ABIA TEACHERS CAN'T CASH CHEQUES ISSUED BY GOVT. FOR JULY SALARY

Abia government says it has commenced the payment of July salary to primary school teachers in the state, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

NAN learnt that the Local Government Education Authorities began to issue salary cheques to the teachers on Wednesday, Dec. 28. A teacher in Umuahia North Local Government Area (LGA), however, told NAN, on condition of anonymity, that the cheques could not be cashed “because they had no cash backing”. 

“We were paid last in June. I got my cheque on Wednesday, Dec. 28, while some got theirs on Friday– but it did not specify which month’s pay. “But, we take it that the cheques represent the July salary,” the teacher said.

He said the cheques have a lifespan of one week and would lapse if it not cashed within the period.

Another teacher in Bende LGA, who identified herself simply as Anthonia, said she collected her cheque on Wednesday but had not been able to cash it.

“I got a credit alert from my bank on Wednesday to show that my salary had been paid but the bank balance remained the old amount of about N900. “When I inquired, I was told by a bank official that the cash had not dropped and was advised to wait until the cash drops,” Anthonia said.

A Local Government Education Authority Secretary in one of the LGAs, who confirmed the development on condition of anonymity, said the banks would go to the clearing house before they would commence cash payment to the teachers. He said the decision to issue cheques was part of government measures to check ghost teachers’ syndrome. 

“Government wants to be sure that only genuine teachers are paid, so that the issue of ghost teachers’ syndrome will be a thing of the past,” the secretary said.

Responding to the development, the Chairman of Abia State Universal Basic Education, Kenechukwu Nwosu, declined to speak on the issue when NAN contacted him on phone.

(NAN).

BREAKING: NEW ABIA STATE SPEAKER RESIGNS AFTER 24 HOURS

Kennedy Njoku who was sworn in as speaker of the Abia state House of Assembly on Thursday, December 29, has resigned his appointment on personal grounds.

Njoku’s resignation comes less than 24 hours after he was elected speaker after the incumbent, Martins Azubuike, was impeached by 20 of the 24 lawmakers in the Assembly.

The Cable reports that Njoku announced his resignation at the resumption of plenary on Friday, December 30, after he thanked members for their confidence in electing him speaker.

He promised to continue providing effective representation to his Osisioma-Ngwa state constituency. Njoku’s resignation came as a surprise to Cosmos Ndukwe, deputy speaker, who described the resignation as shocking.

To fill the vacuum created by Njoku’s resignation, John-Pedro Irokansi, clerk of the house, immediately called for an election to be conducted. Chukwudi Apugo, member representing Umuahia east constituency, nominated Chikwendu Kalu, representing Isialangwa south constituency; he was seconded by Ifeanyi Uchendu, representing Ohafia south constituency.

Kalu was elected by consensus and was affirmed with a voice vote by the 24 members of the assembly. With his election, Kalu, an Aba-based legal practitioner, emerged the 10th Speaker of the sixth Abia Assembly. Meanwhile, lawmakers have said former speaker, Martins Azubuike was impeached over financial recklessness.

A member of the Assembly, Akpulonu Solomon also told Channels TV that Honourable Azubuike refused to carry his colleagues along in the business of the house, which contributed to his impeachment.

Source: Naij.com

BREAKING: SPEAKER, ABIA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY IMPEACHED

 

The Speaker of the Abia state House of Assembly, Martins Azubuike, has been impeached.

Hon Azubuike was impeached on Thursday afternoon, December 29, after 20 of the 24 lawmakers in the Assembly voted to impeach him.

A new speaker, Honourable Kennedy Njoku, has been sworn in.

Though the circumstances surrounding Mr. Azubuike’s impeachment remains unclear, the Cable reports that the three-term lawmaker was said to have fallen out with the powers that be in the state.

He was elected speaker in June and has survived at least four impeachment threats within six months.

Clinton Uba, the spokesperson for Azubuike told the Sun prior to the impeachment that his boss did not commit any impeachable offense.

“Mr. Speaker is innocent. An attempt to impeach the speaker, who has been carrying every member along can only heat up the polity

Adding that: the sixth assembly has been the most peaceful, despite its composition. “The speaker has also been very supportive to the executive. Until we get to the house and see the alleged impeachment notice, I will be guided in my response but, I can confirm to you that the plot to remove my boss is no longer secret. My advice to the aggrieved members is to have a rethink and place the interest of the state above self," Uba said.

