Tragedy as gunmen shoot chairman, Nsukka marketers association pg. 2 FG to reopen land Uzodimma's roads worse than borders soon – Back. Pg. Osinbajopg. 6 Okorocha's China roads – Report

...Strong voice echoes the truth ISSN: 2736-0512 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 VOL. 1 NO. 14 N150 Uzodimma 2023 Presidency: APC, PDP to shock South East PDP may settle for Tambuwal/Okowa ticket

But Atiku considers Umahi pg. 2 Laycon wins BBNaija 2020 Grabs N85m top prize Dorathy, Nengi finish 2nd, 3rd pg. 6 Man, 26, kills father, 70, for money in

Laycon Dorathy Nengi Anambra pg. 3 Faces, factors that’ll decide Abia 2023 gov’ship battle pg. 10

Kalu Ikpeazu Orji Abaribe Ogah Otti 2020 WAEC/SSCE results for release late October pg. 3 Monday, September 28, 2020

2023 Presidency: Tragedy as gunmen shoot chairman, Nsukka marketers association From Uchenna Ezeadigwe motorbike stopped close to me attempted murder and the and one said 'Mama Gee', as I Commissioner of Police has APC, PDP shock South East alpable tension and fear was fondly called, you think it is d i r e c t e d a f u l l - s c a l e gripped residents of your birthright to be chairman investigation to unravel whoever .May settle for Tambuwal / Nsukka town in Nsukka P of Ogige Market? While saying the assailants are and bring them Local Government Area of that, he pointed a pistol at my to book,” the Police media boss E nu g u S t a t e, S a t u r d ay, Okowa ticket chest. I shouted Jesus and hit narrated.. following the shooting of the down his gun and the bullet Meanwhile, residents who chairman, Ogige Market went off and got my leg. He s p o k e w i t h N ew s E c h o .But Atiku considers Umahi Traders Association Nsukka, picked the gun and immediately correspondent expressed shock By Chidi Martins national assembly. Since 2017 OMATAN, Dr Ngozi Ozioko, jumped on a waiting motorcycle at the development. when Abaribe started calling for by yet-to-be-identified gunmen. he prospects of the South and they fled.” A c c o r d i n g t o F e l i x The chairman was said to have E a s t p r o d u c i n g a the release of Mazi Nnamdi It was gathered that she was Ugwuanyi, “It is strange that closed from the Ogige Market people would consider taking Nigerian president in the Kanu from detention to when he re-elected into office for her T after the day's trading when another's life just because of a nearest future seems to have signed as his surety, through his second tenure last week. gunmen trailed her to her Confirming the incident, the tussle for the seat of chairman of suffered a serious set back. c o n d e m n a t i o n o f t h e residence and shot her at a close spokesperson of Enugu State marketers association. The This is following the prescription of IPOB and his range. Police Command, Daniel other time it was the kidnapping revelations that both the ruling general defence of Ndigbo in the Though she survived the Ndukwe, said the command was of Ikpa market chairman who party APC and major opposition f a c e o f p e r c e i v e d assassination attempt by the alerted on the incident by the was later released, this time, it is whiskers, a bullet from the an assassination attempt. PDP, are not favourably marginalization, the former Abia Nsukka Urban Police Division. disposed to fielding South East hoodlums caught her on the leg “This happened on the 26th Also, while praying for her State deputy governor had quick recover y, another presidential candidates in 2023. when she hit the gun which one of this month at about 7:30 pm gained a cult figure among the of the assailants pointed to her resident, Mr Emeka Obetta said A c c o r d i n g t o u s u a l ly when three armed hoodlums Igbo. He is being considered". chest. approached the chairman of Nsukka is not known for realiable source, "both the APC dastardly acts like what The source continued, "In a She said, "I closed from the OMATAN, Ngozi Ozioko, and the PDP will go for northern happened to the chairman, most strategic move, PDP's 2019 market yesterday and drove to while she was parking her presidential candidates. my house. On reaching my adding that the perpetrators will presidential candidate and vehicle in front of her house and The PDP is planning an house, I packed and opened my shot her on the leg. soon be fished out by God's former president, Alhaji Atiku Aminu Tambuwal/ Ifeanyi car door and two persons on a “It is basically a case of grace. Okowa race. Tambuwal is the Abubakar, who still nurses a Sokoto governor, while Okowa is presidential ambition, is said to Group pushes for sustained deregulation On the issue of ameliorating the Delta State governor. have concluded plans to pick Governor David Umahi as his the immediate effects of the Both are serving second term of downstream petroleum sector removal of petrol subsidy, the running mate if he picks the governors. "If the above plot goes By Jennifer John Nigeria can reach its domestic group entreated the government umbrella party's ticket. Mind through, the meaning is that the consortium of Civil refining goals”, they urged. to channel the revenues used for you, these are the current issues South East is left out. However, Society Organizations The group further called on subsidy to improve the lives of its for now. Politics is like European of course, you are aware that all A(CSOs) has asked the the President and the Minister of originally intended beneficiaries; football transfer market - it eyes have been on Peter Obi. Obi federal government to entrench Pe t r o l e u m Re s o u r c e s t o impoverished Nigerians and not will pick the PDP presidential changes with trends". the deregulation drive of the demonstrate their honest the rich, by investing in enablers form. The reliable source also downstream sector of the commitment to the deregulation of economic growth and petroleum industry by enacting He will contest as aspirant, noted that "The APC is toeing efforts by expunging the laws that d e v e l o p m e n t s u c h a s an appropriate legislation or run a very massive and robust with about three ideas. One, development of rural roads, embedding it as part of the entrench the potential of campaign, but will lose the way Governor Nasir el Rufai and returning to a subsidy regime and education, health services and Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) agriculture.” the late Alex Ekwueme lost to transport minister Rotimi pre-deregulation. expected to be submitted to the According to the group, “if retired General Olusegun Amaechi plot., any northerner They further advised the National Assembly soon. the NNPC must remain a player and Governor Kayode Fayemi Obasanjo on two occasions. If T h e c o n s o r t i u m a l s o government to repeal the PPPRA in the market, it must strive to the PDP wins, he will be assault or, as we are noticing demanded that the government Act, the PEF(M)B Act and the o p e r a t e u n d e r t h e s a m e considered for the position of now, the return of Predident commences moves to repeal the Price Control Act specifically, conditions and rules as other secretar y to the federal Goodluck Jonathan. The laws establishing the Petroleum section 6(1) of the Petroleum Act, players in the sector regulated government of Nigeria. Jonathan idea is to allow the Equalization Fund and the Schedule 1 of the Price Control only by the prevailing market south to rule for just four years Petroleum Products Pricing and Act, all acts that ensure a forces and competition.” “Another big consideration is Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to and power will go back to the potential of returning to a price While commending the Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who signal its commitment to the full fixing regime and demonstrate to government for providing initial north". represents Abia South in the deregulation of the sub-sector. the Nigerian people that the regulation to support the The consortium, which took declaration of full deregulation is deregulation efforts in June 2020, the positions at the end of a one- merely a statement of intent and the CSOs noted that the Attack on Zulum's convoy: 18 killed day webinar held on Thursday, not yet honored. government's engagement with by terrorists' bombs – Nigerian military 10th September, 2020, also asked “While we await appropriate the public on the effects of the the relevant authorities, especially legislation, we require the deregulation left a lot to be the Central Bank of Nigeria “The attack/ambush was government to clarify the role of desired. We encourage the he Nigerian military says 18 (CBN) to ensure a level-playing however successfully repelled by the Petroleum Support Fund in government to ramp up its persons died in the attack on field for all importers of Premium engagements with the public to the convoy of Borno the gallant troops. Sadly, a total of the new deregulation regime. T Motor Spirit and not place the improve their awareness and Governor, Babagana Zulum. Clarity is required about how that 18 lives including 4 soldiers, 10 Nigeria National Petroleum u n d e r s t a n d i n g o f t h e Coordinator Defence Media Policemen and 4 civilians were Corporation (NNPC) at an fund is being managed, whether deregulation process and all it Operations, Major General John the over-recovery sums was Enenche, gave the details in a lost during the sad incident.” advantage over others. portends for the Nigerian people. Enenche confirmed that The CSOs also called on the deposited there and how they are Recall that the consortium statement.He noted that 10 expected to be spent”, they stated policemen, four soldiers and four troops chased the insurgents and NNPC to take urgent practical had earlier issued a 10-point again. civilians were killed. recovered 3 Nigeria Police steps to reverse the fortunes of the recommendation in May 2020 in The ambush occurred at vehicles stolen during the attack. loss making refineries as revealed It also urged the Ministry of a bid to support the government's Barwati village. He added that one Boko in its published 2018 audited Petroleum Resources to back up attempt to achieve sustainable The military spokesman said Haram gun truck was captured. reports of its subsidiaries, noting its deregulation policy statement deregulation of the downstream the terrorists planted Improvised “The casualties recorded were that the refineries remain cost by empowering appropriate sector. The consortium, formed in Explosive Devices (IEDs) on the as a result of the explosion from centers that the Nigerian agencies, including the Federal April 2020 and spearheaded by road. t h e mu l t i p l e I m p r ov i s e d government can ill afford, given Competition and Consumer the Nigeria Natural Resource “The convoy of the Borno State Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted the impact of Covid-19 pandemic Council to take over the consumer Charter (NNRC) is comprised of Civilians Relocation Committee on the road by the terrorists.” and other fiscal pressures on its protection interests of Nigerians the following civil society comprising Armed Forces of Enenche said the Nigerian economy. that may be adversely taken organizations, Civil Society Nigeria, Nigeria Police Force and Army has deployed bomb and "The Nigerian government advantage of in a deregulated Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), BudgIT, Connected Civilian Joint Task Force was IED disposal teams to ensure should create an enabling downstream sector and to protect Development (CODE), Media ambushed by members of the effective route scanning and environment for the private sector the interests of the people would Initiative for Transparency in BHT/ISWAP at Barwati village on clearance to forestall future to contribute to the efficient not suffer exploitation in the Extractive Industries and other occurrence. running of the refineries so that 25 of September 2020, hands of profiteering marketers.” groups. Monday, September 28, 2020

