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Tag: Ebonyi

  • 2023: Dave Umahi, wife head Ebonyi APC campaign councils

    2023: Dave Umahi, wife head Ebonyi APC campaign councils

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi and his wife, Rachael, will head the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2023 general elections campaign councils for both men and women’s wings in the state.

    Umahi. while inaugurating both wings of the council on Saturday night in Abakaliki, said that he would head the men’s wing while his wife would head the women’s wing.

    The governor announced that his immediate younger brother, Austin Umahi, would be the Director-General of the men’s wing while the state Deputy Governor, Dr Kelechi Igwe, is the First Vice Chairman of the men’s wing.

    “The wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Ethel Igwe is the First Vice-Chairman of the women’s wing while Mrs Queendaline Nwigwe is the Second Vice-Chairman.

    `The wife of the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Mrs Uzoamaka Nwifuru, is the third vice chairman while the party’s gubernatorial running mate, Mrs Patricia Obila, is the fourth vice-chairman.

    “The party’s candidates at all levels of the elections are members of the council in various categories, among other party stakeholders.

    He commended the party faithful for the massive solidarity given to the party’s presidential flag bearer, Asiwaju BolaTinubu, during his recent campaign in the state.

    “It is incontrovertible that women surpassed expectations and exceeded the men in mobilisation during the rally.

    “I hereby make a case for enhanced slots for the women in the state’s governance and urge the incoming governor to ensure such.

    “When we tried giving women 40 per cent of the affirmative action, the men protested but next time we will give women 60 per cent and the men 40 per cent,” he said.

    Umahi made a personal donation of N30 million to the campaign councils, noting that it was neither government money, nor party fund.

    Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha, the state party chairman, thanked the governor for inaugurating the councils, noting that it was time for action.

    “You showed capacity during the recent presidential campaign in the state and proved to the party’ national leadership that you are also a professor of politics, as well as infrastructure.

    “It is time for members to mobilise and canvass for votes in all localities across the state to prove that Ebonyi is entirely APC,” he said.

    Party stalwarts, including national assembly members, expressed their readiness to ensure total victory for the party in the elections.

  • Gunmen kill 2 “Ebubeagu” personnel in Ebonyi

    Gunmen kill 2 “Ebubeagu” personnel in Ebonyi

    Gunmen shot and killed two members of “Ebubeagu’’ Security Outfit in Ebonyi on Friday.

    Ebubeagu is the regional security organisation put together by governors of the Southeast geopolitical zone to contain insecurity.

    Police spokesman in Ebonyi, SP Chris Anyanwu, confirmed the killing on Saturday at Abakaliki.

    “Investigation is on-going into the matter and no arrest has been made,’’ he stated.

    Mr Monday Opara, a resident, told newsmen that the incident happened around 7 p.m. on Friday at Ebebe Junction in Ebonyi Local Government Area.

    “There were other victims, but before they could get to the hospital, two of them died while others with bullet injuries are still receiving treatment,’’ Opara said.

  • APC not exempted from ban on use of Ebonyi schools for campaigns – Commissioner

    APC not exempted from ban on use of Ebonyi schools for campaigns – Commissioner

    Ebonyi says the Oct. 31 order by Gov. David Umahi banning political rallies from holding in public schools in the state, does not preclude the ruling All Progressives Congress.

    The ban took effect on Nov.1

    The order elicited diverse reactions from the public with some political stakeholders wondering if the APC would be affected by its provisions.

    Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Uchenna Orji dismissed such apprehensions on Saturday at Abakaliki when he spoke with newsmen.

    He said all political parties were bound by the provisions of the order designed to protect pupils, students and staff that use the schools.

    “The apprehensions should be allayed because even in civilised societies, there are conditions attached to political parties holding rallies in public facilities.

    “We should correct the earlier insinuations that the order banned political parties from ever holding rallies in these facilities.

    “All political parties, including the ruling APC must secure approval from relevant authorities to use the schools and other public facilities,’’ he said.

    The commissioner noted that securing the lives and property of the people was paramount to the government and that should override all personal interests.

    “Holding political rallies in schools ordinarily puts the security of pupils and students at risk because they are vulnerable.

    “Since parents are not with the pupils and students while in school, anything can happen.