Shortly before he was impeached, Mr. Azubuike looked disturbed after all the lawmakers arrived at the Assembly complex earlier in the day. Shortly after their arrival, an aide to Mr Azubuike sent all the journalists away from the premises, but one of the lawmakers, however, insisted that the journalists must stay to monitor the House proceedings.

The House of Assembly complex was reported to have been surrounded by armed Police personnel.

KALU ASK COURT TO REVERSE THE TRANSFER OF HIS ALLEGED CORRUPTION CASE BACK TO ABUJA

Former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has asked the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja  to reverse the recent transfer of the suit filed by the Federal Government against him and two others from Lagos division of the court back to the Abuja division.

Recently, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, at the instance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) transferred the case, which was  before the Abuja division of the court, to Lagos division.

In an originating summons brought out by counsel to the 2nd and 3rd defendants, Chief Solo Akuma (SAN), the court is asked to declare that the purported transfer of Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/56/2007: Federal Government of Nigeria V Orji Uzor Kalu and 2 others, from High Court No. 5, Abuja to Federal High Court, Lagos division, at the instance of the 3rd defendant, without compliance by the 1st defendant with the provisions of Section 98(3) and (4) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, is null, void and of no effect.

Joined in the suit are the Chief Judge of the court, Federal Republic of Nigeria, EFCC and Orji Uzor Kalu.

The plaintiffs are also asking   the court to declare that the request of the 3rd defendant dated 19/5/2016 to the 1st defendant to transfer the case from Abuja division of the court to Lagos division and the purported transfer of the said charge were tantamount to forum shopping and, therefore, null, void and of no effect.

In addition, the court is asked to declare that the plaintiffs were denied their rights to fair hearing when Chief Judge entertained and ordered that transfer of the said charge to Lagos division of the court without complying with provisions of Section 98(3) and (4) of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 and thus rendered the purported transfer null, void and of no effect.

The plaintiffs are, however, praying the court for an order setting aside the purported transfer of the case from Abuja to Lagos division.

The plaintiffs also want the court to direct that case be returned to the Abuja division of the court.

In their questions for determination, the plaintiffs want the court to determine whether the CJ can order the transfer of the case pending at the Abuja division to the Lagos division upon the request of the EFCC without complying with the mandatory provisions of law.

The plaintiffs equally   want the court to determine whether the plaintiffs’ rights to fair hearing were not infringed upon following the purported transfer of the charge as ordered by the CJ at the behest of the EFCC from the Abuja division of the court to Lagos division without complying with mandatory provisions of law.

Furthermore, the plaintiffs want the court to decide whether the request of the EFCC dated 19/5/2016 to the CJ to transfer the case from Abuja to Lagos division and the purported transfer of the said case is not tantamount to forum shopping.

Source: Abia Facts News

Amnesty International Accuses Security Forces Of Killing 150 IPOB Supporters

A rights group, Amnesty International, has accused security forces in Nigeria of killing at least 150 members and supporters of the pro-Biafran organization IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra). 

It also says hundreds have been injured during non-violent meetings, marches and other gatherings.

In a report released by the group on Thursday and entitled, “Nigeria: ‘Bullets Were Raining Everywhere’ Deadly Repression Of Pro-Biafra Activists”, Amnesty International claimed that the killings occurred between August and now, with hundreds also arbitrarily arrested.

It said that the report focused on the crisis brewing in the southeast of Nigeria, where IPOB campaigns for an independent state of Biafra. “Video footage and eyewitness testimony consistently show that the military, which has been deployed instead of police to control pro-Biafran events, has dispersed peaceful gatherings by firing live ammunition with little or no warning. “This report documents extrajudicial executions and the use of excessive force by military, police and other security agencies.

“It also shows a worrying pattern of arbitrary arrests and detentions, including soldiers arresting wounded victims in hospital, and of torture and other ill-treatment of detainees. Hardly any allegations of crimes under international law and human rights violations by the Nigerian security forces, and in particular the military, are investigated. “If an investigation is carried out, there is no follow up. “Because no one has been seen to be held to account for serious human rights violations, an already pervasive culture of impunity within the military has been further strengthened,” the report alleged.

