Engr David Umahi and his deputy, Barrister Kelechi Igwe
By Prince-Solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International
A High Court sitting in Abakaliki has issued an order of rem that Ebonyi State Governor, Engr David Umahi and his deputy, Barrister Kelechi Igwe should return to office as the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State and Deputy Governor respectively.
This was disclosed to newsmen by the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Cletus Ofoke. He stated that the court has ordered the Umahi and his Deputy not to vacate their offices.
In a suit No HAB/13/2022 delivered by Justice Henry Njoku on February 28, 2022, the Court dismissed the suit seeking to sack Umahi and his Deputy from offices for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The suit was filed by Senator Sunny Ogbuorji who contested for the 2019 governorship, His running mate and the APC.
However, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday sacked Umahi and his deputy for defecting to the APC. The judgement was outrightly rejected by Umahi and his deputy on the ground that the Ebonyi High Court ruling should prevail.
The duo approached the same Ebonyi High Court on Thursday seeking the court to declare that its judgement of the 28th February 2022 on their defection to APC remains valid as a judgement in rem and as such should have precedence over any other contrary judgement and should be binding on all parties, persons and authorities.
Delivering on the motion ex-parte, Justice Njoku maintained that his earlier judgement which came before the judgement of the Federal High Court remains valid and subsisting.
He said: “An interim order of this Honourable Court for seven days (7) subject to renewal is hereby granted in view of its judgement in Suit NO HAB/13/2022 delivered on the 28th day of February, 2022 being a judgement in rem, and having precedence over any subsequent contrary judgement. The applicants hereto, Engr David Umahi and Dr Kelechi Igwe shall accordingly remain and not removed from office As Governor and Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State respectively”.
Justice Njoku also called on all Parties to obey the Court orders and adjourned the matter to March 16 for hearing on the motion on notice.
Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ebonyi State
By Prince-Solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International
The attention of the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Information and State Orientation has been drawn to fake news trending in https//wwwfacebook.com.Desymondtutu/. and in https:/weetalknaija.com.ng to wit:
(a) “Breaking News: if Buhari allows Court to remove me upon all my efforts in keeping the party in South East, I will officially support Biafra independent with all I’ve got” Dave Umahi warns APC
(b) “Tension As Armed Security Operatives Takes Over Ebonyi State Govt House, Denies Dave Umahi Entry” By Jake Clifford -March 9, 2022
The publications (a & b above) are absolute falsehood and nothing but concerted orchestrations by opposition elements to create tension and deceive members of the public about the true situation of things in Ebonyi State. The Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi FNSE, FNATE, is deeply seated as the Chief Executive of Ebonyi State whose tenure shall expire on 29th May, 2023 and nobody can remove him unless as expressly provided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The government and people of Ebonyi State hereby distance themselves from the fake, mischievous and cowardly online publications by these desperate politicians and their paid jobbers who masquerade as media operators to publish unfounded and concoctions of mendacious publications to tarnish the reputation of the Governor and government of Ebonyi State.
Those desperate opposition forces who are threatened by the soaring national acceptance of Governor Umahi for Presidency 2023 are also sponsoring feeble minds to castigate the person of the Governor of Ebonyi State in different print and electronic media platforms, with a view to discrediting him in the face of his glaring performance as Governor of Ebonyi State.
It is also being revealed that these anti-democratic forces and agents of destruction have a master plan of further producing multiple demeaning fabrications and mendacious frame-ups to paint the Governor black in their desperation to diminish the rising knowledge of the people that Governor Umahi is a Presidential material whose performance credentials are receiving the attractions and affections of the people of Nigeria.
These enemies of progress and fake news peddlers must know that Nigerians are wiser and cannot be swindled in their good judgment. Let it be known also that the long arms and eagle eyes of Ebonyi State Cybercrimes (Prohibition) and Other Related Offenses Law 002, 2021 are after them and shall not hesitate to wade the provisions of the Law on perpetrators of acts of fake news in Ebonyi State.
NBA President, Olumide Akpata, in a statement on Wednesday, described Umahi’s response as “impunity of the highest order and executive rascality taken too far.”
Mr Akpata said the NBA has absolutely no interest in the outcome of the case in question and will continue to stay away from partisan politics.
He added that the NBA “condemns without equivocation, Umahi’s unfortunate diatribe which, if it had emanated from an average litigant, would still have been regarded as shocking but coming from one who occupies the exalted office of a State Governor, is nothing short of a national embarrassment.”
Akpata said Umahi is expected to have called for calm from his supporters and assured them that all legal and constitutional avenues would be explored to challenge the judgment but instead gave such response.
The NBA, therefore, demand for an immediate apology from the governor and a retraction of the comments he made against the person and Judgment of the Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has noted with utter dismay, the unfortunate and totally unacceptable reaction of His Excellency, Dave Umahi to the Judgment of the Federal High Court, Abuja delivered on 8th March 2022, coram Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo which inter-alia ordered him and H.E. Mr. Eric Kelechi Igwe to vacate the offices of Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively, of Ebonyi State on grounds of their defection from the Peoples’ Democratic Party to the All Progressives Congress. Following the Judgment, Umahi, in the course of a Press Conference – video evidence of which is currently making the rounds on both new and mainstream media – threw caution to the wind and deployed very uncomplimentary adjectives and intemperate language in characterising both the Judgment and Hon. Justice Ekwo, including but not limited to describing the Judgment as “jungle justice” and His Lordship as “a hatchet man”. As if these were not enough, Engr. Umahi accused the Court of “murdering justice” and also arrogated to himself the judicial powers and magisterial authority to declare the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction as null and void while unashamedly declaring his intention to disregard the Judgment in favour of another. To put it plainly, this is impunity of the highest order and executive rascality taken too far. While the NBA has absolutely no interest in the outcome of the case in question and will continue to stay away from partisan politics, it is inconceivable that this Association that is charged with upholding the rule of law and defending the Judiciary would sit idly by in the face of this unprovoked and totally unwarranted attack on the Judiciary. Indeed, the leadership of the NBA has been inundated with calls from a cross-section of well meaning Nigerians who are understandably outraged by the utterances of Engr. Dave Umahi and who have rightly demanded that appropriate action be taken to protect the sanctity of the Judiciary. It is for this reason that we condemn without equivocation, Engr. Umahi’s unfortunate diatribe which, if it had emanated from an average litigant, would still have been regarded as shocking but coming from one who occupies the exalted office of a State Governor, is nothing short of a national embarrassment. In the wake of the Judgment, one would have expected Engr. Umahi to sue for calm from his supporters and to assure them that all legal and constitutional avenues would be explored to challenge the judgment. For H.E. Engr. Umahi to instead resort to attacking and denigrating the high office of a Judge in this unprecedented manner is disgraceful, undemocratic and completely unacceptable. As Kayode Eso, JSC of blessed memory famously noted, “[t]he essence of the rule of law is that it should never operate under the rule of force or fear.” We view Engr. Umahi’s reaction to this Judgment as being consistent with the current penchant, on the part of those in the executive arm of government, for intimidating the Judiciary whilst taking advantage of the historical reluctance of that arm of government to rise to its own defence. In light of the foregoing, the NBA hereby demands an immediate apology from H.E. Engr. Dave Umahi and a retraction of the comments he made against the person and Judgment of the Hon. Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court. It is also our demand that this apology and retraction be given as much media coverage as the Press Conference where the unfortunate comments were made.