    “We have security reports that gunmen may attack schools during campaigns, so the order was a proactive step to forestall such incidents,’’ he said.

    Orji reiterated that the N5 million required of political parties to campaign in schools premises was refundable as the overall interest was to protect the people.

    “People also pay to use the stadium for various activities, so the provisions of the order are not new.

    “The media should assist government in propagating the ideals of the order as insecurity is a menace affecting everyone,’’ the commissioner stressed.

  • Police raid suspected IPOB/ESN Camps, arrest 2 members in Ebonyi

    Police raid suspected IPOB/ESN Camps, arrest 2 members in Ebonyi

    The Tactical Team of the Police Command in Ebonyi has raided three camps of the outlawed IPOB/ESN operatives and arrested two suspected members of the gang.

    SP Chris Anyanwu, Spokesperson of the command, said at a news conference in Abakaliki on Sunday that the camps were located in a thick forest close to Opeke River, in Omege village, Agba Community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

    Anyanwu said the team also recovered assorted arms and ammunition, military uniforms and many incriminating exhibits.

    “The operation was spearheaded by the Command’s Tactical teams, assisted by the military and DSS in the state.

    “It was prompted by quantum pieces of reliable evidence, professionally elicited from interrogation of Nnamdi Ngwuta, aka State Commander, number three and another operative of the outlawed group, Felix Ogudu, who were earlier arrested.

    “While accessing the Camps, the combined teams were ambushed by the criminal elements with rains of sporadic shooting in their direction.

    “Without hesitation, the allied team swiftly responded and engaged them in same manner and of course their superior fire power subdued the miscreants.

    “They chanted morale-boasting war songs, dived into the Opeke River and swarm to different directions as they scampered for safety.

    “However, a good number of them were neutralised while many escaped with bullet injuries.

    “After dislodging the criminal elements and taking over the ground, the camp, which they christened “IGBO BU IGBO TRAINING SCHOOL CAMP”, was ransacked and destroyed.

    “Equally, a wooden bridge under construction, intended to aid the miscreants in their coming and going, was dismantled,” he added.

    The Spokesperson listed the recovered exhibits to include 11 bullet-proof jackets and  eight sets of military camouflage uniforms.

    “Two camp-gas cookers, 110 rounds of FNC live ammunition, 40 rounds of GPMG live ammunition, two PRO electronics scanners (EOD equipment), five empty canons and five single-barrel guns were also recovered among others.

    The Police Command, therefore, implored the citizens of Ebonyi State to assist the command as always, with credible and reliable information that Would help to arrest the hoodlums.

    He said that giving the imformation would help to rid the State of heinous crimes, especially during the fast approaching Christmas/New Year celebrations as well as the electioneering period.

  • 2023: Ebonyi Council boss restates commitment to peaceful electioneering campaigns

    2023: Ebonyi Council boss restates commitment to peaceful electioneering campaigns

    Mr Stephen Emenike, the chairman of Izzi Local Government Area in Ebonyi has stated the commitment of his administration to the maintenance of peace and security as political parties embark on their electioneering campaigns in the area.

    Emenike stated this at a news conference in Abakaliki, assuring that all the political parties and their candidates contesting for the various elective positions in the 2023 general elections would be provided with the enabling environment to campaign in the area.

    He noted that his administration would do everything within the ambit of the law to secure the lives and property of its people before, during and after the elections and urged political parties to play by the rules.

    Emenike spoke on the alleged attack on the convoy of Prof. Benard Odoh, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), who was on a campaign rally to the area as spurious and unfounded.

    He said: “As a government, we are committed to promoting peaceful coexistence and we want to provide the freest platform for everyone to operate within the context of their political parties.

    “Why should we get angry at a party like APGA for coming to my local government for a campaign?

    “We are poised to promote peaceful coexistence; we are poised to promote tranquillity and we are poised to promote violence-free election in 2023.”

    He noted that the Izzi people of the state were known to be peace-loving and hospitable and would not be involved in any political violence or engaged in any activity that would engender crisis in the state.

    The chairman noted that the alleged attack on Odoh, who is from the Ezza extraction of the state, was aimed at instigating inter-communal conflict between the Ezza and Izzi people.

