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Tag: Ebonyi

  • Ebonyi gov suspends 25 commissioners, perm secs, aides over absence from function

    Ebonyi gov suspends 25 commissioners, perm secs, aides over absence from function

    Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has suspended 25 commissioners, 22 permanent secretaries, and 38 other aides for one month over absenteeism at a key government event.

    The is contained in a statement on Monday night by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Dr Monday Uzor.

    According to the statement, affected commissioners include the Commissioner for Works, Mr Stanley Mbam, and Commissioner for Finance, Prof Leonard Uguru.

    Others are the Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Dr Mathew Nwobashi; Environment Commissioner, Mr Victor Chukwu; and Information Commissioner, Chief Ikeuwa Omebe.

    Suspended permanent secretaries include: Dr Lawrence Ezeogo, Dr Isioma Arunne-Inyang, Mrs Rose Ibe, Mrs Ogechi Nwobashi, Mrs Theresa Anwu and Dr Lynda Alo.

    Fourteen suspended Senior Special Assistants (SSAs) include: Mrs Bessy Chukwu, Mrs Rose Ofoke, Mr Kieran Ofoke and Chief Anthony Nwegede, among others.

    The 24 affected Special Assistants (SAs) include: Mr Emmanuel Mbam, Mr Tobias Ogbonna, Mr Easy Okike-Uzor, Mr Obinna Oko-Enyim and Mr Chima Okoro.

    Others are Mr Amaechi Nwali, Mr Henry Nwele, Mr Isaac Ogodo-Ali, and Mr Godwin Nwoba, among several more named in the statement.

    The CPS stated that the suspension takes effect immediately and applies to all listed officials without exception.

    NAN reports that the statement did not mention handover arrangements for the affected officials.

  • Alleged fraud: Ebonyi SSG innocent until proven guilty – Nwifuru

    Alleged fraud: Ebonyi SSG innocent until proven guilty – Nwifuru

    Gov. Francis Nwifuru says he will not take action on the funds diversion allegation against the Secretary to the State Government, Prof . Grace Umezuriike  until investigations are concluded.

    Nwifuru said on Sunday during a service at Government House Chapel, Abakaliki,  noting that the government was on top of the case.

    The governor asserted that Umezuriike was still presumed innocent until investigations into the matter proved otherwise.

    “I received the news of a publication which is already before the Federal High Court Uyo, Akwa Ibom about our secretary to the state government.

    ” I am a lawyer and know that it is imperative to establish the facts before judgment .

    “This is to avoid setting wrong precedents.,” he said.

    Nwifuru said he has taken critical appraisal of some of his appointees’ performances in office.

    “I am dissatisfied with the failure of some appointees to deliver on their mandates

    ” We are worried that the vision statement contained in our people’s charter of needs mantra has not been satisfactorily realised,” he said.

    He said the development accounted for the minor reshuffle he recently effected on his cabinet.

    “Our mission and vision are explicit and that was why the people voted for us .

    “We are still assessing the appointees and shall do the needful if the need arises .

    “I am ready to relieve non- performers of their jobs when the grace period given them elapses without commensurate performances,” he said.

    The governor appealed to leaders of the state to disregard social media critics and invest in the state.

    “We assure of a conducive environment for your businesses to thrive,” he said.

    The Officiating Priest, Rev. Fr. Kenneth Agwu, urged the congregation to be true servants of God in order to make the society better.

    “A true servant of God should be filled with perseverance, humility and the spirit of paying attention to others.

    “Christians should do what is right in God’s sight irrespective of pressure or persecution from people around them,” he said.

  • Police evacuate corpses of man, son in Ebonyi

    Police evacuate corpses of man, son in Ebonyi

    The Police in Ebonyi have evacuated the corpses of a man and his son at Ebebe Junction area of Abakaliki metropolis.

    SP Joshua Ukandu, the spokesman of the police command in the state, told NAN that the evacuation was carried out on Friday.

    Ukandu, however, said that the command was yet to get the full details of what led to the deaths of Mr Light Nwodor, and his son, Miracle.

    “When I was called by an individual about the incident, I quickly called the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area.

    ” They swung into action and the dead bodies have been evacuated.

    “The police have launched investigation into the matter.

    ” The command will definitely inform the general public on completion of investigation.

    “Right now, nobody knows what caused their deaths, ” he said.

    Ukandu also said he had not been briefed by the DPO on any arrest made.

    NAN recalls that viral reports had claimed that the victims died following consumption of food prepared by an unknown female said to be on the run.(

  • Only APC exists in Ebonyi, no opposition – Umahi

    Only APC exists in Ebonyi, no opposition – Umahi

    The Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi, declared on Saturday that there is no opposition party in Ebonyi aside from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Umahi stated this made during a grand civic reception held in his honour by the Okposi-Okwu in Ohaozara Local Government Area.

