G S Reports

07/09/2023

FCTA Mandate Sec: Abia Lawmaker, Erondu Jnr, Congratulates Elechi

The Chairman, House Committee on Public Service, Abia State House of Assembly (ABHA), Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, has congratulated Rt. Hon. Chinedum Elechi, on his appointment as Secretary, Economic Planning, Revenue Generation and Public Private Partnerships (PPP) of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

In a Press Statement signed by his Media Aide, Mr. George Egejuru and made available to newsmen, the lawmaker described the former Abia Deputy Speaker, as a core democrat and patriotic Nigerian, whose wealth of experience in public service would add value to FCTA and Nigeria at large.

Hon. Erondu Jnr who described the appointment of the Director-General, Abia state People's Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Campaign Council for the 2023 elections as well-deserved, prayed God to reward the former Abia state Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu for recommending Chief Elechi for the appointment.

The Uhie-born lawmaker further thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding Rt. Hon. Elechi worthy for the national assignment, expressing confidence that the former Abia Commissioner for Transport would perform creditably on the job.

Rt. Hon Elechi hails from Ukwa-West Local Government Area, Abia state and is one of the Eight FCTA Mandate Secretaries, appointed by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday

13/08/2023

IYD 2023: 'Equip Yourselves With Green Skills', Abia Lawmaker Erondu Jnr, Charges Youths

The member representing Obingwa-West State constituency, in Abia State House of Assembly (ABHA), Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, has charged youths to equip themselves with green skills.

Erondu Jnr who disclosed this today in Umuahia, Abia state in commemoration of 2023 International Youth Day (IYD), identified skills gap as obstacle for young people to participate in a world of work that is shifting towards a green economy.

The lawmaker described the 2023 IYD theme titled; 'Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World', as apt and timely, adding that the shift towards an environmentally sustainable and climate-friendly world is critical not only for responding to the global climate crisis but also for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Fielding questions from newsmen, Hon. Erondu Jnr also described green skills to include; knowledge, abilities, values, attitudes among others, needed to live in, develop and support a sustainable and resource-efficient society.

Erondu Jnr who further called on government at all levels, critical stakeholders and relevant bodies to show more commitments towards youth development in Nigeria, also urged youths to take advantage of several available opportunities to equip themselves for the Green Transition 2030 as forecast by United Nations (UN).

He advised youths to be patriotic, law-abiding and shun all forms of social vices, maintaining that upskilling young people are cardinal towards nation building.

25/07/2023

Again, Witnesses Abscond, Refuse To Testify Against Hon. Erondu Jnr At Tribunal

There was a mild drama at Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, Abia state today, as the remaining 10 witnesses scheduled to testify against the member representing Obingwa-West state constituency at Abia state House of Assembly (ABHA), Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr absconded again and refused to testify in court.

The petitioner and the candidate of Labour Party (LP) Mrs. Victoria Onwubiko who had filed a suit, challenging the victory of Hon. Erondu Jnr in the 2023 general polls had told the court through his Lead Counsel during their last sitting, that they would bring more witnesses to court today and close their case as well but on the contrary, the Lead Counsel to the petitioner, Barr. Raymond Nkannebe asked for an adjournment to a later day to enable them get more witnesses again, as their witnesses earlier seen within the court premises disappeared again.

The tribunal Chairman, Hon. Justice Kutigi frowned at the development, urging the Petitioner to brace up as there is no more time to waste.

Hon. Justice Kutigi who further disclosed that the tribunal have 15 other cases they are handling with limited time to conclude, noted that such would not be tolerated any longer.

He advised them to close their case if their witnesses are not forth coming instead of taking their time unnecessarily.

The court later adjourned to 3rd day of August 2023 to enable them bring their witnesses to court and close their case as well.

Recall that the previous seven out of 10 witnesses called by the candidate of the Labour party (LP), Mrs. Victoria Dibunwa Onwubiko to testify against the member representing Obingwa-West State constituency at Abia state House of Assembly (ABHA), Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr absconded without testifying at the Election Tribunal, on 14th July 2023.

