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Tag: David Umahi

  • Umahi presents N208.332b budget to State Assembly

    Umahi presents N208.332b budget to State Assembly

    *Governor Umahi also commissioned the reconstructed House of Assembly complex

     

    Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi on Friday presented an appropriation bill of N208, 332, 100 to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly for their consideration and passage into law as the state budget for 2018 fiscal year.

    This is over N81bn increase from the 2017 budget which is about N127,233,074,419.

    Presenting the bill at the chamber’s of the State House of Assembly Nkaliki road Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital, Chief Umahi stated that in the Recurrent Revenue, the expected sources of Revenue for 2018 Fiscal Year would include bank opening, statutory allocation and internally generates revenue.

    The budget, according to the State Governor is tagged budget “Divine Manifestation”.

    According to him, Banks Opening Balances brought forward stands at 18.889 9.07, statutory Allocation from Federal Government 72.916 35.00, internally Generated Revenue stands at 13.965 6.70
    Others 2.00 0.96, while loan (Internal and External) 100.562 48.26, total Expected Receipts for 2018 budget 208.332 100

    Governor Umahi stated that in the above revenue sources, the inflow from Federation Account amounts to N72.916bn or 35% of the State’s 2018 Budget Estimates.

    “This includes statutory allocation and the component of the capital receipt, which includes: Value Added Tax share of Exchange Rate Gain; non oil Revenue Reimbursement from the Federal Government of Nigeria.Other sources include: N18.889bn unutilized dedicated funds that will be carried forward as the opening bank balance for the financial year; N100.562bn internal loan and N13.965bn from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)”, he said.

    The State Governor insisted that the State Government intends to increase her tax revenue in the 2018 Fiscal Year by aggressively diversifying into numerous untapped tax revenue sources.

    He stated that the plan became imperative consequent upon the Federal Government’s de-emphasis on oil revenue and the impending austerity measures aimed at cutting the cost of public sector governance. “The revenue source to be strategized includes landed property documentation, fines and fees, among others.

    Governor Umahi stated that in the 2018 Fiscal Year, the Expenditure ratio between Recurrent Expenditure and the Capital Expenditure stands at 20.8% to 79.20% adding that Recurrent Expenditure will gulp N43.326bn (including inbuilt contingency fund of N3bn that will be mainly expended in unforeseen areas of recurrent needs), while the Capital Expenditure will gulp N165.004bn inclusive of contingency provision of N5.5bn for capital projects.

    Governor Umahi said that the Economic Sector in the 2017 budget has a provision of N124.064, thus taking the largest-chunk of the Capital provision. “This is justified on the basis of Government’s serious commitment to commence the construction of flyovers, rehabilitation of urban roads, construction of rural roads, water reticulation in our urban centers among other commitments.

    He stated that wiithin the Economic Sub-sector, works and transport has the highest allocation of N96.567bn followed by Ministry of Power with the sum of N4.626bn and the sum of N63.811bn. is shared among other sub-sectors.

    The State Governor who expeessed happiness with the budget expenditure of 2017 noted that the state is rising adding that the journey thus far has been extremely tough; “yes, we have had to do extraordinary things in unusual ways; yes, we have been tossed by economic exigencies but we have remained unsinkable. “We have done a great work but there is still a greater work to be done”.

    He pointed out that in keeping with the promise of making Abakaliki the best state capital in the country, the State is on course and are almost there within the first 2 years of the administration but added that “We still have more to do”.

    “In keeping with our promise of making Ebonyi State the number one economy through agricultural revolution, we are almost there. At this time last year, Ebonyians paid between N10,000 and N12,000 for a bushel of rice. But because we have kept faith with our promise, Ebonyians today are paying just N5,000 for a bushel of rice – reduction of more than 50%. And yet we still have plenty more to do in this area – the price of chicken most come down to N1,500”, te governor said

    “In keeping with our promise of securing the life and property of our citizens, we have made giant progress in the resolution of internal conflicts, the crown of which is the final settlement of the Ezillo-Ezza Ezillo conflict. We still have a lot more to do, especially in persuading our neighbouring states to accept our hands of friendly relations”, he said.

