Get marriages right to get society right - Prof Ikonne

Aba. February 13, 2022

By Ijendu Iheaka

Former Abia State University Vice Chancellor, Prof Eleazer Ikonne, has called on couples to work towards getting their unions right in order to make the society right.

Ikonne made the call on Sunday at All Saint Anglican Church, Umuahia during the launch of the book "The Beauty of Marriage" by Dr Emmanuel Ezimoh.

The book launch followed the dedication of Chinazaekpere Courage Ezimoh, the daughter of Dr Emmanuel Ezimoh and wife Ozioma Ezimoh.

Ikonne regretted that some families were going beserk these days and so making marriage, an institution ordained by God unattractive.

" Families are going beserk these days. But it ought not to be so.

"If we get marriage right, we will get the society right. That is the reason families should strive harder to make their marriages work", he said.

Pastor Uche Ama Ohaka, who gave a preview of the book said the author had written two other books and encouraged him to write more books to bless his generation.

He said the book was a must-read for couples who do not want to be fighting in their unions but want to be peaceful and progressive.

Ama-Ohaka said that the book showed how much effort families should put into the marriages to build them. 

Creation of new states will end minorities marginalization - Prof. Onwubiko

Aba. Feb. 5, 2022 

By Ijendu Iheaka 

Associate Professor Onwubiko Dike, a lecturer at Rhema University, Aba has said that the creation of some additional states considering ethnic affinity would help end marginalization of minorities.

Onwubiko disclosed this on Friday during a press briefing organized by indigenes of Etche, Ndoki, Obigbo, Omuma and Asa (ENOA) who are seeking a new state.

Onwubiko, the Coordinator of ENOA State Movement also said the creation of ENOA state would ensure even and fast development of areas along Rivers – Abia corridor because of its viability.

He said that some of the reasons for their call for a new state includes, to re-unite the people of these areas who before their balkanization in 1978 by Justice Mamman Nasir were one people.

He said the creation of the new state would also address vexatious socia-cultural polarization of the people of these areas, their socio-political marginalization and to attract development to the area.

He said the area rich in huge agricultural resources, oil and gas and other natural endowments is the most viable state proposed recently with the capacity to develop fast.

Onwubiko also said that the Tourism potentials of the region will be boosted by its many tourist centres such as Azummini Blue River, Obeaku, Obete, 

Otamiri Confluence and Asa-Ugbo Bekee Beaches.

He therefore called for the support of concerned citizens of the area,  the media and other political office holders to make the achievement of the goal easier.

Onwubiko held the press briefing at Obehie, Ukwa West LGA with Dr Ikechukwu Ajuzieogu, the Secretary, Traditional rulers from these areas, prominent Community heads, and title-holders of the areas.

Abia govt shuts market after vehicle killed six

 Aba February 3, 2022

By Ijendu Iheaka

No less than six person were killed on the spot when an articulated vehicle fell inside a market - Ahia Udele - at Ogbor-Hill, Aba, Abia which harbors an abattoir in the early hours of Thursday.

An eyewitness told Our Correspondent that the vehicle bearing a 40-foot container, which had fabrics lost control killing many and injuring others.

The source who gave her name simply as Anna, a trader at the market said she escaped the accident by the whiskers.

Anna said that the accident killed a Tricycle driver who brought in a bereaved family into the market to buy meat for the burial of their loved one.

She said the driver waited in his tricycle while his passengers went to but meat in the market when the vehicle landed on him.

The source said that some moments later a crane was brought to the market to quicken rescues efforts but by 3 : 23 pm, the rescue effort had only succeeded in bringing out six bodies.

However, a source who did not give her name said another woman involved in the accident who was pregnant died on the way to the hospital. 

A survivor, Godspower Abel who spoke to Our Correspondent said that he was able to escape by God’s Grace and by the use of his mirror which enabled him to notice the problem and escape.

