TheNewsGuru

Tag: Ebonyi

  • Ebonyi: It will be unjust to hand over to my brother, says Umahi

    Ebonyi: It will be unjust to hand over to my brother, says Umahi

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has said that it will be unjust for him to hand over to his brother from the same Ebonyi South Senatorial District as his successor.

    Umahi said this on Friday at an APC campaign rally in Abakaliki Local Area (LGA) of the state.

    He was referring to the PDP Governorship Candidate, Dr. Chukwuma Odii, who also hails from Ebonyi South.

    The governor said that “equity and justice would be negated if such happens”.

    “It will be wrong, if after eight years, I hand over to my brother from the next door Local Government Area.

    “This will violate the peace, equity, justice, understanding of our founding fathers and everything that binds us,” Umahi said.

    He said it was time to reciprocate the gestures of the Ebonyi North Senatorial District, especially the Izzi clan, which massively supported him in 2015.

    “The Izzi people in the same spirit of equity, supported me in 2015 because it was the turn of the southern district to rule.

    “Power should return to the north where it all began and precisely, the Izzi clan.

    “The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Francis Nwifuru, should be supported,” he said.

    According to him, anyone fighting for what does not belong to him, is fighting God.

    He, therefore, urged the people to vote for all the APC candidates at all levels, saying that the party had performed well in the state.

    “Vote for Ahmed Tinubu for President because he took care of Igbos as Lagos governor and will take care of us as president.

    “I want to inform the opposition that they cannot negotiate 25 per cent of votes in Ebonyi because the state is totally for APC,” Umahi said.

    In a speech, the APC governorship candidate thanked the governor for ensuring that the charter of equity was respected.

    He said that the people would remain eternally grateful to him for supporting equity.

    “When some stakeholders of the state decided to oppose this arrangement, you decided to stand by it and bequeath peace on the land.

    “We came to show capacity of delivering and demonstrate that Ebonyi is totally for APC,” Nwifuru said.

    In an address of welcome, the Chairman of Abakaliki LGA, Mr Ebere Nwogba, pledged that his people would deliver APC at the polls.

    All the candidates from the area and some stakeholders took turn to affirm their commitment to secure victory for the party at the polls.

  • 2023: Umahi grants free use of facilities for PDP presidential rally

    2023: Umahi grants free use of facilities for PDP presidential rally

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has granted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) free use of the State Stadium for its Presidential Campaign rally.

    Newsmen reports that the PDP rally is slated to hold on Jan. 26 in Abakaliki.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Abakaliki on Saturday night by Mr Chooks Okoh, Governor’s media aide.

    “The PDP in a letter addressed to the Governor, titled: “Notice of Presidential Rally of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ebonyi State” dated 20th Jan. 2023, had requested the use of Pa Ngele Oruta Township stadium.

    It accepted to pay the prescribed fees in line with the operative Executive Order in the state.

    The governor, in his response, waived the fees and directed the Acting Chairman of the State Board of Internal Revenue not to collect any fee from the party.

    He also directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development to grant the party unhindered access to the facility.

    Umahi, however appealed to his party, the All Progressives Congress, to move its campaign scheduled to hold in the facility same day to another venue in order to make space for PDP.

    He also notified the State Commissioner of Police of the event, directing that as the Chief Security Officer of the State, adequate security should be provided to the party.

    The governor had earlier approved the facility for the Labour Party’s Presidential Rally which is yet to be held in the state.

  • Gunmen kill “Ebubeagu” commander, 2 others in Ebonyi

    Gunmen kill “Ebubeagu” commander, 2 others in Ebonyi

    Gunmen shot two persons dead in Mkpuma Akataka Community, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi on Friday.

    A native of the community, Mrs. Grace Nwite, told NAN on Saturday that hoodlums invaded the community and shot sporadically.

    “They came into the community and started shooting. I heard that the hoodlums came on a motorcycle,’’ Nwite said.

    The hoodlums also killed Mr. Charles Nwankwo, Commander of “Ebubeagu’’ (the Southeast security network) in Ogboji Ward, Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi in his house.

    Ebonyi Commander of “Ebubeagu’’, Mr. Friday Ujor, confirmed the killings.

    “I know about the incident but I have not gotten the full details of the killings,’’ he said.

