The Hon. Orji Uchenna Orji, the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation admonishes Ebonyians; home and diaspora.
He said that “Ebonyi State are peace-loving people, we believe in the power of peaceful engagement. We believe that life is sacred. We believe that sit- at -home is the worst economic marginalization. We believe that we cannot hate ourselves when others hate us. We believe that everyone who believes in the cause of Ebonyi State and South East will distance himself from any form of bloodletting”.
“We believe that while mischievous people and enemies of Ebonyi State are going on Social Media to label Ebonyi Youths the masterminds of IPOP actions, all Ebonyi youths in every part of Nigeria including the remotest natives out there must be wiser and listen to the wise counsel of our dear Governor by not effecting or aiding the effects of sit-at home that is in the verge of destroying South East”.
“We should remember that as Christians, we must pursue peace with all men…without which no one will see God”…
Speaking on the event, Mr Henry Ogwudu, the director African Industry Awards, said “these dynasties were ruled by Priests and kings in their various capacities, according to how they are reverenced in their region and communities…we cannot deflect the fact that they are roots of peace and Justice and we must honour the root of peace, we honour the custodian of Justice, we must honour the alma mater of wisdom, me must honour a royal priest, we must honour God’s representatives on Earth, we must honour Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Abraham Chukwuma Nwali, the SSA to Ebonyi state Governor on Religious and Welfare Matters who also double as the South-East Chairman Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN) for his contributions in development of humanity”.
Recall that the governor of Ebonyi state, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi was also honoured among other dignitaries as ‘African Best Governor Of The Year’. which we have given detailed report on that.
The Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex-Igbo socio-cultural organisation has lamented that Igbos are currently under siege following the spate of killings being recorded in its states.
Obiozor represented by Chief Okey Emuchay, the Secretary-general of the organisation, said that the killings should make Igbos reflect on the current situation in their areas.
Prof. George Obiozor, President-General of the organisation made the disclosure in Abakaliki during a prayer summit it organised to celebrate the 2021 World Igbo day.
“We presently need to seek God’s face in these times and reflect on those killed presently and over the years.
“Any one who does not hold himself after watching the vidoe-footage of Dr Chike Akunyili’s brutal murder, will be entirely put-off today, he said.
He called for introspection by the people and appealed to the church to urgently intervene to remedy the ‘deplorable’ situation.
“These hoodlums have fathers, mothers, relations and if nothing is done urgently, doom might await the people.
“We ask all separatist groups in Igbo land to think deeply about the present situation because if everyone is killed, there would be no one to lead.
“This is beyond the sit-at-home directive as the Igbos are not known for wastage of precious lives.
Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi said that Igbos should be truthful to themselves in order to solve the security and related problems facing them.
Umahi, represented by Dr Kenneth Ugbala, Secretary to the State Government, described the situation in Igbo land as worrisome.
“We might be oppresed by other people but we are the biggest oppressors of ourselves.
“There is no longer love among the Igbos as people kill and pull others down out of jealousy.
Rev. Fr Abraham Nwali, the South East Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) called on the political leaders, clergy, religious leaders and Captain of industries to come together as one blooded indivisible entity to permanently stop the incessant killngs and security breaches in the zone.
Like Judas who betrayed his master Jesus for a token, Igbos can sabotage and antagonize fellow Igbo brothers or sisters who are progressive.
“The Igbo leaders should learn from their Western Nigeria counterpart, let’s use Sunday Igboho as a case study, Igboho is facing the same charges as our brother, yet his Yoruba brothers: all their political leaders, all the lawyers and Captain of industries came together and sue the the federal government for unlawful detention and damages of two billion Naira on his behalf. To me that is the best way to fight for one’s brother with love. Igbos should learn to show love among themselves.”
Prayers were said for the security of the south east zone and the country while a minute silence was held for all Igbos killed over various forms of struggles.
~ As Governor Umahi Names Airport Junction Flyover After Late Commissioner
The Ebonyi State Executive Council has held a special Executive Council session in honour of Late Commissioner for Infrastructure for Concession, Engineer Fidelis Nweze.
The Special Exco Session was held at the new Exco Chambers, Ocho Udo Centenary City, Abakaliki on Friday.