  • Alleged missing diesel: Ebonyi Govt suspends Perm Sec, Governor’s aide

    Alleged missing diesel: Ebonyi Govt suspends Perm Sec, Governor’s aide

    The Ebonyi Government on Wednesday suspended the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Power and Energy, Mr Godwin Nwankwo over alleged persistent theft of diesel meant for streetlights.

    The state Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr Uchenna Orji made this known while briefing newsmen at the end of the state Executive Council (EXCO) meeting.

    Orji said that the Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Utilities, Mr Emmanuel Nwangbo was also suspended over the issue.

    “The council approved the suspension of both officials who were directly responsible for the streetlight supervision under the ministry.

    “The council also received report of the persistent diesel theft and noted the disturbing volumes of the product lost to persons involved in the business of streetlights.

    “Member therefore resolved that those involved in the streetlight supervision be investigated by the Department of State Security (DSS) to unmask the perpetrators.

    “The state of Head of Service was directed to thoroughly investigate the ministry’s staff involved in the theft and take appropriate actions as required by the civil service rules,” he said.

    The commissioner further disclosed that the council approved N2.5billion as contained in the memo presented by the SSG for the procurement of Christmas items by the government.

    “These include 5kg and 25kg bags of rice among other items to be distributed to different groups, stakeholders and organisations for the celebration.

    “The council also commended Gov. David Umahi for providing the packages to the groups since assuming office in 2015,” he said.

    Earlier, Gov. Umahi swore in new special assistants, coordinators of local government areas development centres among others.

    The governor on Oct.16, suspended the Traditional Ruler of Isinkwo community of Onicha LGA, HRH Josephat Ikengwu for failing to stop the killings in his area.

    The governor also on Oct.19, suspended the Coordinator of Edda North Development Centre of Afikpo South LGA, Mr Enyim Okoro over ‘ineffective discharge of his duties’.

  • Gov. Umahi suspends traditional ruler indefinitely

    Gov. Umahi suspends traditional ruler indefinitely

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has suspended the traditional ruler of Isinkwo community in Onicha Local Government Area, Mr Josephat Ikengwu over on-going killings in his domain.

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kenneth Ugbala, stated on Sunday at Abakaliki that the suspension of the traditional ruler was with immediate effect.

    Ugbala noted that Ikengwu had failed in his responsibility to stop the killings in the community.

    “Consequently, he is to return all government property in his possession, including his official vehicle, to the SSG on or before close of work on Monday, Oct. 17, 2022,’’ Ugbala stated.

  • APGA candidate urge politicians to pursue policies to promote investments, security

    APGA candidate urge politicians to pursue policies to promote investments, security

    Prof. Benard Odoh, Governorship Candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Ebonyi has urged politicians to focus on policies that could bring investments and security of life and property for the people.

    Odoh told newsmen in Abakaliki on Thursday, that his administration would be committed to social justice in tackling insecurity, if elected as governor in the 2023 polls.

    He decried the spate of insecurity across communities in Ebonyi and the country at large, urging politicians to always treat communal issues with social justice.

    “In Ebonyi, what has happened is a situation where vested political interests have been pursued at the expense of the common man.

    “One thing that I’m committed to do is dispensing of social justice. Once we dispense social justice, there will be relative peace and insecurity will reduce significantly.

    “If you visit many of these communities where we are having crisis, you’ll discover that over 80 per cent of the causes of insecurity are all linked to political involvement.

    “Political leadership should pursue agenda and policies that can bring investments into the state and the country.

    “As a governor from next year, my focus will not be on petty communal leadership tussle. As I speak to you now, many communities who have elected town union did that at the instructions of the government, not on the basis of who the community prefers as a leader.

    “You see, the society that is created in that way must have tensions; the Ezza-Effium crisis started from the motor park leadership.

    “Once these things are curtailed, we’ll not have situations where weekly or monthly you have tensions in our communities and clashes,” the candidate stated.

    Odoh noted that his administration would work day and night to create conducive economic environment in the communities in the state.

    “No investor will come to destinations where there are tension or insecurity because business owners come to make profit and not to cause trouble.

    “When I come as governor, surveillance is going to be the key in every part of the state.

