The Abia State Government has sealed off a hotel in Aba, the state capital, Merry-home Hotels Limited, located around 7up axis of Ogbor Hill following a series of allegations of criminal activities taking place on the hotel premises.
Briefing newsmen in Aba after the exercise, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr Eze Chikamnayo, said the seal off was in view of “repeated reports to security agencies about a series of deaths under questionable circumstances within the premises of the hotel”.
According to Chikamnayo, the recent one is the death of a young lady who came in with two young boys and a baby in the afternoon and as confirmed by the CCTV, the boys left with the baby in the evening without the lady only for the hotel management to break into the room around midnight and found the lady dead with her body dismembered.
The Commissioner revealed that reports available to the state government disclosed that there have been other incidents of death that have taken place in the hotel, especially around the swimming pool.
Chikamnayo re-emphasised the determination of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration to get rid of all development that will pose a threat to the lives of Abians and its residents stressing that no responsible government would fold its arms and watch such a hotspot of crime crop up.
He further disclosed that everyone suspected to be involved in the incident had been arrested as the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, for investigation while the hotel will remain sealed pending the time of the outcome of the investigation.
The Commissioner warned that the state is a no-go area for ritual murders and dismemberment of people’s bodies for any purpose and has zero-tolerance for any form of incubation and growth of criminality, pointing out that any hotel in the state that offers itself for such practice will automatically be sealed and culprits brought to book.
He frowned at the presence of over 80 teenagers who were in compromising conditions in the hotel, indulging in anti-social and criminal activities and advised parents to take full monitoring of their children’s movements, while pointing out that the welfare of the citizens remained the priority of the state.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Okey Ahiwe, the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Sopuruchi Bekee, and other security chiefs were part of the exercise.
Around 1997, a young man in his late teens, whom was imbued with charisma and oratory, launched himself into politics with the belief that someday he will be a shoulder on which many will lean. It was NCPN for me and UNCP for him then, yet he was enthusiastic and focused. At the time of PDP, he was already a known face in the polity. After graduation as an Accountant from the Abia State University Uturu, he worked briefly with Inland Bank (now First City Monument Bank) and later left the bank and took to business.
He again left the business and returned to school to pick another Degree in Law. It was based on politics and his genuine drive for stewardship that he bagged his Law Degree in view of service to his people. Bearing in mind that equity will smile on his part of the LGA someday, he got prepared beforehand.
Upon graduation from Law, he indicated interest to contest the 2016 Local Government election but he was advised to step down. He was disadvantaged because an Umuchieze man just left the seat. He heeded the advice of the elders and that earned him an appointment as Supervisor for Agriculture and Mineral Resources in Umunneochi LGA. He was later appointed Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media. When he saw an imminent vacancy in the Umunneochi State Constituency seat in the ensuing gameplay, he started negotiating for his people and himself.
He coined “Equity Agenda” as his Mantra for the contest. He lobbied the high and mighty with the appeal; to get the seat zoned to Umuchieze and so offered himself to serve in that capacity. He started heating the waves in January 2022 and has spent a fortune relating to people and engaging in charity. Across the party line, he reached out to people of the opposition party aligning with them to support him.
He succeeded in negotiating with hopefuls of APC and APGA and they had a pact to stand down their aspirations on just one condition. They assured him that they will not run if the ticket of PDP is given to him but if given to another person, it will turn into a free-for-all battle. Just when his negotiations and lobbyings were gathering momentum and attention from the powers-that-be, other people are indicating interest to run for the election. As we speak, there are four aspirants from this Umuchieze and two from Isuochi.
Ebere Nwankwo :
He is the propagator of the Equity Agenda; a recognition of the right of representation of Umuchieze people. He is the Chairman, of Regal Group of Companies. He is an Accountant and a Lawyer. And a lawyer is best fitted for law-making if the business of the House of Assembly is business of law-making. He is a service-driven young man. He has gone through the steps to the corridor of power, and he is a grassroots. He is the kindest man I met in recent time. Popularly known as Ebere Umunneochi, he is boundless in reaches and socialisation. He is loyal and humble. Though all other contenders are as well qualified Ebere is a more viable option.
He is academically ahead of them all; he is financially independent. He was the first to express interest and so started routing it to their zone. He was the first to pick the nomination form and completed the same in record time. He came out when nobody was willing to come out due to fear. A courageous and motivated Ebere Umunneochi allayed the fears and took the bull by the horns. He is from Lokpaukwu (the oldest clan in Umuchieze).
Suffice you to note that Lokpaukwu has the highest number of registered voters in Umuchieze. If for fairness the ticket is given to them, they will produce a block vote for PDP starting with the House of Assembly and Governorship, National Assembly and Presidency. Simply put, many (including opposition parties) are willing and ready to vote for PDP if EBERE NWANKWO becomes the standard-bearer of PDP. Then again, according to sharing formula in the land of Umuchieze and Igboland in general, the oldest takes his turn before others.
