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Tag: Ebonyi State

  • Police launch investigation into killing at PDP rally in Ebonyi

    Police launch investigation into killing at PDP rally in Ebonyi

    The Police in Ebonyi state have commenced investigations into the killing of a member of the People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) at a ward rally of the party in Nwofe Primary School, Agbaja in Izzi local Government Area of the state.

    Spokesman of the Command, Loveth Odah confirmed to Our Reporter that one suspect, Emmanuel Nwofe has been arrested by the Police in connection to the killing.

    A man, Elias Nwankwegu popularly known as Okarika was at the weekend shot dead by suspected thugs in Ebonyi State during a political gathering.

    It was gathered that the deceased was related to the former speaker of the state House of Assembly, Augustine Nwankwuegu who also had served the state recently as Attorney General/ Commissioner of Justice.

    The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Mortuary of Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA 2).

    Odah said the suspect, Emmanuel, in his statement denied having a hand in the killing of Nwankwegu.

    “He is being accused of knowing the killers but he denied the allegation in his statement. He said he heard noises in the classroom and went there to find out what is happening. He said that some people there slapped him and kicked him to the ground and collected his phones.

    “Then, shortly after that, he heard a gunshot and he took to his heels. He said he did not know his assailants as they were not from the area”, Odah said.

    The spokesman said the command have also decided to invite other persons at the event for questioning in a bid to find out what actually happened.

    She appealed to politicians to always inform the Police before carrying out any rally so that the police can deploy officers to the area to ensure safety of lives and property.

    “When we are not informed, we may not deploy our officers to such event and that is when such things may happen. We were not officially informed of the event”, she added.

    Meanwhile, Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru have denied having a hand in the killing of Mr Nwankwegu.

    He was reacting to allegations that the killers were some boys loyal to his faction of the PDP in the area.

    The Speaker and Former Speaker Augustine Nwankwegu have been having a running battle in the Constituency since Nwifuru defeated Nwankwegu in the party’s primaries in 2010.

    Spokesman of the Speaker, Mr. Tony Nwizi exonerated his boss from the unfortunate death of Okarika.

    Nwizi while speaking to Reporters in Abakaliki also said that the gathering was a ward meeting not a rally in support of Mr. Speaker re-election bid come 2019 as claimed in some quarters.

    “What happened is that the party was supposed to hold a ward meeting there. The ward is not even Mr Speaker’s ward but the Current Attorney General Cletus Ofoke who is from the ward called Mr Speaker and begged him to come attend”.

    Mr Nwizi said Nwifuru decided to make a brief stop at the meeting on his way to Ikwo local government area for a burial before the incident happened.

    “So it was not a rally in support of Mr. Speaker but ward meeting. If Mr Speaker wants to declare intention to re-contest, he will call a constituency meeting. Even if he wants to declare at ward meeting, he will have to do that at his own ward and that is not his ward”

    Mr Nwizi noted that the victim was a staunch supporter of Mr Speaker and so the Speaker or any of his supporters have no reason to attack one of their allies in the ward.

    “Though he is related to Mr Nwankwegu, he has always worked with the Speaker’s camp”.

    Meanwhile, security have been beefed up at the community by the Police as youths of the area threatened to go on rampage and burn down the houses of family members of the accused, Mr Emmanuel Nwofe.

    Read Also:Police arrest two for guard’s death

  • Woman commits suicide in Ebonyi 

    Woman commits suicide in Ebonyi 

    The body of a 40 years old woman one Nkemjika Oyibe has been found hanging on a tree in Onyemem forest in Ishinkwo Abaomege community in Onicha local government area.

    Spokesman of the Police in the state, ASP Loveth Odah confirmed the incident to our reporter.

    She said the case had been reported to the Command for further investigation.

    Odaa said a hunter first discovered the lifeless body of the deceased and reported to community leaders who later went to the forest with the elder brother of the deceased, Peter Onyibe to see the corpse.

    “But I wonder why a person should commit suicide and the family did not suspect any foul play; unless the family knew that their sister was having problem and as a result of that, they were suspecting she would commit suicide.

    “They should have also been eager to know what led to her committing suicide. There is a saying that life begins at 40, so someone taking her life at 40 sounds strange”, she said.

    The spokesman of the command further explained that the corpse has been released to the family for burial since no suspect had been arrested in connection with the incident.

