Ikechukwu Agu

Ikechukwu Agu Media Consultant with over 30 years experience. Presently, the
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23/12/2024

Press Release

Public Safety Alert

The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, wishes to commiserate with the families and loved ones of victims of stampede that happened in Oyo, Abuja and Anambra.

Following this frightening upsurge in cases of stampede being witnessed in different parts of the country, especially this festive period, as a result of challenges with crowd-control by organisers and participants in different events/programmes, the Governor wishes to call on organisers of all kinds of programmes that would require a reasonable crowd, to make sure they put in place all safety measures to avoid a stampede of any type that may lead to loss of lives.

The government also wishes to strongly warn against any unethical practices like spraying or throwing of money, or gift items into a crowd of people, given its propensity to lead to a stampede.

Organisers of any event that would require a large crowd of people, should get across to the Abia State Homeland Security or Local Government Authority for the necessary guide and support to ensure safety of attendees.

Finally, the government shall come down very hard on any person or group that ignores this safety directive.

Ferdinand Ekeoma
Special Adviser to the Governor
Media and Publicity
December 22, 2024.

23/12/2024

Abia State Launches Free Christmas Transportation for Indigent Abians | SEE ROUTES INSIDE

In a heartwarming initiative to reunite families during the festive season, the Abia State Government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, has approved free round-trip transportation for nearly 1,000 indigent citizens. This move ensures that Abians without financial means can celebrate the 2024 Yuletide season with their loved ones at home.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Office of the Executive Governor, covers selected routes across Nigeria. These routes include Kaduna, Jos, Kano, Niger, Maiduguri, Abuja, and Lagos, with coordinated pick-up and return schedules for the beneficiaries.

Pick-Up Locations and Dates:
Kaduna - Umuahia: Departure on December 22, 2024, Return on January 5, 2025
Jos - Umuahia: Departure on December 20, 2024, Return on January 6, 2025
Kano - Umuahia: Departure on December 24, 2024, Return on January 6, 2025
Niger - Umuahia: Departure on December 23, 2024, Return on January 4, 2025
Maiduguri - Umuahia: Departure on December 22, 2024, Return on January 10, 2025
Abuja - Umuahia: Departure on December 21, 2024, Return on January 4, 2025
Lagos - Umuahia: Departures on December 21, 22, and additional dates with 29 buses on a rolling basis
In partnership with reputable transport companies, the state government has ensured safe and reliable transit for the beneficiaries. The process, coordinated through the Abia State Liaison Offices in Lagos and Umuahia, also involved collaborations with Abia-based associations to identify and process eligible citizens.

Governor Otti’s initiative underscores his commitment to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that no citizen is left behind during the season of love and celebration. This program marks a significant step in prioritizing the welfare of Abians, particularly the indigent population, during the festive period.

Speaking on the development, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, praised the governor’s dedication to community-centered policies, adding that this initiative reflects the administration's values of care and compassion.

23/12/2024

𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐤 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐚𝐱 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬

Elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark, has faulted the pushback by the 19 northern governors against the tax reform bills introduced by President Bola Tinubu.

“As far as I am concerned, that tax bill must go on,” the nonagenarian said on the Sunday.

The new tax bills introduced by the Tinubu administration have been enveloped in widespread controversy and sparked scathing criticisms and stiff opposition from many including the 36 state governors under the aegis of the National Economic Council (NEC).

The 19 governors in northern Nigeria have also unequivocally rejected sections of the bills and called for the withdrawal of the bills from the National Assembly.

Clark, the leader of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), faulted the stance of the northern governors after NEC took a position.

The PANDEF leader said the President needs wisdom to govern Nigeria “because certain individuals want to run this country as their own country. When they decide to share, they must ask where the money they are sharing comes from. So, you must pay tax”.

Clark also expressed displeasure over the stance of NEC on the tax bills, saying the governors and Vice President Kashim Shettima are turning the council into an executive body.

Clark said Nigeria does not belong to the President and he should stop appointing his allies as ministers.

“I think the leadership should embrace everybody in this country…But today, you look for all your friends, whether they are competent, whether they are honest; it’s wrong.

“Nigeria does not belong to Mr President; Nigeria belongs to everybody. Every Nigerian is equal. And unless we believe that every Nigerian can rise to the top of the position, otherwise there will be no Nigeria, the problems will be there,” he said.

23/12/2024

𝐀𝐭𝐢𝐤𝐮 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐨𝐮𝐛𝐭𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐮'𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭, 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐰𝐬

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar says the ₦49.7tn 2025 budget proposed by President Bola Tinubu is inadequate to address Nigeria’s structural and economic challenges.

In a statement on Sunday, Atiku said the “2025 budget’s capacity to foster sustainable economic growth and tackle Nigeria’s deep-rooted challenges is questionable”

On Wednesday, Tinubu presented the budget estimate before a joint session of the National Assembly. Security and defence, infrastructure, health and education were some of the sectors with high allocations in the ₦49.7tn budget proposal.

