Tag: Okezie Ikpeazu

  • Group adopts Ikpeazu, Nwanganga

    Group adopts Ikpeazu, Nwanganga

    By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

    The ambitions of Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu and Hon. Chinwe Nwanganga for Abia South Senatorial seat and Obingwa, Ugwunagbo and Osisioma Ngwa Federal Constituency have received further boost.

    Abia Progressives Initiative has lent its support to the ambitions of Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu and Hon. Chinwe Nwanganga.

    In a statement by Comrade Chidi Onyeije,Hon. Ugochukwu Sunday, Mrs. Ularianma Patience Okorie, State Coordinator, Obingwa LG, and Aba North Coordinators respectively.

    The group said that its decision was informed by the track records of the contestants who have left strong legacies in their previous endeavours.

    The statement reads:” After thorough scrutiny of the candidates, we were left with no other option than to adopt them as our sole candidates for the positions, considering their track records”.

    The group further appealed to the electorate to lend their supports to these candidates.

  • Gov Ikpeazu and the torturous journey so far

    Gov Ikpeazu and the torturous journey so far

    By Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

    If Christ tarries to come for the second term, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu will cease to be the governor of Abia State after May 29, 2023 when his two terns of eight years expires. Like the Magi(the wise men in Thomas Steams Elliot’s ” The Journey of the Magi”) the reign of Gov Ikpeazu these eight years have been characterized by multiple challenges, giving credence to the quote that”Uneasy Lies The Head that Wears The Crown”.

    Like Magi still whose adventure to discover the birth location of Jesus Christ was characterized by very crucial experience which is aptly captured in the first two stanzas of the thusly” A cold coming we had of it, Just the worst time of the year For a journey, and such a long journey: The ways deep and the weather sharp ,,The very dead ifbtge winter, And the camels galled, sore footed refractory, Lying down in the melting snow. There were times we regretted. The summer palaces and slopes, the terraces, Gov. Ikpeazu”s experience as the Governor of Abia State has not been paltable rather littered with hiccups.

    It is a journey that has experienced several court verdicts aimed at truncating its reign. One of such was when Abians were treated to a round of shock l when Justice  Okon Efreti Abang of the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court delivered a judgment which ordered that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu vacates office on account of allegedly giving false information in the form submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission by the Peoples Democratic Party nominating the governor as the party’s candidate in the April 11, 2015 governorship election.

    The judgment generated widespread controversy and like Glamis in Shakespeare “Macbeth”  murdered sleep and shall sleep no more until justice is done. The judgment  agitated minds in several quarters, especially prominent legal minds, and  generated widespread criticisms. Just like the  December 31, 2015 Appeal Court ruling on Abia Governorship election where over 300,000 voters were disenfranchised and Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu’s mandate which was initially upheld by a lower tribunal nullified.

    One of the prominent issues which even formed the basis of the five- grounds appeal filed by the Governor Ikpeazu was who issued the tax certificates?  The issue sought to address the following questions: Did the issuing authorities, Abia State Board of Internal Revenue Services declared the certificates forged? Did the trial court   invite the issuing authorities to give evidence in the course of the trial?

    Another issue that begged for attention then was: Does the Federal High Court possess the jurisdiction to remove the governor. According to the Notice of Appeal: “The trial judge erred in law when he ordered as a consequential order that the appellant vacates his office‎ as the Governor of Abia State immediately when there was no jurisdiction in the Federal High Court to remove, vacate the occupier of the office of the governor of a state or order the removal of such officer after the unsuccessful challenge of the result of the election at the Tribunal and swearing in of the appellant as the governor”.

    It is  a common knowledge that the tax of a public officer is  under Pay As You Earn scheme where tax deductions are from the source of his monthly salary by the tax authorities who issued all the tax receipts and certificates. Also, Section 141 of the Electoral Act 2014 (as amended) stipulates that somebody cannot be declared winner when he did not participate in all stages of the election yet, the judgment in contravention of the said provision, declared the plaintiff, Dr. Sampson Uchechukwu Ogah, who no evidence was led participated in the 2015 Governorship Election in Abia State, winner.