Godspower who had some injuries on the legs and hands returned in sadness to the scene where his Tricycle was crushed by the articulated vehicle.

Meanwhile, Abia government has shut the Ogbor-Hill Cattle Market and the adjoining Ahia Udele - a market harbouring the abattoir serving Aba.

The Deputy-Governor of the state, Sir Ude Oko-Chukwu said the government was giving the traders at the Cattle market and Ahia Udele ultimatum to relocate immediately for their safety.

He lamented the loss of lives at Ahia Udele and said the government was with the bereaved in their losses.

Chief John Okeiyi, the Commissioner for Trade, disclosing the shutting of the markets Thursday afternoon when he visited the scene of the accident said the decision was taken for the safety of the lives of Abia people.

He said that the government had provided additional funds to complete Omuma-Uzo modern abattoir in Ukwa West LGA which the government began about three years ago.

He said the traders at Ahia Udele should relocate to Goodmorning Market in Aba while the Cattle Traders should relocate to Omuma-Uzo. 

“While we mourn with those who lost loved ones in the unfortunate incident which occurred earlier today, it is important to state that the Ministry of Trade and Investment had long commenced processes to relocate the markets in line with public health advice received from the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies. 

"This gave rise to the acceleration of processes for the completion of the new abattoir which should be ready later this month. 

"The ministry wishes to appeal to those concerned to ensure full compliance with the directive to relocate without delay.

“We assure them that the ministry will do everything possible to ensure that they are properly settled to continue doing their businesses within a safer and healthier environment."

Cyclist kills colleague over a plate of food

Aba. Feb. 2, 2022 

By Ijendu Iheaka

Abia Police Command’s Public Relation Officer (PPRO), SP Geoffrey Ogbonna has confirmed the killing of a Cyclist by his colleague in Aba, Abia on Monday over a plate of rice.

Ogbonna confirmed the story on Wednesday although he said he had no information about the report which said that the suspect had surrendered himself to the police.

A source who would not want his name printed told Our Correspondent on Wednesday that the incident happened at Uzompka Street in Amaiyi, Owerri-Aba in Ugwunagbo LGA.

He said that the incident happened at a local eating spot named Nwanyi - Mmonghon when the two cyclists entered into the local eatery to eat alongside their other colleagues.

He said that while the Cyclists were sitting down, another Cyclist identified as Chinenye entered and demanded for food.

However, not wanting to be upstaged, an already seated Cyclist named Oberagu who was at the spot before Chinenye came told him to wait for his turn as they came before him.

According to the source, the owner of the eating spot supported their position and went on to dish food for the other group who came before Chinenye.

The source said that on hearing that, Chinenye started threatening the woman and the other Cyclists shouting that if the woman dares serve food to them, he would scatter everywhere. 

“That was what caused a fight in which other Cyclists joined to beat up Chinenye who went home humiliated.

"But the other boys were still eating when he came back with another cyclists carrying him. 

“The other young man noticed how he was coming majestically in a hooded overall outfit and tried to run, but he was shot in the leg. 

"With everyone running away, Chinenye drew closer and shot him on the stomach and disappeared with the same cyclist who brought him”.

NAN learnt that the injured Cyclist was rushed to a nearby hospital by residents, where he was pronounced dead by doctors.

He also said that the young man’s death sparked crisis in the area as angry residents went to the suspect’s family compound and that of the man who brought him back there and set the buildings there on fire.

NAN also learnt that Chinenye who ran away had voluntarily submitted himself to the Ugwunagbo Police Division.

NOA calls for reduction of violence training for Police

Aba. Feb. 1, 2022 

By Ijendu Iheaka

The Abia Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Ngozi Okechukwu has called on Police authorities to train their men on reduction of violence and adoption of standard use of force.

 

Okechukwu also asked for establishment of rigorous recruitment criteria for the Police that would allow for critical assessments of attitudes, motivations, psychological makeup, and quality above basic knowledge.

