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Tag: David Umahi

  • Umahi sends first batch of Commissioner-nominees to Assembly

    Ebonyi Governor David Umahi on Tuesday sent a list of his Commissioner-nominees to the state House of Assembly.

    The 16 -man list, it was learnt, is the first batch of his commissioner-nominees.

    Umahi, in keeping to his earlier vow to ensure that only reputable persons are appointed into his cabinet also sent the list to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)for vetting.

    Umahi made this known through a memo forwarded to Ebonyi state House of Assembly which was cited by Our Reporter.

    The nominees are expected to appear before the State House of Assembly for screening and possible confirmation.

    Read Also: Umahi appoints 22 new aides

    Majority of the nominees are Commissioners who served in the governor’s first term.

    They include; Samuel Okoronkwo , Orji Uchenna Orji; Emmanuel I. Nwobo, Mrs. Elizabeth Ogbaga, Dr. Sunday Zijl Nwangele, Moses Ogodoali Nome.

    Others are Dr. Daniel Akuma Umezurike, Fidelis Kings Nweze, Rebecca Nwamaka Ogbuewu, Emmanuel Uguru and Charles Akpuenika.

    Stanley Okoro Emegha who was the immediate Special Assistant on Abakaliki Capital Territory also makes the list

    New entrants on the list are: Deborah Chinwe Okah, Prof. Ogbonnaya Chukwu, Oluchukwu Ukie Ezeali and Ogbonnaya Obasi Abara.

    The nominees according to an announcement on the state owned Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC) are required to submit their Curriculum Vitae, photocopies of their relevant credentials and tax clearance certificates with evidence of payments of their property taxes, in 30 file copies, to the office of the Clerk of the House not later than Monday 22nd July, 2019.

    They will be screened in batches on  23rd, 30th July and 13th August. Ends

  • Join campaign against corruption, insecurity, Umahi tells corps members

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi yesterday urged this year’s Batch “B” Stream I National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members posted to the state to be in the vanguard of government’s war against corruption and insecurity.

    Umahi spoke during the closing ceremony of the three-week orientation course for the corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp on old Macgregor College in Afikpo North Local Government Area.

    The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kenneth Ugbala, advised them to be agents of change to take the country to the Next Level of development.

    He also advised them to strive to uphold the ideal for which the scheme was set up which include national integration and unity of the country.

    Read also: Umahi advises members on nation-building, unity

    Umahi said: “During the oath of allegiance which you took on this ground barely three weeks ago, you made a promise to do everything in your means to move this great nation to the Next Level. I, therefore, charge you to live up to this promise by making integrity, discipline, commitment, honesty, loyalty your guiding principles.

    “The country is in dire need of youths who are purposeful, visionary, peaceful and focused. Be the agents of the much-needed change which our nation desires.

    “I, therefore, charge you to be in the vanguard of war against corruption and insecurity to save us from the shame these evils have caused us in the comity of nations.”

    The governor also urged the corps members to join hands with his administration to improve the standard of education in the state.

  • Ruga: Our deal with herdsmen, by South East Govs

    As reactions continue to trail the federal government’s proposal for establishment of Ruga settlements in some states, the South East Governors Forum has disclosed its proposed deal with the members of the Miyetti Allah as panecea to achieving lasting peace among farmers and herdsmen.

    Chairman of the South East Governors Forum and Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi, said though there is no plan for any Ruga settlement in any part of South East and South South, the zones can make a very good business with sale of grasses to the herdsmen in exchange for meat.

    Umahi, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, said there will be no part of the South East that will be given out for establishment of Ruga.

    He noted the zone is purely agrarian with limited landmass for farming and therefore cannot accommodate Ruga.

    Umahi, according to the statement, said the zone actually proposed a deal with MACBAN to take their cattle to the Northern parts where grazing reserve was established long time ago and rely completely on the grasses grown in the South for feeding of their cattle.

    Umahi, who was chairman Technical Committee on Farmers and Herdsmen clash carved from the federal Economic Council under the chairmanship of the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo made a recommendation for revamping of the already existing grazing reserve in various parts of the North to enable farmers have unhindered access to their farmlands while herdsmen rely solely on proceeds from the farmers.

