From Okey Sampson, Aba
Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu says he is grateful and appreciative of the seriousness of President Mohammadu Buhari in fighting corruption and affirming the rule of law.
The governor’s kudos to the president was contained in a press release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Enyinnaya Appolos.
Gov Ikpeazu also said he was equally appreciative of how the president was working tirelessly to “stop corrupt individuals from using illegally acquired wealth to buy immunity from prosecution through the backdoor”.
He said his administration will continue to support the war against corruption as he was convinced that corruption, wherever found, was antithetical to peace and development of the people.
The governor also said he was appreciative of the massive outpouring of love and solidarity from all segments of Abia society to him since the recent governorship tussle in Abia started.
The Governor said he was particularly grateful to all those who prayed for him, paid solidarity visits and called to express support to him and his government.
While praying to Almighty God to reward them abundantly, he called on all Abians to return to their usual daily pursuits and end further solidarity visits, stressing that he remained confident that the judiciary would deliver fair and equitable justice that will reaffirm his mandate.
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Ibeku youths call on EFCC to probe petitions against T. A Orji
From Chuks Onuoha, Umuahia.
The apex Ibeku Youths organization, Ndume Otuka Ibeku Youth Council (NYC), has called on the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC) to revaisit the litany of petitions by different groups in the state, against former Governor T. A. Orji and try him for corruption.
Orji, who is currently the senator representing Abia central, the council said, should be investigated and brought to book for corrupt practices during his eightyear reign as the governor of the state.
They alleged that he, among other crimes, forcefully acquired their lands with the powers of governance without paying them compensations.
In a two-page communique issued after an enlarged meeting of the council, held at Ohokobe Mbaocha Ndume town hall, Umuahia, Abia State capital and signed by the president, Mr Chinedu Onu and publicity secretary, Mr Victor Chukwuemeka, the group faulted the recent list of former corrupt governors, released by the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubarkar Malami, in which the name of T.A.Orji was not included. It said the act has put a question mark on the Federal Government’s fight against corruption.
It stated that based on several petitions from various groups and individuals, any organisation that acquits him of corruption before trial would have questions to answer as to whether it is real or fake.
The council condemned Orji’s administration, alleging that he institutionalised enmity, rancour and hatred in Ibeku clan and called on the state government to revoke all the land she forcefully acquired in Ndume Otuka.
They alleged that his activities as governor were the major issues affecting Ndume clan and Ibeku in general, particularly,”the purported removal of Chief Uche Akwukwuegbu as the traditional prime minister of Ibeku by a body called Ibeku Elders Consultative Forum.
They resolved that Akwukwuegbu remains their traditional prime minister and that no one should drag them into the current political quagmire in the state, as Ibeku is not apolitical party but a clan that would lend its weight to any person that would bring infrastructural development to the people. They appealed to their people to use the forthcoming new yam festival resolve all their differences and eschew negative tendencies that would portray them in bad light. END