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Perspective: Demolishing the last vestiges of PDP’s misgovernance in Abia – Eagle Okoro

Published

5 months ago

August 27, 2024

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The State Government on Saturday, August 17, 2024 began to make good its vow to reclaim lands that were illegally acquired from government-owned schools by “smart” officials of the Okezie Victor Ikpeazu-led administration.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, gave the hint concerning the resolve of the State Executive Council (EXCO) to recover all the affected lands.Prince Kanu told journalists at a briefing in Umuahia that 180 public schools were “alienated and encumbered” through such unwholesome acquisition by functionaries of the last administration.

He said that Gov. Alex Otti had inaugurated a special committee to drive the process of the recovery of the parcels of land. Interestingly, the committee, headed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, with the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Prof. Uche Eme Uche, as Secretary, commenced its assignment with the demolition of illegal structures erected on the property of the Government College, Umuahia.In a speech at the demolition site, the General Manager of Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Kingsley Agomoh, described the exercise as a warning to those who have the habit of encroaching on government land.Agomoh further said that the Abia State Government handed over the Government College, Umuahia to the Old Boys’ Association, along with a Certificate-of-Occupancy.He, therefore, wondered why some individuals would throw caution to the wind and embark on the sale of government land, stressing the need for people to properly enquire before entering into such transactions.Of course, the demolition at the Government College, Umuahia, where a great expanse of land was dubiously purchased by unscrupulous top government functionaries of the Ikpeazu’s unfortunate era, would be replicated in the remaining 179 identified schools and possibly more that might show up in the course of the committee’s assignment.

The racketeering that characterised the last administration, though typical of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was so highly irritating and scandalous as it was legendary of the party – a proof that a “leopard does not change its spots”. What a manner of irresponsible and indisciplined government it was that allowed such rascality to freely happen and the perpetrators are wishing that it be swept under the carpet? Such a felony and large-scale offence against the state could only be ignored by a compromised government. Or, better still, a “kporakpo” PDP administration.But it was fulltime for PDP’s litany of looting and acts of misdemeanor.

Their crimes had, indeed, run full circle and God decreed that “Enough is enough!” Enough of the deceit, treachery and subterfuge in governance. God said that Abia must be free and His people liberated! It is obvious that the recklessness in the governance of Abia was so possible for 24-long years because PDP strongly believed that it would remain in power “till thy kingdom come”, hence their slogan: “Abia is PDP; PDP is Abia!”And now that a new Sheriff is in town and a Daniel coming to judgment, it would certainly be nothing short of an intentional and irreversible demolition of all the evil and wicked vestiges of PDP’s bad governance, wherever they may still be existing.And make no mistake to expect a preservation of the anti-progressive status quo ante that stalled Abia’s prosperity and development for the more than two decades a bunch of insensitive political class in PDP reigned supreme.It has been repeatedly recommended that Gov. Otti must take decisive measures that are not only disruptive in nature but capable of upturning the status quo to be able to successfully move Abia on the path of transformation and development. Naturally, what is happening in the state today would not be welcoming to PDP and those that plundered and misappropriated the resources of Abia, having also wrecked the fortunes of the state due to their greed and insatiable quest for personal aggrandizement. As Seth Godin, an American teacher and renowned author, would say, “If you’re not upsetting anyone, you’re not changing the status quo”. Gov. Otti is determined to step on toes to be able to fix Abia and certainly owes no apologies to those who had for many decades stood as a cog in the wheel of Abia’ progress. They are the ones so so upset, ranting and raving, crying wolf over such corrective policies and programmes of his administration.It was here in Abia that a sitting governor of PDP stock purchased a state-of-the-art printing equipment, ostensibly for the state-owned National Ambassador Newspaper, only to allegedly divert the same to establish a private media outfit in Lagos. And, expectedly, nothing happened thereafter to date. That act of open thievery was swept under the carpet by the succeeding administration. But this time around, it would be self-delusion and mere wishful thinking for any reasonable Abian to expect that any of such callous abuse of power by Ikpeazu and/or his political acolytes, who shamelessly and unconscionably coveted public properties, should be ignored. Doing so would on its own be tantamount to another crime against the state. It is no longer a subject of debate or speculation that Gov. Otti has come to cleanse the Augean stables left behind by PDP, hence his government would continue to expose and deal with the mindless and unimaginable underhand dealings that were perpetrated against the state by PDP.Nothing can be more motivating and gratifying than when the governor looks back to appreciate what he has so far achieved in clearing the Okezie’s mess in the 15 months of his administration.Suffice it to state here that topping the list of his achievements is his effortless defrayal of the humongous N10 billion arrears of pensions bequeathed to his government by the Ikpeazu’s profligate eight-year tenure. Next was the defrayment of the staggering N50 billion salary arrears accummulated by Ikpeazu’s administration, in spite of having the grace of benefiting from the former President Muhammadu Buhari’s over N1 trillion Bailout Funds to states of the federation in August 2015. It is imperative to say that the Federal Government’s intervention was specifically tied to the payment of arrears of salaries and pensions owed by states.Unfortunately and ironically, too, Abia’s share of the bailout funds, totalling N14.2 billion, was scandalously squandered, while Ikpeazu allowed salaries and pensions to pile up.The same Ikpeazu-led government also received over N22 billion Paris Club Refund that was unaccounted for, yet Abia civil servants were owed several months of salary arrears under the pretext that Abia had no money.Today, what was deemed impossible under Ikpeazu and PDP has been seamlessly made possible by the governor. Abia workers and the respected senior citizens now receive bank alerts for their salaries and pensions on the 28th of every month.Little wonder the outcome of the 2023 Governorship poll caused Ikpeazu and his co-travellers in the ill-fated administration an unimaginable nightmare.Many hold the view that the racketeering on the landed property of public schools was only one aspect of the last vestiges of the odious PDP-led government. Consequently, it is expected that as more of such brazen misdeeds get uncovered, more bulldozers and necessary actions would be unleashed to deal summarily with them. Today, the attention is on public schools, who knows where else such an impunity might have recklessly happened but yet uncovered. As the efforts toward reimagining and building a new Abia by Gov. Otti’s administration gathers more momentum, the people expect the government to dig deeper to further uncover the hidden crimes perpetrated during Ikpeazu’s eight years. This is to further pave the way for greater sanity and unencumbered system.The more such unholy vestiges and traces of PDP’s impunty and malfeasance are exposed and demolished, the closer the march toward the realisation of the envisioned new Abia.