The group further alleged that the military was currently deployed in 30 out of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), insisting that frequent deployment of soldiers has resulted in many cases of excessive use of force, extrajudicial executions and enforced disappearances throughout the country, and in particular in the northeast, southeast and north central regions.

It further claimed that it had repeatedly called on the government of Nigeria to initiate independent and effective investigations into its evidence of crimes under international law committed by the military, especially in the context of the conflict in northeast Nigeria. The report further read: “In response, President Buhari has repeatedly promised that Amnesty International’s reports would be looked into. However, no concrete steps have been taken to begin independent investigations.

“As a result of the apparent lack of political will to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of such crimes, the military continues to commit human rights violations and grave crimes with impunity”.

The rights group said it interviewed 193 people and analysed 87 videos and 122 photographs showing IPOB assemblies, members of the security forces in the process of committing violations and victims of these violations.

It further stated that on 30 September 2016, it wrote to the Nigerian authorities including the military, police and officials of the State Security Service (SSS, also known as Department of State Security, DSS) to share the findings. Responses were received from the Federal Minister of Justice and Attorney General and Inspector General of Police but neither answered the questions raised in the letter.

Amnesty International is recommending that the Nigerian government immediately end the involvement of the military in public order operations throughout Nigeria, initiate independent investigations into the deadly repression of pro-Biafra activists by the Nigerian military and police with the aim of bringing suspects to justice in fair trials

It also asked the state governors of Abia Anambra, Delta and Rivers states to set up judicial commissions of inquiry to investigate the allegations documented in this report.

Source: Channelstv

Singapore set to execute Chijioke Obioha for drug possession

Amnesty International, Wednesday, called on Singapore government to immediately halt Friday’s planned execution of a Nigerian indigene, Chijoke Stephen Obioha for possession of drugs.

Despite his pleas for clemency, the country insists on serving the young man corporal punishment tomorrow, Friday November 18.

Rafendi Djamin, Amnesty International’s Director for South-East Asia and the Pacific, said: “The Singapore government still has time to halt the execution of Chijoke Stephen Obioha.

“We are dismayed that clemency has not been granted in his case, but remain hopeful that they won’t carry out this cruel and irreversible punishment against a person sentenced to the mandatory death penalty for a crime that should not even be punished by death. “The death penalty is never the solution. It will not rid Singapore of drugs. By executing people for drug-related offences, which do not meet the threshold of most serious crimes, Singapore is violating international law.

“Most of the world has turned its back on this ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. It is about time that Singapore does the same, starting by restoring a moratorium on all executions as a first step towards abolition of this punishment.”

“Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, regardless of the method of execution or the crime for which it is imposed, and believes that there is no credible evidence that the death penalty has a unique deterrent effect.

Obioha was found in possession of more than 2.6 kilogrammes of cannabis in April 2007, surpassing the amount of 500 grammes that triggers the automatic presumption of trafficking under Singapore law.

Under Singaporean law, when there is a presumption of drug possession and trafficking, the burden of proof shifts from the prosecutor to the defendant. 

Chijioke Stephen Obioha graduated in Industrial Chemistry from Benin University in Nigeria. He moved to Singapore in 2005, seeking to join a football club.

His family members, who currently live in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, have been unable to travel to visit and had limited ability to assist him.

Source: Daily Post

BREAKING NEWS: Donald Trump Endorses Independence for Biafra, Catalonia, Quebec Others

Donald Trump, the United States President Elect, issued a Statement during the his campaign, regarding his foreign policy towards African countries . The statement which was obtained through one of his local aid in the great state of Ohio shows that Mr . Trump is going to be the best American president for African nations and Indigenous People all over the world.

 

He clearly stated that he is in total support of right to self -determination of any ethnic minority that want freedom from artificial countries created by the colonialist. He further explain that it is a very sacred right express by all free people to declare their independence from where they already are .

He used the Brexit referendum a reference to his new policy toward Africa, he believe that political conflicts across Africa will reduce if Africans are allowed to create their countries according to their God giving boundary . He want Africans to embrace peaceful referendum like United Kingdom instead of forced unity that cost millions of lives without meaningful progress. 