    The event celebrated the minister for his quality leadership and contributions to national development.

    He called on the South-East and the rest of Nigeria to show more support and solidarity for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

    “There is no opposition party in Ebonyi. Only APC exists. If you are bold, come and contest against us.

    “We must support President Tinubu. I am happy to be honoured today. I accept it and will bring more infrastructure to Okposi-Okwu,” he said.

    He dedicated the award to President Tinubu, who he said had changed the South-East’s political narrative.

    “The greatest honour is continuous support for the president and commitment to complete projects in the region,” Umahi said.

    He also encouraged all governors to unite in support of national development and progress.

    The Chairman of the occasion, former Senate President, Anyim Pius Anyim, praised Umahi as an illustrious and visionary son.

    “Umahi remains a transformer in governance. I congratulate him and pray for greater achievements,” Anyim said.

    In his address, Gov. Francis Nwifuru said the South-East owes a debt of gratitude to President Tinubu and must support him.

    Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, also commended the community for recognising Umahi.

    “I join the people of Okposi-Okwu in congratulating Umahi for his remarkable impact and exceptional leadership across Nigeria,” said Abiodun.

    NAN reports that the event was attended by members of the National Assembly and other dignitaries.

  • We did not arrest any commissioner over project delay – Ebonyi Govt.

    We did not arrest any commissioner over project delay – Ebonyi Govt.

    The Ebonyi Government has dismissed a report that Gov. Francis Nwifuru ordered the arrest of five Commissioners over delay in delivery and breach of contracts.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Ebonyi Executive Council (EXCO) committee on Supervision and Completion of two state housing projects, Chief Donatus Ilang in Abakaliki.

    The projects are the 140 housing units for the Izzo and Amaze communities, which were displaced by the Ezilo/Ezza Ezilo communal crisis in Ishielu Local Government Area.

    Ilang, who is also the Commissioner for Border, Peace and Conflict Resolution, described the report as “false and unfounded”.

    “No commissioner was arrested and you can confirm this from the police and other security agencies.

    “The people writing such fake news are doing so from their imagination,” he said.

    “We informed them of the state governor ‘s displeasure over delays in the project and resolved to take drastic actions on the defaulters,” he said.

    He noted that the commissioners promised to furnish the committee with relevant information which would enable it confront the erring contractors.

    “The governor is desirous to give the people of both communities. affected by a fatricidal communal conflict, housing reprieves.

    “”We gave all persons involved in the projects time to comply with the contractual terms.

    “Our mandate is to ensure that the governor’s noble intentions towards people of both communities, are actualised and we would not toy with such,” he said.

    NAN reports that the 140 units of building projects, were initiated by the state government to cushion the housing needs of both communities.

    The Ebonyi Police Command  Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP   Joshua Ukandu,  also told NAN in an interview that no commissioner was in their  custody.

    “We did not arrest any commissioner,” he said.

  • Ebonyi gov, Nwifuru suspends two commissioners

    Ebonyi gov, Nwifuru suspends two commissioners

    Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi suspended the commissioners for Housing and Urban Development and that of Health over alleged gross misconduct and dereliction of duties.

    The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Jude Okpor disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday.

    Okpor announced that Nwifuru had directed that the suspension for the Commissioner for Health would elapsed in three months, while that of Housing and Urban Development remained suspended indefinitely.

    According to Okpor, also to proceed on a three-month suspension is the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health.

    “Others are the Executive Secretaries of the State Primarily Healthcare Development Agency and that of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency.

    “In view of the development, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Primary Health was directed to take charge of the ministry in the absence of the suspended Commissioner.

    “The suspended government officials are to hand over all government properties in their possession, including vehicles, to Secretary to the State Government on or before the close of work on November 25, 2024,” he added.

    Okpor added that in preparation for the 2025 fiscal year, the Executive Council had commenced ministerial debates and defence for the MDAs.

    “To this effect, the Council further approved the citizens budget participatory engagement, which will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Ecumenical Centre, Abakaliki, by 10:00am,” he said.

  • Gunmen allegedly Kill man, set him ablaze in Ebonyi

    Gunmen allegedly Kill man, set him ablaze in Ebonyi

    The Police command in Ebonyi says a man, said to be Michael Nnaji was found dead at Ngbo-Amaka area in Ngbo Community, Ohaukwu Local Government of the state.

    DSP Joshua Ukandu, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) told NAN on Wednesday in Abakaliki that the incident occurred on Tuesday night.

    “Yes, we are aware of the incident but we are yet to get the details of what really happened in the area.

    “We have contacted Ohaukwu Divisional Headquarters and our team has moved to the scene for investigation.

