Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, on Monday announced that his government is set to buy over the Umuahia ringed fence of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) in order to provide steady power for the rest of the eight Local Government Areas (LGAs) not covered by the Geometric Power.
Governor Alex Otti spoke at the Geometric Power Aba at a reception organized by the Management of Geometric Power after the commissioning and tour of Aba Power’s new 2 X 15 MVA, Ogbor Hill Sub – Station by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
According to a statement by Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, his Chief Press Secretary, Governor Otti directed the Abia Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities to hold discussions with the management of the Geometric power over wheeling of its excess power to the Umuahia ringed fence.
We are in the process of buying EEDC and restructuring Umuahia. By tomorrow (Tuesday, 6th), we will be making an offer to EEDC.
“We have done all the due diligence, we have done all the evaluations and by tomorrow, we will be making an offer to EEDC.
“Our estimation is that with all the 11 sub stations (of Geometric) ready and the 9 local governments connected, somehow, we have the problem of Ukwa West, which we are putting heads together to solve. So, that means that we will have over 80 megawatts excess power from here.
“Ordinarily, what would happen is for that excess power to be injected into the national grid, but then, with the deregulation, our discussion with Geometric Power is around wheeling that 80 or 88 megawatts or any excess power into Umuahia ring-fence. So, once we are in control, that excess power will go to Umuahia,” Gov. Otti stated.
The Governor, while appreciating former President Obasanjo for some courageous actions he took as President, including isolating Aba as a ringed-fence far before now that the federal government has granted states authority to regulate electric power, also, thanked Professor Nnaji for investing in Abia.
Also speaking, the former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo pleaded with Prof. Nnaji to include the remaining 8 LGAs in the State that were not yet covered by the electricity ringed-fence of the Geometric power.
Chief Obasanjo, who saluted the leadership style of Governor Alex Otti in Abia State described Aba as the centre of industrialization, which deserves steady power and congratulated Governor Otti, Prof. Nnaji and the entire Abia people on the success of the project so far.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman and CEO of Geometric Power Group, Professor Bart Nnaji, while giving an overview of the vision of Aba Integrated Power Project, lauded former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Governor Alex Otti for their roles which were instrumental to the realization of the project.
He also thanked Governor Otti for his long standing support for the project during his time as the Executive Director of First Bank and later, Diamond Bank, adding that Dr. Otti as a Governor has created enabling environment for the project to thrive. He disclosed that so far, the Aba Power has cost over 800 million Dollars.
The event was well attended by senior Government appointees and Mayors of Osisioma LGA, Aba North and Aba South LGA including the 2 members representing Osisioma North and South State Constituency in the State House of Assembly. The member representing Aba Central State Constituency was also present at the event.
Former Commissioner for Trade and Investment in Abia State, John Okiyi Kalu, has countered recent claims by Governor Alex Otti that the previous administration left behind an empty treasury and indebtedness.
John Kalu accused the governor of misrepresenting facts surrounding the state’s financial position as of May 29, 2023.
According to him, the document clearly stated that the administration of former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu left over N4 billion in cash in the state’s Union Bank account.
According to the former commissioner, “That process review document says that over N4 billion in cash was left for Governor Alex Otti. Now, there were near-cash instruments also left for him. For instance, the Ikpeazu administration earned 24 billion naira in stamp duties.”
He further listed additional financial instruments and funds inherited by the current administration, which he argued are being deliberately downplayed.
The former commissioner alleged that Governor Otti inherited several other substantial resources, including:
$60 million from the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) fund.
$225 million from the African Development Bank (AfDB) for development projects.
N24 billion in collectible stamp duties.
Kalu dismissed Governor Otti’s reliance on a KPMG report, which he described as a “process review document” rather than a forensic audit, as the governor had characterized it.
Kalu challenged Governor Otti’s competence, questioning his understanding of basic financial and governance data such as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Federal Allocation (FAAC) receipts, and public-school enrollment in the state.
“For the first time in my life, I saw a governor of a state who could not speak to how much the state makes in IGR monthly, who doesn’t even know the FAAC receipt on average, who doesn’t even know the public-school enrollment in our state.”
