Ikwuano News

16/01/2024

SENATOR AKOBUNDU INTERACTS WITH ABIA PDP LEADERSHIP, LAWMAKERS, ASSURES THEM OF HIS UNWAVERING SUPPORT

As part of his efforts in ensuring a strong and formidable PDP in Abia State, the Senator Representing Abia Central Senatorial district, Senator Austin Akobundu, has charged members of the State Working Committee of the PDP and members of the State House of Assembly elected on the PDP platform to remain focused and committed to the party.

Senator Akobundu who gave the charge during an interface with the leadership of the party as well as the PDP's lawmakers at the State Assembly at the party's Secretariat in Umuahia on Tuesday, said he came to raise their hope and to encourage them to be strong and courageous while assuring them of his continued patronage and encouragement in sustaining the party in the state.

The Distinguished Senator, who is also the Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs declared, "Politics is over, this is time for governance. I am here today to give you a message of hope and to encourage you not to be faint hearted.

"Be strong and courageous. This is a time to look and move forward".

Senator who served the party as National Organizing Secretary in the last dispensation of the party declared ,"We are going to support and ensure that our party stays strong and comes out stronger. We are thankful to the leadership of the party in the state for all they have been doing. I want to reassure that you will not lack in our support".

While lauding the governorship candidate of PDP in Abia in the last general elections, Sir Okey Ahiwe for his doggedness during and after the elections, Senator Akobundu congratulated the State House of Assembly members for emerging victorious both at the polls and in their various court cases.

Earlier in his remarks, the State PDP Chairman, Dr. Alwell Asiforo Okere while congratulating Senator Akobundu on his victory as the duly elected Senator for Abia Central Senatorial described him as a core party man who has demonstrated his love for PDP by coming to visit his fellow party men and women. He described the Senator's emergence as a Senator as an act of God aimed at unification of the PDP in Abia.

Dr. Okere observed that Senator Akobundu has always shown humility and respect for the PDP, stating that the leadership of the party has no doubt that he (Senator Akobundu) will excel in his position.

In their separate responses, the member representing Obingwa East State Constituency and leader of the PDP Caucus in the State Assembly Members, Barr. Solomon Akpulonu as well as the State Auditor of the PDP, Chief Gabriel Okereke Elendu encouraged the party leadership to remain faithful and supportive of Senator Akobundu's home coming as well as his interaction with them.

In a vote of thanks, the Director General, Akobundu Campaign Council, Pastor Emeka Inyama, thanked leaders of the party for receiving the Distinguished Senator, pointing out that the national lawmaker possesses the capacity to give the party the needed direction and focus.

Dr Ugochukwu Ezeribe
For
Media Unit
Sen Austin Akobundu

16/11/2023

DISTINGUISHED SENATOR, COL. AUSTIN O. AKOBUNDU (Rtd)
THREE ARMS ZONE
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY COMPLEX
ABUJA, NIGERIA.

The Big Boss, I Bring greetings to you on behalf of my wife and family and to Congratulate you on your resounding victory at the Court of Appeal sitting in Lagos which restored the hard earned mandate which the people of Abia Central Senatorial District freely gave to you on the 25th of February, 2023.
This retrieval of your MANDATE did not come easily; But your quiet disposition which is a great asset as well as your goodwill, doggedness, strength of character, integrity and most importantly your abiding faith in God made it possible for you to get back your mandate.
Having successfully collected your Certificate of Return from INEC HQTRS, Abuja last week Thursday, We are are indeed very grateful to God for your inauguration at the RED chamber.
Our prayer is that you will have wonderful moment representing the good people of Abia Central at the Senate and National Assembly in general.

ONCE AGAIN CONGRATULATIONS THE DISTINGUISHED SENATOR OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!!!

Elder Chidi N. Uluka

15/11/2023

*PRESS RELEASE*

*SEN AUSTIN AKOBUNDU CONDOLE WITH VICTIMS OF THE ABA AUTO CRASH*


The Senator representing Abia Central in the Senate, Senator Austin Akobundu, has described as saddening the auto crash at the Ogbor Hill (Waterside Bridge) axis of Aba, the commercial nerve centre of the state which led to the death of four persons and injuring of several others.