Abia NUJ condemns EEDC’S Ministry confirms NEMA's outrageous bills over N30,000 per month flood forecasts, blames residents for light not consumed, From Dan Maduagwu, Umuahia From Dan Maduagwu, he Abia State wastes, especially solid Umuahia warning that it would sue embers of the the electricity company if m i n i s t r y o f matters. Nigerian Union it maintained the alleged Tenvironment Speaking to journalists in has confirmed the U mu a h i a d u r i n g t h e of Journalists, M fraudulent practices. recent warning that S e p t e m b e r 2 0 2 0 (NUJ) Abia State council Meanwhile, the council some parts of the state environmental exercise held have lambasted the Enugu commended Governor will be pounded by across the state on Saturday Electricity Distribution Okezie Ikpeazu for his heavy flooding this 26 September, the new Company (EEDC) for commitment towards the year. c o m m i s s i o n e r f o r issuing outrageous bills to completion of NUJ T h e m i n i s t r y environment, Chief Tony Abia electricity consumers. permanent secretariat in however, heaped the Nwanmuo regretted that The council took this Umuahia, pointing out blame on the poor lives and property in the position at NUJ press that the Governor has a t t i t u d e o f s o m e state were exposed to Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State (left) receiving the National Chairman of residents who fill the danger, occasioned by the Center, Umuahia during its maintained his status as a the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, at the congress held on Thursday. patron of the union. Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. drainage systems with ugly activities of residents, In a communiqué issued The union equally reacted especially those in Aba and E m e j o r, A b i a N U J Umuahia metropolis. after the meeting the union to the issue of impending council Chairman, Ezeogo Police to persecute offenders over The commissioner, who w o n d e r e d w h y t h e flooding in Abia as alerted Boniface Okoro, national was represented by Mr electricity distribution by the National Emergency planned strike by NLC, TUC officer of NUJ, Uche Ikechukwu Ukaegbu, the company should be issuing M a n a g e m e n t A g e n c y From Uchenna Ezeadigwe Ndukwe General Manager protest from Monday as they director of pollution outrageous bills to Abia (NEMA), calling on all of Radio Nigeria 103 FM, head of the planned had yet to be served the court control and environmental consumers, even when no responsible agencies to orders. The labour unions among other stakeholders strike action and health, assured that his light was supplied to them. also added that they would swing into action to save commended the men of the Ap r o t e s t b y t h e m i n i s t r y w a s d o i n g boycott the planned strike if The council wondered lives and property. pen for their efforts in Nigeria Labour Congress everything possible to the Federal Government p r eve n t t h e f l o o d i n g why the NUJ office in In their remarks during the s u s t a i n i n g N i g e r i a ' s and the Trade Union Congress from today over reversed the recent hikes. calamity as forecasted by Umuahia should be billed congress, Comrade John democratic experience. the recent hike in electricity Earlier on Thursday the NEMA, pointing out that amok in a circumstance yet tariff and fuel price, the National Industrial Court in the state government had Anambra man apprehended to be ascertained, attacked Nigeria Police Force has Abuja granted an order of already appointed some for killing 70yr old father a n d k i l l e d h i s o w n said it will enforce the law on i n t e r i m i n j u n c t i o n contractors to de-silt the biological father, one the matter. restraining the unions from Umuahia and Aba drainages From Uchenna Ezeadigwe, quickly dug a shallow grave Christopher Ogum 'm' aged D e s p i t e t w o c o u r t disrupting, restraining, to ensure free flow of water. Awka behind their compound and 70 years of same address injunctions restraining the picketing or preventing the " T h e r e i s a l r e a d y with a shovel and buried n d i g e n e s o f buried the dead body. unions and their affiliates w o r k e r s o r o r d i n a r y flooding. We have flash him in a shallow grave. U m u o m a k u A press statement issued from proceeding with the Nigerians from accessing flooding in several locations "The suspect attempted community in Orumba strike, the labour unions said their offices to carry out their which ordinarily should not I by the Police Public to escape before he was South Local Government l e g i t i m a t e d u t i e s o n happen but unfortunately, Relations Officer, SP apprehended and beaten to on Friday that they would go area of Anambra State have September 28, 2020, or any the drains have been blocked Haruna Mohammed stated stupor by angry mob who ahead with the strike and been thrown into mourning other date. by the waste poured in by that; equally forced him to over a tragic incident that citizens .The citizens fill the "On the 26/9/2020, at exhume the corpse of his took place on Friday, 26 a b o u t 6 : a m , P o l i c e drainages with kitchen father from where he buried Devil pushed me to rape my September, 2020. operatives attached to materials once they see that it. It was gathered that one U mu n z e D iv i s i o n i n it started raining." "Meanwhile, police friend's 7yr deaf daughter, Chisom Ogum 'M' aged 26 collaboration with local T h e m i n i s t r y o f detectives visited the scene attached to 3-3 Division years old of Umuomaku vigilante group arrested one man confesses environment also charged Chisom Ogum 'm' aged 26 of crime, photographed the arrested one Ifeanyi Atogu 'm' suddenly went out of years of Umuomaku victim and took it to the From Uchenna Ezeadigwe, aged 46 years of Ofenta t h e c o n t r a c t i n g f i r m handling the de-silting control, took shovel and Community in Orumba mortuary for autopsy after it Awka Nsugbe in Oyi LGA of allegedly murdered his own South LGA of Anambra was certified dead by a Anambra State". Suspect exercise to liaise with it 46 years old man, 70 year old biological State. medical doctor at Umunze allegedly lured his friend's during the operations, in Ifeanyi Atogu has father. He was said to have "Suspect allegedly ran General Hospital. daughter who is deaf and order to achieve sound Ablamed the devil for dumb, aged 7 years and had success while directing that taking control of him as he is unlawful carnal knowledge of all scooped wastes should be alleged to have raped his her. carted away immediately. friend's 7 years old daughter "Police detectives took the M e a n w h i l e, s eve r a l who is a deaf. victim to the hospital for defaulters were arrested and News Echo correspondent medical examination where prosecuted in Umuahia and gathered that the suspect, penetration was confirmed by Aba for f louting the from Ofenta Nsugbe in Oyi t h e m e d i c a l d o c t o r . environmental law, while LGA of Anambra state was Meanwhile, the suspect has vehicles and goods were said to have lured the deaf and confessed to the crime and dumb little girl and had carnal attributed his action to devil's impounded. Some of the knowledge of her. He was influence and manipulations. arrested offenders were set later arrested by police “However, case would be free on health grounds, operatives attached to 3-3 transferred to the State while those convicted were Division on 24th September, Criminal Investigation either fined or ordered to 2020. Department for discreet sweep the streets. Confirming the report, investigation, as directed by The exercise was also Police Public Relations the Commissioner of Police, monitored by Chief Lucky O f f i c e r , S P H a r u n a CP John B.Abang,fdc, after A k a b u i k e, Tr a n s i t i o n Dead body of the father Mohammed, said; “On the which suspect will be charged Committee Chairman of The suspect, 26years old Chisom Ogum to court for prosecution.' exhumed where he was buried after he was apprehend 24/9/2020, Police operatives Umuahia North LGA.

Rescue Nigeria's democracy from According to him, challenges. Their legal j u d i c i a r y u n d e r h i s Nigeria needs a system c a l l i n g i s a g o l d e n leadership would continue where everyone would be opportunity to rescue to administer justice with the collapse – Kogi cleric charges judiciary equal before the law, adding Nigerian from dictatorship, fear of God. cleric in charge of firm and resolute in their Judiciary. that the people are tired of and collapse. They must “We are mere mortals. F i r s t E C W A decisions to save the nation's According to him, oppression. come together to unite We have no other God but him. As a critical arm of church, Lokoja, democracy from collapse. Nigeria needs a surgical “We know that the against disintegration of the A government, we have come Kogi State, Rev Dr Frank Rev. Paul made the call operation, stressing that, judiciary are facing some country,” he emphasized. to humble ourselves before Paul has called on the on Sunday during the “Only the judiciary can do challenges amounting to In his remarks, the God as we prepare ourselves j u d i c i a r y t o s h u n church service of the this surgical operation executive and legislative Acting Chief Judge of Kogi for this new legal year. We dictatorship and save the 2020/2021 legal year effectively and not medical interference. They have to be State, Hon. Justice Henry know that God will see us country. organized by the Kogi State expert”. prepared to overcome those Olusuyi said the Kogi State through,” he said. He said they should be Monday, September 28, 2020

Preserving Igbo identity here are certain things for nature, republicanism, doggedness, which people are known. never say die spirit, competitive Managing Director TT h i s r e p r e s e n t s t h e i r spirit, survival in the midst of all James Kalu identity. When the identity of one or odds, identifying with their own, groups of people is lost they in live and let live, (egbe bere ugo Director, Operations similar manner lose their essence or bere), being your brother's keeper whom they are. 'Ahamefula' (onye agahala nwanne ya). Patricia Nwoye (literally speaking my name should In so many ways Igbo culture not be lost) is an Igbo name and also has suffered severe reverses and it is Executive Editor captures an aspect of the Igbo feared it is already going into Jennifer John philosophy which motivates them extinction if serious steps are not to hold their ground and stand to be taken right now. As many up- counted in any venture or struggle. coming generation of people have Managing Editor In the effort to continually refused to identify with foreign Chidi Martins demonstrate the identity of the cultures in preference to their own Igbo, the Igbo have made giant so will our culture continue to ebb strides in contributing to advancing Editor away. We are worried that many of humanity nationwide and globally. Afam Echi A people can be identified through our young women today have lost their culture. Culture elementarily touch with many things rooted in our culture that moulds them into News Editor defined is the total way of the life of Uzoma Ogoke a people, which includes their belief great mothers to be proud of. system, their language, food, music, M a n y h a v e b e c o m e dance, crafts, marital rites, ethics, disoriented as a result of religious Production Editor and how they do every other thing. practices. They lose sight of the fact Anthony Ogbekile O u r c u l t u r e i s w h a t that religion too is the culture of other people. Many men have distinguishes one ethnic group from Correspondents the other groups and gives it the refused to take their children home distinct identity that it enjoys. in dread of one thing or another Dan Maduagwu Okey (Abia State) Culture we have learned is thereby turning them strangers in Uchenna Ezeadigwe (Anambra State) transmitted from a generation to their own land. So many of these Joe Ezuma (Rivers/Bayelsa States) another and parental roles are kids who have lost touch with base cannot identify some of the things critical in preserving our way of life. Reporters The first education a child goes t h a t a r e p e c u l i a r t o t h e i r through in life starts from the home environment. They may have heard Ikenna Orioha where he is guided through the of hoe but may have never held one norms and basic cultures of his talk more of using it. Contributors people. The roles of parents at this News Echo wants to use this Dr. Sir Amos Agwamba point cannot be over emphasized. opportunity to call on the John Chidi The culture of a people is derived governments in the South East, the from the way they have learned to town