Politics

Abia Govt. set to launch N1 billion interest free business loan on Thursday

Published

2 years ago

July 9, 2024

By : Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia

Abia state government will on Thursday this week launch one billion Naira Interest Free Revolving Loan Scheme for 9,200 Abians from 184 political wards in the state in the first phase of the programme.

The Commissioner for Information and Culture in the state Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this while briefing the press on the outcome of this week’s executive council meeting presided by Governor Alex Otti on Monday.

He said the 50 beneficiaries would be selected from each political ward in the state,adding that the scheme which is an interventionist and empowerment programme would help the beneficiaries as well as have positive effect on the Abia economy.

He said, “Gov. Alex otti will on Thursday July 11, officially launch the disbursement of interest free revolving loans to Abians via the Abia State co-operative and support schemes.

“This is meant to support micro businesses operating in the state. It is an interventionists program that will act as a palliative and empowerment to the beneficiaries.

“To Ensure an even spread around the state 50 beneficiaries have been drawn from 184 political wards in the state.

“The short, medium and long time effect of the program is huge and it definitely have a positive effects on the state economy and it will help to amilorate the difficulties people are facing in their businesses in face of economics down turn in the country”.

Prince Kanu noted with dismay, the rise in vandalisation of public schools and property in the state, a situation he said government frowns at.

He pointed out that such acts of vandalism must stop forthwith and urged presidents general, town union executive and others stakeholders to take ownership of the public schools in their communities.

The Information boss announced that henceforth enforcement against street trading and illegal motor park operations in Aba and Umuahia would commence and advised those engaging in such acts to desist forthwith.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Local Goverment and Chieftaincy Affairs Prince Uzor Nwachukwu said the government has so far shown understanding and applied human face to the enforcement and would now act accordingly.

Also, speaking, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Mike Akpara clarified that contrary to the rumours making the rounds that he takes 10 million Naira monthly, neither him nor other Abia state government officials take home 10 million Naira monthly from the government coffers, adding that such rumours are unfounded.

L-R Chief Press to Gov. Otti. Njoku Ukoha, Commissioner for Finance Mike Akpara, Commissioner for Information Okey Kanu, Commissioner for LG/chieftaincy affairs Uzor Nwachukwu and special Adviser to Gov. Otti on Media and publicity Ferdinand Ekeoma

#enyinnayaapugo

Politics

How Buhari shocked me 6 months into his administration – Oyegun

Published

3 hours ago

February 7, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Chairman, Policy Manifesto Committee of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, John Odigie-Oyegun, says former president Muhammadu Buhari gave him the shock of his life, six months into his administration as Nigeria’s leader.

Oyegun made this disclosure on Friday when he featured in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’.

He revealed that as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, he went to tell Buhari that he was not delivering his election promises to Nigerians but that the late president told him he would not rule with strictness, but rather wanted to show Nigerians that he is a true civilian president.

The former APC National Chairman lamented that it became business as usual, from there.

“I was national chairman of the APC. Six months or less into our assuming office, fairly alarmed, I went to the late President Buhari for a one-on-one talk. I said Mr President, this is not what the people were expecting. They wanted a bit of the old president Buhari.

“And he explained to me, Mr Chairman, I have learned my lesson. I was shocked. And don’t forget at that time, a lot of prominent Nigerians took their holidays abroad, just to be sure and see what this new sheriff in town will be.

“Buhari told me he wants to now show the people that he’s a true civilian president in Agbada. And by the time we finished the conversation, I said Oh God, we are finished. Because, if he’s not ready to be strict, what’s the point?

“Weeks later, months later, years later, I was proven correct. And of course, it became business as usual, only that they are a new set of tenants in Aso Rock. That was a shocker,” he said.

Politics

Electoral Reform: Dino alleges senate’s plot to rig 2027 election

Published

1 day ago

February 6, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Former lawmaker, Dino Melaye Esq, has raised concerns over the Senate’s reported rejection of the electronic transmission of election results.

The move, according to Melaye, is a clear endorsement of election rigging and an indication of a sinister plan to rig the 2027 elections.

In a statement on Friday, the former lawmaker criticized the Senate’s decision, stating that it undermines the credibility of the electoral process.

The African Democratic Congress, ADC chieftain, also stated that the move opens the door for electoral manipulation and fraud.

He further warned that the rejection of electronic transmission of results is a step backwards for democracy in Nigeria.

Melaye called on lawmakers and citizens to stand up against “this blatant attempt to undermine the will of the people and ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent”.

Politics

Electoral Act: Nigerians have every reason to be mad at Senate – Ezekwesili

Published

1 day ago

February 6, 2026

Ekwutos Blog

Former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, has said Nigerians have every reason to be mad at the Senate over the ongoing debate on e-transmission of election results.

Ezekwesili made this known on Friday when she featured in an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ monitored by DAILY POST.

DAILY POST reports that the Senate on Wednesday turned down a proposed change to Clause 60, Subsection 3, of the Electoral Amendment Bill that aimed to compel the electronic transmission of election results.

Reacting to the matter, Ezekwesili said, “The fundamental issue with the review of the Electoral Act is that the Senate retained the INEC 2022 Act, Section 60 Sub 5.

“This section became infamous for the loophole it provided INEC, causing Nigerians to lose trust. Since the law established that it wasn’t mandatory for INEC to transmit electoral results in real-time, there wasn’t much anyone could say.

“Citizens embraced the opportunity to reform the INEC Act, aiming to address ambiguity and discretionary opportunities for INEC. Yet, the Senate handled it with a “let sleeping dogs lie” approach. The citizens have every reason to be as outraged as they currently are.”