    These and other issues captured in the notice of appeal. Others such as the accusation that Justice Okon Abang violated the right to fair hearing of Ikpeazu by embarking on judicial investigation without giving him (Ikpeazu) the opportunity to address the court on the issue, are warming up for a crucial legal scrutiny when the fireworks begin at the appellate court.

    Unfortunately, however, despite Gov. Ikpeazu’s victory in the above instances and other challenges that followed suit, the distractions have not ceased rather they are unleashed in torrents.

    But what the detractors failed to understand was that those trials were indeed subjecting Governor Okezie Ikpeazu to a more refined leader,  alike the quote by Haruki Murakami opines: “And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about”.

    It it a tested theory that history is replete with disgruntled elements who oppose the good works of visionary leaders. No matter how noble the works are, there are bound to be men who will oppose it. But visionary leaders are not daunted by the antics of these men. They neither cave in to the American quote that ” if you cannot face the heat, leave the kitchen “.

    The case of Nehemiah is a classical case. It will be recalled that Jerusalem came under serious sieges in 606, 597, and 586 B.C and was conquered and destroyed by the great Babylonian King, Nebuchadnezzar. The temple, palace, houses, and wall around the city were razed by fire. Many of the elite upper class of the Jewish people were taken captive to live in Babylon in 606 B.B, and most of the rest of the population were either killed or taken to Babylon in 597 and 586 B.C.

    Nehemiah story had everything to do with his vision of a preferable future for his people and their beloved city of Jerusalem. Despite strong opposition he fulfilled the vision process, implementation, opposition, and completion.

    Nehemiah was attached to the Persian court- he had been the king cupbearer. He was appointed governor of Judah and authorised to rebuild its fortifications. He demonstrated his organisational skills and had the walls of Jerusalem up in 52 days. He was greatly hampered by the opposition of Sanballat, governor of Samaria. Tobiah, governor of Ammon. He divided his forces into two shifts- one to stand at arms, the other to build.

    In the same vein, the laudable exploits of Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu have been strongly opposed by some elements who would not see any good thing in what the governor has done.No wonder, his exploits were so much endeared to the Men Ministry of the Assemblies of God, Ukaegbu Road, Aba, that they conferred him with the award of “Nehemiah of Abia” some time in the recent past. Gov.Ikpeazu is a Philosopher King as conferred on him by a Catholic clergy. Plato opined that a Philosopher king is a ruler who possesses both a love of knowledge, as well as intelligence, reliability, and a willingness to live a simple life. Such are the rulers of his Utopian City, Kallipolis. For such a community to ever come into being, philosophers (must) become kings or those now called kings (must)genuinely and adequately philosophise (The Republic, 5.473d).

    It is also a tested theory that leaders who propose to go far in life are not given to vengeance. Rather they resort to Martin Luther King Jnr’s quote “When evil men plot, good men must plan. When evil men burn and bomb, good men must build and bind. When evil men shout ugly words of hatred, good men must commit themselves to the glories of love”.

  • 2023: Ikpeazu, Senator Orji meet  in Abia

    2023: Ikpeazu, Senator Orji meet in Abia

    Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has visited his predecessor and the Representative of Abia Central Senatorial district in the red chamber, Senator Theodore Orji.

    Governor Ikpeazu accompanied by some of his Special Aides was received by Senator Orji and son, now the Speaker of Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji in his Ibeku residence in Umuahia.

    Senator Theodore Orji was the Executive Governor of Abia State between 2007 and 2015.

    READ ALSO: COVID-19: A’Ibom warns of another lockdown

    Following the Governor’s homage, political watchers in the state who pleaded anonymity hailed the cordial relationship between the Abia leaders.

    They said the healthy and peaceful cooperation between the ex-governor, Chief Theodore Orji, the Speaker, Chinedum, and Governor Ikpeazu has boosted and enhanced the massive infrastructural development in the state through quality and people’s oriented legislations.