unions, youth groups, age solve their peculiar challenges. grades, and women associations etc Production Today can we in all sincerity to join efforts in preserving our Philip Kalu beat our chest boldly to affirm that traditional practices. There should Ifeanyi Raymond we have done excellently well in be more enlightenment through sustaining the legacy handed down government efforts and other Circulation Team by our forebears. If we sincerely groups to fee the minds of people search deeply everything that we who view our traditional practices Mr. Aloyius Ogboka need to advance ourselves as a as fetish. Ignatius Ogechi Ajoku people is embedded in our culture The natural medicines and Tasie Chidiebere which we have pushed to the plants which many of us despise background. We have allowed the were things that our forebears lived i n f l u e n c e o f r e l i g i o n a n d Legal Adviser westernization to deal a death blow on and sustained life. The medical H. O. Ogbusu to who we are. and pharmaceutical institutions It should be borne in our mind should evaluate opportunities of that we are first a people who took refining some of these products to root from somewhere and it is from suit modern trends and seek export this root that we are able to find our opportunities. The Chinese bearing before identifying with the medicines and teas imported into factors or new culture which we our land are products of their have now embraced before natural roots. We should also abandoning our real selves. It must explore the opportunities of be stated clearly that no culture is utilizing our crafts to create superior to another though we employment opportunities for our appreciate the dynamic nature of teeming unemployed youths. culture to have influence on It is never by chance that another. nature endowed us with all the Some of the soft culture of the resources. We should not for any Igbos encapsulated in their reason despise God’s endowments. philosophy include their egalitarian Monday, September 28, 2020 Page 5 OPINION Prevalence of pedophilia and way forward By Uchenna Ezeadigwe continues with others.” particular and the to suffer a n t h e 2 4 t h T h e m o s t society in general, would considerable September, 2020 common issues j u s t i f y a n y t o u g h neglect. Police operatives reported were legislative measures to O In Lagos attached to 3-3 Division d e p r e s s i o n curb this monstrous abuse S t a t e , f o r arrested one Ifeanyi (33%), lack of on the integrity of example, the Atogu 'm' aged 46years of t r u s t i n i n d iv i d u a l s a n d b y C h i l d extension the entire Ofenta Nsugbe in Oyi a u t h o r i t y P r o t e c t i o n society. LGA of Anambra State ( 3 2 % ) , Hub (CPHub) Mrs Onwuli Tina, for allegedly luring his thoughts of shows that suicide (28%), H e a d t e a c h e r o f friend's daughter who is only 27 per anxiety (28%), E z e c h i m a P r i m a r y deaf and dumb aged cent of all self-harming S c h o o l , O n i t s h a 7years old and had respondents ( 2 2 % ) a n d reiterated that some u n l a w f u l c a r n a l who admitted a t t e m p t e d possible measures can knowledge with her. t o h a v e suicide (22%). avert a child falling a Similarly, 60-year old w i t n e s s e d Participants in victim of molestation or man, Okafor Ndubuisi child abuse t h e o n l i n e abuse. According to her, arrested on Sunday, 14th Victims of pedophile attacks confirmed to consultation having a code word your July, 2020 by the Police in have reported the case to said that they were most children can use when Anambra for allegedly likely to experience the authorities, mostly the their desires. money and spiritual they feel unsafe or want to defiling a 9-year old girl in a n x i e t y a n d f e a r , police. Sadly, there seems The vast majority of powers, increased low self be picked up. As children his house at Sun Rise depression, self-harm and to be no reprieve in sight pedophiles are male, but esteem on the part of the get a little bit older, you Estates Nkwelle Ezunaka thoughts of suicide. Panic f o r t h e v i c t i m s a s the number of female rapist (pedophile), and on can give them a code word in Oyi LGA of Anambra a t t a c k s , l o w s e l f - pedophiles is still much the inability or delay of children's right advocates confidence, obsessions, that they can use when State. harder to evaluate given judiciary to prosecute complain of weak child eating disorders, and they are feeling unsafe. Again, a 23-year-old that their deviancy can cases of pedophile and protection structures in alcohol and drug use were This can be used at home, man, Uchenna Mbahotu, find outlets that are far insatiable thirst for sex. Nigeria. also reported by members when there are guests in arrested in Orji Owerri m o r e d i s c r e t e . C o m m e n t i n g , t h e In Edo State, disturbed Way Forward the house or when they North local government Paedophiles can be found Director of Paediatrician b y t h e i n c r e a s i n g T h e i m m o r a l are on a play date or a area, in Imo state on 15th in all social classes and unit, Chukwuemeka i n c i d e n t s o f c h i l d i n d u l g e n c e s o f sleepover. May, 2020 by police strata. Some are only Odumegwu Ojukwu molestation in the state, pedophiles, who prey on Teach your child how to operatives for allegedly attracted to boys (boy- Teaching Hospital, Awka, the Governor Godwin children for their primal get out of scary or taken sexual advantage of lovers), others only to Dr Emechebe George O b a s e k i - l e d urges, pose serious threat uncomfortable situations. two minors, named 11- girls, others to both with noted that some of the administration has put in to society, as they alter the or without some degree of root causes of this anti- S o m e c h i l d r e n a r e year-old and 9-year-old place the child rights law. psychology of children preference for one. Some social behaviour in uncomfor table with (names withheld). In addition to the child and predispose them to be pedophiles have specific Nigeria could be linked to telling people “no” Another arrest on a 40- rights law, the Edo State troubled adults in future preferences for children of quest for spiritual and especially older peers or year-old school proprietor Government has set up a who may in turn become a certain age span, or mental power and in some adults. Teach them that Okwubunka Nwaoseke, ministerial committee to s u s p e c t s o f s u c h possessing particular cases inability of the male some body parts are sometime in the month of address the issue of adulterous actions. physical traits (hair, face, to have a partner. private. Tell your child May 2020, at Umumba pedophiles. To champion the public constitution, voice, etc), Effects of child sexual that their private parts are Nsirimo Ubakala in the The committee is made enlightenment crusade, while others are less abuse called private because U m u a h i a S o u t h up of representatives of t h e C i v i l S o c i e t y specific if at all. Child sexual abuse can they are not for everyone Magisterial District, did the Ministry of Women Organizations (CSOs) Nigeria is among the cause difficulties in to see. Explain that have unlawful carnal A f f a i r s a n d S o c i a l and the media occupy a 194 countries of the forming intimate and D e v e l o p m e n t , E d o major role in this respect. mommy and daddy can knowledge of his 13-year- United Nations (UN) that trusting relationships. SUBEB, the media, Civil Recently in Nigeria, the see them naked, but old niece. s i g n e d t h e U N Relationships can remind Society Organisations president of African Civil people outside of the Despite the gravity of Convention to the Rights victims and survivors of (CSOs), among others. It Society against Rape, a home should only see the above offences, and Welfare of the Child, that act (the sexual abuse). is charged with the task of C i v i l S o c i e t y them with their clothes necessary punishment is but not much has been The experience may cause coordinating efforts to Organization, noted the on. yet to be meted out to the done by parents and emotional barriers that arrest and prosecute those need to join forces with offenders. The unlawful g u a r d i a n s , s c h o o l make it difficult for the I n a d d i t i o n , D r caught in the act of the CSOs in order to acts had repor tedly authorities and the victim to talk about the Emechebe succinctly molesting primary school h e i g h t e n p u b l i c inflicted a lot of pains and government to protect sexual abuse experience. pupils. enlightenment in the fight stated that any of these children from sexual One third of victims and psychological trauma on Possible causes against rape and sexual o f f e n d e r s o f c h i l d abuse. Yet, on and on go survivors that participated t h e v i c t i m s a n d In a countr y like violence in the country. molestation should face the gory stories of rape in one Truth Project sympathizers yet nothing Nigeria where only a few The role of the CSOs and trauma. confessed that they had the law as a warning to serious has been done to victims and their family would include sponsoring In the report produced had difficulties with trust others who may want to bring the perpetrators to members would damn the relevant bills at the by the centre in March and intimacy. book. stigma associated with national assembly that engage in such ills. 2017 to mark its four years “It can affect the According to a 2015 being a rape victim and would toughen current Currently, the European of existence, it revealed relationships that victims UNICEF report, one in speak out about it, legislature on sexual Union Rule of Law and that a total of 2,342 and survivors have at the four girls and one in 10 perhaps only one in 10 violence. This may survivors of sexual assault time of the sexual abuse A n t i - C o r r u p t i o n boys in Nigeria had cases become public include making rape, a were helped by the centre and for the rest of their (RoLAC) programme has e x p e r i e n c e d s e x u a l knowledge. But it is capital offence with in the four-year period lives. They may find it pertinent that we try to protracted prison terms as inaugurated a Sexual violence before the age of between its opening in difficult to talk to understand the word advocated by the African Assault Referral Centre 18, while six out of 10 April 2013 and 31 March partners, family and 'pedophilia' and its ugly Civil Society against Rape N i g e r i a n c h i l d r e n 2017, adding that the friends about the sexual for Robust Outcome concepts. A pedophile is a in Nigeria. The whole experience some form of number of clients had abuse, thereby preventing (SARC) in Enugwu- p e r s o n w h o h a s a idea is to make the physical, emotional and increased significantly others from being able to Ukwu, Njikoka Local s u s t a i n e d s e x u a l prospect of sexual assault sexual violence before each year. help and offer support. o r i e n t a t i o n t o w a r d to a would-be perpetrator, Government Area of they reach the age of 18. A renowned social About 42% of victims and children, generally aged as unattractive as possible. Anambra State. All are Although child sexual worker based in Awka, s u r v i v o r s w h o 13 or younger. Not all T h e m y r i a d s o f abuse is an offence under Mr Okoye Francis blamed participated in the Truth enjoined to report to pedophiles are child physical and psycho- several sections of chapter the increasing cases of Project said that child appropriate authorities molesters (or vice versa). social impediments on the pedophilia in our society s e x u a l a b u s e h a s 21 of the country's Child molesters are victims/survivors of for prosecution anyone on the false belief that adversely affected the criminal code, child defined by their acts; sexual assault in caught perpetrating the raping a child will yield relationships they have sexual molestation pedophiles are defined by unholy act of pedophilia! Monday, September 28, 2020 Page 6 Business News Fresh World Bank, AfDB, IDB loans Nigeria moves to secure AfCFTA benefits our months to the Trade and Investment said, may raise Nigeria's debt to N31.7tn take-off of the “Transit is an important r e s h l o a n The debt office had said, in an emailed response, from the bank, as an initial FA f r i c a n component of International d i s b u r s e m e n t s “The DMO expects the explained that Nigeria was $288.5m had been approved Continental Free Trade Area Trade as it ensures smooth Fexpected from the public debt stock to grow as currently expecting a loan by the AfDB. (AfCFTA) Nigeria has deliver y of goods to World Bank, African the balance of the new of $1.5bn (N568.5bn at ramped up activities to take landlocked countries and Our cor respondent Development Bank and domestic borrowing is N379/$ official exchange full advantage of the fosters Regional Integration. further learnt that Nigeria Islamic Development Bank r a i s e d a n d ex p e c t e d rate) from the World Bank. continental trade integration also applied for $133m “Therefore, efficient may raise Nigeria's total disbursements are made by initiative. It also stated that a (N50.41bn) from the transit coordination among p u b l i c d e b t s t o c k t o the World Bank, African b a l a n c e o f $ 2 1 1 . 