Declaring the session open, the Governor, Engr. David Umahi said the Exco decided to hold the session to honour the fallen former colleague for his dedication to the Ebonyi project.
He commended the Bishops and Clergy who turned out in their numbers to join the Exco in paying their last respect to the late Commissioner for Infrastructure.
Governor Umahi while describing Engineer Nweze as irreplaceable, said he would be greatly missed for his trustworthiness and dedication to duty.
He recalled the special role played by late Engineer Nweze in the eventual execution of the ongoing construction of the Abakaliki Ring road project and the International Airport.
“He was a great support to me, a great confidant. As Commissioner for Infrastructure, he never disobeyed me. He was never afraid of any assignment. His death was like a dream to me, I never believed it and it is the greatest shock of my life.”
The Governor called on the family to uphold his death in Christian maturity and disregard the propaganda of the wicked ones aimed at causing animosity between some segments of the Society.
“I encourage the family to have hope in the Lord for whatever God has not authorized would surely not happen.”
The Governor announced the naming of the Airport flyover due to be completed before the end of this year after late Engineer Fidelis Nweze as a way of immortalizing his iconic existence on earth.
He also prayed God to have mercy on the late Commissioner and grant him fortuity in his bosom.
The State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe said death though a transition is a difficult situation to accept.
He recalled with nostalgia the undiluted zeal exhibited by Engineer Nweze in the massive transformation of the State by the Governor Umahi’s administration.
The Deputy Governor described Engineer Nweze’s untimely death as unfortunate saying his demise came at a time he was mostly needed in the rebuilding Ebonyi project.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala described the death of Engineer Nweze as unfortunate and prayed for his soul to find rest in the Lord.
“It is with great sadness over the unfortunate loss of our dear colleague Engr. Fidelis Nweze that we are gathered here.
“Engineer Nweze until his death was the Honourable Commissioner for Infrastructure and a jolly good fellow. In him, we have lost a rare gem and a trailblazer.”
He called on the family, his Okoffia Community and Ebonyi State Government to take solace in the Lord.
The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Cletus Ofoke said late Nweze was a team player, dedicated Staff and outstanding builder of repute as a member of the State Executive Council.
“His enthusiasm for the projects of His Excellency the Governor was infectious. You were a cherished colleague who will be missed by many.”
He consoled the Governor on the unfortunate loss of the rare breed in Engineer Nweze and urged him to draw strength from the scripture.
In their tributes, the Commissioner for Housing, Chief Clement Nweke, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Mrs. Elizabeth Ogbaga and the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Uchenna Orji, described the deceased as a practical Christian and a workaholic who believed so much in the reality of a new Ebonyi State.
The Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN and Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious and Welfare Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Abraham C. Nwali described life as a gratuitous gift anchored in love.
While praying God to forgive the late Engineering idol, Reverend Father Nwali appealed to God to grant him a happy repose in his bosom.
“Engr. Fidelis Kings Nweze, you were born, you came, saw and you conquered, you clothed the poor, you fed the poor, you visited the widows, you conquered.”
A service of songs was later held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki in honour of the late Honourable Commissioner.
Addressing the congregation, Governor Umahi thanked the people for the show of love demostrated to the fallen Engineer through the service of songs.
He thanked God for empowering him to raise late Engr. Nweze to bequeath legacies.
In an exaltation, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, South East Zone, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali urged Christians to always recognize Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior in order to end righteously.
Fr. Nwali noted that what matters most in life is not the longevity of life but on the quality and fullness of life.
“If it were about the longevity of life, Methuselah would have been adjudged to have lived the best life.
“Many people who lived with him have continued to miss him because he was a man of the people. He touched lives. Today is Engineer Nweze, tomorrow it may be yours. Make best use of opportunities, behave as if tomorrow you will not be there. Touch lives, know God, stand for the truth, always be committed to the work assigned to you.”
Special prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the fallen Honourable Commissioner.
EBONYI STATE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HOLDS SPECIAL EXCO-SESSION IN HONOUR OF LATE COMMISSIONER NWEZE.
~ As Governor Umahi Names Airport Junction Flyover After Late Commissioner
The Ebonyi State Executive Council has held a special Executive Council session in honour of Late Commissioner for Infrastructure for Concession, Engineer Fidelis Nweze.
