Politics
WE’RE ONLY INTERESTED IN RECOVERING OUR LOOTED FUNDS, NOT FIGHTING ANYONE – GOV OTTI
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, says his government is not out to fight or witch-hunt anybody but only interested in preserving the people’s commonwealth and recovering whatever funds that belong to the state that may have been looted.
Governor Otti, who was reacting to the report of forensic audit in the state which revealed that the immediate past administration had spent tens of billions of Naira on non existent projects, including the so-called Abia Airport, said this measure is all about enthroning good governance in the state.
The Governor spoke on Sunday at Umuehim, Nvosi, Isialangwa South, during a solidarity visit by hundreds of supporters, various groups and loyalists of the member representing Isialangwa South State Constituency, Hon. Rowland Chinwendu. He insisted that all he wants is the progress and development of Abia State, adding that if the airport was not built, the money voted for the project should be returned.
“I established forensic audit of our account as soon as I was sworn in and the report turns out that a lot of money was looted, stolen brazenly and part of the one I mentioned was the 10 billion Naira Abia airport project. They started insulting me. If you follow what is happening in the media, you would know that what I said is true.
“We are looking for our money. If we are not able to find the airport, they would have to refund us our money. We are not pursing anybody, they should refund the money they stole, let’s use it to work for our people.
“Our place must develop. We will continue to build road, we will continue cleaning up the environment, we would continue to create jobs, we will continue to put our state on the map. Our educational system must be completely revamped, our hospital system must not only work but will be to that level where the rest of the world is today,” the Governor said.
The state chief executive used the occasion to disclose that his administration would soon commence a medical city project in Abia, which would turn Abia into a major medical tourist destination, especially for people with serious health challenges to receive care.
Governor Otti described the solidarity visit by Hon. Chinwendu, popularly called Caesar, and his group of supporters as a good omen. He thanked Chinwendu for his support in the State House of Assembly, saying that they have been working together since the inception of the 8th Assembly.
Speaking, Senator Darlington Nwokocha noted that Governor Otti has through his unprecedented achievements in just eleven months in office redefined politics and Governance. He noted that Abians are now proud of their state and lauded Hon. Chiwendu for coming with his supporters to identify with the Governor.
In his speech, Hon. Chiwendu noted that the people of Isialangwa South sent him to the House to represent their interest with its attendant democracy dividends, pointing out that he cannot afford to be seen as an opposition to the Governor, who comes from the same local goverment area with him.
The lawmaker, while commending Governor Otti for the ongoing reconstruction of Umuikaa-Umuene road among other projects in the area, said that he brought his supporters to identify with the Governor and tell him that they are proud of his achievements in office.
KAZIE UKO
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
Abia State
Government House, Umuahia
May 6, 2024.
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.
PRESIDENT TINUBU’S TRIBUTE TO CENTENARIAN ALHAJI TANKO YAKASAI
I’m still in PDP – Wike replies Turaki, dismisses expulsion
Boris Johnson Says He Feels “Perfectly Safe” in Nigeria, Praises Imo State’s Progress
-
Business1 year ago
US court acquits Air Peace boss, slams Mayfield $4000 fine
-
Trending1 year agoNYA demands release of ‘abducted’ Imo chairman, preaches good governance
-
Politics1 year agoMexico’s new president causes concern just weeks before the US elections
-
Politics1 year agoPutin invites 20 world leaders
-
Politics1 year agoRussia bans imports of agro-products from Kazakhstan after refusal to join BRICS
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky falls ill in police custody, rushed to hospital
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Bobrisky transferred from Immigration to FCID, spends night behind bars
-
Education1 year ago
GOVERNOR FUBARA APPOINTS COUNCIL MEMBERS FOR KEN SARO-WIWA POLYTECHNIC BORI