm done to your subject?

Zadok: Yes.

Falana: So, you were tricked to go and see Admiral Akhigbe?

Zadok: Maybe.

Falana: When you left Abiola with Major A.S. Aliu, you were confident that you were leaving him in the care of a competent person.

Zadok: Yes.

Falana: After his death what happened to his property he left in detention?

Zadok: I have a copy of the list of his property. I handed over his property to Ambassador Baba Gana Kingigbe who immediately called Abiola’s family to inform them that Abiola’s property were with him and they should come for them.

Falana: US official Dickering later addressed a press conference to say Abiola died of national cause.

Zadok: Yes.

Falana: Brig-Gen. Ibrahim Sabo said the day Abacha died, Bamaiyi said Abiola must also be killed is a similar way to balance equation.

Zadok: Yes, I heard it.

He was asked why he did not inquire from Major Aliu who gave tea to Abiola and he replied, “Major Aliu was the overall security office in charge of Abiola’s detention. I did not have the gut to ask him. Who gave Abiola tea and whether it was tasted before giving it to him.

“Chief Abiola need to keep photocopies of his letters in his Bible and Koran. I did not have the time to go through them. But if the commission requests for them it will assist this commission greatly.

At the end of Zadok’s testimony, Mr. Falana requested the commission to order the IG to give full protection to Zadok.

Gen Sabo also testified yesterday in respect of Chief Abiola’s death.

Led by his counsel, Mr. Umar Shinthien, Brigadier-General Ibrahim Sabo’s evidence ran thus:

Shinttien: Brigadier-General Sabo, you told this commission in Lagos that apart from what you said then on Chief Abiola’s death, you have more to say.

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Sabo: Yes I still have a lot more facts on Abiola’s death. I will also tender some documents here before this commission, while I will take the rest documents to Akanbi’s anti-corruption commission.

Shinttien: Tell this commission other facts you know.

Sabo: I said earlier that on June 8 1998 many things happened from the sublime to the ridiculous. The sublime has to do with the death of former head of state, General Sani Abacha while the ridiculous was on the threat to Abiola’s life. I said in Lagos that General Ishaya Bamaiyi called me after General Abacha called me after General Abacha death and asked me where was Chief Abiola, I said I didn’t know, that Major Al-Mustapha was the one keeping him. General Bamaiyi then told me don’t you think that now that General Abacha is dead, Chief Abiola should be similarly killed to balance the equation? I looked for Major Mustapha and told him what Bamaiyi has said. I later learnt that Bamaiyi had told Mustapha the same thing because Mustapha told me he had been looking for me for the same purpose.

Major Mustapha in his evidence gave certain indicators on how General Abacha died and how Chief Abiola died. He said Abacha choked, jerked and foamed before he died Abiola also choked, jerked ,foamed and died. Sinde Bamaiyi used the word similarly, I think Abacha’s family should be interested in this because both died the same way.

Shinttien: When General Bamaiyi told you this and Mustapha confirmed he was told the something, what did you do?

Sabo: I advised that Abiola’s location should be changed and he said he had done that.

Shinttien: Did you attend late General Abacha burial in Kano.

Sabo: No I didn’t go because of the security of Abiola that was being threatened.

Shinttien: What happened after late General Abacha’s death.

Sabo: After Abacha’s death, there was a lot of clamouring as to who would succeed him. General Jeremiah Husseni was there clamouring to succeed Abacha and there were others. Then myself, General Magashi and Bamaiyi then met and decided that instead of deliberating on who would succeed General Abacha, succession by hierarchy should be followed with General Abdulsalami Abubakar as the head of state, General Bamaiyi, Chief of Defence Staff and General Magashi as chief of army staff, this was arrived at in order to shut out any bickerings. We then called General Abdulsalami for a meeting of the PRC. It was an extra-ordinary PRC meeting because it was not scheduled.

Shinttien: Did you inform General Abdulsalmi Abubakar of the threat to Chief Abiola’s death?