By Prince-Solomon Okorie- Guidepost News International
Just as a landlord may hire the services of a lawyer who in turn serve as an agent charged with the responsibility of admitting or ejecting tenants from the said house without assuming ownership of the house, so also is the services of a political party to a candidate.
The Ekwo Judgement against Umahi, the Ebonyi State Governor has suffered still birth). Please, read thoroughly the position of one of Nigeria’s most brilliant legal icons, Chief Mike Ozekhome,SAN, OFR,FCIArb, LL.M, PH.D, LL.
I have just read social media publications regarding the judgment delivered today by the respected Honourable Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
I am of the firm belief that the judgment, shredded of all legal and factual details, cannot stand the acid test of constitutionalism, nor pass the furnace of appellate courts scrutiny. This is because the tenure of office of a Governor and his Deputy are constitutional matters.
The judgment is said to have sacked Governor David Umahi and his Deputy, Eric Kelechi Igwe from their offices. He cited section 221 of the Constitution, which merely prohibits political activities by certain associations which are not political parties from canvassing for votes or contributing to elections expenses of any candidate at any election. The Judge ordered the PDP to immediately send names of replacements to INEC so that fresh elections can be conducted. He also ordered INEC to cease recognising Umahi and Igwe as Governor and Deputy Governor, respectively, of Ebonyi State.
The learned trial Judge further held that the 393, 042 votes polled by Umahi in the March 9, 2019 governorship election belonged to the PDP and cannot be legally transferred to the APC upon defection, and that there is no constitutional provision that made the ballot transferable from one party to another. He therefore order INEC to conduct fresh election in accordance with section 177(c) of the Constitution. Not so fast, the enforcement of this judgment. The Governor and his Deputy have 90 days to appeal this decision under section 25(2), (a) of the Court of Appeal Act, it is their right under sections 240 and 241, of the Constitution, the judgment being a final one.
THIS JUDGMENT CANNOT SURVIVE APPELLATE SCRUTINY
Perhaps, the Jurist’s learned attention was not drawn to appellate decisions on this type of matter, which under the doctrine of stare decisis and judicial precedent, he ought to have followed meticulously. He may also not have been availed of the clear provisions of sections 180 and 188 of the 1999 Constitution.
WHO VOTES AT AN ELECTION?
It is not only the registered voters of a political party that cast their votes for a President, Vice President, Governor or Deputy Governor. Many non-politically partisan persons also vote; just like opposition party members who may prefer a particular candidate even though not in their party. It is therefore not correct to hold that votes scored by a candidates belong to a political party and therefore not transferable. The courts have since gone over the era of Amaechi V. INEC, where the Supreme Court had held that votes cast in an election belong to a political party. Section 141 of the Electoral Act, 2010, as altered that section, by providing that for a candidate to become Governor, he must have participated at all stages of the election. This includes primaries and the general governorship election.
VOTES BELONG TO INDIVIDUALS, NOT POLITICAL PARTY
The appellate courts have since held again and again that votes cast in an election belong to a live candidate, and not the political party which merely serves as a vehicle that enthrones candidates.
The Judge in his Judgment had agreed with the PDP which relied on sections 221, 177(c), 106(d) and 65(2)(b) of the Constitution to substantiate its argument that votes belong to the political parties; and it is impossible for candidates to exist without a political party. The case of NGIGE V. AKUNYILI (2012) 15 NWLR (PT.1323) 343 @ 357-376, which came much later over rule this position. The court held in that case that:
“…it is my considered view that the Appellant in relying on the provision quoted above (section 211 of the Constitution), has conveniently lost sight of the underlined words which show that a political party canvasses for votes on behalf of the candidate. In other words that a political party is nothing more than an agent of the candidate in gathering votes for an election. .It is my further view that is against the backdrop of this, that the Electoral Act (Supra) requires the candidate (and not the party of the candidate) that has the highest number of votes at an election to be declared as the winner of the said election and further provides for the means of challenging the return of the candidate (and not his political party…”(Emphasis supplied).
In a more recent decision, the Court of Appeal in the case of NWANKWO & ANOR v. INEC & ORS (2019) LPELR-48862(CA) held thus:
“… It is trite that it is only a natural person that can be lawfully declared and returned as a winner of an election. The Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) only contemplates the declaration and return of a candidate in an election and not a political party”.
The authorities cited above have, for all intents and purposes, rested the issue as to whether it is the candidate or the party that owns the votes. The party only serves as a vehicle and nothing more. The judgment is therefore liable to be upturned on appeal.
Thus, the Amaechi case position has since been over taken by the 2010 amendment to the Electoral Act and recent decisions of the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, which have now vested the votes on the candidate and no longer on the political party as wrongly held by Justice Ekwo. While interpreting section 141 of the Electoral Act, 2010, in CPC & ANOR v. OMBUGADU & ANOR (2013) LPELR-21007(SC), the Supreme Court held thus:
“Section 141 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) provides in unmistaken terms: “An election tribunal or court shall not under any circumstance declare any person Winner of an election in which such a person has not fully participated in all the stages of the said election.” By the above provision, the National Assembly has set aside the decision of this court in Amaechi v. INEC (2008) 5 NWLR (Pt. 1080) page 227 at 296. Contrary to the decision of this court in Amaechi’s case, the implication of section 141 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) is that while a candidate at an election must be sponsored by a political party, the candidate who stands to win or lose the election is the candidate and not the political party that sponsored him. In other words, parties do not contest, win or lose election directly; they do so by the candidates they sponsored and before a person can be returned as elected by a tribunal or court, that person must have fully participated in all the stages of the election, starting from nomination to the actual voting.” Per NWALI SYLVESTER NGWUTA, JSC (Pp 51 – 51 Paras B – F).(Emphasis Supplied).