Mrs. Onwubiko of the Labour Party (LP) who dragged the former Aide to ex Abia State Governor, Hon. Erondu Jnr. of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to court, had listed a total of 82 witnesses in her petition, later reduced it to 20 witnesses for the fear of the unknown at the pre trial stage.

Our Correspondent who covered the proceedings in court on the first hearing, had reported that Mrs Onwubiko had brought 10 witnesses to court, only three witnesses testified on 14th July 2023 while the remaining seven who were in court earlier, simply disappeared.

One of the three witnesses who earlier on the same day (14th July 2023) alleged under cross-examination, that Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) register was not used and the poor functioning Biomidal verification Accreditation system (BVAS), used in the conduct of the Obingwa-West state constituency election, reversed himself and admitted that INEC voter register was used and BVAS functioned properly from which he (the witness) also voted.

Another witness also admitted under cross examination that there was no mutilation and alteration of exhibits, especially form EC 8A which was the result sheet as he earlier alleged.

Mrs. Onwubiko had in a suit: EPT/HA/11/2023; Mrs. Victoria Dibunma Onwubiko Vs Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, alleged that Hon Erondu Jnr was wrongly declared winner of the Obingwa-West state constituency election, praying the court to declare her the winner.

24/07/2023

Senator Abaribe consoles Senator MAO Ohuabunwa over wife’s death.

Former Senate Minority Leader and Senator representing Abia South, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has expressed shock and sorrow over the death of Senator Mao Ohuabunwa's wife, Mrs Nimi Ohuabunwa.

In a statement released in Abuja on Monday by his Media Adviser Uchenna Awom, Senator Abaribe bemoaned the loss and described it as a saddening jolt that must have left a huge vacuum in the family of Senator Ohuabunwa.

Mrs Ohuabunwa he said was a a virtuous woman, dutiful mother and a loving wife who provided a strong backbone for Senator Mao Ohuabunwa as she was there at all times for him, providing the necessary support for his successful career.

"Losing such a loving life partner is a painful blow too hard to forget, but as believers we must take solace in God who knows why it must be now.

" I therefore console my friend, his children and the entire Ohuabunwa family and pray that Almighty God who is the greatest comforter shall comfort and strengthen them at this time ", Senator Abaribe said.

24/07/2023

BREAKING:Tribunal Sacks LP Rep member over Non-membership!!!
(Breach of Section 77(2)(3)

From Paul Osuyi, Asaba

The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Asaba, Delta State, has nullified the election of Mr. Ngozi Okolie of the Labour Party as member representing Aniocha/Oshimili Fed. Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The tribunal in a judgement on Monday, held that Okolie was not duly sponsored by the Labour Party as he was not a member of the party as at May 28, 2022 when the primary purportedly held.

The tribunal declared the runner up in the February 25, 2023 National Assembly, Ndudi Elumelu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as winner.

Elumelu who is the immediate past Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, had filed his petition, praying the tribunal to disqualify Okolie who was declared winner of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

24/07/2023

Abia Lawmaker, Erondu Jnr Commends Fed House of Reps for Supporting ABHA Resolutions

The member representing Obingwa-West state constituency in Abia State House of Assembly (ABHA), Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr has commended the Federal House of Representatives, National Assembly Abuja for honouring the plea from ABHA resolution to suspend the proposed electricity tarrif increment earlier billed to start by July 1, 2023, as moved by him (Hon. Erondu Jnr).

Erondu Jnr who disclosed this with newsmen yesterday in Umuahia Abia state, maintained that Nigerians are neck-deep into untold hardship with no end in sight, thanked Federal lawmakers for timely responding to people's-oriented plea from ABHA.

The House of Representatives at plenary on Thursday 20th July 2023, called on the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to put a stop to the planned increase in electricity tariff at the moment.

The House further mandated its Committee on Power (when constituted) to interface with NERC with a view to finding a common ground to addressing the proposed hike in the interest of Nigerians.

