WHY IS UCHE OGAH DESPERATE?

The Peoples' Democratic Party in Abia State is astonished at the extent of dangerous desperation Mr Uche Ogah is inordinately manifesting in his bid to unseat and usurp the governorship position of the State that is being constitutionally and effectively occupied by Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D.
The Party is disillusioned by the rumour making the rounds that Mr Uche Ogah has illegally arranged to 'import' a judge to swear him in clandestinely as a another governor of Abia State.
The Party, being a creation of statute, believes in the efficacy of the Judiciary to resolve the so-called issue raised by Ogah in his determination to be governor at all cost and so expects that Ogah should allow justice take its full course.
The pendency of this case in the Court of Appeal should have made Ogah to jettison the desperation in him to allow the Court resolve the issue at stake.
Again, that the Attorney-General of the Federatio, Mr Abubarkar Malami, has publicly asked the parties to observe statusquo pending exhaustive determination of the case judicially, Ogah should know that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu remains the Governor except the Supreme Court rules otherwise.
The Party is concerned that with the desperation being exhibited by Mr Ogah, he could ignite a breakdown of law, order and bring about wanton destruction of lives and property in the State.
The Party would also want to know if Mr Ogah does not know or has forgotten that founding fathers of Abia State drafted and adopted Abia Charter of Equity that implies that power, among other things, shall be equitably distributed in the State.
The PDP in Abia State calls on Mr Ogah to divorce himself of his desperation and allow the rule of law to take its normal and proper course.
Don Ubani, KSC, JP
Okwubunka of Asa
State Pub-Sec
PDP, Abia State.

Uche Ogar's invalid CoR: You can't build something on nothing

Ikpeazu

Ogah

Uche Ogar's invalid CoR: You can't build something on nothing

Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you this day, two documents. Judge for yourself which of them is real and fake. Compare and contrast the Valid and invalid. Original and forged.

Before you do that, permit me to give you the background of how it all started.

There was a governorship election in Abia State on April 11th, 2015. That election was declared inconclusive by INEC on the grounds of irregularities in some local government areas in the state. That election failed to produce a clear winner despite that Dr Okezie Ikpeazu of the PDP was already cruising home with a wide margin of votes against Dr Alex Otti of APGA.

INEC called for a supplementary election in the affected LGAs on April 25th, 2015. After the election of April 25th, a winner in the person of Dr Ikpeazu of PDP emerged as Governor-elect for Abia State, and he was issued with a certificate of return, bearing the two dates (April 11and 25) that elections held.

Uche Ogar did not contest any of the elections. He could not have because, as a matter of fact, his name was never submitted to INEC as a candidate by any political party.

As far as the 2015 Abia Governorship elections are concerned, Mr. Uche Ogar, is and remains an interloper. He is not known by moral and electoral law in the governorship election. This is another reason he is invalid and will continue to possess an invalid document.

The election that produced the Governor of Abia State in 2015 is the April 25th election, and not the inconclusive April 11th election. If Ogar had contested the election, he would have known this fact. He would have also realized that the document issued to him by some agents of INEC is invalid. But as someone on the fast-lane, he lost his sense of reasoning.

You can now understand why the failed civilian coup was plotted. You can also understand the rush by Ogar and his cohorts to invade the government house. But the coup failed. This conspiracy and evil plot has failed.

Thank you.

Enyinnaya Appolos
Chief Press Secretary to Governor Ikpeazu

Fake or falsified certificate of return with Uche Ogah?

*Did Uche Ogah forge COR or gave false information?
I read the following lines from a publication on the purported
explanation of the registrar of the federal high court circulated by Uche
Ogah's surrogates.
"Registrar said the case before Justice Abang had a different subject-
matter, that Ikpeazu submitted form CF001 to INEC which were alleged
to contain false information.
“The court held that the information in Form CF001 as shown by him
(Ikpeazu) in the affidavit accompanied with other documents to INEC
are false and has nothing to do with forgery.
“The, court, therefore made consequential orders under the doctrine of
‘lis pendens,’ which disallows any transfer of rights or interest in any
subject matter that is being litigated upon during the pendency of
litigation in respect of the said subject-matter."
As a non lawyer I find that interesting. Much more than I find the
novelty of the explanation by the registrar.
Here is why.
Sampson Ogah filed his pre-election matter about 2 weeks before the
governorship polls in April 2015. Precisely 26th of March 2015. That
ordinarily makes it a pre-election matter and clearly filed when he
realized Dr Ikpeazu was headed to victory.
We need to note that PDP primaries held on the 8th of December 2014.
Dr Okezie Ikpeazu submitted his form CF 001 to INEC after the
primaries. Specifically on the 23rd of December 2015.
NOTE: the information deemed false by Justice Abang were details lifted
directly from the tax certificate confirmed by the court as truly issued
by BIR:
“The court further held that by the affidavit of the Abia State Director
of Taxes testifying that the documents are genuine, the court held that
there was presumption of genuineness of the assessment and the
certificate and/or receipts issued to Ikpeazu."-Registrar
What does the above mean?
It simply mean that he entered information presumed to be genuine by
all legal standards to INEC form CF001.
Just like if I have to fill an employment form under oath I will fill that
I have second class upper degree issued to me by a university. It doesn't
matter if later the university says they miscalculated my GPA and so it
should have been 1st class or 2nd class lower. As long as the university
admitted issuing the degree certificate to me the doctrine of
presumption of genuineness favors me and nobody can claim I forged my
degree certificate or entered false information in my employment form.
True or false? Over to lawyers.
But one thing is settled; Governor Okezie Ikpeazu DID NOT forge tax
clearance certificate or tax receipts. The courts have said so, as
confirmed by Ogah's court registrar. Sorry, Registrar of the Federal
High Court of Nigeria.
Let me now make two observations for legal minds to examine.
According to the Registrar, Justice Abang ruled on the basis of
information presented to INEC by Dr Okezie Ikpeazu. In my view, Uche
Ogah is not known to INEC in law as he did not submit anything to INEC
and was not submitted to INEC by any political party. From INEC
position, his legal status is like mine: an unknown quantity without locus
standi to sue INEC on the Abia Governorship election.
Uche can only make claims related to the primaries he claimed he
participated in, not with regards to whatever is submitted to INEC.
My question: can I also go and sue as a member of PDP in Abia and
Abang will issue me a certificate of return as the governor of Abia
State? After all as a registered PDP member some other members that
attended the convention may have wanted to make me the candidate of
the party.
Secondly, INEC issued attached certificate of return to Uche Ogah and
stated that he won the election of April 11th 2015. Unfortunately the
election held by same INEC in Abia on April 11th 2015 was inconclusive
and returned no dully elected Governor. In law, no winner emerged on
that date.
In fact, I wish to unequivocally state that the original and genuine
certificate of return issued to Dr Okezie Ikpeazu by INEC in 2015
specifically stated that he won the elections held on April 11th and 25th
2015.
Is the certificate issued to Ogah a forged or falsified certificate or
should we presume genuineness since it was INEC that purportedly issued
it? If you presume genuineness here then why didn't Abang presume
genuineness in the tax certificate and information entered by Dr Okezie
in form CF 001?
Or should we arrest INEC officials and Uche Ogah for forging certificate
of return? Do not forget that in seeking to be inaugurated as Governor
of Abia State Uche Ogah submitted that patently fake certificate to the
Osisioma High Court and others. Did he or did he not submit false and
fake information?
Can Uche Ogah validly be sworn in on the basis of the Governorship
election of April 11th 2015 that produced no winner? That is assuming
that he wins at the Supreme Court.
The answer is NO. What is with Mr Ogah as "certificate of return" is
either fake or falsified and surely not a legal document that can form a
basis for swearing in because Abia Governorship poll produced no winner
as at April 11th. That was why I called it "tissue paper".
My people, I rest my case. But I must warn INEC officials not to
surreptitiously change the tissue paper they issued Uche Ogah within
hours of a court ruling. That will effectively incriminate them as parties
to a criminal conspiracy. Nigerians are seeing copies of what they issued
on the 30th of June 2016. Members of the media and security agents
should also note these facts.
As the Supreme Court pleases.
JOK

