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Defence/Security

Police confirm death of bank official in Abia bullion van attack

Robbery
By Sam Oditah
Umuahia, July 27, 2022 (NAN) The Police Command in Abia has confirmed Tuesday’s attack on a bullion van and killing of a bank official by gunmen on the Umuahia axis of Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.

The command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), SP Geoffrey Ogbonna, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Umuahia on Wednesday.

Ogbonna stated that the incident happened around 1.13 p.m. at Ntigha junction, near Umuahia.

He said that the bullion van conveying cash from a new generation bank in Aba to Umuahia ran into the blockade mounted by the suspected robbers.

The police spokesman stated that the van was being escorted by six mobile policemen attached to 28 PMF Umuahia and Counter-terrorist Unit Base 4, Aba, when the incident happened.

He stated that the robbers opened fire at the bullion van, thus forcing the driver to swerve into the bush.
Ogbonna further disclosed that the driver escaped, while the bank’s cash officer was shot dead.

He said that one of the gunmen was neutralised during the gun battle that ensued between them and the police.

Ogbonna also stated that an AK 47 rifle, with ammunition laden in three magazines strapped together and belonging to the hoodlums, was recovered.

He said that three of the escort policemen, who sustained gunshot injuries, were immediately rushed to the hospital, adding that the remains of the bank official and the hoodlum had been deposited at a morgue.

The police spokesman explained that investigation into the incident had commenced.

He appealed to the public and proprietors of medical facilities in and outside Abia to report any person seen or presented with suspected gunshot injuries to the police or any other security agency. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
USO/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Politics

Abia: APGA Guber Candidate picks lawmaker as running mate

APGA

By Sam Oditah
Umuahia, July 18, 2022 (NAN) Prof. Greg Ibe, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Gubernatorial Candidate in Abia, has picked a lawmaker in the state, Mr Obinna Ichita, as his running mate.

This is contained in a statement issued by Prof. Gregory Ibe Media Associates (ProGIMA) and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia on Monday.

ProGIMA stated that Ichita emerged after “an extensive, rigorous and painstaking screening” by the party.

It explained that he was chosen from the shortlist of three eminently qualified Abia persons.

“In arriving at the choice of Ichita, the party adhered strictly to existing guidelines, protocols, due process and ground rules.

The statement added that he became the favourite because of “his enduring membership of APGA even during turbulent periods”.

Other factors included Ichita’s “sterling performance” as APGA leader in the house, public acceptability and grassroots support, amongst others.

“It is believed that he will bring his vast legislative experience to bear on the ticket,” ProGIMA stated.

It also hoped that the legislator would blend with “Ibe’s robust background in business, academia and international diplomacy to reposition Abia”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ichita is a two-term member of the house, representing Aba South constituency.

He has consistently championed the cause of good governance in the state. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
USO/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Defence/Security

Enugu CAN chair decries “deliberate destruction” of lives and property

Enugu CAN chair decries “deliberate destruction” of lives and property
Insecurity
By Ifeoma Aka
Enugu, July 11, 2022 (NAN) The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Enugu State, Rev. Emmanuel Edeh, has expressed worry over what he called “deliberate destruction” of lives and property in the country.
Edeh said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu on Monday.
He said: “It is regrettable that thousands of Nigerians are being killed daily in different parts of the country.
“It is even more disturbing that the perpetrators could not be arrested and prosecuted.”
According to him, the fact that the perpetrators are still at large and not rounded up has further emboldened them.
The clergyman admonished government at all levels to realise that its primary constitutional responsibility is to protect lives and property of the citizens.
“And any government that cannot discharge that responsibility effectively has failed,” Edeh said.
(NAN)(wwwnannews. ng)
IFO/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

Politics

2023: Obi/Baba-Ahmed candidacy paradigm shift in nation’s politics – Abia LP Chairman

