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Raphaela Ogbodo’s Death: LASG Exonerate Self, Says It Is Not Sweeping The Case Under The Carpet; Says Justice Will Be Served

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Raphaela Ogbodo Death

By Akinwale Kasali

The Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Education have explained that contrary to speculations, the case of Raphaela Ogbodo, two-year old Smiley Kids Montessori in Sangotedo, Lagos, pupil who slipped, and drowned  in the pool of the School is alive. They insist that it has not been swept under the carpet.

The unfortunate incident which happened on January 15th, 2025, saw the LASG swing into action by clamping down on the School, putting it under lock and key.

The Proprietor of the School alongside the Pool Instructor, the Care Giver and Five other Staff members were arrested and are currently under investigated by the Police.

The Silence of the LASG on the issue weeks after the incident led to suspicion from different quarters that the case may soon be a forgotten issue.

John Ogbodo, father of the deceased had, last week, in an interview, demanded justice for his late daughter. He said that the Police and the LASG have been silent about the issue.

However, in an interview  Kayode Sutton, Public Affairs and Spokesperson for the LASG and Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, debunked the insinuation that the LASG is been indifferent, and planning to sweep the case under the carpet.

Sutton stated that the LASG is not resting on its oars on the issue and is ready to wield the big stick, but Forensic investigation is still ongoing as the LASG is working tirelessly with the Police to unrave what really happened. Anyone found culpable, he said will be brought to book.

“The School has been under lock and key since January 17th, 2025, and the LASG is looking ideep into root cause of the issue and not looking at it from the surface. We are working assiduously for there not to be  reoccurrence of such event. The Police have requested for the CCTV footage of the event.

“Though, those arrested from the School are currently on bail, but are under investigation and they report at the Station to assist in the ongoing investigation.

“As a State and Ministry, we have commiserated with the family of the deceased and sent emissaries there. We assure the family that justice will be served as anyone found culpable will face the full wrath of the law”, Sutton stated.

Ondo Says N11.5 Billion Security Vote In Finance Ministry Is For Security, Contingency

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state government has shed light on the allegation of N11.5 Billion Security Vote in the Ministry of Finance as alleged by the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Allen Sowore, SSA to the Governor on Strategic Communication, said in Akure on Wednesday that it has been practice by successive administration in the state to keep such money at the ministry of finance to honour some obligations.

Government statement explained that “It has been a long-standing budgetary tradition in Ondo State to domicile contingency funds, security votes, committee and commission expenses, and honorariums under the Ministry of Finance.

“A review of budgets from 2007 to 2013—when the PDP was in power—shows that the same method was used.

“For instance, in 2007, 2012, and 2013, the subheads “Contingency,” “Security Vote,” “Committee and Commission,” and “Honorarium” appeared on pages 368, 399, and 405, respectively, of the approved budgets for those years.

“These allocations are categorized as “state-wide votes,” not exclusive allocations to the Ministry of Finance, as the PDP misleadingly suggests.”

On allegation of N250 Million for Honorarium and Sitting Allowances, the statement added that “this falls under the state-wide vote system, as explained earlier.

“A budget is generally defined as a “statement of intention.” The government makes provisions for all allowances—sitting, travel, and other expenses—for members of committees, panels of inquiry, or commissions that may be established within the fiscal year.

It stated that allegation of N230 Million for the procurement of a Toyota Prado SUV for the Commissioner for Finance was just a proposal which will still pass through procurement processes before approval.

“This claim has two aspects: the price and the justification for acquiring a utility vehicle for the ministry/commissioner.

First, the budget is merely an estimate. The government is bound by the state’s procurement laws and will not purchase a vehicle above its market value. Since no vehicle has been purchased yet, dwelling on estimated figures is unnecessary.

“Second, regarding justification, the key question is: Have commissioners in Ondo State previously used SUVs as official vehicles? The answer is an unequivocal yes.

