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Tag: Ebonyi State

  • 2019: PDP wins all nine National Assembly seats in Ebonyi

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has cleared all the National Assembly seats in Ebonyi State.

    The party defeated its main challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the three senatorial seats and six House of Representatives seats.

    The senatorial candidate of the PDP in Ebonyi South Senatorial zone, Michael Ama Nnachi polled a total of 103,751 votes to defeat his closest rival of the APC, Nweze Onu, who got 19,663 votes.

    Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) candidate, Eze Igwe Ogbofia got 5, 805 votes to clinch the third position.

    In Ebonyi North Senatorial zone, Senator Sam Egwu of the PDP won his second term bid with 80,711 votes while his challenger, Matthias Adum, of the APC got 38,375 votes.

    For Ebonyi Central zone, Senator Obinna Ogba of the PDP also won a second term with 62,452 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Senator Julius Ucha, who scored 46,676 votes.

    Livinus Makwe of PDP has also been declared the winner of Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency with 68,136 votes. He defeated the APC candidate, Ifeanyi Oddi, who came second with 10,178 votes.

    Anayo Edwin Nwonu of the PDP won Ishielu/Ezza North federal constituency with 34,473 to beat Michael Ifere of the APC who got 13,372 votes.

    Sylvester Ogbaga of the PDP won the Abakaliki/Izzi federal constituency for the fourth term.

    He got 40,890 votes to defeat Uchenna Nshii of the APC who got 21,814.

    Idu Igariwey of the PDP won the Afikpo North and Afikpo South federal constituency with 28,691 votes to win the APC candidate, Tony Ekoh Jnr who got 9,967 votes and Maria Ude Nwachi of Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) who got 8, 485 to place the third position.

    For Ebonyi/Ohaukwu federal constituency, Chukwuma Nwazunku of the PDP got 39,598 votes to win APC candidate, Peter Ogeali who got 18,213 votes.

    For Ezza South/Ikwo Federal constituency, Laz Ogbee of PDP got 31,296 votes to defeat Chinedu Ogah of APC who got 27,700 votes.

  • PDP wins all nine national Assembly seats in Ebonyi

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has cleared all the National Assembly seats in Ebonyi State.

    The party defeated its main challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC) to win the three senatorial seats and six House of Representatives seats.

    The senatorial candidate of the PDP in Ebonyi South Senatorial zone,  Michael Ama Nnachi polled a total of 103,751 votes to defeat his closest rival of the APC, Nweze Onu, who got 19,663 votes.

    Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) candidate, Eze Igwe Ogbofia got 5, 805 votes to clinch the third position.

    In Ebonyi North Senatorial zone, Senator Sam Egwu of the PDP won his second term bid with 80,711 votes while his challenger, Matthias Adum, of the APC got 38,375 votes.

    For Ebonyi Central zone, Senator Obinna Ogba of the PDP also won a second term with 62,452 votes to defeat the APC candidate, Senator Julius Ucha, who scored 46,676 votes.

    Livinus Makwe of PDP has also been declared the winner of Ohaozara/Onicha/Ivo Federal Constituency with 68,136 votes. He defeated the APC candidate, Ifeanyi Oddi, who came second with 10,178 votes.

    Anayo Edwin Nwonu of the PDP won Ishielu/Ezza North federal constituency with 34,473 to beat Michael Ifere of the APC who got 13,372 votes.

    Read Also: APC wins one senatorial seat, PDP two in Ondo

    Sylvester Ogbaga of the PDP won the Abakaliki/Izzi federal constituency for the fourth term.

    He got 40,890 votes to defeat Uchenna Nshii of the APC who got 21,814.

    Idu Igariwey of the PDP won the Afikpo North and Afikpo South federal constituency with 28,691 votes to win the APC candidate, Tony Ekoh Jnr who got 9,967 votes and Maria Ude Nwachi of Alliance for New Nigeria (ANN) who got 8, 485 to place the third position.

    For Ebonyi/Ohaukwu federal constituency,  Chukwuma Nwazunku of the PDP got 39,598 votes to win APC candidate, Peter Ogeali who got 18,213 votes.