 

“The people of the United Kingdom have exercised the sacred right of all free peoples . They have declared their independence from the European Union, and have voted to reassert control over their own politics, borders and economy .”
 

“A Trump Administration pledges to strengthen our ties with a free and independent Britain, deepening our bonds in commerce, culture and mutual defense .”
“The whole world is more peaceful and stable when people are allowed to exercise their right to self -determination, people will pledge allegiance to their God giving identity and natural boundary.”

He further promised that he will not engage in evil regime change policy of Obama administration which destabilized Libya and many other African countries  .

“The regime change of Clinton / Obama brought chaos , instability , destruction and death to many African people.” He promised to look into Biafra case and see how he can help in achieving peaceful political solution without bloodshed. He told the Biafra flag waiving man at his rally that “if the people of Biafra want Republic of Biafra, it will be a reality during my administration” .

He further told the Biafran agitators to “hold on help is on the way”

Former Abia Governor Orji Kalu Defects to APC

 

Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu has defected to the All Progressives Congress      (APC).
Kalu until his defection is the founder of the Progressives People Alliance (PPA).
This was disclosed in a telephone interview by the state Publicity secretary of APC, Ben Godson.
The defection takes place in Abuja, the party Headquarters Wednesday.
Source: The Nation

Ex-Miss Anambra Beauty Queen Opens Up On Sex Scandal

Since the story of the sex video involving former Miss Anambra, Chidinma Okeke, broke a few weeks ago, several groups and individuals have come forward with different versions of what transpired between the embattled 20-year-old beauty queen and the organisers of the pageant.

The former beauty queen was seen in a shocking x-rated video with a lesbian partner. Surprisingly, the video was released on October 11, 2016, a few days before the expiration of her tenure originally billed for October 28, 2016. Every day across the state since the video hit the streets, different versions of what led to the scandal are churned out by the actors, leaving the people confused and unsure of what to believe.

Since the scandal broke, Miss Chidinma Okeke, who won the Miss Anambra beauty pageant, organised by the Anambra Broadcasting Service (ABS), has remained incommunicado, choosing to go into hiding over alleged threats to her life. She has also remained silent, leaving her lawyer to do most of the talking.

While the father, Sir Jeremiah Okeke, had claimed in recent reports that his daughter had been handed over to a relation for safety, some others claimed that the ex-beauty queen had relocated abroad.

But after weeks of keeping quiet, Miss Okeke has finally broken her silence. In an exclusive interview with The Nation, she debunked claims that she threatened to commit suicide, adding that there was never a time such thought came to her mind.

She also said her life might no longer be in danger, adding that her traducers were no longer threatening her life, and maintaining that those who were after her life had stopped contacting her. She also said the faces behind her agonizing period in Anambra would be revealed soon, adding that with God, all things are possible. Narrating her own side of the story, she said: “Early last year, the ABS advertised for the Miss Anambra beauty pageant. I heard of it and went to make enquiry.

“My roommate was also interested, but one of the organisers told me to apply. I told them I was not interested but the man insisted that I might win the competition. He also promised to give me the form for free if I indicated interest, and he did when I agreed to contest.

“But one Jane told me that before a winner would be declared, there were certain things to be done, including the (sex) video. I consented after some persuasion from the organisers. I later went for the contest at the Marble Arch Hotels in Awka, and I was declared winner with a Kia Rio vehicle as star prize.

“When I went for my car after the contest, the organisers brought out a contract form for me to sign, but I told them I wanted to contact my lawyer to see it. I was not given the opportunity to do so.

“What they kept telling me was that if I insisted on not signing the contract or wanted to contact my lawyer, they would release the video. “At that point, I became uncomfortable and signed the contract to avoid such embarrassment, and the car was released to me from where it was packed within the premises of ABS.

“From that moment, I became a slave to them. On October 11, 2016, they called me to come and make presentations inside the office of one the organisers. After that, the man excused some people in that room and showed me the video again.

“They told me to drop my car and removed my crown from me. I told them I would take the car as stipulated in the contract. They insisted I should pack it in the premises of (ABS). “I told my uncle in Abuja about the situation. My uncle called them and asked them to release my car to me. Instead, they forwarded the video to him as part of the blackmail. That was what happened,” Chidinma said, crying. She also said the scandal had weighed her down. Amidst sobs, she denied being a lesbian, saying she had never been involved in the act.

