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Why Abia State Government wants to shut me up by all means – Lawmaker

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The member representing Aba South State Constituency in Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Obinna Ichita has raised alarm, alerting the general public of plot by the state government to try him secretly in court.

Ichita who was elected under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), in a statement on Thursday claimed that the suit before a High Court in the state with suit no. A/182/2021 was instituted against him by the Commissioner for Youth Development, Barr. Charles Esonu while he (Esonu) was the Special Assistant to the Governor of the state on Special Duties at the time the suit was instituted against him.

Hon. Ichita in a chat with our correspondent stated that his crime was his continued outcry on the deplorable nature of roads in his constituency which he said the state government has used every means to stop him from, but have hit brick walls.

“We received strong and credible intelligence information that there was a secret suit filled against me by the Abia State Commissioner For Youths Development, Barr. Charles Esonu in a suit no. A/182/2021. and his statement of claim, he said that he was the Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties.

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“He is praying the court to make an order for me not to talk about the state of roads in my constituency and for me to pay him N200m for the damages that he incurred as a result of my talking about the state of roads in my constituency.

“The main thing is that I was not served. My office is known in the House of Assembly and my constituency office is also known, but I wasn’t served.

“They went and told the judge that they made application for substituted service; that they were going to serve me at the constituency office which the court granted.

“But instead of serving me at the address, they went and hid the document elsewhere, where somebody discovered it and notified us. Our lawyers have confirmed that and have taken the necessary steps in that regards.

“They also want the court to order me to pay them 200 Million Naira as damages for talking about bad roads in Aba south, the constituency I was elected to represent.

“The suit was filed by Charles Esonu, Abia State Commissioner for Youths, he listed the Abia State Commissioner for Trade and Investment as one of his witnesses.

“Ha choro ikpe m ikpe azu?!

“It is interesting that instead of utilizing the money (over 56 Million US dollars ) that Abia State government received from the World Bank for flood mitigation project in Aba, Abia State government officials are secretly asking the High Court of Abia State to order me to stop talking about abandoned and dilapidated roads in my constituency.”

On whether the suit against him will affect his legislative duties, Hon. Ichita said that would not be possible. “My duty (as a lawmaker) is provided for by the constitution which I know is superior to other laws in Nigeria.

“This cannot deter me because when we talk about the state of our roads, it is not politics, but reality. You cannot access any of those road projects that made the World Bank release $56million intervention to the state.

“There is no single road in my constituency that is accessible; from Port Harcourt to Ohanku, Obohia, Omuma, Ihieorji, Uratta.”

“I don’t represent the Youth Commissioner, I represent the good people of Aba South State Constituency who have asked me to continue to talk about the state of roads in their constituency and they are the only people who I take instructions from.

“Apart from security challenge as a result of the deplorable nature of roads in my constituency which has prevented security agencies from patrolling in my constituency due to the nature of roads in my area, in the event of fire outbreak, the fire men do not have access roads to come and attend to fire in my constituency during such emergencies.

“People that have businesses in my constituency including traders at Orie Ohabiam market, Nkwo Ngwa, Omuma road, Obohia etc can no longer do their businesses the way that they used to do because of lack of patronage as people access their business premises to patronise them.

“We also have health challenges because of the mountainous refuse opposite National High school on the Port Harcourt road is a potential breeding ground or an epidemic outbreak.

“It is very worrisome that even though that the State House of Assembly has passed a resolution asking the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) to evacuate the mountainous refuse, they are yet to do anything there.

“We can no longer visit our kith and kin because of the deplorable road that has cut us off from each other,” said Ichita.

Reacting to the claims by the APGA lawmaker, the Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; Mr. Onyebuchi Ememanka in his response said “I am not aware of any such plans by the State Government.

“I speak for the Governor of Abia State and I know for sure that no such thing is on his mind. It even sounds ridiculous to try a member of the House of Assembly for some so called outspokenness?

“Try him under what law? I am a lawyer and the whole thing sounds extremely outlandish and nonsensical.”