Tinubu listed some of the highlights of the budget as defence and security – N4.91tn, infrastructure – N4.06tn, health – N2.4tn, education – N3.5tn, among others.

However, Atiku said the proposal “reflects a continuation of business-as-usual fiscal practices”.

23/12/2024

𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐦𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐧 #𝐄𝐧𝐝𝐁𝐚𝐝𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐬, 𝐒𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐀𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲

The police authorities on Sunday has denied allegations of extrajudicial killings during the Protests.

Briefing journalists in Abuja, Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the claims in November 28 report by Amnesty International were false, misleading, and damaging to the image of the force.

Among other things, Amnesty International accused the police of hurting unarmed protesters and claimed that at least 24 people were killed in six northern states.

But Adejobi stated that the Force had constituted a Special Investigative Panel to verify the claims.

“These allegations are not only false and misleading but are also a clear attempt to incite the general public against the police and tarnish the image of the Nigeria Police Force in the eyes of the international community,” he said.

“The Nigeria Police Force categorically denies the allegations of excessive use of force as claimed by Amnesty International as these claims are false, misleading, and an unfair misrepresentation of the actions and conduct of our officers.”

He referenced some cases cited in the report, saying that contrary to the organisation’s claims, findings by the police indicated that police personnel didn’t use grenades in Borno State.

The Force spokesman also debunked allegations that three individuals were shot dead in Suleja area of Niger State.

Adejobi said the alleged killing of a 21-year-old in Katsina was also found to be untrue, adding that local sources confirmed that no such incident occurred.

According to Adejobi, the Force operates under the highest professional standards and remains fully committed to upholding human rights and the rule of law.

He insisted that police operatives deployed for protest management are regularly being trained in compliance with international human rights standards.

“The Nigeria Police Force will in due time be writing the Amnesty International to demand for a retraction of this report from the public space and with a public apology.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in protecting the rights of all citizens while ensuring the security and stability of the nation.

“We therefore urge the public to be wary of sensational reports designed to incite mistrust and weaken confidence in law enforcement institutions,” Adejobi maintained.

23/12/2024

𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐮'𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩, 𝐒𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐏𝐃𝐏

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the three recent food stampedes in Nigeria as “an ugly testament to the alarming level of misery, poverty, hunger, starvation, sense of hopelessness and desperation for survival currently plaguing our nation” under the President Bola Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

In a statement on Sunday, PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba said the tragic stampedes at private food distribution events in Oyo and Anambra states as well as Abuja which claimed the lives of over 60 citizens could have been averted.

The PDP commiserated with the families of the victims of the three food queue stampedes and called for urgent medical attention for the survivors.

The party said, “The PDP is devastated that the APC-led administration has wrecked our once thriving economy and pushed millions of Nigerians deeper into abject poverty and hunger with many citizens, not being able to afford their daily meals, now resorting to su***de and desperate measures including slavery mission abroad and fighting for crumbs for survival.

“It is heartbreaking that despite our abundant resources as a nation, Nigerians have been subjected to agonizing life where they die struggling for food.”

The PDP said the APC administration should wake up and not continue in “arrogant false performance claims including empty assurances of food sufficiency while deliberately failing to make the required investments to boost the productive sector, particularly in agriculture and food production”.

The party said the Tinubu government should immediately “review the hasty implementation of the suffocating policies of abrupt increase in the price of petroleum products and the floating of the Naira, despite the crippling consequences on the productive sector and life-discounting effect on the citizenry”.

The PDP called on Nigerians to hold the Tinubu-led APC administration responsible for the remote cause of these tragic occurrences for which it must recompense.

“Our Party insists that any administration that is sensitive and cares for the people would have since introduced intervention programmes to ease the suffering and improve on the welfare of the masses which is the primary purpose of government,” the PDP said.

23/12/2024

𝐈𝐦𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬

The Imo State Government has warned its indigenes planning to return to the state during the Christmas and New Year celebrations to avoid falling for a deceptive travel offer aimed at exploiting them by some suspected fraudsters.

Oguwike Nwachuku, the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodimma, issued this warning in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday.

According to him, some suspected fraudsters have devised a scheme targeting unsuspecting individuals, offering free transport from Lagos to various towns in Imo State, including Owerri, Okigwe, and Orlu, under the false pretence of a government-backed initiative.

Sounding the alarm on Sunday, Nwachuku revealed that the perpetrators had circulated a fake press release, falsely claiming it was issued by his office to lend credibility to their fraudulent plan.

He clarified that the statement offering free buses for Imo indigenes travelling home for the holidays, with departure dates of December 24, 2024, for the trip to Imo, and January 4, 2025, for the return journey to Lagos, was both false and fraudulent.

