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OPINION: The Rivers of Karma

December 18, 2023

By Willie Amadi

A couple of weeks ago the country was rudely woken up by news of an impeachment attempt by the G-27 members of the Rivers State House of Assembly allegedly orchestrated by the former governor and current minister of the FCT Barr. Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike against his godson Governor Siminaliyi Fugbara who is barely six months in office.

Many reasons were given to justify the impeachment by different interest groups namely;

SIN ONE

It was alleged that the Governor unilaterally stopped the payment of N2billion monthly allowance payable to the former Governor to which Wike denied sarcastically during a TV interview in his office in Abuja.

SIN TWO

A viral audio clip claimed that the internally generated revenue which stood at an average N10b during Wike’s administration under Chief Whorlu, Chairman Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue his secondary school classmate suddenly dropped to N6billionafter Wike’s exit. This drastic shortfall was queried by Governor Siminaliyi who summoned the Chairman for explanations. Not satisfied with his explanations the Governor decided to invite Chief Chamberlin Peterside a former Commissioner for Finance under Barr. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi’s administration to assist him in rejigging the operations of the Board for optimal performance. This greatly enraged the former Governor.

SIN THREE

The third reason was the delay and or refusal to conduct local government election within his first three months in office by the Governor as agreed with Wike and the Speaker. The former Governor it is alleged, had as usual, single handedly handpicked all the candidates for the Chairmanship and Councillorship positions of the entire local governments in Rivers State for that election leaving the Governor without any reasonable input for those who will administer the local governments under his administration. Governor Siminaliyi dissatisfied with it on assumption of office based on realities on ground decided against the immediate conduct of local election and approached the Speaker with a list of Caretaker Committee members for the local government area for clearance inline with the law. The Speaker who was a party to the initial agreement reported back the Governor’s request to the former Governor. It was at this point that the decision was taken by the duo to take the Governor out through an impeachment which eventually backfired.

SIN FOUR

⁠ It was equally alleged that the former Governor Wike had awarded contracts ahead of the tenure of the incumbent Governor’s tenure and had secured the payments for the various contracts running into hundreds of billions of naira through bank guarantees from the banks warehousing the monthly federation account (FAC) account thereby foisting on his successor absolute compliance since the scheduled payments are deducted electronically at source on receipt of FAC. The Governor’s decision to review some of these choking decisions and the commencement of some contracts in his senatorial area started by former Governor Barr. Rotimi Amaechi also infuriated former Governor Wike the most.

Governor Siminaliyi Fugbara and Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike

SIN FIVE

It was also alleged that the Governor’s romance with enemies of his predecessors namely Amaechi, Omehua and all those who opposed his administration and Siminaliyi’s candidature over his assertions that the game of politics was over and that this is the time for inclusive governance weakened former Governor Wike to his bones.

It was these cocktail of sins and the criminal tampering with the “structure” that provoked the decision to impeach Governor Siminaliyi from office forthwith. These selective patriotic and good governance motives of the Governor perhaps became a punishable offence. So assuming but not conceding that the above “sinful offences” are true, were they enough reasons to activate an impeachment process against the Governor without a private father and son explanations first sought and obtained, considering the security and political tension an outright declaration of war against an incumbent with wide access to State funds and power will occasion ?

Obviously common sense and political tact was on vacation when this rash decision was taken by the non State actors.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE FAILED IMPEACHMENT MOVE AND MASS DEFECTIONS BY THE G-27 HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY MEMBERS LED BY THE FORMER SPEAKER RT. HON. MARTIN CHIKE AMAEHULE.

The hegemony and number of members of the Rivers State House of Assembly has unfortunately depleted to 5 membership full quorum thereby denying the people of Rivers State robust, qualitative and comprehensive legislative benefits. The Supreme Court decisions are very clear and instructive on the issue of defections. Once a member defects to another political party his seat becomes vacant as soon as the Speaker declares it so and proceed to writes the Independent National Electoral Commission. This was done with the speed of sound.

With the suspension of the G-4 led by the former majority leader Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie who later was elected as Speaker by the G-4 as declared the authentic Speaker by the Order of the High Court, the Speaker and the House adopting the extant rules of the House proceded and declared the defected seats vacant. Jurisprudencially, UNTILL that Order of the Court is vacated, varied or reversed by the Court of Appeal, the G-4 now G-5 will continue to legally preside and legislate for the good people of Rivers State including and not limited to the passage of the 2024 and other legislative functions going forward. The G-27 by the current prevailing legal framework and precedents are no longer members of the Rivers State House of Assembly pending the final determination of the matter by the Supreme Court. Therefore, their recent sitting in the House of Assembly quarters and purported amendment of the local government law are mere Riverwood frowlic without any legal backing whatsoever. This is more pitiable when they sat in contemptuous disobedience of the court order barring them from parading themselves as members of the Rivers State House of Assembly pending the the determination of the matter before the court.