The Special Exco Session was held at the new Exco Chambers, Ocho Udo Centenary City, Abakaliki on Friday.
Declaring the session open, the Governor, Engr. David Umahi said the Exco decided to hold the session to honour the fallen former colleague for his dedication to the Ebonyi project.
He commended the Bishops and Clergy who turned out in their numbers to join the Exco in paying their last respect to the late Commissioner for Infrastructure.
Governor Umahi while describing Engineer Nweze as irreplaceable, said he would be greatly missed for his trustworthiness and dedication to duty.
He recalled the special role played by late Engineer Nweze in the eventual execution of the ongoing construction of the Abakaliki Ring road project and the International Airport.
“He was a great support to me, a great confidant. As Commissioner for Infrastructure, he never disobeyed me. He was never afraid of any assignment. His death was like a dream to me, I never believed it and it is the greatest shock of my life.”
The Governor called on the family to uphold his death in Christian maturity and disregard the propaganda of the wicked ones aimed at causing animosity between some segments of the Society.
“I encourage the family to have hope in the Lord for whatever God has not authorized would surely not happen.”
The Governor announced the naming of the Airport flyover due to be completed before the end of this year after late Engineer Fidelis Nweze as a way of immortalizing his iconic existence on earth.
He also prayed God to have mercy on the late Commissioner and grant him fortuity in his bosom.
The State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kelechi Igwe said death though a transition is a difficult situation to accept.
He recalled with nostalgia the undiluted zeal exhibited by Engineer Nweze in the massive transformation of the State by the Governor Umahi’s administration.
The Deputy Governor described Engineer Nweze’s untimely death as unfortunate saying his demise came at a time he was mostly needed in the rebuilding Ebonyi project.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kenneth Ugbala described the death of Engineer Nweze as unfortunate and prayed for his soul to find rest in the Lord.
“It is with great sadness over the unfortunate loss of our dear colleague Engr. Fidelis Nweze that we are gathered here.
“Engineer Nweze until his death was the Honourable Commissioner for Infrastructure and a jolly good fellow. In him, we have lost a rare gem and a trailblazer.”
He called on the family, his Okoffia Community and Ebonyi State Government to take solace in the Lord.
The Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Cletus Ofoke said late Nweze was a team player, dedicated Staff and outstanding builder of repute as a member of the State Executive Council.
“His enthusiasm for the projects of His Excellency the Governor was infectious. You were a cherished colleague who will be missed by many.”
He consoled the Governor on the unfortunate loss of the rare breed in Engineer Nweze and urged him to draw strength from the scripture.
In their tributes, the Commissioner for Housing, Chief Clement Nweke, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Mrs. Elizabeth Ogbaga and the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Chief Uchenna Orji, described the deceased as a practical Christian and a workaholic who believed so much in the reality of a new Ebonyi State.
The Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN and Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious and Welfare Matters, Very Rev. Fr. Dr. Abraham C. Nwali described life as a gratuitous gift anchored in love.
While praying God to forgive the late Engineering idol, Reverend Father Nwali appealed to God to grant him a happy repose in his bosom.
“Engr. Fidelis Kings Nweze, you were born, you came, saw and you conquered, you clothed the poor, you fed the poor, you visited the widows, you conquered.”
A service of songs was later held at the Christian Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki in honour of the late Honourable Commissioner.
Addressing the congregation, Governor Umahi thanked the people for the show of love demostrated to the fallen Engineer through the service of songs.
He thanked God for empowering him to raise late Engr. Nweze to bequeath legacies.
In an exaltation, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, South East Zone, Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali urged Christians to always recognize Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior in order to end righteously.
Fr. Nwali noted that what matters most in life is not the longevity of life but on the quality and fullness of life.
“If it were about the longevity of life, Methuselah would have been adjudged to have lived the best life.
“Many people who lived with him have continued to miss him because he was a man of the people. He touched lives. Today is Engineer Nweze, tomorrow it may be yours. Make best use of opportunities, behave as if tomorrow you will not be there. Touch lives, know God, stand for the truth, always be committed to the work assigned to you.”
Special prayers were said for the repose of the soul of the fallen Honourable Commissioner.
