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Old Bende Stakeholders Endorse Alex Otti for 2nd Term, Praise Excellent Performance

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Traditional rulers, community leaders, and stakeholders from the Old Bende region of Abia State have formally endorsed Governor Alex Otti for a second term while effusively praising his administration’s performance. The endorsement came during a solidarity visit to Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, the federal lawmaker representing Aba North & South, culminating in a unanimously adopted communique. The group, representing nine Local Government Areas under the Old Bende Progressive Union, declared Governor Otti had “justified the trust we reposed on him” through sweeping developmental projects and improved governance since taking office in May 2023.

The communique highlighted transformative infrastructure projects including the Abia International Airport, Abia Seaport, Abia Stadium City, and Abia Industrial Park, alongside the revitalization of key roads like Port-Harcourt Road in Aba, Umuahia to Abriba Road, Ohanku Road, and Obohia Road. Stakeholders also lauded the resuscitation of the moribund Enyimba Hotels and plans for a Modular Refinery in Ukwa. Beyond physical infrastructure, the group emphasized Otti’s impact on citizens’ welfare, stating he had “turned the fortunes of traders, workers and pensioners around with prompt salary and pension payments” while settling “outstanding inherited backlogs.” Significant improvements in healthcare, notably the revival of General Hospital Aba and Abia State University Teaching Hospital (ABSUTH), alongside enhanced security attracting Foreign Direct Investment, were also key points of commendation.

The meeting took a decisive political turn with a formal motion moved by HRM Eze Nwata Mbakwe, Chairman of the Old Bende Council of Traditional Rulers, and seconded by industrialist Chief Jerry Kalu (Osimiri), resulting in a resounding vote of confidence. The stakeholders pledged their “unflinching support” for Otti and declared their firm “intention and resolve to work for the success of his re-election in 2027.” To demonstrate their appreciation, they announced plans for a “grand reception” in Aba to honour the Governor, concluding the communique with the affirmation: “With Dr. Alex Otti in Abia, surely help is here.”

The Communique reads in part

The people of Old Bende region made up of 9 LGAS in Abia State under the aegis of the Old Bende Progressive Union, after a solidarity and courtesy visit to the member representing the Aba North & South Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, today, Monday 28, 2025, unanimously resolved as follows:

1) We, the stakeholders of Old Bende of Abia State have taken note of the developmental strides and democratic gains Abia state has made since May 29, 2023 when Dr. Alex Otti was sworn in as the Executive Governor of Abia State.

2) The Governor has since his emergence justified the trust we reposed on him by embarking on transformational projects like the Abia International Airport, the Abia Seaport, the Abia Stadium City, Abia Industrial Park among others. These projects have in no small measure placed Abia on the map as one of the reference points for good governance and a sterling example for others to follow.

3) We are proud to identify with the impactful governance style of Governor Alex Otti, who has since his emergence as Abia State governor, turned the fortunes of traders, workers and pensioners around with prompt salary and pension payments as well as settling outstanding inherited backlogs. The Governor has also resuscitated and rebounded decayed infrastructure and improved the lives of Abians in every nook and cranny of the state.

4) As a result of the Governor’s giant developmental strides, we will organise a grand reception to appreciate Dr. Alex Otti in Aba, Abia State on a future date to be announced.

5) We assure Governor Alex Otti of our unflinching support for him to continue with the infrastructural revolution in Abia state post 2027.

6)The Governor has since embarked on unprecedented infrastructural development notable among them, completion of Port-Harcourt Road, Aba, Umuahia to Abriba Road, Ohanku Road, Obohia road, the moribund Enyimba Hotels, the proposed Modular Refinery in Ukwa, among others.

7) We don’t take for granted the governor’s intervention in the health sector that has seen life return to the hitherto neglected General Hospital Aba and the Abia State University Teaching Hospital, ABSUTH.

7) We also note the improved security in Abia state which has given way for a more favourable business environment leading to the influx of businesses and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from all over the world.

8) After a motion moved by HRM, Eze Nwata Mbakwe, the Chairman of the Old Bende Council of Traditional Rulers and seconded by the reknown Entrepreneur and Industrialist, Chief Jerry Kalu (Osimiri), We hereby pass a vote of confidence on Governor Alex Otti assuring him of our intention and resolve to work for the success of his re-election in 2027.

9) With Dr. Alex Otti in Abia, surely help is here.

Signed

1) HRM Eze Nwata Mbakwe, Chairman, Old Bende Traditional Rulers Council

2) DIG Azubuko Joel Udah mni (rtd.) Chairman, Old Bende Progressive Union

For and in the presence of;

3)Hon. Alex Ikwechegh, House Member representing Aba North and Aba South Federal Constituency.