Historically, Governor Chimaroke Nnamani of Enugu State worked with a 6-member House of Assembly when similar scenario played out between him and his godfather Jim Ifeanyichukwu Nwobodo. Governor Siminaliyi will legally partner with the G-5 until either the Appeal Court reverses the Order of the High Court or INEC conducts a fresh election to fill the vacant seats.

The over 90% hand picked appointees by the former Governor for his successor including the Chief of Staff, Secretary to the government of Rivers State, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice and other key Commissioners such as of Finance, Works ⁠and information are endangered and can no longer be neutral in favour for a longer time as most of them have thrown in the towel to free their conscience and also reassure and firm up their loyalty to former Governor Wike their mentor.

The political class and the professional politicians will realign and continue to serve as raw materials and eat from the crumbs generated by the current political conflagration.⁠

The local government council chairmen’s tenure expires any moment from now and the Governor will take full charge of the local government administration through appointment of his direct loyalists and allies. The appointment of Caretaker Committees into the local government will be approved by the House of Assembly without delay as in the fastest passage of the budget in the history of the country.

The State Council of Traditional Rulers led by a no nonsense political war horse HRM Sergeant Awutse last week pledged absolute loyalty to Governor Siminaliyi while pleading with the former Governor to shield his sword for the interests of the people of Rivers State.

Regrettably, with the capture of the Judiciary, the Supreme Court where the former Governor would have tactically laid judicial ambush against unsuspecting Governor Siminaliyi rather than the usually protractive impeachment option may eventually and guidedly decide the fate of all concerned both named and unamed. The option of impeachment by Wike is an own goal.

But God will speak last.

Finally, the avalanche of previous video vituperations about managing succession by Wike shows that the internet doesn’t forget. Wike’s travails is an eye opener to godfathers who do not factor God in their schemings. My advice to our brother Nyesom is to allow this calm sleeping bullmastif dog lie for the overall interest of the Rivers people because this is a war where “if Similayi doesn’t win, he will not lose”.

Willie Amadi, a lawyer and environmentalists writes from Owerri

Uzodimma Harps On Need For South East Leaders To Work Together

The Source

December 17, 2023

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has emphasised the need for leaders in the South East to work together, saying it is by doing so that the challenges plaguing the zone will be dealt with.

He however expressed the determination of Governors of the South East to work together towards alleviating the sufferings of people of the zone, especially as they concern the tide of insecurity.

Governor Uzodimma made the remarks on Sunday at the Thanksgiving Church Service of the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Rt Hon Nkeiruka Onyejiocha at Umunneochi LGA of Abia State

He acknowledged that people of the zone are going through difficult situations as a result of insecurity and high cost of living, but assured that the Governors are working hard, in collaboration with critical Stakeholders, to bring the situation under control.

“Leaders of the zone in collaboration with heads of security agencies and community leaders are working hard to bring lasting solution to the challenges of insurgency, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the zone,” he said and called on “politicians irrespective of their political parties to join hands in building the economy of the zone for the good of the people.”

Governor Uzodimma said that Hon Onyejiocha has given a good account of herself and the All Progressives Congress in her Constituency and called for the prayers of the Church for God’s intervention in the affairs of the country in general and the zone in particular.

He congratulated the celebrant for her efforts in bringing development to her Constituency and the Southeast in general.

Governor Uzodimma who congratulated the traditional rulers for their role in maintaining peace in the Communities also thanked the clergy for their prayers that have so far sustained the State and the Nation.

In rounding off his speech, the Governor donated a bus to the Methodist Diocese of Umunneochi, Abia State in line with a request the Church made on him.

The presiding Bishop and celebrant of the Church Service, Most Rev Dr. B.L Onuagha thanked Governor Uzodimma for his efforts in providing leadership for the South East, describing him as “a great and trusted leader in the South zone.”

Bishop Onuagha also thanked the National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and others for coming to identify with Hon Onyejiocha.

In his goodwill message, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi acknowledged the sterling qualities of Hon Onyejiocha and described her as a woman of “value and valour.”

