Members of the United drivers association (UDISAM) in Ebonyi State have in the early hours on Friday, protested against the State Commissioner for Capital City Development, Barrister Peter Onyekachi Nwebonyi.

The drivers protested over what they called Nwebonyi’s recent physical assult on thier members by injuring one Mr Friday Agwu, a driver who hails from Ezza North Local Government Area of the State.

The drivers, who blocked Enugu/Abakaliki highway for over an hour, protested against the destruction of thier vehicles and caused a heavy traffic jam on the highway which attracted the presence of the Police to disperse them.

Mr Friday Agwu , a driver and the victim who narrates to our reporter, said he was waiting on his mechanic at the popular Obodo Park, opposite Amusement Park in Abakaliki town, when suddenly the Commissioner and his team of boys allegedly came and decended on him.

“I was just waiting for my mechanic to come and fix my vehicle at Obodo park, and the Commissioner came with his boys and accused me of loading passengers at the park, they started beating me with plank and broke my head,” he said.

Chibuzor Okeh, an eyewitness also lamented over the alleged brutal actions of the Commissioner and his boys, particularly towards traders and commercial drivers including passers-by in the capital city.

According to him, “the driver was just a passerby, he’s on chatter and waiting for someone, they asked him who is the person loading here?

“And he said he doesn’t know, the next thing is for them to decend on him, gave him injury, broke his windsscren and beat him up like a thief.

“Barrister Onyekachi Nwebonyi is the cause of all the problems in Abakaliki, as it stands, he mobilized his boys to go from one place to another, beating drivers, okada riders and even passerbys.”

He disclosed that Nwebonyi had destroyed so many vehicles including his own as well as other people’s businesses and regretted that a public officer would behave as such.

Other victims included Agatha Ukpai, a widow who sells food at Obodo Park also narrated her bitter encounter with the Commissioner and said the Commissioner ordered his boys to throw her cooked food into a gutter, while threatening her with guns live.

She explained that there was no prior warning to them against selling food in the park by the Commissioner, and regretted why a public officer would go out of his ways to make life miserable for the common people in the state.

-Ebonyi Deputy Governor

By prince-solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International

During a state banquet organized by the governor of Ebonyi state Engr David Umahi which took place at Penthouse Governor’s lodge new Government House in honour of Hon. Chinedu Ogah, member representing Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, for his outstanding performance in less than two years, the Deputy governor Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe who represented the governor describe Hon. Ogah as another blessing to the state adding that the presence of over 35 House of Representatives Members, including the Leader of the House… The Deputy Speaker…in his address eulogises Ogah for attracting and executing over 59 Federal projects in less than two years in office. He added that Umahi and Ogah are saleable national products.

He added that some of them who has been in House for 18 years has been able to do what Hon. Ogah has done in 18 months

This was made known at Item Amegu in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State during the Grand Finale for the Commissioning of the Projects, there was thanks-giving service officiated by Catholic diocese of Abakaliki led by Bishop Michael Okoro.

Speaking during the occasion, Ogah said, he embarked on the execution of the constituency projects to supplement the developmental drive of Governor David Umahi, since one man can not alone.

The lawmaker who was visibly elated during the event appreciated the solidarity of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Olufemi Gbajabiamaila and over 35 National Assembly Members, he appreciated the Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, and other personalities that graced the occasion, ‘even at critical time when the state’s security architecture is seriously challenged.’

He noted that Governor Umahi has been resolute and committed in tackling security issues in the state without minding whose ox is bored.

“Let me emphatically place on record that Governor Umahi’s laudable achievements in the state especially on the area of infrastructure, health, agriculture, human capital development, economic advancement and security of lives and property has made him marketable at national level come 2023.

Ogah described the occasion which he use to mark his 45th birthday anniversary in his village as an epoch making event in his life and a choice made to honour God’s favour and blessings for His miraculous intervention in 2019 election case at the Tribunal and Court of Appeal.

“This occasion is therefore tripartite as we had commissioned some of the projects we initiated and constructed. Today, we shall empower some selected individuals who have contributed positively to our success. They will be empowered with vehicles, tricycles, motorcycles, other machines and cash, all in Thanksgiving to God,” he said.

The lawmaker recalled that his journey to Green Chambers took off on 16th April 2018, by consulting stakeholders and constituents who maximally supported him to represent them in the House of Representatives.

He noted that his party, APC encountered serious challenging situation at Onueke in Ezza South LGA, during the Senatorial primary election in the course of accreditation for Ebonyi Central Zone, not knowing that the opposition hired assassins to destroy the exercise.

