Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has reiterated that his primary concern is the progress of Nigeria, not personal political ambition. Speaking at a special Anniversary Sabbath service at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Umuahia, commemorating Governor Alex Otti’s two years in office, Obi emphasized his commitment to national development over political aspirations. Obi acknowledged the challenges inherent in governance, especially when striving for integrity and positive change. He urged the people of Abia State to support Governor Otti and his commissioners through prayers, highlighting the importance of collective effort in nation-building. He further called on citizens to pray for all Nigerian leaders, emphasizing the need for responsible management of the country’s resources for the public good. “When I say to people I am not desperate to be a President, I am desperate to see Nigeria work,” Obi stated, underscoring his dedication to the nation’s progress. Commending Governor Otti’s achievements, Obi noted the significant impact made within two years, challenging the notion that extended tenures are necessary for meaningful change. He remarked, “We have come to celebrate two years with a difference. People have always said that they need eight years, they need ten years, they need twenty years. But, I have always said that one day can make a difference.” Governor Otti attributed his administration’s accomplishments to divine guidance and expressed gratitude to Obi for his unwavering support. He also acknowledged the contributions of the legislature, judiciary, and the church community in sustaining prayers and support for his government.
The Abia State Government has pledged to collaborate with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to eliminate counterfeit and expired products from the Eziukwu Road Market in Aba, commonly known as Cemetery Market. The Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Kingsley Nwokocha, made this declaration during a visit to Eziukwu Market, where he cautioned traders about the dangers and legal consequences of selling fake goods or altering expiry dates on products. Highlighting the severe threat counterfeit products pose to public health, the commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring consumer safety and market integrity. Additionally, the Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area (LGA), Obialor Anyanwu, represented by the LGA Secretary, Mr. Gideon Aduka, voiced concerns over the activities of certain traders engaged in producing fake products or fraudulently modifying expiry dates. He commended NAFDAC for its persistent efforts to curb these illegal practices. During the event, Eziukwu Market’s interim chairman, Alphonsus Udeigbo, informed the commissioner that his administration had established a five-member task force dedicated to combating the sale of counterfeit, expired, and re-dated goods. Udeigbo also expressed appreciation to both NAFDAC and the Abia State Government for their proactive interventions. Leading the enforcement operation, the South East Zonal Director of NAFDAC, Mr. Martins Iluyomade, emphasized that many people suffer from life-threatening diseases due to the consumption of substandard products. He noted that such health risks often lead individuals to seek medical treatment abroad. As part of the crackdown, NAFDAC sealed off several shops suspected of being involved in the production and distribution of fake and expired products. Additionally, confiscated counterfeit goods were destroyed in line with the agency’s regulatory protocols. The joint efforts of NAFDAC, the Abia State Government, and local traders mark a significant step towards ensuring public safety and enhancing the credibility of marketplaces within the region. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Meta Description: Abia State Government partners with NAFDAC to eradicate counterfeit and expired products in Eziukwu Market, Aba. Traders support enforcement measures to safeguard public health. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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Governor Alex Otti clarifies that his administration has fully paid Abia judiciary workers’ salaries, urging the Nigerian Bar Association and workers to question JUSUN leadership for the ongoing strike. Governor Otti Denies Owing Abia Judiciary Workers Amid Strike Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has addressed the ongoing strike by the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Abia chapter, clarifying that his administration is not responsible for the delayed payment of judiciary workers’ salaries. Speaking at the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Service held at Queen Elizabeth Chapel, Umuahia, Otti responded to reports from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), which urged him to settle judiciary workers’ payments. He emphasized that his government had already released over ₦300 million for their salaries, but JUSUN leadership had yet to distribute the funds. Funds Released, But Workers Unpaid Otti disclosed that on December 24, 2024, his administration remitted ₦283,242,318.50 into the judiciary’s account. He further clarified: “As of this morning, the judiciary leaders have refused to pay their workers. The judiciary is an independent arm of government. Our duty is to remit funds to their account, and their duty is to pay their workers.” Additionally, the governor stated that he had approved an extra ₦27 million for the judiciary workers and even ensured the payment of their thirteenth-month salary. Despite these payments, the strike persists, leading Otti to question the union’s motives. JUSUN’s Role in the Dispute Governor Otti criticized the JUSUN leadership for avoiding the minimum wage negotiation initiated by his government. Instead, he claimed the union created its own salary calculations, which were later discovered to contain significant errors. He urged judiciary workers to hold their union leaders accountable for the ongoing strike and advised the Nigerian Bar Association to thoroughly investigate the situation before passing judgment. Commitment to Armed Forces and Retirees During the service, Governor Otti reaffirmed his administration’s continued support for both retired and active personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces. In a related statement, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Legion, Commodore Ekekwe Duroha (retd.), called for increased assistance to retired officers and widows, especially considering current economic challenges. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