    The Governor also used the period to commission the reconstructed House of Assembly complex.

    Earlier, The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Francis Nwaifuru commended the state government for the prompt and judicious implementation of the 2017 budget adding that the House of Assembly would ensure steady passage of the 2018 budget.

    Rt. Hon Nwifuru urged the Governor to assist the House in the reconstruction of the Speaker’s residence adding that the residence is no longer befitting and needs urgent attention.

    The budget passed first reading and second reading of the house and was also accepted immediately as a working document by the house.

  • Umahi appoints Ex- Deputy Gov. EBSU acting VC

    Umahi appoints Ex- Deputy Gov. EBSU acting VC

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has appointed a former Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Ebonyi State University ( EBSU ).

    The Secretary to the State Government, Prof Bernard Odo, made the development known in a statement in Abakaliki on Friday.

    Odo said that the governor, who as the university’s visitor, directed that Ogbu would replace Prof. Francis Idike whose appointment as the acting vice-chancellor would elapse on Nov.26.

    “Idike has been operating as the university’s acting vice- chancellor for the past six months while Ogbu’s tenure, which commences from Nov.27, will also last for six months,” he said.

    Odo said the governor also approved the termination of Ogbu’s appointment as the university’s Pro Chancellor to enable him to assume duties in the new position.

    He said the governor also approved the appointment of a former Minister of Culture and tourism, Chief Franklin Ogbuewu, as the university’s Pro-Chancellor with effect from Monday, Nov.27.

    Ogbu was Deputy Governor from 2003 to 2011.

    Ogbuewu is also the Chairman of the Ebonyi Elders Council.

    NAN

  • Police confirm release of kidnapped FETHA CMD

    Police confirm release of kidnapped FETHA CMD

    The Ebonyi Police Command on Sunday, confirmed the release of the kidnapped Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) Dr Emeka Ogah.

    It can be recalled that Ogah was kidnapped on Nov 15 at Ajaokuta, Kogi on his way to Abuja on an official assignment.

    The CMD was kidnapped alongside the hospital’s Director of Administration, Chief Christopher Ogbu and Mr Sylvester Ugama, the Director of Finance while his driver escaped with bullets wounds from the abductors.

    ASP Loveth Odah, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), gave the confirmation in an interview with NAN, noting that Ogah and others have reunited with their families.

    “The kidnap victims were released by the abductors on Saturday night around the area they were abducted and they are presently in good state of health.

    “I cannot confirm whether ransom was paid for their release but the kidnapping unit of the command is working in collaboration with its counterpart in Kogi to track and arrest the kidnappers,” he said.

    Dr Ifeanyi Ariom, Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association ( NMA ) Ebonyi chapter, thanked God for the release.

    “We appreciate the demonstration of love and solidarity shown by all, particularly the Ebonyi government,” he said.

    Gov. David Umahi had on Friday while addressing protesting doctors and other hospital staff, vowed that his administration would ensure that the victims were released without harm.

    “When they are released, I will come into the hospital and find out if bad eggs were involved because this matter does not matter whether it is a state or federal institution.

    “The rights of our people would always be respected and anybody who doesn’t want to stay here can go to another place and stay.

    “People who feel that an Ebonyi man cannot be a CMD will be made to know that an Ebonyi man can be such and if the CMD is doing some wrong things, we can sit down and discuss such,” he said.

    NAN

  • Buhari harps on Unity, promises more projects to South East

    Buhari harps on Unity, promises more projects to South East

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday reiterated his believe in the unity of the country.

    He spoke in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital when he paid a one day working visit to the state.

    Buhari, who is visiting the region for the first time since he became President, said the diversity of the country makes it unique in the committee of nations.

    “My presence here today is a demonstration of my strong believe in the unity of Nigeria. As a most populous country in Africa with over 300 ethnic groups our diversity is almost unique among the nations,” he said.

    He assured the people of the South East of his administration’s commitment to carry out projects that will lead to the fast tracking of development in the region.

