News

Perspective – Infrastructure: Debunking Abia State Government’s falsehood on Deputy Speaker Kalu

Published

2 months ago

February 3, 2026

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Being a press statement from the office of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives

Governance, everywhere, is a convenanted social contract with the people and, therefore, passes as a serious business run with all openness. But, unfortunately, what has been going on in Abia State for some time now has been propaganda, where a deluge of lies is dished out to the people on a regular basis by the administration of Dr. Alex Otti.At every turn, the government makes deliberate efforts to conceal public information, yet echoes transparency and accountability.

However, this has been exposed. We are compelled to believe that the aides of the governor are mainly the masterminds of the concoctions, aiming to hoodwink the people and brew unnecessary face-offs.Such tissues of lies resurfaced in the baseless allegations and misinformation peddled in a recent press statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ukoha Njoku Ukoha about a piece of land located along Umuahia-Bende Road and donated for a federal government housing scheme attracted by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and member representing the good people of Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Ph.D, LL.D, CFR.

The Office of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, has taken notice of the press statement, decrying the spread of lies and misinformation.It is nothing but a tissue of falsehood aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the Deputy Speaker.To put the record straight, the land in question is communally owned and was donated by the Deputy Speaker’s Umuoche community in Bende.

There was no allocation but a donation. The claim of allocating the land by the government for the project is proof that the author of the press statement was ignorant of the facts. We recall that the State government pulled strings to move the housing estate away from Bende town but the Deputy Speaker stood his grounds, insisting that the project was originally billed to be sited along Umuahia-Bende-Ohafia corridor. So, one wonders why the Otti’s administration is now making it look like it was based on allocation by the government.

The second notable issue raised is the alleged demolition of a school building in Bende without the consent of the government. This is another barefaced lie by the Otti’s government.To set the record straight, the Deputy Speaker, in his generosity, had initially planned to build a smart exam centre on a plot where a dilapidated, age-stricken mud school building stood, a building originally constructed through self-help efforts by the Umuoche community after the civil war of over 50 years ago.

This decision came after the Deputy Speaker had already taken steps to improve the school by constructing a block of classrooms and a perimeter fence to secure the premises.However, just as construction was about to begin on the exam centre, a government contractor appeared, expressing interest in the same location for a government smart school project.

This happened when the government came under heavy criticism on its handling of smart schools project in Abia State.The government’s decision to insist on this specific location, despite other available spaces in the premises, raised concerns. Tensions later escalated when hoodlums were deployed to halt the construction, sparking community resistance and police intervention to restore order.

In the end, the government contractor approached the Deputy Speaker with decency and decorum, pleading to use the space, which he graciously agreed to relinquish.Curiously, despite the understanding, no further development has occurred on the site since then, lending credence to the speculation that the only objective of the government was to stop the Deputy Speaker from building the project on the site and not really the construction of any audio smart school.Another project the State government has selfishly stifled its progress is the 50 bed hospital being constructed in Eluokwe Community School, Amaukwu Igbere. We urge the public to recognize the Deputy Speaker’s genuine effort to address the healthcare needs of seven communities of Igbere, Ward B.

The communities had no functional health facility, and they approached him with the request. He then facilitated the construction of the 50-bed hospital to be located within Eluokwe community school compound, with the communities’ approval and agreement on the location.Both the location for the contruction and the contractor handling the job are unknown to the Deputy Speaker. For emphasis sake, legislators facilitate projects without being involved in the execution process. It is the work of the relevant supervising MDAs to do. So, how then could the Deputy Speaker have gone and demolished a building to construct a new one?If it must be stated, it was the agents of the State government that arrested the project supervisor and temporarily stopped work at the site.

It is noteworthy that the Deputy Speaker has been attracting projects to the State even before this administration for which he was accorded commendations and not condemnation as the case now. We therefore want to put it on record that the allegations that the Deputy Speaker pulled down a school building is absolutely unfounded and lacks merit. One wonders how far the government is willing to go on its propaganda machinery to continue deceiving Ndi Abia.A situation where officials of the State at all levels are let loose like rabid dogs and encouraged to pour invectives and vituperations on those who should be partners in the development of the State is absolutely condemnable. Sadly, the government has refused to draw the line between propaganda and good governance.But while we pick holes in the pettiness that dots Otti’s style of governance, we must however commend the governor for the allocation of land in Umuahia for the ongoing construction of the Industrial Court attracted by the Deputy Speaker.

