The Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu, has directed an immediate ban on the roasting of fish and other animals as well as cooking within the major markets in the state.
The latest directive by Governor Ikpeazu was contained in a release issued by the state commissioner of trade and investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, and made available to newsmen in Umuahia, the state capital, on Thursday.
It came on the backdrops of the fire incident on Tuesday at Line 27 of Ngwa road market in Aba.
He also directed the ministry of trade and investment to evaluate the extent of damage to goods at the two affected shops to support the concerned traders.
𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆 gathered that the inferno was as a result of a fish roaster’s stove that was left on after the closing of business.
Continuing, Governor Ikpeazu thanked God that the market authorities and other sympathizers could deploy available firefighting equipment to contain the fire quickly.
According to Abia’s chief executive, “we wish to encourage all market executives to fully implement the guidelines on fire protection within our markets including ensuring that no flammable material is allowed to be stored within the Market as well as effectively distribute fire extinguishers.”
National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu, on Monday said Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, who is a member of the G-5, has nowhere else to go.
Led by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers, Governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Seyi Makinde (Oyo), and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) are members of G-5, which is at daggers drawn with the PDP’s National Chairman and have vowed not work for the party’s presidential candidate until Ayu resigns his position.
But while speaking to a crowd of supporters during the PDP Presidential Campaign in Makurdi, Benue State capital, Ayu asked Ortom to come back to the PDP main fold so they could rebuild the party.
“I’m appealing to my younger brother, Governor Samuel Ortom, to come back to the party so we can rebuild the party. Ortom has nowhere to go,” he said.
The PDP national chairman went on to narrate how Ikpeazu visited his home after his preferred governorship aspirant lost his bid at a rerun primary election, which held following the death of the candidate, whom Ikpeazu preferred as his successor.
Ayu said, “We have resolved problem with Governor Ikpeazu and he is coming back. Two days ago, he was in my house because his candidate lost the primary.”
To the party supporters, Ayu said, “Vote for all PDP candidates; vote for our presidential candidate, the only messiah is the PDP candidate. One week is enough for us as a party to resolve our problems.”
Ahead of the forthcoming presidential election, chances are that the Governor of Abia State, Okozie Ikpeazu might dump the G-5 governors to retain his political relevance following the death of Prof. Uchenna Ikonne, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for the March 11 governorship election in the State.
Recall with 𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆 that Ikonne died on January 25 at the National Hospital Abuja. His demise was confirmed by his son, Chikezie, in a statement he issued on behalf of the family.
The governor had confirmed that Ikonne was ill and assured that he was recovering gradually and progressively, adding he would be strong enough in the future to join political campaigns. But that did not happen.
Ikonne, a former vice-chancellor of the Abia State University Uturu, ABSU, was Ikpeazu’s preferred candidate for the 2023 governorship election and he ensured Ikonne emerged against all obstacles.
Leading up to the announcement of Ikonne as the winner by the Chairman of the PDP governorship primary for Abia State, Chief Ayo Fayose, the gubernatorial primary in the State was reportedly characterised by a massive withdrawal of aspirants, who all cited “illegalities and irregularities” on the delegates list.
Governor Ikpeazu belongs to the Governor Nyesom Wike-led G-5 governors who have been embroiled in a political battle with Atiku Abubakar, the party’s presidential candidate, over the control of the party.
𝕹𝖔𝖇𝖑𝖊 𝕽𝖊𝖕𝖔𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘 𝕸𝖊𝖉𝖎𝖆 learnt that the G-5 Governors and other aggrieved party members have been clamouring for the resignation of the PDP National Chairman, Dr Iyorchia Ayu, shortly after a northerner, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, won the party’s presidential ticket.
Meanwhile, on Friday last week, the PDP announced a fresh governorship primary election to produce Ikonne’s replacement.
This is following the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, directive to the party to conduct a fresh election to replace the deceased.
The directive relied upon the provisions of the New Electoral Act on the replacement of candidates caused by death.
The party said a fresh primary would be conducted on Saturday, February 4, 2023.
“All interested aspirants are requested to collect Expression of Interest and Nomination Forms from the PDP Headquarters at Wadata Plaza, Wuse Abuja.
“The sale of both forms begins Friday, January 27 and ends on Wednesday, February 1. Screening of aspirants will be held at the PDP National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza, Abuja, on Thursday, February 2 at 11:00 am prompt”, Abia PDP Vice Chairman, Elder Abraham Amah, noted.