    According to him, in keeping with his promise to South East leaders, the 2018 budget which he recently presented to the National Assembly captured many projects in the zone in accordance with his promise to South East leaders.

    “When I met with leaders of the south east last month in Abuja they raised several issues of concern including the state of roads in the region. I want to assure you that we will deliver on our promise. Our 2018 budget include many strategic projects for the region in roads, power, agriculture and social sector,” the President said.

    Earlier, the State Governor, David Umahi said the state is appreciative of the President’s support to the state especially in the area of Agriculture.

    He, however, appealed to the President for refund of funds expended by the state government on some Federal Roads in the state.

    Former Governor of the state, Sam Egwu commended the President for the recent decision to pay former Biafra Police officers pensions.

    “Such an act of accommodation is what translates a mere leader to a great father of the Nation”.

    He pleaded with the president to give the state assistance in the area of agriculture; roads and education to enable the state catch up with other states.

  • Ebonyi: Umahi swears-in new Attorney General

    Ebonyi: Umahi swears-in new Attorney General

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has replaced the state former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Augustine Nwankwagu, 12 hours after sacking him.

    Nwankwagu, a former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, was sacked on Thursday over “acts inconsistent with his office”.

    Umahi, while swearing-in the new attorney general, Mr Cletus Ofoke, announced that the justice ministry under Nwankwagu, had performed poorly and incurred the people’s wrath in the process.

    “The country’s president wrote to all the state governors on the need to decongest the prisons but I did not receive response from the justice ministry on the issue.

    “I have issued the permanent secretary of the ministry a query and I believe that this and the new injections, would make him proactive.

    “The justice ministry is the weakest of all the state’s ministries as I received series of complaints from judges, security agencies and the public over its activities,” he said.

    Umahi alleged that the ministry did everything possible to tele-guide him in releasing hardened criminals without recourse to justice on the victims’ families and the society.

    “There are cases that are supposed to be charged to court that were not done as the new commissioner should realize that he is presiding over men’s affairs and ensure justice to all.

    “He should, in collaboration with his team, ensure that prisons in the state are decongested and ensure that the ministry is repositioned to gain public confidence,” he said.

    He threatened to reduce the size of the state Executive Council (EXCO) because of, ‘incessant gossiping’ and laxity on the part of its members.

    “Public offices are not for personal gains as the EXCO members complain that there is no money to gain from this government.

    “I wonder the type of money they want when they are duly paid their salaries, allowances such as furniture allowance that they were not supposed to receive.

    “I believe in reducing the size of EXCO because it is the cause of the gossiping and funny activities going on in it,” he said.

    Prof. Bernard Odoh, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), noted that the change became imperative because of the poor performances of the justice ministry.

    “This development is caused by poor leadership as the new commissioner and others appointed in the ministry have been tested and trusted to deliver equitably,” he said.

    Ofoke, the new commissioner thanked the governor for appointing him into the position and pledged to justify the confidence reposed in him.

    The governor also swore-in Mr Vincent Nwokpor as his Senior Special Adviser on Criminal Prosecution and Mr Paul Ugboloko as a member of the Local Government Area Advisory Committee.

    The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Francis Nwifuru and principal officers of the House who screened the appointees before the swearing-in ceremony.

    NAN recalls that Nwankwagu, the sacked commissioner had previously been suspended indefinitely in early 2017 for negligence of duty.

    NAN

  • Gov. Umahi drops Attorney-General and commissioner for justice

    Gov. Umahi drops Attorney-General and commissioner for justice

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has dropped the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Augustine Nwankwagu, from the cabinet with immediate effect.

    Chief Clement Nweke, Principal Secretary to the Governor, via a statement issued on Thursday in Abakaliki, said Nwankwagu was dropped for “`acts inconsistent with his office.’’

    According to Nweke, Nwankwagu, who was a former Speaker, Ebonyi House of Assembly, is to handover all government property in his possession to the permanent secretary in the ministry.

    “This directive should be carried out before close of work on Thursday, Nov. 2, 2017,” he said.