Justice Okon Abang on serious surveillance by the NJC.

Justice Okon Abang

Breaking news...Reports reaching us states that Justice Okon Abang of the Fed High court Abuja has been placed A judiciary source hinted that Justice Abang who is reported to be compromising himself in high profile cases may be suspended and later be sacked if found guilty. Abang our source said was heavily compromised by Uche Ogah which led to the recent judgment he delivered in Favour of the oil marketer who is standing trial at an Ikeja magistrate court over fraud. It was also gathered that the Registrar of the Fed High court who is also part of Abang Ogah deal is also under scrutiny over professional misconduct. It would be recalled that NJC few days ago sacked Justice Yinusa and others over the same bad conduct Abang is facing now.

We're solidly behind you, Abia Assembly tells Ikpeazu

The Abia State House of Assembly has passed a vote of confidence on the state governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, following the political impasse in the state and near breakdown of law and order due to political distractions owing to judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court in Abuja against the Governor.
The House at plenary last Tuesday, passed a vote of implicit confidence on the Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, after a motion moved by the member Representing Obingwa West State Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Public Petitions, Hon. Thomos Nkoro.

He said the motion has become absolutely necessary in view of the political turmoil that has enveloped the state, which has hitherto, thrown the entire Abia in confusion, since the ruling by court of first instance.
Hon. Nkoro frowned at the conflicting reports emanating from the media and the consequent bandwagon effect, saying it has instilled fear in investors and Abians in general and thereby moved a motion of implicit confidence in Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, Ph.D., and the entire Government of Abia and affirming that Abia has only one Government of Abia and affirming that Abia has only one Government.
While making their contributions, members representing Bende North constituency and Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Cosmos Ndukwe; Isiala Ngwa South, Hon. Barr. Chukwendu Kanu; Umuahia East, Hon. Chukwudi Apugo; and Obingwa East, Hon. Solomon Akpulonu enjoined all those involved in the litigation to let go personal interest but consider the overall wellbeing of Abians as this will not only impact negatively on Abians but will also scare investors in the state.
They appealed to the parties to leverage on the governor’s good performance in the last one year to support him with brilliant ideas, while also calling on them to bring their business to the state, with the aim to move it forward.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Azubuike, appealed to investors in the state, to carry on with their businesses, reiterating that the House will make sure their businesses are not under any form of threat.
He equally used the medium to appeal to President Mohammed Buhari and the International community to douse the situation, saying that the state will abide by the rulings of the court when all the issues before it are finally concluded.
The House therefore unanimously passed a vote of implicit confidence on the Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, urging him to continue rendering his remarkable and landmark services to Abia People.

Uche Ogah begs petroleum marketers for money

Mr Uche Ogah

Embattled oil marketer, Mr Uche Ogah has ran to the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association (DAPPMA), which he is a member, begging them to contribute money for him to prosecute his case against the Governor of Abia State, Dr Okezi Ikpeazu.
A reliable source in the association revealed that Ogah went to the President of DAPPMA, Mr. Dapo Abiodun, begging for financial support of the association, promising to compensate if he eventually succeeds to become governor.
"Uche is a desperate man. And his desperation has cost him a lot. Uche has lost billions within this period. I don't know who is advising him. He is going about begging, ask people to support him. His argument is that he already has a certificate of return issued to him by INEC and that he is waiting for his swearing in.
"He went to our president, I doubt if he got what he wanted. Uche has his hands into too many things. He is owing banks, owing others too. And he has this case against in Lagos where he is being charged for fraud and forgery too."The source said.

Plot to remove me, a coup d'etat, says Ikpeazu

Dr Okezie Ikpeazu

Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has described the plot to unseat him as an attempted coup d’etat in a democracy and vowed to fight to protect his mandate.
The Governor was speaking when he received members of the Abia State Executive Council who paid him a solidarity visit, in Government House, Umuahia, over the federal High Court judgment against him.
The Governor wondered how someone who never stood election will seek to become governor through the back door.
"The plot to remove me as governor, was a coup d'etat. I can't imagined that somebody who never contested election, is seeking to be made a governor through the back door. I can't understand the rush by INEC to issue Uche Ogah with a certificate of Return. I also can't comprehend the rush to swear him in.
"Are you telling me that I don't have a right to appeal a judgment against me? Or are you telling me that if it was a death sentence, I should be killed before appealing? The truth is that it goes beyond the issue of tax. I want to appeal to our Igbo brothers to see politics as a game of a winner and a loser. They must should not bring the mercantile business style into politics. It won't help us."
Governor Ikpeazu assured his commissioners that he was not bothered by the judgment as he has absolute confidence in the judiciary to do justice on the matter.
The Governor pointed out that his story as a public servant in the state is well known to Abians and that as a public servant his tax was deducted by the appropriate authorities.
Governor Ikpeazu used the forum to call on business men in politics to jettison the mercantile attitude of business and not see politics a do -or- die game.
Earlier in his speech on behalf of the Executive Council members, the commissioner for Finance, Obinna Oriaku explained that their visit was to show solidarity to the Governor over the current political situation in the state, assuring him that they were together with him in this trial period.
According to him, their various ministries will interpret and carry out the Governor’s dreams and promised that the distractions will not deter them from achieving their goal.

RE-ALLEGED PRESENTATION OF FALSE TAX CLEARANCE CERTIFICATE BY DR OKEZIE VICTOR IKPEAZU TO INEC: THE SACRED FACTS/TRUE POSITION BY ABIA STATE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE.

The attention of the Abia State Internal Revenue Service has been drawn to a court judgement of the Federal High Court Abuja on the tax clearance certificate issued to Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu by the Service, and hereby makes the following clarifications: 

 1. That the tax clearance certificate referred to in that Judgment was duly issued to Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu by the Service, and was therefore not fake. 

2. That the taxes for the years 2011,2012 and 2013 were PAYE taxes deducted at source from his personal emoluments by his employers (Abia State Passengers’ Integrated Manifest Scheme and Abia State Environmental Sanitation Authority respectively) and remitted to the service in the relevant tax years 

3. That the dates on the tax receipts of the relevant years (2011, 2012 and 2013) did not suggest that they were paid on those dates, but only reflected the date he applied to be issued with the receipts, because that was when he needed them. 

