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Tag: Ebonyi

  • 30 feared dead as fully loaded commercial bus plunges into Ebonyi river

    30 feared dead as fully loaded commercial bus plunges into Ebonyi river

    More than 30 people were feared dead in a road accident on Akaeze-Ishiagu highway in Akaeze Development Centre, Ivo Local Government Area, Ebonyi State on Friday.

    It was gathered that the accident occurred at about 5.45 pm.

    The bus conveying the passengers reportedly plunged into a river near a bridge along the road.

    A source from the area said that the accident occurred when an Enugu-bound 608 bus conveying some people on their way back from a burial ceremony in Ebonyi State attempted to overtake a trailer just before a bridge in the area.

    The driver of the bus was said to have lost control of the vehicle and veered off into the river with the vehicle and its occupants submerged immediately.

    About five persons in critical conditions had been reportedly rescued and rushed to the hospital for treatment.

    A source said: “An accident has just occurred at Akaeze Development Centre.

    “The driver of a 608 bus carrying 36 persons and returning from a burial in Ebonyi on the way to Enugu, lost control while trying to overtake a trailer, and the bus plunged into the river.

    “Up till now, more than 20 minutes after the incident occurred, none of them has been found.

    Police spokesman in the state, Loveth Odah, confirmed the incident, describing it as “very unfortunate.”

    She, however, said about five people had been rescued from the river, adding that efforts were on to rescue others.

    “It is a very unfortunate incident. The DPO of the area just told me that about five persons have been rescued and rushed to the hospital while efforts were on to see if some other persons could be rescued too.

    “Our men are already on ground to see what can be done to help the situation,” Odah said.

  • Ebonyi’s longest reigning monarch dies at 81

    Ebonyi’s longest reigning monarch dies at 81

    The longest reigning traditional ruler in Ebonyi, Israel Chibueze-Agbo, is dead.

    The deceased was father to the Ebonyi governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 2019 governorship election, Chief Ndubuisi Chibueze-Agbo.

    Chibueze-Agbo, until his death, was the traditional ruler of Izhia autonomous community in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi and a first-class monarch.

    The death was announced by Mr Chinedu Chibueze-Agbo, first son of the deceased, on behalf of the family and the Izhia Council of Chiefs at the palace in Izhia on Tuesday.

    According to him, the traditional ruler passed on peacefully in the early hours of Tuesday.

    Chibueze-Agbo, who died at the age of 81, ascended the throne in 1978 and reigned for 42 years as the ‘Agaba Idu II of Izhia Kingdom.

    The family said that the burial of the late monarch would hold on Sept. 28, which is his birthday.

    “I stand before you today to announce the death of my father and the traditional ruler of our great Kingdom, Izhia community, which sad event took place in the early hours of today, Sept 1, 2020.

    “He was the former chairman, Ohaukwu Local Government Area Council of Traditional Rulers; former chairman, Ebonyi North Council of Traditional Rulers, and former chairman of Abakaliki zone, Council of Traditional Rulers.

    “He was crowned in 1978 and he guided his people through the path of peace, unity and prosperity in his 42 years reign.

    “He lived for 81 years serving God and humanity before heeding the glorious home call and may his soul rest in peace,” Chibueze-Agbo said.

    Meanwhile, the Ebonyi SDP governorship candidate in 2019, described the death of his father as ‘shocking’ and a great loss, not only to the community but Ebonyi in general.

    He described the late monarch as an ‘enigma’ and a man with exceptional wisdom, leadership talent and great knowledge who led his people well.

    “We are celebrating the legacies he has left behind; our dad, the traditional ruler of Izhia community, lives on; he was an enigma, a colossus, who has gone to be with his creator.

    “We are not mourning like people without hope because our father lived for God and humanity.

    “Three years ago before his death, he called us and directed us on how to go about things to live peacefully; today, he has gone to join his ancestors,” Ndubuisi Chibueze-Agbo said.

    He thanked the people of Izhia for the support given to his father during his reign.