    Analysts say unlike other governors who engage in war with their predecessors over personal gains, Governor Ikpeazu has remained grateful to Senator Orji and family over their unflinching and steady support to his administration, despite attempts by disgruntled elements in the political circle of Abia State to sow seeds of discord among the trio.

    A terse statement attached to pictures by the Abia Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Onyebuchi Ememanka,read, “Governor Okezie Ikpeazu earlier today paid a Christmas visit to the immediate past Governor of Abia State and Senator representing Abia Central at the Senate, His Excellency, Senator T A Orji at his residence at Umuahia.

    “The Governor also used the opportunity to offer his personal good wishes to the Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Chinedum Orji whose 50th birthday is today”.

    Earlier, Ikpeazu had in a warm message described the Speaker as a worthy partner in progress in his quest to provide credible and result-oriented leadership to the people of Abia State.

    He said, “Since his emergence as the Speaker of the Seventh Abia State House of Assembly, the wheels of cooperation and strategic synergy between the Executive and Legislative arms of our Government have remained consistently well lubricated resulting in a seamless and well-coordinated relationship for the good of our state”.

  • Gov Ikpeazu responds to defection reports

    Gov Ikpeazu responds to defection reports

    Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu has reiterated that he has no plans of dumping the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

    Ikpeazu in an interview on Friday said he believed that people from Abia State are comfortable with PDP.

    According to him, the aspirations of the state will be met under the leadership of the PDP.

    He said, “I don’t begrudge those who jump political platforms but for me, I have not seen any reason why I should leave PDP.

    READ ALSO: COVID-19: A’Ibom warns of another lockdown

    “The music of politics as it plays differs from one day to another. Here in Abia, I think that ndi Abia are comfortable with PDP.

    “I think the aspirations of ndi Abia will be met under the platform of the PDP. Nobody has been able to convince me that there is a better party for us in Abia than the PDP.

    “Not until that happens I am a strong member of PDP, I am a leader in PDP and in fact, I am the deputy chairman of the PDP Governors Forum. I will rather be a conductor in a moving vehicle than a driver of the stationary vehicle.”

  • Gov Ikpeazu suspends CoS caught spraying money on Pastor Odumeje

    Gov Ikpeazu suspends CoS caught spraying money on Pastor Odumeje

    Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, has suspended his chief of staff, Anthony Agbazuere.

    This was announced in a press statement on Sunday.

    The statement was signed by the secretary to the state government, Chris Ezem.

    It noted that Agbazuere’s suspension takes immediate effect.

    ”Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed the immediate suspension from office of the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr ACB Agbazuere,” the short statement read.

    The suspension was announced a few hours after a video surfaced online showing Agbazuere spraying money in his office on Prophet Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje.

    READ ALSO: Amaechi gives reasons for backing Buhari, rejecting Jonathan in 2015

    The CoS had since the video surfaced online become the target of public outrage on social media.

    Apart from the video trending online, ‘Indaboski’ and ‘Abia’ were among the Nigerian trends on Twitter.

    The video showed Agbazuere spraying naira notes on a dancing Odumeje in a place believed to be his (CoS) office.

    Odumeje is a popular and controversial Onitsha-based clergyman.

    The preacher is the leader of Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention Deliverance Ministry.

    He became popular in 2019 when he described himself as ‘the liquid metal’, ‘the war’, and ‘the indaboski pahose’ among others in viral videos in 2019.