“During past administrations, commissioners were provided with utility vehicles based on their ministry’s operational needs. For instance, under Dr. Olusegun Mimiko’s tenure, the then-Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperative Services, Engr. Clement Faboyede (Fabo), along with three other commissioners, received brand-new Toyota Fortuner SUVs as official vehicles.

“The Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is directly responsible for coordinating budget preparation, while the legislature scrutinizes and passes it. How, then, can a single individual be declared guilty as charged? This is nothing but pure mischief.

“Even assuming, without conceding, that there was an issue with the budgeting process, how can one individual be singled out for an alleged infraction when budgeting involves multiple stakeholders—the bureaucracy, the legislature, and other critical institutions? This is a question of fairness and objectivity.

“It is, therefore, hypocritical and deceptive for PDP members—who established these budgetary practices—to now turn around and criticize them. Their claims amount to nothing more than mischief, falsehoods, and propaganda.”

The state chapter of the PDP had in a statement, called for the sack of the finance commissioner, Omowunmi Isaac over allegation of budget padding.

Lassa Fever: 12 Killed In Ondo

By
Ayodele Oni
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Lassa Fever

By Ayodele Oni

Fatality rate of Lassa fever is now on the increase in Ondo State. At least, 12 persons have been confirmed dead no thanks to by the deadly disease. There are 353 reported cases in the State.

The Acting Statistician General, of the state, Olusola Ajayi disclosed this in Akure while addressing workers of the state waste management authority.

Ajayi also disclosed that 112 cases of Lassa Fever have been confirmed while 12 patients have died in what could be described as alarming development in the state.

He however called on the Waste Management Authority, workers to brace up and collaborate with other stakeholders in the health sector towards ensuring a healthy environment as part of ways to reduce the menace.

He said, “We are together in that business. We have to act fast now because of this data that I’m going to give you.

“In Ondo State today, there are 353 cases of Lassa fever. 112 have been confirmed. 12 bodies have died. So if we want to act, the time is now.“

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention had confirmed 143 cases of Lassa fever out of the 484 suspected cases from December 30, 2024, to January 12, 2025, in seven states across 32 local government areas.

The centre also reported 22 deaths with a case fatality rate of 15.4 per cent.

Similarly, the Permanent Secretary, ministry of health, Dr Adeniran Ikuomola last week said, Ondo State recorded close to 400 suspected cases of lassa fever since its recent outbreak and over 100 cases.

“We have 400 suspected cases and confirmed 100. I would have loved to give you a specific number of deaths. We have recorded some deaths.“

Fear Grips Owerri Community As Herds Men Tells Them “We’re Coming, Wait For Us

By
The Source
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Fulani Herdsmen Letter to Imo People

By Charles Igbo

Indigenes and residents of Umuoba, a Community in Irete, Owerri West, Imo State, are living scared. They are sleeping with one eye open. They are panicky and jumpy.

Given what a number of communities in the South-east have been through, nobody should blame them. They have every reason to run scared.

This situation is no thanks to a scary message they received from alleged Fulani Herdsmen. The message contained in a poster, allegedly sent to them by the Herdsmen bears an ominous message which reads in part: “Wait for us, we are coming.”

The notice was received by the Community on Monday, 10th October 2025.

Speculations are rife over the real source of the notice. Did it really come Fulani herdsmen or some locals playing pranks or just some criminal elements trying to cause panic.

Wherever it came from, both the Community and the Police are taking it seriously.  Members of the Community are at alert.

However, in its reaction, the Imo Police Command thinks the letter was deliberately sent by some criminals to cause chaos.

In a statement, on Tuesday, Henry Okoye, Spokesman Imo State Police Command, noted that the message was delivered anonymously by some criminals who are yet to be identified. Their aim, he said, is to cause chaos in the town.

Said the statement by Okoye: “It has come to the attention of the Command that the following message was posted in Umuoba Community, Irete, Owerri West LGA of Imo State:

‘Fulani herdsmen: we are coming, wait for us at any time at any moment now wait for us.’

