By Prince-Solomon – Guidepost News International

Governor David Umahi has approved the release of the promotion of the civil servants from 2019 till 2021.

This was contained in a release by the Ebonyi Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr Orji Uche Orji on Monday in Abakaliki.

He said the state government also approved the payment of pension to all pensioners in the state with immediate effect from the 2nd March 2022.

“The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi FNSE, FNATE (Akubaraoha), has graciously approved the release of the promotion of Civil Servants for the years 2019, 2020 and 2021 to all deserving Civil Servants in the State.

“His Excellency the Governor has also approved the payment of Pension to all Pensioners in the State with effect from 22nd March 2022,” Orji said.

Guidepost News International

The Ebonyi State Secretary of People’s Redemption Party (PRP) Mrs Inya-Eluu Ngozi Joy while briefing newsmen, in Abakaliki Ebonyi State capital on Saturday, 19th March 2022 said that evil can only triumph when good people are asleep. She added that the dwindling economy, insecurities; agitations, militancy,  kidnapping, lack of people oriented infrastructure and social amenities and joblessness is as a result of bad governance which has eaten deep into the fabric of the society.

According to her, she said that her party is people oriented mass party which has come to redeem Nigerians, especially Ebonyians of all injustice and bad governance melted on her since Independence, as well as to welcome the citizenry, irrespective of religion, ethnicity, race, and creed who share the Core Values and orientation of the party.

She recalled that Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on 8th March 2022 sack the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Chief David Umahi, his Deputy Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe and sixteen House of Assembly members on issue of unlawful defection, which INEC is to conduct by-election on the affected positions, she said that her party is getting ready to participate by providing candidates in the affected offices.

Finally, Mrs Inya-Eluu Ngozi,  called on women and youths and indeed every well meaning Ebonyians to join the PRP for more productive, accountable and efficient governance and absolute transformation of the country.

Prince-Solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International

Governor David Nweze Umahi on Friday attended the State Executive Council meeting of the All Progressives Congress, APC at the International Conference Centre, Abakaliki.

Addressing Party faithfuls, Governor Umahi represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe commended Stakeholders and members of the Party for keeping faith with the Leadership at all levels.

He particularly lauded the State Executive Council led by Chief Stanley Emegha for their resilence in uniting the Party for greater productivity.

“On-behalf of the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engineer David Nweze Umahi, I want to sincerely thank the leadership of the Party led by Stanley Emegha for their dexterity, since they were sworn in, they have taken off, reconciling aggrieved members and converting souls for the Party, I want to us thank all the Leadership of the Party at the Zonal, Local Government and Ward levels, you have all done well, this is the time for sowing while the time for reaping is next year.

“Next week Saturday by the grace of God and the special capability of the National Working Committee of the Party to hold the much talked about National Convention of the APC.

“We therefore use this opportunity to congratulate that National Working Committee Led by His Excellency, Governor Buni despite the distractions that came from left, right and centre yet they held together to be ready to conduct a very credible Convention on Saturday.

“Ebonyi State to the glory of God and by the deed of hardwork, perseverance, reach of our dear Governor, we have been asked to produce the National Treasurer of the greatest political party in Africa.

“At the Zonal level, we have also been allowed to produce the Secretary of the Zone.

“May I also use this opportunity to say to us out of nostalgia, I said there is no need for anybody to worry himself about the suit that was instituted against the Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, our Governor is a man who knows the way and knows how to fight the battles, Distinguished Party faithful, it is my honour and privilege to announce to you that Engineer David Nweze Umahi and Dr. Kelechi Igwe are still Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State.”

He appealled to Party faithful and Citizens of the State to remain calm as the Appellate Court redresses the Appeal of the Governor and Deputy Governor in view of the recent Federal High Court stating otherwise.

“However, he has asked me to tell you to remain calm, my Governor, your Governor said I should tell you that he is a firm believer in the Nigeria Judicial system, and so nobody should criticize any Judge, I can assure you that the Appellate Court will look at it again and though we are not God, they will do justice.”

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Ebonyi State, Chief Stanley Emegha thanked the Party supporters for good followership and urged them to galvanize themselves for greater service to the Party.