    Chief Emmanuel Aka, the traditional Prime Minister of Izhia, in a speech to announce the death of the leader, described the death of ‘Agaba Idu II’ as a great loss to the community and Ebonyi people.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a condolence register has been opened at the palace for sympathisers to register their condolences.n

  • APC missing in action as Ebonyi holds LG polls

    APC missing in action as Ebonyi holds LG polls

    The Ebonyi State Independent Electoral Commission (EBSIEC) on Saturday conducted local government poll to elect 13 chairmen and 171 councillors across the state.
    According to the Chairman of EBSIEC, Mr Jossy Eze, 13 registered political parties took part in the exercise.
    However, the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is the major opposition party in the state, boycotted the poll.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Mr Eze Nwachukwu, the state chairman of APC had earlier in the year hinted that APC would not participate in the poll.
    He contended that the process leading to the exeecise was not transparent nor credible, hence the party would not field candidates.
    NAN reports that the poll, which commenced around 9am, was marred by voter apathy in most parts of the state.
    Meanwhile, Gov. Dave Umahi, who spoke with newsmen after casting his vote around 2pm at his Onuofukwuru polling unit 013 in Umanaga, Uburu, described the election as peaceful and successful.
    Umahi commended the electoral commission for the credible and transparent conduct of the poll and expressed satisfaction with voters’ turnout.
    “We are happy with the peaceful conduct of the election and I want to commend the electorate for coming out to choose their next leaders at the grassroots.
    “We commend EBSIEC for conducting a peaceful, transparent and credible poll,” the governor said.
    Meanwhile, Eni Uduma-Chima, the chairmanship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in Afikpo South, has described the turnout of voters in the area as impressive.
    He said that the development was a demonstration of the people’s faith in the democratic process at the grassroots.
    Udumai-Chima, who voted around 1pm at Amaogbu Village Square polling unit 005, expressed optimism that PDP would sweep the poll because of the sterling performance of the Umahi-led administration.
    He commended the electorate in the area for coming out en mass to vote for candidates of their choice in the election.
    “I’m overwhelmed with the level of the turnout by our people for the election. It is a show of appreciation of the democracy dividend enjoyed by the people.
    “Our people came back from Lagos, Port Harcourt, Aba and other parts of the country to take part in the election.
    “It is due to the trust they have in their political leaders because leadership is trust,” the PDP candidate said.
    Udumai-Chima, who was seeking re-election, expressed confidence that he would win.
    He gave assurance that his second term would be devoted to the completion of ongoing projects started in his first term.
    NAN reports that the poll was earlier slated to hold in April but postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Herdsmen in Ebonyi to carry ID cards

    Herdsmen in Ebonyi to carry ID cards

    The Ebonyi Government on Tuesday directed that all the herders in the state should henceforth carry identity cards to help in identifying them in the event of any crime.

    The Deputy Governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe, announced the new directive while briefing newsmen on the outcome of a special security meeting convened by Gov. David Umahi at the Government House, Abakiliki.

    The meeting had the leadership and members of the state chapter of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) in attendance.

    Igwe said that the state government was worried over reported cases of killing of MACBAN members, attack on communities by persons suspected to be MACBAN members, destruction of farm crops and other valuables and incessant cases of rape in the state.

    “The leadership of the various Local Government Areas (LGAs) should immediately liaise with MACBAN leadership to provide identity cards for herders operating in their domains.

    “The various communities in the state are empowered to arrest any under-aged cattle rearers grazing around their communities and hand them over to the police for prosecution, .

    “The chief herder, who is the custodian of such under-aged person, must be prosecuted by the police in accordance with the law,” he said.
    The deputy governor said that herders should be held responsible for attacks on communities in the state and destruction of farm crops by their cattle.

    “Rape cases are not exempted from this as the perpetrators must be produced within seven days for arrest and prosecution.
    “Community leaders, LGA chairmen, Development Centre Coordinators, among others, should take responsibility and produce those who attack herders and their cattle for prosecution within seven days.