The resolution followed a motion moved by the Deputy Minority Whip, Hon. Aliyu Madaki, who expressed concerns over the suspense created by the planned increase in electricity tariff by Distribution Companies (DISCOs).

The lawmaker recalled that the DISCOs recently alerted customers of a planned electricity tariff hike hinged on the
Multi-Year Tariff Oder (MYTO), citing a circular issued to that effect by the distribution firms, stating that effective July 1, 2023, there would be an upward review of the electricity tariff influenced by fluctuating rates.

According to him, “under the MYTO, 2022 guidelines, the previous exchange rate of N 441/$1 may be revised to approximately N750/$1 which would have an impact on the tariffs associated with electricity consumption”.

He pointed out that under the planned hike, consumers within ‘B’ and ‘C’ with supply hours ranging from 12–16 hours per day will pay N100 per KWh, while Bands ‘A’ with 20 hours and above and ‘B’ with 16–20 hours, would experience comparatively higher tariffs, that is, for customers with a prepaid metre, whereas, for those on post-paid (estimated) billing, a significant increment is expected to be higher.

“The proposed increase is coming despite the inability of the operators to meet the threshold of supplying at least 5,000 megawatts per year after signing the contract with the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)”, he argued, stressing that “it is most inappropriate and insensitive to come up with a price increase of such magnitude at this time when many Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the increase in petrol prices”.

Recall that Erondu Jnr had moved the first motion of the 8th Abia Assembly on matter of urgent public importance at the plenary of ABHA on 29th June 2023; calling on FG to suspend the newly proposed electricity tariff billed to start on 1st July 2023 until the effect of petroleum subsidy removal is properly absorbed.

He had decried the negative impact of the planned increment in electricity tarrif on the people, pointing out that the hardship brought upon Nigerians by fuel subsidy removal without any palliative measure to cushion the negative effect, is yet to be absorbed properly.

The 8th Abia Assembly subsequently resolved thus; following the motion moved by the member representing Obingwa-West state constituency, Hon. Erondu Jnr:

“Urge the Federal Government to suspend the proposed electricity price hike on 1st July, 2023 until the effect of petroleum subsidy removal is properly absorbed.

“Besiege our Colleagues at National Assembly to intervene and pass a similar resolution.

“Request the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to include the Nigerian Masses interest in all their negotiations in the current subsidy removal in the energy sector”.

The Abia Lawmaker further urged FG to show commitment towards the vulnerable groups in Nigeria by providing palliative measures to cushion the untold hardship Nigerians are facing in the country.

This, he said, would relieve vulnerable Nigerians that are going through difficult times due to fuel subsidy removal with its attendant hardship.

20/07/2023

Abia Lawmaker, Erondu Jnr. Celebrates Abia's Foremost Attorney General, Chief Nkire, At 80

The member representing Obingwa-West State Constituency in Abia State House Assembly (ABHA), Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, has lauded the pioneer Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abia State, Chief Theo Nkire on his 80th birthday.

In a release signed by his SA (Media and Publicity), Mr. G.C. Egejuru, and made available to newsmen, Erondu Jnr congratulated Chief Nkire for the milestone, commending the Elderstatesman for the historic roles he played in shaping the political and economic development of Abia state as well as his wise counsels to the upcoming leaders.

In his words: "Dee Theo's contributions to the betterment of Abia state and Nigeria at large, stand out clearly as testimonies of his forthrightness".

The release partly reads: "I join the good people of Abia state, family, friends, Ndi Uhie and associates of Dee Theo Nkire in celebrating another beautiful year, heralded by God's benevolence, mercies and grace".

Erondu Jnr. who further extolled the humility and peaceful disposition of the Octogenarian, called on the youths to emulate the sacrificial lifestyle of the legal icon.

The Legislator, prayed for longer life, sound health, strength and wisdom for the Octogenarian.

10/07/2023

Abia Lawmaker, Erondu Jnr, Mourns ex-Ohanaeze Ndigbo PG, Prof Joe Irukwu

The member representing Obingwa-West State Constituency in Abia state House of Assembly (ABHA), has expressed shock over the demise of former President-General, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. Joseph Ogbonnaya Irukwu.