    For Ezza South/Ikwo Federal constituency,  Laz Ogbee of PDP got 31,296 votes to defeat Chinedu Ogah of APC who got 27,700 votes

  • PDP lost 300,000 votes to card reader failure, says Umahi

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi on Monday stated the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lost over 300, 000 votes to the operational failure of Card Readers during the conduct last weekend’s presidential election in the state.

    The governor stated this while speaking to reporters in Abakaliki, the state capital on arrival from his hometown Uburu.

    On the success recorded by the party in last presidential election, Umahi described election as a game in which there is no permanent enemy and friend but permanent interest within a political arena.

    According to him: “I want to thank Ebonyi people for coming out to cast their votes.

    “I want to thank politicians and political parties that participated in the election. Election is a game. It comes and goes. No permanent enemy.

    Read Also: PDP to INEC: declare Atiku winner of presidential election

    “I want to congratulate all those that won. Everybody has destiny. I want to commend the security agencies in the country. They refused to be induced.

    “I also commend the officials of INEC. I want to console the families of electoral officials who died in active service. My prayer is that God will grant them eternal rest.

    “Buhari still remains my friend whether is losing or passing. I can’t castigate him and I can’t cajole him.

    “Over 300, 000 votes were discarded in Ebonyi because of the hiccups of the card readers.

    “We have issue between constitution and guidelines. We have given 260, 000 votes to PDP. The rest is what INEC announces. PDP has done well.”

    He added: “The truth is that I can’t speak for all the state. If you were declared winner and you didn’t use card readers, you may lose.

    “I call for improvement and electronics voting. Card readers may not have been used in other parts of the country.

    “The issue of the card readers was a problem. Every responsible Governor must respect the President. He is the boss of all the Governors.

    “You can’t get anything by castigating him. If you make your leader happy, he can assist you in making progress. I am in a hurry to change the narrative of Ebonyi.”

  • Umahi commends INEC for smooth conduct of elections in Ebonyi

    Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful conduct of the election in the state.

    Umahi stated this after voting at Onuwafor polling unit in Umunaga ward, Uburu in Ohaozara local government area.

    He said that the election was excellent and beautiful and therefore commended the INEC boss, Mahmood Yakubu for the smooth process.

    The governor who voted by 10:20am noted that the turnout of voters was an indication that Nigerians were beginning to know their rights.

    He said that with the disposition of the electoral body, politicians should be held responsible if any of the processes failed and not the INEC.

    Umahi said: “The process is excellent, very beautiful. INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu should be commended. If any process fails, the fault is from the politicians and not part of the INEC. INEC has done very well. The problem of the card readers are from the operators. The card readers are functioning well but the operators are the problems. They need to be educated on the use of the card readers”.

    Read Also: Ebonyi traditional rulers endorse Buhari, Umahi

    “There is high turnout. It is a statement from the people that leaders should stop taking them for granted. Everybody is interested now. So if you are a leader and you are voted into office, your eyes must be on the people because the level of turnout is an indication that Nigerians are beginning to know their right”.

    The governor said there were infiltration of people in some places because people who were not on ground thought they can use thugs and security agencies to intimidate the people.

    Umahi however condemned the killings in Ikwo local government area on Friday night where two people died, stressing that the perpetrators of the dastardly act must be face the full wrath of the law.

    “The incident in Ikwo is saddening. Ikwo is going to be isolated at the end of the day. All the killings and evils against the people of Ikwo must be attended to. It’s not election or no election, anyone that takes life must be called to order, the governor vowed.”

     

  • Umahi to security agents: Shoot anyone bearing illegal firearms

    Following the incessant attacks and violent activities in some parts of Ebonyi State, Governor, David Umahi has ordered security agencies in the state to shoot any person caught terrorizing the state with illegal firearms.

    Addressing victims of the pre-election violence in Agbaji in Izzi local government area where two persons were said to have been killed and over 20 houses burnt, Governor Umahi also directed security agencies to be ruthless to perpetrators of violence in the state.

    Umahi advised youths to organize themselves and protect their mothers and young ones to avoid further attacks in the state.