The former Governor of Borno State, Sen. Ali Modu Sheriff while on Courtesy visit to Ebonyi state Governor, join other eminent well-meaning Nigerians who has visited Ebonyi in recent times under the purposeful of Engr. David Umahi to testify on the extent of development he witnessed in Ebonyi.
He said that he expected to see the same dusty old City that looks glorified local government headquarters, but met entirely new city that looks like Dubai.
“When I was coming to Ebonyi, we were driving on concrete roads with street lights on both sides and ornamental lights in middle of the dualized roads, when I began to see flyover Bridges every where, I was lost completely thinking that upI have missed my route. Seeing over 13 Flyover Bridges in a state that had none six years ago and other solid international standard infrastructures got me confused” he said.
Sen. Sheriff said he has come to inform the governor of his intention to contest for APC National Chairmanship in forthcoming coming national congress.
The Governor, in his remarks, said the interest of Mr. President who is the national leader of the party superimposes every other interest but assured him of his support if Mr. President is on his side.
By Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji ( Commissioner for Information and State Orientation Ebonyi State)
Our attention has been drawn to a 6-paragraph press release credited to People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum and authored by its Director- General Hon. CID Maduabum dated 18th September, 2021.
While we consider it unnecessary to glorify the worthless and baseless sensation promoted in his unsubstantiated claims by joining issues with his reckless assertions evidencing nothing but hopelessness and regret of losing an ingenious power- house in the person of His Excellency, Engr Chief David Nweze Umahi FNSE FNATE, Governor with a great difference, we find it instructive to register that delegating a staff of PDP and a man of shabby pedigree to issue a press release against a well seated Governor vindicates public judgement that PDP as presently constituted has no intrinsic political value and altruistic existential relevance.
It is inordinately partsan for a D-G of a derailed political party to speak derogatorily, abusively and distortively of the person and achievements of a Governor who has distinguished himself as a leadership reference point in democratic governance.
We will rather demand that the D-G of PDP Governors’ Forum visits Ebonyi State soonest to be a witness to the wonderful exploits of the Umahi’s administration, as testified by influx of tourist observers and be perpetually estopped from being an agent of fake information which his party currently stand for.He is further invited to note that it is an insult to the collective sensibilities of the people of Ebonyi State for him to hold that one of the most peaceful and one of the fastest developing States in Nigeria is associated with ‘destruction of lives and properties’
It is crystal clear that since Governor Umahi left the PDP, the party has continued unmitigated in deteriorating in strength and character as it is today a shadow of itself.
It is manifestly clear that his response to the national burning issue of PDP’s zoning of the Presidency as challenged by our dear Governor is absolutely evasive and thus unwittingly begging the question.
The D-G of PDP Governors’Forum, his principals and their other agents should leave our dear Governor out of the forewarned woes of the party, and please inexcusably face and reap the imminent mass exodus and immanent catastrophy that face the future of PDP.
The PDP at all levels should desist from this shameful display of frustration that informs their ceaseless media attacks on our dear Governor as if he is the only person that defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), as it will not add any value to their existence as opposition political party..
By Prince Solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International
Commissioner for Information and state Orientation, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, aspoke with Deputy Editor while addressing newsmen on the agitation for power shift to the Southeast, anti-open grazing law, controversy over Value Added Tax (VAT) and how his boss will tackle the challenge of succession in 2023.
How feasible is the quest for presidency by the Southeast in 2023?
The presidency of this country is the doing of Nigerians. That is the dream of the Southeast. A very clear message is that equity is brotherliness; is confidence, is all about living together. So, it is the wish of the Southeast that at this point in our history, Southeast should produce the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. That is going to be giving a sense of belonging to all the parts of the country. While we know that Southeast has given a fair share of their support to every part of this country, this time around, every part of the country should give Southeast that kind of support that is required to produce President of the country.
This is because the PDP has been at the centre for 16 years. South Easterners dominated that party. They gave their support to the first President in this dispensation, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. “I also know that they have continued to support Mr. President and much more South Easterners have continued to defect to APC, the party at the centre. So, we support Mr. President. In all that he is doing, we know that he is also equitable in terms of distribution of social amenities and empowerment programmes. So, we have a duty to support him. That support will also give confidence to Mr. President to giving an opportunity to the Southeast in 2023.
How is your government managing the sit-at-home that has disrupted socio-economic activities in the Southeast?