The former commissioner also took issue with Otti’s governance style, particularly his continued residence outside the official government house in Umuahia.
“This guy has had two years in office. In those two years, he could have completed whatever was not completed, yet he chose to stay in his private residence in Mfosi, spend government money to improve his own private property.
The same governor who told us that he was looking for N1 billion to go back to the new government house is spending multi-billions in the Asokoro Abia Lodge. The same governor spent over N800 million to fix the commissioner’s quarters.”
Meanwhile Gov Alex Otti
Governor Alex Otti had accused his predecessor, former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, of misrepresentation and alleged fraud for commissioning what he described as an uncompleted Government House project. He claimed the move was part of a broader pattern of “deceptive legacies” left behind by the previous administration—issues his government has been working to address since taking office.
Governor Otti stated that although the new Government House was publicly inaugurated by the Ikpeazu administration, the actual condition of the facility when he assumed office fell far short of expectations.
Otti further emphasized that since taking office, his administration has not borrowed a single kobo, despite inheriting a massive debt burden. This includes unpaid salaries, pensions, and outstanding obligations to various government parastatals.
Anambra State Police Command successfully stopped a kidnap attempt at Neni community in Anaocha Local Government Area, saving three victims, including a husband and wife.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, saw a group of hoodlums ambush the victims’ vehicles at Okacha Junction.
The perpetrators forced the victims into another vehicle and attempted to take them away. However, the police responded promptly after receiving a distress call from the scene.
According to an eyewitness account, suspected hoodlums trailed the victims and abruptly blocked their vehicles at Okacha Junction.
The eyewitness further stated that the assailants forced the victims into a different vehicle and were in the process of transporting them when law enforcement officers arrived at the scene. Following a pursuit, the alleged kidnappers released the victims and escaped in another vehicle.
Tochukwu Ikenga, the spokesperson for the Anambra Police Command, confirmed the event, stating, “Police operatives from the Neni Divisional Headquarters responded quickly to a distress call along Okacha Junction on May 3, 2025, at 8:45 pm, foiling the kidnapping attempt. They rescued three victims, including a couple, and recovered one of the victims’ vehicles from the scene.”
The police said that the Joint Security Force, comprising the military, Civil Defence, and vigilantes, joined efforts to apprehend the suspects and recover a Black Lexus 350 SUV (Reg. No: ABJ 557 LD), which had been snatched from one of the victims and used by the kidnappers to flee.
The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies to maintain peace and safety in the state.
Mr Governor, your administration has enjoyed significant goodwill, bolstered by the absence of formidable opposition and the substantial support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for your re-election bid. This political advantage, while enviable, carries inherent risks that demand your utmost caution and strategic foresight. The lack of a strong opposition can foster complacency, leading to governance missteps that could erode public trust and jeopardize your legacy. Similarly, the endorsement of a figure as influential as President Tinubu, though a powerful asset, may create perceptions of over-reliance on external political machinery, potentially alienating grassroots support among ndị Anambra who value independent leadership. You must not allow these favourable conditions to lull you into a false sense of invincibility. The people of Anambra are discerning, and their loyalty is not guaranteed by the absence of rivals or high-profile endorsements. One critical error, especially in a state known for its politically astute populace, could galvanize unforeseen opposition and trigger an electoral backlash through the ballot box. History is replete with examples of leaders who, buoyed by seemingly unassailable support, faltered when public sentiment shifted unexpectedly. You must remain vigilant, prioritize transparency, and deliver tangible results to sustain the trust of ndị Anambra.
