Politics
Ebonyi State Govt. announces plans to secure commercial airplanes
The Ebonyi State Government has announced plans to acquire commercial airplanes as part of its strategy to boost the growth and operational efficiency of the state-owned Chuba Okadigbo International Airport.
This disclosure is contained in a statement issued by the Special Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Leo Ekene Oketa, on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Oketa stated that Governor Francis Nwifuru and the Executive Council have authorized the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Elechi Elechi Nnannia, to begin negotiations with contractors interested in supplying the aircraft.
This move is likely tied to the state’s broader vision of launching its own airline, similar to Akwa Ibom’s Ibom Air.
“In another move to further explore opportunities for the maximum growth and operations of the state-of-the-art airport, the Governor, His Excellency, @FrancisNwifuru, and EXCO approved for the Hon. Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Elechi Elechi Nnannia, to proceed and negotiate with contractors seeking to supply commercial airplanes for Ebonyi State,” the statement read in part.
Furthermore, the statement noted that the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Aviation, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, announced that the process of marking the newly asphalted runway at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport has been completed.
She also mentioned that there are still some minor clearances from relevant agencies and additional work that need to be finished, but these are expected to be completed soon.
What You Should Know
Earlier this year, the Ebonyi State Government, through the Commissioner for Aviation, Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, unveiled ambitious plans to launch a state-owned airline, drawing inspiration from Akwa Ibom State’s successful Ibom Air.
Dr. Obichukwu had announced that the Ebonyi State Government intends to procure four aircraft to kick-start this new airline, with additional contributions from investors who are ready to provide three more aircraft.
In addition to these plans, the Ebonyi State Government has made significant investments in rehabilitating the 3.5-kilometer runway at the Chuba Okadigbo International Airport. This effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance the airport’s growth and operational efficiency, preparing it not only for passenger flights but also for cargo operations.
According to the latest update from Dr. Obichukwu, the runway rehabilitation has been fully completed, including the necessary markings.
However, she noted that a few minor clearances from relevant agencies and some additional work still remain, but these are expected to be finalized in the near future. This progress marks a significant step forward in Ebonyi State’s aviation aspirations, laying the groundwork for a robust, state-operated airline.
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Friday declared that he’s still a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Wike’s comment followed his expulsion from the party by the faction led by National Chairman, Kabiru Turaki.
Turaki had formally dispatched expulsion certificates to 11 prominent party chieftains, including Wike, former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Umaru Bature, Kamarudeen Ajibade, SAN, Abdurahman Muhammad Senator Mao Ohuabunwa.
He said their expulsion was aimed at sanitising the party ahead of the 2027 elections.
Reacting to the development on Friday, Wike dismissed the claim while assuring that he would continue to work with other party members in making PDP a relevant opposition party.
The minister spoke while addressing journalists after inspecting the Interchange bridge and road linking Gwarinpa with Jahi and direct to Katampe, Gishiri and Maitama.
He said, “Those that are factionalized are bound to leave the party, I’m still in PDP and you can see that not everybody has left.
“We still have good numbers and we will continue to work together and that’s what I have said to the party. Put your house in order because at the end of the day, if you don’t put your house in order, it’s the party that is losing.
“So those who are worried, we can work together to see how the party can remain a relevant opposition.”
The governments of Abia and Imo States have announced the launching of a joint security taskforce and surveillance along the Aba-Owerri expressway, starting from Owerrinta in Abia State all the way to Owerri, Imo State.
The launch followed recent attacks by criminals on the expressway, including kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities.
The formation of the joint security taskforce and surveillance was announced by Ferdinand Ekeoma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Media and Publicity.
His statement read in part: “Arising from a strategic emergency security meeting held today, 4th December, 2025, by the Governors of Abia and Imo Sates at the Imo State Government Owerri House, His Excellency Governor Alex Otti and His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma resolved to set up a joint security Taskforce that shall consist of Soldiers, Naval Personnel, Police Officers , DSS Personnel, and other Government Security Agencies.
“The joint security Taskforce shall, starting from tomorrow 5th December 2025, patrol the road 24 hours nonstop, while carrying out massive surveillance in the surrounding bushes using sophisticated drones and other modern security equipment.”
According to the statement, Governor Alex Otti commended the Governor of Imo State for arresting the criminals who carried out an attack on His advanced team and other passengers a few days ago.
“The two Governors, while assuring citizens plying the road on a daily basis and those returning home for Christmas of their safety and security, warn that there would be severe consequences for any criminal caught on the road going forward”, Ekeoma concluded.
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted to the senate two lists of 34 career and 31 non career ambassadors nominees for screening and confirmation.
Prominent names listed as non career ambassadors include Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, Victor Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also listed as non career ambassadors nominees are Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ete Ibas, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, Fatima Ajimobi, and Senator Ita Enang among others.
The two lists brings to 68 number of persons nominated so far as ambassadors awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
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