In the process, according to the lawmaker, 4 lives were lost and over 10 vehicles burnt down, while other belongings to the people equally rendered futile but later spent about 300 million Naira and organised burials of the victims, empowered their relatives, and replaced all the valaubles including the vehicles destroyed within two weeks.

Ogah expressed joy that despite the challenges during the election, he emerged victoriously to fly the APC flag for the Presidential/National Assembly, even though, many of his property were sold to campaign for the President and his party in every playground, motor park and even the kindreds in his constituency, saying the support was awesome.

He added, “September 9th, 2019 remains indelible in the hearts of every Ebonyi man. It was the day the National Assembly election made on the 23rd February, 2019 in favour of the PDP and declared yours sincerely the rightful winner of the election with majority of the valid votes cast under the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.”

Ogah said his victory declared by the Tribunal was also affirmed by the court of Appeal sitting in Enugu on the 1st of November 2019 and being sworn in on 19th November, 2019 by the Speaker of the House, Olufemi Gbajabiamala, making him the only elected official of the Government of Ebonyi State under the platform of APC, and described the court verdict as a historical as the first opposition contestant who recovered his mandate since the creation of the state.

He disclosed that apart from the 59 projects already inaugurated, many others are still on the process with various life-touching bills under his sponsorship within a short period of time in office.

The lawmaker during the event distributed farming equipment, including fertilizer numbering over 30,000 bags, cars, tricycles, motorcycles, with avalanche of the members of his constituency rejoicing for being beneficiaries of his empowerment and employment schemes.

Guidepost News International

The Acting Head of Service of Ebonyi state, Comrade(Mrs) Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor has thanked His Excellency, Engr Chief David Nweze Umahi, for giving her the  opportunity to serve in his purposeful administration characterized by monumental achievements in both infrastructure and manpower development.

The acting Head of service, stated this today, in her office in an occasion making the official take over and resumption of duty. Comrade Adibe, who is also the Special Assistant to His Excellency, Engr Chief David Nweze Umahi on Inter-Party and labour matters, called on workers in the state to appreciate the efforts the government is making to ensure steady payment of salaries and other allowances despite the harsh economic realities across the country.

She called on  workers to cooperate with her in this task of building a formidable civil service and promised to continue to laise with Government in area of workers welfare.

She further applauded the recent directives and approval of His Excellency, to carry out recruitment of 5, 000 workers, 3,000 in the state and 2,000 at the Local Government.  out of which 70% will be teachers, saying that all these kind gestures of His Excellency, has proved his determination to uplift the status of the civil service.

Earlier on in an opening remarks the permanent secretary, Chief Martins Uguru, congratulated the Acting HOS and promised on behalf of all the workers to give her maximum support to ensure that the mandate of this administration in the civil service is actualised.

Highlight of the occasion was praise and worship and also prayer session by renowned men of God and light refreshment  of the workers of office of the Head of Service by the Acting HOS.

By prince-solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International

As directed by Gov. Umahi of Ebonyi state that the state Head of service should resume work with immediate effect, Comrade Mrs Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor in compliance the governor’s directive without delay on 1st July 2023 officially took over her office as the acting Head of Service in Ebonyi State following her appointment and inauguration yesterday by the Governor, Engr David Nweze Umahi.

and asked the out-gone HoS, Dr Chamberlain Nwele to hand over to her without delay.

To this effect, Mrs Adibe-Nwafor, who is also the Special Assistant to the Governor on Inter-Party and Labour Matters, has been handed over by the Permanent Secretary in the office of the State HoS, Deacon Martins Uguru.
While Speaking, the new HoS, Comrade Mrs Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor thanked God who through Governor Umahi appointed her into the position and described her appointment as a divine one.

Mrs Adibe further thanked Governor Umahi for the offer, and described him as the Professor of Infrastructure and the best workers’ friendly Governor across the nation.

She also thanked the Permanent Secretary who handed over to her, and all the workforce in the office for turning out in mass during the event.

She commended the out-gone Head of Service, Nwele, saying that he has actually tried his best by serving selflessly for Ebonyi State and prayed God to continue to uplifting him higher.

The new HoS promised to run an open door policy, and asked all the staff to feel free while meeting her when the need arises.

“I really thank you the workers, before now we’ve actually working together but not always seeing ourselves. I really appreciate you and assure you that my appointment doesn’t mean we can’t interact as we used to do before.

“I will be running an open door policy, so, I want us to be working together to make sure we move Ebonyi State forward, because all of us here are brothers and sisters.