In a statement in Umuahia on Wednesday, the Distinguished Senator condoled with the victims, their families and Abia State Government and asked the government to put necessary measures in place to prevent future occurrence.

"It is with absolute sadness that I note the unfortunate accident that occurred at Ogbor Hill (Waterside Bridge) axis of Aba on Tuesday, November 14, 2023 where a 40-feet container fell off from a heavy duty truck and landed on several commercial and private vehicles including tricycles known as Keke during the morning rush hours.

The accident I understand led to the death of four persons while several others were injured. This is unacceptable, saddening and indeed heart rendering as families of the victims have been thrown into undue misery.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families of the bereaved and pray that the Almighty God should accept their souls in paradise.

I stand by the families of the victims at this difficult time of their lives and assure them and actually all Abians that I will employ all necessary measures in the Senate where I serve as the Senator representing Abia State Central to ensure that all issues affecting our people’s safety, security, wellbeing and welfare are fully addressed.

I therefore wish to use this medium to condole with the Abia State Government and people of the state over the unfortunate incident and enjoin them to take it as an act of God.

It is my personal belief that such incident can be prevented if the necessary traffic rules and regulations are strictly put in place and enforced. I urge the Government to put in place the n

06/11/2023

*CELEBRATING THE BREATHTAKING VICTORY OF COL AUSTIN AKOBUNDU...A call for collective cooperation from all.*

By
𝓓𝓻 𝓤𝓰𝓸𝓬𝓱𝓾𝓴𝔀𝓾 𝓔𝔃𝓮𝓻𝓲𝓫𝓮

It is no longer news that Col Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu has clinched a last gasp victory at the Appellate court. A remarkable feat indeed.

What has ensued has been a roll call of encomiums from faithfuls and praise singers *(like they call us).* On the other hand, it has been some muted and un-muted mixed feelings and discontentments from a few of the disgruntled minority.

However, while we embrace the reality of this political escapade, it is worthy to review the qualities and capacity of the tear rubber Senator for Abia Central. The media mischief of the reversal by a single judge 'Suo Moto' after a 'functus Officio' court had ruled has long been discarded by a purported protest which was referred to as a "March Past".

Analysing the factual disposition of the man - Col Augustine Okwudiri Akobundu (Rtd) you would be amazed to note that hardly does any of the countless public misgivings match the ingenuity, magnanimity and capability of the gentle giant.
Someone asked on the NEW FACE OF IKWUANO of his Contributions to Ikwuano stating that the man Akobundu has done nothing. Instead of responding by asking the ignorant contributor, what his own contributions to Ikwuano were, I decided to unearth a piece of the silent achiever of which he prefers to remain anonymous in most cases.

*1. Human Capacity Development;*
A peep into the career of about 75% of past, present and future political leaders from Ikwuano, Umuahia, Abia State and beyond has the imprint of Col Austin Akobundu (Rtd) written on them. This is not counting the impacts made in other sectors outside politics in Nigeria as a whole. You would hardly find any sitting political leader of note who hasn't drawn from the immense resource of this living legend. By advice, financial support, guidance, placement or connection, so many, including so many proponents and opponents of recent and past political journey, are privately grateful to him. Even the most recent from the court of Appeal is a testimony of this fact.

*2. Community Development;*
It is on record that Col Austin Akobundu has been responsible for the annual grading of his community roads for several years from personal pockets. Against popular opinions, this is an individual who has used personal funds to alleviate the condition of road contracts awarded him but not funded by the Clients. A man who single handedly rebuilt the Women Civic Hall at Oloko besides the facilitation of the market. While most of the critics wag their tongues, they fail to ask themselves, "What have I done to contribute too in my own capacity? Today, the only Government General Hospital in Ikwuano which stands at Olori, irrespective of operational status, was attracted to Ikwuano by the same - Col Austin Akobundu (Rtd). One man who single-handed supplied the entire Oloko electricity, with cables and transformers all by himself.

*3. Social Welfare Management*
Unknown to many, this Philanthropist runs a Social welfare scheme that manages widows and widowers for the past 40 years. He has often refused to quote this in public space owning to his personal belief that the rewarder is God. Besides the sustenance of these persons by form of food and health bills, he organizes an annual Celebration at The end of each year to give to the indigent, a sense of belonging, a voice of recognition and a pride of place.