2023: Obi/Baba-Ahmed candidacy paradigm shift in nation’s politics – Abia LP Chairman
By Leonard Okachie
Umuahia, July 8, 2022(NAN) The Abia Chairman of the Labour Party, Mr Ceekay Igara, says the combination of Mr Peter Obi and Sen. Datti Baba-Ahmed as the party’s Presidential and Vice Presidential Candidates is enjoying universal acceptance.
Igara made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia, shortly after the party unveiled Baba-Ahmed as Obi’s running mate in Abuja.
He described the pair of Obi and Baba-Ahmed as “a paradigm shift” in the nation’s political history.
According to him, the combination of these two gentlemen is a demonstration of the kind of leadership the party wants to offer to the country.
“This is a vehicle that is already accepted by Nigerians.
“What we just did today is to consummate that trust, because leadership is just about trust.
“The character and personality of Baba-Ahmed shows that the party is coming with something special to Nigeria and Nigerians,” the LP chieftain said.
Igara, who is also the Abia Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, further said that the emergence of the former PDP’s presidential aspirant (Obi) had raised hope and happiness among Nigerians from different political and ethnic lines.
“We have demonstrated that, of a truth, our party appreciates the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LEO/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah

General news

Abia lawmaker urges political solution to Nnamdi Kanu’s case

Abia lawmaker urges political solution to Nnamdi Kanu’s case
IPOB
By Sam Oditah
Umuahia, June 30, 2022 (NAN) An Abia lawmaker, Chief Obinna Ichita, has appealed to the Federal Government to apply political solution to the case of the Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

Ichita, representing Aba South constituency, made the appeal in a statement issued in Umuahia on Thursday and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

According to him, solving Kanu’s lingering case through political approach will usher lasting solution and permanent peace in the South-East.

He stated: “As always, I am in support of a political solution to the issues that Kanu has with the Nigerian state.

“Many eminent and well-meaning Nigerians believe that Kanu’s continued detention is largely responsible for the current tension and security breaches in the southeast.

“They have severally recommended dialogue with Kanu and other separatist groups to douse the tension in the land.

“I, therefore, urge the Federal Government to consider Kanu’s matter from the point of restoring peace in the zone and not as the cause of insecurity in the area.”

Ichita urged President Muhammadu Buhari to heed the counsel and appeals by eminent Nigerians to win their respect and confidence.

He particularly recalled the special appeal by a delegation of Igbo leaders, led by First Republic Minister, Chief Mbazulike Amaechi.

“It may not be well-meaning to ignore or disregard the appeal by Amaechi, asking the president to release Kanu to him.

“We have had enough tension in the southeast.

“Therefore, I encourage the Federal Government to take practical measures to restore peace in the zone.

“There is always a solution to every problem.

“Every Nigerian deserves to live in an egalitarian and peaceful society .

“Let us give peace a chance. A lasting peace is what will heal our land,” Ichita added.

He commended Kanu for preaching for peace in a media interview he granted during his Tuesday’s appearance in court.

He said the appeal went a long way to calm frayed nerves among his followings. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
USO/IA

Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Defence/Security

Abductors set Methodist Prelate, 3 others free

Kidnap

By Sam Odita

Umuahia, May 30, 2022 (NAN) Police in Abia say the Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Samuel Uche, who was kidnapped on Sunday alongside three others, has been released.

Police spokesman, SP Godfrey Ogbonna, confirmed the release of the clergymen in Umuahia on Monday.

The assailants kidnapped Uche alongside the Methodist Bishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark, the prelate’s chaplain and the driver at the Okigwe/Isuochi axis on the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

The clergymen were heading to Owerri Airport en-route Lagos after a Sunday service, when they were attacked and taken away.

The assailants had contacted relations of the victims, demanding a N100 million ransom.

It was not clear whether the ransom was paid or not before they were set free.

SP Ogbonna declined further comments on the development, but said: “all I can confirm to you now is that they have all been released.’’

Also, the Presbyter of Wesley Cathedral, Umuahia, Very Rev. Aaron Akabuokwu, confirmed the cheering news to newsmen.

“It is true that the evil men that laid their hands on the men of God have set them free to the glory of God.

“Information reaching us is that the prelate, along with other victims, has been released.

“I don’t have details for now on where and how they were released by the kidnappers,’’ he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

USO/ALLI

========

Edited by Alli Hakeem

 

Defence/Security

Kidnap of Methodist Prelate, others sacrilegious, national embarrassment, says Presbyter

Kidnap
By Sam Oditah
Umuahia, May 30, 2022 (NAN) The Presbyter,  Methodist Church Nigeria, Wesley Cathedral, Umuahia, Very Rev. Aaron Akabuokwu, says the abduction of His Eminence, Samuel Uche Kanu, amounts to sacrilege and national embarrassment

Uche, who is the Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, was kidnapped along with the Methodist Bishop of Owerri, Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark, the prelate’s Chaplain and driver.

