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Ikonne to Otti: Stop Forcing ₦36k Revenue on Aba Traders

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…Show Us 51 Schools for ₦54bn Purportedly Spent for Renovation

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja

A Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Paul Ikonne, has described the current level of taxation imposed on traders in Aba under the administration of Governor Alex Otti as “insensitive, exploitative, and destructive to the commercial lifeline of Nigeria.

Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Dr.

Ujo Justice, while addressing stakeholders including some market leaders, Ikonne noted that Aba—widely recognized as one of the commercial hub of Nigeria—is being crippled by Governor Otti’s tax policies.

In a statement circulated in Abuja, the APC chieftain said traders in Ariaria International Market, who previously paid ₦18,000 per shop, are now forced to pay over ₦36,000 yearly.

“With more than 88,000 shops in Ariaria alone, this translates to an outrageous ₦3.1 billion annually.”

He said the same story of pain and suffocation is playing out at Ekeoha Shopping Centre, Timber Market, and other trading clusters in Aba.

Ikonne asked: “Why should Aba traders—the very heartbeat of commerce in southern Nigeria be strangled by such reckless and selfish-driven taxation?”

He recalled that Governor Otti promised Aba traders lower taxes during his campaign, yet today, the reverse is the reality. Instead of providing relief, the administration is exploiting the sweat of hardworking businessmen and women.

Beyond taxation, Ikonne stated that up until now the questions over the whereabouts of the ₦54 billion Governor Otti claimed to have spent on renovating 51 schools that cannot be found anywhere, and the ₦7 billion allegedly spent on recreational centres that do not still have not been answered.

“Governor Otti, fear God and show us the 51 schools you claimed to have renovated with ₦54 billion.”

He further condemned the total abandonment of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the previous administration, which guaranteed traders the right to reclaim their shops after remodeling.

“That agreement has been thrown into oblivion, leaving traders displaced, frustrated, and at the mercy of government manipulation.

“A people-centered administration should protect the interest of its traders, not betray them,” Ikonne stressed.

Ikonne also wondered why the Otti government is asking traders in Ariaria to pay as high as ₦15 million to re-acquire their shops after remodeling, describing it as an anti-trader policy that adds untold hardship and suffering.

He stressed that the monthly federal allocation of over ₦30 billion to Abia State and Local Government which receives over 100 million is more than enough to provide modern, well-equipped markets with necessary amenities such as power supply, potable water, fire service stations, and security—without exploiting traders.

“There is no justification for squeezing Aba traders dry when government has the financial capacity to build these markets and still provide essential infrastructure. This ₦15 million shop fee and ₦36,000 annual revenue levy are wicked, exploitative, and not in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is designed to water the ground for the masses and ease the burden of doing business,” he declared.

He emphasized that despite President Tinubu’s administration ensuring that Abia receives huge allocations, excluding oil derivation funds as an NDDC state, Aba—the state’s economic capital—remains abandoned and strangled by taxation without development.

Ikonne therefore described Otti’s government as one built on lies, propaganda, and exploitation, noting that traders in Aba have been left at the mercy of a government that thrives on squeezing them dry while showing nothing tangible on the ground.

He called on Governor Otti to immediately reverse the inhumane tax regime, respect the MoU with traders, and deliver visible, people-oriented governance, warning that “a government that punishes Aba traders, who drive the state’s economy and feed Nigeria’s commerce, has already failed the people it claims to serve.”

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Nasarawa Lawmaker Supports Wadada Endorsement

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By Tambaya Julius, Abuja

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Member Representing Keffi West Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana has pledged his full support to Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada following his endorsement by Governor Abdullahi Sule.

The endorsement, which is seen as a strategic consolidation of party strength, is backed by the Governor, reinforcing confidence among party faithful ahead of forthcoming general election.

The honorable member led a large delegation of supporters and political associates, party faithful, including members of his campaign team, to Senator Wadada’s residence in Keffi.

During the visit, Hon. Nana reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising grassroots support across Keffi West and beyond in support of Hon.

Wadada. He emphasised that unity, loyalty, and strategic collaboration remain essential ingredients for electoral victory.