    Police spokesman in Ebonyi, SP Chris Anyanwu, also confirmed the killing.

    “There were shootings, but there is no proof of political motivation as being peddled now.

    “I will get back to you after some clarification on that aspect,’’ Anyanwu told NAN

  • Two APC supporters die in car crash at rally

    Two APC supporters die in car crash at rally

    Two supporters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in Ebonyi State on Wednesday died on their way to the party’s kick-off rally that took place at Iboko community in Izzi LGA of the state.

    It was gathered that the supporters were involved in an auto-crash a few kilometres from the venue of the rally. The accident which claimed the lives of a man and a woman also recorded scores of injuries among the APC supporters who were in the vehicle heading to the rally.

    According to reports the bus involved belonged to Onicha South Mass Transit.

    An eyewitness, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to newsmen, said the accident occurred as a result of careless driving by the driver hired to carry the supporters to the rally.

    “One of the drivers was driving carelessly, and unfortunately collided with another car in an attempt to overtake, without minding his life and the passengers’ safety as well,” the first eyewitness explained.

    “The victims of the accident had been taken to the hospital, but two persons, a man and a woman died instantly. It was a painful experience today,” the source stated.

    When contacted for confirmation, the Ebonyi State Police Command spokesperson, Chris Anyanwu did not pick up calls to his phone at the time of filing this report.

  • Umahi denies supporting PDP guber candidate for 2023

    Umahi denies supporting PDP guber candidate for 2023

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi, has refuted claims that he is supporting the state governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Dr. IfeanyiChukwuma Odi for 2023 poll.

    This is contained in a statement in Abakaliki by Mr. Chooks Oko, his Special Assistant on Media.

    Oko said that the governor said this at his hometown Uburu, in Ohaozara Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, when he received members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

    Umahi, also Ebonyi South senate candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said the insinuations were far from the truth.

    “Those who are saying that Odii is a tool in our hand are very wrong. If they know the attack I face every day, they won’t say that.

    “If I were to support, I would prefer someone else, who came from a tiny constituency, not someone, who came from my own zone,” he added.

    Umahi admonished CAN, elders, founding fathers and all stakeholders to support zoning and power rotation, for sustainable peace in the state.

    “When we were contesting in 2015, the North and Central supported us; their leaders stood with us,” Umahi added.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odii, Ebonyi PDP governorship candidate for 2023 poll shared the same zone with Umahi.

    Rev. Father Abraham Nwali, chairman of CAN in southeast, said the visit was in the spirit of Christmas to felicitate the governor.

  • Police confirm killings of 3 persons, destruction of Ebonyi APC chairman’s residence

    Police confirm killings of 3 persons, destruction of Ebonyi APC chairman’s residence

    The Police Command in Ebonyi has confirmed the killing of three persons and burning of the residential building of Mr. Stanley Okoro-Emegha, the state APC Chairman.

    The three persons killed are: Kalu Egwu, youth leader, Eme Orji, a younger brother of the State APC Chairman and an Inspector of Police attached to the Special Protection Unit (SPU).

    SP Chris Anyanwu, Spokesman of the command told newsmen in Abakaliki on Tuesday, that the attack occurred on Monday evening at Ekoli Edda Community in Afikpo local Government Area of the state.

    Anyanwu noted that the Police Command was presently investigating the murder case and malicious damages to Government and infividuals property in the area.

    He explained that the incident resulted from apparent struggle for supremacy and who controlled the area politically among two notable political stalwarts in Ekoli-Edda, Afikpo South LGA of the State.

    “At about 1630hrs of Dec 26, a day is popularly known as “Boxing Day”, a distress call was received that sporadic shootings and killings were going on at Ekoli-Edda between Ebubeagu operatives who accompanied their boss, Mr Stanley Okoro-Emegha, the State’s APC Chairman.

    “The open shoot-out was not far-fetched from previous grudges existing among the political factions.

    “In the process, a youth leader identified as Kalu Egwu was fatally wounded, later rushed to a neighboring hospital at Ohafia, Abia State where he was confirmed dead.

    “Angered by his death, the youth of the area mobilized and went on rampage, killing Eme Orji, a younger brother of the State APC Chairman and an Inspector of Police attached to SPU.

