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Tag: Ebonyi

  • 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

  • Breaking: Umahi sacks Ebonyi Justice Commissioner

    Breaking: Umahi sacks Ebonyi Justice Commissioner

    Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has relieved the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the state, Augustine Nwakwoagu, of his appointment
    In a statement on Wednesday evening signed by his Principal Secretary, Mr.Clement Nweke, Umahi said that Nwankwoegu was relieved of his appointment over ‘acts inconsistent with his official duties’ .
    The statement further directed the former commissioner to hand over government property in his possession to the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Justice before the close of work on Thursday.
    Nwankwegu was a former Speaker of the state House of Assembly from 2007 to 2011.
  • Rangers International FC to be on Nigerian Stock Exchange soon

    Rangers International FC to be on Nigerian Stock Exchange soon

    Rangers International Football Club of Enugu will soon be floated on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), an official of the Administrative Commission of Inquiry on Rangers confirmed on Tuesday.

    Based on the submissions mate by the commission, the Enugu State Government will likely divest its shares and stakes in Rangers soon.

    About two months ago the state government had set up the Administrative Commission of Inquiry, which had been looking into the club’s activities.

    The seven-time league champions who won the 2015/2016 title about 32 years after the last time had a poor outing in the 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.

    A member of the commission, Norbert Okolie, told NAN on Tuesday that putting the club’s shares at the NSE was part of the major recommendations made by the commission.

    Okolie, who is also the Chairman of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria ( SWAN ), Enugu State, said the commission’s report was submitted to the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, on Friday.

    He said the commission, after duly considering a deluge of memoranda submitted, noted that Rangers being a big brand in the football business should enjoy and leverage on this.

    “This can only be, by lifting the burden of sponsorship from the state government.’’

    Okolie disclosed that the commission also suggested that the club’s ownership should be spread to other South-East states and other lovers of the club.

    “Thirty-five per cent of the shares will be reserved for the Enugu State Government, while 32 per cent will be for the four states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi and Imo at 8 per cent each.

    “Twenty-five per cent will be for the general public, six per cent for the Amalgamated Traders Association, one per cent for Rangers Supporters’ Club and one per cent for Ohaneze Ndigbo.

    “This is what was suggested by the commission headed by Prof. Gab Agu,’’ he said.

    Okolie also said the formation of Rangers’ female football club and basketball team were equally recommended by the commission.

    “This is for maximum benefits to be gained by the shareholders and teeming youths of the states in particular and the nation in general,’’ he said

    Ugwuanyi, while receiving the commission’s 52-page report, had promised to present the document for State Executive Committee (SEC) deliberations and quick implementation of recommendations.

    NAN

  • Boxing fans hail Joshua for boosting Nigeria’s global image

    Boxing fans hail Joshua for boosting Nigeria’s global image

    Boxing fans in Ebonyi have hailed Nigerian-born Briton, Anthony Joshua, for boosting the country’s global image by retaining his heavy-weight title belts on Saturday night.

    They gave the commendation in separate interviews in Abakaliki on Sunday.

    Joshua successfully retained his World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) titles over Cameroonian-born, Frenchman Carlos Takam on Saturday night.

    Joshua achieved the feat via a 10th-round Technical Knockout (TKO) over his opponent at the Municipality Stadium in Cardiff, Wales.

    The fans, who blamed referee Phil Edwards for controversially stopping the bout in the 10thround noted that Joshua had brought global attention to his country of birth, Nigeria just as his naturalised country, England.

    Jossy Nkwuda, former boxing coach with the Ebonyi Sports Council, noted that Joshua had successfully stepped into the shoes of boxing greats such as Muhammed Ali, Joe Fraizer, the Klitshckho brothers, among others.

    “It is rare to see a boxer retaining two heavyweight boxing belts in modern times as we pray that Johsua sustains the momentum longer than Ali and the Klitsckho brothers.

    “This feat shows that Nigeria is blessed with abundant talents who can project its image with adequate human and material management, dedication among others,” he said.