In a Press Statement from his Media Office, made available to newsmen, Erondu Jnr disclosed that Prof. Irukwu was a worthy son of Igbo land, a patriotic Nigerian, and a core democrat among others whose wealth of experience would be missed by Nigerians and the younger generations.

The Abia legislator, further described the death of the Insurance expert/legal icon who died at age 89 as a huge loss to Abia state, Ndigbo and Nigeria at large.

He urged the immediate family of the deceased, the people of Amaokwe Item, Abians, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the academic community, the body of Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN) and the entire Nigeria, to take solace that late Prof. Irukwu lived an accomplished life.

He prayed God to grant late Prof. Irukwu's soul eternal rest in his bossom.

09/07/2023

09/07/2023

Erondu Jnr Salutes Darl Uzu At 70

The member representing Obingwa-West State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly (ABHA), has lauded the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO), Crown Realties Plc, Chief C. Darl Uzu on his 70th birthday, describing him as a beacon of hope to the younger generation.

Erondu Jnr. who disclosed this to newsmen yesterday, during the birth anniversary of Chief Uzu at Ndiolumbe, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area (LGA), eulogizing him for his visionary accomplishments in business, especially in Real Estate.

Hon. Erondu Jnr. who further stated that Mr. Uzu has demonstrated patriotism and commitment towards serving humanity and the nation with sincerity of purpose, maintained that the Harvard University alumnus is an uncommon asset to Ngwa land, Abia state and Nigeria at large.

In his words: “Attaining the age of 70 is a milestone especially using most of it in service to humanity”.

The Abia lawmaker who urged the Private Sector Lead, Enyimba Economic City Development Project, to continue to mentor the younger ones, prayed God to guide and protect Mr. Uzu, and grant him more wisdom for enviable legacies.

Meawhile, the Celebrator, Mr. C. Darl Uzu who thanked God for preserving his life and health up to 70 years, called on government at all levels to develop viable means of harnessing intellectual resources at home and abroad as well as provide support and partnerships.

The Septuagenarian also expressed displeasure over the mass exodus of young Nigerians to overseas for greener pastures, noting that it is not a completely good idea.

30/06/2023

Abia Lawmaker, Erondu Jnr Lauds FG For Dismissing Electricity Tarrif Increment

The member representing Obingwa-West state constituency in Abia State House of Assembly (ABHA), Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr has lauded the Federal Government (FG) for responding positively to the resolution of the State Assembly to suspend the proposed electricity tarrif increment earlier billed to start by July 1, 2023.

Erondu Jnr who disclosed this today in Umuahia, the Abia state capital, noted that the development would relieve vulnerable Nigerians that are going through difficult times due to fuel subsidy removal.

The Abia Lawmaker further urged FG to show commitment towards the vulnerable groups in Nigeria by providing palliative measures to cushion the untold hardship Nigerians are facing in the country.

Erondu Jnr had moved the first motion of the 8th Abia Assembly on matter of urgent public importance at the plenary of ABHA recently; calling on FG to suspend the newly proposed electricity tariff billed to start on 1st July 2023 until the effect of petroleum subsidy removal is properly absorbed.

He had decried the negative impact of the planned increment in electricity tarrif on the people, pointing out that the hardship brought upon Nigerians by fuel subsidy removal without any palliative measure to cushion the negative effect, is yet to be absorbed properly.

The 8th Abia Assembly had resolved thus; following the motion moved by the member representing Obingwa-West state constituency, Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr:

"Urge the Federal Government to suspend the proposed electricity price hike on 1st July, 2023 until the effect of petroleum subsidy removal is properly absorbed.

"Besiege our Colleagues at National Assembly to intervene and pass a similar resolution.

"Request the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to include the Nigerian Masses interest in all their negotiations in the current subsidy removal in the energy sector".

Channels TV had reported on Thursday, June 28, 2023 that FG has dismissed the planned electricity tarrif increment.