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that this message is a calculated attempt by certain elements to incite unnecessary fear and apprehension among the public and to destabilize the peace and security

currently enjoyed in Imo State.

“In response, the Command has launched a comprehensive investigation to identify and apprehend the individuals responsible for disseminating this threat, and to ascertain their motives.

“Local vigilantes, have visited the community to assess the situation and engage with residents, further reinforcing our proactive measures to ensure their safety.

“Citizens are encouraged to continue with their lawful businesses and daily activities without fear.”

Ganduje To Northern Leaders: No Vacancy In Aso Villa In 2027

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Bola Tinubu and Abdulahi Ganduje

For northern politicians eyeing the job of President Tinubu in 2027, they must wait for the incumbent to complete his maximum eight year term, according to the national Chairman of the ruling APC Abudullahi Ganduje.

The APC chairman made this assertion on Tuesday when  a delegation from the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Centre and the Tinubu Northern Youth Forum, paid him a visit at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja.

Ganjuje, the immediate past governor of Kano state said the president will be in office for two terms despite the shenanigans against him, particulate politicians of northern extraction, he said. He said politicians from the northern part of the country must shelve their ambition, as equity demands that they do so, after having a president from the north, who ruled the country for eight years wihtout interruption.

According to him, it would be the north’s turn when President Tinubu fnishes his term in 2031, asserting that “insha Allah” Tinubu will go for “second term”

He said making Tinubu, the president, after the strong forces that stood agaisnt him was not a child’s play, that now that he’s in power he’s ‘entitled to reelection.

He said Nigerians are already witnessing the progress under the Tinubu’s administration due to the ongoing reforms.

Gnaduje: “When a leader from the North was in office for eight years, we insisted that the next president should come from the South. We worked hard with the cooperation of Nigerians, and today, our President is from the South. Insha Allah, he will go for his second term in 2027, and after that, it will be the North’s turn again”, Others

“Our President is a reformer and a visionary leader. His policies are necessary for Nigeria’s social and economic development. Many things went wrong over a long period, and fixing them requires precision. However, we are already seeing results, particularly in the economy.”

President Tinubu has been  facing a serious backlash from Nigerians, particularly northern leaders who complained that his government policies have imposed hardship on the region and its people.

As a result, some northern leaders, including a former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are set to compete against the incumbent in the  2027 presidential election, sources said.

Abia PDP Dares NWC, Insists On The Suspension Of Wabara, BoT Chairman

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Senator Adolphus Wabara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Despite contrary tone from its National Headquarters ,the Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, has remained adamant over the purported suspension of Senator Adolphus Wabara, the Board of Trustees Chairman.

The Abia PDP Chairman, Comrade Abraham Amah had, earlier on Tuesday February ,11, announced the suspension of the former Senate President from the party, citing gross anti-party activities as a major reason.

But in a swift response, the National body described the suspension order as holding no water as it was carried out without  due recourse to the extant laws and constitution of the party .

In a terse statement on Tuesday evening ,the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Debo Ologunagba, maintained that the purported suspension of Wabara is  “null, void and of no effect whatsoever.”

According to him, the action is completely inconsistent with the party’s constitution, extant rules and regulations.

Ologunagba explained that going by the provisions of relevant sessions of the PDP Constitution, only the National Working Committee NWC has the power to take disciplinary actions against the BoT Chairman as well as members of the National Executive Council of the Party.

He noted that no State Working Committee, SWC, has the power to sanction a member of the NEC or a BoT member as done by the Abia State chapter of the PDP.

“The Party condemns the suspension as reckless and unconstitutional”, Ologunagba stated .

The PDP NWC ,therefore, urged the Abia state chapter to immediately retrace its steps, warning that appropriate disciplinary measures will be applied should it fail to reconsider the suspension order.