“With humility and due respect, let me first commend the Leaders of the Party, it is a wonderful party, it is a wonderful family, I thank God for the bond between the members and Leaders, this may be seen as trying time for us, it is not, it is just to remind us that to occupy Aso Rock is not easy and I thank God for the love, for the unity among the Leaders.

“It must be a collective time, this is the time that I can answer Chairman anywhere and do what I am supposed to do, this is where you belong, the God that brought us together here is not a foolish God, we remain the ruling Party, the Governor is still the Governor of Ebonyi State and he will complete his tenure and hand over to whoever we choose.

“Place the unity of the Party first, do not because you have a political party you won’t want anything to move again, first of all let us build the party, keep your interest apart, after it will favour you.

The Chairman expressed hope that the National Convention would be conducted creditably.

Guidepost News International

By Prince-Solomon Okorie – Guidepost News International

—Accuses Them Of Forging Resignation Letters Against Members

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ebonyi State has reprimanded the APC lawmakers sacked by Justice Ekwo of Federal High Court, Abuja on 8th March, 2022 for their kangaro sitting declaring three lawmakers among the eight authentic and recognized members of the State House of Assembly vacant.

The parthugh the member representing Ivo Cotituency Hon. Oliver Osi disclosed this to newsmen in Abakaliki, the State Capital

Honorable Osi gave list of the serving lawmakers to include: Hon Chris Usulor, Hon Chidi Ejem, Hon Victor Aleke Umoke, Hon Humphrey Nwuruku and Hon Oliver Osi. Others are,Hon Franca Okpo, Hon Okechukwu Ali Kizito and Hon (Mrs) Lilian Ngozi Eziulo.

Recalled that the Federal High Court sitting at Abuja on 8th March,2022 declared the seats of sixteen members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly vacant on the ground of unlawful defecting from the People’s Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. According to Hon Oliver Osi, the clarification became imperative as to clear the air on the speculation making round by the court sacked.

All Progressives Congress lawmakers who purportedly declared some of their members seats vacant. Osi explained that the former house members in their usual commando style connived with some security personnel who gave them access to the chamber from where they committed an act he described as treasonable and unlawfully declaration of members’ seats vacant.

The lawmaker maintained that the embattled fourteen lawmakers and the speaker of the assembly had ceased to be their members and warned the general public to desist from carrying any transactions in the respect to their former positions.

However, he called on the Inspector General of Police, IG Usman Akali Baba and the state Director General of State Security Service to enforce the law on the embattled lawmakers for bridging the law of the land.

According to him “It’s no longer news that on 8th March,2022 the federal High Court sitting at Abuja and presided over by his lordship Justice Ekwo Inyang in a landmark judgement ruled that sixteen persons at that time who were members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly have ceased to be members of the house having abandoned their mandate and resigned their membership by their voluntarily defection from PDP to the APC in November, 2020.

“The effect of this is that the following persons from the day of the ruling March, 8, 2022 are no longer members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly.

They included: Rt. Hon.Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, Hon Kingsley Ikoro Ogbonnaya, Hon Benjamin Ezioma, Hon Friday Uhuo, Nkemka Okoro Onuma, Hon Onu Nwonye, Hon Victor Chukwu, Hon Joseph Ununu, Hon Chinedu Awo, Hon Onu Nwonye, Hon Chinedu Onah, Hon Chukwu Arinze Lucas, Hon Moses Odunwa, Hon Lilian Chinwe Nwachukwu, Hon Anthony Nwegede, and Hon Chukwuma Igwe”

“It’s pertinent for the general public and particularly, Ndi Ebonyi to note that up till today, March 17th, 2022 that the judgement has neither been successfully appealed nor any stay of execution granted in respect of same”

