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  Opinion   Abia State has entered a troubling era where budgeting has become less a tool for economic planning and more a weapon of political deception. Citizens are increasingly disillusioned, and rightly so. Under Governor Alex Otti ’s administration, the state’s budget has transformed into an instrument of propaganda rather than a reflection of real development. Last week, Governor Otti presented the 2026 budget estimate of N1.1 trillion, christened the “ Budget of Acceleration and New Possibilities .” In comparison, other states have kept their 2026 budgets within reasonable limits, Oyo at N891 billion, Anambra at N750 billion, Ebonyi at N884 billion, and even oil-rich Akwa Ibom at N1.3 trillion. Yet, the most sobering contrast came from Lagos State : while presenting a N4.2 trillion budget, Governor Sanwo-Olu noted it would be his last budget presentation in office. Governor Otti should take note because the 2026 budget may very well be his last functional budget. ...

  News   The Member representing Obingwa-West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, has congratulated former Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu , on his nomination as a Non-Career Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR . In a statement personally signed by him, Erondu Jnr described Ikpeazu’s nomination as “well-deserved and a clear testament to his years of distinguished service, leadership depth, and commitment to the development of Abia State and Nigeria .” The House Committee Chairman on Public Service Matters noted that the former governor’s elevation to the diplomatic stage was not surprising to Abians , stressing that Dr. Ikpeazu’s record of service demonstrates the competence and maturity required to represent Nigeria with honour and excellence. The statement reads:  “I, Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, Member representing Obingwa-West State Constituency in the A...

  News   The Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has congratulated former Governor Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu on his nomination as a non-career ambassador by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , describing the appointment as well-deserved recognition of his service to the state and the nation. In a statement issued on Friday, Elder Amah Abraham, the State Chairman of Abia PDP , on behalf of the State Working Committee (SWC) and the party’s entire membership, lauded Ikpeazu’s years of dedicated leadership, visionary governance, and unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Abia State. “The nomination of Dr. Ikpeazu is a clear testament to his exemplary service, competence, and commitment to public good,” the statement read. “As a party, we are proud of his accomplishments and steadfast devotion to public service.” The statement also extended gratitude to President Tinubu for selecting Ikpeazu for this national assignment. The PDP noted that ...

  News   Former Governor of Abia State,  Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu , has been nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of Nigeria’s new non-career ambassadors, marking his entry into the country’s diplomatic corps pending Senate confirmation. Dr. Ikpeazu, who served as Abia’s chief executive between 2015 and 2023, appears on the fresh list of  32 additional ambassadorial nominees  transmitted to the Senate on Friday. His nomination stands out prominently within a lineup populated by former governors, political heavyweights, technocrats, and seasoned administrators from across the country. President Tinubu’s latest submission forwarded in two separate letters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio requests the “expeditious” screening and confirmation of  15 career diplomats  and  17 non-career nominees . The list comes just days after the first batch of three nominees was sent. The president emphasised that the nominees are being positioned...

  News   The political climate in Abia State continues to heat up as the demolition of Abia Hotels in Umuahia by the Alex Otti –led administration has triggered widespread condemnation, with multiple opposition figures alleging a systematic campaign of intimidation and suppression of dissent. According to an insider who spoke on condition of anonymity, the rift between the hotel and the state government intensified after the facility hosted the monthly meeting of the Renewed Hope Partners , a prominent support group loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu . The source claimed the government’s decision to demolish the facility shortly afterward was “punitive and clearly politically motivated.” Further investigations revealed that the hotel’s owner, Mr. Randy Ukanwoke , is currently bedridden in a United States hospital. Despite his medical condition, his attorneys are reportedly being “manipulated,” as the matter remains pending before a competent court of jurisdiction....