However, in a move seen as daring the NWC, the Abia PDP Chairman in a statement made available to this magazine on Wednesday, February, 12, 2025, insisted on the sanctity of the suspension order .

The Abia PDP reaffirmed that it followed all constitutionally recognized means in suspending the BoT Chairman.

It, therefore, maintained that its actions, cannot be wished away by a mere statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of the party.

Following is the full text of the Abia PDP position on  the nullification of its suspension order on Wabara by the National Headquarters.

ABIA PDP STANDS BY THE SUSPENSION OF SENATOR ADOLPHUS WABARA

The Abia State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has noted the statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of our great Party, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, purportedly dismissing the suspension of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT), Senator Adolphus Wabara.

We categorically state that the decision of the Abia State Executive Committee (SEC) to suspend Senator Wabara met every constitutional requirement of the Party and cannot be invalidated by a mere statement from the National Publicity Secretary, which is not a by-product of any official resolution of the National Working Committee (NWC).

For the avoidance of doubt, the Abia State PDP in taking this decision, relied on the provisions of the PDP Constitution (as amended in 2017) as follows:

  1. Section 58(1)(b) & (h) – This section provides that a member of the Party may be sanctioned for engaging in anti-party activities or any conduct likely to bring the Party into disrepute. The endorsement of a sitting governor from another political party, as done by Senator Wabara, clearly constitutes a violation of this provision.
  2. Section 59(3) – This section explicitly states that the Board of Trustees is not immune from disciplinary actions where necessary. As such, the decision to sanction Senator Wabara is well within the powers of the Abia State PDP.
  3. Section 59(4) – This provision affirms that the Party can take disciplinary actions against any member whose conduct contravenes the principles of the PDP, further reinforcing the legality of the SEC’s decision.
  4. Section 57(6) – While the National Publicity Secretary referenced Section 57(7), he conveniently ignored Section 57(6), which provides that the power to take disciplinary action against any member is vested in the relevant executive committees at all levels of the Party, subject to due process. The Abia PDP has acted within this legal framework.

Furthermore, we affirm that only a competent court of law or the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the PDP has the authority to overturn the decision of the Abia State Executive Committee. Until such a competent authority pronounces otherwise, the suspension of Senator Wabara remains in full effect.

We urge the National Publicity Secretary to exercise restraint and avoid issuing statements that lack constitutional basis or mislead the public. The PDP as a Party must uphold discipline and accountability at all levels, and no individual, regardless of position, is above the Constitution of the Party.

As a State Chapter, we shall not hesitate to seek appropriate judicial redress should any attempt be made to subvert the decision of the Abia PDP SEC through unconstitutional means.

Signed:

Elder Abraham Amah

Chairman, Abia State PDP

February 11, 2025

Keystone Bank Mulls Recapitalisation After CBN Takeover

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Keystone Bank

Effective February 11, 2025, Keystone Bank has been taken over by the Central bank of Nigeria, CBN, according to the commercial bank, citing the court judgment to that effect.

The commercial bank made this known, on Wednesday, following a judgement by the Lagos State Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, Lagos.

An Ikeja Special Offences Court had on Tuesday ordered forfeiture to the federal government, of Sigma Golf Nig. Ltd. rights, title and interest in 6,250,000,000 units of the Keystone Bank Ltd. ordinary shares of N1.00 each.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Justice Rahman Oshodi, the presiding judge ordered the winding up of the company, following a suit filed in January this year by the Economic and Financila Crimes Commission, against  two former shareholders of the bank, Sigma Golf Nigeria Limited and  Alhaji Umaru H. Modibbo.

Subsequently, the commercial bank in a statement seen by The Source, on Wednesday ,said a new dawn has began as the lender now belong to the federal government.

Going forward, the bank said, the development will further strengthen the bank as it prepares for recapitalisation,  assuring customers and stakeholders that the commercial bank is now positioned for “sustained growth and stronger partnership.’