A top party official in the State, who is also part of the government, confided to the DAILY POST that governor Ikpeazu would be working for Atiku in the presidential election.
He said the PDP in Abia is working for Atiku Abubakar and does not see the chance of Governor Ikpeazu working for any other candidate.
He said, ”Our party (PDP) is intact. The national leadership of the party will do the right thing by giving us a good candidate. The party has made a publication to that effect that those who want to contest should go and purchase their nomination and notification of interest form. The death of Ikonne has nothing to do with G-5 governors. So we are one family.
”I am not the governor; he is entitled to his choice of support. He is a full PDP person, and I don’t see him having any other candidate, but I am not his spokesperson. Abia is PDP.
”We are one PDP family; we are working together. PDP in Abia State is working for Atiku Abubakar. We are one party. We are not divided; there is nothing like the Atiku camp and the G-5 camp in Abia State. PDP is one united family.”
Also, speaking to DAILY POST, Mr Paul Ibe, the media aide to Atiku Abubakar, said he believed that all hope was not lost in finding common ground and resolving the issues.
Mr Ibe also said the issues centred around the election and nomination of the vice presidential candidate of the party.
He acknowledged that some negotiations have happened that might be outside the public knowledge.
”The rerun primary is the responsibility of the PDP, leaders, stakeholders and delegates. In Abia State, they are the ones to determine who will replace Prof Ikonne.
“I am aware the leadership of the party has reeled out guidelines, starting with the procurement of forms, screening and all of that. And so far, so good; I don’t think there is any challenge right now. As I said, it is the responsibility of the Abia leaders, stakeholders and, most importantly, the delegates.
”This opportunity, as tragic as it is, reinforces the indivisibility of the PDP as a party. The election is going to be conducted by PDP. The governors, whether of the Abia State or any other State, are PDP governors. They will pursue the PDP agenda.
”I believe that all hope can never be lost in terms of finding common ground and resolving the issues around the election and nomination of the vice presidential candidate because that was what generated all of this.
“A resolution is underway because everybody realises that we all need to stand united around a common cause to oust the APC and recover and rebuild Nigeria. And everybody is aware of that, whichever side of the divide they may be,” Mr Ibe said.
Meanwhile, Governor Ikpeazu has assured members and supporters of the PDP in Abia State and across the country that the party remains strong, viable and united.
He gave the assurance at a meeting with PDP national leaders at the Government House, Umuahia.
The governor also informed the delegation that the State caucus met and agreed to retain the ticket in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, where Ikonne hailed from.
The National Working Committee (NWC) members included the Deputy National Chairman Amb. Umar Damagum, the National Secretary, Sen. Sam Anyanwu and the National Legal Adviser, Kamaldeen Ajibade, SAN
“The sale of both forms begins Friday January 27 and ends on Wednesday February 1. Screening of aspirants will hold at the PDP National Headquarters, Wadata Plaza l, Abuja, on Thursday February 2 at 11:00 am prompt”, Amah noted.
Aspirants are expected to present themselves to the State Working Committee, SWC, of the Abia PDP on Friday February 2, 2023 at the State Secretariat.
The statement added that further directives would be communicated when necessary.
In mid-January, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu confirmed the late governorship candidate Uche Ikonne is ill, but “recovering gradually and progressively”.
“I want to report some progress and the progress is that Ikonne is recovering gradually. He will be strong enough in the future to join,” said Ikpeazu, a PDP G5 member.
Ikonne, a professor of optometry, served as the 7th Vice-Chancellor of the Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu
Governor Okezie Ikpeazu had ordered the shutting of the church headquarters following a protracted leadership tussle rocking the church.
The order was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Chris Ezem, dated December 31, 2022.
The protesting clergymen who appeared in their cassocks, sang gospel songs while marching through the Osisioma flyover to the governor’s lodge to lay their complaint.
Some of them displayed placards with several inscriptions, including “Ikpeazu should open the national headquarters of ACCM”, “ACCM does not support tribalism, Let governor Ikpeazu unseal the headquarters of ACCM”.
The spokesmen of the church, Apostle Christopher Ogbuagu and Rev Ugochukwu Onugha, accused Ikpeazu of allegedly trying to influence the leadership of the church to favour his Kinsmen.
The duo, who admitted that there was an ongoing leadership crisis in the church which is currently before the Owerri division of the Court of Appeal wondered, why the governor took interest in the matter as a nonmember of the church.