    Nwankwagu had previously been suspended indefinitely in early 2017 for negligence of duty.

    NAN

  • Ebonyi, BOI float N2bn loans for civil servants

    Ebonyi, BOI float N2bn loans for civil servants

    The Ebonyi Government has urged civil servants in its payroll to key into the N2 billion loan scheme being operated by the government and Bank of Industry ( BOI ) to improve their standard of living.

    Mr Pius Eze, Chairman of the 15-man committee inaugurated by the state government to work out the modalities for the loan disbursement, made the call in an interview on Thursday in Abakaliki.

    According to him, the committee has embarked on sensitisation visits to local government areas of the state to enlighten the workers on the importance of keying into the scheme.

    He said that it was difficult under the present economic situation for workers to save about N300,000 and N500,000 from their salaries to start up a business, hence the need to key into the project.

    He said government and BOI contributed N1 billion each into the scheme and stressed that beneficiaries would pay a paltry six per cent interest.

    He said that the loan would assist civil servants to engage in alternative sources of income to better their welfare and economic wellbeing.

    He said that the workers’ monthly pay could no longer sustain them and their families under the present economic situation hence need to diversify sources of income.

    “Thye Governor, David Umahi, is interested in alleviating the plight of Ebonyi workers and that is why he has earmarked N1 billion as loan for workers to access and this is in addition to the N1 billion he attracted from the BOI.

    “The loan, which has only six per cent interest, will enable civil servants to invest the fund in any business of their choice which they can fall back on during their service and after retirement from active civil service.

    “The whole idea is to empower the Ebonyi civil servants and enable them to improve on their monthly in come generation by engaging in other alternative sources of income.

    “The Committee has embarked on sensitisation campaigns to local government councils to educate the workers, enhance their understanding and appeal to them to exploit the huge opportunities being provided by the loan scheme, ” Eze said.

    NAN

  • Umahi accuses civil servants of illegal collection of leave allowance

    Umahi accuses civil servants of illegal collection of leave allowance

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has accused civil servants in the state of illegal collection of leave allowances from 2011 to 2015.

    He also said that he would report the issue to the Nigeria Labour Congress ( NLC ) national leadership if the organised labour in the state failed to acknowledge the development and seek an amicable resolution of the issue.

    Umahi levied the accusation against the state workforce on Thursday in Abakaliki during an interactive session with representatives of labour unions and the Christian Association of Nigeria ( CAN ) Ebonyi chapter.

    According to the governor, continued payment of leave allowance to workers in that state was illegal since it has been covered in the consolidated salary structure which they receive.

    “Civil servants have forgotten that I was the deputy governor during the immediate past administration in the state which paid the allowance.

    “I mediated in the labour and state government dispute and know everything about consolidated salary payments having done all the calculations concerning it.

    “The immediate past administration paid until I took over and the state Accountant General and my Commissioner for Finance continued the payment with no one asking questions.

    “The civil servants intentionally did such thing but I came with the anointing of God who revealed the development to me,” he said.

    The governor threatened to report the state branch of the Nigerian Labour Congress ( NLC ) to its national leadership except the state workers accept that they owe the government.

    “We will discuss with the representatives of the workers and if you accept that workers owe the government, we will resolve all areas of differences.

    “We would, however, invite the national leadership of the NLC to the state if you insist that workers are being owed leave allowance because you are not telling the people the truth.

    “The state accountant general is directed to calculate the whole amount we have lost on leave allowances and if there is no consolidation on the leave, we would know what it is supposed to be on yearly basis,” he said.

    He advised the state civil servants to understand that the government cared about their welfare but that whatever accrued to the state was for all sectors and not only for them.

    “When we therefore pay higher salaries than other states with bigger assets and oil deposits, then we are supposed to be pitied,” he said.

    Prof. Bernard Odoh, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) urged workers in the state to focus less on salary increment and engage in entrepreneurial ventures to make ends meet.

    “There is no amount of salary that would solve all needs of workers and the emphasis should be in supplementing their earnings through entrepreneurial ventures.