Since the IPOB agitations heightened, the government of Ebonyi State under His Excellency, David Umahi, has been working hard interfacing with necessary stakeholders, including actors in this agitations, to see how everybody can talk to those agitating and causing violent attacks, to lay down their arms and embrace peace, and engage government most constructively on whatever issues they are agitating for. Government has also moved beyond the state level and gone to the rural communities to interface with traditional rulers and religious leaders, to see how we can identify these our brothers and sisters, who have been brainwashed into believing that violence is what it takes to achieve the agitation.
So far, Ebonyi is relatively peaceful and calm. The sit-at-home, to an average Ebonyian, is not from the relevant authority and the order cannot be obeyed. To an average Ebonyian, it is only government that has the power to order for sit-at-home or impose restrictions in the interest of the safety of the people, the interest of the health of the people, the interest of the security of the people. No organisation has that kind of mandate.
However, it is still a bit hard to get everybody to see the need to go about their businesses. This is because the barrel of gun is nobody’s friend. Nobody knows where it would come from and when it would come. But, with advocacy, sensitisation programme, we think that everybody will get to know that the so called sit-at-home is not in the interest of the economy of the South East. It is not in the interest of the social existence of our people, I mean the people of the country. So, we will continue to work hard to ensure that people have this understanding. We believe that constructive engagement will work. We believe that security agencies should be on their feet to work day and night to secure the lives and properties of the people. This is very important.
Above all, education is critical. They should know that this situation will not augur well for the future of our state and our region. We, the leaders and the led, those inside and outside government, have a collective duty to secure the lives and properties of our people, to secure the future of our people. The only way to do that is by being obedient to government of the day and not to adhere to those organisations or those that are threat to the peace, security and economic development of our zone.
How legitimate is the agitation for Biafra? Do the agitators have the mandate of the South East?
I don’t want to continue to flog this issue of agitation for Biafra. The leaders of the South East have made their position known. The truth of the matter is that we cannot shy away from the fact that our people are being marginalised. But, the question is: who is marginalising us? It is an issue we need to sit together on a roundtable and discuss, and identify those areas where we are being marginalised; issue of the Presidency, issue of having a fair share in economic development, issue of having a sense of belonging at the national level. But, we cannot go about it by asking for secession.
We know the efforts of our founding fathers. They brought us together under one nation. It is our duty as offsprings of the founding fathers to see those things we can do to further unite us, not those things that will divide us. It is our collective duty also to ensure that we have a sense of confidence with one another, not only in the South East, but also in all the zones of the federation. We need to know that we are one and that Nigeria is our own. I think that the efforts of the leaders of the Southeast are yielding fruits and we only need a concerted effort. The leaders and the led should speak with one voice. This is what the leaders of the South East are doing. They are working on it. I think that by the power of God, the President, who has been tested and trusted, with our elderstatesmen, will address all , the issues of marginalisation in this part of the country. It is good that we live together as a people. We should do away with all forms of violence, criminality and all things that bring neglect to any part of the country.
What would be the preoccupation of your boss between now and the terminal date, 2023?
He will focus on how to deliver on the mandate given to him by his people. The people of Ebonyi State love and appreciate very immensely the passionate efforts and achievements of our governor in the last six years. He has an eighth-year mandate. He will finish well in 2023. In line with his principles and upbringing, his concentration is on how to give Ebonyi people the best in such a way that the dreams and aspirations of the founding fathers will be said to have been achieved under him. That is how to make Ebonyi State a reference point in good governance. He is transforming Ebonyi State to be a shinning light. He is trying to make Ebonyi State a leading economic hub in the Southeast. From the records he met, one can say he is very close to it.
We, as his people, will continue to pray for him. We will continue to show him love, for God to raise him high, because what he has done in Ebonyi, he should have a mission to do it at the national level. This kind of governor is only seen once in hundred years and if people have opportunity to see this kind of governor, they should make maximum use of him. God has decorated him with extraordinary ability to really develop the society where he comes from.
