OCHENDO'S POLITICAL ELASTICITY

BY Chief (Dr.) Eze Chikamnayo

Abia State Commissioner for Information & Strategy

 (Excerpts culled from: The National Ambassador Newspaper of July 2012)

Governor Theodore Ahamefule Orji is truly an exceptional leader. The way he effortlessly achieves lofty objectives hitherto considered impossible by critics stand him out in every sphere. His unique style and candour will constitute a major research topic for public affairs analysts desirous of unmasking how to build consensus amongst divergent elements and interest groups. Come to think of it, he has within a space of few years redefined and renewed the Abia environment in a tactful and responsible manner. While giving honour to whom honour is due, he has remained focused without being forceful. He has been loving and firm. He has made so many changes without raising so much dust. He has skilfully meandered through the murky waters of the political terrain without a single slip of the feet. Today, the unassuming and amiable governor of Abia state has become a personification of what is genuinely required to serve in public office through his legendary display of rare political elasticity. In just five years, he has surmounted political mountains, crossed legal bridges and covered reasonable developmental milestones. Quietly but steadily, he is leaving one salient legacy after the other to the admiration of perceptive progressives conversant with the realities of the Abia community.

First, in what has been widely acclaimed as an everlasting legacy, he dismantled the structure of satanic godfathers and entrenched the practice of true democracy. Most mischief makers deliberately oblivious of the workings of the state between 1999 and 2010 often prefer to subdue this serious democratization project in the secluded recess of their blighted memory. But the well meaning majority of Abians do not agree with their selfish tantrums and would continue to give due credit to the man who gave them liberty and opportunity to have a say in the destiny and future of their God-given State and affairs. This is because democratization is the bedrock of accelerated development.

Without taking ownership of the development process, the citizens of any society feel justifiably detached and denigrated by the antics of despots who muscle their way through the governance process and arrogate to themselves the sole prerogative of prioritizing for the entire society. This was the unfortunate and sordid scenario in Abia that drove away the elite, middle class and enlightened patriots whose thoughts and contributions are dearly needed for the growth of a nascent State such as ours.

Given the stark realities of the Nigerian political space, the best efforts of various individuals and groups to dislodge the desperate demagogues that despoiled Abia for almost a decade ended up a epileptic. But when T.A. Orji came to the scene, he made the sumptuous omelette without breaking an egg. He liberated Abia without bloodshed. He waved goodbye to Mamacracy without witch hunting even those in that system that were after his jugular. That is why I vehemently disagree with those revisionists who wittingly wish away this epoch while recording the chronicle of the Abia experience.

It took Governor T.A. Orji a mere four years to wade through all the legal booby traps and political tsunamis to liberate Abians while in other climes it would take decades and deaths of several compatriots. So we should celebrate our Ochendo as South Africans celebrate their Madiba, Mandela.

After giving us liberation, Ochendo is now building anew all the structures of modern statehood. He has completely overwhelmed kidnappers and criminals that once held Abia hostage without showmanship. This he was able to achieve through sensible and effective politicking.

In Nigeria today, the idea of state police under the control of Governors is still a fantasy. Thus any governor who for one reason or the other fails to collaborate with federal agencies will do a lot of harm to his citizens especially in the area of security. That was the bane of Abians before the advent of the T.A. Orji phenomenal political engineering.

The former administration confronted the federal government on purely egoistic grounds propelled by the unbridled ambition of the then governor. In the absence of this functional rapport, a quasi militia group made up of street urchins and marabouts invaded our cities like ravenous locusts and impulsively dispensed extra judicial vendetta on perceived criminals and opponents of the despotic dynasty.

Today, however, sanity and decorum has been restored by Chief T.A. Orji in our justice system. Having normalized and elevated our relationship with the central government in Abuja to a point of symbiosis, our creative governor now enjoys the confidence of all security agencies whom he supports without reservation in the discharge of their duties.

Abia State under Ochendo now ranks amongst the safest and most conducive states for tourism and enterprise. Contractors are now back and are vigorously engaged in so many development projects in all sectors. Film actors and actresses, musicians, national and international organisations now frequent our cities for one project or the other.

Abia is enjoying unprecedented patronage all because of the resilience and political elasticity of our hero and visionary governor whom God is using to rewrite the history of our dear state for good. 