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Abuja

Mercedes G63 Kills Six Cows in Abuja Highway Crash

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A luxury Mercedes-Benz G-Class G63 AMG was involved in a late-night crash on a major highway in Abuja, killing six cows and sparking renewed concerns over road safety and enforcement of grazing laws in the Federal Capital Territory.
The incident occurred around 8 p.m. on Monday,

according to eyewitness accounts, when the high-speed SUV collided with a herd of cows that had reportedly strayed onto the roadway. A video circulating on social media shows the aftermath, with the white cows lying across the dark highway as traffic officials worked to manage the situation.


As of the time of filing this report, there were no confirmed injuries to the driver or any passengers in the vehicle. Unverified reports on social media suggested that the SUV sustained only minor damage despite the severity of the collision.


The accident has reignited debates over the continued presence of cattle on major roads in Abuja, despite the 2017 ban on open grazing introduced by the Federal Capital Territory Administration. The policy was designed to curb frequent clashes between herders and communities, as well as prevent traffic disruptions and accidents caused by roaming livestock.

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Residents and road users have repeatedly raised concerns about the enforcement of the grazing ban, noting that cows are still often seen along highways and within urban areas of the capital. Monday night’s crash is the latest in a series of such incidents, highlighting ongoing gaps in regulation and compliance.


Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the crash or confirm whether any action will be taken regarding the presence of the cattle on the highway.

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Job Vancancy: Moniepoint Job Vacancies in Abuja and North Central Nigeria

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Research Interviewers Job in Nigeria – Jhpiego Hiring Across 36 States & FCT
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Leading Nigerian fintech company Moniepoint has announced six new job openings across Abuja and several states in the North Central region, expanding its workforce in compliance, technical operations, sales, and security management.

The vacancies cut across multiple departments, reflecting the company’s continued growth in agent banking, SME solutions, and digital financial infrastructure services.

Available Positions

Field Risk & Internal Control Officer (North Central)

  • Team: Compliance
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    The role focuses on monitoring operational risks, enforcing internal control standards, and ensuring compliance across field operations in the region.

Apply Here

Hardware Engineer

  • Team: Advanced Technical Operations
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    Successful candidates will handle hardware installation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and technical support for field operations.

Apply Here

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Implementation Officer (North Central)

  • Team: Moniebook Business Management Tools
  • Locations: Benue, Plateau, FCT
    This role involves onboarding merchants and ensuring smooth deployment of Moniepoint’s business tools across assigned regions.

Apply Here

Inbound Sales Officer (Abuja)

  • Team: Moniebook Business Management Tools
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    The position focuses on handling inbound customer inquiries, converting leads, and supporting sales growth for Moniepoint business solutions.

Apply Here

Regional Lead, Corporate Security (North)

  • Team: Moniepoint MFB
  • Locations: FCT, Kano
    The role oversees corporate security operations, risk prevention strategies, and protection of company assets across northern Nigeria.

Apply Here

Regional Lead, Field Risk & Internal Control (North)

  • Team: Compliance
  • Location: FCT, Nigeria
    This leadership position is responsible for coordinating regional risk management teams and strengthening internal control systems.

Apply Here

The hiring drive comes as fintech companies in Nigeria continue to expand their physical and digital operations across underserved regions, particularly in agent banking and SME support services.

Moniepoint, one of the fastest-growing fintech firms in the country, has steadily increased recruitment in technical, compliance, and field operations roles over the past year.

With these openings, Moniepoint is strengthening its presence in Abuja and northern Nigeria while scaling its financial services infrastructure across the country.

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Business

Nigerians Slam Moniepoint CEO Over ‘Talent Quality’ Remarks Amid Hiring Debate

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Comments by Tosin Eniolorunda, CEO of Moniepoint, have sparked a heated debate online after he questioned the quality of Nigeria’s talent pool while discussing his company’s hiring challenges.


Speaking at the The Platform Nigeria on May 1, Eniolorunda said the fintech firm had advertised over 500 vacancies since 2024 but struggled to find qualified local candidates. He revealed that by 2025, the company reversed its local-only hiring policy due to the shortage.


I used to feel Nigerians are really bright… but we are still struggling to find Nigerians to fill those roles. They don’t meet global standards,” he said, attributing the gap to factors such as social media distractions, cybercrime, hookup culture, and weaknesses in the education system.