4. In the same vein the dates on the tax receipts did not suggest that they were written out on those days. The date on the receipts only indicates the last day of the last month of the year, when the PAYE tax payer became entitled to the receipts, as the receipts could not have carried a date earlier or later than the 31st December of the relevant tax year. It is immaterial that it fell on a Saturday, Sunday or any other day of the week. For example if 31st December 2011 fell on a Saturday, in the month following i.e January, when the receipts are to be written out, it cannot carry any date in January 2012 or any other month in 2012. 

5. That his taxes having been deducted by his afore said employers and remitted to the service within the relevant years will not be said to have been paid on the same day, as such were paid as at when due. In fact the issue of payment as at when due does not apply to PAYE taxes because the tax payer has no part to play in the deduction and remittance of his PAYE as the same is done by his employer. Where there is failure to deduct and remit PAYE taxes, it is the employer and not the tax payer that is liable. See LSIRS and Seven Up Bottling Company reported in year 2000. Having stated the facts as they are above, we make bold to say that the tax returns filed by Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu to his party (Peoples Democratic Party) were neither false nor fake and cannot be said to amount to fraudulent payment of taxes. 

Consequently, we affirm that both the Tax Clearance Certificate and the tax receipts referred to in the afore said judgment were the documents of Abia State Internal Revenue Service because same was authored by the Service as the authority empowered by law to do so. 

Finally, we state emphatically for the records and for the attention of the general public that we were never invited (subpoenaed) by the court or the plaintiff, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah during the pendency of the subject suit that led to the judgment in Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu’s tax matter to state the authenticity or otherwise of the tax papers in issue.

 Udochukwu G. Ogbonna 
 Executive Chairman.

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Niyi Akintola SAN, has condemned an earlier opinion

 Chief Niyi Akintola SAN

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Niyi Akintola SAN, has condemned an earlier opinion credited to his fellow SANs; Olisa Agbakoba and Femi Falana, that the sitting governor of Abia state, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is no longer a governor in the eyes of the law. Akintola said, hence the governor's lawyers have submitted the Appeal Notice to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), that is it wrong for INEC to issue Return Certificate to Mr. Uche Ogah. He added that with the 'immediate effect' statement of the Federal High Court, is of no effect pending the Appeal and Supreme Courts' decision on the matter. 

 The foremost lawyer further said he was disheartened by the contradictory and self- serving statements of his fellow Learned Silks, saying that their position in Amechi versus Omehia and on Peter Obi, the former governors of Rivers and Anambra States, is contrary to their take on the current Abia issue involving Ikpeazu and Ogah. Specifically, he pointed out that both the constitution and the electoral act were unambiguous on the matter. 

He argued that Uche Ogah did not participate in the real election, neither did he win the party primary to be considered as governor of Abia state in the first place. "In the first place in the eyes of the law, the order of the court to INEC to issue certificate of return 'with immediate effect' was over taken by event; the event being the governor's appeal against the jugdement which is clearly according to the law. So, the fact that an Appeal has been filed and served, and they have acknowledged it, it is unconstitutional and other wise wrong for INEC to issue certificate of return to Ogah, and for anybody to be saying what is simply an aberration to the Nigerian law. "In fact, even if INEC was not formally served and they have advance notice of the governor's rejection and appeal against the judgment, INEC is bound by the law to wait for expiration of the days acknowledged in the constitution before they will issue certificate of return to Mr. Ogah. 

The law is unambiguous on this and all the lawyers in this country know this. "Without mincing words, this is the problem with most of our colleagues, in times like this when their objective and professional opinions are needed for such an important issue that will become an essential precedent in our legal development, they just cannot keep their political affiliations apart from the simply truth, even when they are not direct counsel to the matter in question. 

Most of the time, they bring their interest to bear in the analysis of events. "The Electoral Act and the Constitution has said that you must have participated at every stage of the election before you can become governor. Did Mr. Ogah win the primary or participated in the general elections, what are we talking about? What surprises me is that these respected SANs speak fallacy on some important issues but when you bring their statements on the same issue in the past, it is totally contradictory. 

It is disheartening that most of them don't speak with the voice of intelligence when it is mostly needed." The SAN also said, "That matter is already in court and INEC has acknowledged it has the notice of appeal. So, it is needless and an aberration for someone to be saying the governor has been removed and that Mr. Ogah be sworn-in. 

And speaking of the Amaechi's case, the constitution has clearly stated that no one can become a governor unless he or she participated in all the election process. The issue is nolonger that it was the party that contested election. So, both the Presidency, the Attorney General of the Federation, the NJC, NBA and all the judicial and legal professionals in Nigeria should not support this aberration because it will bounce on us eventually." Speaking in the vein, another Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mallam Yusuf Ali, said the judgment of the High Court was very clear when it said the governor should vacate his office, but that if the governor has expressed dissatisfaction with the judgement and had appealed, that it was absolutely wrong of INEC to issue a return certificate to the other candidate. 

Therefore, INEC's action is a contradiction to the tenets of the law as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act. "On this basis, I totally disagree with the statements created to Agbakoba and Falana, in saying that Governor Ikpeazu is no longer Abia governor in the eyes of the law."

WHY OGAH WANTS TO BE GOVERNOR..

Uche Ogah

Dr. Uche Sampson Ogah, the MD of Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited has an oil subsidiary scam of #2.7 Billion thru a company he bought over from Hon. Emeka Wogu. He used the firm, PINNACLE CONTRACTORS LTD, to perpetrate the fraud of being paid for the PMS he never supplied. Nuhu Ribadu probe panel, indicted this Fulani origin, Abia politician. But, Larmode suppressed the report. Now, the guy got a hint he will soon be invited by EFCC to re-open the matter, he now wants to hide under immunity to run away from prosecution. Thats why he's desperate to be sworn in at all cost.

ABIA CRISIS: I'M ON GROUND, SAYS CHIEF JUDGE

Justice Theresa Uzoamaka Uzokwe

Abia State Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Theresa Uzoamaka Uzokwe, on Sunday, described as untrue the allegation that she has absconded from duty to avoid the anticipated inauguration of Uche Ogah as governor.
She said that contrary to insinuations, she was in her office throughout work time on Thursday June 30 2016 from 8:30am till 4:30pm.
Uzokwe in a statement issued on her behalf by the Acting Chief Registrar of Abia State Judiciary, Mrs. Vicky Analaba, and obtained by journalists in Umuahia, described it as "spurious and mischievous allegations of cowardice by mischievous politicians."
She said, "The attention of the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Theresa Uzoamaka Uzokwe, has been drawn to various spurious and mischievous reports alleging that the Honorable Chief Judge had absconded from her duty post on Thursday 30th June 2016, to avoid swearing in Uche Ogah as Governor of Abia State.
"Contrary to the allegations of cowardice by mischievous politicians, the Chief Judge, was in her office throughout work time on Thursday 30 June 2016 from 8:30am till 4:30pm.
"For the avoidance of doubt, on Thursday 30th June 2016, the Chief Judge was in her court room performing her lawful duties, including the delivery of four rulings on that date.
"The particulars of the ruling in question are: HU/35CM/2015 FRANCIS AKOR vs the State; HU/ICM/2016-JOHNSON ASIEGBU vs. Commissioner of Police, HU/42CM/2016-Onyekachi Samuel vs. Commissioner of Police HU/34CM/2016-Lucky Sampson vs. the State.
"These facts are verifiable and in the records of the court. The various lawyers who appeared in the respective suits listed above are also living witnesses. This press release has become necessary in order to avoid further mischief and to set the records straight."

