By Hopes for the revival of the long-dormant Aba Textile Mills Plc in Aba, Abia State, have been somewhat dimmed by the arrest of its unnamed facility manager and two other workers. The trio were apprehended for their alleged involvement in the theft and vandalism of properties within the mill’s premises.
This disheartening development comes shortly after the Abia State government announced ambitious plans to reactivate the textile mill, alongside the Star Paper Mill Limited, both located in the bustling commercial town of Aba. The government’s intention to breathe new life into these once-thriving industries now faces the challenge of dealing with internal sabotage.
The state’s Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, addressed the issue during a press briefing following the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti in Umuahia, the state capital. Kanu issued a stern warning on behalf of the government to any “unscrupulous persons whose stock in trade is to steal and vandalise its property.” He emphasized that such criminal behavior would not be tolerated and that those engaging in these acts would face the full force of the law.
In a separate announcement concerning the state’s judiciary, the Abia State Chief Judge, Justice Lillian Abai, has declared a one-week Easter vacation for all judges within the state’s judicial system. The Acting Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice in Umuahia, Beauty Allwell, informed reporters that this recess is in accordance with the state’s High Court Practice Procedure 2021.
Allwell specified that the Easter vacation will commence on Monday, April 21st, and conclude on Sunday, April 28th. She urged all branches of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and the general public to take note of this temporary suspension of court sittings.