5 m Islamic Development Bank Strategic stakeholders member countries will N31.699tn in coming Development Bank and the (N80.16bn) was being as budget support facility from private and public contribute tremendously to months. Islamic Development Bank expected from the AfDB n e e d e d t o a d d r e s s sectors met in Abuja over the the success of regional which were arranged to Nigeria currently expects before the end of this year. challenges posed by the weekend to firm up plans for arrangements of AfCFTA, finance the 2020 budget.” Nigeria's full participation in he said” about $1.844bn (N699.1bn It was gathered that that COVID-19 pandemic. at N379/$ official exchange When contacted by our the AfCFTA. Abubakar advised the the $211.5m balance was Conversations on the rate) from the three financial correspondent on the In the financial sector, the AfCFTA member countries part of the $500m facility loan request are currently institutions, it was gathered additional disbursements Central Bank of Nigeria “to engage their Transit which Nigeria applied for ongoing. from the Debt Management being expected, the DMO, (CBN) is pushing for the Coordinators for effective Office in Abuja. integration of the 700 banks and efficient implementation On September 10, 2020, it in the continent. of Transit regime. Members was reported that Nigeria's We hope to reopen land Dr. Hassan Mahmud, the are encouraged to ensure better cooperation and public debt stock, as released Director of Monetary Policy adherence to rules governing by the DMO, rose to a total Department of the Central Transit.” of N31.01tn at the end of borders soon – Osinbajo Bank of Nigeria, said: “there June, indicating that in the h e V i c e - t i m e t h e A f r i c a n patrols to control smuggling are about 700 banks in On his part, the Director last five years under the President, Prof Continental Free Trade along the borders and we Africa, however, they only General of the Nigerian President, Major General TYemi Osinbajo, Agreement is being prepped think it is working and I'm account for about 5 percent Institute for Advanced Legal Muhammadu Buhari (retd), has said the Federal for take-off, said on sure that soon enough we of the global banking Studies Prof. Muhammed the country's debt rose by Government may reopen T h u r s d a y t h a t t h e should have the borders n e t wo r k . C o n t i n e n t a l Tawfiq Ladan, remarked N18.89tn. the land borders soon. government was working opened. integration in the banking that an effective Dispute with neighbouring countries system is key to strengthen Settlement Mechanism In the report, the DMO The President, Major “We are committed to the the sector as a whole in (DSM) is critical to ensuring revealed that the country General Muhammadu on the terms of reopening the border. A f C F TA b u t we a r e Africa.” predictability and security in w a s s t i l l e x p e c t i n g Buhari (retd), had in concerned about threats to a regional or continental additional disbursements October 2019 ordered the Osinbajo, who spoke T h e E x e c u t i v e security and the economy Secretary/CEO of the trading arrangement, such as from international financial closure of the borders to during a webinar organised the AfCFTA. institutions, a development check the menace of by The Africa Report, and we had to take certain N i g e r i a n I n v e s t m e n t that would further increase smuggling goods and arms themed, 'Bouncing back: actions that would satisfy Promotion Council (NIPC), He noted that “the culture Nigeria's debt. and ammunition into the Nigeria's post-pandemic the immediate needs of our Ms. Yewande Sadiku, told of non-utilization of formal the participants that Nigeria dispute settlement systems in country and protect local recovery plan', stated, “We country. It (border closure) Pantami, Danbatta, i s p r e p a r e d f o r t h e Africa and the existence of businesses. The closure was, are working with our certainly wasn't meant to be others to speak at however, greeted by mixed neighbours to see on what operationalization of the multi-dispute resolution permanent and we are Nigeria 2020 reactions from professional terms we would reopen AfCFTA than most African systems could be sources of organisations, economists those borders. At the l o o k i n g f o r w a r d t o countries. challenges for the AfCFTA Innovation Summit and individuals. m o m e n t , w e a r e reopening as quickly as According to her, “many DSM. he Minister of Heads of countries like undertaking joint border possible.” N i g e r i a n c o m p a n i e s, Nigeria he said “has a Communications Ghana and Benin Republic particularly in the services robust legal system and as Ta n d D i g i t a l had also appealed to the sector, have long developed such, exhausting local Economy, Dr Isa Pantami President to reconsider the the capacity to serve the rest remedies should be the first a n d E x e c u t i v e V i c e closure, but the President of Africa.” option before engaging an C h a i r m a n , N i g e r i a n maintained that the borders She added that: “while international DSM”. C o m m u n i c a t i o n s would remain closed until large domestic market makes According to him, “there Commission, Prof. Umar the final report of the Nigeria the ideal gateway m u s t b e a n e x i s t i n g Danbatta are among Guest committee set up on the e c o n o m y, N i g e r i a ' s legislation/regulation and Speakers for the 2020 Nigeria matter was considered. He m a n u f a c t u r i n g v a l u e an Investigating Authority added that neighbouring Innovation Summit (NIS). addition is more than seven recognized by international countries must also show times the average of the top organizations as the body Mr Kenneth Omeruo, the commitment to curtailing 20 economies in Africa.” responsible to investigate Lead Convener and Founder smuggling from their ends. Aliyu M. Abubakar, the and recommend appropriate of InnovationHub Africa & Meanwhile, Osinbajo, Director of Trade at the remedies for each unfair Resources Limited, said in a responding to a question on Federal Ministry of Industry, practice. statement on Sunday in the continued closure of the Lagos. land borders especially at a Osinbajo Laycon wins BBNaija 2020 “Nigeria innovation Grabs N85m top prize week is a week-long event Ighodalo identifies core areas to h e 2 0 2 0 Nengi who had 15 per that brings stakeholders from l o c k d o w n cent accordingly. different sectors of Nigeria's transform agric sector in Africa Tedition of the It must be pointed out economy together. BBNaija sensationally that the N85m prize hairman, Board of According to him, to be able must increase. c a m e t o a n e n d money is not all in cash. “The week will be packed Directors of Sterling to effectively transform the I g h o d a l o u r g e d t h e yesterday after 71 days Laycon, 26, is a with several activities like CBank Plc, Mr. Asue agricultural sector, feed the governments in sub-Saharan innovation exhibitions, Ighodalo, has identified five c o n t i n e n t ' s g r o w i n g African economies to of action, comprising 20 rapper by profession Nigeria innovation summit, core areas that should be population, boost her optimise the agricultural housemates, Olamide and his hobby is music. Nigeria innovation awards, articulated in the quest to economies, create massive sector to attract sizeable Agbeleshe Moshood He read Philosophy at and the yearly report of the transform the agricultural employment for millions of investments that will help to otherwise known as the University of state of innovation in sector in Nigeria and on the its young and not so young drive expansion and achieve Laycon emerged the Lagos. Nigeria. African continent. people as well as absorb the global competitiveness as winner. He defeated The episode was made He identified the areas at the shocks of the on-going well as increase financing to Dorathy in the final e x c i t i n g b y t h e “At the event, ideas, virtual Agriculture Summit pandemic, the involvement key points of the value announcer, Ebuka Obi - trends, opportunities around Africa (ASA) organised by of key stakeholders across chain, particularly small round as he garnered a technology, innovation, and the bank under a theme, Fast public and private sectors in h o l d e r f a r m e r s , t o total vote of 60 per cent Uchendu who was so e n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p Forward Ag riculture: developing the right policies modernize their practices while the runners up charistimatic as usual development in Nigeria will E x p l o i t i n g t h e N e x t to aid the growth of the and increase outputs. had 21 per cent and in his presentations. be discussed. Revolution. agribusiness value chain Monday, September 28, 2020 Page 7 Cr me Watch Nigerian military kills bandit, arrests six others he Nigerian the Chief of Army Staff T h e s u s p e c t s — Army has said (COAS), Lt-General Tukur H a r u n a H a s s a n a n d Tthat its troops of Buratai, on July 6, 2020, to Kabir u Abdullahi — O p e r a t i o n S A H E L s u p p o r t O p e r a t i o n according to Onyeuko, are SANITY have arrested six H A DA R I N DA J I i n members of a bandit group suspected bandits at Dan t a c k l i n g b a n d i t r y , launching mayhem on Aji Forest in Yar Mallamai kidnapping, cattle rustling communities in Faskari village of Kankara Local and incessant killings and other neighbouring Gover nment Area of bedevilling the North-west local government areas of Katsina State. zone. the state. The operatives of the He said: “Following a He however said the anti-banditry operation also reliable information about troops of Operation killed one notorious bandit movement of unknown S A H E L S A N I T Y at Dayau village in Kaura persons suspected to be deployed in Dan Ali N a m o d a L o c a l bandits with six motorcycles village, acting on credible Gover nment Area of at Dan Aji forest around Yar intelligence, arrested nine Zamfara State, after a Mallamai in Kankara LGA suspected bandits and serious gun duel with the Katsina State, troops collaborators at Sabon marauders who invaded the immediately mobilized and Garin Dan Ali in Danmusa village. laid ambush in the area and Local Government Area of The six suspected bandits paraded by the military in Katsina The acting director, arrested the six suspects.” the state. defence media operations, The defence acting He explained that on Brig. General Benard s p o k e s m a n s a i d t h e September 19, 2020, troops Buhari condemns attack on Zulum's Onyeuko, who stated this in N i g e r i a n s o l d i e r s deployed in Dandume, the roads, venues and a statement Sunday at the apprehended two bandits while acting on credible convoy, mourns victims locations well in advance of Special Army Super Camp and recovered two mobile information, thwarted returning IDPs, while r e s i d e n t notes, with deep sympathy, IV Faskari, Katsina, said phones, one knife and what he said could have working closely with local M u h a m m a d u the loss of lives of security communities. the miscreants were nabbed cannabis sativa at Yankara been a massive attack on B u h a r i h a s men on the convoy, ahead of locals by bandits in the P “ T h e P r e s i d e n t after an ambush by the Market and Angwan Boka condemned the ambush on the return of Internally commends the gallantry of troops. i n F a s k a r i L o c a l area. the entourage of Governor Displaced