Relying on the judgment cited above, the Supreme Court held thus in the case of OZOMGBACHI v. AMADI & ORS (2018) LPELR-45152(SC), held as follows:
“…I believe the Supreme Court has laid to rest the contention that it is the political party which contests and wins an election. In C.P.C. v OMBUGADU (2013) 18 NWLR (Pt. 1385), the court was categorical that individuals as candidates win election and not the political parties.” Per MARY UKAEGO PETER-ODILI, JSC (Pp. 48 – 49 Paras E – A).
In HARUNA v. APC & ORS (2019) LPELR-47777(CA), the Court of Appeal held thus amongst several others:
“In other words, parties do not contest, win or lose election directly; they do so by the candidates they sponsored and before a person can be returned as elected by a tribunal or court, that person must have fully participated in all the stages of the election starting from nomination to the actual voting.” Per UGO, J.C.A. (Pp. 12-27, Paras. F-F).(Emphasis supplied).
The court further held thus:
“The implication of section 141 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) is that while a candidate at an election must be sponsored by a political party, the candidate who stands to win or lose the election is the candidate and not the political party that sponsored him” Per UGO, J.C.A. (Pp. 12-27, Paras. F-F). (Emphasis Supplied).
I therefore most respectfully submit (as held by appellate courts) that a political party is merely a vehicle in which a candidate can ride to contest an election and nothing more. The votes belong to the candidate and not the political party. The political party ceases to have any considerable relevance or insolence over a person that has won an election and has been sworn in as a legislator, Governor or President of the entire people, who are far larger than a mere political party.
THE APEX COURT SPEAKS
More poignantly, the apex court has since laid to rest, the question of whether the President and Vice President (and by parity, Governor and Deputy Governor) can defect from the original party that sponsored them during election to another party. This was the case of AG, Federation v. Atiku Abubakar (2007) 10 NWLR (Pt.1041) 1, 29.
Briefly, the facts of this case are that Abubakar Atiku (then Vice President) entered into a frosty relationship with his boss, President Olusegun Obasanjo, after both had been sworn in on 29th May, 2003. Atiku then resigned from the PDP and joined the Action Congress (AC) whilst still in office as Vice President. Obasanjo would brood none of this, as he promptly declared Atiku’s seat vacant as Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Atiku, being aggrieved, sued the Attorney General, the IGP and INEC, by way of Originating Summons at the Court of Appeal.
After briefs were exchanged and argument proffered, the intermediate court unanimously held in favour of Atiku. It held that Atiku could defect without losing his seat. Dissatisfied, the A.G and others appealed to the Supreme Court which unanimously dismissed the appeal.
The law is that the Vice President could only be removed from office by reason of death; or when he is succeeded after spending 4 years in office; or through removal from office by impeachment proceedings under section 188 of the 1999 Constitution. Indeed, the apex court held in that case that the power to remove the President and Vice President (and by parity Governor and Deputy Governor) is provided for in section 143 of the Constitution (read section 188 in the case of Governor and Deputy Governor). The Supreme Court held as follows:
“The 1999 Constitution does not provide that the President or Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be removed or is removable from that office if he defects from the political party on whose platform he was elected to that office and joins another political party…
“It is manifest from the provisions of sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution that the makers of the Constitution intended to; and indeed made punishable the defection of a member of the Senate, House of Representatives or a House of Assembly from the political party that sponsored him into another party before the expiration of the period for which the legislative house was elected by declaring the seat of such member vacant. However, no similar provision is made for the Vice-President. In other words, if the makers of the Constitution had intended the Vice-President or the President to suffer the same fate as a member of the Senate, House of Assembly, they would have inserted such provision in the Constitution in clear terms
“It seems clear to me that the Latin maxims: expression unius personae vel rei, est exclusion alterius or inclusion unius est exclusion alterius- when translated into English Language mean: the express mention of one person or thing is the exclusion of another or the inclusion of one is the exclusion of another; respectively- are very much apposite here; see the cases of military governor of Ondo State v. Adewunmi (1988) 3 NWLR (Pt. 82) 280 and Attorney-General Bendel State v. Aideyan (1989) 4 NWLR (Pt. 118) 646 where the maxims were considered.
“Had the law-makers been minded that punishment or consequence of political cross-carpeting should be applicable to the President or Vice-President as they have done in respect of a member of the Senate or of the House of Representatives or even a member of the House of Representatives or even a member of the House of Assembly in the aforesaid provisions of sections 68(1)(g) and 109(1)(g) would have stipulated same in an unmistakable term in section 146 of the 1999 Constitution quoted above”.
Continued the Supreme Court:
“By virtue of section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, it is unconstitutional to deny a citizen of Nigeria the right to opt out of any political party, or the right to join or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interest provided that the political party is recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission. In the instant case, it was not shown by credible evidence that the political party to which the 1st respondent defected was not recognized by the Independent National Electoral Commission. In the circumstance, the 1st respondent ought not to be penalized for joining the political party”.
“1st respondent is alleged to have defected or cross-carpeted to another political party. Although defection or cross-Carpeting to another party or dumping the original party that sponsored one for election to a particular office which is created by the Constitution, or in the same vein, condemning or criticizing that party or its members who by virtue of the same election hold some offices created by the Constitution, is painful, unconscionable, and immoral, it is however not illegal. I cannot find any fault with the lower court’s adumbration on section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, Chapter IV thereof, which guarantees a citizen of this country freedom of association”. (Underline mine for emphasis).
Another stormy tumble and rumble the present judgment will run into is section 308 of the Constitution which grants absolute immunity to the President, Vice President, Governor and Deputy Governor from being proceeded against in any civil or criminal proceedings. The only the exception is section 308(2) which permits proceedings against this set of people when they are sued only in their official capacity, or a nominal party.
The case against Umahi and his Deputy were in their personal capacities as human beings who had defected from the PDP to the APC, See Tinubu v IMB Securities Plc (2001) LPELR -3248(SC), I.C.S. (Nig) Ltd v. Balton B. V. (2003) 8 NWLR (Pt.822) 223, Fabunmi v. IGP & Anor.