For her parents, Sir Jeremiah and his wife, Lady Nora Okeke, the incident remains a shock. According to Sir Okeke, the management and organisers of the pageant capitalised on his daughter’s “age and naivety to deny her whatever monetary gains she made while serving as Miss Anambra.” He added: “How can a beauty queen borrow money to pay her driver, even when she is supposed to be receiving a monthly salary? “I cannot say all that I heard or saw. Why was she not paid her winning prize of one million naira fully? Rather, they paid her on installmental basis. And up until today, the money has not been completely paid.

“They have rubbished her and rubbed the family’s name in the mud. But we have united as a family, praying seriously for my daughter and for the people behind this wicked act to be exposed.

“My family at first agreed not to tell me about the whole thing, because I am hypertensive. But they decided otherwise when things got out of hand. I told them this issue will not kill me because I have had worse experiences while in business years back.

“My God, as always, will answer me and expose the truth in no distant time. I won’t say much because the damage has already been done. “Chidinma is a small girl who does not know anything, hence, she fell into a trap that was too heavy for her to shoulder. But I thank God she is recovering.”

All through the interview, Chidinma’s mother, who was advised by the husband to remain silent, continued to hiss, and motioning her hands towards the heavens in supplication to God. Two of the chiefs in Ogboji community in Orumba South Local Government Area, where Chidinma hails from, Chief Obi Okoli (Idejimba) and Chief Julius Nwankwo (Nwabulu-Omee), told The Nation that the incident had left them in shock. Okoli, who described Chidinma as a nice and well-trained girl from a Christian home, saw the entire thing as a set up, but argued that such issues would only happen if somebody presents oneself. According to him, “she is a well brought up girl from a good family background and Christian home. There could be more to this than meets the eyes.”

Asked if the community was not going to say anything on the sex scandal involving their daughter, Okoli laughed and said: “There are ways of handling such issues, and I don’t think the community will be involved.” Also speaking, Chief Julius Nwankwo, described the situation as a pity, adding that today’s children behave as they like. However, he said that the people of Ogboji community were seeing it as blackmail, adding that none of them was happy with what happened to their daughter. He said: “As an Ogboji man, I am pained that such a thing happened to one of our own, and that is why we want the authorities concerned to look into the saga appropriately, with a view to arresting those involved.

“When our daughter won the award, we were happy. For anybody or group of persons to rubbish her and our community is what we will not condone.”

Nwankwo said they heard some people had been apprehended over the sex scandal, adding that the authorities should look well in making sure that wrong people were not punished.

The Managing Director of ABS, the organisers, Uche Nworah did not comment on the queen’s allegations when we contacted him. He instead referred us to the organisation’s earlier statement.

In the earlier statement, the organisers had dissociated themselves from the scandal. Part of the statement read: “The attention of the management of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, organisers of the Miss Anambra Beauty Pageant, has been drawn to a video with lurid contents purportedly showing former Miss Anambra, Miss Chidinma Okeke (Miss Anambra 2015).

“The said Miss Chidinma Okeke, who is allegedly linked to the lurid content in circulation, has served out her term as Miss Anambra 2015 and handed over the crown in line with the terms and conditions of The Miss Anambra pageant. “We condemn in clear terms any amoral behaviour/conduct as suggested by the alleged lurid content in circulation and do not condone such.

“It is on record that The Miss Anambra Beauty Pageant has been a platform to empower Anambra women and celebrate our rich culture and heritage. Winners of the pageant are bound to contracts to be of good conduct and moral behaviour and to uphold/maintain the honour in their position as queen. “Winners of the pageant also contract to refrain from any personal relationship that could appear to hinder their ability to perform the duties of their office as queen and role model, and we do not expect any less. “We, therefore, wish to dissociate The Miss Anambra pageant from any discussions on the said allegations. “We feel sufficiently perturbed by the mere reference already made to the pageant and hereby state that we are in no way connected to the controversy.

 “We apologise to the government and good people of Anambra State, our sponsors, supporters, friends and all those associated with the Miss Anambra project for the embarrassment the mere reference to the pageant in the controversy may have caused while reassuring of the good intentions of the Miss Anambra pageant franchise.”