Sabo: Before General Abdulsalami Abubakar was sworn-in as head of state, we all went to the villa where the body of the late head of state was lying and I told General Abdulsalami that General Bamaiyi suggested that since Abacha died, Abiola must also be killed. But General Abubakar said when they return from Kano, we would discuss further. He refused to do anything after he came back from Kano. I sent a message to him through AVM Idi-Musa that I wanted to see General Abdulsalam on the same issue but he refused to see me. I passed the information to Idi Musa that it was urgent and Idi Musa told me General Abubakar would listen to me when he returned from South Africa. He refused to see me until I was retired on July 10 1998, three days after Chief Abiola’s death.

Shinttien: Did Major Mustapha know the whereabouts of Chief Abiola at this time.

Sabo: Mustapha did not know Abiola’s whereabouts because he was arrested and detained. And since Mustapha was now out of the way, Abiola was open to any other person.

Shinttien: Is it normal for a detainee’s guard to be sent away and given tea in his absence?

Sabo: It is not normal and this is an indication of what happened later.

Gen. Sabo also alleged massive financial misdeeds by the Abdulkareem Abubakar government, saying:

“Before General Sani Abacha’s death there were bickerings from people including General Abdulsalami Abubakar that they were not being given any welfare. General Abubakar accused the service chiefs that they were the ones that had the resources but he did not have anything there was a time he asked Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim to give him N1 million urgently but Ambassador Ibrahim said he didn’t have the money. And when Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar became the head of state, he was relieved of his appointment.

“When General Abdulsalami came to power, he exhibited an accumulated and accentuated thirst for money. I stumbled on some documents and video cassettes even while in retirement.

“There was the case of $40 million contributed by multinationals for General Sani Abacha’s transmutation to civilian president. I gave the cassette of his disclosure to help him clean the system not knowing that he would use it to clean me out of the system because three days later I was arrested. I urge the commission to investigate this money contributed by multinational towards Abacha’s self-succession.

“There was also the case of Engineer Buba Galadima, Director of NMA whom General Abdulsalami Abubakar directed to release N5 billion from the NMA to the minister through Chief Hope Ozodinma. But Galadima refused saying it was beyond his power to do so.

That same afternoon, a lorry load of soldiers invaded his house managed him and took him to an unknown destination. He was ordered to put in his letter of resignation so as to look as if he resigned voluntarily but he refused and asked General Abubakar to fire him. He was fired and he was given two hours to vacate his official quarters.

“The N5 billion was to be shared like this: “1.35 to be given to the minister, Chief Hope would be given N265 million and $18 million would be given to General Abubakar. I have documents to prove this (He than tendered the documents).

“There is the issue of the printing of new naira denominations, of 100, 200 and 500. I shared Mustapha’s opinions on this which he explained in his testimony that it was a booby trap for President Olusegun Obasanjo to fail. I have 13 documents to prove this which I shall tender, before this commission.

“When General Abacha was alive the idea of the printing of new naira denominations was mooted. Three companies bided for the contract – J.B. of Munich; Thomas & Co. Of London, and Bodous of Germany. They all submitted their quotations. They all agreed on $30 per one thousand pieces but General Abacha said it was too much.

The agreement was not sealed before his death. When General Abdulsalami came on board, he said it should be printed at $45 per thousand. G & D was given the contract of printing and here was the company reputed for tax evasion. The company has offices in Germany, Greece, Spain, Belgium, Argentina and other places, but only has a liaison office in Nigeria.

The company evaded tax to the tune of 2 million Dutch marks in Germany. This is the same company given the job to print the money I commenced investigations into the activities of this company but General Abubakar ordered me to stop it. All these were known to him.

“The NTA in its news at 7 and 9 p.m. on January 11, 2001 reported that a container load of fake naira notes was discovered in Jos and Maiduguri. This is what I am talking about.