Consequently, no civil or criminal proceedings could ever sustain against this set of persons, whilst still holding office. Indeed, in the words of section 308(1), “no civil or criminal proceedings shall be instituted or continued against a person to whom this section applies during his period in office”. More significantly, “no process of any court requiring or compelling the appearance of a person to whom this section applies, shall be applied for or issued”.
This was why in Global Excellence Communications Ltd & Ors v. Donald Duke (2007) LPELR – 1323 (SC), The apex court lamented that “section 308 of the Constitution confers absolute immunity on those therein mentioned, without a corresponding disability on them to the exercise of their rights to institute actions in their personal capacities in any relevant court of law for redress during their tenure of office”.
Our discussion here is about the “lex Lata” (the law as it is); and not the “delege ferenda” (the law as we would want it to be. No sentiments or lachrymal effusion here. The Governor and his Deputy could not have been sued at all, to be removed from office for defecting, this not being a pre-election or post-election matter covered by the Fourth alteration to the Constitution, and which expired well over two years ago. The court made it clear in EJURA V. IDRIS & ORS (2006) LPELR -5827 (CA), where the court held:
“The 1st Respondent, the Governor of Kogi State can only be removed by a successful petition heard by an Election Petition Tribunal. Where, as in the instant case the Appellant sought to remove the Governor, by an Originating Summons filed before the Federal High Court, the provisions of section 308 of the Constitution protects the Governor from such a civil proceeding notwithstanding the provisions of section 21(5) of the Electoral Act. The trial Judge was right to decline jurisdiction in the light of the clear provisions of section 308 of the Constitution.” Per RHODES-VIVOUR, J.C.A (as he then was)(Pp. 15-19 paras. F). (Emphasis mine).
This was what was done in the Umahi case.
Going by the above plethora of authorities, I humbly submit that a Governor already sworn in can not be removed by the Federal High Court through an Originating Summons. It will surely be set aside on appeal. Mark my words.
Today, March 5, from 10 a.m. Moscow time, the Russian side declares a ceasefire regime and opens humanitarian corridors for the exit of civilians from Mariupol and Volnovakha,” said the ministry in a statement.
“Humanitarian corridors and exit routes have been agreed with the Ukrainian side.”
The war between Russia and Ukraine is described as the biggest war after World War II. On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine in the southwest.
On Friday, G7 foreign ministers said they were “deeply concerned” with the “catastrophic humanitarian toll” of Russia’s strikes on Ukraine’s cities.
They stressed that “indiscriminate attacks are prohibited by international humanitarian law.”
“We will hold accountable those responsible for war crimes, including indiscriminate use of weapons against civilians,” the ministers said in a statement after a meeting in Brussels.
They welcomed the investigations and evidence-gathering by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC).
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has told the BBC that he is convinced Ukraine can win its war with Russia.
He could not say how long the conflict would last, but insisted that Ukraine’s defeat was not inevitable.
Blinken praised the “extraordinary resilience” of the Ukrainian people.
“If it’s the intention of Moscow to try somehow to topple the government and install its own puppet regime, 45 million Ukrainians are going to reject that one way or the other,” he said.
The war has already not gone as Russian President Vladimir Putin might have planned, he added.
Stiff resistance by Ukrainian forces continued to hamper Russian advances across the country on the ninth day of the invasion, reports the BBC.
In the south, Russian forces captured areas along the Black Sea coast, and the port city of Mariupol remained surrounded. But the governor of Mykolaiv said Russian troops had been driven out of the city.
Ukraine’s second city of Kharkiv, in the north, also remained under siege.
Blinken spoke to BBC diplomatic correspondent James Landale after meeting his European Union counterparts in Brussels at the start of a six-day trip to Europe.
He said the international community was committed to doing everything it could to help Ukraine and also to put “excruciating pressure on Russia to end this war of choice that Vladimir Putin started”.
Asked if he was convinced Ukrainian could win, he said: “Over time, absolutely.”
I can’t tell you how long this will go on. I can’t tell you how long it will take. But the idea that Russia can subjugate to its will 45 million people who are ardently fighting for their future and their freedom, that does not involve Russia having its thumb on Ukraine, that tells you a lot.”
Blinken also said he was concerned about escalation.
“It’s something we care about and are focused on because the only thing worse than a war which is contained to Ukraine is one that escalates even further and goes beyond it.”
He warned that Russian forces were using “increasingly brutal” methods against civilians in Ukraine, and that there had been tremendous human suffering as a result.
“We’re seeing Russia go after critical infrastructure that’s denying Ukrainians water, denying them electricity, denying them heat,” he said. “Those methods are, unfortunately, tragically, part of the Russian playbook under President Putin. And I think we’re likely to see more of that.”
Asked if the US would seek a change in Moscow’s leadership to bring an end to the invasion, he replied: “We don’t seek that, and in any event it’s not up to us. The Russian people need to decide their leadership.”
“What I would say to the Russian people is: How in the world is this war of aggression… advancing your interests, your needs?” he added.
By Prince-Solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International
Gov. Umahi (left) Edwin Clark (right)
A foremost Nigerian Nationalist, Chief Edwin Clark has declared his support to Igbo candidacy as he blessed Engineer David Umahi for success in his Presidential ambition.
Chief Clark offered his blessings when the Governor paid him homage in his Abuja residence on Wednesday.
While extolling Engineer Umahi’s visible leadership acumen, Chief Clark emphasized that it was the turn of core Igbos to produce the next President of Nigeria, insisting that those from related ethnic Nationalities should support Ndigbo to enthrone the likes of Governor Umahi to rescue the Nation from collapse.
“When I say I want a president of Nigeria of Igbo extraction, I do not mean someone from Delta or Rivers State or anywhere else safe from a pure southeast Igbo President.
“My preferred choice is Igbo. So, my son, I have heard you, I have prayed for you, whatever you deserve, God will grant it for you.
“When you defected to APC, I asked why, we all are fighting this cause but if the PDP we the Igbo served 100% abandoned the Igbos, then we all will abandon the PDP, I have told them already.”
He commended Governor Umahi for the infrastructural accomplishments in Ebonyi State and prayed to God to grant his ambition the needed fulfillment.
“I have heard about the good works you are doing in Ebonyi State, God will guide you and protect you, what you will become, only God can decide, and no human being can change it. God will give you the courage, the wisdom, the determination to become what God desires you to be.
“You have all the qualities and God will protect you and grant you the grace to achieve all your desires in good health and long life.”