“However, in a deliberate attempt to undermine the judiciary and ridicule the extant ruling of his lordship, Justice Ekwo, Hon Ogbonnaya Nwifuru aided by some security personnel of Ebonyi State led fourteen other members of the aforementioned former House members excluding Hon Odefa Obasi Odefa to invade the hallow chamber of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, purportedly, declaring vacant the seats of three lawmakers namely: Hon Victor Aleke, Hon (Mrs) Franca Okpo, and Hon Ali Okechukwu Kizito and adjourned sitting for three months recess. “The Ebonyi State House of Assembly under my leadership as Speaker pro tompri wishes to states as follows: that the following fifteen persons ceased to be members of Ebonyi State House of Assembly dating back to November,2020 when they defected to APC and given effect to that by the judgement given by the federal High Court Abuja of 8th March,2022”

“The public should know that henceforth, any member of the public, therefore, who deals any business with one or any of them on behalf of Ebonyi State House of Assembly does so in his or her own risk. “That the house has since instructed his legal team to commence content proceeding against the afro mentioned impostors”

“That neither the former Speaker, Hon Ogbonnaya Nwifuru nor indeed any of the afro mentioned former of Assembly members posseses the power, authority or right to declare the seat of any of the member vacant or to adjourn the sitting of the house or act how so ever, in the office of the speaker or member of Ebonyi state House of Assembly having resigned your membership and being validly removed by the extant judgement of Court of competent jurisdiction”

“That the invasion of Ebonyi State House of Assembly and the purported sitting by the former members are act of treason and accordingly, null and void and of no effect whatsoever, except to the effect that the perpetrators must answer to their crimes”

“That the document branded by the former Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Hon Ogbonnaya Nwifuru Purported to be a resignation letters of Hon Victor Aleke, Hon Franca Okpo and Hon Ali Okechukwu Kizito are forged and must be disregarded. “If you take a careful look at those letters you will observe that they were worded thesame way, signed thesame way and date were in 2021. how can someone resigned since 2021 and their letters being read in 2022? “I call on the Inspector General of Police, Usman Akali Baba and the director general of the State Security Service, Yusuf Magaji Buchi to investigate the serial crimes of forgery and high treason perpetrated by the former Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and fourteen others”

“The police and other security agencies in the state and such action by him will help to be inimical to this noble objective, while I employ Ndi Ebonyi to continue to exercise refrain in the face of serial fragile abuse and insult to our collective sensibilities. “I want to assure all Ebonyi people and residents that Ebonyi State House of Assembly will soon seat to elect new principal officers to continue with their legitimate function of lawmaking, oversight and representation while urging the embattled former members to focus their attention on the legal debacle that have wishful pushed them into, when they defected from the party that sponsored them into office to one that lost election, rather than his fruital effort as instigating crisis in and dissemination of Ebonyi State House of Assembly”

“I wish to state categorically that none of our members have in any way thought of resigning our position” he concluded

  By Maxwell Okehukwu.                  Abakaliki – Guidepost News International

An uproars has erupted  in Ebonyi State as a result of biased judgement of Justice Inyang Ekwo on Governor Umahi and his deputy sack  judgement  which  is still rife both in legal and non-legal discussions.

This analysis takes into cognisance of the lying appeal made by Umahi and not to prejudice against it, and must also reiterate that though the judiciary can engage in Judicial Lawmaking to fill a gap when there is obvious lacunae,

The State chairman, All progressive Congress, (APC) Chief.Stanly  Okoro Emegha.While     briefing Newsmen in his office at the State party Secretariat Abakaliki  the State   Capital. He described the demanding of People Democratic  Party (PDP) from INEC to give Certificate of retune  for their purported Candidate  on the  Election he  did not participated is the highest foolishness.  Meanwhile the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria section 285(13) and amended electoral Laws both 2010 and 2022 including  all known cases of both the appeal and Supreme Court decision, has already made it clear that no one  can benefit  or sue nor used an Election result he or she did not participated as a candidate . Talk less of replacing a siting governor. He added that it is also very funny and childish of  the people Democratic party, without  regard to the Abakaliki High Court order which is  Judgement in Rem.on the seat of the State Governor and his Deputy.                       

He also made known that APC, Ebonyi State has warned the people Democratic party to desist from deceiving herself and the public knowing that the order of stay execution has been served to the party.