Ochendo T.A. Orji is dramatically changing the silhouette of Umuahia without bragging. He is assiduously tackling the ruins which Aba has become as a result of over ten years of uncoordinated intervention. With the new Aba masterplan carefully being implemented in phases, there would soon be a sustainable renewal of that important city.

All these footprints and uncommon achievements quietly being made of the Abia society is made possible by the character and competence of Governor T.A. Orji, the unassuming leader and man of history whose loyalty to God, large heartedness, forgiving spirit, sense of accommodation and unwavering devotion to the common good is the driving force behind the new wave of peace, unity and prosperity pervading Abia milieu today.

 

ABIA GOVT TO DISBURSE N1BN LOANS TO FARMERS

BY ANAYO OKOLI

UMUAHIA — ABIA  State government would soon begin disbursement of N1 billion agricultural loan secured from the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to farmers in the state.

 Governor Theodore Orji announced this during the launching of the 2012 cropping season in Bende Local Government Council weekend. Orji explained that the government had paid its counterpart funds for the FADAMA III, IFAD– NDDC–FGN– community-based natural resources management project and agricultural development programme.

Represented by his deputy, Chief Emeka Ananaba, Orji disclosed that the 55 tractors recently procured by the government to be sold to farmers at subsidized price, were part of government’s efforts to assist the state in the attainment of rapid economic and rural transformation through the promotion of agriculture.

The governor stated that government had resolved to undertake within this cropping season, programmes and activities that would not only promote agricultural production, but also create employment and reduce poverty in the state.

 SOURCE: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/04/abia-govt-to-disburse-n1bn-loans-to-farmers/

ABIA GOVT TAKES STEPS TO STEM POOR PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The Ministry of Education in Abia state has initiated stringent measures to tackle the poor performance of pupils in public primary and secondary schools. 

The state’s Commissioner for Education, Mrs Monica Philips, said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Umuahia on Monday that the government was worried by the phenomenon.

Philips explained that the measure included the demotion of headmasters and principals whose schools consistently posted poor results in final examinations.

She further said that stiffer sanctions would be introduced in schools to check truancy and absenteeism by the teachers. "We also made it compulsory that teachers should teach at least five subjects, including English language and mathematics each day,’’ she said.

The commissioner said the measures were part of government’s efforts to bring back sanity to public schools and ensure better performance by the students.

``This administration is determined in its efforts to ensure that sanity returns to our schools. The government will no longer tolerate indiscipline on the part of teachers and students,’’ she said.

She charged the principals, headmasters and headmistresses to ensure the effective monitoring and supervision of their teachers and students.

Philips said the ministry would collaborate with the civil defence corps for the arrest of students in uniform found to be loitering during school hour. She also said the government’s welfare package for teachers included promotion as and when due as well as their training and retraining.

She said the government had commenced the renovation and furnishing of public schools in the state to make them conducive for teaching and learning.

Culled from:  

http://pointblanknews.com/new/news/4136-abia-govt-takes-steps-to-stem-poor-performance-in-public-schools.html

23rd April 2012

 Aides Commend Gov Orji For Completing Power Project

Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State has been commended for the role he played in ensuring that residents of the state capital enjoyed constant power supply.

Umuahia and its environs had been in darkness following the non-completion of the Ohiya sub-station.

This has been a source of concern to residents, particularly cold room owners, who claim to have lost millions of naira to prolonged power outage in the area.

But following the completion of the sub-station which is now being test-run, residents of the area have been enjoying constant power supply.

Successive administrations had struggled to realise the project, which had been described as a major boost to constant power supply in the state as a result of its strategic location.

Chief Eze Chikamnayo, the Special Adviser on Information and Social Re-orientation to the Abia governor, said that the completion of the power station was a result of the governor’s intervention.

Orji had on March 31 while inaugurating some projects in Umuahia assured the people that power supply in the state capital and its environs would be boosted soon. The governor had said that the Ohiya sub-station was at the last lap of completion and would be commissioned at a later date. 

“The intervention of the governor that resulted to the timely completion of this project is a clear indication that he wants to give the best to the people,” Chikamnayo said. He said the state government was determined to enhance the welfare of the residents of the state through infrastructural development.

The former commissioner for information said that projects started by the current administration would be completed on schedule. Chikamnayo said the Ubani Ibeku modern market, international conference centre, new state secretariat complex and sundry road projects in the state were clear testimony of the governor’s vision. “The government will not be distracted as it is poised to leaving enduring legacies in line with globally accepted democratic principles,” Chikamnayo said.