In a speech, Governor Umahi applauded the elder statesman for his blessings and assured him that he would turn around the fortunes of Nigeria if given the opportunity.
“I believe that if God shows mercy on this country, He will not bring up a pure professional politician to be the president of Nigeria. Nigeria needs a bit of a business-minded person who also has gone through our nature of politics, and Nigeria needs someone who can engage very properly. Without engagement, without finding what are the people’s problems, why do you do what you are doing, and without fairness, equity, and justice it will be very difficult for our country to unite.
Governor Umahi said his ambition was in the hands of God and only Him would ensure he emerges victorious at the next year’s polls.
“What we do not know is that both good leaders and bad leaders all come from God. When God is happy with the people, He brings good leaders to them but when He is angry with the people, He gives them bad leaders. So, when people castigate leaders, it is God they are castigating so, we turn our eyes unto God that God needs to show mercy on us.
By Prince-Solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International
Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji
In his interview with News men, the Honourable commissioner for Information and State Orientation in Ebonyi state, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, says the state governor, David Umahi who has declared his intention to run for President under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), stands a better chance to clinch the party’s ticket among other contestants?
Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State has declared his intention to contest the presidency of the country in 2023. In view of others such as Bola Tinubu, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo that have shown interest to run under the All Progressives Congress (APC) what will be the chances of Governor Umahi?
Let me say that power belongs to God. The governor as a very committed member of the APC believes that it is the decision of the APC leadership and entire structure through the delegate election that will decide who becomes the president. What is very important at the moment is to look at is the track records of those who are contesting for presidency because at this time in history, we cannot afford to disappoint Nigeria and Nigerians. I say this because over the years we have been complaining about lack of performance, lack of good leadership, issues of job creation and creating the environment for private sector participation in the development of our nation. We are also talking about how to improve on the wonderful strides of President Muhammadu Buhari, how to get a square peg in a square hole and a round peg in a round hole that will continue where Mr. President will stop in 2023.
We should be thinking about somebody that has got the performance credential, the passion, the zeal and the energy combined.
And I can say that within the APC we have people who have declared, but looking at the track records of all of these people, one can say that Governor Umahi has very bright chances of becoming the candidate of the APC.
You have painted a glowing picture of the governor’s track records in your state. Can we compare it to some of the other big weights vying for the party’s ticket?
Who becomes what at any point in time has two major factors. One- God Almighty who is in heaven and thus controls our doings, and two- the people themselves. I can tell that if you look at the history of those that have become president, it is not all about struggling, it is not about how rich you are or how connected you are, it is all about the favour of God through men who God is using to put people on board and we do hope that this case will not be an exception.
The people who God will use to anoint someone, God will use the same people to anoint who becomes the president. It is our prayer and hope that that will favour the Governor of Ebonyi state for the interest of a better Nigeria, it does not matter that the person is not the richest, what matters is that God sees the heart of everyman and knows what is the yearning of the people of this country.
Like Emir Sanusi would say, 2023 is a defining moment in the area of insecurity, is a defining moment in the area of giving the people effective and efficient leadership and if we don’t get it right in 2023, it is going to spell doom to the unity and collective existence of this country.
The party has talked about the zoning formula and from all indications, the North is taking the position of the national chairman of the party and the South is taking the presidency. South east is one of the zones in the south that has not had a shot at the presidency. What will you say to those from other parts of the south angling to become president?
The issue of zoning revolves between North and south and it is looking at critical national positions, which includes that of the president of the federal Republic of Nigeria. But in all of these things and considering the real essence of nation building, it is important that equity, morality and equality be brought on board to determine where next it goes as it has come to the south. Looking at the scenario in 1999, somebody became president from southwest, by God’s grace through the instrumentality of men. And the person served for eight years.?
And power had to return to the north if not for some eventualities that made somebody from south- south to be president. And now, by the good judgment of Mr. President and by his effective judgment as the leader of the APC, we are beginning to see a sign that the APC will zone the presidency to south.
What it entails is that the APC leadership believes in equity and what it means is that it has to trickle down. There has to be effective equity in the south. That is to say now that we have a region that produced the president for eight years and coupled with the fact that the current vice president is also from that region, and coupled with the fact that the immediate past president is from the south-south, it is only fair and equitable, morally speaking that south east be considered.
But when people have confidence and hope that with time they will have opportunity of showing their abilities and capabilities, it will heal a lot of wounds. Based on that you can see that prominent Nigerians are saying that it is only good for the south east to produce the president. APC has done the needful and we commend them.
We are therefore challenging other parties to be very sincere to themselves to show sincerity of purpose by being decisive, the way the APC has done by zoning the national offices of their party and giving indication that the Presidency is going to the South.
Once the presidency comes to the south as we are expecting, the needful will be done. And we believe that the people of Nigeria, will have to say south east it is your turn; let us see what you can do.
The issue of Ebubeagu appears to be a constraint elements in the state being used to perhaps scuttle the chances of the governor. How is he handling this issue and insecurity in the South East?
Let me say that Ebubeagu is one of the best things that has happened to Ebonyi State. The Ebubeagu came as a result of agitation in the south east. Ebubeagu came because of the call that the entire security outfits of each state should have a commonality of effect just like we have in the south west and even the North.
Before the constitution of Ebubeagu, we have had what was called neighborhood watch and in its function and duties is the same thing as what we are seeing with Ebubeagu except that in the case of Ebubeagu we had to further strengthen the laws to ensure that the collaboration between Ebubeagu and the conventional security outfits is enhanced. The collaboration between the Ebubeagu of Ebonyi State and Ebubeagu of other states is enhanced and that is the very reason for the existence of Ebubeagu in South East.
Following the resolution of south east Governors and leaders of south east that is the Owerri Accord, Governor Umahi had to take the bull by the horn being the chairman of the south east governor’s forum by renaming the security outfit Ebubeagu and it goes to show that the governor is proactive, effective and responsible as a governor who does the yearning of the people of the south east.
Now, who are the people castigating Ebubeagu?
They are opposition elements who do not know the rudiments of politics and what opposition is all about. When the governor entered into APC they cried foul, the first thing they did was to name him Fulani, Hausa and everything just to give a dog a bad name perhaps.
Today, when they have seen that that blackmail did not succeed they raised the issue of Ebubeagu being a militia. But that is by the way. The issue is that these opposition elements were part of the nomination of Ebubeagu at the time it was called neighborhood watch. But because they have seen a sense of self-rejection in their states some of them are in the National Assembly as PDP lawmakers, their plan to have automatic ticket is failing, and then they started using the media platforms to castigate Ebubeagu.