They were reportedly kidnapped on Sunday by hoodlums operating on the Okigwe/Isuochi axis of the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway.

The clergymen were said to be heading for Owerri airport enroute Lagos after a Sunday service, when they were attacked and taken away.

It was learnt that the kidnappers had contacted the relations of their victims, demanding a whooping N100 million ransom.

Speaking on the development in an interview with newsmen in Umuahia on Monday, Akabuokwu said he received the news of the abduction with “rude shock”.

He said: “It is sacrilegious, an abomination and height of national and international embarrassment.

“It is regrettable that a man of such caliber could be whisked away into the bush all for the sake of money.

“Everybody should know that the Methodist Church in Nigeria is mourning.

“We are in a very sad mood because of the ugly incident that happened.

“It goes to show the moral depravity in this nation. There is no regard for sacredness.

“We are trusting that God will use what has happened to wake our political leaders up to their responsibility”.

Akabuokwu feared that the incident spelt disaster for the country.

“If such a high profile person can be kidnapped then there is no hope for the ordinary man,” he said.

The cleric said that Okigwe, Ihube, Lokpanta Cattle Market axis of the expressway had become kidnappers’ den.

He said that the church had commenced serious prayers since Sunday to seek God’s intervention.

“We are confident that God will manifest His power and very soon the victims would regain their freedom,’’ the presbyter said.

He appealed to the Abia and Imo state governments and security agencies to rise to the occasion and find a lasting solution to the menace. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
USO/AOS
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Politics

Senatorial primary: Enugu APC Appeal Committee says no petitions yet

Senatorial primary: Enugu APC Appeal Committee says no petitions yet
APC
By Ifeoma Aka
Enugu, May 30, 2022 (NAN) The All Progressives Congress (APC) Appeal Committee for the senatorial primary election in Enugu State says it has yet to receive petitions arising from the exercise.
The Chairman of the committee, Mrs Nina Mbakwe, said this while briefing newsmen on the activities of the committee on Monday in Enugu.
According to her, members of the committee came to the state on Saturday for the national assignment and have yet to receive petitions in the aftermath of the election.
Mbakwe arrived in Enugu with Chief Vincent Ogbuagu as Secretary and Mr Martin Mbagu as member.
She congratulated the senatorial candidates on their victory.
She, therefore, urged party members to rally round all the candidates to ensure victory for the party in 2023.
She said that the only way to win the general elections was for the members to come together as and work a team.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the senatorial candidates were the sole candidates from their zone for the primary. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
IFO/USO

Edited by Sam Oditah

Politics

2023: University chancellor emerges Abia APGA guber candidate

APGA
By Sam Oditah
Umuahia, May 28, 2023 (NAN) The Founder and Chancellor, Gregory University, Uturu, Prof. Greg Ibe, has emerged the Governorship Candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) for the 2023 general elections in Abia.
Ibe polled 283 votes to defeat other contestants, including his closest rival, Mr Etigwe Uwa (SAN), who scored 148 votes.
The two other contestants, Gen. Ijioma Ijioma (rtd.) and Chikwe Udensi scored 36 votes and 13 votes, respectively.
In an acceptance speech, Ibe extended a hand of fellowship to his co-contestants, saying “there is no Victor, no vanquished.”
He urged them to join him in the onerous task of salvaging Abia from imminent collapse.
“As we begin the final journey of redeeming Abia, my doors remain open to receive those unique ideas that can help us to realise the new Abia of our dream.
“Umunnem (my brothers), today is a good day to be an Abia citizen.
“I want to profoundly appreciate Abia people in general for their patience and prayers so far.
“I assure you that God has heard our collective prayers and has commenced the salvation of our state,” Ibe said.
He appealed to everyone to join the struggle to re-write the story of the state, notwithstanding their party affiliations and personal interest.
“As the lamentation of Abia people for 24 years comes to an end shortly, I implore you to weep no more for I see in the horizon, a brand new Abia,” Ibe said.
Announcing the result, the Returning Officer, Mr Echezona Etioba, said that accredited voters were 482 and that three votes were voided.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while Uwa congratulated Ibe at the end of the exercise, Ijioma expressed reservations over the result.
He alleged some discrepancies and said that he would challenge the outcome.
NAN further reports that the congress, which took place at Kolpin Society, Umuahia under heavy security, was rancour-free. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
USO/MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Politics