The bank said, “Recall that on January 10, 2024, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the dissolution of the previous Board and Management of the Bank for corporate governance breaches. The CBN followed this action with the appointment of a new Board and Management for the Bank.

“Subsequently the Federal Government through the the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),filed a court action at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, against the former owners challenging the acquisition of the bank.

“At the sitting of the court today, February 11, 2025, the court ordered the forfeiture of the shares of the Bank previously held by the shareholders in favour of the Federal Government of Nigeria. The implication of this judgment is that Keystone Bank Limited is now fully owned by the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“This development marks a significant milestone in our journey, reinforcing our stability and paving the way for a seamless recapitalization process. With this clarity, we are well-positioned for sustained growth, stronger partnerships, and enhanced profitability,”.

Presidency Official Almost Implicated Me In N5bn Fraud- Tinubu’s Ex Aide

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Fela Durotoye

Fela Durotoye, a former aide to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed how he almost fell into a N5 billion fraud while serving in the administration, Church Times Nigeria reports.

Durotoye was appointed Senior Special Assistant to the President, National Values & Social Justice Tinubu in 2023, before that appointment, he contested the presidential election.

The former presidential candidate spoke on Tuesday during a programme organised by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, in Abuja the nation’s capital.

His revelation comes on the heels of the designation of Nigeria as one of the most corrupt countries in the world by Transparency International, TI, in its recently released corruption index. Nigeria was ranked 140th globally in the global Corruption Index.

Revealing his experience while in the Tinubu’s administration, the former presidential aide said he was almost forced to inflating a contract worth N1.2 billion to N5 billion, saying he turned down the request because of his good orientation, he urged Nigerians to imbibe good values.

He said he was introduced to a training contract job, which according to him, was worth only N1.3 billion, and after making a quotation, he was allegedly approached by some presidency officials who advised him to inflate the price.

After protesting, the alleged official told him that he needed to be taking care of for serving the country, that the excess in the contract sum was part of the pay  back for his service to his country.

He said, “I got a call congratulating me that I had secured the job.

“But they said the amount I was asking for was too small. They promised to add N700m to make it N2bn. Then they asked me to submit an invoice for N5bn.

According to him, the official told him that nothing is wrong with inflating the contract after he raised serious concern over the issue, that it amounted to ripping of the country.

He stated, “The man assured me he wasn’t ripping off Nigeria.

“He said he had served the country and deserved compensation. When I reminded him that the blessings of God make one rich and add no sorrow, he fired back, saying, ‘There is no sorrow in this one. You have been doing well for Nigeria. It is time for Nigeria to do well for you.”

Durotoye who claimed he turned down an official car and salary while working in the administration, said the decision not to be involved in the alleged fraud save him, as not too long after some officials in the presidency were arrested for defrauding the government of N426 million, in a contract, he believed was the same he turned down.

While in Tinubu’s government, “I did not collect an official car, I did not collect a house, and I did not collect a salary for serving,” Durotoye said.

NCS  Suspends 4 Per cent FOB On Imports

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Customs Officers

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Nigeria Customs Service NCS, on Tuesday February 11, announced the suspension of the implementation of 4% Free-on-Board, FOB, tax on imports.

The Source reports that the duty rate scheduled to come into force in the 2025 fiscal year has been facing mounting criticisms and opposition from not a few industry stakeholders.

Importers fear that the duty regime will further worsen the already hard economic situation in the country by driving up prices of commodities.

A statement from the National spokesperson for the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada ACC, said the suspension stemmed from the ongoing consultations with  the Minister of Finance and Coordinating minister of the Economy, Wale Edu and industry stakeholders.

According to Maiwada, the consultation exercise will involve a comprehensive engagement regarding the implementation framework.

“The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, hereby announces the suspension of the implementation of 4% Free-on-Board FOB value on imports as provided in section 181(1)(a)of the Nigeria Customs Service Act NCSA 2023 .