28/06/2023

Eid-el-Kabir: Abia Lawmaker, Erondu Jnr Greets Muslims

The member representing Obingwa-West state constituency in Abia State House of Assembly (ABHA), Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr has urged the Muslim community to show love and tolerance towards one another.

In his goodwill message in commemoration of the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, signed by his Spokeperson, Mr. G.C. Egejuru, and made available to newmen, Erondu Jnr maintained that love and tolerance are veritable virtues for a peaceful, united and prosperous Nigeria.

Erondu Jnr who expressed hope that Nigeria has a great future, implored leaders at all levels to show commitment to their people by making people-oriented policies that would drive dividends of democracy to the grassroot.

The lawmaker, tasked Muslims in Abia state and Nigeria to use the ocassion to pray for a better and prosperous society.

27/06/2023

Electricity Tarrif Hike: Erondu Jnr Moves Motion For Its Suspension.

The member representing Obingwa-West state constituency in Abia State House of Assembly (ABHA), Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr has called for the suspension of the new electricity tarrif.

Erondu Jnr who moved the first motion of the 8th Abia Assembly on matter of urgent public importance at the plenary of ABHA today, noted that Nigerians are yet to recover from the shock and hardship ocassioned by fuel subsidy removal without any palliative measure to cushion the effects by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023, urging Federal Government to suspend the new electricity tariff billed to start on 1st July 2023 until the effect of petroleum subsidy removal is properly absorbed.

Erondu Jnr further described the planned hike in electricity tarrif as gross insensitivity of the government on the people's plights, adding that Nigerians are going through untold hardships.

In his words: "Coming to increase the prices of electricity now will be like adding salt to a deep injury especially as no palliative measure whatsoever has been provided to cushion the effect of petroleum subsidy removal".

He noted that electricity price has been secretly increased by over 100 per cent in the last two years, revealing that a unit of electricity that was sold for N35 is currently been sold at N72.67 kobo.

Erondu Jnr further stated that any further increase would bring untold hardship to the poor masses they are working hard to protect.

He urged the Speaker, ABHA, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa and his honourable colleagues, to resolve as follows:

"Urge the Federal Government to suspend the proposed electricity price hike on 1st July, 2023 until the effect of petroleum subsidy removal is properly absorbed.

"Besiege our Colleagues at National Assembly to intervene and pass a similar resolution.

"Request the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to include the Nigerian Masses interest in all their negotiations in the current subsidy removal in the energy sector".

The motion was supported by the member representing Bende North State Constituency, Hon. Nnamdi Ibekwe, the member represengting Ikwuano state constituency, Hon. Boniface Isienyi and member representing Isiala Ngwa South State Constituency, Hon. Rowland Chinwendu Dennis, as well as the unanimous resolution of the state house of Assembly.

Recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on his inauguration speech on May 29, 2023, removed fuel subsidy, leading to soaring price of fuel from N197 to N540 as well as its consequential inflation of goods.

26/06/2023

Hon Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr vowed, he would continue to serve God and humanity more in his new capacity.

In his remark, the Abia state Chairman, People's Democratic party (PDP), Rt. Hon. Alwell Asiforo Okere has commended, Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr. for his strides in Human Capital Development and other empowerment programmes for Obingwa people and Abians.

Okere further described Erondu Jnr as worthy son of Abia who has shown capacity as an aide to the immediate past Governor of Abia State, expressing hope that he would perform creditably in the 8th Abia Assembly.

In his words: "We rejoice today with one of the PDP finest. Erondu Jnr has made the PDP family proud by showing genuine love to his people through various empowerment programmes.
"We have no doubt that he would surpass the record he has created in the past on human empowerment programmes".-G S Reports

26/06/2023

The lawmaker further thanked God for preserving his life and that of his family in the past eight years he served in the administration of the former Abia state Governor, Dr.Okezie Victor lkpeazu from 2015 to 2023.

Erondu Jnr vowed, he would continue to serve God and humanity more in his new capacity. - G S Reports

26/06/2023

Abia Lawmaker, Erondu Jnr Appreciates God, Promises Quality Representation

The member representing Obingwa-West state constituency in Abia state House of Assembly, Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr, has restated his commitment towards providing quality representation to his constituents.