  • Abia is safe for business – Ikpeazu

    Abia is safe for business – Ikpeazu

    By Linus Effiong, Aba


    Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, says his administration will remain grateful to God that since 2015 he assumed office the state has not recorded any bank robbery and that the state remains one of the safest places in the country to do business.
    The Governor disclosed this while commissioning the internal asphalt Ring Road of the Aba Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force embarked upon by his administration. He said his government will not relent towards providing conducive working environment for the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force whom he described as the first responders and frontliners in the security architecture of the state. 
    Governor Ikpeazu who was accompanied by his Deputy, Rt Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu on the visit which is part of the ongoing projects inspection and commissioning program tagged “Kinetic Abia”, commended the Police for their good works in the state which have made the state to remain  above board in security compared to other states of the Federation and challenged them to ensure further reduction of other crimes in the society as no meaningful progress can be recorded in an environment plagued by insecurity. 
    The State Chief Executive who underscored the priority his administration places on security of life and property assured that his administration will continue to provide necessary support to the police and other security agencies in the state to improve their crime fighting capacity and called for maintenance of synergy between the security agencies in the state. 
    In his address, the Aba Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force,  ACP Kabiru Ibrahim said the Command which covers about 4 LGAs appreciates the transformative road project within their working environment and assured that the Force will continue to work with the State Government to improve security within its coverage area. ACP Ibrahim who described the successful completion of the asphalting of their premises by Governor Ikpeazu’s administration as a demonstration of visionary leadership in the state promised the dedication of the officers in the continuous improvement of security of the states as according to him, “we have never had it so good”. 
    Earlier, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on arrival inspected the Guards of Honor mounted by the police and commissioned the road as well as unveiled the memorial Plaque.
    The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu, later commissioned the asphalt overlay project executed within the premises of the State High Court, Aba, by his administration.
    Speaking during the event, Governor Ikpeazu assured the judiciary of continuing support from his administration and called on them to ensure justice to all manner of men.
    In his response, the state Chief Judge, Justice Onuoha Ogwe, expressed the appreciation of the judiciary to the Governor for the facelift and described the Aba High Court as an important judicial division in the state.
    Governor Ikpeazu also visited the sites of ongoing reconstruction of Ojike lane and Milverton Avenue in Aba and expressed satisfaction with the quality of work being done by the contractors.

  • Abia @29: Ikpeazu honours COVID-19 Frontline workers, says Abia remains a work in progress.

    Abia @29: Ikpeazu honours COVID-19 Frontline workers, says Abia remains a work in progress.

    by Linus Effiong, Umuahia

    The 29th Abia day celebration took a new dimension as Governor Okezie Ikpeazu honoured COVID-19 front line workers and persons who distinguished themselves in service to humanity, describing Abia state as a work in progress.

    Those honoured by the Governor include:
    Dr. Stanley Okerulu, Dr. Ijeoma Nduka,Lady Peace Nwaogwugwu, Dr. Azubuike Onyebuchi,Nurse Lilian Anyanwu and Nurse Kemi Olowoniyi

    Others include,Comrade Chidi Aligwe, Ijeoma Akaghara,Dr. Franklyn Alozie,Mrs. Oluchi Adighogu,Miss Uche Ugochi Confidence,Dr. Suzzy Nwanyioma Nwachukwu and Dr. Mrs.Ejiro Carol Iwuoha.

    Speaking at the event which held at the Micheal Okpara Auditorium, Umuahia, Governor Ikpeazu while congratulating the awardees said, “the award is not to them as individuals but an award to salute hardwork,industry, commitment, loyalty and love for fatherland”.

    The Governor also used the opportunity to salute other Frontline officers including Medical Doctors, Nurses and Paramedical staff that are working to ensure that the war against COVID-19 is won and expressed confidence that the country and world in general will conquer the debilitating effects of the pandemic.

    He described the development of Abia state as work in progress, pointing out that “it is not possible for any administration to complete all there is to be done”.

    “29 years ago, the lofty dreams of the founding fathers of our state to have a state of their own came to fruition. Over the years, we have continued to grapple with the enormous challenges of developing our state.

    “Since mid 2015 when you elected me as Governor, my administration has faced the Hydra headed challenges of governance head on. While we continue to face challenges, we beat or chest in humility and say that we have made lots of progress and recorded dinner solid achievements in several areas.

    “The challenges posed by the pandemic may have slowed us down but the pursuit of our vision remains sacrosanct and unimpeded. Let me assure you that we are on the March. Our promise, under God, is that we will build a state that is more economically viable, more infrastructurally stable and more economically responsible”,Ikpeazu said.