Fagbemi said that President Bola Tinubu is happy with the commissioning of the High Court Complex built by the Minister for her Constituency.

Also in his message, the National Chairman of APC, Ganduje, appreciated the Minister on her giant strides as a Federal lawmaker and now, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

He said he was happy returning to Hon Onyejiocha’s place again to identify with her people on their daughter’s Thanksgiving Service.

Highlights of the ceremony was the commissioning and handing over of Umunneochi High Court Complex built by Hon Onyejiocha by Ganduje assisted by Governor Uzodimma, Fagbemi and other dignatories, both from the federal government and Abia State.

Governor Uzodimma’s wife, Chioma, Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti and his wife, APC Deputy National Chairman South, Chief Emma Enukwu, the APC National Vice Chairman South East, Dr. Ijioma Arodiogbu, Chief of Staff to Governor Uzodimma, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, Mrs. Glory Akobundu of NEPAD, among other key personalities attended the event.

Again, Mr Ibu Undergoes Surgery, As Amaechi Muonagor’s Health Worsens

Akinwale Kasali

December 17, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

It is a very disheartening situation in the Nigerian Movie industry popularly known as Nollywood, as the health of Two of its veteran Actors continue to deteriorates.

John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, who recently had one of his legs amputated has had the same leg amputated some more.

Making public the misfortunes that has befell Mr Ibu, the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Emeka Rollas revealed that Mr Ibu has undergone another leg amputation and is barely able to talk while calling for prayers and support for the veteran actor.

He said the association was monitoring Ibu’s case, as it was also concerned about the deteriorating health of another veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor.

Rollas stated that Muonagor has been hospitalised at the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State, for over two months.

According to him, the actor’s state of health is pitiable, as he is currently a shadow of his old self.

In a chat with Vanguard Newspaper, Rollas said, “We are resigning to fate concerning the two actors. As I speak with you, Mr Ibu hardly talks again and he has undergone another leg amputation.

“You will shed tears if you see Amaechi Muonagor now, his legs are completely paralyzed. I’m calling on all fans and well wishers of the actor to join hands with other philanthropic Nigerians to support him in this dire time,” Rollas said.

He further disclosed he had approved that the sum of N250,000 be sent to the ailing actor’s account from the AGN Trust Fund, acknowledging it was not enough.

Rollas urged young actors to endeavour to sign up for the AGN HMO and Insurance programmes.

It would be recalled that former Senate President, Bukola Saraki had come to the aid of Mr Ibu during his first leg amputation, after he openly appealed for funds.

El-Rufai Breaks 64 year- old Record As Awujale Installs Him Gbobaniyi Of Ijebuland

Akinwale Kasali

December 17, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona, on Saturday installed the former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai as the Gbobaniyi of Ijebuland.

The revered Monarch’s installation of El Rufai as Gbobaniyi makes the former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, the first Nigerian outside the South West to receive a chieftaincy title from the Awujale of Ijebuland in his nearly 64-year reign.

A delighted El-Rufai couldn’t hide his joy, as he expressed his delight on his Social Media Handle, X (formerly Twitter), writing, “I am pleased to announce that on Saturday, the 16th of December 2023, His Royal Majesty Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona the Paramount Ruler and Awujale of Ijebuland will honour my brother and confidant, Otunba Jimi Lawal with two chieftaincy titles for his contributions to the Ijebu Kingdom and Nigeria, along with his wife Maryam Lawal.

“ I also am privileged to be the first Nigerian outside of South-West of Nigeria to be conferred with a chieftaincy title by the Awujale in his nearly 64-year reign.

“I am to be recognised as the Gbobaniyi of Ijebuland. I am grateful to Kabiyesi Awujale for the recognition and thank all those who have wished me well for this.”

Obi Celebrates Nigeria’s Soccer Legend, Christian Chukwu at a Book Launch

The Source

December 17, 2023

Peter Obi at Chief Chairman Chukwu Book Launch

The Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February 2023 Elections, Peter Obi has praised the contributions of the former National Football star, Captain and Coach, Chief Chairman Chukwu.

Obi who was at Chief Chukwu’s book presentation on Wednesday in Lagos, took time also to interact with other nation’s soccer heroes, Mathematical, Segun Odegbami, Quick Sliver, and Slyvanus Okpala.

LP standard bearer said in his X handle after the event.

“Yesterday, I was a guest of honour at the official presentation of Christian Chukwu’s biography titled, “The Field Marshal – A Biography of an African Football Legend,” in Lagos.