In 2008 during the Local Government election, it was not fair for Oliver Egeonu from Leru/Lekwesi ward to first take what comes to Umuchieze if not for his imposition on Umunneochi by mother Excellency Eunice Uzor Kalu. But as seniors, they exhibited uncommon understanding to allow peace to reign. As it is, the entire Umuchieze is set to make amends by narrowing down the House of Assembly to Chief Ebere Nwankwo, Esq of Lokpaukwu.
In an unanimous voice, they didn’t hide their admiration and preference for Ebere Nwankwo and they will be ready to issue a communique in that regard. A sample of opinion from opinion leaders in the area puts EBERE NWANKWO as a candidate, not an aspirant.
Written By: Hon Toby Chuks Egeonu Public Affairs Commentator and Political Analyst 29:04:22
A 50-year-old woman identified only as Motunrayo has raised the alarm over an alleged physical assault by her husband which she claimed left her partially blind.
Motunrayo, a trader, alleged that her husband, one Olusanjo Akingbade, acted violently often after smoking and drinking alcohol, and turned her into a punching bag when they had a misunderstanding.
She told City Round that the situation got worse when he returned to their residence in the Adealu, Iyana Ipaja area of Lagos at about 3am on June 14, 2020, and woke her up to give him a matchbox to light a cigarette.
She said soon after she told him she didn’t have a lighter, he got angry and descended on her.
Motunrayo said though she and her husband had had quarrels in the past, she did not take his threats to deal with her seriously.
“He got angry and punched me in the eye. I screamed and called out for help from the neighbours who took me to a hospital. But the hospital rejected me, so I was taken to a police station to report the matter.
“The police gave me a police report which I took to a hospital in Ile Epo. The doctors there said an operation would be done on the affected eye but my husband’s brother rejected the idea, saying that it could affect the other eye. He (Akingbade) was arrested but later secured bail through his employer.’’
The mother of one, who lamented that she had been incapacitated by the injury as she could no longer see with the affected eye, told City Round that she also reported the matter to a human rights organisation, Esther Child Rights Foundation.
“Since then, I have not been alright because the injured eye affects me. Despite my condition, he threatened to kill me. I had to borrow some money to buy and sell fruits so I could survive. I can no longer see with my right eye. Nigerians should come to my rescue because he beats me often; he’s turned me into a punching bag and I don’t have money to rent an apartment and move out. The cost of the surgery is N120,000 but when he was told, he said he would not pay,” she added.
The Director of the organisation, Esther Ogwu, said, “She (Motunrayo) needs surgery on that eye. She complained to us and we invited her husband. The man is not willing and is even threatening her.”
Denying his wife’s allegations, Akingbade accused her of infidelity.
“I am not responsible for the eye injury. She was fighting with me and hit her eye on an object when she was about to run away. She is an adulterer; I met her several times in my room with men. That is the issue and I just want to tell the world what exactly happened.
“She stole my ATM and wanted to withdraw my money; I had to block it. I didn’t say I will not take care of her eye but I don’t know why she has been reporting me.”
The 14 Brigade Of The Nigerian Army (Dr. GoodLuck Ebele Jonathan Barracks) Ohafia says it will conduct range classification shooting, which will require firing of live ammunition around the barracks.
The exercise which commenced on Friday 29th April will end on Saturday 30th April 2022.
Residents of the area, especially those around the barracks are urged not to panic, the Media And Protocol Directorate, Council of Ohafia Mornachs, Chief Imo Ukwa Imo said in a statement.
He said, “A Statement From The Office Of The Army Public Relations Officer 14 BDE Ohafia, LT Omale Innocent Prince And Made Available To The Media And Protocol Directorate Of The Council Of Ohafia Monarchs, Calls On The General Public Expeciallly Those Sharing Boundary With The Barracks Not To Panic Upon Hearing The Sound Of Firing Sound And To Stay Clear From The Range Area For The Period Stated Above.”
While noting that this is a regular exercise of the Army, he added that there is no cause for alarm.
The Ondo State Police Command has arrested one Sunday Udoh for allegedly impregnating his daughter and her and attempting to procure an abortion.
Udoh was said to have committed the incestuous offence in Ile Oluji town, the headquarters of the Ile-Oluji/Oke Igbo Local Government Area of the state.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami, said the 38-year-old suspect was arrested on April 22 at a health centre in the community, where he went to abort his daughter’s pregnancy.
The PPRO further stated that that case had been transferred to the Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department of the command for further investigation.
“During the investigation, it was revealed that the suspect was attempting to procure an abortion for his 15-year-old daughter with whom he had been having sexual intercourse.