    “Herders should henceforth reside in communities where they rear their cattle and any one bearing arms on the roads in areas where infractions occur would also be prosecuted by the police,” Igwe said.

    He said that rearing of cattle within the state government house, centenary city, churches, mosques, schools, among others, had been prohibited and offenders to be prosecuted within seven days,

    He said that herders would, in the magnanimity of the state governor, receive COVID-19 palliatives and benefit from the government programmers on Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

  • Kidnappers force man to rape his sister, insert iron rod into her private part

    Kidnappers force man to rape his sister, insert iron rod into her private part

    The Ebonyi State Police Command says it has rescued the remaining victim and arrested another kidnap suspect in the state.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Loveth Odah, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Abakaliki.

    The command had on July 26 said it killed two kidnap suspects and arrested three others who engaged its operative in a gun battle in two separate kidnap cases.

    In one of the cases, three businessmen from Enugu State were kidnapped by village executives of Ezzagu community in Ishielu LGA of the state, where they came for business.

    Odah, however, said the remaining victim rescued was a female, adding that she was held hostage by the kidnappers.

    She said one of the male victims, an immediate younger brother to the female victim, was forced at gunpoint to have sex his sister.

    She noted that the suspects inflected injury on the female victim’s private part by inserting iron rod and sticks into her private part.

    Odah said: “We have rescued the remaining victim been held hostage in Ezzagu forest and arrested another suspect, making a total of four suspects arrested so far.

    “Those suspects raped her and also used iron rod and stick inside her private part.

    “The suspects took the law into their hands because they alleged that they were defrauded through a ponzi scheme.

    “The community is even condemning the act of their men for engaging in such evil practice and demanding ransom because of what they are accusing them of.”

    The police spokesperson assured that the case was being investigated to ensure justice.

    She said the state’s Commissioner of Police, Philip Maku, would ensure that justice prevailed in the case.

  • You can’t be sleeping, waking and expecting bank alerts, Umahi fumes, sacks over 1,000 aides

    You can’t be sleeping, waking and expecting bank alerts, Umahi fumes, sacks over 1,000 aides

    Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State on Monday announced the sack of more than 1,000 aides for non-performance.

    He said the dissolution would take effect from August 1, 2020.

    Umahi made the announcement in Abakaliki during a virtual swearing-in of some Special Assistants and Caretaker Chairmen of Local Governments, among others.

    He noted that governance of the state was no longer “business as usual”.

    The governor listed the affected categories of aides to include: Technical Assistants (TAs), Senior Technical Assistants (STAs) and Executive Assistants (EAs).

    ”We have over 1,000 of you, over 350 LGA liaison officers and several Development Centres management committee members, yet myself and my deputy threw ourselves ‘in the ring’ on the COVID-19 issue.

    ”I don’t know where else you will get a position, where you will just sleep and wait for bank alert,” he said.

    The governor noted that the affected aides who wished to re-apply for the positions must be endorsed by a State Government’s ministry or department.

    ”We will hold such ministry or department responsible on you and you must have and show us your farm, if you wish to re-apply.

    ”People who were never in these categories of aides should not apply because I will not expand such offices. But if we don’t fill all the positions, we will then call for nominations,” he said.

    Umahi, who used the occasion to sign the revised state 2020 budget, thanked God for the conclusion of its process, describing it as stringent, citizens- based and highly Information Communication Technology-compliant.

    ”The budget, which was reduced from N178 billion to N132 billion, was occasioned by the realities of the times as some sectors such as heath and education were reviewed upwards.

    ”I am categorically declaring that schools in the state will not re-open presently and we have commenced the process of using the communities to clear the primary and secondary schools surroundings.

    ”We shall send medical teams to inspect and do sample testing of teachers, while directing that the syllabus of primary and secondary schools be reviewed,” he said.

    Chief Francis Nwifuru, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, commended the executive arm of government for its support in ensuring the speedy, even though painstaking, review of the budget.