Hon. Erondu Jnr. who disclosed this yesterday during his inauguration thanksgiving at United Evangelical Church (UEC) Umuaro, Obingwa Local Government Area (LGA) Abia state, thanked God for his victory at the 2023 general polls, maintaining that he would never disappoint his people.

The lawmaker further thanked God for preserving his life and that of his family in the past eight years he served in the administration of the former Abia state Governor, Dr.Okezie Victor lkpeazu from 2015 to 2023.

Erondu Jnr vowed, he would continue to serve God and humanity more in his new capacity.

In his remark, the Abia state Chairman, People's Democratic party (PDP), Rt. Hon. Alwell Asiforo Okere has commended, Hon. Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr. for his strides in Human Capital Development and other empowerment programmes for Obingwa people and Abians.

Okere further described Erondu Jnr as worthy son of Abia who has shown capacity as an aide to the immediate past Governor of Abia State, expressing hope that he would perform creditably in the 8th Abia Assembly.

In his words: "We rejoice today with one of the PDP finest. Erondu Jnr has made the PDP family proud by showing genuine love to his people through various empowerment programmes.
"We have no doubt that he would surpass the record he has created in the past on human empowerment programmes".

In his sermon entitled: 'Conditions to attract God's support in governance', the Chairman, Umuaro Area Conference, Reverend C. C. Nwogwugwu charged leaders to emulate Hon. Erondu Jnr. who he described as humble and has shown genuine love to people.

This, he said, endeared the people of Obingwa LGA to Erondu Jnr, adding that his overwhelming victory at the 2023 general elections was a reciprocal love he has previously shown people in Abia and beyond.

The clergy likened Jnr to the centurion who built churches, houses among others to the people stating that the Legislator has built landmark legacies to his name.

"Be good to people you're leading and they would be happy with you" he further charged

Highlights of the event was the presentation of an award of honour to Hon. Erondu Jnr. by Federation of Ngwa Students, Abia State University (ABSU) Chapter, Abia state by their leader; Mr. Omeonu Izuakolam Justice as well as special prayers to Erondu Jnr and other leaders for good governance and God's protection in the state.

Dignitaries at the event include the 2023 Abia PDP Guber candidate, Sir Okechukwu Ambrose Ahiwe, traditional rulers, members of Abia state House of Assembly, PDP stalwarts, friends and well-wishers of Erondu Jnr within and outside the state.

24/06/2023

Abia Lawmaker, Erondu Jnr Returns from Workshop, Reiterates Commitment To ABHA |

The member representing Obingwa-West state constituency in Abia State House of Assembly (ABHA), Erondu Uchenna Erondu Jnr. has reiterated his commitment to the induction workshop details, organized for 8th Abia Assembly.

Erondu Jnr. who stated this in umuahia, Abia state, on his return from the induction workshop training in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa-Ibom yesterday, maintained that he would synergize with his colleagues to ensure that 8th Abia Assembly records huge success in the legislative business.

He commended National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) for the various sessions of the training, adding that they were impactful.

He promised to use the knowledge gathered from the workshop to contribute immensely to the legislative business as well as attract dividends of democracy to his constituents.

Erondu Jnr. had attended an induction workshop with other members of Abia State House of Assembly in Ikot-Ekpene, Akwa-Ibom state for some days.

Highlight of the workshop was the issuance of certificates to Abia lawmakers who attended.

23/06/2023

True Reasons Why Aham Uko Left Ikpeazu's Government

Aham Uko was the Commissioner of Environment during the first tenure of Ex- Governor Okezie Ikpeazu's administration. As one who has served in the bank as an Assistant general Manager (AGM) ,albeit infamously, Uko operated with so much gait that many people had falsely rated his capacity to deliver.But time would later reveal that he was an impenitent Chameleon .As the commissioner of Finance in 2019 Uko left in history as the most inept commissioner of Finance Abia state has ever had.

