Author: Candid Reporters

A 67-year-old man, Mr. Mbaonu Mbaonu, has passionately appealed to the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, to intervene in the case of his 30-year-old son, Obediah Mbanonu, who was sentenced to death by hanging over an alleged phone theft in Igbere, Bende Local Government Area of the state. Mr. Mbaonu maintained that his son was wrongly accused and framed, insisting that Obediah is innocent of the crime for which he was convicted in 2020. Speaking during an interview with journalist Promise Uzoma Okoro (PUO) at his residence in Aba, the distraught father alleged that the case…

Bandit leader, Bello Turji, has accused two former northern governors of fueling insecurity in the country, especially in the North. CANDID REPORTERS gathered that the bandit also confirmed participating in a series of peace meetings with the Zamfara State government during the administration of a former governor of the state, but vehemently denied claims that he received N30 million or any material inducement to participate in the process. Efforts made to get the reaction of both former governors at press time yesterday proved abortive as they neither picked up calls nor returned the calls. Text and WhatsApp messages also sent…

The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that the President holds the constitutional power to declare a state of emergency in any state where circumstances threaten public safety or governance. According to the ruling, this authority may be exercised to prevent a serious breakdown of law and order or to stop conditions from deteriorating into chaos or anarchy. The court emphasized that such powers are intended to safeguard national stability and ensure the continued functioning of democratic institutions when extraordinary situations arise. It noted that emergency measures are justified only in exceptional cases where normal governance mechanisms are unable to effectively address…

Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has restated his administration’s readiness to partner with the Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria(OMPAN), to sustain the irreversible pathway of transformation taking place in the State,while congratulating the organization for the successful holding of their 3rd Annual General Meeting. Governor Otti,who was representated by the Commissioner for Information,Prince Okey Kanu at the 3rd Annual General Meeting of OMPAN ,held at Umuahia North LGA multi purpose Hall , described Online Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria as a credible, responsible and forward-thinking organization and encouraged them to continue in their contributions to the development of…

The Abia state government has fully recovered the Star Paper Mills Aba and Owerrinta from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON)marking a major step towards industrial revival in the state. The government has also intensified effort to complete the acquisition Afro Beverages Limited Owerrinta. The Star Paper Mills, a brainchild of the Late Abia -born entrepreneur Chief Nnanna Kalu ,was established in the 1970s as an integrated paper -conversion and paper -products manufacturing enterprise to serve domestic markets. Speaking during the handover ceremony held at the Banquet Hall government House Umuahia,the Governor Dr Alex Otti said that the recovery…

The Governor of Abia State, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has felicitated with his brother Governor, His Excellency, Senator Hope Uzodinma (Onwa), on the occasion of his 67th birthday celebration. In a release to celebrate Governor Uzodinma’s birthday, Governor Otti expressed joy that God has continued to sustain the Governor to render service to the people of Imo State. Governor Otti thanked God for blessing Onwa with good health and wisdom and for giving him the opportunity to serve Imo people at this time. Governor Otti, on behalf of his family, the Government and people of Abia State wished…

The Abia State government has approved the appointment of Dr. Emmanuel Meribole as the acting secretary to the state government following the proceed on a leave of absence embarked by Professor Kenneth Kalu (FCA). The appointment was made public in a press release made public on Friday. Read full press release here 👇 GOVERNOR ALEX OTTI APPROVES THE APPOINTMENT OF DR. EMMANUEL MERIBOLE AS ACTING SECRETARY TO THE STATE GOVERNMENT. Sequel to the approval granted by His Excellency, Governor Alex Otti, for the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Kenneth Kalu (FCA), to proceed on a leave of absence,…

Entrepreneur | Philanthropist | Media Visionary | United Nations Mayor of Peace From the heart of Umuawa Alaocha in Umuahia North, Abia State, rose a young man with a big dream, to transform his community through business, culture, and service. That young man is Mayor Lucky Igbokwe, fondly known as Don Lulu. Today, he stands as one of Southeast Nigeria’s most influential figures, weaving together entrepreneurship, media innovation, and philanthropy to inspire a new era of grassroots development. Building Enterprises, Creating ImpactDon Lulu’s journey as a businessman is a testament to vision and resilience. As Group Chairman of thriving ventures…

Dr. Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah, CON, OON, FCA, is a distinguished Nigerian entrepreneur,public servant, philanthropist, and thought leader whose life embodies excellence, integrity, and service to humanity. He is the immediate past Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,having served as Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. Dr. Ogah is the Founder and President of Masters Energy Group, a diversified conglomeratewith strategic interests in oil and gas, manufacturing, power, finance, real estate, and logistics. Through his visionary leadership, Masters Energy has become a key player in Nigeria’s industrial landscape, creating thousands…

The Abia Online Media Publishers has expressed deep appreciation to Chief Smart Iheoma, Mayor of Umuahia North Local Government Area, for his unwavering support towards the growth and activities of the association. In a statement released on Wednesday, the union revealed that Chief Iheoma generously offered the Umuahia North Local Government Multipurpose Hall for the upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Abia Online Media Publishers, scheduled for Friday, 12 December 2025. The gesture, described as a “timely and invaluable contribution,” underscores the Mayor’s commitment to promoting media development and fostering closer collaboration with journalists and media professionals in Abia State.…