    The governor condemned the violence in Izzi, urging the youths of the area to be more united to resist any attack and therefore charged them to deal mercilessly to anyone who terrorizes the community.

    He urged the state commissioner of Police to withdraw all illegal police attachment to any politician in the state, stressing that if the attack continues, he would order the youths to beat up any politician seen going about with security guards.

    The governor blamed the leaders of Izzi as responsible for the violence in the community, warning also that if they don’t curb the incessant attack in the area, he would turn and set the youths against them and their homes.

    “I am the Chief security officer of Ebonyi state. I want to order security agencies to shoot-at-sight any person bearing illegal firearms which he is using to attack Ebonyi people. I want the commissioner of Police to withdraw all illegal policemen attached to some politicians in the state. The leaders of Izzi clan are the ones causing the crisis. Youths of Izzi should unite and come together to protect their mothers, younger ones and themselves too.

    “If you arrest any person with gun, break the person’s hands, legs and tie him to the police station. I want the security agencies to be ruthless to any person who attacks innocent and law-abiding citizens in the state. If this violence and attack continue, I will order the arrest of all the leaders of Izzi no matter the person or his relationship with the president, Umahi warned.

    Read Also: Umahi vows to probe APC gov candidate

    A stakeholder of the area and Speaker of Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Francis Nwifuru blamed desperate politicians in the area who want to win elections at all cost.

    Meanwhile, the state PDP chairman, Onyekachi Nwebonyi raised the alarm over what he termed an alleged plot by the APC in the state to arrest top PDP members ahead of the Saturday presidential election.

    According to him, the plot is meant to whittle down the power of the PDP and pave way for the APC to rig the election.

    He alleged that the plot was being hatched by some major candidates of the APC in the state.

    Nwebonyi warned that the PDP would resist any form of intimidation and victimization of their members.

    He lamented that PDP members have been killed and many houses burnt in recent attacks in the state.

    He, however, appealed for peace and calm, urging Ebonyi people to turn out and participate on the presidential election.

    “Security agencies are on ground and have assured us that they will be fair to all,” he said.

  • Lassa Fever kills three in Ebonyi

    The Virology center at Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (FETHA) built by Ebonyi state government has successfully treated and discharged 14 Lassa fever patients brought to the centre this year.

    Commissioner for Health Dr. Daniel Umezuruike disclosed this during public health advisory  workshop organized by the state Ministry of Health in collaboration with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi state capital.

    He noted that the disease is currently active in Ebonyi state with a total of 19 confirmed  cases with three deaths among the cases admitted at the centre.

    According to him, the disease ravaged eight out of the 13  local government areas of the state which include; Abakaliki, Ezza South, Ezza North, Ohaozara, Ebonyi, Izz, Afikpo North and Ikwo LGAs.

    Read Also: Two arrested planting explosives on Ebonyi bridge

    Mr Umezuruike identified symptoms of the virus to include, high grade fever, body pains, sore throat, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, chest pain(sub sternal), unconsciousness, among others.

    “Recent genomic sequencing of the Lassa Fever virus in Nigeria shows rodent to human transmission is still main source of infection, therefore environmental sanitation especially rodent control is critical to curtail the spread.

    “Since the current outbreak, the state has intensified its response through enhanced surveillance, contact tracing and active case in all LGAs by the epidemiology team.

    “Risk communication and sensitization have also been ongoing in all LGAs to increase awareness and promote positive behavioural practices to prevent further spread of the disease.

    The Commissioner said that a response team from the NCDC and another team from Medicines San Frontiers are currently working with the state team to strengthen the response”, he said. ENDS