    “We are going to have a surveillance team, even in the capital city; we are going to have an organised, officially supported security system,” he said.

  • Police vow to track down killers of Chinese in Ebonyi

    Police vow to track down killers of Chinese in Ebonyi

    Police in Ebonyi vowed on Monday that they would track down gunmen who attacked a mining site close to the state’s border with Benue on Saturday.

    The assailants shot sporadically at workers in the process of which a Chinese and a policeman sustained gunshot injuries. The Chinese later died in hospital.

    The mining site is located at Otam Nwogba village in Izzi local government area of Ebonyi.

    Police spokesman, SP Chris Anyanwu, stated on Monday at Abakaliki that the gunmen besieged the area and shot sporadically at the security men on duty at the company.

    “One of the policemen on duty sustained serious bullet injuries and is still receiving treatment,’’ he stated.

    Anyanwu urged members of the public to join hands in fishing out the miscreants by giving prompt and reliable information concerning their identities and or location to the police.

  • We’re against violent agitation in Nigeria – Ohanaeze

    We’re against violent agitation in Nigeria – Ohanaeze

    Ohanaeze Ndigbo, an apex Igbo social-cultural organisation, says the body is against violent agitation in any form because the group believes in the continued corporate existence of the country.

    The group stated this at a news conference on Monday in Abakaliki as part of activities marking the 62 anniversary of Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule and the 26 anniversary of the creation of Ebonyi State in Nigeria.

    The body which spoke through Dr Peter Mbam, President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Ebonyi chapter, however, noted that the body was against all forms of marginalisation, including social injustice and misgovernance.

    He said that Ohanaeze as a social-cultural body representing the interest of the Igbo race both within and in the Diaspora, had the responsibility to protect the Igbo citizens in every part of the world.

    He said: “As the name implies, Ohanaeze Ndigbo is responsible for the protection of Ndigbo Worldwide. There’s no part of the world where you will not find an Igbo man or Igbo people.

    “In Nigeria, Ohanaeze supports all agitations that support the interest of Ndigbo and any other marginalised group.

    “We work with governments at all levels; the federal, state and local governments to ensure that the citizens get what they expect from the leadership of the country.

    “We want to make sure that their religious, economic and political interests are secured.

    “We are advocates for lawful approach in solving critical national problems; we believe in diplomacy and round table approach and do not support Ndigbo to leave Nigeria.

    “We still want to be in Nigeria. We want a restructured Nigeria where social justice, fairness, equity and equality will reign supreme and we want a Nigeria where we will be treated not as second-class citizens.”

    The group reiterated its support and solidarity with Gov. Dave Umahi’s administration because of the many life-changing and human-oriented projects the administration initiated and completed.

    “We have taken time to appraise what our governor is doing in this state, having gone round the three zones of the state. We did that again last week as part of activities to mark the creation of 26 years of Ebonyi.

    “We inspected nine gigantic projects and concluded that Umahi has performed beyond imagination and expectations.

    “We were not anticipating what we are seeing now; we will provide enabling environment for his administration to succeed and do more.

    “We look at the governor’s security architecture and discovered that Ebonyi is the only state where you can sleep with your eyes closed.

    “We are appreciative of the governor’s empathy and sympathy for the less privileged and the strive to make life meaningful through the series of economic empowerment he gave to the youths,” the group said.

    On the 2023 general elections, the group expressed the need for all the political actors to ensure that the elections would be peaceful to deliver the desired outcome.

    “We want the election of next year to be the most peaceful. We will go down to the grassroots to deliver our message; you don’t equip the young men to go against your political opponents, we want them to see themselves as contestants, that’s what we are talking about,” Mbam added.

    The group said that maintaining the power rotation in the state would serve the best interest of all the three geopolitical zones constituting the state and also affirmed their unalloyed support for Umahi that power should move to Ebonyi North senatorial zone.

    “We, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo family in Ebonyi are united. We share the same philosophy and ideology. We believe in the Senatorial zones. We are supporting our governor that power should shift to the Ebonyi North.

    ”It started with the Ebonyi North in 1999, moved to Ebonyi Central in 2007 and 2015 it got to Ebonyi South, it’s in line with nature with the law of equity that it should go back to the North in 2023,” they said.