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ABIA STATE GOVERNMENT DENIES REPORTS OF GOVERNOR OTI’S ALLEGED DEFECTION TO APC

The Abia State government has denied reports that Governor Alex Otti is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a statement, the Special Adviser to the Governor (Media and Publicity) Ferdinand Ekeoma described the reports as “false, baseless and unfounded.” Ferdinand Ekeoma explained that Governor Otti’s recent meeting with Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State was not about politics, but rather a courtesy call to attend the birthday celebration of Governor Uzodinma’s twin daughters. “It’s completely devoid of substance and thus should be disregarded,” Ekeoma said. Ekeoma further stated, “It’s natural for Governor Otti’s impressive performance, popularity and towering credentials as the Governor of Abia State to attract admiration and permutations from interested parties.” However, Ferdinand Ekeoma emphasized that Governor Otti’s political decisions would always be taken in conjunction with the majority of Abians and his allies. Ferdinand Ekeoma quoted Governor Otti as saying that “it would be unfair to the Abia electorate if politics of 2027, instead of governance is allowed to dominate discussions less than two years into the administration.” Ekeoma concluded by stating that “Governor Otti remains a member of the Labour Party and is presently not planning or discussing with anyone to defect to the APC or any other party for that matter as falsely alleged.”

FORMER ABIA STATE GOVERNOR THEODORE ORJI, 4 OTHERS ARRAIGNED FOR ALLEGED N60.85 BILLION FRAUD

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Abia State Governor Theodore Orji and four other individuals before Justice Lilian Abai at the Abia State High Court in Umuahia. They face 16 charges connected to the suspected misappropriation of N60.85 billion in state funds. The lawsuit, initiated by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, names Chief Theodore Ahamefule Orji as the first defendant, followed by Engr. Chinedum Orji, Dr. Phillip Nto, Onwumene King Obioma, and Romanus K. Madu as the second, third, fourth, and fifth defendants, respectively. According to court documents, the charges detail a range of supposed financial crimes occurring over multiple years. One of the allegations claims that in 2015, the defendants conspired to misappropriate N2 billion from Central Bank of Nigeria funds intended for Small and Medium Enterprises allocated to Abia State. Another allegation states that in 2013, the defendants plotted to misappropriate N850 million intended for ecological projects. Additional accusations involve the misappropriation of N22.5 billion from security vote funds, N12 billion from the Paris Club refund, and N13 billion taken from a Diamond Bank loan in 2015. The defendants are also accused of misappropriating N10.5 billion from a First Bank loan meant to support both the state and local government councils in 2012. The EFCC’s charges cite different sections of the Abia State Criminal Code, including Sections 516, 516(A), 390(5), 98, and 104. All defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges, and their counsel applied for bail. Justice Abai granted the defendants bail in the sum of N50 million each, with one surety in like sum, and adjourned the matter to June 18 and 19, 2025, for commencement of trial.