    He also commended members of the House for their patience and diligence during the review, noting that the House effectively engaged relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for an effective process.

    Mr Orlando Nweze, Commissioner for Finance, said that the budget would be effectively implemented in spite of the uncertainties of the times, noting that it followed laid-down World Bank stipulations.

  • BREAKING: Ebonyi State Governor tests positive for COVID-19

    BREAKING: Ebonyi State Governor tests positive for COVID-19

    Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

    The Governor confirmed this in a statement personally signed by him on Saturday.

    He and some of his close aides tested positive for the virus after carrying out the coronavirus test, the statement said.

    Umahi further disclosed that, presently, they are not showing any symptoms but have since isolated, in line with protocols laid down by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

    The Governor directed the Deputy Governor, Kelechi Igwe, to take over the frontline coordination of the state’s fight against the pandemic to protect Ebonyi people.

    Umahi also urged the people of Ebonyi state to take the NCDC protocols more seriously while stating that he’s working from home and will conduct all meetings virtually.

    According to the NCDC, Ebonyi has recorded at least 438 cases of the virus, as of Friday evening.

    Also, about 357 persons have been successfully treated and discharged while three have died.

  • Umahi shuts Ebonyi courts as state records first COVID-19 death

    Umahi shuts Ebonyi courts as state records first COVID-19 death

    Ebonyi Governor, David Umahi on Friday ordered the immediate shut down of all Courts in the state.

    He said they are to remain closed for the next 10 days to enable health workers fumigate the buildings and premises.

    The Governor gave the directive in a broadcast to residents.

    He also ordered all judicial staff in the state and their families to immediately proceed for COVID-19 testing.

    Umahi said the state has recorded its first Covid-19 death, which he described as regrettable and saddening.

    “It is unfortunate that we have recorded one death due to this Covid-19 and it makes me so sad.

    “I am directing that in line with the Covid-19 law all the courts in Ebonyi state be shutdown for the next 10 days. The Judiciary, State High Court, Industrial Court, Federal High Court, Magistrate court should all be shutdown”,

    “Also, I advise all the Judiciary officcers and their families to undergo Covid-19 tests. I have ordered that all the Judiciary buildings and premises should be immediately fumigated within the 10 days”.

    The Governor advised marketers and churches to take the Covid-19 safety protocols seriously for their own good.

    He regretted residents were not taking the pandemic serious and warned that any church or market found flouting the COVID-19 law will be shutdown.

    “We are not contemplating closing markets and churches but we advise them to please take this matter serious. If you are working ensure that you sanitise yourself every 10 minutes”.

    “This is very serious. We have a spike because we have a high testing. People may have the Covid-19 but won’t show any symptoms but will go about spreading it”.

    “Some people with the virus will argue that they are not showing any symptoms. Yes, your immune system is fighting it but the next person that may be weaker than you is at danger and our job is to protect everybody in Ebonyi”

  • Why Umahi is after me – Former Ebonyi Commissioner

    Why Umahi is after me – Former Ebonyi Commissioner

    Chief Abia Onyike, former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation in Ebonyi, has explained reason behind his present ordeal with Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi.

    Onyike in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abakaliki, explained that Umahi and his agents were after him due to his criticism against the governor’s style of administration.

    NAN recalls that Umahi in his live COVID-19 weekly radio broadcast to update the people, had directed the Director, State Security Service to ensure that Onyike was compelled to under go compulsory COVID-19 test.

    He was directed to isolate/quarantine Onyike for 14 days for allegedly breaching the COVID-19 protocol restricting order on inter-state travels.

    The statement was captioned, ‘Harassment, Intimidation and Isolation/Quarantne: Gov. Umahi’s Tactical Maneuvers To Silence Me From Criticising His Government’.

    The former commissioner who also was the General Manager of Ebonyi Publishing and Printing Press, alleged that Umahi had employed all subterranean tactics to muzzle him and stop him from constructive criticism of the administration.