Let me tell you one thing, Ebonyi State is the safest state among the states of the south east, the state government is known for its power engagement, engaging even the non state actors, and stakeholders at all levels to ensure that there is security in our place.
Today, even on Mondays, we go on our normal businesses and Ebubeagu is contributing to the peace that we are seeing, to the security that we are seeing. If you go to Ebonyi State in the evening, you can be sure that no matter your position, you can walk around in the evening and you are not molested. Apart from pockets of hit –and- run kind of attack by people that we perceive could be elements who are being funded by opposition; we have got no problem about violent attacks in the state the way we are seeing in other parts of the south east.
The governor joined the APC just about a year ago, won’t that affect his chances of picking the party’s ticket?
Let me say that qualifications to be a candidate of any political party are provided in the constitution of the party. Beyond that there are virtues that you need to cultivate to be selected or to be chosen. One of them is loyalty, membership that is committed and up to date and of course track records of performance as well as marketability of a person.
In the case of our governor, he has up to date membership, he is loyal, he is committed, he is one of the best governors, one of the shining stars that people trust that can make all the difference. So, we leave the decision to the party hierarchy. We also leave the decision to God who raises people to do things in the interest of the people.
The State High Court sitting in Abakaliki has dismissed the suit challenging the defection of Governor Umahi of Ebonyi State from People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).
Delivering his judgment, the Presiding Judge, His Lordship, Hon Justice Henry Njoku, stated that the plaintiff came by originating summons seeking the Court to hold that the defendant, Governor of Ebonyi State, having defected to APC from the Party through which he was elected ought to vacate the office of the Governor upon defection and that the plaintiff having come second in the 2019 election be sworn in instead. Though the plaintiff did not come through relevant rules of Court to institute their originating summons, the Court still went ahead in the interest of substantive justice to hear the matter of the propriety of the defection of Governor Umahi from PDP to APC
The plaintiff sought to determine whether Governor Umahi having defected to APC can still continue to be Governor, having regards to the provisions of the constitution and the Electoral Act as relied upon by the plaintiff and that having come second in the Governorship election ought to be sworn in. The defendant in his argument canvassed that the plaintiff was relying on the pre-election/election qualification issues, arguing that there is no provision in the constitution that provides for defection as one of the grounds for the vacation or removal of a person as Governor or as Deputy Governor. He alluded to judicial authorities of Appellant Courts that have settled the matter.
Considering the submissions of both parties, the Court held that having regard to section 188 (1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the defendant (Governor Umahi) has not offended any provision of the Constitution or the Electoral Act in his defection to APC. The Court further held that having regard to section 308 of the Constitution, it is even wrong to institute criminal or civil proceedings against the office of the Governor. The Court therefore dismissed in its entirety, the suit filed by the plaintiff for lacking in merit and awarded Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000.00) as damages against the plaintiff
The Country is filled with followers, but very few leaders. Leadership is like beauty, it’s hard to define but you know it when you see it. Time has produced a legacy of distinguished and outstanding individuals who have impacted his¬tory and the ongoing development of mankind. These people were both men and women, rich and poor, learned and unlearned, trained and untrained. They came from every race, color, language and culture of the Country. Many of them had no ambition to become great or renowned. In fact, most of the individuals who have greatly affected mankind. They were simple people who were victims of circumstances that demanded the hidden qualities of their inner character, or they were driven by a personal passionate goal.Ebonyi State Shopping Mall, Best International Standard
Leaders are ordinary people who accept or are placed under extraordinary circumstances that bring forth their latent potential, producing a character that inspires the confidence and trust of others. Our Country today is in desperate need of such individuals.
William Shakespeare once wrote, ‘There is a tide in the affairs of men.” In these words, he was expressing his observation of the turning pages of history and their influence upon our lives. It’s as if we as men and nation are caught in a tide of providential events. There have been eras in the history of our country in which multiple sets of tide-like influences have impacted our civilization and culture at nearly the same time. These historical incidents are known as “cross¬roads of history.” I would suggest that, in the twenty-first century, we are at a confluence of political and leadership tides.King David University Of Medical Sciences, Ebonyi State, Best In Africa
In the past two decades, a relatively short span of time within this century, the Country has experienced many remarkable changes in the realms of Developmental Revolution and hundreds of other so-called decline in our nation. Strangely, this country has also seen more distressing things than any other country in Africa, internal devastating wars, monstrous new weapons, countless natural disasters and fatal diseases, insecurities: banditry, kidnapping, militancy (Boko Haram) , Insurgency and agitations for free society.First Flyover Glass Tunnel In Nigeria, One Of Gov. Umahi’s Meads Touch
We must agree that our generation lives in a swirling tide of events, dreams, promises, threats and changing ideas about the present and the future. Certainly Nigeria has been the most politically interesting, the bloodiest, the most revolutionary and the most unpredictable of any country in the world. This confluence of strange conditions presses this generation to ask anew, which way Nigeria?One The 13 Dual Carriage Flyovers In Ebonyi, Constructed By Gov. Umahi
The leaders of our time are bewildered when they are called upon to explain the reasons that our Country is the way it is, or to suggest a direction for the future. Many in positions of public trust confess that they are just trying to keep the lid on, and others have abandoned even that hope. We need prudent and competent leaders.
Added to this bleak environment is the painful reality that over the past few decades there seems to have been a dramatic leadership vacuum developed throughout the Country in every arena there is an absence of quality, effective leadership. In the political, civic, economic, social and spiritual arenas, recent events indicate that previous generations have produced a poor quality of characters who fade in the presence of true leadership and leave our present generation in this shame of leadership vacuum.
The recent disgrace and fall of many renowned Christian leaders, the exposure of corruption and unethical activities among political leaders, and the covert conspiracies of governments betraying their own people is evidence that this lack of quality leadership is affecting every sphere of our lives.
The seed the leaders planted yesterday is the result of lawlessness and insecurities that abound in Nigeria today. The killing of security officers which started since October last year as an aftermath of ‘End SARS’ is nothing but vote of no confidence and reprisal rebellion against failed constituted authority.
It is in this environment that we, as stewards of this present age, must face the challenge of identifying, developing, training, releasing and reproducing a generation of leaders who would secure the future for our children and their children.
“Solution to Nigeria’s problems is the leader Nigerians need” who will fill Nigerian’s leadership vacuum as transition year 2023 is drawing nearer, who shall we send, who will go for us?