    Governor Ikpeazu who used the opportunity to outline his adminstration’s achievements in areas such as health, education, Agriculture and Industry among others, and disclosed that 16 new roads will be commissioned in the days ahead bringing the total number of roads done by his government to 200.

    He commended Abia stakeholders for the political stability and robust relationship enjoyed in the state as well as the support of the state advisory council toward the success of his administration.

    The Governor disclosed that a committee has been set up for the planning of the new Abia Airport, completion of the new government house, completion of the new JAAC, as well as the commencement of the construction of additional 100 new roads, maintaining that his vision for a more prosperous Abia remains intact.

    The 2020 Abia day celebration featured a lecture titled “COVID-19: Awareness, impact and citizen response in About state by a consultant public health and community medicine physican, Dr. Mrs Ejiro Carol Iwuoha as well the cutting of the Anniversary cake and was attended by the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Nkechi Ikpeazu, the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Udo Okochukwu and wife, lady Vivian, the speaker, Abia state House of Assembly, Engr. Chinedum Orji, State Chief judge, Justice Onuoha Ogwe, the secretary to the state government, Barr. Chris Ezem and Chief of Staff to the governor, Dr Anthony Agbazuere among others.

  • Ikpeazu Commences Project Inspection/Commissioning

    Ikpeazu Commences Project Inspection/Commissioning

    From Linus Effiong, Umuahia

    Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed the contractor handling construction of the Afor Ibeji end of the Aba – Old Umuahia Road to extend the work to Ubakala Junction.

    He gave the directive while inspecting the progress of work on the road as part of the State wide project inspection and commissioning program tagged “Kinetic Abia”. He expressed satisfaction with the work already done by the contractor at Afor Ibeji end of the road using rigid pavement technology and urged him not to relent in maintaining the quality of the work.

    According to him, his government decided to embark on the Afor Ibeji road project to solve the perennial road failures along the axis for the past 20 years and directed that the project be extended to the Ubakala axis before he will commission the entire stretch as, according to him, “allowing that portion of the road to remain undone would paint a bad picture of the job already done by Arab Contractors at the Aba Road axis”. He recalled that the road was in a very bad shape hence the need to adopt cement pavement technology in fixing it and expressed the hope that the road would last long.

    The Governor who disclosed that two more road projects would be completed in Umuahia South LGA before the end of the year, thanked the people for their unflinching support to his administration over the years.

    Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr Chris Ezem, and the T.C Chairman, Umuahia South, Dr. Max Ndukwe Adindu, commended the Governor for his dexterity and managerial skills that made him use cement pavement technology in constructing the road. They pledged their continuous support for the Governor.

    In their respective speeches, the Woman Leader of Old Umuahia Women, Lady Elizabeth Omelogu and the Presisent General of the Community, Comrade Lambert Onuoha, described the rigid pavement technology as the first in the history of the Local government Area, adding that the road has given them unhindered access to the Enugu – Port Harcourt Express Way and other communities in the state. They praised the Governor for prioritizing the project which has posed a challenge to the community for many years and prayed God to reward him with long life and prosperity.

  • Abia Gov. Commissioned 1.5 MPA injection substation for state radio station

    Abia Gov. Commissioned 1.5 MPA injection substation for state radio station

    From Linus Effiong Umuahia

    Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu has commissioned the 1.5 MPA Injection Sub Station procured and installed for the Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State (BCA) by his administration.

    Commisioning the project, the Governor described power as life wire of a broadcast station, maintaining that it is for that reason that his government felt it was necessary to provide the station with what it needed. He thanked the BCA management for the marvelous job it was doing in disemination of information and commended them for supporting the government to teach Abia school children through the radio class room. He urged the management of BCA and the host community to protect and nurture the sub station to serve them better. He expressed joy that what seemed a mirage 30 years ago has become a reality.

    Welcoming the Governor, the Director General of BCA Sir Anyaso Anyaso described the event as historic, adding that the significance of the project is indeed enormous.