“The case is currently being handled by the Gender Office of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department in Akure.”
Transportation Minister and 2023 Presidential Aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has said that his decision to run for the Presidency is borne out of the need to serve and provide selfless leadership to Nigerians.
Amaechi said considering his wealth of experience, he would be a President that would protect the interest of all Nigerians irrespective of tribe or religion.
Amaechi spoke when he paid a consultative visit to the leadership of APC in Lagos State, on Thursday.
He also visited the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Oba of Lagos, His Royal Majesty, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Osuolale Aremu Akiolu 1.
According to him, “I come with a national interest. I am 56 years old, I am energetic, I am strong and if you work with me you will know that it’s a bit difficult to get me tired. So, because I come with that energy, it separates me from the rest of the candidates who are running with me. I have come to talk to your conscience because it is about Nigeria. It’s not about my father, it’s not about my brother, it’s about the nation.
“We are at the point where our decisions will make the difference in moving the country forward. We are at the point where we can appeal to our conscience that our votes should count in making sure that we would not regret after the election. So, put your votes for me. What separates me from the rest of the candidates in the party is that I am young and if you look at all of us, I come with experience.”
“I was a Speaker for eight years. So, I come with experience. I have served as Governor in a State where people were being kidnapped, people were being killed, robbery was on the increase, people couldn’t go out in Port Harcourt, parties weren’t going on, health sector was bad. But, in six months I chased away the criminals, got people to go back to work and restored sanity in the State. So, I am the only aspirant that does not only come with experience but has served in a State where there was insecurity.
“I have also served at the national level. I have served seven years as Minister for Transport. And If you were in Lagos when we were constructing the Lagos-Ibadan railway, you will know that I am not a big-man-minister, because I was coming to Lagos every month and I will sleep here, I will trek for 17 kilometres, screaming at contractors because we gave them timeline and we delivered the Lagos-Ibadan railway. So, I actually come with experience. I am applying to be employed as your President. I am not one asking for solutions, If you employ me I will come with those solutions. So, if you honestly want to look at somebody who is detribalized and you keep away sentiments, you would vote for me.
“What should come into play is capacity to make a difference and I have that capacity to make that difference. I have been in public office, so I know what it means to administer good governance, I know what it means to run a country,” Amaechi stated.
Amaechi who also listed some of his achievements as a Minister, explained that it takes one with a national posture and outlook to cite the numerous projects recorded in Lagos outside the South-South where he hails from.
“Check what the Ministry of Transportation is doing. In the whole of the country there’s never been a seaport in Nigeria. The first government to build a seaport is the Buhari government. Don’t forget, I could have moved it to Port Harcourt because I’m the minister for transport. I could have easily moved the Lagos-Ibadan railway to Port Harcourt, but I realized that what determines a man is not tribal or sectional interest. It’s the economic interest of the country. I know that the Lagos-Kano railway should be the most viable railway in Nigeria but I could have been political and choose Port Harcourt -Maiduguri railway, but I put national interest first because it would create employment, reduce the crisis we have in Nigeria and I sited the Lagos-Ibadan railway.
“Today, we have created a lot of employment, logistics for those who are going to Abeokuta. People now live in Abeokuta and come to work in Lagos, and we need to put more coaches and locomotive because we hear the demand is high. The water you have in Lagos is the same water that goes to Bonny. I could have moved the Lekki Deep Seaport to Port Harcourt. And you know, by September President Buhari will commission the Lekki Deep Seaport and it will create employment in Lagos. That’s the difference I come with. I come with a nationalist scale that makes me take the right decisions for the benefit of the country. So, judge me by what I have done, judge me by capacity, don’t judge me by where I come from. In this respect, I don’t come from Ikwerre, I come from Nigeria, that’s the difference between me and other aspirants. I love Nigeria,” Amaechi said.
He added that, if given the opportunity, he would tackle Insecurity, unite Nigerians and improve on the overall welfare of the masses.
In his response, State Chairman of the APC, Hon. Cornelius Ojelabi, noted that there was need to collectively protect the sanctity of the party. He also commended Amaechi for his courage and sagacity during the party’s formation stage.
“We want to thank you for coming to tell us your aspirations, to solicit for our support, we appreciate you. In Lagos State we have a way of doing our things and that is why we have been able to sustain and maintain Lagos State for APC since 1999 till date.
“Honourable Minister, I just want to appeal to you, this is your party, I want you to remember how you started this mission at the formation of APC. You had that courage that this thing is doable and you did it, you put everything at your disposal into it, you put your resources, integrity and you put your life. We need to come together, that is the direction we want to go.
“Today, APC is at a crossroad, we want to transit from one President to another. Those of you that are foundation members of the party, you are one of them, along with some other leaders; those of you that laboured, that faced that monster of PDP, I want you to assemble yourselves again and critically assess the situation we have found ourselves today.