“This is sequel to ongoing consultations with the Hon. Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Olawale Edun, and other stakeholders.

“The Suspension will enable comprehensive stakeholder engagement and consultations regarding the Act’s implementation framework.

“The timing of this suspension aligns with the exit of the contract agreement with the Service providers, including Webb Fontaine, which were previously funded through the 1% comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme, CISS .

“This present an opportunity to review our  revenue framework holistically.

“Under the previous funding arrangements repealed by the NCS 2023, separating the 1%  CISS and 7% cost of collection created operational inefficiencies and funding gaps in Customs modernization efforts.

“The new Act address these challenges by consolidating not less than 4%  of the Free-on-Board value of imports designed to ensure sustainable funding for critical customs operations and modernization initiatives”, the NCS stated

According to the NCS spokesman, this transition period will allow the service to optimize the management of the frameworks to serve stakeholders and the nation better.

Further speaking, he noted that the Custom Act empowers the service to modernize its operations through various technological innovations.

“Specifically, section 28 of of the NCSA 2023 authorizes developing and maintaining electronic systems for information exchange between the Service, other Government agencies, and traders

“The suspension period will allow the Service to further engage with stakeholders, while ensuring proper alignment with the Act’s provisions for sustainable funding of these modernization initiatives”, part of the statement reads .

PDP Suspends Wabara, BoT Chairman

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Senator Adolphus Wabara

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia state Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has announced the suspension of its Board of Trustees, BoT, Chairman ,Senator Adolphus Wabara.

This is even as the Party vowed that it will no longer sit by and watch as some uncommitted members continue to undermine efforts at rebuilding the system.

Rising from an emergency State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia on Tuesday ,February 11, 2025, the State Chairman, Comrade Abraham Amah, cited alleged anti-party activities as a major reason for the disciplinary action.

According to Amah ,the Abia PDP can no longer remain silent in the face of  persistent distractions from those he alleged ” wear PDP badge, but do not uphold the party’s values ,as well as those who are quick to compromise ,sabotage and betray the very principles the party stand for.

In a statement, the State Chairman cited the open endorsement of Governor Alex Otti ,for a second term in office ,as one instance of gross act of anti-party activities exhibited by the former Senate president.

The Source reports that the PDP BoT Chairman ,late 2023 ,at the occasion of his birth day celebration, informed that going by the sterling performance of Governor Otti,that Abians will give him a second tenure come 2027.

Curiously ,the statement had then elicited not more than a feeble condemnation, including from the state PDP.

According to the Abia State PDP Chairman ,the task of truly repositioning the party, requires a dedicated and loyal team and not a crowd.

He maintained that the party in the state needs individuals. ,who truly understand the essence of sacrifices in the process of rebuilding the system.

Comrade Amah noted that the action of the party followed the consideration of a motion ,by the state PDP Treasurer for the sanctioning of the BoT  Chairman ,,over his anti-party statements.

Comrade Amah informed that despite” repeated   outcries ,demands and notices extended to Wabara to show why disciplinary actions should not be taken against him,the BoT chairman refused ,failed and neglected to refute the said statement credited to him.

“Consequently, in pursuit of some relevant sessions of the party’s constitution, including sections 57,58 and 59 , the PDP in Abia state decided to wield the big stick ,against Senator Wabara.”

The Abia State PDP Chairman ,underscored the imperativeness of promoting a regime of sanity within the system ,irrespective of who is involved

The PDP insisted that Wabara’s endorsement of Governor Otti is manifestly inimical to the interest of the party.

The Chairman expressed the commitment of the State Executive Council towards contributing actively to the advancement of the party.

” If you are in this party ,be ready to stand for it and defend it .We do not need passengers .We need partners in progress” Amah stated.

The Abia state PDP Chairman noted that an investigation Committee has been set up  to further examine  the allegations against the BoT chairman.

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