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Abia State's Broadcasting Corporation Goes Off-Air Due to Financial Constraints | # NwokeukwuMascot

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  News   File Image In a startling turn of events, the Abia State-owned Broadcasting Corporation (BCA) has been intermittently off the air due to an inability to fuel its power generators. The station has been relying on electricity supplied by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), but this arrangement has proven inadequate. Sources within the station, who spoke to Newsmirrorng, revealed that BCA is undergoing a challenging period marked by inconsistent broadcasting. The core issue is the lack of access to funds necessary to maintain continuous operations. The problem has been exacerbated since the introduction of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) by the Labour Party-led administration under Governor Alex Otti.  The TSA policy, designed to streamline and ensure accountability in financial transactions, has inadvertently stifled the station’s operational efficiency. One insider explained the cumbersome process involved: “If you want to buy a request card costing N350, you m

Abia PDP Resolute on Congresses, Says Nigerian Constitution Abhors Vacuum | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  News   Abia PDP Affirms Continuation of Congresses Despite Legal Challenge | #NwokeukwuMascot  File Image The Abia State chapter of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has firmly stated that its scheduled congresses will proceed as planned, despite a lawsuit filed against them in the Bende Local Government Area High Court. The lawsuit, numbered HB/3/2024, was filed by Francis Etuzu, Chidindu Kalu Kalu, and Enyinnaya Ogbu. The plaintiffs have requested the court to halt the planned ward and local government congresses scheduled for the coming weekend and to prevent the party from extending the tenure of current office holders. In a statement signed by Elder Abraham Amah, the Vice Chairman and Acting State Publicity Secretary of the Abia PDP, the party reassured its stakeholders and members that a meeting was convened to address the issue. The legal team has been instructed to review and respond to the lawsuit. The statement, titled "Dismissive Restraining Order on the Conduct

Photos: Female Truck Driver Harassed by Abia Revenue Touts Along Umuahia-Ikot Ekpene Expressway | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  News   Female Truck Driver Harassed by Revenue Touts, Causes Traffic Gridlock on Aba-Ikot Ekpene Expressway | #NwokeukwuMascot File Image Umuahia, Abia State – A significant traffic jam has developed along the Aba-Ikot Ekpene expressway, immediately after the popular timber market. following an incident involving a female truck driver and revenue touts posing as state agents. The situation has caused severe disruption, particularly after the timber market area. According to eyewitnesses, the incident occurred around 3 PM yesterday. The female driver, whose truck was loaded with cement, was reportedly harassed and physically handled by the touts. In the altercation, they allegedly seized her keys and phone, leaving her stranded and unable to move the vehicle. Mr. Anyanwu, a motorist who witnessed the event, recounted that the situation escalated when the distressed driver, in an attempt to regain control, accidentally collided with a Mercedes Benz. The touts fled the scene immediately

Wake-Up Call to Ukwa-Ngwa Sons Thrown Into Political Slavery Through the Deception of Supporting Otti | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  Opinion   …WHERE ARE MY ABIA NORTH FANS? By Eke O. Ako | #NwokeukwuMascot File Image All my Abia North friends in Lagos, Abuja, UK,  Europe & USA who swarmed my posts during Ikpeazu's regime, no longer see my posts about Alex C. Otti, who has done worse than what Ikpeazu did in 4 years. Some of them used to join my livestreams. They were always there on my posts bashing Ikpeazu. Today, the level of financial misappropriation under Otti in 1 year is worse than what happened during Ikpeazu in 4 years. It is  brazen, careless and non- challant.  Even with all the data I have presented clearly, showing industrial scale looting of the state's resources, they are not perturbed. They have hidden in their caves. They no longer talk to me. They were always in my inbox praising my efforts. You see the same folks on WhatsApp platforms defending Otti, and bashing President Tinubu. Even with the glaring evidences I produce about the mindless looting of the state's resources, they

United Nations Warns of Potential Hijacking of Planned Protests Against Economic Hardship in Nigeria | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  News    UN Warns of Potential Hijacking of Planned Protests Against Economic Hardship in Nigeria | #NwokeukwuMascot File Image ABUJA, July 24, 2024 — The United Nations Department of Safety and Security has issued a cautionary notice regarding potential hijacking of planned protests in Nigeria by groups with ulterior motives. This warning comes as various Nigerian groups prepare for a nationwide demonstration from August 1 to 10, dubbed “10 Days of Rage,” aimed at addressing the country’s escalating cost of living and economic hardship. A security assessment dated July 19, 2024, obtained by The Cable, highlights the UN’s concerns about the likelihood of violence during the upcoming protests, drawing parallels with past incidents where similar demonstrations turned volatile. The assessment reads: “Recall that in the 13–16 February 2023 interval, tensions generated by the paucity of new Naira currency (financial crisis) reached high levels amongst the civilian population, which materia