    Onyike, a former National Deputy President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and first Chairman, NUJ Ebonyi Council, has however vowed to resist any form of harassment, intimidation or persecution in his quest to get the government do the right thing.

    The statement reads: “I want to seize this opportunity to draw the attention of the public to the incessant intimidation and harrassment which I have been subjected to by Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi and his agents.

    ” Umahi has vowed to employ all sinister measures to silence and prevent me from being critical of his anti-people administration.

    “On Tuesday, June 9, I was part of a three-man panel of discussants invited by 92.5 Dream FM Radio in Enugu.

    “The live radio programme was to analyse the issue of Leadership and Democracy in the South-East geopolitical zone, as part of the celebration of 21 years of uninterrupted democratic governance in Nigeria.

    “In the one-hour programme, I took time to dissect and analyse Gov. Umahi’s administration government in Ebonyi.

    ” I accused the government of being nepotic, as the governor had converted the state to a private family dynasty.

    “After the programme, I returned to Abakaliki and was confronted same day by Mr Austin Umahi, the governor’s younger brother who is the National Vice Chairman of PDP.

    ” He sent a message to my WhatsApp and threw caution to the winds by calling me names amidst other unprintable and derogatory comments, and sought to know why I criticised his brother’s government.

    “Then, Thursday, June 11, Umahi used his live broadcast to issue an order that the security agencies should compel me to be isolated and quarantined.

    “I wish to state categorically that the present step by Umahi is a calculated witch-hunt aimed at curtailing my fundamental human rights and freedom of speech.

    ” It was based on a letter issued by the Caretaker Committee Chairman

    of Afikpo South Local Government Area, my LGA of origin.

    ” But, this process is shrouded in mystery and contradictions; first and foremost, I am resident in Abakaliki and not Afikpo South LGA.

    ” I wish to state that I will not be comfortable with any test being conducted by Gov. Umahi’s agents in Ebonyi as the governor and his brother, Austin had threatened to kill me.

  • Couple arrested in Ebonyi lawmaker’s brother’s death

    Couple arrested in Ebonyi lawmaker’s brother’s death

    The lawmaker representing Ebonyi Northwest constituency in the state House of Assembly, Victor Aleke, on Tuesday said the alleged killers of his younger brother Sam Aleke have been arrested.

     

    Sam Aleke was found dead in the boot of his car along Nkwuagu Road near a millitary cantonment in Abakaliki about two weeks ago after he was declared missing by the wife.

     

    The lawmaker who spoke in Abakaliki, the state capital, said he employed the services of intelligence agencies to trace the killers.

     

    He said the suspects Mr. Nwibo and his wife conspired to kill his brother.

     

    Victor Aleke said that Nwibo alleged that he met the late brother naked with Mrs Nwibo in their house, though she denied being caught with the deceased naked.

     

    The suspects have been handed over to police, he said.

     

    He said, “Yes I caught the people that killed my brother. They are husband and wife and they have confessed to the crime. The man who helped them is still on the run but the main culprits are in the police custody.

     

    “The main culprit who hails from Mkpalugkwu in Izzi Local Government Area was my late brother’s classmate in ESUTH and even the wife came to my brother’s house the morning after they killed him to sympathise with his wife who is also her friend. Can you imagine that height of wickedness”.

     

     

     

    “According to the wife, in the morning when she was apprehended, she said her husband had earlier told her that he wanted to kill my late brother and she asked her husband what was my late brother’s offence. He got angry and beat her mercilessly and threatened to kill her if she disclosed his plan to anyone.

     

    “So he went and bought poison and gave her to add to a bottle of Coke they gave to my late brother. After drinking it he started complaining that his stomach was disturbing him. He collapsed and they took him to his car with some other unidentified persons and made sure he was dead.

     

    “She also confessed that she and my brother never had carnal knowledge of each other.”

     

    Police spokesman, Loveth Odah confirmed the arrest of some suspects but refused to mention their names.