'GOV ORJI IS FATHER OF MODERN ABIA'

Interview with 

Hon (Dr.) Eze Chikamnayo

By

 Anayo Okoli

DR Eze Chikamnayo is the  Special Adviser to the Abia State Governor on Information, Strategy and Civic Orientation and presently a nominee to the Abia State Executive Council. In this interview he speaks on the governor’s major achievements and projects the government is currently handling. Excerpts:

THE opposition has criticised the administration of Governor Theodore Orji claiming he has performed below average. What is your take on this?

Governor T.A.Orji has surpassed all expectations. In the last 10 months, he has proved that his promise of leaving visible legacy for Abians at the end of his tenure is not just a mere promise but one that is backed with action. The major plank of his second term is the total transformation of Abia in the areas of infrastructure development, economy, politics, the way politics is being played, what I call the transformation of the political culture of Abia State and even in  civic orientation of the people. So he has taken a holistic approach to the plank of transformation. It is not a one-sided approach.

I will give you some examples. In just 11 months, he has proved that Abia was truly under bondage for the period he endured a devilish despot. Between 1999 and 2007, Abia State was under siege.  Especially between 1999 and 2008, while other governors in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos and most of our neighbours, were busy seeing vision, putting up master plans, laying solid foundation, Abia State was unfortunate to have been saddled with a self-centred and insatiable governor, who did not work for the state but for himself and his family. This was the unfortunate scenario that T. A. Orji found himself.

Politically, he inherited a highly polarized and volatile state where there was a group of those who said they were home based politicians and tagged others Talibans or Abuja based politicians. Abia was hot politically, volatile, explosive. The best brains, the elites, the technocrats, all went into exile as a result of the very oppressive intolerant atmosphere that was created politically by the former governor.

How has the governor been able to address the issue of kidnapping in the state?

We had kidnappers, coming from the neigbbouring states where militancy had become a way of life. You had all sorts of brigands taking one name or the other. It was the kind of atmosphere that T. A. Orji inherited when the man in Rivers inherited power plant, the man in Akwa Ibom inherited a thorough master plan and one of the best drainage system in the world, the man in Cross River was inheriting Obudu Ranch and Tinapa, the man in Lagos inherited a well-thought-out new Lagos master plan and several other projects that were on-going. Our governor inherited crisis in all ramification, crisis at all fronts, he inherited political enemies.

So with this type of environment, little or nothing will happen in terms of development. Beyond these issues of insecurity of lives and property was a more pernicious and vicious cankerworm called mamacracy, which was the desire of the former governor and his mother to turn Abia State into a fiefdom, a dynasty, a personal property, as against the principles of democracy.

Immediately, the security problem was tackled, Governor  Orji moved to the next level with the provision of infrastructure. In Abia today, Governor T. A. Orji is leaving a legacy of over 100 outstanding edifices, structures, covering every arm of government and all sectors.

This includes two world class new secretariats going on at the same time. This is the fastest project in the history of Abia State if not in Nigeria. In less than seven months, this twin secretariat, brand new, first of its kind, is now at the roofing stage and will soon be commissioned.

The former did not leave in the landscape of Umuahia any two-storey building. And I can now show you more than 50 solid edifices that have changed the silhouette of the landscape of Umuahia.

Culled from: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/04/gov-orji-is-father-of-modern-abia/  of 20th April, 2012.

WANTED!!!

APGA CANDIDATE REAGAN UFOMBA 

ON THE RUN 

Culled from: http://thejuristlaws.blogspot.com/2012/04/apga-candidate-regan-ufomba-on-run.html?spref=fb

Nemesis seems to be catching up with Reagan Ufomba APGA candidate in Abia State in the 2011 governorship polls.

The Juristlaws learnt that Ufomba who lost at the last election is on the run as those he borrowed money to prosecute his ambition is now on his neck. Ufomba who abandoned his priesthood at a catholic seminary in the early stages of his life having impregnated the daughter of a well-known socialite in Ngwa, has left his house in Aba to an undisclosed location.

Our sources said that those who gave him the money running into billions did that believing that he will win the election.

Having failed, he assured them that he will get victory in the court, that has failed too as the supreme court recently ruled that he never won the Abia guber polls 2011.