“We know the policy trust of this administration, there are many things workers still want to know, but if we will be able to reach out very well, this is an opportunity to accomplish this.

“Before now, workers have been clamouring for promotion and convertion, we can reach them to know where we are now, so that they can actually get acquainted with what they state government is doing.

“Like now, I’m standing between the government and the workers, so that the interest of all, are well protected”

She unveiled her plan to introduce electronic attendance to avoid rigorous processes of monitoring workers attendance in all the state ministries.

“We should be able to move round, like I have a plan to create data platform, from there we can create electronic attendance, and the state government can embark on verification. If we have this biometric attendance, there’s no need of following such rigorous processes and with that we can actually be in our office talking and those that come to work you see it, when time retires, the thing will clock in and everything will be working very fast,” she unveiled.

She also promised to revive staff’s daily prayer in their offices, where all the ministries would choose a date for their daily prayer for a specific period between 8am to 10am.

Adibe-Nwafor commended Governor Umahi for having announced to employ 5,000 Ebonyians as civil servants, assuring the staff of meeting closely from time to time, to make it a successful one to avoid foul play.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the office of HoS, Deacon Martins Uguru commended the state governor for meticulously not given room for any loophole in the office as Dr Nwele who was in charge retired from active service as a civil servant on 30th of June.

“Really the Head of Service bowed out yesterday and today, our governor has decided to assign another person whom he grouped in the labour matters, his Special Assistant on Inter-Party and Labour Matters in this state, Comrade Mrs Adibe-Nwafor.

“Now, she’s today having a double barrel appointment, the SA on Labour Matters and acting Head of Service and we are saying to her, welcome madam,” he said.

He promised the new HoS, an unalloyed cooperation of the staff in the office; stressing that since Governor Umahi does not tolerate anything done haphazardly, workforce of the office have strong confidence in her would deliver excellently in considering her past records.

Uguru also described the new HoS as a God fearing leader and therefore, assured her of a full cooperation by all the staff while delivering her duties.

In his vote of thanks, the Head of Pension Department, appreciated the new HoS especially on promising them to run an open door policy and assured her of their unalloyed support while discharging her duties.

Highlight of the event was a collective prayer and dedication of the office to God by all the workforce.

Prince-solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International

Governor Umahi sworn in at least 22 appointees, Acting Head of service, Principal Secretary, Commissioners, Senior Special Assistants, Special Assistants into various offices and ministries alongside the Chairman of Revenue Appeal Commission and a Development Centre Coordinator.

The Governor noted that the Revenue Appeal Commission in State has been dissolved, but reappointed the Chairman, to be the only person there for now.

While congratulating the newly sworn in appointees, the Governor said, Chief Clement Nweke is now the State Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mrs Ann Aligwe – Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, while Mr Charles Akpuenika – Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development.

Whereas Mrs Chinwe Okah was given the Commissioner for Human Affairs, Barr Joseph Ekumankama- Commissioner for Inter Governmental Affairs, Barr Chioma Nweze – Commissioner for Investment, Pastor Eze Nwachukwu Eze – Commissioner for Market and Park Development, Chief Emmanuel Uguru – Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Hon. Oluchukwu Ukezeali – Commissioner for Project Monitoring, Barr. Elizabeth Ogbaga – Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Chief Moses Ogodo Ali – Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Others included Ogbuefi Elekwachi – Senior Special Assistant on Local Government and Rural Development, Prince Sunday Ugwuocha – Senior Special Assistant on Environment, Comrade Mrs Jennifer Adibe-Nwafor – Special Assistant on Inter Party, Labour Matters doubles as the State Acting HoS, Otunta Godwin Amauche Special Assistant for Government House, Patience Ofor Okorie – Specaial Assistance to the Wife of Governor’s Office, Gideon Onwe – Special Assistant on Student Affairs, Someon Anyigor – Special Assistant on Education, Felix Ottah – Special Assistant on Ring Road, Engr. Obinna Ibaki – Special Assistant on Airport project, Onyeabor Ngene – Special Assistant to the Governor on Special Duties
on Special Duties, Tony Okah – Chairman Revenue Appeal Commission, and Oshim Fidel – Coordinator – Oshiri Development Centre

Umahi said that his administration is determined to reposition the education, health and solid mineral ministries of the state, and charged all the officers in the ministries to be more proactive to avoid attracting sanctions.

He equally charged all the newly sworn in appointees to be exemplary in discharging their duty

By prince-solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International

Ebonyi state is very lucky to have produced Engr. David Umahi as governor, his uncommon rapid transformation agenda terrifies those in opposition.

