NEWS
Prince Paul Ikonne Applauds Governor Uzodinma’s Support for Aba State, Criticizes Governor Otti’s Stance
Owerri, Nigeria – Prince Paul Ikonne has commended Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State for his unwavering support for the creation of an additional state in the South-East, describing the governor’s position as a bold step toward addressing long-standing political imbalance in Nigeria.
In a statement released by his media aide, Chiagoziem Enoch, Ikonne said Governor Uzodinma’s principled stand reflects the sentiments of many well-meaning Nigerians and Igbos across the country who have consistently decried the structural inequality suffered by the South-East. He cited, for example, the zone’s current allocation of 15 senators, compared to the 18 to 21 enjoyed by other regions, which he argued translates to reduced federal representation, fewer resources, and diminished influence in national affairs.
Ikonne, a prominent voice from Abia State, criticized Governor Alex Otti for what he called an “ambiguous and disappointing” stance during the recent 1999 Constitution Review hearing held in Owerri on July 19. According to him, the hearing presented a critical opportunity for Governor Otti to align with regional leaders in pushing for equity, but instead, he chose to remain non-committal on the matter.
“For those who know the Abia governor well, that occasion only exposed his long-standing discomfort with a particular section of Abia State,” the statement read. “Governor Otti has consistently shown a deep-seated resentment toward the people of Aba, which seems to stem from the fact that he cannot change the historical and geographical realities of the city’s location.”
Ikonne alleged that upon assuming office, Governor Otti made a divisive declaration in Aba, referring to it as a “no man’s land,” a remark he said was capable of igniting unnecessary tensions between indigenes and residents. “That unfortunate statement was a needless provocation in a city known for its peace and unity,” Ikonne said. “Thankfully, the resilient Aba spirit overcame what could have been a dangerous narrative.”
The Crown Prince also took issue with Otti’s reported claim that the creation of Aba State was not economically viable. He challenged Otti’s credibility as an economist, insisting that the future lies in a knowledge-driven economy, not just natural resources. Ikonne pointed to countries like Finland, Israel, Singapore, and the Netherlands as examples of nations that have successfully built prosperous societies by focusing on innovation and education.
“The argument that the new state would be dependent on federal handouts is not only defeatist but also outdated,” Ikonne said. “Aba, known for its industrious people and entrepreneurial spirit, has all it takes to thrive in a 21st-century economy.”
He further argued that the marginalization of the South-East has fueled separatist agitations and that the creation of a new state would help address the region’s underrepresentation, giving Igbos a greater sense of inclusion in Nigeria.
“It is unfortunate that Governor Otti, who should be championing the cause of state creation, appears to be at the forefront of efforts to derail it,” Ikonne said. “His stance does not reflect the collective will of Abians, who remain united in the demand for the creation of Aba State.”
Prince Ikonne concluded by urging Igbos across the region to rally behind Governor Uzodinma and other leaders who have shown commitment to the cause, emphasizing that the agitation for an additional state has met all constitutional requirements and now only awaits final declaration.
“The dream of our fathers must not be abandoned,” he said. “Creating Aba State is a matter of justice, peace, and national balance, and Abians will not relent in pursuing it.”
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially released the results of its primaries for the eight federal constituencies in Abia State, as the party gears up for the 2027 general elections.
Chairman of the Abia State National Assembly Primary Election Committee, Barrister Erasmus Cishak, announced the results on Saturday night at the APC State Secretariat in Umuahia.
According to Barrister Cishak, the primaries were successfully conducted across all federal constituencies, with party members actively participating in the selection of candidates to represent the APC in the upcoming polls.
The successful candidates are as follows:
– Bende Federal Constituency: Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, emerged unopposed.
– Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency: Hon. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, was returned unopposed.
– Ukwa East/Ukwa West Federal Constituency: Hon. Chris Nkwonta emerged as the candidate.
– Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency: Hon. Uzor Azubuike secured the ticket.
– Ikwuano/Umuahia North/Umuahia South Federal Constituency: Former Speaker of the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Chinedum Orji, won the primary.
– Isiala Ngwa North/Isiala Ngwa South Federal Constituency: Hon. Uzoma Theodore Uka clinched the nomination.
– Obingwa/Osisioma/Ugwunagbo Federal Constituency: Hon. Udo Alozie emerged victorious.
– Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency: Hon. Ikenna Nicholas was selected as the APC candidate.
Barrister Cishak commended party members and stakeholders for their orderly conduct during the exercise. He reiterated the committee’s commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and credibility throughout the primary process.
NEWS
No foreign soldier participated in the operation that eliminated terrorist commander, Abu Bilal Al-Minuki – Defense Headquarters
The Defence Headquarters has said no Nigerian soldier was killed during the operation that eliminated terrorist commander, Abu Bilal Al-Minuki.
Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, Director, Defence Media Operations, said this in an interview in a television programme.
Also, details of the action, which Trump described as a “complex mission” carried out by Nigerian and American troops, are beginning to emerge.
Onoja said months of intelligence gathering led troops to the terrorist’s exact location.
He said the final operation was launched only after commanders confirmed credible intelligence.
On foreign support, he said no foreign soldiers participated in the mission.
According to him, the United States only provided intelligence and surveillance assistance.
“There were no foreign boots on the ground during this operation. What we received were intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance support and other force enablers,” he said.
However, officials who wished to stay anonymous, told the New York Times the US military initially sought to capture the ISIS leader, Al-Minuki.
But they killed him in an air strike when he would not surrender. The strikes targeted his compound in the Lake Chad Basin.
The attack was carried out by about two dozen Nigerian and American special operations commandos, including members of the Navy’s SEAL Team 6.
The commandos attacked Al-Minuki and about three dozen fighters on two small islands in Lake Chad.
The sources added that after the enclave was identified, Nigerian forces, working alongside their U.S. counterparts, launched a coordinated air-and-ground assault on the area.
Also, the Special Forces units blocked escape routes, secured the perimeter and supported extraction operations. The fight lasted over three hours, the sources added.
NEWS
Senate amends Electoral Act: election notice period cut from 360 to 300 days to avoid 2027 polls clashing with Ramadan.
The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday passed an amendment to the Electoral Act 2026, cutting the mandatory notice period for general elections from 360 days to 300 days. The primary motivation is to ensure the 2027 Presidential and National Assembly elections do not coincide with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele moved the motion to rescind and recommit the bill after identifying that the original 360-day requirement could force the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to schedule the polls during Ramadan. He warned that elections held during the fasting period could negatively impact:
– Voter turnout
– Logistical arrangements
– Stakeholder participation
– Overall credibility and inclusiveness of the process
The amended Clause 28 now requires INEC to publish election notices “not later than 300 days” before the poll date, specifying the election date and nomination procedures.
The change came after consultations between National Assembly leadership and INEC. The commission had already announced February 20, 2027, for Presidential and National Assembly elections, and March 6, 2027, for governorship and state assembly polls.
Senate Committee on Electoral Matters Chairman Simon Lalong clarified that the dates were not deliberately set to conflict with Ramadan, but follow a long-term timetable established by former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu for elections from 2019 to 2031.
The amendment passed swiftly after the Senate invoked its standing orders to revisit the bill.
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