    In a telephone interview the Town Union President said the family did not suspect any person in connection with the death of the deceased.

    He added that the lady hung herself and had made similar attempts to commit suicide in the past by taking drugs but she survived it.

    According to him, she had a mental problem and had disappeared on December 25, 2017 from public domain.

    The President also told The Nation that after several efforts in search of deceased, the family gave up the search only to be alerted by a hunter who went to check on his trap that the deceased corpse was dangling on a tree in the forest.

     

  • FG renames Varsity after Ekwueme

    FG renames Varsity after Ekwueme

    The Federal Government has renamed the Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo in Ebonyi state after late former Vice President, Dr Alex Ekwueme.

    Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo made the announcement during a funeral service of the deceased at St John the Divine Anglican Church Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra on Friday.

    Osinbajo said that Ekwueme was being immortalised for his selfless service, integrity and contributions to national development.

    He described Ekwueme as a true Nigerian icon and statesman whose life and times were  worthy of celebration.

    He said he wasn’t only being remembered as an accomplished scholar neither for his architectural prowess or for having occupied high public offices but because he practiced eternal principles that set men and women apart from their peers whether they were poor or rich.

    Osinbajo said the deceased showed bravery in the face if terror and set an excellent example of loyalty as a vice president.

    “Ekwueme was a man of principles, of personal sacrifice for others and service to those who cannot offer him reward,” he said.

    In his sermon, Primate Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Dr Nicholas Okoh, described Ekwueme’s burial ceremony as a crusade rather than a funeral service.

    Okoh said a lot had been said about Ekwueme’s  good Christian upbringing, public service, educational accomplishments and enjoined Nigerians to emulate his virtues.

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    Okoh who tagged his sermon “Get into the Ark” said that the Biblical story Noah’s Ark reminded us of salvation and destruction.

    He noted that if people lived right they will enjoy Divine fellowship when they die and condemnation if they lived badly.

    “Even if you are doing business, in public service or in the Lord’s vineyard and you lack integrity, things will not work fine,” he said.

    The Primate consoled the late Ekwueme’s family and thanked God for having a like as their late patriarch.

    Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion included, Secretary to the Federal Government, Mr Boss Mustapha, former President, Goodluck Jonathan and his Vice, Alhaji Namadi Sambo and 10 serving governors.

    Others were Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Chief Bola Tinubu, National President of Ohanaeze, Chief John Nwodo, National Chairmen of the All Progressive Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Dr John Oyegun and Uche Secondus, respectively, among others.

     

    NAN

     

  • Herdsmen /farmers violence: NEC to visit affected states for consultations

    Herdsmen /farmers violence: NEC to visit affected states for consultations

    The National Economic Council, NEC, on the Herdsmen /Farmers violence  has constituted a Sub-Committee to visit frontline States involved  in the conflict.

    They are to hold consultations with stakeholders and interested parties on how to end the conflicts.

    At the meeting presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on Thursday,  a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and publicity, Laolu Akande, said that it was resolved that the Sub-Committee which has Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State as Chairman would visit Benue, Taraba, Zamfara and Adamawa States in order to understand the different dynamics of the conflict and develop long term workable solutions.

    Other members of the Sub-Committee are the Governors of Plateau, Benue, Taraba, and Adamawa States, while the committee would co-opt relevant experts and technical groups in the discharge of its assignment.

    The meeting at the Presidential Villa was attended by the Governors of Zamfara; Abdul’aziz Yari, Ebonyi; David Umahi, Kaduna; Nasir El-Rufai; Plateau, Simon Lalong, Adamawa; Bindo Umaru Jubrilla and the Deputy Governors of Oyo, and Benue States; Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo & Engr. Benson Abuonu. 

    The Minister for Agriculture & Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh and the Interior Minister, General Abdulrahman Dambazau were also in attendance. 

    At its meeting last month, the National Economic Council decided to constitute a Working Group that will work in accordance with the President’s commitment to ensuring that all perpetrators of violence in the clashes between the herdsmen and farmers are brought to book and bring an end to the conflicts.

  • Ebonyi workers hail Umahi

    Ebonyi workers hail Umahi

    Despite that Ebonyi State receives one of the least allocations from the Federation Account, the state is one of the few that are up to date in payment of workers’ salaries, gratuities and pensions.