SALUTE TO THE ABIA STATE POLICE COMMAND

It is pertinent to commend the Commissioner, officers and men of the Abia State Police Command for the professionalism and high sense of patriotism they have displayed since this crisis erupted in Abia State.

As we can see, the Police have been on top of the security situation in the state and have so far forestalled any security breaches in the state.
All the Police Officers attached to the Abia State Government House, from the Chief Security Officer, the ADCs to the Governor and his Deputy and other other key security personnel have been at their duty posts discharging their statutory functions in line with the law.
This is very commendable indeed.
The State Commissioner of Police has also gone on air to dispel any rumors of any crisis in the state and assuring all peace loving citizens of adequate protection at all times. He also warned any person or group of persons that are planning to destabilize the peace in the state that his men are in pole position to deal decisively with any such person or persons.
I am even more emboldened that the new Acting Inspector General of Police is a highly experienced officer with a lot of exposure both locally and internationally. He is a lawyer and so understands the issues involved.
Same kudos goes to the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the state who, like the Police have remained very professional throughout this period. Their men who are posted to both the Government House no other key places have been doing their job decently.
History shall be kind to all of you for refusing to become partisan at this critical time in the history of our state.
Take a bow, our Security operatives.

ABIA STATE: PARTIES INVOLVED SHOULD AWAIT THE DECISIONS OF THE court - AGF

ABIA STATE: PARTIES INVOLVED SHOULD AWAIT THE DECISIONS OF THE court - AGF

COMRADE SALIHU OTHMAN ISAH

 ...Yet to proffer legal opinion
1. The attention of the Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has been drawn to the insinuations and crass lies being peddled and disseminated by a cross-section of Nigerians and the various media platforms that the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation is behind the legal logjam over the Abia state governorship seat and wish to clarify that those canvassing this position have no basis to do so.

2. Of particular concern are those who have peddled ill-natured rumours with a view to misinform our discerning populace that the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and by extension, the Federal Government of Nigeria that gave directives to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to issue Certificate of Return to Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah declaring him Governor-Elect. He has definitely not taken any action either by spoken words or body language as far as this Abiagovernorship crisis is concerned.
3. I wish to therefore, on behalf of my principal declare that these rumours are untrue and a figment of the imagination of those pushing these selfish, shameless and irredeemable lies into public space which only translates to partisanship on the side of its purveyors.
4. As far as the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation is concerned, the constitutional powers for the legal opinion of his office have not been invoked on this issue. So far, nobody has approached him to proffer any legal opinion to it. As a strong believer in the rule of law, it is his belief that the law should naturally take its cause. The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation will not be dragged into this controversy and mind-games being played out by the various legal minds and spin doctors of both camps at this point.
5. The parties involved should await the decision of the courts.

6. In fact, we wish to by this statement advice those in the habit of dragging the highly esteemed Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice into knotty issue of this kind even when it is yet to take a position. They should desist from these unwarranted presumptions henceforth.
Signed,
COMRADE SALIHU OTHMAN ISAH
SPECIAL ADVISER, MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
TO THE HON. ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE
3RD JULY, 2016

Plot by Ikpeazu’s detractors to hijack Abia State Government House

Over the last few days, the news tabloids are awash with negative headlines concerning God’s own state; Abia. These recent happenings revealed the evil plans of some self-seeking politicians to destabilize the developmental strides, peace and decorum enjoyed in Abia State, using the judiciary to rubber-stamp their devilish plot of dethroning the government of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

In their myopic and ignorance of the supreme being, they fail to realize that power belongs to God. They failed to realize that just like David, God had chosen and installed Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu to serve Abia people. The reason for their failure is not far fetched. While they failed to recognize their leaders as well be good followers, how can they be good leaders? They should first understand the nitty-gritty of leadership if they must be good leaders. These notorious individuals want to clinch to power and use it to expand their business empires and thus feather their nest from the State’s treasury. It’s is a well known fact that their misgivings against governor Ikpeazu is that he failed to tow the path of other politicians who used their state’s commonwealth to dole out to some individuals who are bent on milking the states dry to the detriment of the poor masses who are in dare need of development in the states. Governor Ikpeazu’s refusal to service the bank accounts of political God-fathers to the detriment of the generality of Abians has left them to lick their sore wounds. 

That notwithstanding, the the sun must continue to shine. Hence the numerous awards and commendations of the Governor in his kitty just in one year in office. The ICPC even commended governor Ikpeazu for using the state’s share of its bailout fund judiciously and the real purpose it was meant for. Rather than using allegations and falsehood to hookwink the general public, these disgruntled elements should face their prosecution by the EFCC on the case they were indicted of having defrauded Nigeria the sum of N2.7billion, a case for which they had paid for a surreptitious judgement to take over the governorship of Abia State so as to secure the immunity against the case. Instead, they are bent on tainting the image of our most performing Governor, using tax certificate forgery allegation as an escape route. This is however, a mission in futility as Abians and the general public know the truth and will always take their claims with a pinch of salt. This single allegation is a blatant lie and a gross misrepresentation of facts, baseless and nothing to loose sleep over This calls for the following questions; Wasn’t Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu a civil servant for many years before his ascension to the position of a Governor? If yes, it then deduced the fact that his taxes were deducted at source even before his pay pack was remitted to him. 
How then did people come up with tax forgery brouhaha? Every right thinking fellow should know there is no room created for forgery ab initio. It therefore lies within the jurisdiction of our revered jurists at the courts to do the needful and reverse the kangaroo judgment. The whole world is waiting. 

Abia is in the hands of God and God alone do we trust. 

Newman Ubani is a concerned Abia youth in support for Justice and Equity. He wrote from Umuahia , the Abia State capital.