The Deputy Speaker, by any stretch of imagination and conceivable stance, deserves applause for striving to attract projects to shore up the infrastructure needs of the State rather than being maligned.

Hurling abuses at him simply depicts ingratitude. But for us, infrastructure is governance, not politics.And that is why it amazes us that a brilliant media outing of the Deputy Speaker would be misconstrued and attacked in such a ferocious manner. It beats one’s imagination that Otti’s administration is more interested in hurrying to make enemies for itself than friends that can help it achieve more for the people.

But deceptive manoeuvrings are not a good style of governance and we say no to propagandists masquerading as leaders of Abia State. But if they have elevated propaganda to an art, then, they should not pretend to be saints. Such a hypocritical disposition undermines the credibility of government and makes it less people-oriented.On the allegation that the APC door has been shut on Otti: this is not the truth. The press conference was well recorded for anyone to replay the Deputy Speaker and take him on his words. Simply put, he had, prior to now, invited the governor over to APC based on their friendship and the fact that both of them were together in the party. It was a brotherly call to return home. But the governor is a man, capable of chewing his own cud and taking his own decisions. If he decides to return to the party, better for him. It means he will get more support from the Deputy Speaker and other APC stalwarts in the State. If otherwise, there is still no animosity, but to misinterpret the situation is to sow the seed of discord.We will continue to urge Abia people to see through the diversionary tactics of the government and demand better from the administration.

Finally, the Deputy Speaker notes with concern the Governor’s apparent reluctance to pursue peaceful coexistence, and respectfully urges a reconsideration of this stance in the best interest of Abia State.

Scripted by:

Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria

News

Abia community set to celebrate Monarch’s 35th Coronation anniversary, 89th birthday

Published

3 days ago

March 19, 2026

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Stephabie Clems, Umuahia

Ebem Ohafia community in Abia State is set to host a grand celebration in honour of its paramount ruler, His Royal Highness Ezie Ukoha Kalu Ukoha (JP), as he marks his 35th coronation anniversary and 89th birthday.

The event, organised by the Ezie Ebem In-Council in collaboration with the Ebem Ohafia Development Union (EODU), is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Ohafia LGA Pavilion by 10:00 AM prompt.

A major highlight of the celebration will be the installation of chieftaincy titles on deserving sons, daughters, and friends of Ebem Ohafia, in recognition of their contributions to the development of the community.

The ceremony is expected to attract dignitaries from within and outside the state, including the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti (OFR), who will be the Special Guest of Honour.

Also expected at the event is Chief Barrister Anaga Kalu Anaga (Oduo Mba of Ebem Ohafia), who will preside as the chairman of the cay.

Organisers say the celebration will not only honour the monarch’s decades of impactful leadership but also serve as a platform to strengthen unity and promote the rich cultural heritage of Ebem Ohafia.

Members of the community, both at home and in the diaspora, have been urged to attend and be part of the historic celebration.

According to the press statement made available by the public relations officer of Even Ohafia , Mr. Ifeanyi Okali the event is expected to showcase the rich cultural heritage and strong communal spirit of the Ebem Ohafia people.

News

OMPAN elects new executive, returns Okoro as Chairman

Published

1 week ago

March 13, 2026

csunews

By Editor, Umuahia

Chief Promise Uzoma Okoro has been returned as the chairman of the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (OMPAN), Abia State chapter.

He with other officers emerged at the association’s election that took place on Friday, 13th March, 2026 at the state’s Secretariat in Umuahia.

The new executive will handle the affairs of the body for the next two years.

The Chairman of the Electoral Committee (ELECO), Ugochukwu Nwankwo had dissolved the outgoing executive committee and urged members to maintain decorum throughout the electoral process.

He charged those that would emerge victorious to uphold the ideals and objectives of the association while working together to strengthen the body.

He also made it known that the association has provided two platforms for voting – Physical and online to give members opportunity to choose their leaders.

In a press statement issued by the P.R.O , Kate Okereke, chief. Promise Uzoma Okoro, Anipr was returned seamlessly since his candidacy was unopposed. Other positions such as the secretary, treasurer, public relations officer, etc also had no contentions and we’re consequently declared winners.

However, the post of the vice chairman had the outgoing secretary, Dr. Steve Unegbu and Chika Nwabueze contest and afterwards the later emerged victorious polling 20 votes while his contender scored 4 votes.

Other officers elected included, Ikokwu Ogbonnaya as Secretary, Chibuzor Aguwa as Treasurer, while Kate Okereke Polycarp was elected as the Public Relations Officer of the association.