    He noted that power is essential to the survival of ventures such as theirs, especially at a time like this when States and national resources have been badly hit by coronavirus pandemic. He said almost 30 years of its existence, the station has been running with diesel and expressed gratitude for the feat achieved by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

    The DG said the station has since recovered lost hours during the day and extended broadcast time to 12 midnight daily disclosing that what the Governor has done is like a life insurance policy that would certainly herald the reemergence of a broadcast industry giant, the station born to lead and set it on the path to attaining its true potential.

    The Governor later held an interactive session on Abia people in the radio.

  • Media Brief on Abia State Executive Council Meeting held on Monday, 17th August, 2020, at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia.

    Media Brief on Abia State Executive Council Meeting held on Monday, 17th August, 2020, at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia.

    Abia State Executive Council (EXCO), under the Chairmanship of Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, PhD, met on Monday, 17th August, 2020, at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Umuahia, with one minute silence observed in honor of the late Honorable Commissioner for Environment, Dr Solomon Ogunji.

    Council reviewed issues on security, peace and rapid development of the state and resolved as follows:

    1. That the fight against COVID-19 which has witnessed appreciable success in the state be sustained and given new impetus in the area of community sensitization on preventive measures, testing and management of patients.

    2. Council directed the state inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19, led by Barr Chris Ezem, and the Ministry of Finance to publish details of received donations and expenditure related to the fight against the virus in national dailies before the end of the current week.

    3. Council directed the ministry of environment and ASEPA to review and rejig current waste management strategy in the state with a view to ensuring visible and appreciable improvement in the area of disposal and collection of refuse, and charged the ministry of trade and investment to collaborate with Transition Council Chairmen in the state to ensure that all markets are cleaned regularly in a sustainable manner.

    4. Council emphasized the need for all
    ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to ensure strict compliance with employment regulations in the state public service including obtaining and strictly following the terms of employment waivers. Council also emphasized that the embargo on employment is still in force.

    5. Council directed the setting up of a committee through the office of Secretary to the State Government to check employment racketeering in the state, with the Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Governor, Sir Don Ubani, as Chairman. Other members include Permanent Secretaries of ministry of education and Government House and representatives of women group and the clergy.

    6. Council directed the ministry of tourism & culture to complete the classification of hotels in the state in line with international standards and publish same including the basis of classification for public knowledge.

    7. Council directed the setting up of a task force on transportation and proliferation of bus and tricycle parks to be headed by Captain Awa Udensi (rtd).

    8. Council directed the Commissioner For Housing and the state Head of Service to invite the state leadership of the Nigerian Society of Engineers to evaluate relevant government secretariats to ensure structural fidelity and make recommendations to the government.

    9. Council approved the remodeling plan of Nsulu Games Village with a view to modernizing the facility.

    10. Council noted with happiness the selection of two young Abians, Master Eze Ifeanyi and Master Ehiogu Daniel Chisom, who participated in the recent Abia State School Sports. Council further directed the overseas training of the duo in a football academy by UK based Sports Academy, Brooke House Academy, and urged the state ministry of sports to further intensify efforts to discover and place other sports talents in the state.

    11. Council approved the constitution of a new Board for Abia State Water and Sewage Corporation as well as the presentation of a new draft Executive Bill on the agency to the state House of Assembly for legislative consideration and possible passage.

    12. Council approved and urged the state ministry of public utilities to ensure that the Umuahia Urban Water Project is commissioned in September 2020 to deliver water to homes within the capital city, as well as the commencement of the Aba Urban Project located at CKC and Ariaria, and the Ohafia Urban Scheme.

    13. Council directed all Abia Diaspora Groups to fuse into one under the leadership of Special Adviser to the Governor on Diaspora Affairs & Special Duties, Dr Ngozi Ogbonna-Erondu, who will also serve as the official link person with Abia State Government on all diaspora issues.

    Thank you.

    Chief John Okiyi Kalu
    Honorable Commssioner for Information, Abia State
    17/08/2020