When he was party chairman, he built the biggest party office ever in Africa. When he was deputy governor, though he was a rich deputy governor, very humble,his slogan was ‘stoop low to conquer’. He was cracking the hardest kernel of his boss. He was even the powerhouse of the administration of his boss. God raised him and he became the governor. History has it that he is the third civilian deputy governor of Ebonyi State. He is the third civilian governor of Ebonyi State. It is very historic and symbolic. He is coming from the most populous salt community in Nigeria, the Uburu community. Now, Ebonyi State was created in 1996. It is called the Salt of the Nation. He is now making Ebonyi State to be the salt of the nation. It is actually symbolic. And one thing that is more symbolic is that he came at a time there was nothing. He came at a time the party on which platform he contested collapsed at the centre. He didn’t plan to contest under a minority party. He contested under a majority party. The party collapsed woefully. The bridge was broken, he moved on. And that was when we had the worst economic recession, with all the social vices, EndSars etc. But, if you go to Ebonyi State, you will see a man powered by God. He delivers his people from the shackles of poverty. You see a man decorated by God, a passionate, God-fearing, service delivery, full of compassion for humanity.
Why I am saying this is that Ebonyi State is a shinning light. Under him, we have a state with the highest number of flyovers after Abuja and Lagos. We have Africa’s biggest shopping mall. Sen. Ben Bruce confirmed it when he came to Ebonyi State. We have a state Ecumenical Centre that is better than the National Ecumenical Centre, Abuja. Under him, we have the construction of the airport approved by President Muhammadu Buhari. It is getting to 70 per cent completion. He has confirmed that it is going to be fashioned after the Abuja and Lagos International airports, with Ethiopian kind of business initiative. And this is going to trigger economic development. Under him, we have a road construction concept no other government has ever done, except Ebonyi, Dangote is doing that in Apapa Lagos That is construction with concrete pavement, that has 50 years guarantee. All the roads we have constructed, we have never had issue of maintenance till today. Under him, we have Africa’s biggest light tunnel; a four-way tunnel. We call it the face of Ebonyi. If you get there, you will think that you are in Dubai, London or United States of America. It is named after President Buhari who came and did the foundation laying ceremony. Today, that edifice is standing as the biggest light tunnel in Africa. It is linking to so many facilities; the Ecumenical Centre, the shopping mall and Southeast biggest international market. It is also linking to the most beautiful Government House, like the Aso Rock. Among the 36 states of the federation, you need to see this Government House. We call it the three-arm zone that houses the Governor’s Lodge, Governor’s Office and the Presidential Lodge. Its Executive Council Chamber is the biggest in Nigeria. This tunnel is also a link to the international airport. They are linked with so many beautiful flyovers. With these, one can say that the governor came, he saw and he conquered.
Why has Ebube Agu failed to take off in the Southeast?
Ebube Agu has taken off in earnest. I am going to speak for Ebonyi State because I am not Commissioner for South East. In Ebonyi State, we have over 4,000 Ebube Agu officials, duly trained. Their area of concentration is on intelligence gathering, information gathering, effective operational collaboration with security agencies and that has reduced crime. Today, we have a very low crime rate in Ebonyi State. This is brought about by the way and manner Ebube Agu is working. Ebube Agu is in each of the communities. It has units in each of the communities, 140 communities in Ebonyi State. At the local government levels, they gave their units. They have worked effectively with the police and recorded successes in nipping security issues in the bud. Ebube Agu has come to stay and it is working effectively in the state where I come from.
What about anti-open grazing……
It is the decision of the Southern Governors’ Forum at ensuring the protection of farmers from the activities of unguarded and wild herdsmen. Before now, we have been living together with the herdsmen. We believe that in as much as you have your legitimate business, you have the right to be anywhere unhindered. But, the recent attacks and counter-attacks where herdsmen were fingered, especially the foreign herdsmen who invaded the country made the anti-open grazing law to come up to checkmate the activities of criminal herdsmen. It is only correct that herdsmen should be made to stay in a confined place. In Ebonyi State, before the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum, we had had our laws and our Executive Orders that no cattle should enter Ebonyi State by foot and that herdsmen should be confined to a particular place and that they should not move in the night. We believe we should let businesses conform with the law of the state. That way there will be no victor, no vanquished.
And VAT…..
No comment. Wait for the Supreme Court to give the final judgment. The final judgment; the judicial decision is a form of law. Once it is done, we will obey the law. Ebonyi State is known for its obedience to constituted authorities, the laws of the land and court orders. So, by time the legal matter is concluded, whichever way it goes, we will abide by it as a government that is responsible and responsive.
