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  News   File Image Umuahia  – Another industrial crisis is brewing in Abia State as the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), Abia State Chapter, has issued a fresh 7-day ultimatum to the state government over its failure to implement Financial Autonomy, the Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS), and Administrative Autonomy as mandated by law. In a letter dated January 30, 2025, and addressed to Governor Alex Otti, PASAN reminded the government of an earlier 14-day ultimatum issued on November 19, 2024, which was ignored despite being in line with the constitutional provisions of Nigeria and Law No. 8 of 2019 of the Abia State House of Assembly. The association stated that after a review of its engagement with government officials, it was observed that “no single action was taken to avert the industrial crisis.” The latest ultimatum, effective from January 31 to February 10, 2025, signals the imminent withdrawal of services by parliamentary st...

  News   File Image Ugwunagbo, Abia State –  Tension is brewing in Ugwunagbo Local Government Area as the Ugwunagbo People’s Alliance (UPA), a socio-political group representing the interests of the people, has strongly condemned a planned town hall meeting allegedly organized by the LGA Chairman, Mr. Iheanacho Chiemela Wagbara, and sponsored by Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti. In a press statement issued on Thursday, January 30, 2025, and signed by  Chief Dr. Joe Umunna ,  Mrs. Iheoma Nwangu, Esq. , and  Comrade Obi Jude —the President, Secretary, and Public Relations Officer (PRO) of UPA, respectively—the group described the meeting, scheduled for Friday, January 31, as an act of provocation and a blatant disregard for due process. The group insists that the initiative was originally conceived through extensive consultations among Ugwunagbo youths and should not proceed without their direct involvement and approval. The statement reads in full:  “...

  Opinion   A Burial for Abia as the 2024 Financial Report is Published  | #NwokeukwuMascot File Image The more things change, the worse they become, this is the unfortunate reality of Abia state today. Yesterday, the Abia State Government published the 2024 financial report on its official website, abiastate.gov.ng. It is important to note that publishing and hosting this report is mandatory, just as it is for the other 36 states, including the FCT and the Federal Government. The mandatory publication of Financial report started in 2017 and is a World bank strategy of enhancing transparency among national and sub nationals and there are financial incentive for meeting deadlines. The project is warehoused under SFTAS programme. If we were concerned about the 2023 financial report, then Abians should brace themselves for an even more troubling reality, as the 2024 report reveals shocking details of financial expenditures. It is also crucial to understand that these fi...

  Opinion   Re- Obinna Oriaku : The unrepentant and cynical scoundrel | #NwokeukwuMascot I served as Abia’s Commissioner for Finance from 2015 to 2019, and I take full responsibility for everything that transpired during my tenure. I am immensely proud of that period when our allocations both State and local governments were at an all-time low, hovering around N3.7 billion naira, compared to the staggering N18 billion naira we see today. Fact-check me if you must. In light of the financial mismanagement we’ve witnessed, I am convinced that Governor Ikpeazu’s administration ( 2015 to 2019) was far more prudent than the current one, especially when you consider that we reduced the security vote during the economic recession, while today, over N1 billion naira is allocated to monthly security vote . The Exco allowance for Commissioners was reduced in 2015 from N1m to N500k. Obinna Oriaku reduced his official allowance for Abuja trips from N1.6m to 500k throughout the 4 years he s...

  News   File Image Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has extended heartfelt congratulations to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for being honored with the prestigious “Minister of the Year” award at the ThisDay/Arise Awards. The award celebrates Wike’s exemplary leadership and his pragmatic approach to governance, particularly his impactful infrastructural strides and result-oriented management of the FCT. His bold initiatives and unwavering commitment to effective governance were highlighted as hallmarks of his dedication to public service. In his congratulatory message, Ikpeazu praised Wike for his outstanding contributions to nation-building and public administration, describing the recognition as well-deserved. He commended Wike’s ability to implement policies that foster development and improve the lives of citizens. “This award is a reflection of your exceptional contributions to the progress of our country,” Ikpeazu sta...

  Politics   File Image The rebranding and rebuilding efforts of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area and Abia State at large continue to gain momentum, as prominent individuals align with the party. On Sunday, January 26, 2025, the vibrant Chairman of the PDP Osisioma Ngwa chapter,  Barr. (Prince) Emeka Onyenso,  hosted a notable addition to the party’s fold. Mr. Jude Akubueze, a prominent businessman and philanthropist from Aro Ngwa, officially presented himself and his PDP membership card to the LGA Chairman at Onyenso’s residence. Mr. Akubueze, the CEO of Next Level Hotel in Lagos, recently joined the PDP through his Aro Ngwa Ward 4. His decision to align with the party marks a significant boost to the PDP’s ongoing efforts to consolidate its position as a united and inclusive political force in the region. In his remarks, Barr. (Prince) Onyenso warmly welcomed Mr. Akubueze, commending his decision to join the PDP. He assured...