4) HRH Eze Uwakwe Ukaegbu.

5) HRH Eze Ogbonnaya Sunday Ogbonnaya.

6) HRH Eze Emmanuel Azu Ogbonnaya.

7) HRH Eze Ernest Onwukwe.

8) HRH Eze Philip Ukeje.

9) HRH Eze Okpo Ogwo

10) HRH Eze Nwachukwu Okere.

11) HRH Eze Jerry Akpala Igwe.

12) HRH Eze Innocent Kalu Mba.

13) HRH Eze Gordy Ogbulafor.

14) HRH Eze Rowland Ekeoma.

15) HRH Eze Sunday Agu.

16) HRH Eze Engr. Chris Ukoma.

17) HRH Eze Ibechile Igwe Ogo.

18) HRH Eze Chinedu Kalu Uga.

19) HRH Eze Micheal Ukaugo.

20) HRH Eze Sunny Obunma.

21) HRH Eze Revd. Chigaemezu.

22) HRH Eze J.K Abaa.

23) HRH Eze Aro Okigwe.

24) Chief Emmanuel Otti, State Labour Party Acting Chairman

25) Dr. Mike Okoro (Vote for Jesus).

26) Hon. Chief Jerry Kalu (Osimmiri).

27, Chief Ekeke Gabriel.

28) Dr. Etum Okereke, President General Ohafia Dev. Union

29) Elder Esomonu Chikezie Deputy President General, Uzuakoli.

30) Ekeke O. Gabriel Secertary Isuikwuato.

31) Chief S.O. Nabaraonye President

32) Chief Paulinus Okoye President General Lokpanta.

33) George Ezikpe Okiyi ACIU 1st General Vice President

34) Chief Ebeleagu Isaiah – President General Abam.

35) Hon. Richard Agwu – Genera Secretary Ohafia.

36) Bar. Ben Emeri – President General Mkporo.

37) Chief Ichie Johnson – President General Leru.

38) Chief Innocent Okoronkwo – President General Arochukwu.

39) Elder Nnachi Agu – President General Eddah.

40) Commander Peter Njoku President General Ohafia.

41) Chima Okafor – President General Umuhu Ezechi.

42) Chief Mba Abali

43) Odomenam Okechukwu – President General Amamba.

44) Chief Anyaoku Madukwe – President General Alayi.

45) Hon. Sunday Ihukwumere – For Item Community

46) Chief Vincent Uwadiogu – Bende.

47) Chief Innocent Otti – Ututu.

48) Chief Osondu Johnson – Nkpa.

49) Chief Jerry Okoroji – President General Ngbelu Umumere.

50) Chief Emeka Igolo – President General Eluama.

51) Anyaogu Micheal – Bende.

52) Chief Eme Abali Mba, Former Chairman Aba North L.G.A

53 Chief Joseph C Ogwo (joelee)

54 Chief Iregbu Agu (aku atughi egwu)

and a host of others.

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Malami, son face new terrorism-linked firearms charges

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Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, on Wednesday pleaded not guilty to a five-count amended charge bordering on alleged illegal possession of firearms, filed against them by the Federal Government.

The Department of State Services had, on February 3, 2026, arraigned the defendants on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing, aiding terrorism, and illegal possession of firearms.

Malami was also accused of failing to prosecute suspected terrorism financiers while in office, in addition to alleged unlawful possession of a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm and ammunition.

They had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges and were granted bail by the court.

However, at the resumed hearing on Tuesday, prosecution counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court of an amended charge dated April 14, 2026, which he said had been served on the defendants.

Kehinde urged the court to substitute the earlier charge dated February 2, 2026, with the amended one to enable the defendants to take a fresh plea.

Responding, defence counsel, Shaibu Arua (SAN), confirmed receipt of the amended charge.

Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, struck out the earlier charge and discharged the defendants in respect of it.

The court thereafter ordered that the amended five-count charge be read to the defendants.

In the amended charge, the defendants were accused of preparing to engage in acts of terrorism by allegedly possessing firearms without a licence, including a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended cartridges.

The offences are said to be contrary to provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

After the charge was read, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following the plea, Kehinde urged the court to fix a date for trial.

However, the defence counsel prayed the court to allow the defendants to continue on the bail earlier granted to them.

The prosecution did not oppose the application.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed May 26 and June 16, 2026, for trial.

The amended charges read: “That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did engage in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by having in your possession and without license, a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves in preparation to commit acts of terrorism by having in your possession and without a license a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm, Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar, contrary to Section 26 (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022 and punishable under Section 26 (3) (a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022.