Abia PDP Challenges Gov Otti’s Administration on N11.5 Billion Education Expenditure, Says There’s Nothing to Substantiate Bogus Amounts | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  News   Abia PDP Challenges Governor Otti on Alleged N11.5 Billion Education Expenditure | #NwokeuwkuMascot File Image The Abia State chapter of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a scathing critique of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, questioning the veracity of its reported N11.5 billion expenditure on the education sector. This statement comes in the wake of the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability, and Sustainability (SEFTAS) report published on the Abia State website, which details the spending allocations but lacks tangible evidence of the purported projects. Hon. Abraham Amah, the Vice Chairman and Acting State Publicity Secretary of the Abia PDP, in the press release titled “ALEX OTTI AND THE UNVERIFIABLE N11.5B EXPENDITURE ON THE EDUCATION SECTOR.” accused the Otti’s administration of using the education budget as a conduit for siphoning state funds instead of investing in meaningful projects. The statement reads in full: “According to reports published i

Tragedy: Nigerian Police Inspector Dies by Suicide in Adamawa Amidst Financial Struggles(Photo) | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  News   File Image Adamawa State, Nigeria - Tragedy struck in Anguwan Yungur, Girei Local Government Area, as Police Inspector Dasu Kassa was found dead at his residence on Monday evening. Reports indicate that Kassa, who had recently returned from a hospital visit in Yola, the state capital, took his own life. The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the incident, with spokesperson SP Suleiman Nguroje providing details to Newsmen. "The police inspector was found dead, The Command is investigating the matter to determine the circumstances that led to his death."Nguroje stated. Photo:  Dasu Kassa While no suicide note was discovered, family sources suggest that Kassa may have been driven to despair by severe financial difficulties and mounting medical expenses. The investigation continues as authorities seek to understand the full context of this heartbreaking event.

Senate Passes Minimum Wage Hike to N70,000 | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  News   Another of Gov Otti’s Vows Put to the Test as Senate Approves New Minimum Wage | #NwokeukwuMascot File Image ABUJA – In a decisive legislative move, the Senate has approved a bill to amend the National Minimum Wage Act of 2019, raising the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. This significant change is in response to the economic challenges and persistent demands from organized labor for higher wages. The Senate also passed a complementary bill on Tuesday, aiming to shorten the interval for periodic reviews of the national minimum wage from five years to three years. The National Minimum Wage (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (SB. 550), presented by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), received swift approval after passing through its first, second, and third readings. In his address to the Senate, Senator Bamidele emphasized the bill's importance, stating, “Mr. President, Distinguished colleagues, I humbly rise to lead the debate on the general principles of

Save the Civil Service: Unmasking the Anti-Worker Agenda and Broken Promises of Alex Otti’s Government | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  Opinion   SAVE THE CIVIL SERVICE by Elder Azubuike U Nwosu  | #NwokeukwuMascot File Image It is no longer news that everything the PDP mentioned during the campaign against Alex Otti is gradually being implemented against civil servants.  Alex Otti has denied many civil servants their salaries by adopting a pattern of dropping employees, using obnoxious verification policies, and labeling people as ghost workers while they are alive and actively working. During the campaign, Alex Otti promised to clear the arrears of leave allowances owed to civil servants. However, a year has passed, and he has been busy indirectly dismissing workers. He sacked all the permanent secretaries who served under his predecessor, Okezie Ikpeazu.  Additionally, Alex Otti retired all directors with eight years of service. As if that were not enough, he reversed all command promotions given to civil servants but used the same promotions to appoint some civil servants as permanent secretaries. Alex Otti has a

Labour Party Senator Joins APC Amid Party Crisis | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  News   Imo East Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi Defects from Labour Party to APC | #NwokeukwuMascot File Image In a significant political shift, Senator Francis Ezenwa, representing Imo East Senatorial District, has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement was made by Senate Majority Leader Opeyemi Bamidele during the Senate plenary session on Tuesday. Senator Ezenwa, in his defection letter, attributed his decision to the ongoing crisis within the Labour Party. He emphasized that his move was in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution. Following the reading of his letter, Senator Ezenwa was warmly received by APC lawmakers. He was escorted to his new seat in the APC section of the Senate Chamber, marking a new chapter in his political career. Earlier that day, the Senate suspended its rules to admit Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma into the chamber. Governor Uzodimma, who serves as the Chairman of the APC Governors'