A genuine answers to the questions above will bring lasting solution to Nigeria’s daunting problems. It is my hope that women and youths should be inspired to respond to the call of destiny and responsibility, and awaken the potential leader within them by choosing right leaders during elections.10 Inches Above The Earth Concrete Roads Scattered In The 13 LGAs Of The State By Umahi’s Led Government
“A good leader not only knows where he is going, but he empowers and in-soire others to go with him.”
In every person, there is potential for leadership. Despite this latent ability lying below the surface, there are very few individuals who realize this power and fewer still who have responded effectively to the call. As a result, our nation, societies and communities are suffering from an astounding leadership vacuum. Everyone deplores this lack of true leadership throughout the Country, and the blame usually lands at the feet of bad governance and uninspired citizenry who hasn’t made the grade. Greed, timidity and lack of vision are rampant among the current crop of ‘pseudoleaders.”
Where are the genuine leaders? Where are the individuals who are willing to take responsibility for the present situation and conditions in the Country? Who is willing to accept the challenge, to face it head on with integrity, character and a commitment to execute righteous judgment for a better Country? The country is in desperate need of such leaders now. Our communities need positive role models, our children need fathers and our Country needs direction. Where are the leaders? Who becomes our next leader?One Of The Numerous Police Stations Built By Gov. UmahiAbakaliki Night life
This is not the first time that an obvious vacuum of quality, effective leadership has prevailed throughout the Country. A quick glance at the historical record will show that during periods when moral, social, economic, spiritual and political chaos gripped our nation, the greatest leaders in history surfaced. Even the biblical record reveals God’s demand for quality leaders during times of human crisis. His search for effective leadership is expressed in numerous statements such as: But now your kingdom will not endure: the Lord has sought out King David, a man after his own heart and appointed him leader over his people…(1 Samuel 13:14) I looked, and there were no people… (Jeremiah 4:25).
It is not the polls or public opinion but the character of the leader that determines the course of history
Character is the sum total of person’s values, beliefs and personality. It is reflected in our behavior and actions. It needs to be preserved more than richest jewel in the world. leadership requires positive and honest character George Washington observed, “I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most valuable, of all titles, the character of –an honest man’’. This in itself should serve as integrity test or test for significant which everyone especially leaders should adopt in order to evaluate themselves
.Best Christian Ecumenical Center, Abakaliki
Governor Umahi is a man who is intensely positive about life, positive about things and he radiates it in all he does. He has answers to every situation, good or bad. He is result and solution oriented. His positive nature is infectious and he exude it in his carriage, in his speech, in interactions, in relationships and in his mien. In all circumstances, they combine to present a man hopeful and confident in all his endeavors, a man whose warmth of character distributes wealth, grace, love satisfaction and compels all around to think only of solution in problematic situations rather than complain or dwell on the problem.
From a close vantage position, while in his office, or inspecting projects, or addressing gatherings, he is always resplendent and receptive, it is easily observed the phenomenal success that has defined his charmed life and commitments for leadership, for this reason pastor Ben O. Ben, was right when he said that “opportunity is never the determinant that differentiates failure from success… it is vision,” what most people call dream. A failure is an unprepared man in the face of numerous opportunities. A successful man is a man hat has a fascinating gimps of his future with an uncompromising zeal or determination to bring change into his world of existence. We are talking about an enigma called Engr. David Umahi who believe that ‘the extent one’s vision is the limit of his success.’
Enigma is defined as somebody or something that is difficult to explain, not readily interpretd, but at the same time is interesting or captivating. Engr. Chief David Umahi, the Governor of Ebonyi State, is one man that has come to be highly respected and loved by many within and outside the state for his audacity, tenacity, hard work, resolute spirit and zero-tolerance for tardiness and corruption. Over the years he has proved himself as a man of focus, vision and mission, and demonstrated his commitment towards the struggle to build a better State and country for the good of the masses.
Governor Umahi had dreams as a child, dreams of leadership excellence, dreams of greatness and they struck in his mind over the years. And irrespective of the psychological non-reinforcement of the stimulus, extinction never took place. Rather, those dreams were encoded, given meaning and retrieved without dissonance. As such he did not waver. His dynamic and indubitable spirit continues to strive upwards. We all have dreams, dreams of a good life to live, of dazzling positions to occupy, and of a lovely family to raise. We all want to believe deep down in our souls that we have a special gift, that we can make a difference, that we can touch others in a special way, and that we can make the world a better place. At one time or other in our lives, we all had visions for the quality of life that we desired. Yet, for many of us, those dreams have become so shrouded in the frustrations and routines of daily life that we no longer even make an effort to accomplish them. For many, the dream has dissipated, and with it, so has the will to shape our destinies. Many have lost that sense of certainty that creates the winner’s edge. On the contrary, Engr. Umahi does not believe that failure exists, to him, failure is a proof that one has not finished what one started.
For many, however, life’s a struggle leaved with opportunities that must be exploited as they present themselves or, as God wills. Arid so the dream lives, unaffected by the storms of life and vagaries of nature. Our dream is our destiny. Or is it the reverse? A consistent man believes in destiny, a captious man in chance. For the man of destiny, his life’s quest is to give, or at worst, restore the dream and to bring it to actuality, to give life to it. To him success comes to the man who does today what others were thinking of doing tomorrow. He is here to sincerely contribute something unique, to reach out to the celestial height to touch lives positively. In response to his God’s Devine purpose. He assigns himself the duty of making others happy and successful that is why the title AKUBARAOHA is most appropriate. These desires, surely, were critical keys to shaping his destiny. Indeed, I can bet, they became a magnificent obsession for him. Today, that undying spirit had produced an enigma.
Umahi Can Reposition Nigeria If Given The Opportunity
Information at our disposal indicates that the hitherto most backward state in the South East in terms of social infrastructure and human capital mismanagement had become a reference point in terms of revolutionary development. We are convinced that with apparent official propriety, demonstrative and sterling character, as well as professional pedigree, Umahi has institutionalized good governance within the las six years, his profuse achievements speak volumes and distinguished him among his contemporaries. Ebonyi state is now developing rapidly, economically viable and investor-friendly. Witnesses abound of the industrial revolution, ongoing magnificent industrial Clusters designated in 3 senatorial zones of the state bearing Multi-sectoral transformations that is yielding profuse results. He has established new ministries promote Entrepreneurship and Economic empowerment as small Business Agency in the state. In an unprecedented manner he has transformed Ebonyi State into massive agricultural factories through huge capital investment. The magnitude of his accomplishments so far indicates that he is endowed with superlative financial management prowls. He has massively boosted educational pursuits that have culminated in the winning of competitive local and international awards. Whereas Ebonyi is now acclaimed the safest state in the country having exterminated crime, it is verifiable that workers are paid duly. Umahi’s economic policies have resulted to the creation of jobs, wealth, and enthronement of skilled and unskilled job opportunities and overall empowerment of youths.