*4. Philanthropy and Charity;*
Col. Austin Akobundu has paid and still pays the medical bills of numerous persons from Abia State and beyond. He assists so many homes to provide their basic daily food. He pays examination fees and runs Scholarship schemes for countless individuals yet refuses to go public about them. This is not withstanding his relentless donations to Charity organizations, Churches, support to indigent persons and other free will support. People should strive to emulate such benevolence and quit castigating the excellence of virtues we should strive to imbibe.

*5* *. Leadership and Management;*
As a career personnel, he rose to the level of a Colonel in the Nigerian Military with countless successful military exploits.
As a Party officer, he has served as an ex- officio, as a National Vice President and the National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, he was appointed a Federal Minister for 2 months and 9 days before the overthrow of that Government. He is the Managing Director of his Construction company amidst other appointments held on the bases of meritorious service. This therefore furnishes us with the details of seasoned Leadership acquired overtime in various sectors of diverse extremes encapsulated in one person - Col Austin Akobundu (Rtd).

*6. Experience & Expertise;* The former military guru had a brilliant career with the Nigerian Army where he rose from the station of an ADC to a Military Administrator. As a military officer, his records of achievements are impeccable. By the end of his military career, his love for service led him into politics where he also held several leadership positions. His appointment as the National Vice Chairman of PDP for South East Zone brought decorum, justice and equity to the party in the South East and to the Party at large.
He also served as the National Organizing Secretary of the PDP, his most recent feat which is still fresh and evergreen in the memories of many which orchestrated the political and structural repositioning that heralded the rebirth of the PDP.

Perusing the above listed, it is time to disregard the dissenting muses of detractors and give assent to this gallant exponent of excellence. Abia Central Senatorial Zone is indeed privileged to have such an experienced, Sagacious, Magnanimous, Benevolent, unbiased, Perspicacious protagonist on the Senatorial seat.

*WAY FORWARD*

Away from the eulogies and citations, it is time to rewrite history, disprove insinuations, display proactive leadership and redefine legislation on the following premises;

1. Reunite Ikwuano and Abia Central absent political disentments

2. Divert, attract and direct infrastructural development towards Abia Central (with copious emphasis on Ikwuano) to address the backlog of infrastructural decay via legislation.

3. Manage tantrums and public misgivings with regular town hall meetings and public presentations of scorecards and activities.

4. Creating a future legacy by Developing, Empowering and Building the Youth capacity of Ikwuano and Abia Central for tomorrow.

5. Understanding and addressing the most pressing concerns of the constituents (you can never do all) by way of legislation

6. Development of Synergy, locally and Nationally especially in a politically heterogeneously faceted Nigeria.

*OUR PART.*
1. Support his legislation by all means

2. Criticize constructively

3. Submit to his leadership ( Anything that has 2 heads is a monster - Bishop David Oyedepo)

4. Promote unity instead of divisiveness

5. Stop falsehood and dual-faced Politics.

6. Engage our skills and intellect in positive ventures while attending to politics as means of governance not livelihood

7. Understand the theory of " *Turn by Turn"* . When it's another man's turn, clap for him. One day when it is yours, others will clap for you.

Congratulations *Col Austin Akobundu*
Congratulations *Our Senator*
To God be the Glory

*Dr Ugochukwu Ezeribe*

05/11/2023

*AKOBUNDU'S WIN...A WELL DESERVED VICTORY FOR IKWUANO.*

When the news filtered to my ears that Col Austin Akobundu had lost at the polls. I was dumbfounded. What went wrong?

I had made the permutations in my head. This was a chance, a rare opportunity for Ikwuano to be at the Senate. The All Progressive Candidate had equally fielded another very qualified Ikwuano man and I was glad. By any means, Ikwuano was going to the Senate. Both personalities were formidable.

Further permutations posited that a Governor of Ngwa extraction was preferred. Meanwhile, an Umuahia man had just done 2 tenures as Senator making the propositions more likely. My guess was that, Ikwuano in the person of Col Austin Akobundu was sure to clinch the seat.