Elder Abraham Amah: The Visionary Leader Abia PDP Needs to Forge a Brighter Future | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  Opinion   Elder Abraham Amah: The True Party Man Abia PDP Needs by Nwokeukwu Mascot Nnamdi | #NwokeukwuMascot File Image In the realm of Abia politics, few names resonate with as much respect and dedication as Elder Abraham Amah. As the Abia PDP prepares for its state congress and the pivotal election of a new party chairman, it is clear that Amah’s steadfast commitment, visionary leadership, and  loyalty make him the ideal candidate to lead the party into a brighter future. As the saying goes, "the only way to predict the future is to create it today," and Amah’s election as chairman represents the proactive step necessary to secure a prosperous future for the Abia PDP. Since the unfortunate outcome of the 2023 elections, Elder Amah has emerged as the unyielding force behind the PDP’s efforts to rebuild and rebrand. His name has become synonymous with resilience, integrity, and a tireless dedication to the party’s cause. In the face of adversity, Amah has not wavered, sta

Photo: Brain Jotter Finally Meets Mike Ejeagha, the Iconic Singer Whose Song Featured in His Trending Skit | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  Entertainment   Brain Jotter Finally Meets Mike Ejeagha, the Iconic Singer Featured in His Trending Skit | #NwokeukwuMascot File Image Enugu, Nigeria- In a heartfelt moment that delighted fans, popular skit maker Brain Jotter has finally met the legendary singer Mike Ejeagha, whose song was prominently featured in one of Brainjotters trending skits.  In a recent Facebook post, Jotte shared a photograph of himself with the vintage artist, expressing his pride and joy at the meeting.  There have been calls from netizens for Brainjotter to visit Mike Ejeagha. "However, reports indicate that the skit maker had already sent a significant amount of money to the 'Ka Esi Le Onye Isi Oche' crooner in appreciation." In the post on his verified Facebook page , Brain Jotter wrote, "So happy I did this. Full story coming soon," hinting at more details to come about his encounter with the iconic musician. Photo: Brain Jotter | Mike Ejeagha Fans and followers eagerly awa

LG Autonomy: Abia Assembly Moves to Enact Law Granting State Government Access to N57 Billion of Local Government Funds, Undermining Supreme Court Ruling | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  News   Abia State House of Assembly Moves to Access Over N57 Billion for Local Government Activities Despite Supreme Court Ruling | #NwokeukwuMascot Abia House of Assembly Complex Umuahia, Abia State — July 13, 2024 — In a controversial move, the Abia State House of Assembly is set to enact legislation that would allow the state government to access over N57 billion to manage local government activities, despite a recent Supreme Court ruling affirming the financial autonomy of local governments and prohibiting state interference with LG funds. During a plenary session, the House took the first and second readings of H.A.B 18, the Abia State of Nigeria Local Councils 2024 Appropriation Bill. The bill proposes a bye-law to appropriate N56,732,136,110.00 for the services of the 17 Local Government Councils in the state for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, and for other related purposes. Details of the Bill: - The bill aims to allocate a significant budget for local government a

Gov Otti Concedes to Pressure, Meets ABSU Management, Commits to Paying 13-Month Salary Arrears in Installments Starting End of July | #NwokeukwuMascot

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  News   File Image Nbosi, July 20, 2024 — In a bid to resolve the ongoing salary crisis at Abia State University, Uturu (ABSU), Governor Alex Chioma Otti has pledged to begin payment of the 13-month salary arrears owed to university staff in installments. The announcement followed a crucial meeting with the university's management on Saturday, July 20, 2024. In a press statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, it was confirmed that Governor Otti held discussions with the Vice Chancellor of ABSU, Professor Onyemachi Ogbulu, and other university officials at his residence in Umuehim Nvosi, Isialangwa South Local Government Area from where he runs the activities of Abia State Government.  This meeting comes on the heels of a series of protests by ABSU staff, who had repeatedly expressed their frustration over the prolonged non-payment of their salaries. The protests , which effectively shut down the university, highlighted the dire financ