The socio-economic revolution in the state has ensured the enthronement of quality healthcare for the people of Ebonyi rehabilitation of hospitals, building of ultramodern virology center; at FETHA II Abakaliki, inauguration of pharmaceutical drug centres across the state. He renovated and equipped all the General Hospitals in the 13 local government areas of the state with 70 million Naira each. To decongest traffic and enhance transportation, 13 flyover bridges have been constructed at strategic locations; Akanu Ibiam Roundabout, Presco Junction and International Market, Abaomege, Amasiri, Uburu, Nkalagu and so on. Pedestrian crossing was also constructed.
His vision financial acumen, management wizardry, passion for humanitarian services and probity, and the immeasurably comprehensive reengineering of Ebonyi State to record the multifarious accomplishments and revolutionary developments have stood Governor Umahi out amongst his contemporaries.
He has demonstrated more than enough leadership capacity, his immense wisdom and love for human capital development. He has offered practical formula and solutions for good and productive governance. If given the opportunity, he will lead Nigeria out of the present day confusion and improve the dwindling economy. My humble opinion.
Six years ago, during his inaugural address, the innovative, dynamic and revolutionary Governor promised Ebonyians that everything he does, must reflect his covenant with God which He gave to him by Himself, namely: (a) To serve Ebonyi State with the fear of God (b) To prosper Ebonyi State with the word of God (c) To enhance the state economy and make it investors friendly (d) To passionately help the orphans, the widows, the physical challenged… and I will add, to make Ebonyi State number one tourist centre in Nigeria. It is not surprising therefore that Engr. Umahi’s administration shows special compassionate benevolence to indigent members of the society through people oriented welfare scheme of this administration entrusted to a God fearing man of God, Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali who passionately and prudently torches many indigent lives. The Religious and Welfare Matter is a sector of this Government where true Christianity is practiced, it is a system of government where the downtrodden and the less privilege have a voice, it Is a place where Governor and his amiable wife demonstrated their immense love and care for the; aged destitute, widows, orphans, less privileged and the indigent members of the society that is true democratization.
Abraham Lincoin, the former American president defined true democracy as a functional and people oriented government that is able to provide for its citizens those amenities individuals cannot afford, which includes: (1) Good motorable roads (2) Electricity (3) pip born (4)food sufficiency (5) adequate security of life and property (6) health care subsidy
Road: Engr. Umahi has done more roads construction and rehabilitation more than all the governors before him. Bridges are constructed to enhance Community-Government relationships; three fly Bridges are constructed to ease/reduce traffic congestions.
Electricity: electricity is extended to the rural areas including street lights in order to ensure steady lights on the street and for industrial usage. Power generating plants are purchased for improved night life, increased productivity, increased man-hour and ensure adequate security at night.
Pip born water; the ministry of water resources is on top of the situation as some streets in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital are already fetching water from the pipes laid by Umahi’s administration. Same gesture is being extended to the rural areas.
Food sufficiency; the Governor has introduced an aggressive drive towards increased rice, cassava, plantain and corn production by enforcing one man one hectare for civil servants and 250 hectares for committees known as Increased Rice Production the resultant effect is the current prices of food stuff in the market. By this time last year, a bushel of rice is sold at thirteen thousand naira (N13,000.00) then this year, a bushel is sold at eight thousand five hundred naira (8,500) by last year also a bid painter of Garri was sold at one thousand two hundred (1,600) this year, the same measure is old at five hundred and fifty naira (550.00). Umahi led government also initiated All-Season farming for increased food sufficiency through Agriculture.
Security; Ebonyi is rated the safest state in Nigeria courtesy of the Chief security officer of the state, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, the SSA to the Governor on Security Hon. Stanley Okoro Emegha is working assiduously with the security agencies ensuring adequate security of lives and properties in the state. With advent of Ebubeagu which Umahi was the first Governor to equip the security outfit with over 40 operational vehicles
Health care; in health care service delivery, the Governor did not only subside but offers free care health services to indigent patients in the hospitals.
News at its peakSenator Ogba host over 80 couples whom he sponsored their marriages By, Prince Solomon Okorie The senator representing Ebonyi central senatoral zone Senator Joseph Obinna Ogba has broke record that has never been recorded in the history of Ebonyi central zone at his country home Akalagu in Ishielu Local government Area of the state. Addressing Journalist, senator Ogba noted that it is out of his willingness to celebrate couple who he sponsored to gain thier marrital vow over the years, adding that his adimistration will not fail to support them for their complementary roles towards rebuilding peace His words: I am happy to see you today, I will create a platform where I can attend to your individual needs and will empower those of you that needs empowerment, this an inaugural meeting and I will make it an annual event. By the vertue of the fact that I sponsonred your marrriages you are now my adopted sons and dauthers and your children are my grand children, we are now one family, I can assure you, with this meeting we will be acquainted with one another”. He sympatized with one of them that lost her husband to death. Unlike political promises that characterise such event, the law maker admitted that it was not politically motivated as he does not even know some of them out of over 80 couples he sponsored, he said he started the programme back then when he was the PDP state party chairman over 18 years ago. He stressed the need for family to be united to toe the trajectory of peace as the fulcrum of human development. Furthermore, senator Ogba advise the couple to always bring up their children in the way of th Lord. Noting that there is no family that doed not have problem but always learn how to resolve without third party. Some of the beneficiaries; Engr. Ekuma Innocent, Dr. Clenus and Barr. Anselem Enigwe former Ebonyi LG chairman who speak on behalf of the beneficiaries said that it was a rare privilege that Sen. Ogba chose to sponsor their marrusges even before he became a senator, they further congratulated senator ogba for his kind gesture in meeting up their heart desires especially sponsoring them to exchange marritel vows as most of them do not have money back then by implication they would have miss their spouses. They thanked for securing federal job for many of them… Guidepost News View more posts
News, Sports, Entertainment, Politics 