  • Two killed, six injured as political parties clash in Ebonyi

    … Observe group laments postponement, violence
    Two persons have been killed in another political violence in Ebonyi state.
    There has been series of violence in the state in the past few days with some lives lost and properties destroyed.
    Two persons were on Sunday killed in Ngbo Agbaja ward, Izzi local
    government area of the state by suspected political thugs.
    Six  other persons who sustained serious bullets injuries are said to be receiving treatment at various hospitals in the state.
    The victims are said to be members of Peoples Democratic Party(PDP).
    The state Chairman of the party, Bar.  Onyekachi Nwebonyi stated this in Abakaliki.
    He decried the attack and called on security agencies to fish-out the perpetrators and bring them to book.
    He disclosed that the victims were ambushed by political thugs who
    operated a Mercedes car and shot at them.
    “I want to use this medium to condemn the wanton destruction of properties and killing of innocent Nigerians all over the nation.
    “Of my particular interest is the wanton destruction of properties and killing of innocent Ebonyians in Ebonyi state. Few hours ago, I got a report from Izzi local government area that eight of our PDP members were shot. As I speak, two of them are dead.
    “The opposition in the state are visibly out to instigate violence in Ebonyi state so as to scare voters from coming out to vote.
    “I therefore warned them to desist from this act which is capable of causing unrest in the state. let me also called on the security agencies in the state to immediately wade into investigation these killings and wanton destruction of properties to ensure that these
    does not escalate”, he said
    Also, a building was allegedly set ablaze at Izziogi in Izzi local government area of the state.
    An international observer group based in South Africa, Pan-African Women Project stated this at a press briefing in Abakaliki on Sunday.
    Leader of the team, Lebogang Ugorji said its pre-election findings shows that two political thugs were also arrested in Ikwo local government area with guns which they intended to use to disrupt the election.
    The group said such violence and the postponent of the election will likely lead to disenfranchisement and voter aparthy in the rescheduled date of the election.
    “It is therefore our advice for the electoral body to rise to their responsibility by ensuring that all hitches are put out of place to ensure a smooth and credible election on 23rd of February”.
    “Again, this singular action has affected the cost implication of all parties involved in the election and has gone a long way to affect the purse of civil society groups considering the fact that INEC has no financial leverage for the NGOs”, when said.
    Police spokesman in the state, Loveth Odah said reports of the incid

  • Two arrested planting explosives on Ebonyi bridge

    Two persons have been arrested in Ebonyi State while planting Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, on Idembia Bridge in Ezza South council area of Ebonyi State.

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi stated this in a special security situation broadcast to the people of the state yesterday.

    He said the arrest followed intelligence reports that some members of a political party were planning to bomb bridges and other installations in the state.

    He said the two suspects were arrested by villagers living close to the bridge which links Ezza South to Ohaozara council area.

    The governor also said that a National Assembly candidate of a political party, few days ago went to a quarry site in the state to purchase explosives but was turned down by the operators who also reported to the state government.

    “The report came to me as Chief Security officer of this state that a house of assembly candidate went to quarry site to buy explosives and the people came and reported to us, they refused to  sell to him.

    “We had to immediately report to the security agencies and they have the name of the person. They moved into action to arrest the person and I have said they should declare him wanted.”

    “Subsequently, four hours later, we got information that a meeting was held and it was agreed to plant explosives in hotels, in flyovers and bridges including bridges built by past administrations in the state.

    “While we were still examining the authenticity of the information,  Commissioner for Internal Security  called to say that the community and Neighbourhood Security Watch apprehended two people that have succeeded in planting explosives at Idembia Bridge but they had not  detonated it”

    “They were still planting it; they went to the expansion of the bridge the weakest link to plant it. They have been apprehended and sent to the army and the army has sent them to the police. So, they are being investigated”.

    The governor also gave report of other violent incidents in various parts of the state candidates.

    “Two House of Representatives candidates in Ezza North LGA were shooting guns. Incidentally, a police orderly was attached to one of them who participated in the shooting of gun. The matter has been reported to the police to fish out the police orderly and he must be arrested”.

    “Army arrested one of the candidates of a political party along the road with a short gun. Then in Ikwo, somebody was arrested with gun for terrorizing his community”.

    The governor warned that anyone, irrespective of political affiliation, caught in any violent conduct before, during and after the election will be prosecuted.

    Police spokesperson in the state, Loveth Ogah confirmed the incident.     She gave the names of the suspects as Kingsley Nweke and Chijioke Uwakwe.

    She  said the police was investigating the matter assuring that the Police is on top of the security situation in the state.

  • Updated: Two arrested for planting explosives on Ebonyi bridge

    Two persons have been arrested in Ebonyi state while planting Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs, on Idembia bridge in Ezza South Local government Area of Ebonyi state.