“During Abdulsalami’s time, our soldiers in ECOMOG were not treated well at all. General Victor Malu then ECOMOG Commander once had cause to complain of adulterated fuel sent to them. When the contract for the supply of food to our soldiers was changed, it was given to one lady, I will mention her name later.

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When General Abacha was alive 45 dollars was approved a day for each of our soldiers but when Gen. Abubakar came to power he increased it. But instead of giving them the money, they were given the old rate, where is the balance?

“There is the issue of parting gift to each PRC member. N1 million was agreed as parting gift for each PRC member or 500,000 dollars. I inquired from two PRC members later differently. I asked them jokingly that I learnt you were all given ½ a million dollars as parting gift. Where is my own share now? But they told me it was only 50,000 dollars. So what happened to the remaining 450,000 dollars per each PRC member times the total PRC members?

Before General Abacha died, he left a foreign reserve of 9.7 billion dollars. There are papers to show this. But Abubakar claimed that only 7.17 billion dollars was left in the reserve what happened to the balance? This reserve that Abacha accumulated in five years, Abdulsalami depleted if in nine months.

“Eagle Square here in Abuja was being renovated yearly when General Oseni was FCT Minister. Consultants were appointed for the renovation at N230 million. But General Abdulsalami rejected this and opted for upward review of N2.3 billion as against N230m.

“Also through 59 million dollars he siphoned from government coffers he bought a house in London at 5 million pounds renovated it at 1 million pounds.

“Before General Abacha died he approved 66 million Dutch marks for the maintenance of Alpha jets and other aircraft. When Abubakar took over he wrote another memo for the sum of 44,275,000 dollars for the same maintenance. I would have wished he was here to cross check if this signature on these documents were his.

“There was also another memo from the CGS dated March 17 1999 at the injury time of the administration. There was request for the purchase of boats at 45 million dollars, purchase of amphibious plane at 21,747,660 dollars; and 5,000 rain coats jacket to cost 14,500,00 dollars. The normal cost of one rain coat to pocket were from rain is 45 dollar per piece and the total cost for the 5,000 rain coats should be 2,9000 dollars. It was signed by General Abdulsalami Abubakar to be purchased on ECOMOG issue, apart from the naval personnel that used to transport the food items, it was later given to merchant ships.

“There is the issue of Engineer Ibrahim Ali, MD of NPA. General Abubakar called him one day and told him since General Abacha did not give you free hand to do your duties, bring your quotation and I will give you the wherewithal to execute it. He brought it to Abdulsalami. He met Alhaji Gidado Idris, former Secretary to the Federation there. Abdulsalami approved it for execution but when Ali left Abdulsalami ordered Gidado Idris to fire Ali when Gidado wanted

to refuse, he told him that if he didn’t do it somebody else would do it and that was how he was fired.

Shinttien: What did all these mean with respect to Chief Abiola’s security.

Sabo: All these were to show that as Chief Abiola was to show that as Chief Abiola was in the custody of Abdulsalami, if Abiola was released, he would be demanding for his mandate and this will be unconducive for him to loot the country’s treasury. General Abubakar should appear before this commission to explain ,what happens to the depletion of the economy.

General Abdulsalami Abubakar set a booby trap for Obasanjo’s administration, I am not saying this to curry favour from President Obasanjo. Let us not deal only on the past of the late head of state.

Shinttien: In what other way to your knowledge has the General Abdulsalami Abubakar reduced the military to what it is now.

Sabo: Another way which General Abdulsalami siphoned money is the task force for the armed forces and the police.

On December 31 1997, N21, 270, 292,50 was disbursed to the armed forces and the police, I am not convinced the money was used judiciously, I have documents to authenticate this.

There is also the issue of N80m water project which was discarded by General Abdulsalami. He re-awarded it for 20 million dollars while 10m dollars was collected upfront. I am sure the balance was also given. I am not sure whether the water project was executed.

By Kayode Matthew & Lemmy Ughegbe, Vanguard