    In the state, workers get their salaries on or before the 20th day of every month.

    To show appreciation for the  welfare policies of the Governor David Umahi administration, workers rallied in Abakaliki, the state capital, to thank the governor.

    Indeed, the Pa Oruta Ngele Stadium Abakaliki was filled to capacity as workers in various colourful attires sang, danced  and praised Governor Umahi for his constant support and policies.

    The workers, led by the Acting Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Leonard Nkah, thanked the governor for his favourable disposition to workers. They pledged their continued support for his administration.

    “We are gathered to re-affirm our support for your administration as you pulled the state from the brink of collapse occasioned by backwardness, poverty, corruption and poor state of infrastructure, among others”, Mr Nkah said.

    He said the governor steadily paid workers’ salaries and gratuities and made history by paying us 13th month bonus salary when other states with higher Federal Government allocation battled to pay basic salaries,” he further said.

    To show how appreciative they are to the governor, the workers conferred on him a traditional title of of Enyi Ndi Oru (friend of workers) in recognition of his numerous welfare packages for them.

    The workers also endorsed the governor as their candidate for the 2019 general elections.

    In his speech, Governor Umahi ordered immediate training and re-training of civil servants  for efficiency and greater productivity.

    He said the exercise would boost the performance of government.

    The governor also announced the commencement of payment of severance allowances of public officers who served under his predecessor, Chief Martin Elechi whom he served as Deputy Governor.

    He noted that the payment of the officers’ severance allowance was delayed because they did not pay the officers who preceded them and workers’ salaries, pensions and gratuities when they were in government.

    “God, however, spoke to me and directed that we should review the decision not to pay them as I direct relevant state and local government area agencies to compile lists of those affected at both levels, for us to look into the matter.

    The governor announced the donation of 66, 000 bags of 25kg rice to workers as part of their Christmas and New Year celebrations, directing that each worker would collect at least two bags.

  • Ebonyi workers hail Umahi

    Ebonyi workers hail Umahi

    Despite the fact that Ebonyi State receives one of the least allocations from the federation account, the state is one of the few that is up to date in payment of workers’ salaries, gratuities and pensions.

    In the state, workers get their salaries on or before the 20th of every month. This month, they started getting salary alerts since the 11th.

    To show appreciation for the welfare policies of the Governor David Umahi administration, workers in the state rallied in Abakaliki, the state capital, to thank the governor.

    Indeed, the Pa Oruta Ngele Stadium Abakaliki was filled to capacity as the workers in various colourful attires sang, danced  and praised Governor Umahi for his constant support and policies.

    The workers led by the Acting Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress in the state, Leonard Nkah, thanked the governor for his favourable disposition to workers, pledging their continued support for his administration.

    “We are gathered to re-affirm this support as you pulled the state from the brink of collapse occasioned by backwardness, poverty, corruption, poor state of infrastructure, among others”, said Mr Nkah

    He said that the governor steadily paid workers salaries and gratuities and made history by paying us 13th month bonus salary when other states with higher Federal Government allocation battled to pay basic salaries,” he eased.

    To crown it all, the workers conferred on the governor, a traditional title of of ‘Enyi Ndi Oru’ (Friend of Workers) in appreciation of his numerous welfare packages to them.

    The workers also endorsed the governor ass their candidate for the 2019 general election

    In his speech, Governor David Umahi, ordered immediate training and retraining of civil servants in the state for efficiency and greater productivity.

    He said that the exercise would boost the performance of government.

    The governor also announced the commencement of payment of severance allowances of public officers who served under his predecessor, Chief Martin Elechi whom he served as Deputy Governor.

    He noted that the payment of the officers their severance allowance was delayed because they did not pay the officers who preceded them and workers salaries, pensions and gratuities when they were in government.

    “God however spoke to me yesterday and directed that we should review the decision not to pay them as I direct relevant state and Local Government Area (LGA) agencies to compile list of those affected at both levels, for us to look-into the matter.

    He noted that to further show his appreciation for the conduct of the labour leadership, workers would receive 50 per cent of their salaries on January 2nd 2018.

    “This would serve as a palliative before the payment of your January 2018 salaries and your leave allowances would from the same period, be

    paid as part of your salaries.

