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ICAN LAUDS GOVERNOR OTTI’S EXEMPLARY LEADERSHIP, TRANSFORMATION OF ABIA

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The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) has commended the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, for his exemplary leadership and commitment in the transformation of the State.


ICAN said Governor Otti, through various innovative initiatives such as the recently inaugurated Geometric Power project, which promises reliable power supply, and numerous road rehabilitation and reconstruction across the State, has impacted positively on the citizenry.

The Institute made its position known on Tuesday, when the Governing Council paid a working visit to the Abia Governor at his residence in Umuehim, Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area.

The President of ICAN, Dr. Innocent Okwuosa, who spoke through the Registrar and Chief Executive, Lanre Olasunkanmi, described the infrastructural upgrades going on in Abia as game-changers that would have positive impacts on businesses and the overall well-being of the people of the state.

“On behalf of the Governing Council and the entire membership of the Institute, we laud your Government, Sir, for your exemplary leadership and commitment to transformative change in Abia State through various innovative initiatives.

“We commend the inauguration of the Geometric Power Project in Aba, which promises reliable power supply, the ambitious road rehabilitation and construction projects, amongst others.

“These are all gamechangers for businesses and residents in the commercial hub of the State. It gives us great pleasure at the Institute that the residents of Abia State are expressing appreciation for the transformative initiatives that will not only ease transportation but also positively impact economic activities and enhance their overall quality of life,” the ICAN President said.

The Council while thanking Governor Otti for the strategic appointment of their members in various positions of trust, also called for the inclusion of more chartered accountants in his government as invaluable assets in enhancing revenue generation, streamlining governance processes, and stimulating economic growth.

Governor Otti thanked the Institute for visiting and expressed readiness to collaborate with ICAN and encouraged them on continued adherence to principles of professionalism and ethical conduct in the accounting profession.

The Governor, who reiterated his dedication to ethical governance, said his administration is very intentional about formulating programmes and policies geared towards the welfare of the people.

“I’ll like to assure you that we will continue to do the right thing. It’s only when you do the right thing that you can go to bed and sleep with your two eyes closed.

“We are very intentional about our programmes. Our programmes are geared towards the welfare of the people.

“When we insist on paying salaries, on the 28th of every month unfailingly; when we insist on paying our retirees, old, frail and weak people, every month quite unlike what was happening here in the past; when we are building roads, when we are retrofitting hospitals and fixing our schools, we just want life to be better for the ordinary person.

“When we insist on securing the State, we want people to come in and go out without let or hinderance. We want to assure you that we will continue our people-oriented services,” Governor Otti stated.

He emphasised his administration’s commitment to timely payment of salaries and pensions, infrastructure development, improvement of the healthcare and education sectors, as well as job creation, among others.

The Governor noted that the state was committed to facilitating business operations, hence the setting up of an “Ease of Doing Business Agency”, which would eliminate all road blocks and enhance a seamless process for entrepreneurs to set up their businesses in the State.

Governor Otti said his government would continue to encourage investments in Abia, assuring investors of a conducive business environment, even as he urged ICAN members not to hesitate in marketing Abia as the right place for investment.

Highlight of the visit was the presentation of the incoming 60th President of the Institute, Chief Davidson Alaribe, and extension of invitation to the Governor on the formal investiture ceremony of the new president taking place in Lagos on June 4.

The Council equally used the opportunity to invite the Governor as a keynote speaker at the upcoming 54th Annual Accountants Conference, holding between 7th to 11th October, 2024 in Abuja, which, according to the Council, would provide a platform for attendees to benefit greatly from the leadership insights, governance and economic policy of Governor Otti.

The ICAN delegation was led by Mr. Chidi Ajaegbu, the 50th President of the Institute, who was joined by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Kenneth Kalu; Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna and Accountant-General, Dr. Njum Onyemenam, all Fellows of the accounting body.

Also, present were the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Okey Kanu; and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo.

KAZIE UKO
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Abia State
Government House, Umuahia
May 7, 2024.

 

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ADC coalition full of people with presidential ambitions – Datti Baba-Ahmed

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Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the running mate of Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election, has observed that the opposition coalition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is full of people with presidential ambitions.

Ekwutosblog reports that the coalition consists of political bigwigs including former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, ex-Labour Party presidential candidate, Obi, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, ex-Kaduna State governor Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former Senate President David Mark, and numerous others.

Baba-Ahmed, speaking in an interview with Trust TV, explained that the ADC does not have a politician in the mould of Bola Tinubu that suppressed his presidential ambition to give a platform to the likes of Atiku in 2007 or former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015.

 

Noting that the coalition is full of options and and resources, Datti Baba-Ahmed said the downside is that the coalition is also full of ambitions.

“Ambitions have to be reduced and have to be managed carefully for it to stand the test of time in the history of Nigeria’s politics,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed insisted that he has not seen a clear strategy from the coalition leaders that could defeat Tinubu. He stressed that his submissions are not a criticism of the coalition.

“If you do business as usual against a seating government like Tinubu’s, the person would not win” he noted, stressing that there is a need to think outside the box.

“To achieve an impossible feat, one truly need an impossible strategy,” the former presidential running mate stated.

