Author: Drum Africa Correspondent

The leadership of the Abia State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) has expressed optimism that Governor Alex Otti will be overwhelmingly re-elected come 2027. This is as it commended the high level of traders’ participation in the just-concluded Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. It will be recalled that the CVR exercise which began on August 18, 2025, across the country, and which was originally scheduled to end on July 10, 2026, was, however, extended to July 24, 2026. Speaking after its sensitisation, mobilisation and assessment tour of over 35 markets in Aba, the commercial hub…

The traditional ruler of Umuobasiukwu autonomous community in Ozuitem, Bende Local Government Area, Eze John Onuoha Akaliro, has dismissed claims that Bende traditional rulers and stakeholders signed an agreement in 2019 to rotate the Bende Federal Constituency seat between the Umunna and Ikwuisii blocs after every eight years. Akaliro’s position comes amid growing debate over the zoning of the House of Representatives seat ahead of the 2027 general elections, with some stakeholders insisting that a binding agreement exists to ensure the office rotates between the two blocs. Regarded as one of the most senior traditional rulers in Abia State, Akaliro…

The Aba Book Club has lamented that the lack of a library in the Enyimba city is a huge setback to the current government free education scheme, stressing that going to school without proper access to important books for further study is tantamount to a waste of energy.  Co-founder of the Aba Book Club, Osondu Mbonu, who spoke in Aba during ” The Nonprofit Breakfast Dialogue Abia State” organised by the Centre for Development Practice (CEDEP), USA, government’s continuous decision to allow touts to occupy the land mapped out for the construction of the Aba City library at Constitution Crescent is a…

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, political realignments and competing interests are expected. However, beyond the noise and political maneuvering, the people of Bende Federal Constituency must ask one fundamental question: Can Bende afford to lose a representative who is delivering measurable results? The recent perceived gang-up against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, is more than a political contest. To many, it is an attack on the progress, opportunities, and development that Bende has witnessed under his representation. Benjamin Kalu’s rise to national prominence was not accidental. It is the product…

Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti has completely distanced himself from the five South East governors that Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma claimed have resolved to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.  Recall that Governor Hope Uzodimma, in a recent media comment, said that the five South East governors have all resolved to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election as a mark of appreciation for all his good works in the region.  Otti made the remarks while answering questions on Uzodimma’s comment from a TVC journalist during a media chat in Umuahia and stressed that no individual governor has the…

Enugu Air has confirmed that one of its aircraft operating into Benin was involved in a runway incursion after landing on Wednesday, assuring the public that all passengers and crew members are safe. The airline, in a public notice, said everyone on board disembarked safely, with no injuries or casualties recorded. Recall that some major news outlets yesterday reported that no fewer than 68 passengers got injured escaped death as an Enugu Airlines plane crash-landed at the Benin Airport. The aircraft with registration number 5N-ENR had 68 passengers on board apart from the crew members was on an Enugu-Benin-Lagos commercial…

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has appointed Commander of Narcotics (CN) Leonard Nnadim, PhD, as the 13th State Commander of the NDLEA Abia State Command. By this appointment, he takes over from CN Chigbu Chilee following his retirement from service. A statement by ASN Ik Akunne, Public Relations Officer, NDLEA Abia State Command, states that CN Nnadim has assumed office at the Command Headquarters in Aba, where he was received by the principal officers, men and women of the command. The statement described the new commander as a seasoned officer, an investigator and an analyst that has worked and held…

A Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Nkpa and a Federal Medical Centre, Bende, both in Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, have passed second reading in the House of Representatives courtesy of Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu who sponsored the two health-related bills. Titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Nkpa, Bende, Abia State to Provide Training and Research in General Nursing, Midwifery and Other Specialties of Nursing, and for Related Matters”, the first bill seeks to provide for the establishment of the Federal College of Nursing and Midwifery, Nkpa in Bende…

…Over 130 churches to receive N5m to 6m each as support The Office of the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives and member representing Bende Federal Constituency of Abia State, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has said that the media reports suggesting that N1 billion was inserted in the 2026 budget solely for the procurement of musical instruments for churches in Bende is a misrepresentation of the intent and scope of the provision. Levinus Nwabughiogu, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Speaker explained that the proposed allocation is actually N780 million after VAT and other tax deductions. He further explained that it…

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has apologised to the Igbo community for the role the state played during the Nigerian Civil War, saying the people of Plateau were “deceived” into participating in the conflict. Speaking during an interactive session with Igbo leaders from the 17 local government areas of the state at the Government House, Little Rayfield, Jos, Mutfwang urged both sides to put the painful chapter behind them and strengthen the bonds of unity. According to a report the governor commended the Igbo community for its contributions to Plateau State’s socio-economic development, describing them as an integral part of…