    Jude Kanu, an amateur boxer in Ebonyi, who is commended Joshua for the feat, however, advised him to work harder in maintaining the present boxing glory he is revelling-in.

    “Joshua, with the feat, earned the 20th TKO of his career thereby surpassing Mike Tyson’s record of 19th TKO and one behind legendary Frank Bruno on 21st,’’ he said.

    “Nigerians should use the feat as a rallying point to achieve unity which would guarantee economic, social development and global recognition,”

    Paschal Mebuge, a transporter and boxing buff noted that Joshua’s performance fell below standard, compared to his historic win over Vladimir Klitchko earlier in the year.

    “He could still have won the match despite the crowd’s disapproval of the bout’s stoppage by the referee as he clearly outclassed Takam.

    “The country’s boxing authorities should ensure the grooming of boxers who will replicate Joshua’s strides and provide them with conducive environment to avoid being poached by foreign countries,” he said.

    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

  • INEC begins staff training on voter education in Ebonyi – REC

    INEC begins staff training on voter education in Ebonyi – REC

    Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) has begun training of its staff on voter education to end voters’ apathy in the Ebonyi state in preparation for 2019 elections.

    The Ebonyi Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Godswill Obioma, made this known in an interview on Friday in Abakaliki.

    He explained that only 30 per cent of eligible voters participated in the electoral process in the state, saying that the commission was determined to change the situation for the better.

    He said that the training was designed to build capacity of the trainees so as to be able take voter education to the grassroots and to effectively mobilise the people to participate in the electoral process.

    The REC said that the training of the commission’s staff on voter education was part of strategies and preparation to ensure mass participation in the 2019 general elections in the state

    According to him, voter education is a critical component in the electoral process because it is used in mobilising the voter to carry out their civic duties at a stipulated time.

    The INEC chief noted that the beauty of participatory democracy rest in the ability of greater number of the people to participate in the process of choosing their leaders.

    “Lack of proper voter education has made most eligible voters to shun participation in the electoral process and such a decision often results in the emergence of non-credible leaders.

    “It is an important civic responsibility of every adult to participate in all the electoral processes including voter registration, voting in an election and ensuring that your votes are protected.

    “A situation where only insignificant 30 per cent of eligible voting population participate in the electoral process is unacceptable and we are working hard to change the people’s mindset,” Obioma said.

    Obioma also called for support from the media, traditional rulers, politicians, their supporters and other stakeholders in the political process in ensuring the success of the voter education in the state.

    NAN

  • Ebonyi pledges commitment to welfare of physically challenged persons

    Ebonyi pledges commitment to welfare of physically challenged persons

    The Ebonyi Government has pledged its commitment to the promotion of the welfare and wellbeing of physically challenged persons in the state.

    Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Gov. Dave Umahi on Religious Matters and Social Welfare, made the pledge on Wednesday in Abakaliki at an event to mark the World Sight Day (WSD).

    According to him, the state government is committed to alleviating the suffering of physically challenged persons
    as well as protection of their rights.

    Nwali encouraged the visually impaired to be useful to themselves and not to lose hope because of their physical condition.

    “There is ability in every disability, hence you must remain focused in the pursuit of your dreams and do not allow your physical challenges to limit or deter you from actualising your life dreams.

    “As a government, we will do everything within our powers to ensure that we encourage and support you individually and collectively to overcome your difficulties.

    “Again, you must believe in God and in yourselves and determine to succeed in whatever task you set to achieve,’’ Nwali said.

    The governor’s aide who described the visually impaired as special segment of the society, said that government would ensure the protection of their fundamental rights and support them to become economically independent.

    ” We will ensure that your fundamental rights are well protected from any abuse; ensure that you report any abuse of your rights timely to relevant government agencies.

    “Government is also determined to support you to be economically independent in order to contribute to the development of our dear state, “he added.

    Mr Joseph Enyi, the President of the Ebonyi chapter of the Association for the Blind, commended the state government for its good disposition towards the association.

