NEWS
APC Faults Abia Government’s Claims on Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene Road Project
The Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the administration of Governor Alex Otti of giving a misleading impression about the reconstruction of the Umuahia–Ikwuano–Ikot Ekpene Road, insisting that the project is primarily a Federal Government initiative.
In a statement issued by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Uche Aguoru, the APC said claims suggesting that the Abia State Government is solely responsible for the reconstruction of the road fail to acknowledge the role played by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Federal Government in sustaining the project.
According to the party, the reconstruction effort was facilitated through the initiatives of former lawmaker Sam Onuigbo, who represented Ikwuano/Umuahia North and South Federal Constituency in the 8th and 9th National Assembly. The APC explained that following a motion moved by Onuigbo in 2016 and engagements with the Federal Ministry of Works, the Federal Government initially awarded a contract to Foretex Nigeria Ltd for palliative work between December 2016 and April 2017.

The party further stated that subsequent discussions with the then Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, led to the full reconstruction contract being awarded in 2019 to Hartland Civil Engineering Construction Company Ltd at a cost of N13.2 billion.
APC noted that the project has remained under the Federal Government, with the contractor continuing work on the road. It said the company is currently completing the final segment of Phase One between Isiala Oboro and Ogbuebulle communities in Ikwuano Local Government Area.
The party explained that the Abia State Government’s involvement relates only to a 25-kilometre Phase Two corridor around the Ikwuano axis near the Orpet Filling Station area, where road expansion required the demolition of residential buildings and compensation for affected property owners.
According to the statement, the state government engaged Geld Construction Company to handle that stretch under the Federal Government’s “Build and We Will Reimburse” policy, which allows state governments to partner with the Federal Government on infrastructure projects. It added that President Tinubu approved the partial handover of the section to the Abia State Government under the policy.
The APC said the Federal Government contractor had already been working on the road before the state’s intervention and stressed that Abia would be reimbursed after certification by the Federal Ministry of Works.
While commending the collaboration between federal and state authorities, the party urged the Otti administration to present accurate information to the public and give due recognition to the Federal Government for its role in the project.
The party added that it remains proud of the infrastructure record of the Tinubu administration, particularly in improving road connectivity in Abia State and the wider South-East region.
NEWS
Usman Nuhu, AKA Ogbegbe, Appears in Court Over Alleged Killing of Oghenemine
Usman Nuhu, popularly known as Ogbegbe, has appeared in court in Asaba, Delta State, to face charges over the alleged killing of Oghenemine, who reportedly went to collect a waybill at Effurun Roundabout.
During the court proceedings, Ogbegbe, who appeared visibly lean and shaky, denied killing Oghenemine. He reportedly told the court that he used a stone near the deceased to apply pressure on his body so he would confess. He also claimed that he was beaten with floor tiles at the Ekpan Police Station.
The court reportedly reminded him that the statements he was making were under oath.
The second defendant, who was charged alongside Ogbegbe, also told the court that the police forced him to admit that he was present when Oghenemine was allegedly killed. He maintained that he was not at the scene when the incident occurred.
The court ordered that Ogbegbe be remanded in prison, while the second to fifth defendants were granted bail.
The other defendants are Onoloko Dauroupamo, Okoh Kelechi, Goodluck Kingsley and Omonigho Ahweyevu.
The case was adjourned until November 17, 2026, for further proceedings.
NEWS
Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, a grassroot leader and stunch member of Labour party; bids farewell to Late Chief Maxwell Enny Aruh.
The former Deputy Speaker of the Abia State 7th House of Assembly, and the representative of Ohafia North State Constituency at the current 8th House, Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, has once again shown his love for his people, friends and constituents, as he identifies with the family of Late Chief Maxwell Enny Aruh, who was laid to rest yesterday, 1st October 2026 in his hometown, Abiriba.
The presence of the House member during the wake-keep on 30th September, turned the event to a mini carnival as the youths of Abiriba troopped out from all corners of Abiriba community that night to be with their leader who is always at home with his people and to identify with one of their leaders Chief John Okiyi Kalu, whose Uncle was being buried.
During a condolence visit to the former Commissioner for Trade and Investment in his country home, the House member and Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Ojuu, took time to console and pray for the entire family.
In his speech, Mandela expressed his sympathy over the demise of Chief Maxwell, who he described as a perfect gentleman and a true son of Abiriba Kingdom. He enjoined the family to carry on with his legacies, and prayed God to give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Responding on behalf of the family, the former Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Chief John Okiyi Kalu, thanked the house member for finding time to be with the family in their time of grief all through the wake keep and the funeral service proper. He described him as a trusted representative of the people who stands with his people at all times. Furthermore, he thanked the Mayor of Ohafia LGA, Chief Eleanya Ojuu, who coincidentally is of same age grade with him, for finding time to come and for his prayers.
The house member was accompanied by some leaders and members of Labour party, his legislative aide, and some of his children.
NEWS
Abia Governor Otti Declares Support for Labour Party Presidential Candidate Ahead of 2027, Says Tinubu Has His Support for Now
Abia State Governor Alex Otti has declared support for the Labour Party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections, while stating that President Bola Tinubu currently has his support.
Speaking in an interview with Arise TV aired on Friday, Otti said he would back his party’s nominee.
“I have a presidential candidate and it is expected that I support my candidate,” the governor stated.
Otti noted that Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has the constitutional right to seek re-election and that no one can stop him.
“He (Tinubu) has the right to run and nobody can stop him. But I’m in the Labour Party and for now, he has my support,” Otti said.
The Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 election is Dr. Sunday Chibuzo Okereke.
-
OPINION1 year ago10 seconds with Wike, reshaped my mindset on the difference between wants and needs – Udensi Bernard
-
NEWS1 year agoEFCC Detains Former Governor Tambuwal Over Alleged ₦189bn Fraud
-
NEWS1 year agoGov. Mbah Increases Corps Members’ Allowance to ₦20,000
-
NEWS1 year agoRep. Unyime Idem Unveils ₦1bn Family Business Grant for Constituents
-
NEWS1 year agoAppeal Court Orders FRSC to Pay ₦10 Million in Landmark Human Rights Case
-
POLITICS1 year agoDr. Okezie Ikpeazu: A Voice That Still Inspires – Enyinnaya Appolos
-
NEWS1 year agoIkonne to Otti: Fear God, Show Us 51 Schools for ₦54bn, Stop Forcing ₦36k Revenue on Aba Traders
-
NEWS1 year agoPrince Paul Ikonne Applauds Governor Uzodinma’s Support for Aba State, Criticizes Governor Otti’s Stance