    “The irate youth equally set ablaze the village house of Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha, his Toyota Hilux van and a Toyota SIENNA space bus belonging to the Police Command’s Tactical Teams.

    “When the Tactical Teams were despatched to Ekoli-Edda to take control of the situation, they were ambushed by the youth of the area at the village entrance. However, the operatives manouevred unhurt,” he stated.

    Anyanwu said that the bodies of the three deceased persons have been evacuated and deposited at different morgues in the state.

    “Two suspects were arrested among the irate youth while others are still at large.

  • Ebonyi gov, Umahi suspends aide indefinitely

    Ebonyi gov, Umahi suspends aide indefinitely

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has ordered the immediate suspension of his Special Assistant on Technical Affairs, Mr. Collins Eze, from office for acts of gross misconduct.

    This is contained in a statement issued to newsmen on Tuesday in Abakaliki by Dr. Kenneth Igwe, Secretary to the State Government/Coordinating Commissioner.

    According to the Statement, the suspension is indefinite.

    “As a direct consequence of this indefinite suspension, the Governor has, in exercise of his powers as enshrined in the State Honours Law, 2022, approved the cancellation and withdrawal of the honours award recently given to Eze by the state government.

    “Eze is directed to hand over all government property in his possession to the Secretary to the State Government and Coordinating Commissioner before the close of work on Wednesday, 28th December 2022,” the statement added.

  • Troops raid IPOB/ESN camps in Ebonyi, Enugu

    Troops raid IPOB/ESN camps in Ebonyi, Enugu

    Troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army have raided the camps of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in Ebonyi and Enugu State.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the raid was carried out in a joint operation with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police and Department of State Services in the conduct of Exercise Golden Dawn II.

    He said troops had on Monday, raided an IPOB/ESN camp located at Amagu village Nkalaha community, Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi and neutralised some of the criminals.

    He said that while others took to their heels in the fire fight, troops recovered some cache of arms ammunition as well as explosive devices.

    “Weapons recovered are 102 rounds of 7.62mm special, two Pump Action guns, five locally made rifles, 1 roll of Detonator 27, quantity 24 Detonators, 33 electrical cables, quantity 12 of type 36 Hand Grenades and 12 bags of substances suspected to be Marijuana.

    “Other items recovered include, three motorcycles, two generators, one water pumping machine, military woodland camouflage and police uniform,” he said.

    The army spokesman said the troops had in a another encounter at Agubeji community in Enugu state, apprehended one Mr Martins Abogwu, for conniving with IPOB/ESN elements to unleash attacks on innocent citizens.

    He said the suspect, who claimed to be Chief Security Officer of the community had been assisting in the preliminary investigations that followed.

    According to him, he has led troops to IPOB/ESN camp, where a shallow grave containing two decomposing bodies were uncovered.

    “One of the corpses has been identified as a member of the local vigilante, who was kidnapped about a month ago.

    “The Nigerian army reassures law abiding citizens of its unwavering resolve, in synergy with other services and security agencies to deny criminal elements the freedom of action and progressively rid the nation of identified threats to national security.

    “It will continue to execute its constitutional responsibilities in conformity with extant rules of engagement.

    “The Nigerian army also encourages members of the public to work harmoniously with the security agencies to collectively make the South East and the entire nation secured and peaceful,” he said.

  • Ebonyi: INEC seeks stakeholders’ collaboration over PVC collection

    Ebonyi: INEC seeks stakeholders’ collaboration over PVC collection

    INEC has called for effective collaboration with different stakeholders in Ebonyi to accelerate the collection of permanent voter cards (PVCs) by their owners ahead of the 2023 polls.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mrs Pauline Onyeka, made the call during an expanded stakeholders’ interactive meeting in Abakaliki on Tuesday.

    Onyeka said that the commission was poised to ensure that all registered voters in the state collected their cards within the stipulated time.

    She said that the interaction was meant to enable the commission to update the people on the PVC collection.
    She further said that the commission intended to use the meeting to seek the stakeholders’ support and cooperation to ensure a seamless exercise in the state.

    “This is in line with the commission’s policy of carrying the stakeholders along in its activities as this is a collective venture and shared responsibility.

