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

Published

1 year ago

July 29, 2025

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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.

News

New financial markets facility set to open in Abia

Published

14 hours ago

September 16, 2026

Top News Nigeria

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A forex trading facility is expected to open in Abia State in October, following the 2025 Abia Forex Expo, which organisers said attracted more than 1,500 participants.

The facility is being established by entrepreneur and financial markets personality, Sam Keys, as a platform for financial education, market analysis, trading activities and networking.

According to the organisers, the project followed increased interest in forex trading and other financial market activities among youths and business communities in the state.

The proposed facility will provide a physical location where traders, aspiring investors and other participants can access financial market information, take part in educational activities and interact with others in the sector.

Keys had previously organised the 2025 Abia Forex Expo, which brought together participants interested in forex trading, investment and financial markets.

The new facility is expected to complement such events by providing a permanent location for activities relating to financial market education and trading.

The October opening is expected to attract traders, investors and other individuals interested in learning about the financial markets.

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Abia debunks N50,000 akara tax claim

Published

14 hours ago

September 15, 2026

Top News Nigeria

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Abia State Government has debunked reports that akara sellers and other petty traders in the state are being compelled to pay N50,000 as tax, describing the claim as misinformation.

The government also said it had approved the designation of some historical and natural sites as State Monuments and State Natural Monuments, while declaring Aba a Creative and Innovative City.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu said the historical sites approved as State Monuments include the National War Museum, Umuahia; Ojukwu Bunker, Umuahia; and Government College, Umuahia.

Those designated State Natural Monuments are Ibom Waterfall in Arochukwu and Ulochukwu Cave in Alayi, Bende Local Government Area.

According to him, the designations would strengthen the government’s efforts to preserve the state’s cultural and natural heritage, promote tourism and open up new economic opportunities.

“These sites have been elevated to heritage sites that enhance the state’s tourism potential. With this approval, they are primed to attract recognition as UNESCO Heritage Sites,” Kanu said.

He further disclosed that Aba had been designated a Creative and Innovative City in recognition of its longstanding commercial, industrial and creative significance.

The commissioner said the retrofitting of the Ojukwu Bunker and National War Museum had reached about 80 per cent completion and was expected to be concluded before the end of 2026.

He said the projects would improve the preservation of the sites, enhance visitors’ experience and strengthen their tourism potential.

Kanu also disclosed that the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy had received approval to develop the Ibom Waterfall Tourism Corridor in Arochukwu.

He said work had commenced, including grading of access roads to the waterfall, with completion expected before the end of the year.

The commissioner added that the state government had commenced the erection of monuments at strategic locations to preserve Abia’s heritage, honour its heroes and heroines and promote the state’s cultural identity.

He cited a monument being dedicated to the heroines of the 1929 Aba Women’s Riot as one of such initiatives, saying it would celebrate their courage, resilience, resistance and leadership.

No N50,000 tax on akara sellers
On the controversy over alleged excessive taxation, Kanu said there had been no fresh increase in tax rates by the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, noting that most of the rates being circulated were contained in tax laws enacted in 2020 under the previous administration.

He stressed that the Board could not unilaterally increase tax rates without enabling legislation.

“For starters, these rates are not new. Most of the rates are 2020 tax rates that were introduced by the previous government.

“Let me reiterate that the Board of Internal Revenue cannot raise tax rates without the backing of enabling laws. And no such increases have been introduced by the Abia State Government,” he said.

Kanu explained that demand notices issued by the BIR were provided for under the law, urging taxpayers to comply with relevant tax provisions while assuring that legitimate concerns would be addressed by the appropriate officials.

On the specific claim that akara sellers were being made to pay N50,000, he said: “This is pure fallacy. Nothing can be further from the truth. Akara sellers don’t pay tax or levies. They pay daily tolls. And none can pay N50,000.”

The Chairman of the Abia State Board of Internal Revenue, Mr Uche Elekwachi, corroborated the clarification, saying there was no revenue window under the state’s tax laws requiring akara sellers to pay such an amount.

Elekwachi said the Abia Internally Generated Revenue Service Law establishing the applicable framework was enacted in 2020, before the present administration came into office.

“This whole thing has always been in existence. The Abia Internally Generated Revenue Service Law was enacted in 2020 long before this government came onboard, so we need to make that clarification,” he said.

Gratuity: 2011–2025 retirees next.

On outstanding gratuities owed retired workers, Kanu disclosed that the government had completed payments covering 2001 to 2010 and was preparing for the next batch covering 2011 to 2025.

He said the next payments would commence after the completion of ongoing internal verification and other necessary processes.

The commissioner dismissed claims that the government had only commenced gratuity payments because of pressure from the opposition, explaining that the huge financial commitment involved made payment in batches necessary.

“The payments will be in batches. The funds involved are huge for one balloon payment,” he said.

Kanu also clarified reports suggesting that gratuity payments would continue only until 2031, explaining that such reports are incorrect.

He explained that the State Gratuity Committee had recommended the inclusion of gratuity provisions in the state’s 2026–2031 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and subsequent annual budgets to ensure that gratuity obligations were systematically provided for and prevent the accumulation of fresh arrears.

“That does not translate to payments being terminated in 2031. As the internal processes and verification of beneficiaries of these payments continue, due payments would still be made in batches,” he said.

He added that the government remained committed to clearing the outstanding liabilities and expressed optimism that the process could be completed earlier than anticipated.

“The conclusion of payment of outstanding gratuities may happen earlier than we ever imagined. Let us therefore wait and see how the next batch of payments will unfold,” Kanu said.

The Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Matthew Ekwuribe, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Internally Generated Revenue, Dr Emmanuel Okpechi, were also present at the briefing.

Source: Vanguard.

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‘I have no objection’ – Obi urges UNN to release his academic records

Published

15 hours ago

September 15, 2026

Top News Nigeria

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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) Peter Obi has said he has no objection to the release of his academic records amid reports of a legal action seeking certified true copies of his certificates and other educational documents.

Obi stated this in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, saying he had given consent for the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, to make available his academic records and other official documents relating to his admission and studies, subject to applicable laws.

His statement followed reports circulating on social media concerning a legal action by an individual or group seeking certified true copies of his Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and other academic credentials relating to his admission into the university.

He wrote, “I wish to state clearly that I have absolutely no objection to the release of these records.

“I respectfully request that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, within the limits permitted by law, make available, upon legitimate request, my academic certificates, records, and other official documents relating to my admission and studies at the University. I equally have no objection to other educational institutions, within and outside Nigeria, which I attended, making my academic records available in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.”

Obi said he believed strongly in transparency and accountability, particularly for individuals seeking public office, but stressed that public scrutiny should be fair, lawful and consistently applied to all presidential candidates.

“As a presidential candidate seeking the trust of Nigerians to lead our country, I welcome legitimate public interest in my background, qualifications, and record. I am prepared to subject myself to the level of scrutiny that should reasonably be expected of anyone seeking the highest office in our country,” he said.

Obi said candidates seeking the nation’s highest office should be willing to subject themselves to reasonable scrutiny and demonstrate that they had nothing to conceal from the people they sought to serve.

He subsequently challenged other presidential candidates to make their educational qualifications and relevant records available for public scrutiny.

“Doing so should not be regarded as an inconvenience or an attack. Rather, it is an opportunity to strengthen public confidence, promote accountability, and rebuild the trust of Nigerians in those who seek to govern them,” he said

Obi added that transparency, integrity and accountability should begin with those seeking to lead the country.

“I therefore welcome the scrutiny of my academic background and remain committed to the principle that those who ask Nigerians for their trust must also be willing to earn that trust through openness and accountability,” he added.