By Newman Ubani Over the last few days, the news tabloids are awash with negative headlines concerning God’s own state; Abia. These recent happenings revealed the evil plans of some self-seeking politicians to destabilize the developmental strides, peace and decorum enjoyed in Abia State, using the judiciary to rubber-stamp their devilish plot of dethroning the government of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/07/plot-by-ikpeazus-detractors-to-hijack-abia-state-government-house/

Over the last few days, the news tabloids are awash with negative headlines concerning God’s own state; Abia. These recent happenings revealed the evil plans of some self-seeking politicians to destabilize the developmental strides, peace and decorum enjoyed in Abia State, using the judiciary to rubber-stamp their devilish plot of dethroning the government of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/07/plot-by-ikpeazus-detractors-to-hijack-abia-state-government-house/

Over the last few days, the news tabloids are awash with negative headlines concerning God’s own state; Abia. These recent happenings revealed the evil plans of some self-seeking politicians to destabilize the developmental strides, peace and decorum enjoyed in Abia State, using the judiciary to rubber-stamp their devilish plot of dethroning the government of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/07/plot-by-ikpeazus-detractors-to-hijack-abia-state-government-house/

Over the last few days, the news tabloids are awash with negative headlines concerning God’s own state; Abia. These recent happenings revealed the evil plans of some self-seeking politicians to destabilize the developmental strides, peace and decorum enjoyed in Abia State, using the judiciary to rubber-stamp their devilish plot of dethroning the government of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu. Ikpeazu and Ogah Ikpeazu and Ogah In their myopic and ignorance of the supreme being, they fail to realize that power belongs to God. They failed to realize that just like David, God had chosen and installed Governor Okezie Victor Ikpeazu to serve Abia people. The reason for their failure is not far fetched. While they failed to recognize their leaders as well be good followers, how can they be good leaders? They should first understand the nitty-gritty of leadership if they must be good leaders. These notorious individuals want to clinch to power and use it to expand their business empires and thus feather their nest from the State’s treasury. It’s is a well known fact that their misgivings against governor Ikpeazu is that he failed to tow the path of other politicians who used their state’s commonwealth to dole out to some individuals who are bent on milking the states dry to the detriment of the poor masses who are in dare need of development in the states. Governor Ikpeazu’s refusal to service the bank accounts of political God-fathers to the detriment of the generality of Abians has left them to lick their sore wounds. That notwithstanding, the the sun must continue to shine. Hence the numerous awards and commendations of the Governor in his kitty just in one year in office. The ICPC even commended governor Ikpeazu for using the state’s share of its bailout fund judiciously and the real purpose it was meant for. Rather than using allegations and falsehood to hookwink the general public, these disgruntled elements should face their prosecution by the EFCC on the case they were indicted of having defrauded Nigeria the sum of N2.7billion, a case for which they had paid for a surreptitious judgement to take over the governorship of Abia State so as to secure the immunity against the case. Instead, they are bent on tainting the image of our most performing Governor, using tax certificate forgery allegation as an escape route. This is however, a mission in futility as Abians and the general public know the truth and will always take their claims with a pinch of salt. This single allegation is a blatant lie and a gross misrepresentation of facts, baseless and nothing to loose sleep over This calls for the following questions; Wasn’t Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu a civil servant for many years before his ascension to the position of a Governor? If yes, it then deduced the fact that his taxes were deducted at source even before his pay pack was remitted to him. How then did people come up with tax forgery brouhaha? Every right thinking fellow should know there is no room created for forgery ab initio. It therefore lies within the jurisdiction of our revered jurists at the courts to do the needful and reverse the kangaroo judgment. The whole world is waiting. Abia is in the hands of God and God alone do we trust. Newman Ubani is a concerned Abia youth in support for Justice and Equity. He wrote from Umuahia , the Abia State capital.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/07/plot-by-ikpeazus-detractors-to-hijack-abia-state-government-house/

PLOT TO KIDNAP JUDICIARY OFFICERS IN ABIA STATE UNRAVELED

The State Government has uncovered plots by desperate politicians to kidnap judicial officers in the state.
We call on security agencies in the state to increase surveillance and protection services around all the judicial officers in the state.
We wish to warn those involved in this plot to desist from their nefarious activities as the government will not hesitate to apply the full weight of the law against them.
We also call on Abians to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement around them to the security agencies.
Enyinnaya Appolos
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

ABIA STATE SECURITY NUMBERS

Abia State Police Command has released its security emergency telephone numbers to
Abians and residents, who are advised to call any of the numbers in case of unusual observations and movements around their area.
08079210003
08079210004
08079210005
08035425405
These police control room emergency numbers are available 24hrs daily to handle all forms of security emergencies in the state.
Enyinnaya Appolos
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor

Chief Judge of Abia State......... WHERE ARE YOU

Press Release

The attention of the Chief Judge of Abia State, Justice Theresa Uzoamaka Uzokwe, has been drawn to various spurious and mischievous reports alleging that the Honorable Chief Judge had absconded from her duty post on Thursday 30th June 2016, to avoid swearing in Uche Ogah as Governor of Abia State.
Contrary to the allegations of cowardice by mischievous politicians, the Chief Judge, was in her office throughout work time on Thursday 30 June 2016 from 8:30am till 4:30pm.

For the avoidance of doubt, on Thursday 30th June 2016, the Chief Judge was in her court room performing her lawful duties, including the delivery of four rulings on that date.
The particulars of the ruling in question are: HU/35CM/2015 FRANCIS AKOR vs THE STATE; HU/ICM/2016-JOHNSON ASIEGBU vs. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, HU/42CM/2016-ONYEKACHI SAMUEL vs. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE; HU/34CM/2016-LUCKY SAMPSON vs. THE STATE.
These facts are verifiable and in the records of the court. The various lawyers who appeared in the respective suits listed above are also living witnesses.
This press release has become necessary in order to avoid further mischief and to set the records straight.
Issued this 2nd day of July 2016.
Signed:
Mrs. Vicky Analaba
Ag. Chief Registrar Abia State Judiciary

PDP IN ABIA STATE CAUTIONS AGAINST UNBRIDLED AMBITION:

Press Release


The Peoples' Democratic Party in Abia State has frowned at the reports making round the State that a certain desperate politician in the State, whose illegal efforts to cease power from the back door has been frustrated by decent application of the rule of law, is now directing his evil machination towards kidnapping Judicial officers in the State with the hope of intimidating them in order to have access to power he did not canvass for.

The Party has equally taken cognizance of the inordinately- ambitious politician's plot to kidnap some top functionaries of the Party in the State.
According to intelligence available to the Party, the political desperado is embittered with the State Executive of the Party for not coming out to support his acts of illegality.
The Party, therefore, cautions the politician that is involved in this sacrilegious and bloody shenanigan to quickly retrace his nefarious steps as the likely consequences of his devious desires and mischievous plots would compound his imagination and would only leave him with regrets that may not be redressed or even corrected in his life's time. The Party wishes to remind him that he that throws stones into a crowded market should not forget that his loved ones could end up being the victims of his action.
Sir Don Ubani,
State Publicity Secretary
PDP, Abia State.

Press Statement by Alhaji Yerima Shettima, President of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, over the ongoing crisis in Abia State

Alhaji Yerima Shettima

Press Statement by Alhaji Yerima Shettima, President of Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, over the ongoing crisis in Abia State
The unacceptable civilian coup in Abia and why Buhari must act fast!