    Explaining how the deal will work, the governor said: “The way it works is that the herdsmen will bring down their cows to the South East and sell us as meat while they will load the grasses which are grown here in the same trailer with which they transported their cows to feed their cattle in those grazing reserve which should be made comfortable for them.“

    The statement also quoted Umahi as saying that with this proposed deal, herdsmen are expected to embrace anti- open grazing by returning to the ranches in the north and do their business on the trade- by- barter basis of selling cows to the south and buying grass to feed their cows in the north.

  • Umahi advises members on nation-building, unity

    The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members deployed in Ebonyi State for the Batch “B” Stream I on Friday got a word of advice from Governor David Umahi to enable them reap maximum benefits from their service year.

    The governor advised them to uphold the unity and indivisibility of the country.

    Umahi spoke at the swearing-in ceremony of the corps members at the state’s permanent orientation camp on Old McGregor College in Afikpo North Local Government Area.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Kenneth Ugbala, the governor said the NYSC scheme was established 46 years ago to foster national unity and integration.

    He noted that the scheme is a unifying programme to bring together young Nigerians of varying cultural and socio-ethnic backgrounds to promote the integrity of the nation as one united, indivisible entity.

    Read Also: Breaking: Umahi sworn in for second term

    “Over the years, these objectives have been vigorously and successfully implemented. Corps members have contributed immensely to the development of our country.

    “Besides promoting national unity and integration, the NYSC scheme has also become a table tool for the implementation of critical national programmes,” Umahi said.

    The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Ann Ngozika Ibe, urged the corps members to promote the unity of the country during and after the service year.

    She said: “I charge you to, therefore, promote the spirit of brotherliness, love, unity and integration in carrying out activities on camp. I equally encourage you to engage in meaningful and healthy acts of relationship, build friendships that will help us build bridges that will promote indivisibility and indissolubility of our dear nation Nigeria.”

    The corps members were sworn in by Justice Anselem Nwigwe.

     

  • May 29: Ebonyi sets up 16-man transition committee

    The Ebonyi State Government on Wednesday set up a 16-man transition committee to ensure a smooth ceremony for Gov. David Umahi’s second term in office.

    Sen. Emmanuel Onwe, Commissioner for Information and Orientation disclosed this to newsmen after the State Executive Meeting on Wednesday in Abakaliki.

    According to Onwe, the committee is headed by Chief Austin Umahi, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Vice Chairman for the South East Zone, who is also the governor’s elder brother.

    Read Also: Eight killed in resumed Ebonyi boundary crisis

    “Dr Hyginus Nwokwu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) will serve as  co-chairman, while the state’s PDP Chairman, Mr Onyekachi Nwebonyi and the Commissioner for Information will co-serve as Secretaries,” he said.

    The commissioner said that the committee also included the governor’s principal secretary, commissioners, special assistants, among other top government officials.

    “The Speaker of the State House of Assembly and the State Chief Judge will also have a nominee each,” he said.

    NAN

  • Breaking: Umahi suspends two LG chairmen over communal clashes

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi on Tuesday suspended the Chairmen of Ikwo and Abakaliki Local Government Areas over the resurgence of communal crisis in the areas last week.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the affected chairmen included: Mr Emmanuel Nwangele of Abakaliki and Chief John Nnabo of Ikwo LGA.

    Dr Hyginus Nwokwu, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), told newsmen after the governor’s meeting with stakeholders of both councils, that the suspension was with immediate effect.

    “The governor is not happy that both chairmen did not demonstrate capacity to ensure security in both councils which they are constitutionally bound to protect.

    “The governor also suspended all political office holders from communities in both councils—Enyibichiri, Noyo Echilaike from Ikwo and Edda, Enyigba communities from Abakaliki LGA.

    Read also: Eight killed in resumed Ebonyi boundary crisis

    “The suspension will lapse only when lasting peace returns to the areas as the suspended chairmen are directed to handover to their vice chairmen,” he said.

    Nwokwu added that civil servants from both councils who directly or indirectly financed the perpetrators of the clashes were also suspended.

    “This will ensure that they are financially incapacitated to sponsor such aggressions as the sanctity of live supersedes all political considerations,” he said.

    He disclosed that the governor also directed stakeholders from Abakaliki LGA to unearth the hoodlums who killed and set fire on a bus conveying Ikwo indigenes along the Alex Ekwueme Federal Univeristy, Ndufu Alike Ikwo (FUNAI) road, within one week.