    Governor David Umahi stated this in a special security situation broadcast to the people of the state on Friday.

    He said the arrest followed intelligence reports that some members of a political party were planning to bomb bridges and other installations in the state.

    He said the two suspects were arrested by villagers living close to the bridge which links Ezza South to Ohaozara local government area.

    The governor also said that a National Assembly Candidate of a political party, a few days ago went to a quarry site in the state to purchase explosives but was turned down by the operators who also reported to the state government.

    “The report came to me as Chief Security officer of this state that a House of Assembly candidate went to quarry site to buy explosives and the people came and reported to us, they refused to
    sell to him”

    “We had to immediately report to the security agencies and they have the name of the person. They moved into action to arrest the person and I have said they should declare him wanted”

    “Subsequently, four hours later, we got information that a meeting was held and it was agreed to plant explosives in hotels, in flyovers and bridges including bridges built by past administration in the state”.

    “While we were still examining the authenticity of the information, Commissioner for Internal security called to say that the community and Neighbourhood Security Watch apprehended two people that have succeeded in planting explosives at Idembia bridge but they have not detonated it”

    “They were still planting it, they went to the expansion of the bridge the weakest link to plant it. They have been apprehended and sent to the Army and the Army has sent them to the police. So, they are being investigated”.

    The governor also gave report of other violent incidents in various parts of the state candidates.

    “Two House of Representatives candidates in Ezza North LGA were shooting guns. Incidentally, a police orderly was attached to one of them who participated in the shooting of gun. The matter has been reported to the police to fish out the police orderly and he must be arrested”.

    “Army arrested one of the candidates of a political party along the road with a short gun. Then in Ikwo, somebody was arrested with gun for terrorizing his community”.

    The governor warned that anyone, irrespective of political affiliation, caught in any violent conduct before, during and after the election will be prosecuted.

    He charged the people to go about their lawful business and not to let the incident deter them from coming out to vote in tomorrow’s election.

    “I encourage Ebonyians to come out and vote because we have enough security and that any disturbance, they should just let the security agencies know”.

    “Security agencies are equal to the task and they are very neutral and well prepared to protect the people”

    “So, I urge Ebonyians not to be afraid of anything because those that are here to protect us are so many and they are they are doing perfect work and so every life will be protected”.

    Police Spokesman in the state, Loveth Ogah confirmed the incident.

    She gave the names of the suspects as Kingsley Nweke and Chijioke Uwakwe.

    The spokesman said the Police is investigating the matter assuring that the Police is on top of the security situation in the state.

  • Woman, 22 nabbed for stealing twin baby

    A 35-year old woman has been arrested for allegedly stealing a 5-day old twin baby boy at the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital ( NAUTH ) Nnewi, Anambra state.

    The suspect, Dorathy Sunday of Izzi, Ebonyi State, was said to have stolen the baby from the maternity ward of the hospital while the mother was away.

    A medical personnel in the hospital who preferred anonymity said the suspect took advantage of the absence of the mother to abduct the baby.

    “The mother of the baby had gone to wash her clothes at the hospital’s compound when the woman quietly sneaked in to carry the baby,” she said.

    She said the suspect had almost escaped with the baby when she was apprehended at the entrance to the hospital.

    “Luck ran out on her when nurses at the hospital gate saw her in a suspicious manner and raised alarm which led to her arrest,” she added.

    Read Also: Police kill suspected robber in Enugu

    Confirming the arrest, the PPRO, State Police Command, Haruna Mohammed, said the baby was recovered in good condition.

    He said, “On the 30/1/2019 at about 5:50 pm, Police detectives attached to Central Police Station (CPS) Nnewi, arrested one Dorathy Sunday ‘f’ aged 35 years of Izzi of Ebonyi State.

    “Suspect sneaked into the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi and stole a five-day-old twin baby boy at the maternity ward of the hospital when the mother of the baby one Mmadu Happiness Miracle ‘f” aged 22 years of Uruagu, Nnewi, went to the hospital compound to wash her clothes.”

    Mohammed said the suspect would be charged to court for prosecution after investigation were concluded.