    “Yes, I am yet to be briefed and  I must tell you, the State Police Command will carry out indepth investigation into the matter.

    “We are assuring that the perpetrators will be apprehended and prosecuted,” Ukandu said .

    Also reacting to the incident, Joy Nwankwor, a native of the area, said the victim, who was a businessman, was murdered on Tuesday Night.

    “The hoodlum operated with a motorcycle. After shooting him, his corpse was set ablaze.

    “His body has been taken to Ezzamgbo General Hospital mortuary,” she added.

  • Deliver or be prosecuted – Ebonyi gov, Nwifuru threatens commissioner

    Deliver or be prosecuted – Ebonyi gov, Nwifuru threatens commissioner

    Gov. Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has threatened to arrest the state’s Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Francis Ori, over poor performances of contractors handling the Amaeze housing scheme.

    Nwifuru, represented by his Deputy,, Mrs Patricia Obila, made the threat while inspecting the 70-apartment project in Ishielu Local Government Area as part of activities to mark the state’s 28th anniversary.

    The governor said that decisive actions would be taken to ensure the project was completed within the stipulated period.

    “All these you said about the contractors are excuses and would not be accepted by the government.

    “The contractors involved in this delay must be arrested within three days starting from this night.

    “The right things must be done because our people are waiting for us to deliver,” he said.

    He observed that the site’s environment did not radiate life in spite o the huge funds sunk into it.

    “When these contractors were looking for the jobs, they were running after us and promising to deliver.

    “They are presently nowhere to be found and the same people will go to the social media to talk about the government.

    “This is one of the projects we intend that President Bola Tinubu will inaugurate when he visits Ebonyi later in the year,” he said.

    Nwifuru, however, commended the spate of work at the housing project in Izzo community but urged the commissioner to ensure the cleanliness of its environment.

    Ori told newsmen that he was not afraid to be arrested as he was a public servant.

    “The governor’s statement is in order as we are already in the process of arresting the contractors who are delaying the project.

    “We have written to the state Commissioner of Police over the issue as the contractors have no reason to delay the project.

    “I am not aware of any commissioner being awarded the project as the Amaeze people know those handling the project,” he said.

    Chief Ben Okah, a Former Commissioner for Public Utilities, and stakeholder of the area, said the project had ameliorated the sufferings of the people.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that project was awarded by the government to ease the housing challenges of the Izzo and Amaeze communities hitherto affected by the Ezza–Ezillo conflict.

    Nwifuru had earlier issued a Sept. 25 deadline to contractors handling various projects across the state to complete them or face prosecution.

  • Suspected Gunmen attack Military checkpoint in Ebonyi

    Suspected Gunmen attack Military checkpoint in Ebonyi

    Suspected Gunmen have attacked a military checkpoint on Amangwu axis of the Amasiri-Owutu-edda highway in Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

    DSP Joshua Ukandu, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Police Command in the state, confirmed the incident to NAN on Friday.

    Ukandu said the attack occurred in the early hours of Friday in the area.

    According to him, the information reaching us from Owutu Police Division reveals that some hoodlums attacked a military checkpoint on Friday morning.

    “It is not yet certain if there were casualties. The attack was carried out by suspected gunmen in the area, who operated with motorcycles,” he added.

  • APC sweeps Ebonyi LG polls

    APC sweeps Ebonyi LG polls

    The Ebonyi Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) on Sunday declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of Saturday’s local council polls in the state.

    Mr Jossey Eze, Chairman of the commission, who announced this in Abakaliki said the party won all the 13 Chairmanship seats and 171 Ward Councillors.

    Eze said that three political parties: APC, APGA and LP participated in the polls.

    Eze announced that the commission has ratified and adopted the chairmanship results for the LGAs as announced by the various councils’ Returning Officers and the Councillorship results announced at the electoral wards.

    The chairman expressed joy that the exercise was peaceful and commended the security agencies and all the stakeholders on invaluable their support.

    He thanked all the stakeholders involved in the conduct of the elections, for their support and encouragement.

    Eze said, “I particularly thank the state government for not interfering in the conduct of the elections as this helped in making it credible, free, and fair.

    “The election has been won and lost, but the victory is for everybody who participated in the elections.

    “The winners should carry everybody along and everyone should contribute in delivering democratic dividends to people at the grassroots, which the local government areas represent.

    “This is the summary of the results as released by the returning officers in all the wards and local government areas: Mr Ebere Nwogba for Abakaliki LGA, Mr Timothy Agha win for Afikpo.

    “Edda council, Mr Chima Ekumamkama, Mr Chinedu Bernard for Ebonyi LGA. Ezza, Moses Nome. Mr Sunday Nwankwor for Ikwo and Ivo has Mr Emmanuel Ajah, among others.