The NOA director made the call in Aba on Tuesday at a press briefing organized by Youths and Students Advocates for Development Initiative (YSAD) in furtherance of their campaign against extortion of road users by security agents.

She also charged the legislators to initiate legislation granting watchdog licences to Civil Society Organisations and Human Rights agencies to supervise and call public attention to accountability issues in the police.

Okechukwu recommended introduction of stiff punishments efficiently upheld against internal and external interference of investigations into police misconduct.

She said such steps would serve as a deterrent against persons who try to influence or interfere with ongoing investigations as well as reposition the police as a citizen-friendly organization

Obinna Nwagbara, Chief Executive Officer of YSAD earlier called on the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba to ensure the stopping of extortion on Highways in the South-East.

“Shall we also forget the resolution of the House of Representatives last December, calling for the dismantling of checkpoints but what we saw were more checkpoints with gun-wielding officials  in 'open bazar' on our roads.

"Sadly, almost all checkpoint-mounting agencies including the police, army, FRSC and various task forces across the states were active in this show of shame on our roads this past yuletide.

“They openly collected “tolls” from motorists and even making change for those who so demanded or who gave them higher denominations”, he said.

Nwagbara therefore urged the leadership of security agencies to do more than mere issuing of orders to their subordinates and save Nigeria from another ENDSARS experience.

He also  called on motorists to obey traffic rules at all times in order not to be forced into the lawless act of giving bribes.

Abia govt re-arraign four men for alleged murder of two brothers

 Abia govt re-arraign four men for alleged murder of two brothers

Aba, Jan. 27, 2022

By Ijendu Iheaka 

Abia government on Thursday re-arraigned four young men on an amended five count charge bothering on the murder of two brothers at Osisioma Local Government Area in Aba.

The defendants, Chigozie Ikeokwu, Amanna Temple, Chukwuebuka Nnamani and Godwin Chimezie were re-arraigned at High Court III, Osisioma, Aba, before Justice Teddy Eruba.

The quadruple allegedly strangled Bright Osuagwu (9) and his brother Sopuruchi Osuagwu (7) to death on April 2, 2021 at their house in Abayi-Ogbuligba in Osisioma while their parents were away.

The charges read that these four men conspired to commit murder, and also committed murder of Bright and of Sopuruchi, to which charges the four defendants pleaded not guilty.

The fourth and fifth charges which excluded the 4th defendant, Godwin Chimezie, read that the other three defendants conspired to commit robbery and also committed robbery.

The state said that they stole 1 Plasma Television set, 1 bottle of Andrea wine, half tin of Kerrygold milk, half loaf of bread, a bunch of keys, a ring, a Polo shirt, a scarf, a hotel key, and 7 boxes of matches.

To these two charges, the first three defendants, Chigozie Ikeokwu, Amanna Temple, and Chukwuebuka Nnamani, also pleaded not guilty.

The state said the defendants contravened Section 516 (A) of the Criminal Code Cap 80 Vol. 3, Laws of Abia state 2005, Section 319, (1) of the Criminal Code Laws Cap, 80, Vol 3, laws of Abia state 2005 and Section 1 (1) of the Robbery and Fire Arms (Special Provisions) Act Cap R 11 Vol, Laws of the Federation 2004.

After taking their plea which was read to them in Igbo language in suit number HOS /25C/2021, the fourth defendants’s lawyer, Chidi Nwachukwu asked for accelerated hearing of the case.

Justice Eruba asked the Prosecution Counsel, Uloaku Nwogu if her Witnesses were ready and she said she has more than five of them and confirmed that four are ready to testify.

Eruba then urged the counsels to agree on two court days for the witnesses who would take the stand two in one day and report to the court.

After the defendants’ counsels had agreed on a date which they communicated to the Judge, he adjourned the case to Tuesday, March 8 and 15 for the testimony of the prosecution witnesses. .

The Judge said that the Prosecution would within the two days open and close their case to enable further proceedings for accelerated hearing.