Some evidences abound to validate Uko's inglorious career in the bank and his unfaithfulness during his stint in NDDC while Chief Onyema Ugochukwu held sway.

Many believe that, but for his cerebral sense of ingratitude, Aham Uko should be eternally grateful to Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and the family of TA Orji that facilitated his appointment as Commissioner for finance during the second tenure even at the expense of more qualified Abians

Also consumed in his prohibitive rating of himself, Uko would always deride and often malign the competence of his colleagues just to showcase himself as the most competent person who has the midas touch to solving knotty financial issues. No doubt he succeeded and was once appointed into a committee to supervise the installation of solar powered street lights in Umuahia and Aba.

Members of the committee, who were drawn across Abia state included late Ogunji,Dr Osita Igbe, Sir Tony Ezebuiro and others, were provided with N200m but to their disappointment , Aham sidelined the committee members and pocketed about N100m meant for the Umuahia project without doing the needful.That would have been a warning but Aham found his way back to the government through high powered intercession of many Ohuhu sons.

His time as the commissioner exposed the state to unprecedented borrowing from commercial banks which shot up the debt portfolio of the state. Incidentally instead of utilising the loans for meaningful ventures Uko would pay his cronies that were ready to play ball and at least part with the usual 60/40 sharing formula which was prevalent during his time.

In his usual self Governor Ikpeazu, when he realised the unpatriotism of Uko decided to sideline him and literally rendered him redundant, especially, when it became obvious that he was extorting money and kickbacks from some parastatals via their monthly subventions.

There were verifiable proofs that some schools were coaxed to remit certain stipulated amounts into designated accounts in UBA and Unity bank .Two Commissioners ( Prof Mgboji and Uche Ihediwa SAN)who were commissioned to investigate the alleged fraudulent practices are still alive to testify to the truth of the matter. Bursars of these Abia Poly, Absu, School of Health who were invited to the committee also showed evidence of their deposit tellers which were handed over to the ex- Governor. Thank God that then Chief of staff Agbazuere is still alive as the matter at some point was transferred to him after the investigative committee listened to him. It's therefore amazing that an Aham Uko with such dirty service records will come out to the public to smear the image of the past administration and talk about good governance.

Who would believe that our latter day saint whose only motivation is to secure an office in the present Alex Otti's government would embark on this infantile adventure of self destruction after massively extorted from the contractors even with the intimidation to withdraw their payment instructions from the bank if they renege on agreement. The Governor also heard about that and directed that payments be made through the Ministry of Works instead of Finance as was the case till the end of the administration.

Saint Uko who preached good governance incredibly used N48m to re-validate data of pensioners of about 6,000 in the state. An exercise that his predecessor handled with only N2m. He increased the cost of going to Abuja for FAAC meeting from N500k to N1.6m.monthly This was in addition to the N5m naira overhead that he introduced immediately his predecessor left office totaling N240m for four years. May be for the overhead that he enjoyed he could not resign from his office even when it was obvious that he had no job doing in the Ministry because of his premeditated redundancy .

Uko's sins were just too many.That ex- Governor Ikpeazu didn't sack him lives much to be questioned. Aham Uko colluded with officials of one agency to embezzle funds from one of the development partners which ran into millions of dollars. I wish that Dr Alex Otto's searchlight will beam light towards those areas.

Ask Aham Uko to mention any institutional reform that he engendered as a professional?Or what policy thrust he champoined during his time as the commissioner of Finance? Instead, under his watch the salary management software was compromised and all the gains previously achieved were lost because of his inefficiency.

It's apparent that Uko has blackmail adrenaline running in his blood otherwise he would not have first betrayed the Ochendo family that he countlessly prostrated to, and now Ex- Governor Ikpeazu.

That he was humiliated out of office before he forced himself out was due to some notable persons especially from his Ohuhu clan that interceded on his behalf otherwise he was mandated to resign few weeks to the general elections.

It was laughable to hear him claim that he wanted to resign before the elections . What a despicable ingrate that he is . we wish him well in his peurile lobby to find favour from the new Government.

The New Abia Group