According to him, the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming elections will depend largely on the ability of party leaders and supporters to work together with a shared vision. He stressed that the endorsement of Senator Wadada is not only a personal decision but also a reflection of the collective will of his supporters and constituents.

The lawmaker further noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must remain focused and disciplined, especially at a time when political activities are intensifying. He called on party members to prioritise the interest of the state above individual ambitions, adding that a united front will strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.

Speaking during the visit, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu expressed deep appreciation for the show of support and solidarity. He described his endorsement as timely and encouraging, noting that it reinforces confidence in the party’s direction.

The senator stated that such demonstrations of unity are critical in building momentum ahead of the elections. He added that the gathering sends a strong message of cohesion and readiness among All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Nasarawa State.

Senator Wadada also assured supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership and development-oriented governance if elected as governor. He emphasised that his ambition is rooted in the desire to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state and improve the lives of its citizens

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Centenary City Access Road Reaches 35 Per Cent Completion as Community Backing Drives Progress

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By David Torough, Abuja

Construction of the 4.3-kilometre access road within Abuja’s Centenary City development has reached 35 per cent completion, marking a key milestone in the project’s early infrastructure rollout.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Centenary City Plc, Ike Odenigwe, highlighted visible progress on the ground, noting that work had advanced steadily since commencement.

He emphasised the company’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure that would support the broader vision of the development.

Odenigwe credited much of the smooth execution to the cooperation of five host communities, describing their support as instrumental in avoiding disruptions and maintaining project momentum.

He said the company had built strong relationships with these communities through consistent engagement and mutual understanding.

As part of its social responsibility efforts, the firm has introduced scholarships and job opportunities targeted at local youths, ensuring that surrounding communities directly benefit from the development. According to Odenigwe, these initiatives are aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering long-term socio-economic growth.

He further explained that Centenary City was conceived as a modern, sustainable urban hub designed to boost Abuja’s global competitiveness by attracting investment and delivering world-class infrastructure.

The project has also received backing from key authorities, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and regulatory support from the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, both of which have strengthened implementation efforts. Traditional leadership, under Idris Musa, has also played a supportive role in facilitating community cooperation.

The access road forms part of a larger master plan that includes approximately 95 kilometres of primary road networks. Odenigwe noted that the development would incorporate smart city technologies to create a sustainable and efficient urban environment aligned with international standards.

From the construction side, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, represented by Jonnie Kouchan, described the partnership as a blend of vision and technical expertise. He confirmed that the four-lane carriageway, along with supporting infrastructure, remains on track for completion by April 2027, with strict adherence to global engineering and safety standards.

Kouchan added that the project would enhance connectivity, strengthen investor confidence, and stimulate economic activity across Abuja and neighbouring communities.

Despite the progress, community leaders have called for sustained engagement. The Emir of Juwa, Idris Musa, urged the developers to work closely with authorities to ensure fair compensation and proper resettlement for affected residents.

Local representatives also raised concerns about access to potable water following resettlement and called for the expansion of employment opportunities and continued scholarship support for youths.

Overall, stakeholders described the Centenary City project as a major step toward transforming Abuja into a modern, investment-friendly city capable of supporting long-term economic growth.

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Armed Herders Kill Five, Displaced Many in Renewed Attack on Benue Community

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From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Suspected armed herdsmen has launched a renewed attack on Tse Ameen community in Mbapa Council Ward of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, killing at least five persons.

A local sources disclosed that the incident occurred on early hours of Sunday when armed herders attacked the community at about 1:am.

One of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent on phone in Makurdi on Monday, disclosed that five bodies were recovered while many others remained missing.

“The corpses recovered after the attack included three males and two females,” the resident said.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on phone in Makurdi, Monday.

Edet said, “Four dead bodies were recovered.”

The PPRO did not disclosed further information.

Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has sympathise with the people of Gwer West where the attack occured on Saturday night.

He appealed to all security heads to ensure those perpetrators are also apprehended.

He however called on all communities to join forces with government and security agents to comb forests of evil elements.

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