Preamble: What is happening in Abia State today is a travesty of justice, a smear on decorum and an attempt to rubbish the democratic ethics and principles as well as the rule of law that we Nigerians have worked for. In view of this, and many other tangible reasons, our stand is as follows:-
1. We condemn without reservation the attempted civilian coup in Abia State. The events we witnessed in Abia are unprecedented and purely the civilian version of a military coup with elements working at INEC, security services and the judiciary involved in a plot to remove a democratically elected governor without allowing due legal process.
2. Investigations and reports received from various sources indicate that even the desperate politician seeking to supplant the democratically elected governor of Abia state, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, is currently facing charges of fraud and forgery in Lagos as well as involvement in subsidy scams and is desperately seeking immunity from prosecution and hence ready to literally buy the office of Governor of Abia State.
3. We call on President Mohammadu Buhari to take necessary measures to ensure that Abia State does not implode with avoidable violence and bloodshed, and intervene in the political crisis in Abia State and ensure that the rule of law is followed.

4. We call on President Mohammadu Buhari to arrest everyone involved in this attempted coup and bring them to justice.
5. The judicial process must be allowed to be completed without further interference and we call on INEC Chairman to immediately withdraw the certificate of return wrongly and hastily given to one Sampson Ogah who is seeking to reap where he did not sow.
6. We have reviewed the political situation in Abia State and come to the conclusion that all available indices point to the fact that there is a need to allow the judicial process run its course up to the Supreme Court before any decision can be taken on the rightful Governor of Abia State.
7. We also called on the people of Abia State to resist any attempt to use them to foment trouble in the State and reminded them that no development takes place in a State of anarchy.
8. We feel duty bound to remind this narrow-minded, isolated politician that he cannot manipulate the political destiny of Abia State, by creating confusion where there is none. The Abia governor was voted because of his ability to improve the political, social and economic fortunes of the State and his patriotic zeal. Therefore, anyone who thinks he can pull a blind wool over the eyes of Abians, should have his brain examined. This twisting of logic and democratic institutions is unacceptable and must be resisted by all patriotic Nigerians.
Signed
Alhaji Yerima Shettima
National President,
Arewa Youth Consultative Forum

Ikpeazu flags off 4.6km Faulks Road

Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has flagged off the reconstruction of 4.6km Faulks Road in Aba.

The road, which begins from Brass Junction by Aba-Owerri Road through Ukwu-mango to Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway will be reconstructed by Setraco Construction.

Apart from the 4.6km Faulks Road, Setraco will also construct a 5.6km underground water channel that will collect water from Ifeobara basin near Ukwu-mango to Aba River (waterside).

The total cost of reconstructing Faulks Road which is a major link road to Ariaria International Market, and the underground water channel is N6.8b.

Speaking at the flag off ceremony, Governor Ikpeazu said: "I know that previous administration in state made several attempts to reconstruct this road, but they failed because properly attention was never given to the Ifeobara basin. But this time, we have given the work to a competent company like Setraco an company, we know Setraco will do the job, and I will be coming personally every week to see what they're doing because this road is important to us.

"Faulks road is 4.6km and Setraco will also do another 5.6km underground water channel that will take the storm waters from Ifeobara basin to Aba River. This is a permanent solution to the problem of Ukwa-mango and the flood water along Faulks road.

"The total cost of doing both the 4.5km road and 5.6km underground water channel is N6.8b. We can't spend this amount of money and return here again, that is why we gave the job to a competent company like Setraco.

"Those of you who build houses and shops on the water ways, I want to announce to you that we have asked Setraco to bring down an obstacle on their way to ensure the job is done properly.

"Let also tell our traditional rulers and youths that we will not tolerate anybody that will disrupt or disturb what we have come to here. This road is important to us because of Ariaria international market.  We promised you during campaigns that We will do this road and we have come to fulfil our promise. You must help us to fix this road." The Governor said.

Abia development: Ikpeazu, Enelama, Abia NASS Caucus forge common front

In a bid to ensure that all hands are on deck for the development of Abia State, the state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, the Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Okechukwu Enelama and Abia State Caucus in the National Assembly met yesterday at the Abia State Governor's Lodge in Abuja to forge common front for the rapid development of the state.

Speaking at the meeting, Governor Ikpeazu, who identified team spirit and unity as the basic tools for development, also said that the interest and development of Abia State is paramount for all Abians, and should placed above all other considerations including political affiliations.

The governor, who also used the occasion to host and honor Abia born minister of Industries trade and investment, Mr Okechukwu Enelama, at the Governor's  lodge Abuja noted that if Abia leaders, stakeholders and Elder statesmen work together, they will leave indelible footprints in the sands of time.

Governor Ikpeazu while commending the President,  Mohammadu Buhari, for the appointment of Enelama as member representing Abia State in Federal Executive Council, described the minister as a detribalised and well grounded Abian who will represent the state well.

He added that so far the Honorable Minister has always ensured that the state does not lose out in what is due her and charged him not to relent.

The Governor also described the nomination of another Abian, Obinna Emeka Agbugba, as an Ambassador designate as a good omen for the state and expressed hope that he will also be a good ambassador of the state.

He thanked Abia Senators and members  of the House of Representatives for their support to his administration and stressed the need for all hands to be on deck in order to leave positive legacies for future generations and take Abia higher in all Areas.

In his comment, the immediate past governor of the state and the Senator representing Abia Central in the Senate, Senator T A Orji, commended Governor Ikpeazu for bringing all Abians to join him in the development of the state, assuring the Governor of the support of those at them at the National Assembly.

Senator Orji also described the appointment of Mr Enelama as that of "a round peg in a round hole" and urged him to cooperate with the governor and other Abia leaders including Stakeholders to enable him succeed.

Senator Orji, also urged the Minister to see his appointment as a call to service and assist in the area of job creation pointing out that unemployment, hunger and poverty are the basic problems of the people.

Responding, Enelama, who described Gov Okezie Ikpeazu as a visionary leader with a listening ear,  promised to work with him to bring his visions to accomplishment.

Also in their seperate remarks, Elder statesmen Prof Ikechukwu  Madubuike and Chief Onyema Ugochukwu charged the minister to avoid mismanagement of government funds and  ensure its judicious use while he strives to achieve tangible things for the state. They enjoined him to always consult other Abians including civil servants, professionals and political leaders, assuring that they will not misguide him.

The speaker Abia state house of Assembly, Chief Martins Azubike, in his remarks thanked the governor  for the forum which brought them together and prayed God to inspire the governor the more while giving him the wisdom and knowledge to steer the ship of Abia to an enviable height. Azubuike reminded the minister that Abia is the Japan of Africa hence the need for him to use his portfolio to bring in investors. He further stressed the need to sustain and add to the achievements of the past administration at state and federal levels.

Other dignitaries at the event include Ambassador designate, Emeka Agbugba, senators, Abia house of Reps members, some state executive council members among other distinguished Abians.

THE RECONSTRUCTION OF FAULKS ROAD: OFFICIALLY FLAGGED-OFF

The Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has flagged-off the 4.6km Faulks Road, Aba, starting from Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway to Brass junction by Aba-Owerri road, through Ukwu-Mango.
Speaking at the event, the Governor said that the contractor, SETRACO company will construct pipes to carry storm water from Ifeobara basin, near Ukwu-Mango to Aba river and disclosed that the work will gulp the some of #6.8 billion.
He advised anybody who built at Ifeobara area to remove it, assuring that anything blocking the area will be demolished as his administration is out to recover Ifeobara basin which is the main cause of the seemingly intractable flooding in the area.
Dr. Ikpeazu who said that he is in administration to do good stated that he will be supervising the the road regularly stressing that the road will be widened to give Ariaria the international status it deserves.