The opposition knows that Umahi can Reposition Nigerian Economy and rapidly Transform the country beyond party lines if given a chance.

He is the only governor in Nigeria political history that performed beyond his manifesto with 4 years of first tenure.

With his track-record, aticident, his Next Level Reality Agenda is guaranteed

Let’s support Umahi’s Next Level Reality Agenda to make Nigeria a better place.

Weldon Okenwa

By prince-solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ebonyi State chapter has Condole with Governor David Umahi over the death of his two commissioners.

Recently, two of governor Umahi’s commissioners have lost thier lives while in active service, Engr Uche Okah, the former commissioner for housing and urban development died in May.

Just recently, Engr fidelis Nweze Kings, the commissioner for infrastructural development for concession, also lost His life in a ghastly motor accident.

The state chairman of CAN, who also double as southeast CAN chairman, Rev Fr Abraham Nwali, stated while briefing Newsmen at end of the four days fasting and prayers for the wellbeing of the state,

which ended yesterday at the Christian Ecumenical center in Abakaliki the state capital and Condole Umahi, the families of the late commissioners and prayed for God to entevene on behalf of the state.

His words,

“As a State that is build on God the rock, we decided to come and have these four days prayers and fasting, and chosed the themes relevant for each day,

“We started with security, and then we went into peace and God’s blessings, today is the day of faithfulness in our prayers and again, in gratitude, we have prayed in faith, and we are however grateful to God”,

“we Condole with the governor for the lost of two of his comrades, the two engeneers, one that has been doing well with the international market, one that has been working on the airport and the ring road,

“We want to assure him that God still loves him, he should remain focus and continue to seek the grace of God to complete his projects.” He said.

He prayed for the families of the late commissioners and urged them to continue to trust in God and believe that they would not be abondoned.

By prince-solomon Okorie- Guidepost News International

The Family of Mr and Mrs Sylvanus Nwori of Ekebeligwe Ishieke in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State is currently in a dire need of financial assistance at the tune of two hundred thousand Naira (N200,000) to offset the hospital bill following the arrival of new triplet in their home.

Speaking with Journalists at Mile Four Hospital, Abakalki the father of the triplet explained that he is a peasant farmer who welcomed triplet in his family within the weekend and now seeking for financial assistance to offset the hospital bill.

Mr Nwori said that since the arrival of the triplet, he has been finding it very difficult to take care of them.

He described the arrival of the babies as blessings with serious challenges on how to meet up with demands especially to clear the hospital bill to enable them be freed to go their home.

The father of triplet appreciated God for the gifts given to his family, and expressed gratitude to have used a person of Prince (Barr) Obinna Iteshi – the Ebonyi State PDP Youth Leader whom he said, has extended his hands of benevolence to his family.

We gathered that Barr Iteshi got the information surrounding the family’s current predicament Thursday night, and has on Friday morning rushed to the hospital and offered the family a huge cash gift with other lofty items including pampers, wrappers, diapers, tissue papers, milk, other food items, etc.

Nwori expressed joy for Barr Iteshi’s kind gesture and also called on the government, good spirited organisations and individuals to come to his aide.

Also speaking with newsmen, the mother of triplet, Mrs Nkechi Nwori described the arrival of the babies as joys coming into a family with pathetic hardship experience.

She said, “there is nothing God cannot do, to start with, God has blessed our family with these babies, and I know He will surely take care of them. Through God’s intervention, Barr Obinna Iteshi has visited us today in this hospital, with cash gift, foods, wrappers, toiletries etc. and even promised to facilitate connecting us with Twins and Multiple Birth Foundation, to assist us because currently we have not been able to pay off our hospital bill.

She also called for assistance from government, good spirited organisations and individuals, saying her husband has been trying his best for their feeding with hope on God’s intervention in their present situation.

“I have strong faith that God will touch other persons to come and assist us so that we will go back to our house,” she said.

Recall that Barr Obinna Iteshi when visited the family in the hospital, thanked God for the safety delivery of the triplet and the mother who were all healthy despite the family situation.

He prayed to God who brought the babies to the world, particularly to the family, will continue to protect and bless the babies while growing up.

Iteshi equally called on the good spirited individuals to extend their benevolent hands and philanthropic gestures by coming to the aide of the poor family.

He at the same time, urged the government at all levels, starting from Development Centre Coordinator, the Local Government Chairman with other elected and appointive officers to kindly come for the assistance of the family.

“This is the type of situation one should demonstrate how you love your people. The woman is actually poor. The husband is poor. They really need help. Helps from individuals, and help from the government – these are my position and am extremely happy the little I have to give to them is from my heart and if I have more I would have done more,” Prince Iteshi said.