The claim of not borrowing yet by your administration is noteworthy and has been a cornerstone of your narrative of fiscal prudence. The decision to reject the World Bank loan of approximately N44 billion in 2024, citing unfavourable terms, further reinforces your commitment to avoiding unsustainable debt. However, this narrative, while compelling, risks being undermined by a lack of clarity on how ongoing projects are funded. Ndị Anambra deserve a detailed account of the financial mechanisms driving your ambitious infrastructure agenda, including the construction of 750 km of roads (410 km completed), the Government House, and initiatives in education and healthcare. Without transparent disclosures, speculation and scepticism may arise, especially given the scale of these projects. Are they funded through internally generated revenue, federal allocations, or other innovative financing models? Your background as a former Central Bank Governor and economist positions you uniquely to demystify these processes. By proactively publishing detailed financial reports, you can pre-empt accusations of opacity and strengthen public confidence in your administration’s stewardship of state resources. Failure to do so could provide fodder for critics, particularly as the 2025 election cycle intensifies, when fact-checks and opposition narratives will scrutinize every claim.
A critical area requiring urgent clarification is the funding and execution of major road projects, particularly Trunk A roads, which are federal roads traditionally funded through the federal budget. Your administration has widely publicized road construction as a hallmark of your achievements, yet many of these projects, such as those along federal corridors, fall under the purview of the Federal Ministry of Works. Ndị Anambra need to know whether these roads are being funded by the state government with an expectation of reimbursement from the federal government or if they are entirely federally funded. The lack of clear communication on this matter risks creating a perception that your administration is taking credit for projects outside its direct financial responsibility. Such ambiguity could be exploited by detractors to undermine your credibility. For instance, if the state is fronting funds for federal roads, you should explicitly state this, detailing the terms of any refund agreements. If the projects are federally driven, acknowledging this while highlighting your role in lobbying for their execution would demonstrate honesty and collaborative leadership. Transparency here is not merely a matter of good governance; it is a strategic necessity to maintain the trust of a populace that values accountability.
The recent demolition of structures along federal roads, such as the building serving as the showroom of Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company (IVM), underscores the need for improved communication and planning. The incident sparked unnecessary drama, amplified by IVM’s propensity for media sensationalism, as seen in its past disputes with GTBank, where it leveraged social media to propagate misleading narratives. Is the road in question a federal road? If yes, the state government should adequately inform the public and if the state is involved in the project, it bears the responsibility of issuing public demolition notices well in advance. Such notices would mitigate confusion, reduce public outcry, and prevent proxy media wars that tarnish your administration’s image. The IVM saga could have been avoided with a clear, widely disseminated announcement outlining the scope of the road project, the necessity of demolitions, and the legal basis for such actions. Your government must adopt a proactive approach to public communication, publishing demolition notices in newspapers, on social media, and through community engagements to ensure affected parties are informed and prepared. This is particularly crucial in a state with a vibrant business community, where disruptions can escalate into public relations crises.
Moreover, my recent visit to Nnewi revealed a concerning gap between social media claims and on-ground realities. Contrary to assertions that your administration has tarred most roads in the town, I observed widespread demolitions and untarred, scraped roads blanketing businesses in dust. These conditions, if left unaddressed, will deteriorate further by the middle of the rainy season, turning dust into mud and clogging drainages, thereby endangering lives and livelihoods. The sight of half-demolished structures and incomplete road works is disheartening, particularly in a commercial hub like Nnewi, where economic activity is the lifeblood of the state. You must act swiftly to complete all road projects within your jurisdiction and exert pressure on the Federal Ministry of Works to expedite federal road projects. The rainy season, expected to intensify by mid-2025, poses a significant risk of flooding and road degradation if these projects remain unfinished.
Drawing inspiration from former Federal Capital Territory Minister Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, you should adopt a decisive approach to infrastructure development. El-Rufai’s tenure was marked by bold actions to remove illegal structures and simultaneously complete road works, ensuring that disruptions were minimized and benefits were swiftly realized. In Anambra, half-demolished structures are not only eyesores but also death traps, posing risks to pedestrians and motorists. You must order their complete removal and ensure that road tarring and drainage construction proceed concurrently to prevent flood-induced damage. Simultaneously, engage with federal authorities to ensure that Trunk A roads receive the same urgency, as their condition reflects on your administration’s effectiveness, regardless of jurisdictional boundaries.