2022 and punishable under Section 26 (3) (a) and (b) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition Act) 2022.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession a Sturm Magnum 17 – 0101 firearm and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 3 of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession Sixteen (16) Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of Cartridges and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

“That you, Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, and Abdulaziz Abubakar Malami, Adult, Male, sometime in December, 2025, at Geeze Phase II Area, Birnin Kebbi LGA, Kebbi State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without a license, did have in your possession Twenty-Seven (27) expended Redstar AAA 5’20 live rounds of cartridges and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 8 (1) (b) (ii) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (1) (a) (i) of the Firearms Act, CAP F28, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

 

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UNICAL first female SUG president graduates with First Class

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A former President of the Students’ Union Government of the University of Calabar, Blessing Alims, has called on Nigerian youths to embrace discipline and the spirit of resilience as essential tools for success.

Alims, who gained admission in 2020, said she funded her studies through menial jobs, including shoemaking and fashion designing at the Cross River Garment Factory, while volunteering with the Girls’ Power Initiative in Calabar.

She graduated as one of the best graduating student recently at the university’s 38th convocation.

Speaking on Tuesday in Calabar, Alims stressed that while the country presents numerous challenges, young people must resist the temptation to solely blame external factors for their setbacks.

According to her, discipline remains the defining factor that separates successful individuals from those who remain stagnant despite having opportunities.

She added, “You must be consistent and focus. In my 300 level, I broke barriers as the first female SUG President, leading over 45,000 students. During my tenure, I improved campus transportation with five mini buses, awarded N1,000,000 to the best graduating student, sponsored 50 students through the SUG President scholarship scheme, secured a solar-powered borehole to improve hostel water access and championed advocacy that led to the university’s first gender policy”.

The union leader also highlighted the importance of education, skill acquisition, and entrepreneurship, urging young Nigerians to invest in personal growth and development.

She further encouraged students and graduates to be intentional on discipline and make productive use of digital platforms, describing the internet as a powerful tool for learning, networking, and economic empowerment.

“Discipline is not just about avoiding distractions; it is about making the right choices daily, even when it is inconvenient. The internet is a powerful tool for learning, networking, and economic empowerment. Utilize it effectively.”

“In 2020, I got admitted; in 2024, I made history as the first female SUG President in UNICAL since 1975. In 2026, I graduated with a First Class. Let my story inspire you.

“Today, I am the number six overall best graduating students  at the University of Calabar 38th Convocation and the overall best from my faculty, department  and LGA”, she said.

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Katsina Prepares 1000 Couples Ahead Of Massive April Wedding

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The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with an NGO, Al-Usra Marital Support Foundation, on Thursday organised an intensive pre-marital counselling and training for about 1,000 intending couples.

The exercise, held in Katsina, Daura and Funtua zones, was part of preparations for a mass wedding, ‘Auren Gata’, an initiative of the state government, scheduled for April 25.

The chairperson of the foundation, Dr Murjanatu Ibrahim-Duwan, said that the training was aimed at strengthening family values and reducing divorce in the society.

She said the foundation was partnering with relevant authorities to prepare couples, representing 2,000 individuals, for the planned mass wedding.

Ibrahim-Duwan added that the initiative was designed to equip the intending couples with the knowledge and skills required to build stable and successful marriages.

She said the couples were earlier screened by the state Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure they are fit and ready for marriage.

She said the training exercise had been divided into three zones, Malumfashi, Daura and Katsina, to allow participants from different locations conveniently attend the sessions.

“The training is to prepare the couples for a successful married life by educating them on their responsibilities to one another and the importance of mutual understanding in marriage,” she said.

Ibrahim-Duwan added that the sessions also provided guidance on Islamic perspectives on marriage, conflict resolution and ways to maintain harmony in the home.

She noted that participants would receive certificates, which would serve as a requirement for participation in the mass wedding.

The chairperson further explained that the ministry of women affairs compiled and verified the list of screened couples after conducting medical tests and other necessary evaluations.

She expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute significantly to reducing marital disputes and strengthening family institutions in the state.

Earlier, the Hisbah Commander in the state, Dr Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), said the initiative, the first in the state, would help in reducing immorality.

He said the state government would also provide the couples with all the necessary support needed for marriage, and also a capital for the groom to start a business.

Usman said after the wedding, the board would continue to monitor the couples, to ensure a true and peaceful marriage.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha Aminu-Malumfashi, said the initiative was to prevent the beneficiaries, especially women, from falling into immorality.

Represented by Amina Sada-Mashi, the Spokesperson of the ministry, the commissioner said the beneficiaries were made to undergo a thorough screening, such as genotype, HIV and other health issues.

 

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