Persons, IDPs, service personnel who Operation SAHEL Government Area of the He said: “The troops Babagana Zulum of Borno commiserating with their r e p e l l e d t h e d e a d l y SANITY was launched by state. who received timely State, which led to the death families and loved ones. ambush, as well the sincere i n f o r m a t i o n o n t h e of security men and some “The President advises determination of Governor movement of the suspects operatives of the Civilian- Cultists mourning colleague unleash the government of Borno Zulum, who has been with several motorcycles JTF. State, working with security working with armed forces terror in Ogun, police nabs 8 swiftly mobilized to the The president described and intelligence agencies, to to end the menace of gun State Police them while the injured area and engaged the the attack, on Maiduguri- r e m a i n f i r m i n t h e i r terrorists, rebuild homes Command has victim was taken to Oladayo marauding criminals in a B a g a r o u t e , a s a n determination to restore and return IDPs to regular Oarrested eight h o s p i t a l f o r m e d i c a l fire fight. The superior orchestrated sabotage normalcy to all communities life. suspected members of Black attention,” he noted. firepower of troops forced against long planned return liberated from Boko Haram “He prayed that God A x e ( a k a A i y e ) The Commissioner of the suspects to withdraw in of displaced persons to their terrorists. will grant the souls of the confraternity. Police, Edward Awolowo disarray with several of the local communities. “President Buhari urges departed security men and They were nabbed on Ajogun, has ordered the bandits sustaining gunshot T h e p r e s i d e n t ' s security and intelligence operatives of Civilian-JTF S e p t e m b e r 2 4 w h i l e transfer of the suspects to the wounds as traces of blood statement signed by his agencies to intensify efforts eternal rest, and comfort mourning a colleague. Criminal Investigation and were seen on their escape spokesman, Garba Shehu, is to check sabotage, sanitize their families.” Public Relations Officer Intelligence Department. route during exploitation.” reproduced below: of the command, Abimbola Oyeyemi, made this known “ P r e s i d e n t B u h a r i Six arrested for gang rape, in a statement on Sunday. The names and ages of 13 Boko Haram members, family homosexuality in Bauchi those in custody are Olatunji O p e ye m i , 2 6 ; Ay u b a ive persons have N500. surrender – Defence headquarters been arrested for Oduola, 25; Sobowale “When interrogated, all allegedly gang- Abiodun, 28; Sobowale h e D e f e n c e u n d e r g o i n g t h o r o u g h Nigeria and other security F the suspects confessed to the raping a 14-year-old girl in Sunday, 25; Adelowo Headquarters says profiling and investigation in agencies remain resolute, crime. The victim has been Bauchi State. This is just as a Olalekan, 32; Kareem T13 Boko Haram line with global best practices determined and committed taken to General Hospital, 28-year-old man was arrested Lanre, 21; Emmanuel terrorists alongside six in handling such cases. to sustaining the tempo of the G a m awa f o r m e d i c a l for allegedly luring a 13-year- Adebisi, 21; and Tobiloba women and 17 children from “The Armed Forces of operations,” he said. attention.” old boy and forcefully having Wasiu, 20. K o d i l a v i l l a g e h a v e surrendered to troops of 151 anal sex with him. He said Sagir Ahmed is The spokesman disclosed Again, Boko Haram attacks one of the wanted suspects Task Force Battalion at Banki The Bauchi State Police that they were nabbed for a rape case. following a complaint to Junction in Bama Local Borno gov's convoy 3rd time Command disclosed the Ogijo police station. Government Area of Borno. foregoing in a statement Wakil added, “On A 16-year-old boy, The Coordinator, Defence arely 48 hours Journalists attached to the signed by its Public Relations September 23, 2020 about Onome Iduru, was shot Media Operations, John w h e n s o m e governor, but the driver Officer, Ahmed Wakil, a 1pm, one Usman Ahmed, Deputy Superintendent of male, aged 46 years of d u r i n g t h e c u l t i s t s ' Enenche, disclosed this in a m e m b e r s o f manuveared and drove the statement on Sunday in B Police. Unguwan Doya Gombe procession and was rushed dreaded Boko Haram vehicle on the flat wheel to Road, Bauchi, reported at 'A' to the station. Abuja. He said, “On September Divisional Headquarters, a m b u s h e d c o nvo y o f escape the scene. Although, 22, 2020, at about 11am, a Oyeyemi said the cultists Mr Enenche said the Bauchi that, on the same date Governor Babagana Umara details were sketchy at press team of policemen drafted to after opening fire on the terrorists surrendered due to at about 11am, one Yusuf Udubo village in Gamawa victim took his phone and s u s t a i n e d a e r i a l Zulum along Cross Kauwa- t i m e , o n e o f t h e Yakubu, Male, (28) of Bayan Local Government Area of unleashed terror on the bombardment and aggressive Baga road in Borno state occupants/Journalist in the Ganuwa, Yakubu Wanka B a u c h i , a r r e s t e d t h e community. intensive clearance operation Gombe road, Bauchi, lured leaving over 30 people dead affected bus who did not following suspects namely; “Upon the report, the by troops of Operation his 13-year-old son by name including 10 policemen and want his name mentioned Sagir Ahmed, Male, (22), D P O O g i j o d iv i s i o n , Lafiya Dole in the North Salisu (not real name ) to his Muhammed Tukur, Male, Muhammed Suleiman Baba East. 4 soldiers, another set of c o n f i r m e d t o o u r house situated at Bayan (24), Haruna Babayo, (32), led his men to the scene insurgents laid ambush along correspondent that the Ganuwa area and forcefully He said the suspects and Musa Dahiru, Male, (30) and where eight members of the their family members who Monguno- Maiduguri axis convoy ran into another had anal sex with him. violent group were arrested Bappah Garba, Male, (24), of surrendered on Saturday, had and attacked the returning Boko Haram ambush about “Upon receipt of the after serious encounter with Unguwar Baba and Unguwar been receiving medical report, a team of policemen the policemen. convoy on Sunday evening. 50km away to Maiduguri. Chadi Gamawa, which have attention at a military been raping one Hauwa (not were drafted to the scene and “A banner designed with Sources said, the attack led to investigation revealed that medical facility. real name), female, (14) of the victim was taken to the the group insignia to According to him, the the shooting of a back tyre of no casualty was recorded in the same address at different General Hospital, Bauchi for announce the death of their suspects are currently the vehicle/bus conveying the latest Sunday ambush. times by giving her N200 and medical treatment. member was recovered from Monday, September 28, 2020 Page 8

address, the Eze-elect 2023 presidency: APC will look way Drama at Umuahia North L.G.A. promised to rule with the fear of God and to sustain of Southeast – VON DG, Okechukwu HQ as factions reject eze-elect peace and stability which he Director-General Nwoye and enjoined of Voice of Nigeria members to work to From Dan Maduagwu, existing achievements, his community is known council headquarters, in (VON), Mr. Osita consolidate the new found Umuahia r e m i n d i n g h i m t h a t for, while promising to T protest, lifting their placards r e w a r d h i s p e o p l e ' s Okechukwu, on Sunday, peace and unity. high in anger. traditional institutions is the n e n t h r a l l i n g confidence in him with disclosed that the All “ I a s s u r e o t h e r They drummed and closest government to the Progressives Congress drama took place t r a n s f o r m a t i o n a l Nigerians that Ndigbo will sang in lamentation, people. (APC) will likely zone the bring their entrepreneurial at Umuahia North leadership. A claiming that the Eze-elect Reacting to Akabuike 's presidential position to the spirit to transform the LGA headquarters, Abia was not their choice as South East zone in 2023. country. State on Friday as the newly according to them, the Not yet uhuru for Nigeria at 60, Okechukwu spoke in “At home I want you to elected traditional ruler of process that produced him E n u g u a t t h e A P C embrace the agricultural Mbaocha autonomous as their Eze was not says Archbishop Martins expanded caucus meeting project of the federal of the party. community in Umuahia transparent. head of Nigeria's government as part of leadership to foster a deep The meeting held at the North LGA, Eze-elect Some of the placards President Muhammadu 6 0 t h s ense of patriotism and APC Secretariat. Chief Vincent Nwankwo read "we don't have an Eze i n d e p e n d e n c e oneness amongst the Buhari's agro revolution. yet, don't recognise him yet, A He said for equity, Federal government will was presented to the anniversary, the Catholic various nationalities that j u s t i c e a n d g o o d is this how to become Eze, provide the necessary Transition Chairman of the Archbishop of Lagos, Most make up country. conscience, which the party among other write-ups on incentives like seedlings, LGA, Comrade Lucky He said it was shameful was known for, it would the placards. Rev. Alfred Adewale fertilizer, tractors as well as Akabuike for recognition. that 60 years after gaining zone the position to the But the drama took Martins, has accused the agro processing centered,” independence from the Southeast. The new monarch, who another dimension when country's leadership of not he said. British, the country was yet He noted that a Nigeria was recently elected, was the supporters of Chief doing enough to address the The meeting attending to get its acts together; “we President of Igbo extraction l e d t o t h e c o u n c i l V i n c e n t N w a n k w o underlying issues fanning by party leaders, including i n c r e a s e d t h e i r ow n still lack the quality w o u l d b r i n g h i s headquarters by his people insecurity and disunity in the Director General, Voice drumming in order to leadership needed to guide entrepreneurial spirit to to perform the semi final lap the country. the country in the path of transform the country's o f N i g e r i a , O s i t a drown those from their Okechukwu, former South of his electoral process, opponents. I n h i s 6 0 t h peaceful coexistence, economy. East Zonal vice chairman which will be followed by T h i s i s e v e n a s Independence anniversary economic prosperity and Okechukwu called on o f t h e p a r t y, E m m a the issuance of staff of traditional gun salutes were message to Nigerians signed s e c u r i t y o f l i f e a n d the party members to join I h e u k w u , t h e s t a t e office by the Abia State fired by the Eze-elects' by the Director of Social property.” him in commending the Chairman of the party, government. supporters to the cheering Communications, Rev. Fr. Hear him:“We thank party chairman, Nwoye, for of those who want him on A n t h o n y G o d o n u , God that we are alive to his efforts in uniting the Nwoye, leaders of the party But as soon as the in all the 260 wards of the the throne. Archbishop Martins, while mark the Diamond Jubilee party and bringing back jubilant long convoy of state, also resolved to In his address while acknowledging the need for o f o u r c o u n t r y ' s aggrieved members like the Chief Vincent Nwankwo's participate effectively in the receiving the Eze-elect, the all to thank God for keeping independence. We are an pioneer chairman, A. C. supporters rode into the Ude and pioneer women bye-election for Isi-Uzo T . C c h a i r m a n the country as one despite independent country still council headquarters, searching for how to leader, Queen Nwankwo a s s e m b l y e l e c t i o n congratulated him over his her numerous challenges, another group of young become a nation where no among others. scheduled for September emergence and urged him to regretted that not enough one is oppressed, and He said that APC has 31st by the Independent men and women from the has been done in practical rule with the fear of God everyone feels a sense of o n l y o n e e x e c u t i v e N a t i o n a l E l e c t o r a l community stormed the t e r m s b y s u c c e s s i ve and to consolidate on the belonging. committee in the state led by Commission (INEC).

