Business
‘Why I can’t afford to surrender power to Samson Ogah’ – Abia State Governor, Ikpeazu Okezie reveals
As the Abia political crisis lingers with various interest groups coming to Umuahia Government House for solidarity with Governor Ikpeazu, the embattled governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu yesterday, vowed that he could not afford to relinquish his seat to Dr. Uche Ogah, saying that the mandate was freely given to him by God and Abia people. Ikpeazu and Ogah The Governor also claimed that the mandate given to him by Abia voters has spiritual connotation which he could not afford to abandon.
Ikpeazu, who spoke while addressing the people of Abia North who were on a solidarity visit to him at the Government House, Umuahia, disclosed that he had previously visited Uche Ogah three times to solicit his support and urged him to drop his ambition but to no avail. Don’t over-heat the polity, OYC warns Ohanaeze Youth Council has warned against over-heating the political situation in the state and allow the judiciary to resolve the political impasse. Specifically, Ohanaeze youths have attacked fiery Lagos lawyer, Festus Keyamo for his legal opinion on the Justice Okon Abang judgment, describing his call for the immediate swearing -in of Dr. Uche Ogar as Abia governor as “vexatious antics and vituperations.” The group dismissed Keyamo’s legal opinion on the matter as “a slap on the legal profession,” and “nothing but a verbal diarrhoea.” Faulting Keyamo’s legal opinion, the group in a statement by Mazi Okemiri Alex, the chairman of State chairmen of OYC and Chetachi Ikpe, Abia State deputy chairman of the group, asked if “Keyamo was not aware that the governor of Abia State Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is in the Appeal Court to challenge the decision of the Federal High Court in Abuja.” The group condemned what it called “all manner of unguarded statements on the Abia political crisis by people from across the country just to be noticed, rewarded or just talk for talking sake.” OYC also condemned the call by a group,Ndigbo Bu Otu Union which gave Governor Okezie Ikpeazu seven days to vacate Umuahia Government House and warned that “any attempt to unleash violence on Abians and Ndigbo will be resisted.”
According to them, the group is non-existent but was just thrown up by politicians to create tension in Abia State and urged those behind it to retrace their steps and give peace a chance in the state. Senate delegation to Abia, supports Ikpeazu Meantime, the Senate, Monday, dispatched some of its members to Abia State to commiserate with the people over deaths of two of their prominent sons, former Foreign Affairs Minister, Chief Ojo Maduekwe and Senator Onyeka Okoroafo. The Senate delegation led by Senator Biodium Olujimi, and included the three Senators from the state, also expressed support for Governor Okezie Ikpeazu over the political logjam in the state. Senator Olujimi, who expressed the feeling of the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, to Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, said that the Senate was solidly behind him in the face of the crisis in the state. “The authentic and indomitable Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, we are here with the consent of the Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly, Distinguished Senator, Dr Bukola Saraki, and on behalf of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to condole with you and the entire people of Abia State in these trying times. “First, over the political situation in Abia, and over the death of your illustrious sons, Chief Ojo Maduekwe and Senator Onyeka Okoroafo. “The Senate is solidly behind you in these trying times. You have our support as the governor of the state, we are elected to make laws as lawmakers and it is our duty to ensure that our laws are not abused. We are aware of the political situation in Abia, rest assured that the Senate is with you,” Olujimi said. In his remarks, Governor Ikpeazu thanked the Senate for standing by him, the state and the bereaved families, even as he described the death of late Senator Onyekachi Okoroafo and Chief Ojo Maduekwe as personal losses to him.
The governor told the visiting Senators that the recent ruling of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja was an attack on democracy and Nigerian constitution. “I thank the Distinguished Senate for standing by me and Abians at the time of trials. The death of the Chief Ojo Maduekwe is a personal loss to me. He stood by me through the campaign period and he was a pillar in my administration. He died when the state needed him most.” We still believe in Abia charter of equity —Abia North PDP Similarly, stakeholders and membership of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Abia North senatorial zone have restated their support for the power shift under the doctrine of Abia Charter of Equity, which provides for rotation of power to the three senatorial zones of the state. Consequently, they had expressed support and solidarity to the governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, saying he emerged from Abia South zone in line with the charter. In their reaction to the political crisis in the state, Abia North PDP frowned at the judgment of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja which favoured Dr. Uche Ogah, who is from the zone. Rising from a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ohafia, Abia North PDP said that they rejected the judgment. “The controversial and contentious judgment of the Hon. Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division came to us as a surprise and a calculated attempt to rock the boat of a smooth sailing government of Abia State under the able leadership of Okezie Ikpeazu, Ph.D. “That the said judgment, which is misconceived, unsearched and unknown to facts and law defeats all known principles of justice. “That we totally align with the judgment of Hon. Justice Lewis Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Owerri Division, is well reasoned and well researched both in facts and law thereby vindicating and absolving Okezie Ikpeazu, Ph.D of any wrong doing with respect to his tax documents.”
Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
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