Barr. Dim Chinonso Godwin administered the oath of office on the new executive.

In his acceptance speech, the Chairman, Okoro, expressed appreciation to members for the confidence reposed in him and pledged to continue working for the growth, unity, and professional advancement of the association in the state.

Reflecting on his first tenure which began in 2024, the OMPAN chairman said the administration was able to implement key reforms aimed at strengthening the structure and public perception of online media practice in the state.

According to him, the association improved internal coordination, enhanced public engagement, and most notably secured a secretariat for the union with the support of one of its patrons, an achievement he described as giving the body visibility and institutional identity.Okoro noted that the media landscape has significantly evolved, stressing that digital platforms have become central to governance communication, political engagement, corporate branding, and public accountability.

He said online publishers must therefore uphold the highest standards of journalism by prioritizing accuracy, fairness, balance, and ethical reporting.The chairman warned members against allowing themselves to be used for political propaganda or vendettas, insisting that the credibility of online media depends on professional conduct and independence.“As members of OMPAN, we must deliberately elevate online media practice in Abia State to a standard that commands national respect,” he said.

Okoro also congratulated the newly elected executive members of the association and emphasized that leadership within the organization would remain consultative and transparent.

Looking ahead to the 2027 election cycle, he assured that the association would provide a neutral platform for political actors to engage with the public.

According to him, OMPAN plans to invite aspirants, particularly governorship and senatorial contenders, to structured media engagements where they will present their development plans to the public ahead of the 2027 elections.

He clarified that the initiative would not serve as endorsement for any candidate but rather promote informed civic participation.

The chairman further revealed that the association would focus on institutional consolidation during the new tenure and pursue another major project to strengthen its legacy.He also announced that a committee would soon be constituted to organize activities marking the 10th anniversary of OMPAN in Abia State, describing the milestone as an opportunity to celebrate the growth of organized online media practice in the state

.Okoro called on members to remain united despite differences in editorial style or political views, stressing that the strength of the association lies in its collective identity.He concluded by urging members to remain committed to professionalism, integrity, and progressive engagement in the media space.

Human angle

From Dilapidation to Dignity: The Mercy Anosike story

Published

2 weeks ago

March 8, 2026

csunews

Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Mrs. Mercy Anosike might have still been living in her shacks had help not met her a few months ago.

Mrs. Anosike’s living condition was reportedly deplorable until a journalist, Emma Nwazue of Afia TV brought it to the attention of the governor during a media chat in Umuahia where the governor ordered an immediate intervention.

Confronted by challenges of widowhood and childlessness after the loss of all her children, Mrs. Anosike continued to trudge on not knowing what the future held for her.

However, fate smiled at her and her situation changed for good with the construction and furnishing of a bungalow by the Abia state government.

Residents of her village, Ukome in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State could not contain their joy as they showered encomiums on the wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Chidinma Otti, for donating a fully furnished three-bedroom apartment to the widow.

During the commissioning and handover of the house, Mrs. Otti described Mrs. Anosike’s story as one of remarkable strength and resilience.

According to her, Mama Anosike lost her children and was left alone, yet despite the painful challenges she faced, she has continued to remain a beacon of hope within her community.

.Mrs. Otti was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa,.

According to her the story of the woman’s poor and difficult living conditions elicited compassion from the governor who immediately directed that she be moved out of her dilapidated home and provided with a new, comfortable residence.

She disclosed that through her office, support had continued to reach widows and other vulnerable persons across the state, giving them a renewed sense of belonging and care.

“This house is a testament to our commitment and a tangible expression of our efforts to empower women and support vulnerable groups in Abia State,” she said.

In her remarks, the Deputy Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, Mrs. Chinwe Odoemelam, commended the wife of the governor for her compassion and dedication to the welfare of vulnerable members of society.

She also enjoined the community to reciprocate the gesture by supporting the administration of Governor Alex Otti, while appealing to the government to consider addressing some of the community’s challenges, particularly in the area of road construction.

For Miss Patricia Ngborogwu of Flo FM radio , she expressed relief and fulfilment that her foundation provided succour at some point for Mrs. Anosike and commended Governor Otti for his swift and compassionate response when the matter was mentioned to him.

Patricia stated that the governor’s action was a demonstration that responsive leadership and empathy can bring real transformation to people’s lives.

“The beneficiary, Mama Mercy Anosike, in her response expressed gratitude, saying the gesture feels like a dream. She praised Governor Otti for promoting inclusive governance and remembering the less privileged in the society.