By prince-solomon Okorie Guidepost News International

The Governor on Ebonyi state, Engineer Dave nweze UMAHI, yesterday evening announced with shock and disbelief the death of another Exco member, the honourable Commissioner for Infrastructure for concession, Engineer Kings fidelis Nweze.

According to the Governor “It is so shocking and unbelievable to announce the death of our Commissioner for Infrastructure, Engineer kings fidelis Nweze,who died on Tuesday morning at about 9:50am at Turkish hospital, which is one of the best hospitals in Nigeria, in Abuja.Nweze was traveling to Enugu on Saturday about 7pm with his orderly and driver within Obinagu in Enugu state, they ran into a stationary truck,he was on a seat belt,the driver was conscious they were all conscious.
The orderly who had a very slight injury was treated and discharged,the driver too had a slight injury was treated and discharged too.
King had an injury on his stomach and his neck too and was taken to Niger Foundation, I got to Know about it on Sunday and I Insisted they should move him to Turkish hospital, Abuja, one of the best hospitals in the country.

He eventually died at the Turkish hospital when every effort to save his life failed.
Speaking further, the Governor who expressed sadness over the death of another Commissioner who headed the ministry of housing, Engr. Uche Okah described these commissioners as ‘pillars of his administration and destiny helpers, dawn to dusk, so sad.’I feel empty, to me it is like a dream, as if my younger brother, my son, my friend, my destiny helper would just sleep and come back, we did everything possible we could do’
He therefore declared Wednesday 23rd June 2021,a public holiday and three days of ‘state mourning’ with all Government Offices, markets, all construction sites, Abuja and Lagos liaison offices
closed, all flags is to fly at half mast to honour these departed heroes and Exco members
Meanwhile the state chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, headed by Rev. Fr. Dr Abraham Nwali, Ebonyi state Government officials, Divine mandate pastors and other stakeholders are to observe their three day fasting and Prayers and close it at the monumental and prestigious All Christians Ecumenical centre Abakaliki by 4pm in honour of these fallen Exco members from today Wednesday to Saturday.

By prince-solomon Okorie-Guidepost News International

Demands the sack of the commissioner…
Residents of Abakaliki on Tuesday protested over the demolition of their buildings and destructions of their businesses and properties woth billions of naira, led by the Ebonyi state commissioner for Capital City Development, Barr. Onyekachi Nwaebonyi. 

The protesters, who blocked the main entrance of the Ebonyi state house of Assembly to demonstrate thier  grievances,  also called on the state house of Assembly to probe the commissioner and inorder to broker peace and Justice in the peace-less state.

They, however Condemned the actions of the commissioner and  described him as being barbaric and malicious, while demanding for the state government to remove him from office and make him to face the law for his numerous acts against the people. 

One of the protesters who interacted with our newsmen,  Thomas Nwaoginyi, recounted how his twin bungalow worth eight million naira was demolished by a team of thugs led by Nwaebonyi.

“I started the building of my house since 2013, since then I have been living on loan,  because I am civil servant, from loan to loan, hoping that after the building my family would come and settle there, on 11th of June, when i returned from work I met my children crying and my wife was about to die, I asked what happened and they said our house has been destroyed by Onyekachi Nwaebonyi and his thugs, I have been  hungry without  food, all my labour is now in vain”, he said.
Also speaking, Helen Idam, recounted that her building was approved by the Abakaliki capital territory development board in 2015, who monitored the construction but lamented that the commissioner had demanded her to pay him the sum of five hundred thousand naira or risk loosing the property to demolition.
Idam, who was able to pay the sum of two hundred thousand naira, regretted that the commissioner destroyed her building and threatened her with a pistol.Another victim of the commissioner, Nwankwo Elijah a driver, said on the 17th of June that the commissioner led  a team of thugs carrying pump action and asked them to destroy his windsscren on alledged wrong parking.
He noted that when he tried to fight for his right, the commissioner threatened him with a pistol as well.

Other protesters are women, mostly widows who are selling food items such as bread, rice, fruits, soft drinks and cooked food along Nkaliki junction in Abakaliki, they recounted how the commissioner ordered his boys to destroy thier goods and take some away to the ministry without prior notice.

The Ebonyi state house of Assembly in a committee chaired by Hon. Lilian Chinwe Nwachukwu, had earlier summoned the commissioner but he failed to appear before it.
When asked about the committee stands over the commissioners absence on their call, the chairman of the committee, said investigation is still ongoing and would continue on Monday next week.

June 17, 2021