From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
The member representing Aba South state Constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Hon Obinna Ichita has faulted the claim by Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike that a certain presidential candidate in Nigeria stopped the Central Bank of Nigeria from disbursing the money meant for the construction of Ariaria market in Abia, saying its not true.
Gov Wike made the revelation at Umuobiakwa in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State during events marking the 58th birthday celebration of governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
In a statement, the lawmaker said the report has no basis in fact, in law or in convention.
“That report has no basis in fact, in law or in convention. It is nothing but another hackneyed propaganda technique”.
Icheta challenge the state government to make public any personality or authority that has withheld any money due to the state.
“It is common knowledge that no authority or personality can withhold any money due to any state in the Federation. This assertion finds support in the Supreme Court pronouncement in the matter between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the government of Lagos state where the apex court held that every money due to each state shall be made available to that state.
“On the recent claims by one of the Governor’s associates that some persons stopped the CBN loan to Abia State apparently as punishment to Gov. Ikpeazu for standing with him, I want to say that Abia State does not need any further loans at the twilight of Ikpeazu’s administation. It is risky for Gov. Ikpeazu to go for fresh loan in less than eight months to the end of his tenure”.
The lawmaker called on the people of the state to ignore the propaganda, stressing that their hope is that a new Abia is on the horizon.