The importance of sincerity in your government’s publications cannot be overstated. As the 2025 election approaches, every claim will be subjected to rigorous fact-checking by journalists, civil society, and political opponents. Contradictions between official statements and verifiable realities will inflict significant damage to your credibility and undermine your efforts to uplift Anambra. For instance, exaggerated claims about road completions in Nnewi, when juxtaposed against the reality of dust-covered businesses and untarred roads, could fuel public disillusionment. Your administration’s commitment to fiscal transparency, as evidenced by Anambra’s top ranking among Nigerian states, provides a strong foundation to build on. Extend this transparency to all aspects of governance, including project funding, federal-state collaborations, and infrastructure timelines. By aligning your publications with verifiable facts, you can neutralize potential controversies and maintain the moral high ground in the face of electoral scrutiny.
In the security sector, your efforts to keep Anambra safe are commendable, particularly in a region grappling with insecurity. However, recent reports of unnecessary killings by personnel of Agunechemba highlight a critical flaw in their training and oversight. Handing guns to inadequately trained operatives is a recipe for disaster, as it risks alienating the public and undermining the security gains you have achieved. You must organize a professional retreat for Agunechemba personnel, focusing on human rights, conflict de-escalation, and community engagement. Such training will ensure that security operations align with global best practices and preserve the trust of ndị Anambra. A secure state is not merely one free of crime but one where citizens feel protected rather than threatened by those tasked with their safety.
Odenigbo, while the absence of visible opposition to your re-election bid is a strategic advantage, it is not a license for complacency. Praise singers and sycophants may amplify your achievements, but they cannot shield you from the consequences of governance lapses. Ndị Anambra are known for their high expectations and willingness to hold leaders accountable through the ballot. A single vital mistake, whether in project execution, communication, or financial transparency, could ignite a groundswell of discontent, empowering even a weak opposition to challenge your mandate. You must sit up, remain proactive, and prioritize the completion of all ongoing projects before the middle of the rainy season. Engage ndị Anambra with honesty, clarify the intricacies of federal and state road projects, and ensure that demolitions and security operations are conducted with empathy and foresight. Your legacy as a transformative leader depends not on the absence of opposition but on your ability to deliver measurable progress and maintain the trust of the people.
Chukwuemerie Uduchukwu, an Indigene of Nnewi, writes from Abuja, Nigeria.
The federal government of Nigeria reopened Enugu Airport on April 28, 2025, following the early completion of emergency runway repairs.
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) had shut the airport on April 22 due to a critical asphalt rupture, initially planning to reopen it by May 6. The closure disrupted operations of at least four airlines, Air Peace, Ibom Air, United Nigeria Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines.
Flights were diverted, impacting both domestic and international services, including connections to Lagos, Abuja, and Addis Ababa International.
To ensure quality health care for his people, the Councilor representing Nnokwa Ward in Idemili South Legislative Council, Honourable Valentine Ifeanyi Mbadugha, has enrolled over 250 members of the community into the Anambra State Health Insurance Scheme.
The event held at Nnokwa Civic Center was attended by the Mayor of Idemili South LGA, Honourable Amaka Obi, her Deputy, Honourable Ifeanyi Anakuba, among others, and featured health outreach programme in which PDS Chest X-ray machine was used to examine people’s hearts and lungs.
Addressing the gathering, the Idemili South Mayor, Honourable Obi, commended the lawmaker, Honourable Mbadugha, for the kind gesture and effective representation of his people, saying that the Councilor does well in the local government, and deserves continued support of his people for higher positions.
Speaking to newsmen, a Marketing Officer with the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, ASHIA, Mr Chibuike Chukwu, explained that establishing the agency in 2016 was to improve the well-being of people regardless of social status, and encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity, just as he called on more people who are privileged to help enroll more people.
Some of the beneficiaries, including Mr Samuel Udemba, Mrs Benedeth Okoye, and Mrs Chinenyenwa Ude, thanked their son, Honourable Mbadugha, for the kind gesture, and wished him success in his political career.
Thanking Nnokwa stakeholders who contributed to the enrollment, Honourable Mbadugha, who is the Deputy Leader, Idemili South Legislative Council, said he remains committed to his promise of quality and people-oriented representation, adding that from June 1st, 2025, the enrollees will begin to enjoy quality and affordable health care services.