Eagle Okoro is a Public Affairs analyst and writes from Umuahia.

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Abia Media Day 2024: celebration of media excellence, challenges, empowering future leaders*

Published

2 months ago

November 29, 2024

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By, Editor, Umuahia

The media landscape in Abia State is set for a transformative experience as the highly anticipated Abia Media Day 2024 approaches.

The event themed “Celebrating the Voice of Abia, Empowering the Future of Media,” this prestigious event is expected to unite media professionals, industry stakeholders, and leaders to honor the significant role of media in shaping Abia’s socio-economic development.

Key event details

Date: December 7, 2024 (Morning Summit): 10 AM venue :Rapha Hotel, Umuahia.

A comprehensive session including paper presentations, panel discussions, and brainstorming activities to chart the future of media in Abia State.

Evening Hangout: 8 PM at De Latinos, Umuahia.

A celebratory gathering at De Latinos

The event will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive sessions designed to provide insights into the challenges, proffer solutions and empower the future of media in Abia State.

Distinguished guests and speakers include; Governor Alex Otti – Special Guest of Honour

Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives – Guest of Honour

Hon. Eziuche Ubani, CEO, Magic FM Aba – Guest Speaker

According to the organisers, joining these personalities will be prominent media veterans, investors, and key industry players.

Everyone is coming together to celebrate the resilience and progress of Abia’s media space.

The event is in collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Radio, Television, Theatre, and Arts Workers’ Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN),Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Radio Managers Union and other allied media associations.

*Stakeholders, veterans, and media enthusiasts are encouraged to attend this historic event, uniting to celebrate and shape the future of media in Abia State.

Call for Sponsors and Media Support

The Organizing Committee is therefore inviting corporate sponsors, philanthropists, and media outfits across Nigeria to support this groundbreaking event as sponsorships will enhance the summit’s impact and foster the development of a more robust media ecosystem in the state

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Abia education advancement: Gov. Otti commissions first smart school.

Published

2 months ago

November 28, 2024

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Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Ohafia local government area of Abia state has become the very first to host a smart school in the state.

This is all thanks to the lawmaker representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa.

Speaking while commissioning the smart school situated Ofali Akwu Secondary School, Ohafia, governor Alex Otti said that his administration has rolled out free and compulsory education at the primary and Junior secondary levels, adding that he would consider extending the policy to the senior secondary level as soon as the state’s economy improves.

He urged parents and guardians to take advantage of the new policy to send their wards to school, warning that from January 2025, it will be a punishable offence for any parent or guardian whose ward is seen hawking goods on the streets during school hours.

“I hope the parents are taking note, we have given you people some months of grace. From January next year, if we see a child hawking during school hours, running errands and selling wares, we are going to pick up that child not because we want to arrest him but we will pick him up and he will take us to his or her parents”.

“We will exchange the child with the parents and we will lock the parents up”, Governor Otti warned.

The Governor while thanking Chief Okwara Osonwa for facilitating the project and seeing to its completion in record time, said that it would be replicated to serve as a standard in all public schools across the State.

He said that his unquenchable taste for quality education led to the allocation of 20% of the 2024 Budget to the education sector, assuring that 2025 fiscal year will not fall short of acceptable standard.

“Do not forget that for the first time, 20 percent of our budget was allocated to education and that was the 2024 budget”.

“In the next few hours, I will be sitting with the budget committee for the 2025 budget and already, I had given instruction before this meeting that whatever the total budgetary outlay is going to be for 2025, at a minimum, 20 percent of it must also go to education”, the Governor asserted.

In his address, the Member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa described the project as a bold step towards transforming education in Abia state, adding that it aligns with the governor’s vision in preparing Abia children for the demands of a technologically advanced world.