    “This is the case in states such as Anambra where I lived as I urge the state’s committee on accessing the Bank of Industry (BOI) funds, to expedite action for workers to access it.

    “They should immediately release the first tranche to workers so that people would see its impact and become interested in accessing it,” he said.

    Mr Leonard Nkah, state NLC Chairman, thanked the governor for his concern for the workers and pleaded that all issues of disagreement between labour and government be settled amicably.

    “We feel that this matter has not reached the state of inviting the NLC national leadership as we felt that since the issue of consolidation was implemented, it was justified,” he said.

    NAN

  • Stakeholders drum support for Umahi ahead of 2019

    Stakeholders drum support for Umahi ahead of 2019

    Stakeholders in Ebonyi have pledged their support for Gov. David Umahi, ahead of 2019 for the governor to continue his transformation agenda in the state.

    The stakeholders, comprising women, made this known on Wednesday at the inauguration of “Rachael Umahi’s Women for Akubaraoha 2019’’ at Afikpo, Afikpo North Local Government Area of the state.

    The Chairman of Afikpo North Local Government, Mr Ogbonnia Enyim, commended the Governor’s Wife, Rachael, for her transformation programmes in uplifting women and children in the state.

    He said that through the first lady’s pet project, “Family Succour and Upliftment Foundation’’, there had been abolition of harmful cultural practices against widows.

    According to the chairman, women have been empowered and poverty reduced through her skills acquisition programme, among others.

    Enyim said that more women from the local government were occupying strategic positions in government.

    “You can count on 100 per cent support from the entire people of Afikpo North come 2019, ‘’ he said.

    A member representing Afikpo North/South Federal Constituency, Rep. Idu Igariwey, said that the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) in the area was one strong family that would vote enmasse in the 2019 general elections.

    The lawmaker commended the first lady for carrying everyone along in the state.

    He said that the quality of leadership displayed by the present administration would attract its return.

    “PDP is one family in Afikpo and our votes are going to be larger, come 2019, ‘’ Igariwey said.

    The Director-General, Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation ( EBBC ), Mr Timothy Nwachi said that the number of youths, women and men at the occasion showed the level support for the governor come 2019.

    “Afikpo North is one and will support the present administration, ‘’ Nwachi said.

    The governor’s wife advised women to encourage and promote one another other rather than creating hatred.

    The governor’s wife urged women to carry out door-to-door campaign for the governor to attract more women into politics; more positions in government and empowerment.

    Top government officials and officials of local governments attended the occasion.

     The event also featured inauguration of some facilities for the down-trodden and indigent persons in the area.

    NAN

  • Ebonyi supports army’s ‘Python Dance’

    Ebonyi supports army’s ‘Python Dance’

    The Ebonyi Government has declared support for the ongoing Nigerian Army exercise – “Egwu Eke’’, Python Dance II, in the South East zone.

    Gov. David Umahi declared the support when he received the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    He, however, urged the army to keep to its rules of engagement.

    Represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kelechi Igwu, Umahi noted that there was misconception of the exercise by some people in the region.

    He said that the first phase of the exercise, which took place in the zone between November and December 2016, recorded success without any reported case of human rights abuse or molestation.

    “We support the army; we support the exercise, but please dance by the rules of engagement; dance in the bush, not in the street,’’ the governor said.

    On the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafa ( IPOB ), Umahi condemned the activities of the group, saying “we do not address perceived injustice through violence’’.

    The governor said the state was enjoying relative peace in terms of security.

    He called for army establishment of army formation in the border between Ebonyi and Cross River, to address recurring communal clashes in the area.

    Earlier, the army chief restated that the exercise was designed to sharpen the skills of personnel to be able to deal with internal security issues.

    Buratai stressed that Egwu Eke was carefully planned in the interest of the South East and not targeted at any group, saying that security was “key to development’’.

    “We assure you that our troops will abide by rules of engagement and code of conduct,’’ he said.

    He said that alongside the exercise, the army would render humanitarian services such as medical outreach and sanitation in various communities in the region and urged the people to show understanding.