Backlash and Counterarguments



His remarks triggered swift backlash from Nigerians, particularly within the tech community, with many accusing local companies of failing to invest in talent development.

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Critics argued that unlike global firms, Nigerian tech companies rarely offer structured, paid internship programs or training pipelines to groom young professionals. Some pointed to examples of international companies like Oracle Corporation, where internships and early talent programs serve as entry points into full-time roles.


Others shared personal experiences of being rejected by local firms despite strong resumes, while noting that Nigerian professionals continue to secure roles in global companies such as Amazon.


A recurring sentiment online was that many Nigerian companies demand “global-standard talent” but are unwilling to offer competitive compensation or career development opportunities.

Industry Perspective



Supporters of Eniolorunda’s stance, however, pointed to the realities of scaling a fast-growing fintech company in a competitive global market. They cited brain drain, limited specialized skills, and increasing demand for top-tier expertise as genuine challenges facing Nigerian startups.


Analysts say the controversy highlights a broader issue within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem balancing expectations between employers and job seekers, while addressing gaps in education, training, and remuneration.



The debate mirrors ongoing tensions around talent development, compensation, and hiring practices in Nigeria’s fast-evolving tech sector.

As companies expand and compete globally, the question of how to build, retain, and fairly reward talent is likely to remain a central issue.

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Outrage as Soldier Assaults Journalist Over Traffic Dispute in Lagos

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A Nigerian soldier has allegedly assaulted a journalist, Fakoyejo Olalekan, during a traffic control operation in Lagos State, triggering widespread public condemnation after video footage of the incident surfaced online.
The clash occurred on May 2 near Pleasant Event Centre in Ikeja, where personnel of the Nigerian Army were reportedly directing heavy traffic.


According to eyewitness accounts, the altercation began after Fakoyejo remarked to passengers that a soldier’s handling of a motorcyclist had caused an unnecessary delay. The comment allegedly angered one of the soldiers, who ordered everyone out of the vehicle.


The situation escalated when the soldier reportedly slapped and shoved the journalist, and briefly reached for a piece of wood before bystanders intervened to prevent further escalation.


Video clips circulating on social media show at least two soldiers involved in the confrontation. During the incident, Fakoyejo’s phone screen was also seen shattered on the pavement. No serious injuries were reported.

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The footage has since triggered widespread criticism online, with many users calling for accountability and questioning the conduct of military personnel during civilian traffic enforcement duties.


As of May 4, the Nigerian Army had yet to issue an official response despite being tagged in multiple public complaints and posts about the incident.

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Outrage as DSS Arraigns Chidiebere Justice Mark Over Alleged Cybercrime, Military Incitement

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The Department of State Services (DSS) on Monday arraigned Chidiebere Justice Mark, popularly known as Justice Crack, before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime and alleged incitement against the military.

Mark was earlier arrested by the Nigerian Army over a viral video and accompanying statements he shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, @JusticeCrack, in which he reportedly alleged inadequate feeding of Nigerian soldiers.

According to the charge sheet, the defendant is accused of knowingly circulating false information intended to provoke public annoyance, ill will, and hatred among citizens.

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Details of Charges

Count One alleges that on April 28, 2026, Mark disseminated information on social media regarding poor feeding conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, which authorities claim he knew to be false. The offence is said to contravene Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015 (as amended).

Count Two states that the accused published a viral video and statements about the Nigerian Army that triggered widespread negative reactions and were likely to cause fear and a breach of peace. This charge is brought under Section 59 of the Criminal Code Act.

Count Three accuses Mark of attempting to commit a felony by circulating what authorities described as derogatory content about the Army, also linked to potential public unrest, punishable under Section 509 of the Criminal Code Act.

Court Proceedings

Presiding judge, Joyce Abdulmalik, adjourned the case to May 25, 2026, for trial and possible hearing of a bail application. The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded in DSS custody pending further proceedings.

Public Reaction

The arraignment has sparked widespread reactions across social media, with civil rights advocates and concerned citizens debating issues around freedom of expression, national security, and the limits of online speech in Nigeria.

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