IMPERATIVE OF GOV IKPEAZU’S LECTURE SERIES AT ABIA STATE UNIVERSITY, UTURU By Uche Nwosu

Exactly 13 months ago, precisely on May 29, 2015, Okezie Victor Ikpeazu PhD, an unassuming academic and erudite scholar with the gift of administrative excellence assumed the mantle of leadership of Abia state as its chief executive officer. Ikpeazu’s ascendency to power was climaxed by his commencement of the implementation of his government’s five point agenda which are: education, agriculture, oil and gas, infrastructure and trade and commerce.
Consequently, these five point agenda fired and in fact underlined the significance of his revolution in virtually all sectors of the economy as road infrastructure became the pivotal sub sector the administration visited its magic wand on shortly after taking office. Within days of assumption of office rehabilitation of over 27 roads in Aba and Umuahia commenced while electricity and pipe borne water whose conspicuous absence was disturbing became part of Abia infrastructural menu.
The city of Aba, one of Africa’s fledging industrial and commercial hub had a blueprint for a turnaround as the Ikpeazu’s government, in an effort to make it the final destination of trade, commerce and industrial in sub Saharan Africa, established the Aba Urban Renewal Agency. The aim is to give the agency the legal authority to reinvent and make the city attractive for local and foreign investments; hence the present remodeling of Enyimba city as a centre of industrial and commercial excellence.
Actually, this paradigm of Ikpeazu’s government being pursued at a period of austerity has given a boost to the Aba economy as investors are beginning to see the need to invest in this God’s own State. However, one year on, the administration has had a number of quality projects to showcase for its one year stewardship. With 70 roads being constructed or rehabilitated in various parts of the state, 32 of which have already been completed, as well as the establishment of many investment friendly policies, the Ikpeazu administration has indeed joined the superhighway of Abia industrial, commercial and economic Eldorado.
Reeling the policies/initiatives out should be the assignment for another day, but suffice it to say that public restructuring, domestic management, acceptance of Made in Aba Goods, enhancement of quality education through the Friends of Abia Schools Adoption Initiative (FASAI) and the Abia Primary School Lunch etc are the expectations of the electorate that have been met by the Okezie Ikpeazu administration.
This quantum leap in infrastructure in Abia state has resulted in the influx of investors. The list is inexhaustible, but suffice it to name the few this space could accommodate. They include: Crown Realities PLC of Nigeria, (free trade/industrial), Kunwon Construction Coy Ltd, South Korea, (mini industrial park), Afropoland Group/Pilgrim Ranch Ltd of Poland (agriculture/goat farming), Kings Corporation Group of USA (refinery, power plant, sea port/air port), Geonel Group of Israel (new city development).
Others are: Benchmark Consortium of UAE (agriculture/cassava processing/oil palm), Fresno Solution of Nigeria (Lottery), Samthonia Reality Investments LLC of USA (Real Estate), Dunnel Worldwide Ltd of Poland (Real Estate), HJ Trust and Investment Ltd of Nigeria (agriculture/palm oil, AG Homes Ltd of Nigeria (real estate) and Epcot Crenshaw of UK which is investing in waste management amongst many other investors.
As a classroom man, an academic and a scholar, Okezie Ikpeazu PhD has not hidden his desire to promote scholarly excellence and impart quality learning to pupils and students in the state, particularly in his field of study, Biochemical Pharmacology. On Friday, June 10, 2016, the Abia chief executive made good his pledge to hold a monthly lecture series for undergraduate students of the Department of Biochemistry at the Abia State University, Uturu.
Despite his tight official schedule, Gov Ikpeazu was able to visit the institution for the lecture that began this June. He was received on arrival by some traditional rulers, members of the governing council of the university as well as its management team led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof Uche Ikonne.
Displaying his academic and teaching prowess during the lecture, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu who lectured fourth year students of the Department of Biochemistry on BCM 452 Pharmaceutical Biochemistry emphasized the need for continuous scientific research as a prerequisite for more scientific discovery and growth.
The lecture brought out the best in him as a university teacher and administrator par excellence. It should be recalled that before his assumption of office as the fourth executive of Abia state, Ikpeazu had lectured and acted as visiting lecturer in many Ivory Towers across the country, chief among them are: the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State University of Technology, Ebonyi State University as well as the Polytechnic, Calabar.
Not only did he serve as senior lecturer in some of these institutions, Ikpeazu was the Head of Department of Biochemistry at the Enugu State University of Technology before the call for higher duty brought him to Abia state where he served as the Transition Chairman, Obingwa local government area in 2002.
He was also a Masters Degree External Examiner to the Department of Biochemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He once said his life-long ambition is to become a professor of Biochemistry; a desire that is being manifested by his enormous desire and love for teaching and research in his field of specialisation even now that he serves as Abia chief executive.
Really, Okezie Ikpeazu is the first governor in the history of Nigeria that will take time off their busy schedules to impart and lecture students in the (governors’) area training or specialization without necessarily infringing on the business and operations of governance.
The Gov Ikpeazu has assured that the arrangement of lecturing the fourth year students of ABSU (BCM 452 – Pharmaceutical Biochemistry) monthly will be a permanent one, saying that the lecture series rather than impinge on the activities of governance will spur him to perform optimally and even do exploits in all sectors of the Abia economy, particularly in the education sector.
While welcoming the Gov Ikpeazu who is also the Visitor of the university to the institution, with some traditional rulers and leaders of thought from Uturu community, Prof E Uche Ikonne explained that it was the first time a sitting governor would take time off his ever busy official duties to lecture students in his area of training and commended him for taking special interest in the affairs of the university.
END
Uche Nwosu, a Public Affairs Commentator, wrote from Umuahia, Abia State.

RELIEF FOR THE ABIA AS GOVERNOR OKEZIE VICTOR IKPEAZU DIRECTS THE 17 TRANSITION COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN TO APPOINT TWO DISABLED PERSONS EACH AS SPECIAL ASSISTANTS.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and Physically Challenged Persons

Abia state Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has directed the Transition Committee Chairmen of the 17 LGAs in the State to appoint two disabled persons each from their areas as Special Assistants as a way of giving the disabled community a sense of belonging.
The directive is sequel to series of appeal to the Governor by the physically challenged in the State to come to their assistance through employment as they were qualified and could contribute to the development of the State.

