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You are a performer, Obasanjo tells Otti as he commissions Umuahia-Uzuakoli-Akara-Alayi Abiriba Highway

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Abia State Gov Alex Otti and former President Olusegun Obasanjo at the ceremony j
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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, has described Governor Alex Otti as a performer and an exemplary leader who has impacted the lives of his people positively.

Chief Obasanjo stated this on Friday, 11th April, at the Unity Church Uzuakoli, Bende LGA, venue for the commissioning of the 46.36km Umuahia – Uzuakoli – Akara – Alayi – Abiriba Highway, reconstructed by Governor Alex Otti led Government.

Chief Obasanjo recalled how terrible the road has been, especially the last time he visited Abiriba and described Governor Otti as a miracle worker.

“You (Gov. Otti) are a man of your word, a goal getter, a performer. You are a man who says no to what is bad and yes to what is good. You are an example of a leader.

You (Abia people) said you have had leaders before, but one thing you must know is that good leaders don’t flock and when you get a good leader, like you have got in Dr Alex Otti, you must maximise good use of him.

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“This road you are all talking about, I traveled on it to Abiriba. It was hellish, and when I was told that the road you have done will get me from Umuahia to Abiriba in 35 minutes, I said this man called Alex Otti is a miracle worker.

While commending Governor Otti’s efforts in giving Abia a face lift, Chief Obasanjo said that what Gov. Otti is doing in Abia now is a proof that whatever bad situation being witnessed in the country today can become good tomorrow.

“I am a witness to what you are doing and urge you to keep doing what you are doing. If you look hard and wide, you will see that this governor does not lack a good team.

“Of course, this is a proof that whatever bad situation we are seeing today, can be made good tomorrow.

“All we need to do is to make sure that at every level, we must have the right leaders with the right team to work with.

“For me, a political party is just a platform. What matters is the quality of the man and the quality of Alex Otti is a good quality.

“Well, when the time comes for elections, my advice to the people of Abia State is, don’t change a winning horse,” Chief Obasanjo stated.

Speaking, the Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti said that the commissioning ceremony is an eloquent testimony of his resolve to be doing things differently and noted that the completion of the road project would among other things shorten travel time to motorists.

“Today’s commissioning ceremony is an eloquent testimony to our resolve to doing things differently as a government. This administration has zero tolerance for shoddy jobs or the kick back culture that enables them.

“By completing this project, we have not just shortened travel time for drivers and commuters coming into Umuahia to communities within Ohafia, Bende, isuikwuato and Umuahia North.

“We have also cut down the risks of accidents, security threats and transport cost for scores of thousands of individuals and families.

“Anyone living and doing business along this axis can now travel safely from Umuahia and other urban centres within and outside the State at anytime of the day or night unafraid of harassment by criminal elements who took advantage of the bad state of the road in the past to wreck havoc on innocent travellers.

Governor Otti further said that the completion of the road guarantees speedy and safe transportation of agro produce from various communities to the urban centres and cut cost of food items while empowering farmers economically.

He added that, the road would unleash the wholesale economic potential of the area by making farming attractive to a new generation of young people, support job creation and give a big blow to the menace of poverty in many communities.

He emphasized that, “By rebuilding strategic public infrastructure such as this, we are actively eliminating the barriers that stunted the productivity of our people for decades. Never again will farmers suffer unavoidable loses.”

The Governor announced the renaming of the road to “Joe Irukwu Way” in honour of former President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, late Professor Joe Irukwu, who is from that axis.

Also speaking, the Senator representing Abia South, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency, Hon. Obi Aguocha and Senator Chris Adighije affirmed that the road has remained a nightmare for the people before the intervention of Governor Alex Otti. They commended the Governor for fixing the road, saying that he has done what the people expect of him.

The member representing Bende South State Constituency, Hon. Emmanuel Ndubuisi, Mayor of Isuikwuato, Mr. Chinedu Ekeke, Chief David Ogba Onuoha and Dr. Johnson Chukwu thanked Governor Otti for the quality of the road he built for the people and described it as a signature project.

They said that the Governor has transformed the State and made the people pride, adding that the road would impact greatly on the economic lives of the people.

Contributing, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu and the President, Cooperatives Union Abia State, Chief Chukwuma Azodo commended the efforts of the Governor in fixing the road and said that it would enhance driving experience and reduce regular visit to mechanics by transporters and other motorists. They equally highlighted the economic importance of the road.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Otumchere Oti said that the 46.36 kilometres being commissioned was divided into sections 1 and 2 in order to ensure quick delivery.

He said that the reconstruction of the road is one of Governor Otti’s unwavering commitment to providing access road to rural areas and connecting them to urban communities and advised the benefiting communities to own and protect the road.

The occasion was witnessed by so many elected officials at the Federal and State level, stakeholders from the benefitting 4 local government, Mayors of the benefitting 4 LGAs, traditional rulers from the benefitting 4 local government, the clergy and senior Government appointees.

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I might not be alive to contest in 2027 – Peter Obi raises alarm over threats to his life

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Peter Obi not arrested by DSS – Aide
Peter Obi, NDC Presidential candidate
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Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Mr Peter Obi, has cried out over alleged threat to his life.