“Christian Chukwu was a legendary Nigerian football player and coach. He captained Nigeria’s national team to its first win in the African Nations Cup. He also captained Rangers International of Enugu, one of the most successful football clubs in the Country. His two popular nicknames Chairman and Field Marshal say it all about his commanding posture in the game of football in Nigeria and Africa as a player and a coach.

“Undoubtedly, Chukwu greatly contributed immensely to the development of the game of football in Nigeria, and beyond, having been coach of the Kenyan National team in 1998 and also Lebanon in the 1990s, making him the first Nigerian to coach a national team of another country.

“Celebrating past heroes like Christian Chukwu, and indeed other past heroes, who have made significant impacts in the country, remains a progressive culture that must be adopted by the government, at all levels, and indeed all Nigerians. We must learn to celebrate those who, in many ways, contributed positively and rightly to the development of our dear nation. Such heroes through their exemplary lives can serve as role models to the younger generation to remain committed to our development as a nation.

“I thank the organizers of the event for coming up with this idea. I do hope this will be replicated across the different sectors of the economy, recognizing and appreciating inspiring personalities in education, health, economy, etc. Such trends will encourage productivity among individuals and help us to achieve the New Nigeria of our dreams.

Somaliland: Kenya Averts Diplomatic Row With Somalia

The Source

December 17, 2023

By Chidi Levi

Amason Jeffah Kingi, the Speaker of Kenya’s Senate, stirred a controversy after sharing a now-deleted social media post that seemingly recognized Somaliland as an independent nation, a move conflicting with Kenya’s national policy.

Somaliland is a breakaway region of Somalia and has surprisingly remained stable and runs uninterrupted democratic government in contrast to Somalia.

Kingi’s social media update revealed his meeting with Somaliland’s “Ambassador to Kenya,” highlighting their discussion aimed at exploring “new avenues for collaboration and partnerships between our governments”.

However, this post drew criticism, with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei among those asserting that Kingi’s acknowledgment of Somaliland’s government contradicted Kenya’s established foreign policy.

Sing’Oei emphasized that Kenya recognizes only the Federal Republic of Somalia as the official state entity, aligning with the African Union’s stance.

“It is Kenya’s established and unchanging foreign policy, consistent with African Union, that only the Federal Republic of Somalia is the recognised State entity,” said Sing’Oei.

Additionally, Kingi faced backlash for involving himself in foreign policy matters, which typically fall beyond the direct jurisdiction of the senate, sparking concerns about meddling in national government affairs.

Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991. However, it remains unrecognized internationally as an independent state, lacking acknowledgment from entities like the United Nations and the African Union.

Ease Socio-Economic Hardships To Curb Insecurity – Afenifere, Expresses Concern Over Rising Cases

Ayodele Oni

December 17, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere has expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping, armed robbery and sundry criminal activities during the yuletide.

The group has therefore called on the federal government and security agencies to rise up to combat the rising cases of insecurity, in recent times.

The call was contained in a Press Statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the body, Jare Ajayi on Sunday.

He further enjoined the Federal Government to urgently address the ‘political, economic and ideological factors’ identified by spokesman of the Department of State Security DSS), Mr. Peter Afunaya, as being responsible for recurrent incidence of kidnapping and banditry.

According to Afenifere, this latest call became imperative in view of rising kidnap cases in Lagos, Ogun, Kwara and some other parts of the country.

The armed robbery attacks at two commercial banks in Ikere, Ekiti State last Wednesday resulting in the death of three Amotekun security personnel in addition to serious harm inflicted on some other innocent people were also mentioned.

Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi, a director of finance, Ogun State, was similarly murdered on November 29, 2023 in Abeokuta by armed robbers who went away with millions of naira meant for government workers.

Afenifere renewed call for states and local government areas to establish police services and be in total control with enhanced welfare for the personnel, as well as deployment of modern technology for security purposes.

Other suggestion include “ensure quicker dispensation of justice so that those arrested for banditry can be tried with dispatch.

“The third thing to do is to take urgent steps at easing the socio-economic hardships in the country so that the people can be more empowered and for them to have more faith in the country and its government.

“The fourth thing to do is on the side of the government and the people. This involve de-radicalizing the bandits in a manner that they would realize that what they are doing are self-destructive.

“It also requires the enlightenment of the people to stop covering up known criminals in their midst.

“But for this to be effectively done, the people need to be sure that their own life would not be endangered for exposing perceived criminals.