My hustle was doubled. My effort trippled. From Ngwaland through Umuahia to Ikwuano, we campaigned. Undeterred by heavy rains, long nights and restless days. I hardly had time for myself or my family. The days outings didn't end with a detailed report. I remained focused and unruffled. I just wanted an Ikwuano man at the Senate. For me it was *D**e ako la mba* . My assurance was too notch,.my convincion was certain. Little wonder when the inconclusive election results were declared in favor of a non-Ikwuano man, I was spellbound. Transfixed and traumatized to my very consciousness, I withdrew from every political contribution while I licked my wounds. Darkness had come in daylight.

The loss was not the biggest pain but the sabotage at some quarters in Ikwuano. We had abandoned our own child to trek and carried that of the concubine on the back. A typical scenario of "Things Fall Apart". Pain, heartbreak and anger had combined to stifle my tears. Instead I bled silently inside. How could we have stuffed our gun barrels and shot ourselves in the foot, dressed all day and yet emerged naked. I retreated into my privacy. Never minding public concerns except of necessity.

The magnificent Colonel had great plans for Ikwuano and Abia Central. I was part of the team that pieced his manifesto together. He was true to his words. Committed to every detail in those prints. He had a name to clear, a reputation to defend and a history to rewrite. He was indeed a man on a mission untill that unfaithful election ruling.

Nevertheless, on the 4th of November, 2023, the records were set straight. Contrary to the ill-fated declaration of the Tribunal, the higher court ruled in our favour. The news was greeted with great fanfare across Ikwuano platforms and beyond. Ikwuano was celebrating again. In the words of TChidi Mbakwe *-" Whenever it is a Federal Election, support the Ikwuano candidate, at the LGA level, you can use your discretion".* Those indelible resounded again.

After 9 months of abandonment and forfeiture, my phone began buzzing again. Calls and messages came flooding in. Congratulations filled the air. My Principal, our preferred candidate and our leader of Ikwuano heritage had won. His petitions had been accented to at the appeal courts. Our mandate has been restored.

Indeed the Lord has turned our mourning into Joy. Ikwuano shall no longer play second fiddle in Abuja. We have a strong voice at the Senate to speak for us. The voice of D**e ako la mba, whose silence commands respect. This is a victory for all of Ikwuano irrespective of party affiliation.

Dear Sir, when the sounds of singing, merriment and congratulations have died down, set to work. A lot depends on you. You have wagging tongues to shut, bleeding hearts to heal, broken fences to mend, troubled minds to dowse. Howbeit, we are optimistic that you will live up to the confidence reposed on you.

Congratulations Distinguished
*Sen Austin Okwudiri Akobundu*

Congratulations Ikwuano
This victory belongs to us all.

Cheers.

*Dr Ugochukwu Ezeribe*

20/08/2023

*Time is Ticking*
*Please Help*
*Away from Politics!*

Once you raise a political topic on any of our platforms, many persons engage. When the topic is philanthropic related, we shy away from it.

An Ikwuano family is in dire need of our assistance. You don't need to have so much to assist. Just make your contribution from a cheerful heart.

*DONATIONS SO FAR*
1. Hon Ajiri - N100,000 (Pledge)
2. Hon Sunny Ochulor (N5,000 cash)
3. Monday Nwazue(NMC) N10,000 cash
4. Dr Ugochukwu Ezeribe - N10,000
5. Pst Monday Ironcho - N10,000 (Pledge)
6. Pharm Benson Onyekachi - N50,000(Cash)
7. Chijioke Nwaokeh - N5,000
8. Okechukwu Onyema - N10,000

Our brother, Mr Victor (08088232726) from Ahuwa Oboro, had a son on the 18th of August, 2023. Unfortunately, the baby was born with the intestines all outside the stomach. The situation warranted their referral to FMC Umuahia where they were given an estimated bill of about *N1.5 million.*

Kindly help them if you can.

Remain blessed

Please send your support to

Ezeribe Ugochukwu Victor
*0045595100*
GTBank

Remain blessed

20/08/2023

Good morning all,

As we awake to the expectations of the new day and week ahead, we must also rise to the challenges that follow.

An Ikwuano family is in dire need of our assistance. There is no religion greater than helping those in need when and if we can.