Buhari govt reveals plans to lift 100 covered all sectors of the economy and that the million Nigerians out of poverty m i n i s t r y w a s w e l l positioned to turn around h e F e d e r a l actualisation of Nigeria's the economy. M i n i s t r y o f dream of becoming a self- According to him, the TS c i e n c e a n d reliant nation. commercialization of Technology is working on He said that the benefits r e s e a r c h o u t p u t s i s plans to create the desired of research could only be important for economic p l a t f o r m f o r t h e harvested when it is fully growth as more goods will be produced locally. actualisation of President commercialized, adding He added that part of that the ministry will Muhammadu Buhari's the expected benefits of quest of lifting 100 million collaborate with the research outputs included Nigerians out of poverty in organized private sector in food sufficiency and the next 10 years. that regard. surplus for exports, leading Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, the Onu said that the to significant reduction in Ministry would strive hard Minister said this in Abuja i m p o r t f r o m o t h e r to use its research outputs as countries. Eze elect Nwankwo (third from left), Comrade Lucky Akabuike, Umuahia at the inauguration of a TC Chairman (2nd from left when he received the Eze elect) in Umuahia North catalyst for realizing Onu said that the Technical Committee for government's plans of commercialization of b o o s t i n g l i f t i n g 1 0 0 m i l l i o n u n i f o r m s , s h o o t i n g research outputs would Ex-Nigerian envoy, Felix Oboro, Nigerians out of poverty. sporadically before whisking commercialization of the create more opportunities He said that research freed from kidnappers' den him away to an unknown m i n i s t r y ' s r e s e a r c h for Nigerians as well as destination. products from the 17 reduce the employment onetime Secretary f o r m e r S e n a t o r w h o products to fast-track the It was also gathered that agencies under the ministry deficit in the country. to the Bayelsa State represented Bayelsa West t h e k i d n a p p e r s, a f t e r AG o v e r n m e n t Senatorial district and a abducting him saw a bank members who travelled on of his release came, everyone statesman, while calling on (SSG), and also a former C h i e f t a i n o f t h e A l l alert balance of over N5 boat to drop the 11 million was happy and jubilating. the security agencies to Ambassador to Venezuela, Progressives Congress, million in his account and ransom demanded, along R e a c t i n g t o t h e ensure the arrest of those d e m a n d e d a r a n s o m Senator Felix Oboro, has APC, was kidnapped on the Ayama-Oporoma area of development, the Former involved in the dastardly act. payment of N50 milliom been freed after 23 days in Friday, September 4, 2020 at S o u t h e r n I j aw L o c a l Secretary to the Civil Morris Alagoa described which was later reduced to kidnappers' den. his hometown, Elemebiri, Government Council. The Liberties Organisation the abduction and release of N11 million. State Police Commissioner (CLO), Comrade Morris Ambassador Oboro as a very It was learnt that his Sagbama Local Government Mr. Tuebi Sapri, a step- was immediately informed Alagoa, and the National sad commentary, “From released was made possible Area of Bayelsa State. son to Ambassador Felix on telephone. Spokesman of the Ijaw after an alleged payment of The gunmen, numbering O b o r o, c o n f i r m e d t o He, however, said that, kidnapping of oil workers Youths Council worldwide, N11 million ransom by about fifteen, had stormed newsmen that the abducted “contrary to the expectation and foreigners to our own his residence, twenty-four Nigerian envoy was released (IYC), Comrade Ebilade very people, I saw this members of his family. of the family, Daddy (Felix hours after he arrived the on Saturday to the three-man Eerekefe, condemned the coming long ago, when they T h e 7 5 - y e a r - o l d Oboro) is strong and in a village, dressed in Army d e l e g a t i o n o f f a m i ly healthy state. When the news abduction of the elder were kidnapping others” Ambassador, Felix Oboro, a Monday, September 28, 2020 Page 9

Uzodimma commiserates with included the Most Rev. Union Congress had jointly “We, in the House of Dr. David Onuoha , declared their readiness to Representatives, are on the Archbishop of Owerri embark on a nationwide same page with you,” the Anyaehie family over loss of patriarch Province, Rt. Rev. Benjamin strike and protests to Speaker told the labour Okeke, Bishop of Orlu leaders. From Jennifer John despite the fact that the an epitome of humility, c o m p e l t h e Fe d e r a l Bishops Godson Ukanwa, Gbajabiamila, however, deceased died at 85, death at kindness personified and Government to reverse the mo State Governor, E m m a M a d u w i k e , warned against the dire whatever age can be painful lamented that his demise hikes. The hikes had S e n a t o r H o p e Chukwuma Opara, Edward consequences of shutting because of the vacuum has created an indelible void generated nationwide U z o d i m m a h a s O s u e g b u a n d G. N down the government at I created, but however because he was the last titan criticism. commiserated with the Chukwuonye; of Isiala this time, urging the enjoined the Anyaehie of the great siblings of T h e S p e a k e r, F e m i Anyaehie dynasty of Mbano, Ikeduru, Owerri, workers to suspend the family to take solace in the Anyaehie dynasty first Gbajabiamila, on Sunday Nkwerre over the demise of O k i g w e , a n d O r u planned action. fact that the deceased left generation stock. met with President of the late Chief Sir, Godwin respectively. Olaleye hailed the Speaker worthy legacies behind. He Officiating ministers NLC, Ayuba Wabba; and Onwuatogu Anyaehie, prayed God to grant his his TUC counterpart, for always intervening in uncle to Bar. Nnamdi Soul eternal repose. Quadri Olaleye, among labour matters. Anyaehie, chief of staff, He appreciated Nkwerre Strike: Reps meet NLC, TUC others. Nof the most challenging government house, Owerri. people for their support to h e H o u s e o f recent hikes in the pump B o t h W a b b a a n d for most Nigerians. “We Gover nor Uzodimma the government and prayed Representatives has price of Premium Motor Gbajabiamila decried that were still battling with the expressed his condolences God for the strength and Twaded into the crisis Spirit (petrol) and electricity the negotiations between effects of insecurities in the b e t we e n t h e Fe d e r a l tariff. Saturday during the funeral wisdom to serve Imo and the government and the land when COVID-19 Gover nment and the The Nigerian Labour service of the late patriarch not disappoint the people. workers to prevent the struck and made life organised labour over the Congress and the Trade at St Paul's Anglican C h i e f o f S t a f f , imminent strike had failed. impossible for those who C h u r c h , N k we r r e i n Government House, lost their jobs and sources of Nkwerre local government Barr. Nnamdi Anyaehie livelihood. To make life area of Imo State. in his tribute to his late even more impossible, there The Governor noted that uncle, described him as was an increase in the rate of VAT only to be followed by the imposition of stamp One dead, 3 injured as 2 duty on house rent and vehicles collide in Ikoyi Certificates of Occupancy. ne person died and SUV, and a Nissan 2020 WAEC/SSCE t h r e e o t h e r s SUV with registration results for release Osustained different number KD 499 GE. degrees of injuries on “They had a head- late October Sunday following an on collision at the traffic From Uchenna Ezeadigwe, accident involving two stop junction of the Awka vehicles in front of Golden road, our investigation he West African Gate, Ikoyi. shows that both vehicles E x a m i n a t i o n s Mr Nosa Okunbor, were on top speed. TCouncil has said that Head, Public Affairs, Lagos “One person, a man, it has a 45-day timeline from its last paper to release the S t a t e E m e r g e n c y died while three others Some of the protesting Mbachu Community youths against M a n a ge m e n t A ge n c y results of the 2020 Senior s u s t a i n e d va r i o u s eze-elect Nwankwo, Umuahia, Abia State. (LASEMA) confirmed this S e c o n d a r y S c h o o l degrees of injuries,” the while speaking to the News Certificate Examination. The West African Senior Agency of Nigeria (NAN) LASEMA official said. Ex-NECO boss, Gana debunks N368.8 million allegation Secondar y Certificate in Lagos. Okunbor said the Okunbor said that two of the injured persons were o r m e r A c t i n g June/July 2018 registration 1 0 , 2 0 1 8 w h i l e t h e Examination was taken accident was as a result of Registrar, National of SSCE, was discovered p u r p o r t e d i n c i d e n t between August 17, 2020 a t t e n d e d t o b y t h e over-speeding by the E x a m i n a t i o n s , missing before his tenure. occurred on December 18, and Saturday, September drivers, saying, “ the LASEMA's paramedics F NECO, Abubakar Gana, Gana, in a statement he 2017, at least, five months 12, which means that the before they were taken to vehicles ran into each other has debunked the allegation personally authored and before my appointment. “It council would release the the hospital. He said that results latest by October 27 at the intersection of the levelled against him by an released to newsmen, must, however, be put on road”. the affected vehicles had which is 45 days after. online media platform that Sunday, in Abuja, insisted record that the infractions N e w s E c h o He further said that the been moved to a police he embezzled the sum of that contrary to the media were uncovered by the c r a s h i n v o l v e d a n station. correspondent reports that N368.875 million while he report, his hands were Council in 2017 under the the Head of Public Affairs, unregistered Ford Ranger h e l d s w a y i n t h e clean. watchful eyes of Former WAEC Nigeria, Demianus examination's body. H e s a i d : “ Fo r t h e Registrar, Prof Charles Ojijeogu, in a telephone Refund cost of using presidential jet for He, however, said the avoidance of doubt, I was Uwakwe, but nothing was chat said, “Before the your PA's wedding, Reno tells Buhari alleged sum said to have a p p o i n t e d a s A c t i n g d o n e t o b r i n g t h e outbreak of COVID-19, we been generated during the Registrar of NECO on May perpetrators to book.” usually released it 45 days after the last paper on the those involved to be u m b e r o n e timetable must have been bestselling author punished while the cost the national treasury, and September 25, 2020. This is Nigerians should not take taken. We are working on Nand former aide to refunded to the nation's the fate of the defence a private event that has no this lying low from a meeting that