How do you react to this allegation by the opposition party, PDP in Ebonyi that the governor is suppressing the members of his former party, following his defectionto the APC?
It is a sign of lack of PDP’s existence in Ebonyi State. It is a sign of weakness, lack of focus, visionlessness. Their cries did not start today. lam sure they are not telling us the truth. They have got no followers in Ebonyi State. They lack goodwill. Some of those in PDP were once national leaders. They failed to attract a single kilometre of road to their villages. Some have held positions in the past and they failed to deliver. Now, people of Ebonyi State have a governor that is extraordinary, a governor who is passionate about his people. He does not sleep day and night to really satisfy the yearnings and aspirations of the founding fathers. He reaches out to people. He ensures that there is welfare for all He does not play politics of exclusion. That is why he has followers, unlike the PDP remnants. It is either they join us at the APC at the centre or they keep crying. APC in Ebonyi State is strong. They follow the governor wherever he goes.
How would the governor tackle the challenge of succession in two years’ time?
For the beginning, he established a strong foundation. He will handover to a good successor. What he did at the beginning is to lay a good example. The governor picks the calls of everybody. He knows everybody by his name. He knows virtually every community. He did a need assessment in 2015 when he came on board. He compiled the problems of every community and he started solving the problems. So, the governor, in ensuring good governance, decided to embark on mentorship programme. He identified some talents in different fields of life. Some are technical assistants, some are senior technical assistants, executive assistants. He did constitute an exco that is more than 80 percent of young minds. They are in different agencies of government. Beyond these, the governor’s principle has been institutionalised in Ebobyi State.
What are the principles? Selflessness, passion for service, working for the intrinsic values, not for the extrinsic values, and taking public service as people’s mandate that must be delivered with the fear of God.
Having laid this solid foundation of good governance, whoever that is going to show interest in the first place must weigh himself whether he can match the shoes of the governor.
But, above all, the governor will make sure that there is sustenability of these policies and programmes. One of the ways he has done that is by privatising some of these facilities The African biggest university of medical sciences will soon be managed and run by the Catholic Bishops Conference. Some other educational institutions will also be run by the missions.
The governor wants the people of Ebonyi State to own and run some of the economic facilities. This will ensure their sustenability.
The issue of who succeeds him is between him and God, and the people. God will continue to lift Ebonyi State to the glory of his name.
Prince-Solomon Okorie – Guidepost News International
During a state dinner held in honour of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin
The Ebonyi State Government has held a State Dinner in honour of the former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Tukur Buratai.
The Dinner was held at the Banquet Hall of the Governor’s Lodge, Ocho Udo Centenary City Abakaliki on Sunday.
Speaking at the dinner, Governor David Nweze Umahi thanked the visiting Ambassador for the excellent services he rendered to Nigeria and Ebonyi State which reduced incidences of insecurity during his reign as Chief of Army Staff.
“This is a man that even if he is in the battlefront and you call him on phone, he will answer you, it doesn’t matter your level, so we are very proud of his service to humanity, When you have a good heart to your people, when you want to exit, God can use even your enemies to grant you a soothing exit, so I congratulate you for the selfless service you rendered to us as a Chief of Army Staff.
“Security is quite the duty of each and everyone one of us. One of the things he did for Ebonyi State is manpower development and that is by bringing the Tukur Buratai Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution as well as the Army Referral Hospital to Ebonyi State.
“Today we want to thank you very highly for this your honour and commitment to the welfare of our people.”
The Governor said Ebonyi State as usual would not subscribe to incessant calls for sit at home, insisting that any Civil Servant who absents him/herself from work on Monday and Tuesday would be sanctioned.
“Evil will continue to thrive if good people keep quiet, we must make Ebonyi State very exceptional by rising to the challenges. When we shout True Federalism, I say I agree but it should be administrative restructuring, Ebonyi State is not in support of any State collecting VAT, we are in support that FIRS should continue to collect tax and share.
“We are destroying our economy, the sit at home is not happening in South West, the North is not sitting at home, each time we sit at home, we lose over ten billion naira in our economy, so Ebonyi State will not sit at home any day, so I charge the Commissioners to go all out and ensure that Civil Servants come to work, and for the Markets, I will personally be in the Markets tomorrow, anyone who is no longer interested in owning shops can go home.”