    “These people were unfortunately burnt beyond recognition and they involved six members of the same family including a three-month old baby.

    “The government will be forced to hunt the perpetrators if the stakeholders fail to produce them within such period and the situation will not be palatable to anybody.

    “The government hereby assures the citizens especially indigenes of the affected communities, students and staff of FUNAI,  that security agencies have been mandated to provide adequate security in the areas,” the SSG said.

    In his comments, Dr Kenneth Ugbala, the Commissioner for Border, Peace and Internal Security disclosed that 33 political appointees were suspended in Ikwo LGA and 18 in Abakaliki LGA.

    “The governor suspended the chairmen because they failed in their constitutional duty of protecting the people, so the issue of whether he has the constitutional right to do so does not arise.

    “The councillors who are also elected were also suspended and we should realise that only the living can talk,” he said.

    Umahi in his earlier remark before the meeting, threatened to suspend the chairmen of Ohaukwu LGA of the state for failing to ensure the people’s security in the wake of its land dispute with the people of Agila in Benue.

    He also bemoaned the spate of attacks which led to several deaths within a fortnight at Ikwo, Abakaliki, Amasiri community of Afikpo North LGA and Onicha Igboeze in Onicha LGA of Ebonyi. (NAN)

  • Umahi, Saraki greet Wike on re-election

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has congratulated Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike on his re-election.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, described Wike’s as winner of the March 9 election as victory for democracy and a pointer to a better democratic norm.

    Umahi extolled Wike’s dogged spirit in fighting for his rights, and recovering the people’s mandate.

    He praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for standing firm and doing the right thing, saying that there is still hope that Nigeria will get it better in terms of conducting credible elections.

    The governor called on political actors in the state to unite to move the state forward, adding that Nigerians should eschew politics of bitterness and see politics as a vehicle to render service to mankind.

    The Senate president, Bukola Saraki, has congratulated Wike on his victory.

    In a statement by his media aide, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said: “Wike’s victory, despite the desperate antics of some opposition forces, is a testament to his determination to develop Rivers State for his people.

    Read also: Rivers election: INEC declares Wike winner

    “Congratulations, Governor Nyesom Wike, on your decisive victory in the Rivers State governorship election. As you prepare to begin your next term, I wish you and the great people of Rivers State great success and many more achievements in the years to come.

    “As a committed and resilient leader who has constantly demonstrated your commitment to the development of your state, in particular, and Nigeria as a whole, the new decisive mandate that your people have entrusted in you is not surprising to anyone.

    “As you prepare to embark on the new mandate that the people have entrusted in you and our great party, PDP, I wish you the utmost grace and wisdom of the Almighty for the task ahead.”

  • Umahi faults FG’s plans to increase VAT

    Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi has faulted the Federal Government plan to increase the Value Added Tax (VAT) from 5 per cent to 35 per cent.

    Umahi, who made the declaration on Wednesday while addressing staff of his office celebrating his re-election for a second term, described the FG’s plan as ‘digging a hole to fill a hole’.

    Umahi noted that implementing the VAT increment to pay workers the new N30, 000 minimum wage would make things more difficult for the people.

    “I call on the organised labour to dialogue with the government on such plans as people will make 30 per cent payment more on goods than what it used to be.

    “We have not come to a point of realization or honesty on how to solve our problems and this is important.

    “The Federal Government is borrowing money while states have been banned from borrowing.

    “When VAT is increased from 5 per cent to 35 per cent, it means that anyone who wants to buy something will pay 30 per cent more than what he used to buy,” he said.

    The governor noted that there was no fraud perpetuated in the civil service that was not to the consent of civil servants.

    “We can plug the stealing or cut the cost of projects to have enough to cater for civil and non-civil servants.

    “No governor or president will perform magic and if they give us N2 billion and the wage bill is N2 billion, you pay only wage bill and go to sleep.

    READ ALSO: Don’t abandon farms for politics, Umahi advises

    “No amount of money paid to civil servants can be enough as it is only the one they make themselves that will assist them.

    “When someone on grade level 10 is paid N50, 000 by the minimum wage, he goes to the hospital with high bills because VAT will be paid on the drugs.

    “When someone goes to buy exercise books for his children, he will pay more and by the end, civil servants may be crying and wishing for a return to status quo,” he said.