timeline.” Ex-President Goodluck Meanwhile, the Lagos treasury. According to him, minister is hanging in the bearing on Nigeria. gover nment that just Jonathan, Pastor Reno State Commissioner for “on September 12, 2020, it balance. Also, the Office of And the excuse given by increased fuel price and Education, Mrs Folashade O m o k r i , h a s u r g e d wa s d i s c ove r e d t h a t the Public Protector, the Presidency that the jet power tariff. Adefisayo, said on Saturday President Muhammadu The wedding of your at the launch of the President Cyril Ramaphosa Busisiwe Mkhwebane, is did not ferry Bashir, but Buhari “to refund to the had allowed his Minister of subordinates is a private Computer Based Testing investigating the ANC and only flew the President's ( C B T ) a t t h e s t a t e National Treasury the costs Defence Nosiviwe Mapisa- affair. It is not an official of using the Presidential jet the government over the representatives is flawed function. e x a m i n a t i o n b o a r d Nqakula, to travel with headquarters that the to his representatives to his incident. and shows that after five “I, therefore, call on South Africa's Presidential entrance exercises would be personal assistant, Bashir That is how it should be. years in office, General P r e s i d e n t B u h a r i t o conducted using CBT from Jet for an official meeting of Ahmed's wedding in A Presidential jet is not the Buhari still does not reimburse the national 2021. Katsina on Friday.” the African National property of the President. It understand statecraft. If this treasury for the cost of Only 210 pupils seeking Pastor Omokri, in a Congress. is the property of the nation, had occurred in the United fuelling the Presidential jet admission into Lagos State Once this came to light, to Katsina for Bashir M o d e l C o l l e ge s a n d statement, accused the left to the President for use Kingdom, it could have upgraded junior secondary president of extravagance the Julius Malema led in transporting him to and caused the government to Ahmad's wedding, as well schools in the state opted for as the cost of paying the while subjecting Nigerians E c o n o m i c F r e e d o m fro his official functions. fall. CBT in 2020. crew. I also call on the Adefisayo, represented to hardship through the Fighters pressure group, It is a significant breach “I understand that President to suspend all by the permanent secretary increase in pump price and insisted that the President standards have slipped in of his fiduciary duties for public officials involved in i n t h e m i n i s t r y o f electricity tariff increment. a n d h i s p a r t y m u s t Nigeria since 2015, but we President Buhari to give out this abuse of office. Failure education, Mrs Abosede According to him, the reimburse the national must at least pretend to be a A d e l a j a , s a i d , “ T h e the Presidential jet to his to do so is proof positive use of presidential aircraft civilised nation. The Buhari examination will be strictly treasury for the cost of the representatives to his that the President is not in for the president's aide's administration kee ps CBT by next year since the trip, as well as suspend the Personal Assistant, Bashir charge of his government wedding is an abuse of the complaining that times are world is a global village. Defence Minister. In less and his anti-corruption war Moreover, you need to add Ahmed's wedding in hard, but they are living presidential privileges. than 48 hours, the ANC is, in reality, an anti- and embrace moder n K a t s i n a o n F r i d a y, large at our expense and He, therefore, urged capitulated and reimbursed opposition war.” technologies.'' Monday, September 28, 2020 Page 10 Politics Faces, factors to determine Abia 2023 gov’ship battle By Dan Maduagwu, Umuahia

Kalu Ikpeazu Otti Abaribe Ogah he race for the coveted seat of Governor of Abia LGA and has interests which cut across politics, business, events for celebration of Abia at 29 at Secretary to the State State, come 2023 has started. The 2023 game mining, oil and gas, business consultancy etc. He is a Government (SSG's) office, Umuahia. Tpromises to be different from the previous grassroots maestro who is loved by his people and a strong Abia Advisory council is a powerful team made up of elections, judging by the alignment and realignment of apostle of a governor of Ngwa stock. He is a force to surviving founding fathers of God's own State. The council is political juggernauts going on now. Victory for an eventual reckon. also made up of some top administrators and technocrats who winner will definitely, is determined by several factors. PROF GREGORY IBE advise and assist the state government in key decision makings. Major faces that can alter the game Ibe is the founder of Gregory University, Uturu and an But reacting to a question of rotational governorship, Dr SENATOR ORJI UZOR KALU investor whose investments are mostly domiciled in Abia Anagha Ezeikpe, the chairman of the council, only urged He is the Chief Whip of the Nigerian Senate and a two- State. A former lecturer with Abia State University, Uturu Abians to work towards the continued unity of Abia, telling the time Governor of Abia from 1999 to 2007. He is regarded as before founding his own school, Ibe is a man whose media men that it was the responsibility of the Abia State the grandfather of the present crop of politicians in the popularity is looming larger on daily basis. Though, he has House of Assembly to enact a law endorsing Abia chatter of state, having made Chief T A Orji his successor in 2007. not declared any political ambition, his body language equity. The present governor, Okezie Ikpeazu is also a by-product points to indicate that he is interested in the Abia number The chatter of equity, Ezeikpe suggested, would enable of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, because Ikpeazu was appointed one seat. sustained political equilibrium in the state if it is made a law. the local government Chairman of Obingwa LGA, during ALEX OTTI Represented by Chikezie Wachuku, another founding father, Kalu's reign as Abia's helmsman. It was Ikpeazu's first Alex Otti is a two-time governorship candidate in Abia Dr Anagha Ezeikpe said he was much interested and impressed major political outing. Kalu is the strongest force to reckon on the platform of his former party, All Progressive Grand by the success made by the state in her 29 years of existence. with, as his popularity in the grassroots adds an advantage Alliance, (APGA) who gave Okezie Ikpeazu a tough and But Ezeikpe's response did not solve the problem of which for any candidate of his choice. resounding fight in 2015 and 2019 governorship polls. block should produce the next governor between Ukwa/Ngwa In the 2019 general elections, Kalu gave a good account Now, he is back in the ring again, with eyes fixed on the and Old Bende division. Ukwa Ngwa popularly known as Old of himself, winning the Abia North Senatorial seat, number one seat of the state. Operating from a new cruise Aba Division is made of 9 LGAs namely Aba North, Aba clinching the Bende federal House of Reps position for his ship, APC, Otti has declared that "the battle to liberate South, Ugwunagbo, Osisioma Ngwa, Obingwa, Ukwa West, party, APC which Ben Okezie Kalu won while capping it all Abia State from PDP has started" Ukwa East, Isiala Ngwa North and Isiala Ngwa South. On the ENYINNAYA ABARIBE with the victory of Hon Nkeiruka Onyejiocha, the other hand, Old Bende is made of Seven LGAs namely He is the Senate Minority leader, from Obingwa LGA. Umunneochi/Isukwuato House of Reps member. Umuahia South, Umuahia North, Ikwuano, Ohafia, He is an experienced politician and a trusted member of Onyejiocha is today, the federal House deputy Chief Whip. Arochukwu, Umunneochi and Bende LGAs. the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His personality This is not forgetting the Bende North State House of It is a consensus among the people of Old Aba that their looms large in entire Ngwa nation and Abia politics in Assembly position won by Hon Chijioke Chukwu, of APC. Bende counterparts have taken a bigger chunk when it comes to SENATOR T.A. ORJI general because of his fearless disposition. He is an political leadership of the Abia State. To them, the 'cheating' Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji is a political protégé enigma, a four-time senator and a loud voice for Ndigbo dates back to the era of Dr Michael Okpara, former Premier of of Senator Orji Uzor Kalu who has now grown to become a and the Peoples Democratic Party. Eastern region (Umuahia Ohuhu in Old Bende), Orji Uzor FACTORS THAT WILL SHAPE THE GOV'SHIP power house in political history of Abia State. Take it or Kalu (Igbere in Old Bende) and Theodore Orji ( Umuahia- RACE leave it, Ochendo, as he is fondly known call the shot and Ibeku ) also of Old Bende. The Ngwa group insist that Okezie PDP's winning history was instrumental to the emergence of Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, a Ikpeazu (Obingwa in Old Aba Division) would leave office in The new Chairman of PDP in Abia, Chief Allwell university lecturer as Abia's Governor in 2015 and played a 2023 when his tenure ends but power should not head to Abia Asiforo, on assumption of office recently, declared that key role in the Governor's re-election in 2019. Now a North Senatorial zone which is in Old Bende, but should head "Abia is a PDP State, Abia has been a PDP State and Abia Senator representing Abia central constituency, Ochendo to Umunnato Ngwa which is made up of Isiala Ngwa North, will remain a PDP State. We are united and formidable counts among the strong ladders through which a candidate Isiala Ngwa South and Osisioma Ngwa. than ever." Asiforo continued, "I shall consolidate on the must climb to victory in 2023. A strong politician and philanthropist, Chief Reegan achievements recorded by my predecessors in ensuring HON CHINEDUM ORJI (IKUKU) Ufomba of Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa North aptly captured this that our dear state remains a one hundred percent PDP" Hon Chinedum Orji is the Speaker of the Abia State argument when he told journalists during a gathering at his This statement by Asiforo simply captures the mood of House of Assembly and also the first son of Senator T A country home that " The seat of governance which Dr Okezie the umbrella party which is not ready to lose its winning Orji. Soft in speech but loaded in strategy, this young Orji Ikpeazu is occupying today, we made it possible. But streak since 1999. The friendly image of the PDP in the who is an engineer by profession before joining politics, somewhere along the line during the move to actualise a South East may also enable it to retain power. But this draws his support base from the common people. Now in governor of Ngwa stock, we the