Kalu rejects transfer of N3.2bn scam trial to Lagos

A former governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, has rejected the transfer of his trial on money laundering charges from the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to the Lagos Division of the court.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had on September 27 arraigned the ex-governor and his co-accused persons before Justice Anwuri Chikere of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on amended 34 counts of money laundering.

The charges, originally instituted in 2007 but stalled by interlocutory appeals at the instance of the defendants, involved the diversion of a cumulative sum of N3.2bn from the Abia State Government’s treasury allegedly by the defendants while Kalu was the governor of the state.

Those charged alongside Kalu were Jones Udeogo, and the former governor’s company, Slok Nigeria Limited.

In an ex parte motion, Kalu sought the leave of court to apply for an order of mandamus to compel the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court to return the case which was transferred to Lagos back to Abuja for continuation of hearing.

He also prayed that if the order was granted it should operate as “a stay of all actions, matters or issues ancillary to or relating to or pertaining to or connected with the case, pending the hearing and determination of the suit.”

His prayers were predicated on the provisions of Order 34(1)(a) and 3 of the Federal High Court Civil Procedure Rules, 2009 and section 6(6)(a) of the 1999 Constitution.

The ex parte motion was filed along with the substantive suit which was numbered, FHC/ABJ/CS/845/2016.

The EFCC, the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami, and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, are the respondents to the suit.

The processes were filed by Kalu’s lawyers led by Chief Awa Kalu (SAN).

In a 16-paragraph supporting affidavit  and an affidavit of urgency deposed to by a lawyer, Mr. Ikechukwu Njoku, it was stated that Kalu was aware the case had been transferred to the Lagos Division of the Federal High Court following a request by the prosecution.

The affidavit added that the case against the former governor and others started in 2007 after he left office as the governor of Abia State, but that it suffered delay because parties went on appeal up to the Supreme Court.

The affidavit added that due to the case brought against him by the EFCC, he temporarily relocated to Abuja to face trial alongside others charged with him.

It added, “In 2016, the Supreme Court ordered that the case be returned to the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court for trial.

“Acting in strict compliance with the judgment of the Supreme Court, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta (3rd), assigned the case to Justice Anwuri Chikere for trial.

“It is the case of the applicant that all parties appeared before Justice Chikere on two occasions and the matter was adjourned due to pending appeal before the Supreme Court.

“On the third occasion, the court ordered that the defendant (Kalu) alongside others should take their plea which they did and were admitted on bail.

“The court alongside the prosecution and defence team agreed for three clear dates and the matter was adjourned to October 6, 7, and 8, 2016 for definite trial, thereafter, all the parties left the court to prepare for adjourned dates.

Source: Punch.

ABIA STATE PDP CHAIRMAN, JOHNSON ONUIGBO ACCUSED OF COLLECTING BRIBE TO INFLUENCE PARTY PRIMARIES

The heat generated via the Abia State local government election PDP primaries seems not to be cooling off as accusations and counter accusations is building everyday as gathered by AFN.

Chief Johnson Onuigbo, the Abia State PDP Chairman is being accused of  collecting bribe from some aspirants to influence the final decision of all the primaries conducted.

Formal Chief whip of Abia State House of Assembly, Dr. Ikechukwu Nwabeke has come out to accuse Chief Onuigbo of collecting bribe to influence who will emerge chairmanship flagbearer of PDP in Osisioma local government area during the forthcoming local government election in Abia State.

Dr. Nwabeke is resisting any attempt to thwart the wish of delegates who will vote on the primary day.

“During the councillorship primary our political structure won, but they trying to cancel it, we will resist it” he said.

AFN had earlier reported widespread conflicts relating to the PDP primaries.

Source: Abia Facts News

Senate okays reintroduction of tolls on federal roads

The Senate on Tuesday passed a motion seeking to revive collection of tolls on federal highways across the country.

It said collection of toll, from motorists was the only way to construct and maintain roads and enhance their efficiency.

The upper chamber of the National Assembly recalled that tolls were abolished by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004, who argued that the revenue for road maintenance should rather be generated from an increased pump price of  petrol.

A member of the Senate representing Bauchi-North Senatorial District, Suleiman Nazif, who moved the motion titled, ‘Need for the re-establishment of tolls on our federal highways,’ however, said the Senate was alarmed that the state of the country’s infrastructure, including roads, was worrisome, “particularly due to corruption and mismanagement of resources over the years.”