*DONATIONS SO FAR*
1. Hon Ajiri - N100,000 (Pledge)
2. Hon Sunny Ochulor (N5,000 cash)
3. Monday Nwazue(NMC) N10,000 cash
4. Dr Ugochukwu Ezeribe - N10,000

Our brother, Mr Victor (08088232726) from Ahuwa Oboro, had a son on the 18th of August, 2023. Unfortunately, the baby was born with the intestines all outside the stomach. The situation warranted their referral to FMC Umuahia where they were given an estimated bill of about *N1.5 million.*

I believe that together we can win this battle.

Remain blessed

Kindly send your support to

Ezeribe Ugochukwu Victor
*0045595100*
GTBank

Remain blessed

15/07/2023

Give them a try

14/07/2023

In your food interest

13/07/2023

02/05/2023

*OFFICE OF THE HONOURABLE MEMBER, IKWUANO STATE CONSTITUENCY*

The attention of the Honourable member representing Ikwuano State Constituency at the Abia House of Assembly, Hon Stanley Nwabuisi has been drawn to a purported impeachment process of the Speaker of the 7th Assembly.

This statement is hereby made to notify the entire Ikwuano State Constituency that the Hon member is still away on his legislative vacation in faraway Canada. He could in no way and by any means have been part of the process. He thus uses this medium to distance himself from this act.

The Honourable member further calls on his distinguished honourable colleagues to resolve the matter amicably for the interest of peace and wellbeing of the state, while reminding them of the opportunity that this brings towards addressing all pending issues as we approach the end of the 7th Abia State House of Assembly.

Dr Ugochukwu Ezeribe
(Executive Secretary to *Hon Stanley Nwabuisi*
Member Representing Ikwuano State Constituency,
Abia House of Assembly

29/04/2023

29/04/2023

*Hon Stanley Nwabuisi facilitates brand new Solar Generators/Biomedical Refrigerators for Ikwuano.*

As part of his continued effort to ameliorate the state of dilapidated infrastructures in Ikwuano cm effectively utilizing the privilege of being the House committee chairman on Health at the State House of Assembly, the incumbent member Representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Hon Stanley Nwabuisi has today 29th April, facilitated the donation of Solar powered Biomedical Refrigerators to more Health centers in Ikwuano.

Recall that in October, 2022 through his representation, Nchara Health center received the first supply of this biomedical equipment in Ikwuano.

Following spirited efforts from the resilient Legislator, more health centers in Ikwuano were enlisted for the receipt of the equipments. As a follow up to this, these on demand health support equipments were not only supplied today but installed in the following Health Centers

a. Nkalunta Health Centre, Ibere
b. Ogbuebulle Health Centre, Oboro
c. Awomukwu Health Centre, Oloko.

More efforts are still being made to bring in more of these highly sort after equipments.

At Awomukwu, the WDC Chairman, Chief Ogbonna Luke was elated to receive the team of Engineers who carried out the installations. He thanked the prolific Member for his numerous contributions to the development of Ikwuano with emphasis on the health sector.

At Ogbuebulle, Com Okaranwolu Michael Ifeanyi who witnessed the installation was also full of praise and appreciation for the contributions of the ever smiling member. At Nkalunta, the same was the case as the Matron described the donation as a landmark contribution to health services administration in the Health Centre.

This is one of the many dividends of the representation of *Hon Stanley Nwabuisi.* In his response, the intellectually savvy House member promised not to rest on his oars but to continue in his task of representing Ikwuano and to put in more efforts in attracting dividends that will be beneficial to the good people of Ikwuano.

*Dr Ugochukwu Ezeribe*
_Reporting_

23/03/2023

AIRTEL DATA IS NOW AVAILABLE!

To fulfill the yearnings of customers, we have re-integrated AIRTEL DATA as part of our products.

See the prices below;

AIRTEL (RETAIL PRICE)

1GB - N290

2GB - N580

3GB - N870

5GB - N1, 450

10GB - N2, 900

20GB - N5, 800

(WHOLESALE PRICE)

1GB - N280

2GB - N560

3GB - N840

5GB - N1, 400

10GB - N2, 800

20GB - N5, 600

To buy, simply go to www.abiaplug.com or call 080-6333-7079 for inquiries.

23/03/2023

NEW PRICE ALERT!

Due to our commitment to impact SMEs and low-income earners, we have upgraded our product prices at Abia Plug to make businesses less expensive to run and lives easier for low-income earners.