Mbadugha, a journalist by profession, thanked Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the democracy projects Nnokwa has benefited from, and the Mayor of Idemili South LGA, Honourable Obi, for having the interest of the community at heart.
Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State has said that poverty and unemployment have no business in the state and cannot be tolerated.
Speaking at the 2025 Abia Fashion Games said the people of the state are well-known for their entrepreneurial spirits…
The Governor said, “Fashion is life and you can see, all what I’m wearing today was made in Abia State.
“I am sure you know about our Akwaete – what I am wearing – we need to now commercialize it; we need to export it. I want to thank all the beautiful people who have done one display or the other here today,”
“At some point, when the protocol people wanted to cut it short, I overruled them. I overruled them because you are doing very well. And you know, our people love good things and that is why I said I want to see all the displays. They should postpone every other meeting.
“And I can tell you that I am so happy with the outcome of this entire process. I’ve also been told that 100 per cent of the 2,000 graduates today, already have jobs.
“I hear that about a hundred of you wanted to be employers of labour, you also wanted to employ yourselves, that is very very good and I congratulate you.
“That is the spirit of the Abia man and woman; we are born entrepreneurs. Poverty and unemployment have no business in Abia state,”
The South-East Governors’ Forum has Commended and extended their warm wishes to Nigerian civil workers on the occasion of the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration.
In a goodwill message, the director general of SEGOF, Uche Ekwunife, applauded workers for their unwavering dedication to national growth and productivity across all sectors.
“This year’s celebration, with the theme ‘Ensuring Safety and Health at Work in a Changing Climate,’ aligns closely with the forum’s development vision, which includes creating a safe and enabling environment for workers across the South-East,” the statement said on Thursday.
“We, the SEGOF, commend the resilience, diligence, and patriotism of the Nigerian workforce; they are the backbone of the country’s development and progress,” it added.
The statement explained that under the leadership of Governor Hope Uzodimma, SEGOF is pursuing a bold and transformative agenda focused on regional integration, enhanced security, and inclusive economic growth.
“The forum’s mission is clear—to transform the South-East into a hub of opportunity, innovation, and prosperity. We are making strategic investments in infrastructure, security, and economic empowerment to create a region where hard work is recognized and rewarded,” the forum stated.
It reaffirmed its commitment to building a safer and more united South-East by leveraging both the region’s human capital and natural resources to unlock its full potential.
It encouraged Nigerian workers to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that national progress required shared responsibility, patriotism, and unity of purpose.
Welcome to the month of May 2025 filled with endless possibilities, opportunities, and adventures! As we embark on this fresh month, we’re reminded that every day is a chance to start anew, pursue our passions, and make unforgettable memories.
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As we step into this new month, let’s embrace the promise of a brighter future, foster positivity, and spread love and kindness wherever we go. May this month bring you joy, success, and fulfillment in all aspects of your life.
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Dear Distinguished Senate President Godswill Akpabio,
It is with the deepest sarcasm and utmost theatrical regret that I tender this apology for the grievous crime of possessing dignity and self-respect in your most exalted presence. I have reflected extensively on my unforgivable failure to recognize that legislative success in certain quarters is apparently not earned through merit, but through the ancient art of compliance — of the very personal kind.
How remiss of me not to understand that my refusal to indulge your… “requests” was not merely a personal choice, but a constitutional violation of the unwritten laws of certain men’s entitlement. Truly, I must apologize for prioritizing competence over capitulation, vision over vanity, and the people’s mandate over private dinners behind closed doors.
I now realize the catastrophic consequences of my actions: legislation delayed, tempers flared, and the tragic bruising of egos so large they require their own postcodes. For this disruption to the natural order of “quid pro quo,” I bow my head in fictional shame.
Please find it in your magnanimous heart – somewhere buried deep beneath layers of entitlement — to forgive this stubborn woman who mistakenly believed that her seat in the Senate was earned through elections, not erections.
I remain,
Yours in eternal resistance,
Senator Natasha H Akpoti Uduaghan Unafraid, Unbought, and Unbroken