He said ” we are now aware of who and whom are behind the crisis and  cases against Ebonyi State Government Including all the Insecurity in the State, since the Governor defected from PDP to APC party. That Ebonyi State will deal  decisively with any person who leaves his Facebook foolishness in the name of being nominated as candidate and steps Ebonyi State to further their  crisis and Insecurity mission in the State.

In the light of the above,  Ebonyi State Government is stable and the projects and programmes are ongoing and nothing will ever stop it.    

He  urged Ebonyians urging  to remain calm until  the Appeal Court Rulling is unleashed

BY Maxwell Okechukwu – Guidepost News International Abakaliki.

Ebonyi State Executive Council members, has passed vote of confidence on the State Governor, Engr David Umahi.

This came as an aftermath of malicious judgement by Justice Inyang Ekwo on Tuesday last week sacking the Governor and his Deputy  over defection suit filed by the People’s Democratic Party. (PDP)

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for justice, Barr Cletus Ofoke, stated this while addressing Newsmen during press conference at the old Government house in Abakaliki.

He also said, it becomes necessary for the council members to make clarifications on the controversy over the courts rulling, considering the security of lives and properties of people in the State.

And expressed confidence in the rule of law as well as the court and judges involved in the cases, said the council is satisfied with the judgment of the State High court reinstating the Governor and his Deputy, pending the outcome of the appeal court ruling.

The Attorney General also commended the Governor for filing the case to appeal court for fresh judgment as well as his application to stay as the executive Governor for execution order, and cautions interested parties in the case to resist the temptations to cause mayhem in the State.

“The council also reminded all the parties and individuals interested in the case to their hope alive pending the final and exhaustive  judgment that will come out from the appeal court

Adding that “Governor Umahi, remains the executive Governor of Ebonyi State as provided for  by both 1999 constitution, as amended and 2022 electoral act and other relevant law on that regards.” he affirmed.

He commended the Governor’s determination towards completing his numerous projects in the State and noted it as the basis for passing a vote of confidence on him.

“In view of the massive infrastructural and human capital transformation that Ebonyi State has attained under His Excellency Engr David Umahi,

“Despite the paltry revenue allocation of the State from the Federation account and the ability of the Governor to initiate policies and legal frame works that have ensured sustainable economic growth,

” which has been attested to by numerous world bank monitored peer group review indicators, the council hereby passes a vote of immense confidence on His Excellency Engr David Umahi and believe that he is competent enough to address the economy and other challenges facing the nation if elected President in 2023.” He said.

He advised members of All Progressives Congress Party, (APC) in the State to keep on their peaceful conducts following the judgment, and called on the people of the State to remain peaceful, awaiting appeal court judgement.

By Prince-Solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International

Team from the Turkish hospital and Aviation ministry, Abuja on Wednesday, 17th November 2021 visited Ebonyi state to access the work done at the University of medical sciences, Uburu, and the Ebonyi International Airport.

The team was led by Yasar Ovenc, GMD- Turkish Hospital, and Prof. Dr. Huseyin Sert
Chancellor, Nile University, and Turkish Advisory Board Member.

The University of medical sciences has since become a reality with medical equipment currently being installed, while all is set for its maiden edition of the Matriculation ceremony billed for December 2021 with the initial students’ intake of about 300 to commence academic activities.

The two teams who were visibly happy and satisfied after being conducted round the Medical Institution and Ebonyi State International Airport on Wednesday, 17th and Thursday, 18th November, 2021 respectively by Governor David Umahi who explained stage by stage, the different departments of the institution, simply described the project as very monumental.

Departments inspected by the visiting teams include; the Cancer Center, the Kidney and liver transplant center, the Eye clinic center, the Radiography and scanning departments, lecture halls, pharmaceutical sciences department, E-learning library, laboratory, anatomy department, and Dialyzer production center, among others.

It is very interesting to note that, the University of medical sciences, Uburu, is the only medical institution in Africa that will soon start producing Dialyzers and Ebonyi State Government will have the patent.

Meanwhile, arrangements have been on top gear for the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to commission the world-class Medical Institution and other key projects executed by Governor David Umahi in the state.