The statement made available to our correspondent by the group read, “There is a tiny minority of the church elders mostly politicians who incidentally are relatives of the Governor of Abia state Okezie Ikpeazu who wants to foist an unpopular Bishop over the church due to the death of the former Bishop.
“Also two other senior Apostles who were next in line; the financial secretary of the church who is not a career missionary of the church rose up and is receiving the support of the governor’s kinsmen and political allies; led by Chief Theo Nkire, who was one time Attorney general of Abia state and Elder Godwin Nna, who was one-time commissioner and local government chairman; whereas the next in line is a career missionary by name Rev Apostle John U Esinna; the financial secretary’s name is Apostle P C Erondu. Over 98% of members and clergy are behind the leadership of Rev J.U Esinna, the tiny minority led by theo Nkire are using every means possible to impose P C Erondu on the church.
“The matter is even before the court of Appeal Owerri and rather than the Theo Nkire ‘s group to be patient and law-abiding and await the verdict of the Court of Appeal they have resorted to all means possible to arm-twist the church and their latest move was to get the Governor to shut down the church headquarters to put fear into the members who are against his kinsmen.
“He even declared the leaders of the pro-Esnna group wanted in the state-controlled radio station calling them criminals. The entire clergy are now fed up with the continued involvement and interference and intimidation by the Governor of Abia state, thus embarked on a peaceful protest.
“The idea is to draw the attention of the public to the meddling of the state governor in a church matter that is even before the court of Appeal and trying to intimidate the church into accepting a nonclergy as their Bishop because his relatives and political allies are involved and to inform the world that should any harm come to any of our leaders that the governor should be held responsible and that he should hand off the church
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has expressed grief on the death of the governorship candidate of Abia State Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Professor Uche Eleazar Ikonne.
Ikonne died at the age of 67.
Ohanaeze consoled the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, over Ikonne’s death.
Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the Secretary-General of Ohanaeze, described Ikonne’s death as unfortunate while extolling the exemplary and outstanding virtues of the deceased while alive.
The pan-Igbo organization noted the immense contributions, ideas, and uncommon roles of Ikonne in the medical profession, academic development, and stability of Abia State, and the entire South East.
According to Isiguzoro, the deceased’s “peaceful disposition earned him numerous appointments including [as] Rector Abia State Polytechnic Aba, 7th Vice-Chancellor of Abia State University Ututu and the PDP ticket for the Abia guber elections.”
Ohanaeze further grieved that Ikonne died at a time his vast and rich wealth of experience, lofty ideas, and wise counselling are needed towards “consolidating numerous monumental giant strides achieved by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu-led administration in the past seven years in Abia state.”
A statement by Isiguzoro reads: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo call on the Government of Abia State to immortalize late Professor Ikonne for his patriotism and unquantifiable sacrifices. The new Government House should be named after the deceased.
“And we equally want to use this medium to call on the state government to honour this great gentleman with an organized befitting burial interment for his supportive sacrifices.”
The apex Igbo group consoled the Ikonne family, the PDP in Abia State, the government, and the people of Abia state on the shocking demise of “this worthy Igbo leader.”
The Abia State Government has declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays to enable residents of the state collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The Secretary to Abia State Government, Barrister Chris Ezem, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
“Consequently, all public offices and markets are to be closed as all are enjoined to use this opportunity to visit the INEC offices or collection centres where they registered to collect their PVCs ahead of the 29th January 2023 deadline by INEC for closure of PVC collection,” the statement read.
“The Executives of the various markets in the State are directed to ensure strict compliance on the closure of their various markets or be prepared to face appropriate sanctions.”
According to the SSG, banks and those on essential duties are not affected by the government’s directive
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu has won the senstorial ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to represent Abia South senatorial district in the 2023 election.
Ikpeazu was returned unopposed as he is the sole candidate for the seat.
Gov. Ikpeazu wants to take over from the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who is also seeking to succeed Ikpeazu as Governor in 2023.
Forner Minister of State for Defense, Col. Austin Akobundu (retd.), won the ticket for Abia Central.
Akobundu garnered 186 votes to defeat Ugwuzo Chukwuemeka who secured only one vote.
Pioneer Director General of National Directorate of Employment, NDE, Chief Chuku Wachuku had earlier in the day pulled out from the race.
Wachuku cited non transparency and impunity as reasons for his withdrawal.
He alleged that the list of delegates was being shielded by those who wanted to manipulate the process.
In Abia North the senatorial contest between Senator Mao Ohuabunwa who represented the zone in the eight senate, and member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia federal consituency at the House of Representatives, was marred by violence.