    He however, called on civil servants to engage in agricultural and other meaningful ventures to sustain themselves rather than depending on the government.

    “We will not share money as usual in the second tenure but will encourage all hardworking workers to improve and meet their needs,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor’s office staff thanked God for ensuring his victory at the polls and pledged to redouble their efforts in making him succeed.

     

     

  • VAT increase will worsen economic situation

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi on Wednesday said the plan by the federal government to lift Value Added Tax( VAT ) from 5% to 35% to pay salaries will not solve any problem but rather worsen the situation.

    According to him, the plan will make things more difficult for Nigerians as it will lead to astronomical increment of goods and services in the country.

    He described the alleged plan as digging a hole to fill a hole and therefore called on Organised Labour to sit down with government to consider the plan.

    Umahi spoke in his office at government house Abakaliki while addressing the staff of his office celebrating his re-election victory.

    He noted that with the proposed plan by the federal government, anyone going to buy something will pay 30% VAT than it used to be.

    “I saw in a paper where federal government is considering lifting VAT to 35% to pay salaries.

    “It is all about digging a hole to fill a hole because we have not come to point of realisation or honesty about how to solve our problems and it is important.

    “Federal government is borrowing money. States have been banned from borrowing money.

    “And so, if VAT is lifted from 5% to 35% which means that any of us that is going to buy anything is going to pay 30% than what we have been buying. It is important that labour sits down with government.

    “There is no fraud that goes on in civil service that is not being orchestrated by civil servants and if we can plug down the stealing or cut down the cost of projects, we should be able to have enough to cater for civil servants and non-civil servants.

    “We are in for deeper problems all over the nations we all sit down and look at the problems and how to solve it.

    “No Governor will make magic, no President will make magic. If they give us N2bn and the wage bill is N2bn, you can’t make any magic. You pay only wage bill and then go to sleep.

    “No amount of money paid to civil servants can be enough, it is only the one they make themselves that will assist them.

    “If you pay somebody in grade level may be 10 N50, 000 by the minimum wage and he goes to hospital, private hospital which bills high because they will pay VAT on the drugs you will pay more in drugs .

    “If you go to buy exercise book for your children, you will pay more. You will pay more in everything. So, by the end of the day, civil servants may be crying we should go back to status quo and therefore the increment may not be in the reason.”

    He added: “I am not against the increment but when I was talking about the minimum wage, I told you people that federal government was considering doing something to enable them pay, that is raising VAT which is going to tough for the country. All the building materials will have 35% VAT, cement will come up with 35% VAT meaning those who have not built houses will be struggling to build”.

  • ‘INEC was fair to all parties in Ebonyi’

    The House of Representatives member elect for Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency, Ebonyi State, Engr.  Livinus Makwe has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the smooth conduct of elections in Ebonyi state.

    Makwe who was issued the Certificate of Return for the election by the electoral body on Thursday in Abuja said the electoral body was fair to all political parties in the state during the election.

    Makwe had defeated candidates of other parties to emerge victorious during last months Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    The incoming Lawmaker also congratulated the State Governor, David Umahi on his victory during the Governorship and State House of Assembly elections in the state.

    He said the governor’s election was not surprising as the governor has performed beyond expectation by carrying out monumental developmental projects in all the 13 local government areas in the state.

    “There is no part of the state that has not felt the impact of the governor in one form or the other. The governor’s infrastructural Transformation in the areas of road construction, education, health, agriculture, electricity, human empowerment and capacity building, etc is second to none in the country today”.

    “The governor’s achievement is more remarkable when one considers the fact that the state receives one of the least allocations from the federal treasury. So, Ebonyi people had no choice but to use their votes to tell him to continue the transformation of the state”, he said.

    Read Also: APC, PDP take INEC to task

    He noted that the total victory recorded by the PDP in Ebonyi state, by winning all the National and State House of Assembly seats is a testament to the governor’s political sagacity and prowess and  the acceptance of PDP as the only relevant political party in the state

    The House of Representative Member-elect also promised to cooperate fully with the governor in moving the state forward.

    Mr Makwe was full of thanks to his constituents for electing him with landslide votes and promised not to disappoint them.

    “I promised during the campaign to attract more federal presence to the area and that I will pursue with doggedness once I am sworn in”.

    “I will also work assiduously to ensure that my constituency is no longer marginalized in employment into federal government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs as has been the case in the past”, he added