Stressing that Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) understand how to defeat Atiku, he advised that the ADC should not present him for the presidential election in 2027.

He said, “If you bring Atiku, they know how to work against Atiku, and he is welcome to win, if he wins we will support him. You need that candidate they can’t understand, they don’t know where to catch, that is how to win an election.”

Baba-Ahmed advised that the ADC should present someone that can carry the day in the 2027 elections, as the APC did when Buhari emerged as the party’s presidential candidate in 2015.

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2027: Nigerians stand with Tinubu – Sanwo-Olu warns ADC-led opposition

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has strongly dismissed the relevance of a proposed political coalition seeking to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 general election, asserting that the movement lacks substance and direction.

Speaking in Lagos during an interactive session with journalists and political stakeholders, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in the President’s ongoing reform agenda and the sustained support of the Nigerian people. He described the coalition, reportedly aligning with the African Democratic Congress, ADC, as a “needless distraction” aimed at derailing the country’s progress.

“Nigerians will never go back to Egypt,” Sanwo-Olu said, suggesting that the country has moved beyond the political ideologies and approaches of the past.

“The goal of this coalition is clear, to distract the Commander-in-Chief and obstruct the tangible social and economic progress being achieved. But President Tinubu understands the game and remains focused,” he said.

The proposed alliance features a number of political heavyweights, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former governors Nasir el-Rufai and Rauf Aregbesola. Despite their credentials, Sanwo-Olu maintained that the coalition represents what he termed a convergence of “discontented actors” rather than a serious alternative to the current administration.

He stressed that President Tinubu’s leadership has produced measurable outcomes, citing improved foreign exchange stability, the implementation of a student loan initiative, enhanced revenue for subnational governments following fuel subsidy removal, tax reforms, increased oil production, and advancements in infrastructure and minimum wage policies.

“President Tinubu is not just a leader but a nation-builder. His legacy of empowerment and vision continues to drive meaningful change across Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

Responding to questions on whether the President or the All Progressives Congress, APC, feel threatened by the growing opposition, Sanwo-Olu was unequivocal: “There is no need for concern. Nigerians are discerning, they recognize real leadership and results when they see them. The record speaks louder than political noise.”

He also echoed sentiments previously expressed by some presidential aides, who characterized the coalition as a group of “political desperados” and “internally displaced politicians,” who should be ignored.

“They offer no new vision, only grievances. Their alliance is rooted in opposition to the President rather than a unifying ideology. Such efforts are bound to collapse under their own contradictions,” he added.

When asked what guidance he would offer the President amid the political rhetoric, Sanwo-Olu’s message was simple: “Stay the course. Millions of Nigerians, across party lines, recognize the difficulty of governance and the complexity of rebuilding a challenged economy. They trust his leadership and are firmly behind him.”

He urged the public to remain focused and resilient, stressing that distractions should not deter the administration from its commitment to national development.

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2027: Owerri West APC Ward 10 Political Leader, Hon.Duru Dumps Uzodimma, Joins ADC

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By Dan Opara

In a bold political move that has sent ripples through the political landscape of Imo State, a prominent grassroots mobilizer and strong advocate of good governance, Hon. Duru Obinna Benjamin, has officially resigned from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and declared allegiance to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Hon. Duru, a former Councillor in Owerri West Local Government Area, served as APC Ward Chairman for Irete/Orogwe Ward 10 and held several key positions within the party’s structure, including serving as the Camp Hope Coordinator and Interim Management Council (IMC) Councilor.

Known for his grassroots engagement and unwavering passion for people-centered leadership, Hon. Duru’s defection marks a significant realignment ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In an official resignation letter dated July 4, 2025, and obtained by ThePressman Newspaper, Hon. Duru addressed the APC Ward Chairman and party members, formally notifying them of his decision to withdraw his membership from the party.

The letter, now circulating widely across social media platforms, highlighted his reasons for quitting and declared his new political direction.

“After careful reflection, I have concluded that my values and vision for our nation no longer align with the current direction of the APC, which, in my opinion, is no longer committed to the principles of good governance and inclusive leadership,” the letter read in part.

He further appreciated all those who supported him during his time in the APC, expressing gratitude for their trust, partnership, and shared efforts in advancing the party’s goals over the years.

Hon. Duru emphasized that his move to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is driven by a renewed desire to contribute to a political platform that promotes people-oriented policies, national development, and sustainable economic recovery.

“I am proud to announce that I have officially joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — a party I believe is better positioned to serve the interests of Nigerians and drive national transformation,” he stated.

In a follow-up interview with ThePressman, Hon. Duru confirmed that his decision was not only deliberate but deeply inspired by the need to embrace a progressive party capable of tackling the challenges facing Nigeria today.

“Governor Hope Uzodimma and the APC have failed to fulfill the hopes of many. The economic hardship and leadership gaps persist, and I can no longer continue to align with a party that has lost direction. The ADC is now the beacon of hope for Nigerians,” he said confidently.

As the 2027 elections draw nearer, political observers in Imo State and beyond will be keenly watching how this defection and others like it will shape the fortunes of major parties in the region.

Hon. Duru’s move to ADC is a signal that the opposition is strengthening, and that political dynamics in Owerri West and Imo State at large may take a new turn in the coming months.

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