“My appeal is, let us manage this period critically. I am going to convey your visit to the leadership of our party, but I can assure you, this is your party, this is my party and APC is our party and collectively, we will continue to defend the sanctity of APC,” Ojelabi said.
At the Governor’s Office in Marina, Governor Sanwo-Olu welcomed the Minister of Transportation, stating that in spite of his respect and high regard for the National Leader of the APC, Asiwaji Bola Tinubu, it is evident that Amaechi is also eminently qualified for the presidency.
He said, “As a person, I have shear regard and respect for our leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. I have been a direct beneficiary of his leadership, I have been part of his cabinet, and personally I continue to toe that line of leadership Asiwaju stands for. But because we are not God, God himself will help the cause of this country.
“I want to say to you that you are eminently qualified and there is no doubt about that. You are very experienced in this journey, but for a whole lot of us in Lagos State, Asiwaju continues to be our rallying point. I certainly know what your pedigree is and what you have done. I will be unfair if I don’t say that. I wish you all the very best,” Sanwo-Olu said.
On his part, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Akiolu said: “I tell everybody, the future belongs to God. If it is efficiency, knowledge, activity, you are qualified. I pray to God Almighty to give you good health and long life. I tell people that the question of security of this country is not for Buhari alone, it is the responsibility of all of us. God will give us the best man who will address all our problems.
“You are very agile and honest to a fault. Remember, politicians don’t quarrel; they only disagree to agree later. God Almighty will guide you and bless you,” Oba Akiolu said.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has disqualified two of the 17 presidential aspirants seeking its ticket to contest the 2023 election.
The two disqualified aspirants are to forfeit the N40 million each of them paid for the expression of interest and nomination forms.
The chairman of the presidential screening committee, Senator David Mark, announced the disqualification of the two aspirants on Friday evening.
Mark however declined a request by journalists to reveal the identities of the affected aspirants and the reason(s) for their disqualification.
When asked if the screening committee made any recommendation to the party to refund the N80 million nomination fees paid by the aspirants, Mark said: “Why should the party refund the money?”
Delectable and beautiful Nollywood actress Chinedu Bernard was confirmed dead at the East Side hospital Enugu after she slumped while cleaning the Chapel of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church Federal Housing.
The Priest Rev Fr. Uchendu Chukwuma and some parishioners rushed her to the hospital where she was declared dead.
According to the post made by one of the parishioners, efforts are being made to contact her family members before depositing her body in the morgue!
Choco as she is popularly known has featured in many movies including The Big Mama’s Stick, Money fever, The Mad, The Last Manhood, Mad Love etc.
Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Dr. Uche Ogah on Friday officially declared to join in the race to succeed Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu as governor of Abia State in 2023 amidst crowd of supporters, ABN TV reports.
He declared at the state secretariat of APC along Azikiwe Road, Umuahia with a vow to ensure the creation of jobs for teeming Abia youths by deploying his private and public sector experience.
Former Lagos State governor, Bola Tinubu, has picked the All Progressives Congress’ N100m Presidential Nomination and Expression of Interest Forms, ABN TV has learnt.
It was gathered that Tinubu, who is in Saudi Arabia for Hajj, was represented by some of his close associates including House of Representatives member from Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke; member representing Agege Federal Constituency in the green chamber, Babatunde Adejare; and a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.
Faleke, Lawal and other loyalists of the strongman of Lagos politics picked up the presidential forms for him (Tinubu) at the APC National Headquarters on Blantyre Street, Wuse 2, Abuja, at exactly 3pm.
Tinubu had in January announced his desire to succeed the incumbent President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), in May 2023.
He had told Aso Rock reporters that becoming Nigeria’s President was his “lifelong ambition” and that there was nothing wrong in a kingmaker becoming a king.
Already, Minister of State for Education, Emeka Nwajiuba; Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello; amongst others have picked up the APC presidential forms while others are expected to follow suit in the coming days.
They include Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi; Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige; Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi; former Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha; former Abia State Governor, Orji Kalu; amongst others jostling to be the flagbearer at the end of the APC presidential primary scheduled to hold at the end of May 2022.
In the Peoples Democratic Party, presidential hopefuls have also emerged from both the Northern and Southern regions in the last few weeks. They include former Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; ex-Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi; media personality, Dele Momodu; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Pius Anyim; former Senate President, Bukola Saraki; ex-Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; amongst others.
The PDP’s presidential primary has also been scheduled for the end of May while Nigerians watch with rapt keenness as the two prominent parties elect their flagbearers at their conventions in four weeks’ time.
![[OPINION] Equity Mantra: Ebere Umunneochi 2023](https://abntv.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/FB_IMG_1651320204313.jpg "[OPINION] Equity Mantra: Ebere Umunneochi 2023")