The Federal lawmaker disclosed that the facility has replaced traditional chalkboards and marker boards with state-of-the-art, interactive digital screens equipped with cameras as well as digital screens that capture classroom activities and allow students to revisit lessons at any time, while also enabling remote participation for learners outside the school premises.

He emphasized the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education, pointing out that his aim is to ensure that the children are equipped with the basics available globally to enable them compete confidently with their peers anywhere in the world.

The law maker said that the school’s teachers, from Nursery to Secondary levels have undergone comprehensive training to operate the new technology with over 70 trained educators expected to serve as trainers for others and expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders including Governor Otti for contributing to the initiative.

Representative of all the development partners, Mr Olayomi Gbolahan said that they are happy to be part of history aimed at bringing the state in tune with the 21st century teaching and learning demands, adding that the school is equipped with full ICT facilities, 24 hours solar – powered, CCTV cameras and can be used for other purposes such as youth empowerment, women digital training and skills acquisition centre.

Responding on behalf of the benefitting school, Ofali Akwu Secondary School, Miss Blessing thanked Governor Otti’s administration and the facilitator Chief Ibe Okwara Osonwa for the massive transformation and called for perimeter fencing of the School to safeguard lives and the facilities provided.

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Environmental degradation : Abia to continue tackling erosion menace through increased counterpart funding.

Published

2 months ago

November 27, 2024

csunews

By Editor, Umuahia

Governor Alex Otti has assured that his government will continue to remit its counterpart funding in order to adequately tackle erosion menace across the state.

The Governor gave the assurance on Tuesday, 26th November, when he received in audience the National Project Coordinator of Nigerian Climate Adaptation, Watershed Project (NEWMAP)–European Investment Bank funding, Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks and his Team who paid him a working visit in his Umuehim Nvosi country home, Isiala Ngwa South LGA.

Governor Otti explained that his administration considers the environmental impact of everything it does, saying that “some of our actions in the past are what we are paying for today.”

He informed the NEWMAP team that the State could not wait for them before swinging into action to arrest the ravaging impact of a gully erosion site at Ovom Street, Aba.

A few months back, the Governor visited the erosion site where he saw the devastating impact of the ravaging erosion and ordered the immediate evacuation of residents around the area and the immediate engagement of experienced contractors to deal with the situation.

He noted that although the team had identified about 57 erosion sites in the State and prioritized 20 sites, the figures were understated because some erosion sites may not be very evident at the moment, but a closer look at them will help discover that they are disasters in the waiting.

“So, we can start with 20 for a start but we hope that you will come again so that we can nip some of these things in the board”.“I can assure that if we require to set aside additional counterpart funding, we will do it. The difference in our own administration is that approval is equal to release. We do not approve when we don’t have the funding. As soon as we give the approval, we have the funding ready” the Governor assured.

He commended Engr. Ikechukwu Ukaegbu, the NEWMAP Project Coordinator in Abia State, for the great job he and his team are doing, which has prepared the State for the implementation of NEWMAP projects. He thanked the team for the endorsement it has given the State and assured them that the State will give them all the support that they will require as they carry out their assignment.

Earlier in his speech, the team leader and National Project Coordinator of NEWMAP Engr. Yalaks said that he and his team came to Abia State to access erosion sites and ascertain how ready Abia is, as one of the 23 States benefiting from the NEWMAP-EIB 175 million Euros erosion funding projects in Nigeria. He said that the project objective is to reverse land degradation, “be it flooding, erosion and land degradation in a targeted sub-watershed.” He said that the project has a duration of five years, effective from 2024.Engr.

Yalaks commended Governor Otti for approving and releasing the counterpart fund of 500 million Naira for the project, noting that he has demonstrated the highest political will to get Abia ready for the project. “In Government, there would be approvals, but there are releases. But in this case, you have approved and released the sum of 500 million. We are grateful for that Your Excellency. Sir, permit me to inform you that under your able leadership and for what you are known to be, you have demonstrated the highest level of political will on this project and have secured Abia to have met all the conditions required. Congratulations your Excellency” He described Governor Otti’s choice of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) headed by Mr. Ikechukwu Ukaegbu as the best.Engr. Yalaks said that the identified sites are active, expanding at an alarming rate, separating communities and threatening livelihoods. He stated that some of the basic causes of the problems are poor road designs and inadequate drainage systems. He called for more counterpart funding and continued community engagements for the citizenry to own the projects.

The Project Coordinator in Abia, Engr. IKechukwu Ukaegbu attributed their achievements to the Governor’s overwhelming support to ensure the readiness of the State for the projects.In his vote of thanks, the Abia State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna thanked Governor Otti for his intentional and enduring support to prepare the State for the NEWMAP-EIB funded projects. He also thanked the visiting National NEWMAP team led by Engr. Anda Ayuba Yalaks for doing a thorough Job in their assignment of accessing the State’s readiness for NEWMAP-EIB and for confirming that the State is fully prepared having met the requirements for the project.The NWEMAP-EIB engineering and environmental consultants were all part of the visit.