The exercise which began around 4:00pm became rancorous after delegates from Umunneochi Local Government Area finished casting their ballots.
It was the turn of delegates from Isuikwuato LGA when the atmosphere because so uncontrollable that everybody scampered for safety.
Both delegates and aspirants as well as their supporters all raced out of the Ohafia Council hall, venue of the primaries.
Journalists who came to cover the exercise ran into different directions in their bid to flee from the danger zone.
Soldiers, police and other security agents had herculean task trying to bring the situation under control.
Earlier in the day, Deputy Speaker, Ifeanyi Uchendu won the House of Representatives ticket for Arochukwu/ Ohafia federal consituency to defeat his closest rival, Chief Kelvin Jombo.
Uchendu scored 36 votes while Jombo got 28 votes.
Speaker, Abia House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Chinedum Orji, also secured the ticket for Ikwuano/Umuahia federal consituency.
Similarly, former House of Representatives member, Hon. Nnenna Ukaeje won the ticket for Bende federal consituency.
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has promised to support the families of traders killed during last week’s attack at the new Omuma-Uzo Cattle Market.
Ikpeazu made the pledge when he received leaders of the Hausa Community as well as Hausa leaders from Gombe and Adamawa State at the Aba Governor’s Lodge.
A statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Onyebuchi Ememankah, said the state government will also provide support to families of those who lost their lives during the attack and take care of the medical bills of the injured.
Describing the incident as unfortunate and condemnable, while commiserating with the families of the victims, Ikpeazu said the state government would also assist those whose livestock were killed to enable them to carry on with their businesses.
He restated his administration’s commitment to the security and welfare of all residents, irrespective of tribe or religion.
The governor said his administration accorded great priority to issues of peace and harmony.
Ikpeazu said that the security chiefs in the state are working tirelessly to fish out the perpetrators of the ugly incident, and they will not go unpunished.
“Every necessary step would be taken to avert future occurrences of such dastardly actions,” he said.
He, therefore, advised members of the Hausa community to feel free to interact with the people without fear, saying that his administration was capable of protecting their lives and property.
This is contained in a statement by the state’s Commissioner for Education, Dr Kanaelechi Nwangwa, in Abia on Friday.
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, has approved the reopening of all schools in the state on Monday, Jan. 11, for the continuation of the first term of 2020/2021 academic session.
Nwangwa directed all school heads and proprietors to ensure the observance of COVID-19 protocols for the safety of teachers and students.
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He said that this was imperative following the the second wave of the COVID-19 in Nigeria.
“They should also note that by this directive, the first term of 2020/2021 will now officially end on Wednesday Feb. 10, 2021.
“This is to ensure that the first term runs a full course as expected.
“Any school proprietor that shortchanges this schedule and decides to cut corners by running an abridged term will be appropriately sanctioned.
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“The duration of the first term for the 2020/2021 academic session is from Nov. 2, 2020 to Feb. 10, 2021 with the Christmas break in-between,” he said.
Nwangwa urged school heads and proprietors to be properly guided by the directive to avoid unwanted consequences.
The governor noted that the activities of touts had increased in parts of the state due to the culture of revenue collection along major roads.
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has banned the collection of revenue along major roads to check activities of touts in the state.
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Ikpeazu made the announcement in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Onyebuchi Ememanka, and made available to newsmen in Aba on Saturday
He said that revenue collection along major roads had been hijacked by touts, who had become nuisance to residents.
Ikpeazu further directed the Chairman of Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area, Mr Christian Kamalu, to immediately rid the Osisioma Flyover of touts to restore decency.
“Henceforth, is has become illegal for any revenue agent to waylay or harass motorists or other road users along major roads in the state.
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“The police and other law enforcement agencies have been told to enforce this directive, anybody found culpable will face the law,” he said.
Activities of touts had remained visible in the state despite a law passed by the Abia House of Assembly, and the state governent banning touting in 2016.
Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia has ordered the immediate suspension of his Chief of Staff, Dr Anthony Agbazuere.
A statement issued on Sunday in Umuahia by Mr Chris Ezem, the Secretary to the State Government, said the Permanent Secretary, Government House, Mr Alozie Odoemelam, would perform Agbazuere’s duties till further notice.
Noble Reporters Media(NoRM) reports Agbazuere was appointed as the Chief of Staff to the Governor on Nov. 5, 2019.
Noble Reporters Media 