Stephanie Clems, Umuahia

Member of house of Representatives for Ikwuano Umuahia federal constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha has said that his strongest and biggest impact is in his ability to speak up when others choose look away.

He said his stance on the jailed leader of indigenous people of Biafra has not and will not change for some reasons.

Hon. Aguocha while answering questions from bloggers in his country home in Nkwoegwu Ohuhu in Umuahia North local government area of Abia said that having been classmates with Mazi Kanu in primary and secondary schools and their late parents being friends, he is tied to the case.

“My advocacy is that kanu and 720 Igbos in detention are given fair hearing,” he said.

Hon. Aguocha stated that he was able to question the administration of criminal justice in the country through the case recalling how Sunday Igboho was freed when his people rallied round him.

He said he didn’t regret speaking up and would continue until he regained freedom,adding that he had lost a lot as a result.

“If majority of the people have done 10% of my efforts for Nnamdi Kanu, the situation would have been easier.

“People just ignored Kanu. The yorubas never abandoned Igboho Sunday and this is what we have failed to do.

“I have spoken out in his favour. We were classmates at Library Avenue primary school where the government house is now and classmates at government college, Umuahia and have family ties with him.

“Nnamdi has confidence in me to speak for his release. I have lost a lot calling for his release. I like what my governor has done. I will keep speaking on it,” he said.

Continuing he said “God has given me a platform I didn’t deserve to represent a people. There’s no rule book as to how I do it. I’m resourceful.

When asked if he was a member of IPOB, he responded in the negative.“I’m not an IPOB member but I believe in their ideology of Biafra which is a mindset.

If it’s about giving equal opportunities to Igbos, then I’m for it. We deserve a seaport, railway system……. ……..agitations will continue because of marginalisation,” he added.

He equally said he didn’t see the organisation as a terrorist bodyThe reps member also disclosed that he believed more in empowerment of greater impact which is education more than providing tricycles and motorbikes to his constituents.

He said that in the coming days, he would unveil his scorecard in over three years of representation for his constituency to assess him.According to him, some people had represented the constituency but lacked knowledge of the areas and their needs.

On what he thinks about deputy speaker Ben Kalu’s perceived gubernatorial aspiration, the federal legislator said that it was within his rights as a citizen to aspire for any position.“Hon. Ben kalu is entitled to his aspirations whether as a legislator or for governor.

I don’t believe there’s a vacancy in the state. The people have seen the good works the governor has done. The people will be the ones to decide.

He also posited that his party-Labour party did not have a leadership crisis and assured that he was not moving to any other political party.

On whether he entertained fears of his supposed opponents, he said they should secure tickets first from their parties, saying he had an edge over them as someone who had verifiable footprints in representation which wasn’t available prior to 2023 general election.

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.

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.