people of Isiala Ngwa decided postulation will be further enhanced if it fields a popular his second journey in the chambers of Abia State House of to support a candidate from Ngwa, irrespective of the local candidate. Assembly, Hon Chinedum Orji commands much respect in government the person comes from. I believe that the gesture APC's root from the centre, Otti's entrance may the Abia legislature, as many of the young legislators in the we showed our brothers will be reciprocated if a good person swing pendulum House are believed to be his "boys" who are expected to presents himself to lead Abia in the future." Until 2019 general elections, APC was regarded as a maintain their loyalty to him even up to 2023. A holistic examination of Ufomba's call reveals that the rookie organization in Abia. But the 2019 polls where the CHIEF B. B. APUGO Ngwa nation is not ready to allow a power shift to the Old broom party swept through victory in most parts of Abia Chief Benjamin Apugo, (BB) is a strongman of Bende, in 2023. They want it to be free for all aspirants, North, buoyed by Orji Uzor Kalu's presence, returned the Umuahia politics, whose reign as a kingmaker dates back to including Ndi Ngwa. However, the visits of Senator T A Orji party to reckoning. And now, Dr Alex Otti, the enfant 1991, when his preferred candidate, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu and his son, Chinedum to the Abuja home of Senator Orji terrible of Abia politics has added weight to the muscles of won the Governorship of the old Abia State. Dr Onu was Uzor left many mouths agape. This is because the three men the APC. This is not forgetting that the party derives relatively unknown in the politics, but Apugo "brushed him were, until the visits, sworn political enemies for 11 years. enormous clout from Abuja, where it rules in the centre. up" and sponsored him to victory, to the surprise of many Political watchers believe that the visits may have been But can APC upend PDP's winning streak? people. Compared to Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, the late informed by the need to perfect a return of power to Old Bende, Donatus Nwankpa, Abia APC chairman appears to be Ibadan political strongman in areas of strategy and ability in line with rotational governorship. Governor Okezie Ikpeazu providing the answer. "APC will take over Abia in 2023. to sponsor even a rookie to prominence, the Ochiagha has been wise on the issue, preferring to talk about governance We have noted and corrected all mistakes we made in 2015 Ibeku is another face that will determine a winner. than who should succeed him. and 2019 and by 2023, we are going to liberate Abia from DR UCHE OGAH At Ariaria market, Aba, a trader, Thaddeus Okoye made it the total misrule imposed on her by the PDP" Nwankpa He is the minister of state for mines and steels. The clear that traders cared less about who ruled Abia, but what he boasted at Oboro, Ikwuano LGA while receiving Chief Onuaku Uturu-born owner of Masters Energy Ltd offered the people, especially the traders. According to him "An Emeka Atuma, former national organising secretary of ventured into politics in 2015 and has remained relevant average Ariaria trader does not care about who rules Abia Social Democratic Party (SDP) into the APC. since then. He lost to Okezie Ikpeazu during the 2015 PDP State. We care about our own welfare. If you provide us good Old Aba zone vs old Bende bloc as the decider primaries and in 2019, flew the flag of the All Progressive roads, good drainages and security, we traders are capable of On Wednesday, 20th August, 2020, the leaders of Abia Congress (APC) where he lost to the same Ikpeazu, coming taking care of light, water and accommodation" said Okoye. Advisory Council, evaded some sensitive questions from second after the polls. Abia 2023 game will indeed be an interesting scenario to journalists about which political bloc or zone in the state CHIEF REEGAN UFOMBA behold. The gladiators are positioning. The electorates are should be allowed to produce the next governor of the Chief Ufomba hails from Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa North waiting. state in 2023. It was during the unveiling of programme of

Again, Boko Haram attacks Borno gov's convoy 3rd time

Pg. 9 Vacancy An experienced advert executive wanted Send applications and Cvs to ...Strong voice echoes the truth ISSN: 2736-0512 MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 VOL. 1 NO. 14 N150 Zulum [email protected] Column In my own thinking By Afam Echi Phone: 08035360957 Email: [email protected] o. We are just suffering and My eyes on government smiling and pretending that all is Unpaid government house correspondents' stipend: well. We don't know what the Is Uzodimma still verifying their data? governor is doing” when one was queried on why the governor e have heard from the Imo Governor appropriated the payment of Hope Uzodimma many times that his salary to his office. It was learnt government does not owe anybody. Last W that the payment of salary is now week he made similar statement when he had a meeting done in the government house with heads of government ministries and agencies. through the use of a consultants. Contrary to his claims journalists covering him in the This is reported to be fraught with government house are lamenting that they have only some mounting irregularities received just one month stipends since the governor contrary to what the government assumed office. claims that they want to resolve. Some of the government house correspondents as While there are some over they are popularly called lament the lies of the governor payments many are short paid. but lack courage to confront neither the governor nor his Many workers have reported media aides. When two of them spoke to yours sincerely, short payments in their salaries. they regretted that the man has no recognition for the A senior staff of IBC was paid 6 media and does whatever he likes irrespective of months' salary cumulatively and whatever anybody feels about it. According to them, this Uzodimma 25k was deducted for each month is the worst; no governor denies correspondents that here. but because of the excitement of On the efforts of the governor's media aide to the accumulated payment he could not press further for Uzodimma's roads worse than ameliorate their situation, one had this to say. “We notice the refund. A female teacher in a primary school has a tussle between the Chief Press Secretary and the New about 8k deducted from her salary each time she Okorocha's China roads Media handler who are at logger heads with each other manages to receive payment since Uzodimma came. In hen Imolites lamented what they called fighting for supremacy.'' And from the other, “do we need her school, some are still owed since March while she is 'China' roads (sobriquet for a to remind them to fight for their colleagues. Truth is the owed 4 months as at date. Wsubstandard product) foisted on them by governor is not media friendly. While he was governor, The government keeps claiming that it does not owe the past Okorocha government they were mistaken how many times have you seen address media or parley anybody except those with documentary issues. This when they thought that they have seen the last of it. journalists.” claim comes as untrue when compared to the hues and They are yet to define the quality of road from Gov Government House correspondents are supposed to cries of many workers. Some have alleged that the Uzodimma. All I can say is that Okorocha's china road be receiving 10k stipend monthly for covering the government which receives monthly allocation do fix the is far better than Uzodimma's. Take a trip to Port governor. Mocking the governor, one of the journalists vote for salary payment and earn accrued interest which Harcourt road and the MCC/Uratta road and you will quipped, “It is possible they are still verifying our data to is why there are numerous arrears of unpaid be shocked. These two roads are less than two months fish out ghost correspondents as the governor used to emoluments. The government is silent on this. but are anything far from new. I am not convinced that say.'' Sadly, the list of the of number of persons owed by Even ISOPADEC workers that get their votes direct work has been completed on these roads. our government has continued to elongate in spite of from Abuja have their salaries owed as well. The From MCC road you will see patch works ongoing persistent denials that the government is not owing on a road with that span of life. It is terrible. The road numerous protest actions have not moved the anybody except 500 workers keeping accounts with has already broken down with pot holes and some parts government that appears stone hearted. Imo economy is Micro Finance banks. not covered with tar. Is this what the Shared Prosperity dependent on civil service and the unpaid wages have or Poverty noise is all about? It is important to call affected adversely economic activities. The unending salary issue in Imo attention to this because this is like a rape on the A teacher who got tired of borrowing from friends and people's scarce resources. Are we supposed to be going ince Gov Hope Uzodimma assumed power in relations got into frying akara (bean cake) suffered forward or backward? January one intractable problem he found casualty when the son fell into the hot oil. That is double Important questions are very necessary at this point. Sdifficult to manage is the salary challenge. tragedy. This represents some of the problems caused by Uzodimma has drowned Imo workers in severe hardship Who certified the road okay for use and was it the government. What is shocking about the whole completed on the basis of the contract terms. Which since he came to power drawing from the commentaries scenario is the inability of the stakeholders, the labour, making the rounds. Many workers are owed up to 8 contractor performed the job? The governor should traditional rulers, the priests and pastors who collect tithe take a trip to visit these roads and confirm for himself months salary eg the Water Corporation people. Some of to speak truth to power in defense of their subjects. the governor's aides speaking to yours sincerely under that that is the prosperity or poverty that he has planned While the government claims that they want to be for Imo people. Imo deserves something better. conditions of anonymity declared that nothing is paid the workers are dying and begging to be paid. Before An Owerri-based reporter has described the roads as happening in the government. Uzodimma came Ihedioha had kept fate with the Aba-made roads lower in quality than the China “We are not seeing anything o, most of us are not paid workers. The question now is when Imo workers will experience. smile again.