Obi, who is a major contender ahead of the 2027 presidential election said he might not be alive to participate in the election.

According to him, there is obvious attack on everything that had to do with him, including his life.

The former Anambra state governor made the allegation during a podcast with Chude Jideonwo.

“The way they are going now I might not be alive,  I’m telling you every single thing I do for a living this government is frustrating it deliberately so.

“Everything, so there’s even a possibility if they have opportunity I will not be alive. I get frustrations every day because you do things that may think it may be normal it is not normal they won’t come directly and say oh we are doing this but you could see their hand in eventually everything.

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“The government is attacking everybody, I am being attacked personally even to provide me with things I am entitled to, not at all,” he said.

He recalled how his vehicle was clamped down at the airport while he was right there, whereas other vehicles lined up on the same spot were untouched.

Obi further that stated that even close associates were beginning to avoid him over fear of government clampdown.

He disclosed that friends now send him invitations for occasions but tell him not to bother attending.

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Yilwatda hails Tinubu’s intervention funds as a promise kept

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President Tinubu and APC National Chairman, Prof Yilwatda
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The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, has said that the intervention programmes of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have continued to demonstrate that the Renewed Hope Agenda is delivering tangible economic benefits to millions of Nigerians through strategic investments in entrepreneurship, small businesses, and youth empowerment.

According to Professor Yilwatda, the Presidential Intervention Funds represent yet another example of the Tinubu administration fulfilling its campaign promises by providing the critical financial support needed to stimulate enterprise, create jobs, and deepen economic inclusion across the country.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, the National Chairman noted that for decades, access to affordable financing remained one of the biggest obstacles confronting Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), despite their enormous contribution to national economic growth and employment generation.

The current administration, he said, has deliberately moved to address this challenge through targeted intervention programmes that are unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of Nigerians.

“The Tinubu administration understands that sustainable economic growth begins with empowering the productive sector. By supporting small businesses and young entrepreneurs, government is laying the foundation for long-term prosperity and shared economic progress,” he stated.

Professor Yilwatda highlighted the ₦75 billion Presidential Intervention Fund for MSMEs as a landmark initiative designed to provide accessible financing for small businesses across various sectors of the economy.

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He said the programme is enabling entrepreneurs to expand their operations, increase productivity, and create employment opportunities.

He further pointed to the ₦11 billion support package through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), describing it as a strategic investment in strengthening the capacity and competitiveness of Nigerian small and medium enterprises.

The APC National Chairman also commended the ₦30 billion Youth Entrepreneurship Fund through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), noting that the initiative reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to equipping young Nigerians with the resources required to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses and become drivers of national development.

Professor Yilwatda emphasized that these interventions are already making meaningful differences in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Across the country, young entrepreneurs, artisans, farmers, traders, tailors, manufacturers, and other small business owners are accessing capital to expand their businesses, employ more people, and contribute to the economic development of their communities.

He explained that the impact extends beyond individual beneficiaries, creating a multiplier effect through increased productivity, higher household incomes, stronger local economies, and expanded opportunities for wealth creation.

“The APC remains committed to building an economy that works for all Nigerians. These intervention funds are not mere policy announcements; they are practical investments in the dreams and aspirations of millions of our people.

“The evidence is clear. Businesses are receiving support, young people are being empowered, jobs are being created, and economic inclusion is expanding. This is governance that delivers results, and it is another demonstration that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is keeping his promises to the Nigerian people,” Professor Yilwatda said.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the APC and the Tinubu administration to implementing policies that promote entrepreneurship, stimulate investment, strengthen local industries, and build a resilient economy capable of delivering sustainable prosperity for all Nigerians.

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Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji set for arraignment as ICPC files six criminal charges over alleged certificate forgery

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Uche Nnaji when he was arrested by security operatives
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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a six-count criminal charge against former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, , over alleged certificate forgery and related offences.

The charges, filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, are contained in suit number FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2026, with the Federal Government listed as the complainant and Nnaji as the sole defendant.

According to the charge sheet, the ICPC accused the former minister of receiving N29.58 million in salaries and allowances while serving in office, alleging that he ought to have known the funds were proceeds of an unlawful act arising from corruption and fraud. The commission said the action contravenes provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The anti-graft agency also alleged that Nnaji used his office to confer corrupt advantage on himself and knowingly presented false information to the Federal Government by submitting forged > (NYSC) and (UNN) certificates during his ministerial appointment in 2023.

In separate counts, the ICPC accused him of producing and using as genuine a forged NYSC Certificate of National Service and a forged UNN degree certificate, offences punishable under the Penal Code.

The filing of the charges follows Nnaji’s arrest last Wednesday after arriving in Abuja from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.

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The prosecution stems from an investigation published by Premium Times, which alleged that Nnaji forged his university degree and NYSC certificates submitted to President and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation.

The newspaper reported that the confirmed Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but neither graduated nor was issued a degree certificate, while the NYSC also reportedly disowned the discharge certificate attributed to him.

Nnaji resigned as minister shortly after the allegations became public. He has since defected from the APC to PDP , where he emerged as the governorship candidate of a faction of the party for the 2027 Enugu governorship election.

He is expected to be arraigned before the Federal High Court in the coming days.

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