It was learnt that Ufomba who relied on former governor of Abia State Orji Uzor Kalu, is highly disappointed as the former governor  who made his paper available for campaigns for him, has shut him out. In fact the last time he went on his knees to beg Kalu to save him, the Igbere born publisher was said to have told his guards to send him away.  Kalu, our source hinted said that he can help Reagan by giving him space in the sun newspaper to attack T. A. Orji.

As it is right now, Ufomba has gone into hiding as he cannot pay the N10 billion he borrowed.

Reagan it was gathered is not happy with Kalu whom he worked for as a Special Assistant, as he has threatened to open a can of worms on the former governor soon to pay him back.

The police and SSS, it was learnt are trailing Ufomba where security sources said he may have relocated to.

This news site will update you on the Reagan Ufomba of APGA show of shame.

GIVING ABIA A FACE-LIFT THROUGH INFRASTRUCTURE

Culled from: ThisDayLive.com of 04 Apr 2012

 http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/giving-abia-a-face-lift-through-infrastructure/112972/

Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji, is repositioning the state for sustainable development through multi-sectoral and comprehensive strategy that will not only enhance the human capital development, but also touch all facets of the state’s economy. In line with his transformation agenda, the governor last week inaugurated some completed projects in Aba and Umuahia with fanfare. Charles Ajunwa writes:

Apparently spurred by recent allegations from the Abia State chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) that nothing is happening in Aba and by extension the entire state in terms of infrastructural development, Governor Theodore Orji, last week, moved in like a wounded lion to expose the lies in APGA’s attack against his government. Though the governor had in the past inaugurated various projects, he used the inauguration of the new projects in Aba and Umuahia last week, to test his government’s popularity and acceptability. With the warm reception accorded the governor and his entourage from communities where projects were unveiled, an elated Orji proudly declared at the end of the day that “I am in charge.”

Orji administration’s success no doubt has been made possible through the level of support he enjoyed from the 11 members of the National Assembly, 24 members of the State House of Assembly, 17 transition chairmen of local governments, the commissioners, the political leaders and the ordinary people in the state. In Aba, the governor unveiled the newly completed Ukwu-Mango-Ariaria Road, Dan Fodio/East Roads, Old Express/Samek Road and a pedestrian bridge at Abia State Polytechnic. While in Umuahia, the governor inaugurated the newly completed Nkata-Alaike-Umukabia Road and the Iyienyi-Okwoyi Road, all in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

During the inauguration of the two projects in Aba and Umuahia last week, all the prominent Abia sons and daughters, school children, traders and the youths lined up the major roads singing praises of Orji for the good work he is doing in the state. Those present at the two inauguration include the governors wife, Mrs. Mercy Odochi Orji, Abia State Deputy Governor, Chief Emeka Ananaba and his wife, Mrs. Nene Ananaba, Speaker Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko-Chukwu, former deputy governor of Abia State, Chief Acho Nwakama, Minister for Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, Senator Nkechi Nwaogu, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Ikechi Ogbuagu, Chief Bob Ogbuagu and Chief Tony Ukasanya.

Others are former chairman of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and Orji’s closet rival in the 2007 governorship election, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, South-east National Vice Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Col. Austin Akobundu, Chief Henry Ikoh, Chairman of Abia State PDP, Senator Emma Nwaka, Chief Uzodinma Okpara, Chief Mao Ohuabunwa, Prince Sonny Aku, President General of Ohuhu     Welfare Union, Mr. Ejikeme Ikwunze and many others.

After thanking the Aba residents for the warm reception they gave him, Orji said the Ukwu-Mango Ariaria Road was impassable for more than 20 years due to neglect by past governments in the state thereby leaving the major road linking Ariaria International Market to be left with only mountains of refuse and deep water where people even carried out fishing activities.

The governor who said he did the road because of the love he has for the people of Aba, noted that his government is not a government of deceit. “All the work we are doing in Aba, we will finish and the people are solidly behind us. We are not here to deceive you; we have come to work. When kidnappers came people ran away from Aba. Having restored order in the commercial city, people who ran away because of kidnappers have all returned to Aba to continue with their businesses.”

During the inauguration of the pedestrian bridge at Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Orji said the news of students being killed by fast moving vehicles on the road that crosses the institution forced his government to build the pedestrian crossing. The governor, who said that four students of the institution lost their lives on the road last year, noted that with the new pedestrian bridge, all the students of the Abia Student Polytechnic are well protected and secured.   He said instead of increasing school fees, he decided to reduce school fees, noting that the reduction is for every student irrespective of state of origin. He therefore implored the students to take their studies seriously.