“As is known presently, those who tip security agents off of suspected criminals are exposed to danger as the criminals sometimes go after them on being told of who exposed them.

“In other words, our security agencies need to put their own houses in order for the security steps they are taking to be effective.”

Ambrose Alli University Don In Certificate Forgery Allegation

Ayodele Oni

December 17, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

A university Don at the Ambrose Alli University, (AAU), Ekpoma in Edo state Dr. Omoregie Nosa, is at the centre of certificate and transcript racketeering.

The Don, who is the Acting Head of Department (HoD) of Accounting of the institution is also alleged to be operating a cyber cafe where he carries out the illegal activities.

Besides, Dr. Omoregie is also accused of establishing a cybercafé, which is dedicated to the illegal issuance of fake certificates and transcripts of the university.

The query, Our Ref. FEG/SSA/P.3358/177 issued by management, followed a report by the Directorate of State Security (DSS) that the cybercafé owned by the lecturer “has been observed to be engaged in the production of fake certificates and transcripts.”

The querry, dated December 12, 2023, by the Registrar, Mr. Ambrose Odiase , University authorities pointedly accused the Acting HoD of issuing a fake certificate to one Osolase Deborah Ebarekenta, a graduate of the Department of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science.

Continuing, Mr. Odiase wrote that “there is a Directorate of State Security report that your Cyber Café has been observed to be engaged in the production of fake certificates and transcripts.”

According to the Registrar, the allegation against the Acting Head of Department bordered on indiscipline and insubordination, as well as lack of respect for constituted authority.

Dr. Omoregie who was ordered to respond to the query within 48 hours on the receipt of the query also stood accused of gross misconduct, an allegation which is prejudicial to the interest of AAU Law 1999 (as amended) as well as the Senior Staff Regulations and Scheme of the University 2010 (as amended).

It would be recalled that the local chapter of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) had in a memo dated July 2, 2021 to the former vice chancellor, Prof. Ignatius Onimawo accused the embattled teacher of extortion unauthorized collections of money such as the selling of file which goes for about a N100 for a whopping ₦1,000

In the joint memo by Dr. Monday Igbafen, the former chairperson of AAU chapter of ASUU and Dr. A.A Aizebioje-Coker and the secretary, the union also accused him of using his office as Acting HoD to collect ₦30,000 per post-graduate student for presentation/defense of proposals/seminars against the approved regulation of Senate.

Igbafen and Azebioje-Coker petitioned: “Dr. Omoregie, using his office as acting Head of Department, has been collecting from the Part-time students between ₦5,000 to ₦10,000 under the guise of checking for missing results. The phenomenon of missing results has since been outlawed by the Senate of the university.

ASUU also charged him with conversion of departmental properties such as a new yellow 5KVA generator donated to the department by the Accounting Student Association (NUASA) 2018/2019 (exco), 20 plastic chairs donated to the department by the post- graduate students, laptop and projector bought for the department by the postgraduate students for personal use amongst other allegations of financial impropriety.

The unionists added: “For over two years, Dr. Omoregie as Acting Head of Department did not call for any Departmental Board of Studies (DBS) meetings and results were never tabled for approval by the board.

“During this same period, allocation of courses and allocation of research essays were also not considered and approved by the board before public display.”

Demolition Of Houses: Iwuayanwu Urges Igbo Not To Cry Over Spilt Milk, Says Aggrieved Agency Fund To Be Set Up

Akinwale Kasali

December 17, 2023

By Akinwale Kasali

The President General of the Igbo Apex Organization, Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide, Emmanuel Iwuayanwu has brought respite to the Igbo affected by the demolition of their houses in the Abule Ado area of Lagos by the Federal Housing Authority, FHA. He assured them that moves are on the way to mitigate aggrieved Igbos nationwide.

He said there was no need to cry over spilt milk as regards the demolition, urging them to remain collected and calm.

Speaking during his visit to grieve with the Igbo in the community on Friday, Iwuanyanwu said, “The government has the right to demolish for public interest, but the affected citizens should be compensated. There’s no need to cry over spilt milk.

He added: “In any country, citizens’ rights are sacred. Senator Umeh has briefed me, but I came here to know the main issue. What we are going to fight for are our rights. You only build a country based on the truth.”

Affected Property Owners recounted their ordeals, and stressed that it was disheartening and a traumatic experience.

In his response, Iwuanyanwu disclosed that Igbo in diaspora are seriously concerned about how Igbo at home are being treated.