BY Maxwell ELUU. Abakaliki – Guidepost News International

members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, has comiserated with the family of the Member representing Abakaliki South constituency in the Ebonyi State house of Assembly Hon. Joseph Ununu and his former Senior Technical Assistant who is the Principal big bird chambers Brr. Sunday Ununu as well as the family members over the death of their beloved and Icon father Chief Ununu Uguru Itumo popularly known as Oke Anu who died at the Age of 115 years..

The members took bold steep showing their last respect to the deceased, during the burial at his Country home in Okpanku Village, Ndiegu Okpuitumo Community, Abakaliki Local Government Area of the State.

The State Governor represented by his Deputy Brr. Kelechi Igwe who sympathized with the bereaved family to take solace in God, especially as their late father lived a life worthy of emulation while on earth.

He described death as inevitable and a debt every mortal must pay one day said that death of the patriarch is the will of God, urging the family to take as God would give them the fortitude in bear the irreplaceable loss.

In their tributes, the Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly Rt. Hon Francis Nwifuru, the member representing Ezza South/ Ikwo Federal Constituency Comrade Chinedu Ogah, the Deputy Speaker EBHA Hon. Kinsley Ikoro, the chairman of Edon group of companies Architect Edward Nkwegu, the chairman of Abakaliki Local council Hon. Emmanuel Nwangele and his counterpart of Ebonyi Mrs Chinyere Nwogbaga, thanked God for the glorious 115 years Late Ununu Itumo Uguru lived on earth before he joined his ancestors, counting on the numerous contributions of the patriarch to humanity and prayed for the repose of his soul.

The honourable member representing Izzi East constituency Hon. Anthony Nwegede, including the Commissioner for lands Chief Emmanuel Uguru, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of health Dr. Chris Achi among others in their tributes, noted that although it is difficult to restrain tears regardless of the age of the deceased but enjoined them to wipe their tears and lead their family members to celebrate the death of the social crusader for education and Community leader per excellent.

In their separate speeches, the sons of the deceased including Hon. Joseph Ununu, Brr Sunday Ununu, Mr. Nwabueze Ununu and a grand son Comrade Onyekachi Ununu, observed that prior to the death of their father, he was renowned farmer, a bridge builder, a distinguished Community leader who epitomized peace, kindness, unity, love, transparency, honesty, accountability and selflessness.
They prayed God to grant the soul of the departed enternal rest.

By Prince-Solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International

Tension in Ebonyi State as the Apc Members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly declared seat of the three PDP members vacant, alleging that the three members tended their resignation letters before the house.

The PDP house members who were affected are Hon. Franka Okpo representing Abakaliki North Constituency, Hon. Victor Aleke, Ebonyi West Constituency and Hon. Okechukwu Ali Ishielu North Constituency

Briefing newsmen on the development at the Ebonyi state house of assembly complex, Abakaliki, the member representing Ishielu North Constituency and chairman house committee on information Hon. Chukwu Arize Lukas said the three Honorable members resigned and it is the duty of the House to declare their seat vacant while INEC conduct fresh election to replace them.

In reaction, one of the affected members, Hon. Franka Okpo who spoke with newsmen said, the three PDP members never tendered any resignation letter before the house, adding that the issues between PDP house members and that of APC are the court and described the APC member’s sitting as illegal

…Details later

By Prince-Solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International

The family, friends, well wishers and committee of friends of late Jerry Udeaja , the former Coordinator, Okposi Development Center regret to announce the funeral  service of their brother, uncle, father and friends.

His Family Call on his Former Colleagues both those in service and out of service to join the committee of friends setup by his family to give him a befitting burial

Contact: Murphy Okereke Aja for the family on                  Contact: 07085126004

The burial arrangement is scheduled as follows:

Monday 11th April, 2022. Christian Wake keep at his home town @ Okposi-Achara. Time: 8 pm – 12 am

Tuesday 12th April, 2022.  Funeral service by Presbyterian Church of Nigeria, Obioha Parish,  @ Okposi-Achara Town Hall. Time: 9 am – 12 noon