See the new prices of MTN below;

MTN (RETAIL PRICE)

500MB - N125

1GB - N248

2GB - N496

3GB - N744

5GB - N1, 240

10GB - N2, 480

(WHOLESALE PRICE)

500MB - N125

1GB - N235

2GB - N470

3GB - N705

5GB - N1, 175

10GB - N2, 350

To buy, simply go to www.abiaplug.com or call 080-6333-7079 for inquiries.

03/03/2023

PREJUDICE AND VENDETTA, The precursor for recent CALL TO RETIRE PDP IN ABIA STATE

In recent days, it has been observed on some Social media platforms and individual pages and walls, the call to retire PDP in Abia State.

As a social commentator and public analyst, I have tried to rationally examine the cause and the driving factors behind this rage.

Like I have previously written in previous write ups, people have found subtle ways to vent their anger and rage irrespective of rational boundaries.

It would have been expected that people would be calling out for the End of Bad Governance in Nigeria. A regular trend which is fast obliterating the basic sanctity and ethics of our existence as a nation.

In broad daylight, Electronic collation of results was replaced by manual collation in this 21st century and no one is complaining.

Naira is bought with Naira irrespective of the consequences.

Banks now operate operationally at the barrage of angry and frustrated customers who cannot access their own money.

Fuel and other essential commodities are sold at exorbitant rates fixed at the discretion of the seller.

The list is endless.

Yet we hear "Retire PDP in Abia State". Funny.

Party is only a platform. It is people and performance that should be addressed. Any body can be in any party at any time.

The present PDP presidential candidate was a former APC member. Most Labour Party Candidates in this present election were all PDP stakeholders up to May, 2022. If PDP was any evil of any kind, they were the protagonists of the fall.

The Legendary Peter Obi was the Best Governor in Nigeria Under APGA, a Presidential running mate under PDP and a presidential candidate under PDP. It doesn't change his value system and personal qualities.

Enough of this prejudiced beclouded assertion, PDP is just a platform for any one. People have begun defecting to APC at the National level courtesy of their recent victory at the Presidential polls irrespective of the outcome of their administration.

One of the present Guber candidates in Abia State, has been an Aspirant under PDP, Candidate under APGA and now under Labour Party. This is a clear indication that party is just a platform that is sought for representation. Each of us carry our individual qualities.

One Ikwuano aspirant at the last primaries who so preached the gospel of PDP is now one of the ambassadors of *Retire PDP* after he failed to pick the ticket. This is more like vendetta than advocacy for good governance.

Finally, behind the scenes, these top political gladiators relate as friends irrespective of party affiliation. But the door soldiers are living at dream swords. Where then is our rational acumen?

PDP, just like any other party will continue to fly high as long as it continues to win political seats. Remember, that after this political drama called election, people will defect to wherever they find most convinient and politically productive.

In summary, remove the limits of prejudice and vendetta in public submissions. Tomorrow is bigger than today. We would be partial and blinded if our judgements and assertions are beguiled by the aforementioned sentiments of prejudice and vendetta, thereby reducing the entirety of our cumulative proposition as a product of mere bias.

*Dr Ugochukwu Ezeribe*
(Social commentator and Public Analyst)
He writes from Isiala Oboro, Ikwuano LGA, Abia State

24/02/2023

BARR IFEANYI IBELEGBU DRUMS SUPPORT FOR ALL PDP CANDIDATES.

A renowned Legal Luminary and Party faithful, Barr Ifeanyi IBELEGBU of Umugo Oloko has called on members of his Community to vote overwhelmingly for the People Democratic Party.

While mobilizing massively for the party of his choice, the Lagos based legal Practitioner, charged the electorate in his Community to show consistency in their vote pattern and Support the PDP as the most likely route of emancipation from the present quagmire the nation has plummeted into at the instance of the ruling party.

He was joined by many Community leaders and other party faithfuls who took turns to make comparisons between past administrations and the present one before finally urging their people to vote for Rescue Mission of the PDP.

Barr Ifeanyi IBELEGBU is regarded as one of the frontline legal Practitioners of Ikwuano/Abia State extraction.

Dr Ugochukwu Ezeribe
(Reporting)