“ We have decided to set up an Igbo relief agency where every aggrieved Igbo would be funded.

“ will also advise communities to treat Igbos fairly because we are peace loving and we are the highest indigenous people that are adding to the GDP of the nation.

“Treat people the way you want them to treat you. In other words, treat Igbos the way you want Igbos to treat you,” he stressed.

PDP Faults Abia 2024 Budget, Says Will Mortgage Future Of People

Ayodele Oni

December 17, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in Abia State has kicked against Governor Alex Otti’s 2024 budget proposal. The Party said it will put future generations into huge debt.

A statement on Sunday, signed by the state Vice Chairman/Acting State Publicity Secretary, Elder Abraham Amah noted that the “budget’s total figure is N567 billion; that is N407 billion and a three and half times higher than the state’s 2023 budget and N420 billion and more than four times the 2022 budget even when the state’s economy grew at less than five per cent in the year 2023.”

The party pointed out that it is “unrealistic and a ploy to create enough grounds of excuses for inability to deliver on promises and much-touted magic wand in good governance and excellent management of resources.

“The smoking gun in the budget is that of the N567 billion, only N166.08 billion, about 29 per cent, would be generated from the monthly Federation Allocation Account Committee, (FAAC) and the State’s Internally Generated Revenue, (IGR), which has even dropped from the Ikpeazu era of N5.7 billion monthly to N3.3 billion in the last six months.

“This is despite all the fuss about automation that was used to create political noise in the State, while the balance of N401b, which is 71% of the budget would be borrowed from both foreign and local lenders.

“Moreover, the FAAC revenue is almost solely dependent on the FG’s budget benchmark of oil price of $77 per barrel, which is always open to the volatilities of international politics and can fluctuate precipitously and with shocking spontaneity.

“That alone is a red flag and a dead end which dispassionate analysts have read early on and clearly shows that there is nothing to cheer about.

“Worse still, of the N567 billion, 84% amounting to N476 billion would be spent on capital expenditure, while 16%, amounting to N91 billion would be spent on recurrent expenditure.

“The N91 billion recurrent expenditure is more than 50% the last recurrent expenditure of N35 billion of the 2023 budget.

“The recurrent expenditure comprises wage bills of civil servants, security vote and running of the government house.

“It is easy to see the road we are headed because more than 15,000 of Abia civil servants have been sacked, more than 10,000 unpaid in the last six months, yet the recurrent expenditure continues to rise unconstrained.

“In the Q3 2023 budget, July-September 2023, Alex Otti spent 87% of the N25 billion that accrued to the State on himself and his office and this trend would continue because the N91 billion recurrent expenditure would follow a similar pattern.

“He took N5.3 billion to service his office from his personal house, N2.8 billion as security vote when he had campaigned that he will not take security vote, used N233 million for feeding, N552 million for information dissemination and other humongous amounts that cannot be accounted for.

“Of the N401 billion to be borrowed, $115 million which translates to about N100 billion, using the prevailing official exchange rate has already been approved by the lender, African Development Bank, (AfDB) and the obligor, the FGN has also approved for disbursement, and Alex Otti still proposes to borrow N300 billion from both local and external sources.

“So from the onset, Alex Otti has already planned for an excuse for his failure when he fails to borrow about N300b to fund his unrealistic budget.

“In the past 32 years, Abia’s debt profile which Alex Otti converted into a hymn in the last eight years is put officially at N166 billion and this includes those inherited from our sister state, Imo when Abia was carved out of the old Imo State.

“If Alex Otti succeeds in borrowing N300 billion in one year, he would have shot up Abia’s debt exposure up to N570 billion in just one year.

“And the economic question to ask is, which of the capital expenditure projects is an income-generating project that would generate the income to repay the loan or is he just borrowing for aesthetics?

“The debt per capita of Abia is currently N46,315 and by the time he borrows to fund the 2024 budget, the debt per capita would rise by N137,209 by the end of 2025.

“From the foregoing, it is obvious even to the layman in Economics and Finance that the 2024 budget proposals made by Alex Otti would mean more suffering for the masses because the budget as it is, is unrealistic and offers no hope for the future of Abians.”

The Abia PDP, therefore, called on the State House of Assembly to study the 2024 budget proposal closely, cut the excesses and “save future generations of Abians from the future debt which Alex Otti wants to lead them into.

“We also call on the good people of Abia to prevail upon Alex Otti from mortgaging our future with debts and not allow him to bite more than he can chew at a time and ask him to cut his cloth according to his size.”

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