The CPS denied involvement in the scheme, warning the public that the travel offer was “false and deceptive, and it could not have come from the government.

“The Office of the Chief Press Secretary/Special Adviser Media to the Governor did not issue any statement on the trending fraudulent travel plan,” Nwachuku stated.

He further warned the traveling indigenes of the state across Nigeria not to fall for the scam.

He urged those planning to travel home for the holidays to remain vigilant and not engage with the fraudulent scheme, warning that their safety and security could be at risk if they do.

The statement partly read, “Therefore, the general public, particularly Imolites who live in Lagos and any other part of the country and who intend to be home for the Yuletide, should not take the statement and the authors seriously, as they will be doing so at their peril.”

23/12/2024

𝐍𝐝𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚

Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has stated that the North is not parasitic or dependent, particularly in economic matters.

Ndume, who represents the Borno South Senatorial District in the National Assembly, said on Sunday that all states, zones, and regions in Nigeria are interdependent and rely on one another for survival, irrespective of their individual resources.

“The North was, is, and will never be a parasite or dependent on any region or even the country. We are assets, not liabilities, to Nigeria. Those who believe the current tax reforms are targeted against northern interests are naive. The law applies equally to all low- and middle-income Nigerians,” he declared.

The senator called for prudence and transparency in governance, emphasising the need for Nigeria’s resources to be effectively managed for the benefit of all citizens.

On the proposed tax reforms, Ndume criticised their timing and expressed concerns that the economic challenges faced by Nigerians could worsen if the bills were implemented without adequate consultation.

“I insist that the Tax Reforms Bills be withdrawn for broader consultations and engagement with critical stakeholders, including state and local governments and the private sector,” he said.

Ndume also urged the Federal Inland Revenue Service to focus on broadening the tax base and improving collection efficiency.

He called for greater contributions from commercial banks, which he noted declare significant profits annually.

23/12/2024

𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐀𝐏 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐓𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐛𝐮, 𝐒𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚'𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐍𝟖.𝟕𝐛𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐁𝐮𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, to slash proposed budgets for the Presidency and the National Assembly.

The organisation argued that the funds, amounting to N9.4bn for the Presidency’s travel, meals, and catering expenses, and N344.85bn for lawmakers, could be redirected to mitigate the country’s growing budget deficit.

In a letter dated December 21, 2024, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP urged the National Assembly to request a fresh supplementary appropriation bill from President Bola Tinubu.

The bill, SERAP said, should reflect reduced allocations for both the Presidency and the legislature, aligning with Nigeria’s dire economic situation.

It warned that “Any proposed unnecessary spending by the Presidency and the National Assembly would amount to a fundamental breach of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended).

“It would be a grave violation of the public trust and constitutional oath of office for the members of the National Assembly to approve unnecessary spending for themselves and the Presidency.”

SERAP further demanded a detailed breakdown of the National Assembly’s proposed N344.85bn budget, including allocations for personnel costs, salaries, and allowances.

It also urged lawmakers to summon heads of ministries, departments, and agencies implicated in the mismanagement of funds as revealed in the 2021 audit report by the Office of the Auditor-General.

SERAP urged lawmakers to demand a fresh supplementary appropriation bill from President Bola Tinubu that reflects reduced allocations for both the Presidency and the legislature.

23/12/2024

𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐈𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬

The Nigeria Police Force has denied reports purporting that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun instructed Nigerians to physically assault and throw stones at police officers, who request to search through their cell phones.

A screenshot of a report titled, “Beat up any policeman who asks to check your phone, stone him if he has a gun, make sure you fight back because it is your right to have a phone”, and credited to the IGP went viral on Sunday.

Reacting, the Nigeria Police in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi described the report as fake.

According to the Force PRO, the claim “is entirely false and has no basis in reality’.

“The IGP has not issued any such directive encouraging violence against law enforcement officers.

“Instead, he has called on citizens to report instances of police misconduct through appropriate channels.

“This approach underscores the importance of accountability and maintaining the rule of law, rather than resorting to violent actions”, the statement added.

23/12/2024

𝐌𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐝𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐖𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐄𝐛𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐢 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐘𝐚𝐦-𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐫𝐠𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

A 40-year-old Ebonyi man, identified as Joshua Nwafor, has reportedly killed his wife, Charity, over a tuber of yam in Nsokkara, Ezza South Local Government Area of the state.

It was gathered that the incident occurred in the couple’s home, where they had lived peacefully for 17 years.

An eyewitness told newsmen that trouble started when Joshua brought out yam to cook for the family, but the wife insisted on having roasted yam instead and went ahead to roast it.

This disagreement escalated when Joshua became angry, dragged his wife into the room, locked the door, and beat her until she died.

Confirming the incident, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu, condemned the tragic incident, assuring that a thorough investigation would be conducted, and the suspect would be charged to court.

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