Speaking at the Abia State Polytechnic during a town hall meeting for Abia South Senatorial zone for the people of Obingwa, Aba South and Aba North LGAs, the Governor reassured the people that his administration will always carry everyone along.
He used the forum to disclose that about N4b has been set aside for the renovation of primary schools across the State, assuring that the fund will be judiciously applied.
Under the programme, according to the Governor, 10 primary schools are to be rehabilitated in each of the 17 LGAs.
The Governor disclosed that youths with skills are to be used in the exercise and encouraged youths in the State to acquire skills that will make them self reliant from the skills acquisition centres established by his administration.
The Governor who was of the view that engaging in keke operation was not the best way to empower the youths, maintaining that his idea of youth empowerment is to have youths acquire skills.
He made public that his administration is proposing a poultry village in the State with the resuscitation of Ogwe Golden chicken where farmers will be provided with facilities at no initial cost pending when they will start making profit.
Dr Ikpeazu further said that his administration is not relenting effort at rehabilitating dilapidated roads in Abia South, adding that his Government is working hard to attract the African Development Bank to intervene on the Port Harcourt road through a $200m facility earmarked to tackle erosion, road, sanitation and water in the State.
The town hall meeting which attracted stakeholders from the zone featured question and answer session.
Culled from www.abiastate.gov.ng

ABIA ONCE AGIAN MAINTAINS A LEAD IN EDUCATION SECTOR

ABIA ONCE AGIAN MAINTAINS A LEAD IN EDUCATION SECTOR
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WAEC) has just released its performance chart for May/June 2015 exams. Here's the list of the states according to their performance:
Abia - 1st
Anambra - 2nd
Edo - 3rd
Rivers - 4th
Imo - 5th
Lagos - 6th
Bayelsa - 7th
Delta - 8th
Enugu -9th
Ebonyi - 10th
Ekiti - 11th
Kaduna - 12th
Ondo - 13th
Abuja - 14th
Kogi - 15th
Benue - 16th
Akwa Ibom - 17th
Kwara - 18th
Ogun - 19th
Cross River - 20th
Taraba - 21st
Plateau - 22nd
Nassarawa -23rd
Kano - 24th
Borno - 25th
Oyo - 26th
Niger - 27th
Adamawa -28th
Osun -29th
Sokoto - 30th
Bauchi - 31st
Kebbi - 32nd
Katsina - 33rd)
Gombe - 34th
Jigawa - 35th
Zamfara - 36th
Yobe - LAST
Culled from Punch Newspapers.

I AM NOT GOVERNOR OF UKWA/NGWA, BUT GOVERNOR OF ABIA STATE, IKPEAZU TELLS ABIA SOUTH

I AM NOT GOVERNOR OF UKWA/NGWA, BUT GOVERNOR OF ABIA STATE, IKPEAZU TELLS ABIA SOUTH
By Enyinnaya Appolos
Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has called on the people of Ukwa/Ngwa to be fair minded in their demands on him as the Governor and consider people from other parts of the state.
Governor Ikpeazu said this during the concluding phase of the ongoing Abia State town hall meeting in Abia South.
Governor Ikpeazu who hails from Ukwa/Ngwa axis of the state, that didn't produce the governor of the state until 2015 when Dr. Ikpeazu emerged as the 4th democratically elected governor of the state, also assured the people that everything due to them will be given to them.
Speaking at the Obehie venue of the meeting, Governor Ikpeazu said: "I'm here to fulfill the promise I made to you during the campaigns. I promised that I will always return to you as the owners of the mandate I'm holding in trust, to report to you on what we've done, what we are doing and what we want to do.
"I'm not your ruler, but your Servant. Therefore, I'm here to tell you what we've done in the first one year of our government and what we plan to do in the next one year, or our second year of our four years tenure. I will also give you the opportunity to ask me questions, and I will answer all your questions here, that's why we are here in this town hall meeting.
"I will not lie to you because I don't have any reason to do so. You elected me as your Governor to tell you the truth always, and not to lie to you.
"All I am asking from you is your continuos prayers. Be rest assured that Abia is in God's safe hands." The Governor said.
Speaking on the plans of his administration to develop the state: Governor Ikpeazu said: "My dear brothers and sisters from Ukwa/Ngwa, it is true that I am one of you, it is also true that we've not been governor until now, but I am the Governor of Abia State, and not just the Governor of Ukwa/Ngwa people.
"So when I want to take decisions about our state, I will think of Abia as a state and not Abia South or Ukwa/Ngwa. This is one truth that I must tell you.
"I know where I come from, and our brothers and sisters from Old Bende know that I come from somewhere. We must be fair to every Abian and visitors in our land.
"Another truth I must tell our young people is; we are serious about our plans to develop our land. Very soon multinational companies will be coming to you asking you to sale your lands to them, please do not sale your lands, but go into partnership with investors coming into your area.
"Let your land be your own contribution to any business that is coming to your area, so that you will not only benefit from the business, but your children and generations unborn will also be shareholders and benefit from the business. Please let us stop selling our lands. Our tomorrow will be better and we must plan for that tomorrow now. Never again will we be slaves in our land. This is one truth I must tell you, as one of you."
The Governor also emphasized his call on the people to begin to think of going into agriculture, as it is the way to go all over the world, for economic survival.
Speaking, the former Commissioner of Information, Chief Ralph Egbu, commended the Governor for initiating the idea of the town hall meeting and also making out time to attend, stressing that the town hall meeting has given the Governor the opportunity to see, feel and hear from those that voted him into office.
"This is the first we have a Governor in a town hall meeting where he sees, feel and hear from the people that voted him to be their governor. I must commend you for that, and also ask that you ensure that all that have been said here is attended to." Egbu said.
Enyinnaya Appolos
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
20/06/2016

Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah has been arraigned for forgery, fraud and conspiracy

A former governorship aspirant in Abia State, and the President of Masters Energy, Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah has been arraigned for forgery, fraud and conspiracy by the police in Lagos.
The police arraigned Ogah on Thursday alongside his company, Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited, before a Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on three counts bordering on forgery and conspiracy preferred against the defendants by the police.
According to the police, Ogah forged a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited and Mut-Hass Petroleum Limited sometime in March 2011.

He and some other persons said to be at large were also accused of forging the signature of one Mrs. Bridget Adeosun.
The alleged forgery was reportedly committed in Ikeja, Lagos.
The police also alleged that UBA bank aided Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited to open an account in the name of Mut-Hass Petroleum to perpetrate fraud without applying its internal control procedures in the opening of the account.
The police had claimed that UBA allowed the said account to be opened sometime in 2011 at its regional office in Palmgrove, Lagos, in breach of the provisions of the Financial Institutions Act 2004.
The defendants were brought before a Chief Magistrate, Mrs. Kikelomo Ayeye, by a police prosecutor, ASP Henry Obiazi.
Obiazi told the court that the offences contravened sections 363 (3)(u), 408 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The charges read in part, “That you, Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited, Uche Ogah, and others at large sometime in March 2011 at Ikeja, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire among yourselves to wit: forgery.
“That you, Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited, Uche Ogah, and others at large, on the same date, time, place and in the aforementioned magisterial district, did forge the signature of one Mrs. Bridget Adeosun and a document known as MoU between Mut-Hass Petroleum Limited and Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited, with an intent that it may be in any way used or acted upon as genuine.
“That you, Deji Somoye, United Bank for Africa and others still at large, sometime in August 2011, at UBA regional office, Palmgrove, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did knowing that Masters Energy Oil and Gas Limited design to commit an offence, failed to use all reasonable means to prevent the commission or the completion of the crime.”
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and were admitted to bail in the sum of N200,000 each with one surety each in like sum.
The case was adjourned till August 4, 2016.