The Governor while urging the Nation Leaders to speak up against dissenting voices that are capable of polarizing the Nation, said he is open to debate with any PDP Governor who feels he has delivered more democracy dividends to his citizens than the APC led administration in Ebonyi State.
“People are taking special interest in Ebonyi State and her Governor, positively and negatively but it is very important to be in the news than for you to say there are thirty-six states, you will name 35 and say what is the other State, we have aborted it, we are now a State to reckon with and we have no apologies.
“When I say I have no apologies, you can talk everything about me but you can not say we have not delivered and so when people open their mouths in PDP to talk about APC, they should know that I belong to APC and if they like, let PDP offer any of their best Governors to come for debate with me and I will defeat any of them, not to be talking and talking. You don’t sit on people’s sweat and resources and be talking nonsense.
“We have no regrets taking our people to the center. We have always played at the center, we are not playing party politics, we are playing politics that will be an advantage to our people, criticize me, no problems but we need resources, we need friendship with the center.”
Responding, the visiting Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador Tukur Buratai commended Governor David Umahi on his infrastructural transformation of Ebonyi State.
While describing the Governor as a General in strategy and tactics, Ambassador Buratai said Governor Umahi has become a household name in Nigeria because of his ardent support to the welfare of the Army Officers.
He thanked the Governor for the warm reception offered him and lauded him for the replica of the Dubai Mall, being the Shopping Mall constructed by the Umahi administration among other landmark projects.
“Let me also say the Governor Umahi is not just a general in development but he is equally a general in Strategy and Tactics.
“Your relationship with Mr. president has worked and has brought about the needed development in Ebonyi State.
“Your Excellency you are a visionary leader and your legacies will endure till the end of time.”
Prince Solomon Okorie-Guideposts News International
Ebonyi hosts the 2021 edition of African Industry Awards (AFI Awards)
“While speaking on the event which took place in Abakaliki, the director of African Industry Awards Mr. Henry Ogudu numerated reasons why Gov. Umahi of Ebonyi state Nigeria is the most qualified in the African Continent, he said that Dubai is tourist epicenter of the world, one of the most beautiful cities in the globe, but Ebonyi state today is competing with Dubai interns of solid, innovative and sophisticated infrastructures scattered in the 13 local government areas of the state, which includes 13 Flyover Bridges amidst dwindling economy when other states are struggling to complete one, he is the first governor in Nigeria to construct all the state and federal roads on 10 Inches concrete based tilling, he built the most beautiful, innovative Christian Ecumenical edifice in Nigeria, he built the most sophisticated International Standard Shopping Mall and Industrial Clusters in the country, the best University of Medical Sciences, the ongoing Airport project is wonderful, constant electric supply, youths and women empowerment, these are carateria for selecting our candidates for award, in all sector of governance he is the very best, the most qualified”
“Finally, he appealed to Nigerians to give Umahi opportunity of ruling Nigeria in 2023, if Nigeria must get better, that is the only hope for the future of the country, he concludes.”
The Ebonyi state Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Business Development, Dr. Stephen I. Odoh, commended the efforts of Governor David Nweze Umahi for creating enabling environment which attracted investors from all nooks and crannies of the state.
Dr. Odoh commended the Governor for his giant strides in infrastructural development and his effort in making Ebonyi State the industrial hub of Nigeria.
He urged the teeming investors to feel free and invest massively in the state, assuring them of accessibility to all social amenities and adequate security for their successful business outing.
He eulogized the state government for all the enabling environment created for investors in Ebonyi State.
Also speaking to the the representative of Vinglobal, Prince Onwuka assured of his company’s resolve to invest in Ebonyi State. He was amazed with the level of development in Ebonyi State.
Chief Emmanuel Obasi, the principal secretary who represented the Ebonyi state governor while the award on behalf of the Governor Engr. David Nweze Umahi, appreciated the group for being honest in their choice of candidat for the award adding that the governor truly deserved the best award
There were representatives of various companies which included Evans group of company, Splendid Furniture, Edon Group of Company LTD, Vinglobal, 1xbet, Letshego Bank, TATA, among others.
News, Sports, Entertainment, Politics 