Vote for future of Abia not highest bidder, Ijioma charges APGA delegates

APGA primary: Guber aspirant urges delegates to vote for future of Abia
By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Umuahia, May 28, 2023 (NAN) An All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) governorship aspirant in Abia, Gen. Ijioma N. Ijioma (rtd), has appealed to delegates to the party’s primary election to vote for the future of the state.
Ijioma made the appeal at a newsbriefing in Umuahia on Saturday, where he unveiled his manifesto for a five-point development agenda, tagged the 5-R.
He said the 5-R represent: to Rescue Abia; Repair Abia; Rebuid Abia; Restore Abia and Rebirth Abia.
He urged the delegates to vote according to their consciences and not for the highest bidder.
He said: “Delegates to the governorship primary are the employers rather than employees.
“And the congress is an opportunity for them to select between the best candidate and the unqualified, who choses to offer bribe to get employed.
“If they chose to accept bribe and elect somebody that is not qualified, it means the ugly narrative of hunger, unpaid salaries and pensions, unemployment and lack of infrastructure will continue to haunt the state.”
He described himself as the best governorship candidate among the rest across all the parties.
“I am the best among the first 11 and the four of us in APGA. Primus inter pares. We are all good but I am better than the rest.
Ijioma, who retired two-star general in the Nigerian Army, said that none of the candidates had what he has.
“They may have doctoral degrees but they cannot be a general,” he said.
He spoke on the issue of insecurity, saying that he would tackle the menace,  using intelligence-based and technology-driven strategies.
He also said that he would enunciate sound and proven policies to create enabling environment for the private sector to invest and drive the Abia economy.
Ijioma said that he would strengthen the judiciary to promote the rule of law and efficient administration of justice for a better society.
He said that he would develop the hospitality and tourism sectors to become viable revenue earners for the state.
He further promised to develop the Azumini Blue River and link it to the Atlantic Ocean and Arochukwu Long Juju to serve as major tourism sites in the state.
He also said that he would build five-star hotels in Aba and Umuahia, in addition to a state-of-the-art international conference centre, if elected governor.
The governorship hopeful also promised to build an efficient transportation system with an airport in the state, in addition to quality roads and other physical infrastructures.
He also promised that his administration would build a 400-bed capacity hospital in Umuahia, 200 in each of the senatorial districts and 100 and 50 in each local government and ward.
He said that a department would be created in the Ministry of Women Affairs to cater for the welfare of widows, if given the mandate.
“These widows are mothers, who suddenly became the breadwinners of their families with the death of their husbands.
“So, the department will be saddled with the singular task of making life more meaningful for them,” he said.
He further promised to embark on agricultural revolution to create job opportunities and ensure food security in the state.
He said that he would initiate pragmatic measures that would help to harness and channel the “bubbling and bustling energy” of the youths into positive ventures.
He said thst he joined the governorship race to provide quality leadership that would bring positive change in the state.
He said: “I decided to contest the governorship election not for self-aggrandisement.
“The leadership deficit in the state compelled me to come out of my retirement to see how to rescue the state.
“It is not for selfish reasons  like other politicians but from my heart to restore the humanity, which has been taken away from Abia people.
“Our people have been impoverished and dehumanised.
“They are hungry and angry against the leaders.
“I have come to provide food to quench their hunger and quality leadership to end their anger,” Ijioma said.
He argued that Abia people outside the state no longer take pride in identifying with state as their place of origin because of the appalling state of infrastructure and misgovernance by successive administrations.
He said that as the number one state in alphabetical order and code-named God’s own state, Abia ought to rank the best and most developed state in the federation.
He said that with its abundant human and material endowments, Abia had no reason to suffer infrastructure deficit and gross underdevelopment.
Ijioma said that he had the capacity to win the election and defend his votes, adding that any mandate given to him shall never be stolen.
He said that the contest for the party’s ticket would not ba a do-or-die affair for him.
He gave assurance that he would congratulate and support any other aspirant that would emerge through a transparent, fair and credible process, organised on a level playing field.
He said: “I am proud to be in APGA, which parades the best aspirants compared to other parties.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ijioma is in the race against Chikwe Udensi, Prof. Greg Ibe, who defected from PDP, and Mr Etigwe Uwa (SAN).
The primary election is slated for Sunday, May 29. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
INA/USO
Edited by Sam Oditah