    The governor announced the donation of 66, 000 bags of 25kg rice to workers as part of their Christmas celebration, directing that each worker would collect at least two bags each.

  • 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

  • Buhari to Ndigbo: We’ll fulfill promises on South East infrastructure

    Buhari to Ndigbo: We’ll fulfill promises on South East infrastructure

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abakiliki, capital of Ebonyi State, assured Ndigbo that his administration will ensure the timely execution of roads, power and other projects in the South-East.

    He made the remark while addressing Ebonyi State Leaders of Thought and Traditional Rulers at a meeting in the Government House.

    According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President also commended Ebonyi people for the warm reception accorded him during the State visit.

    He said ‘My presence here today is a demonstration of our strong belief in the unity of Nigeria. As the most populous country in Africa, with over 300 ethnic groups, our diversity is unique among nations.

    ”When I met with leaders from the South East last month in Abuja, they raised several issues of concern, including the state of the roads and infrastructure in the region. I want to assure you that we will deliver on our promises.

    ”Our 2018 Budget includes many strategic projects for the region in the roads, power, agriculture and other sectors,’’ he said.

    The President had earlier inaugurated the 14.5km Abakiliki-Afikpo Federal road constructed by the Ebonyi State Government.

    He also commissioned the 700 metre length of the dual flyover over the Trans-Sahara route running from Enugu to Cameroon, and the Senator Offia Nwali flyover, all in the State capital.

    In addition, he performed the foundation-stone laying ceremonies of Ebonyi City Mall, another flyover and road tunnel named after him.

    The President also unveiled the statue of Sir Akanu Ibiam, a former governor of the old Eastern region, whom he described “as a great Nigerian, whose notable records of humanitarianism, advocacy of free primary education and rural development, will continue to be an inspiration to all.’’

    President Buhari, who commended Governor David Umahi for ”his vision and commitment to the development of the State,” also thanked the traditional rulers of the State led by Eze Charles Mkpuna for conferring him with the chieftaincy title of Enyioma 1 of Ebonyi (Trustworthy friend of Ebonyi).

    At another event with South East traditional rulers led by Eze Eberechi Dick, the President was conferred with the chieftaincy title of Ochioha Ndigbo (Leader of Igbo people).

    Earlier in an address presented on behalf of Ebonyi Elders by a former Governor of the State, Chief Sam Egwu, he appealed for more Federal presence in the State, particularly the conversion of College of Education Ikwo to a Federal College of Education.

    He also called for urgent intervention by the Federal Government to curb intra-communal clashes as well as cross-border disputes in the region.

  • 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.

  • Vandalism: EEDC secures conviction, remand of offenders

    Vandalism: EEDC secures conviction, remand of offenders

    The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company ( EEDC ) has secured the conviction of one person and remand of two others in Enugu Maximum Prisons over vandalism within the past two weeks.

    Mr Emeka Ezeh, the EEDC’s Head of Communications, said in a statement in Enugu on Sunday that vandalism was on the increase in the zone.

    “At the Federal High Court, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, one Abdulkarim Haruna, was sentenced to one year imprisonment by Justice Mohammed Lawal-Abubakar for vandalizing earthen copper cables property of EEDC.

    “Chinonso Nwankwo who was arrested for vandalising Solid Base Sub-station located in Udoye by Mba Nwangwu Street, Trans-Ekulu in Enugu was arraigned by the police at Chief Magistrate Court 8, presided over by Magistrate C. E Ugwu (Mrs).

    “He was subsequently remanded at Enugu Maximum Prisons.

    “Furthermore, Nnamdi Madu who vandalized Umuatugboma Sub-station, located at Akegbe in Nkanu West LGA was arraigned at Enugu Magistrate Court.

    “He was slammed with one count charge of vandalism under section 1 (9) of miscellaneous offences Act cap. M17 laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2004.

    “The magistrate subsequently directed that the vandal be remanded at Enugu Maximum Prisons,’’ he said.

    According to him, youths engaged in the act of vandalism have refused to heed the call by EEDC to shun this act and engage in meaningfully ventures.

    Ezeh said that the company would intensify collaboration with critical stakeholders, vigilante groups and other security agencies in curtailing vandalism in the zone.

    “Customers are therefore encouraged to be on the alert and join hands with EEDC in protecting these installations serving them,’’ he said.

    NAN