    “I am particularly happy that despite your tight schedules in this festive period, you were able to spare some time to honour our invitation.

    “It is on record that my predecessor had held meetings with the leadership of the political parties, traditional rulers, media and members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES).

    “At those meetings, the commission updated the stakeholders with the commission’s timetable.
    “I have equally had a meeting with the members of ICCES during which I expressed concern about the burning down of INEC offices in the state, in particular and South-East as a whole by hoodlums.

    “I had requested that security be beefed up in all the offices and the centres for the collection of PVCs.
    “Security agencies have assured us of adequate protection of INEC offices and staff members,” Onyeka said.

    The REC said that the exercise, which started on Dec. 12 in all INEC Local Government Area (LGA) offices, will last until Jan. 5, 2023.

    “Thereafter, the collection will be moved to the Registration Areas from Jan. 6 to Jan. 15 and then revert to the LGA offices, where it will last until Jan. 22.”

    “The exercise will commence at 9.00 am each day, including Saturdays and Sundays in all the 171 wards, and end at 3:00 pm.

    Onyeka appealed to the chairmen of the 13 LGAs to ensure adequate security for the INEC staff members and commission’s offices in their various councils.

    She said that the PVCs being distributed were for those who did fresh registration, transferred, made corrections or applied for replacement of defaced, lost or damaged ones.

    She further said that the leftover PVCs from the previous voter registration would also be distributed.
    “There will be no voting in the 2023 elections without the PVCs, and no collection of PVCs by proxy.

    “This is why we have invited you to this meeting for us to exchange ideas on how to encourage those who are yet to collect their PVCs to use this window period to obtain theirs.

    “As leaders closer to the people at the grassroots, we implore you to sensitise and enlighten your subjects and members on the need for them to collect their PVCs and safeguard them tenaciously,” the REC said.
    Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Ebonyi, Mr Aliyu Garba, has promised adequate security before, during and after the election.

    He urged the public to report any security breaches within their localities.
    Garba, represented by a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Mr Dennis Anyia, implored the stakeholders to assist the

    police in securing INEC facilities domiciled in their areas.

    Contributing, Eze Charles Mkpuma, a member of the state Council of Traditional Rulers, pledged the support and cooperation of the royal fathers in mobilising the people to collect their PVCs.

    He, however, called for adequate security to ensure the protection of people’s lives and property during the exercise and election period.

    The meeting was attended by traditional rulers, security chiefs, leaders of political parties, community leaders and persons living with disabilities, amongst others.

  • Arson: Ebonyi govt to fortify security at INEC offices

    Arson: Ebonyi govt to fortify security at INEC offices

    The Ebonyi government says it will fortify security at all Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices, among other facilities, across the state.

    Chief Stanley Emegha, Security Consultant to the Government, made the disclosure on Tuesday while speaking on efforts to forestall the recent arson on the INEC office in Izzi Local Government Area.

    Emegha described the incident as unfortunate and thanked God that no life was lost in the incident.

    “The problem is that when we deploy the Ebubeagu security outfit to such facilities, some people would start insinuating that they want to hijack electoral materials.

    “We would, however, not succumb to such cheap blackmail but ensure that such facilities are adequately protected across the state.

    “We would, in collaboration with other security agencies in the state, deploy joint security outfits at all INEC offices among other public facilities across the state,” he said.

    He noted that the arsonists thought that Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and other sensitive materials were at the affected INEC office but fortunately, they were not.

    “Those causing these problems do not want elections to hold in Ebonyi as in other states but their plans have failed.

    “Elections would hold in Ebonyi as scheduled and the people would protect their votes.
    “Anyone who destroys public facilities again in the state will meet his waterloo as the government would act decisively,” he said.

    Emegha, who is also the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, said that the party is sure of winning and so would not engage in any detrimental act.

    “Contrary to insinuations by some disgruntled politicians, APC is rooted in Ebonyi and sure of the electoral victory at all levels of the elections.

    “We are always educating our party members and supporters across the state to be civil in their utterances and actions.

    “We should not be like the opposition who cast aspersions on prominent stakeholders of the state in the name of politicking.

    “They, for instance, describe major stakeholders who defected to our party as dead woods but when such persons were in the opposition, they were not dead woods,” he said.