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OTTI’S MIDNIGHT WAR AGAINST TRADERS: PAUL IKONNE RAISES ALARM OVER GROWING TYRANNY IN ABIA MARKETS

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A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress in Abia State, Prince Paul Ikonne, has condemned in strong words the actions of Governor Alex Otti’s appointees who, under the guise of market leadership, have turned Aba markets into centers of intimidation, extortion, and unchecked harassment.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary Ujo Justice ,in Aba while addressing members of Aba Radio fans club ,Prince Ikonne expressed deep worry over the untold hardship traders in Ariaria and other major markets in Aba are currently facing in the hands of these government-backed enforcers. According to him, the governor’s appointees have weaponized taxation, turning a lawful civic responsibility into a brutal tool of oppression.

He recalled how Governor Otti, during campaigns, criticized the ₦18,000 levy imposed by the former administration as “too high” and promised drastic reduction. Shockingly, upon assuming office, the same governor inflated the levy to an outrageous ₦36,000, pushing thousands of struggling traders into deeper economic misery.

Prince Ikonne said that traders who can barely afford their daily survival are now confronted with an impossible choice: pay the inflated levy or lose their only source of livelihood.

According to reports from the markets, government enforcers now move under the cover of night to seal shops of traders who have not paid the new high levy. By morning, affected traders are forced to either pay or face even harsher consequences. Those who attempt to unseal their shops by themselves are met with coercion, assault, and brutalization from a combined force of government-recruited thugs, police, and even naval personnel. In many cases, traders are re-arrested, their shops re-sealed, and they are forced to pay as much as ₦45,000.

“This is not governance; this is tyranny,” Prince Ikonne declared. “How can a governor who receives over 30 billion naira in monthly federal allocations turn around to strangulate ordinary traders struggling to feed their families? What exactly does Governor Otti want from the meagre earnings of the common man?”

He emphasized that while tax policies must be humane, fair, and considerate of the prevailing economic difficulties faced by citizens. When taxation becomes a political weapon—arbitrary, excessive, and enforced with violence—it becomes unbearable and unacceptable.

Prince Ikonne further argues “ I am worried that the present Abia state government has normalized the sealing of shops, properties, indiscriminate arrests, court summons, and humiliating treatment of Abians whose only crime is their inability to meet oppressive and inflated levies”.

“The rate of molestation and intimidation by agents of this government is alarming,” he stated. “No democratic society should subject its citizens to such cruelty. Governor Otti must remember that leadership is about service, not punishment.”

He called on Ndi Aba, Ndi Abia, and all well-meaning Nigerians to stand firm against what he described as a worsening pattern of anti-people policies. He urged Otti to immediately halt the nocturnal sealing of shops, withdraw security operatives from markets, and review the draconian levies imposed on traders.

Prince Ikonne concluded by reminding the governor that him is not licensed to impoverish, intimidate, or silence traders, but an opportunity to ease burdens and improve their welfare.

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Federal High Court removes Gov. Uzodinma as APC senatorial candidate for Imo West

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, to immediately stop parading himself as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Thursday after ruling that Uzodinma did not win the APC senatorial primary election conducted on May 18 and monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The ruling represents a significant development in the contest for the APC ticket ahead of the 2027 senatorial election.

The court’s directive requires Uzodinma to cease presenting himself as the party’s candidate for the Imo West Senatorial District seat, pending the implications of the court’s decision.

The development is expected to generate further political reactions within the APC in Imo State as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

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Usman Nuhu, AKA Ogbegbe, Appears in Court Over Alleged Killing of Oghenemine

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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.

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Rt. Hon. Mandela Obasi, a grassroot leader and stunch member of Labour party; bids farewell to Late Chief Maxwell Enny Aruh.

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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.

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