The management and students of the Abia State Polytechnic, poured encomiums Orji for his sensitivity to the needs of the institution and prayed God to guide and protect him and members of his family including members of his cabinet. As a mark of appreciation, the students of the polytechnic gave a chieftaincy title to the governor to show love to him. While unveiling the Dan Fodio/East roads and Old Express/Samek Road in Aba, Governor Orji said: “We will continue to do everything that it takes to ensure the development of this city, and its full restoration to the glory of all Abians and all men of good will.”

At the inauguration of Iyienyi-Okwoyi road in Umuahia North Local Government Area, Governor said that he was particularly excited to commission the road, which he noted had remained impassable especially during rainy season. He said the roadwork when completed would link up major communities such as Ozu Item, Uzuakoli and Igbere that are under Abia State. Orji who asked the people of Iyienyi-Okwoyi to continue to live in peace, said that God helped him to do the road warning that nobody should dump refuse into the drainage system.

“What we are doing today is a thing of joy. Ochendo is responsible for today’s joy in the land. We will continue to do good works for the state. The people complained to me severally and God provided the money to do the work. The people should live in peace. Abia State is now free from Pharaoh and we will never go back to Egypt again,” Orji noted. At the inauguration of the Nkata Alaike-Umukabia road, which took place at the playground of Umukabia Okpuala Central School, the community in the thousands trooped to welcome Orji and large entourage.  Orji who thanked the contractor, A Vision, for constructing a stoned-based road said that his government would stop at nothing in doing good thing.

“We are here to do good thing.  We want to make impact on the lives of the people, give them a permanent thing they will forever remember my administration for. If there is peace, there will be progress and when we dialogue things move forward,” Orji said. The Labour and Productivity Minister, Emeka Wogu, during a banquet organised at the Government House implored Abians to continue to support Orji’s government, noting that he is a blessing to the state. “Your support will bring more love, joy and development to Abia State,” he said, adding that “for me the day is the day God has made and we must be happy and be joyful. What we have today is very spiritual; we have come to repossess our possession because of our bad experience. Opposition will always talk but we should face our business and work for the people. From the mobilisation of women we saw today, God should give you the resources to complete the landmark projects in Abia State,” Wogu said.

The minister said that it took Governor Orji’s courage, determination to right the wrongs of the past as pensioners are no longer dying on queues in Abia State noting that the First Family of Abia State needs the prayers of everybody. “We are now liberated, we are now having peace in Abia. The problem is not what happened in Aba, but we what we failed to do. Ohanku road was impassable but now I can go to my house,” Wogu said.

The minister who recalled how he abandoned one of his properties at Ukwu-Mango, said with the new road now, he has been able to access the property. “Ochendo is leaving a legacy in Abia State, he is of good humility and it’s our duty to tell the world what his government is doing. We have a good work and we have to celebrate him,” Wogu declared.

Orji who said that “Governance is not easy” announced that since he came on board he has never taken any loan and bonds from the capital market to execute the massive projects littered all over the state.  He said that prudent management of resources from the monthly N3.5 billion allocation, which the new minimum wage alone takes N2.5 billion remaining N1 billion, and from N222 million Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), he is able to execute projects in the state. According to him, the counterpart funding from the Federal Government also helps in the execution of projects in Abia State.

“Since I came on board I have never taken any loan from the bank neither have I taken any bond from the capital market. Before our salary wage bill was N1.4, N1.5 billion before the N18, 000 minimum wage and today I am paying N20, 100. I am yet to see if there is any other state that pays higher than Abia. This has brought our salary wage bill to N2.5 billion out of an allocation of may be N3.5. When you remove N2.5 billion from N3.5 what remains for me is N1 billion. My Internally Generated Revenue is N222 million that is what I get from my consultants.

“So when you add and compare it with what we are doing you will now assess whether Abia is doing well or not. You can never compare Abia State with Akwa Ibom State neither can you compare us with Rivers State, Bayelsa State or Delta State. Never! There is no basis for comparison because if you see their allocation chart you know why some of them are able to build airports. Unfortunately, when our people see some of these things they will come back and say nothing is happening here. You cut your coat according to your size. I cannot bring Julius Berger here because I cannot pay them. But I can pay our own indigenous contractors who are doing very well and they are the people we are using and they are happy about it,” Orji noted.