He stated that maintenance of roads could be taken seriously instead of constructing new ones.

Nazif said even though the reintroduction of tolls was coming during economic recession, more lives were being lost due to the bad state of the roads.

He added that he was mindful of the current situation in the country, “where times are hard and resources are scarce.”

He added, “When we talk about tollgates, the major and critical issues are: one, what is the amount that will be fixed for tolls? Two, who are those that will be the collectors of the tolls? Three, what will the money be utilised for? These are the major reasons and problems of the average Nigerian.”

Nazif, in the motion, said, “The Senate notes that the main purpose of the tollgates is for revenue generation, which will aid effective and efficient maintenance of federal highways; observes that the deplorable state of roads in Nigeria has certainly become a national shame and an unnecessary embarrassment.

“The Senate notes that the re-establishment of tollgates is a solution to saving the nation’s generally dilapidated road networks; observes that besides revenue generation, the presence of tollgates, which are normally managed by armed security agents, provides a level of safety for road users; notes that government alone cannot fund road construction.”

The lawmaker further said the Senate was disturbed that the poor state of roads in Nigeria had remained for many years, posing “a great source of risk for travellers and transporters.”

He also said the upper chamber of the National Assembly was worried that cases of road accidents being reported daily in the news painted “terrible and pathetic pictures of this ugly development.”

“The Senate observes that the use of tollgates provides Nigeria with an excellent strategy to improve its road and bridges for the benefit of Nigerians,” Nazif added.

All the senators who spoke supported the motion. They included the Senate Leader, Ali Ndume (Borno-South); the Deputy Minority Whip, Abiodun Olujimi (Ekiti-South); Abdullahi Gumel (Jigawa North-West); Sabi Abdullahi (Niger-North); Albert Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East); James Manager (Delta-South); and the Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary.

Ndume, while seconding the motion, said the resources for constructing and maintaining roads had been limited by the current economic crisis.

Olujimi, in her remarks, said states, which had invested in the reconstruction of federal roads, could not maintain the roads, as the law empowered only the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency to collect tolls on such roads.

Ekweremadu said the construction and maintenance of roads had become an issue of concern to all Nigerians. He, however, noted that due to past experiences on tolling, there was a need for the Senate to do a thorough job on the reintroduction of the system.

The Senate, therefore, unanimously granted the prayer that, “The (Senate) Committee on Works should liaise with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission and other relevant stakeholders to develop policy and technology to facilitate the construction, maintenance and tolling in Nigeria.”

Source: Punch

Abia State: I sacrificed human head as advised by mad woman —Suspect

A 20-year-old man identified as Emmanuel Effiong has said he beheaded a woman at the Aba park on the instructions of a mad woman, who allegedly advised him to throw a human head into a river or he would go mad.

“I gave a mad woman money one day in Aba and she told me to look for a skull or human head and throw inside a river or I will go mad.

“One morning, when I saw a lifeless body in front of the park, I decided to cut off the dead woman’s head for the exercise. I threw the head into the Aba River to remain a normal person,” he said.

Effiong made the confession while in the custody of the police. He had been arrested by police operatives in Aba, Abia State in connection with a threat to kidnap and kill one Ikechukwu Udogu.

It was gathered that the search for Effiong started when the police got the information that an unknown person, through a phone text, threatened to kill one Udogu, if he failed to pay him a N15m ransom.

It was learnt that police operatives attached to the Central Police Station, Aba, swung into action and arrested the suspect with the mobile phone number used in sending the threat message.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Adeleye Oyabade, who confirmed the arrest of the suspect, said he confessed to the crime.

Oyebade added that the suspect also confessed that he was behind the headless woman found on September 29, 2016 at the Aba main motor park.

He said three knives and a phone were recovered from the suspect, adding that investigation was in progress to unravel the mystery behind the dastardly act.

Speaking with newsmen, Effiong, who said he hails from Ikot Edet in Akwa Ibom State, accepted that he demanded the ransom from Udogu for refusing to pay him his salary since September 2009.

He said, “I served Mr. Udogu for many years as his gateman, but he stopped paying my salary since September 2009. So, I decided to send him the threat message to get my money from him.”

Source : Punch