    He said that the group would continue to support the programmes and policies of the present administration.
    The WSD is an annual day of awareness that holds on the second Thursday of October, to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment.

    World Sight Day 2017 was held on Oct. 12, 2017 globally, with Ebonyi celebrating the event on Wednesday,

    NAN

  • Buhari, state governors meet in Aso Rock

    Buhari, state governors meet in Aso Rock

    President Muhammadu Buhari is meeting with some state governors inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The governors who are attending the meeting includes; Zamfara, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Jigawa, Kebbi, Ondo and Kwara States.

    Details later…

  • Kidnapped Catholic Priest, Cook rescued by Police

    Kidnapped Catholic Priest, Cook rescued by Police

    Barely 24 hours after he was kidnapped, the police in Ebonyi state have rescued a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Timothy Nwanja, abducted by gunmen in Okpokueze Nkomoro community, Imoho Development Centre, Ezza North Local Government Area of the State.

    Also rescued was the cook to the priest who was also abducted along side with her boss.

    According to sources, the cleric, who serves at St. Mary’s parish, was kidnapped by three gunmen at about 8:30pm on Sunday night in his residence.

    This is even as the police said that they arrested one of the suspected kidnappers.

    They however regretted that they could not capture the remaining two but vowed that the police must track down the kidnappers.

    Police spokesman in the state, Mrs Loveth Odah, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, who conformed the rescue said that the police acting on tip off, raided the criminals’ hideout.

    She narrated that while the cleric was having his dinner, the kidnappers sneaked into his room.

    She said that the priest’s cook who had gone upstairs to get water from the refrigerator was first captured.

    “When the priest heard the loud screaming, he ran upstairs to know what was going on and they also captured him. One of them was familiar with the area while the two were not.

    READ ALSO:  Gunmen kill three NDLEA operatives

    “They took him away in his own vehicle. They blindfolded him and tied his ears so that he won’t be able to listen to their interaction.

    “At a point, they separated the cook and the priest. They allowed the cook to go but it was a plot” she narrated.

    Odah disclosed that the cleric had jumped out through the window of the uncompleted building where he was taken to. She revealed that the trio had taken Holy Communion wine and as a result, slept off.

    She said that the criminals had planned to request the sum N100 million ransom from the Bishop of Abakaliki Diocese in the morning before they ran out of luck. Ends

  • MASSOB: troops have raided our office in Ebonyi

    MASSOB: troops have raided our office in Ebonyi

    The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB)/Biafra Independent Movement (BIM) have condemned the alleged invasion and destruction of its office at Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State by troops of Operation Python Dance II.

    The Ebonyi Central MASSOB/BIM Leader Gideon Iloke told reporters yesterday that scores of solders raided the organisation’s Onueke office at the weekend.

    He said the invaders allegedly destroyed flags, emblems and other Biafra items and took away other valuables belonging to the group.

    Iloke, who described the attack as wicked and callous, maintained that MASSOB was committed to the realisation of Biafra independence.

    The MASSOB leader said no amount of intimidation from the Army or any other quarters would stop the organisation from pursuing its agenda.

    He said: “Last weekend, the enemies of Biafra attacked our office at Onueke, chased away our members, destroyed our flags and carted away other valuables. Everybody knows that MASSOB/BIM under the leadership of Chief Raph Uwazuruke is non-violent in its approach to the agitation for the realisation of Biafra independence.

    “Therefore, what was the reason for attacking our office? They should know that even though they attacked our office and scattered our men, I want them to know that MASSOB/BIM is everywhere in the world; no force is capable of killing all of us. Biafra has come to stay.”

    Iloke urged leadership of Ohaeze Ndigbo, under the chairmanship of Chief Nnia Nwodo, to protect Ndigbo from what he called the calculated onslaught of the military against pro-Biafra agitators.

    The MASSOB leader said this had been disguised as a fight against criminality in the zone.

    He added that if Ndigbo leaders failed to protect pro-Biafra agitators against attacks from the security agencies, the group may be forced to take actions, “no matter how extreme, to protect ourselves”.

    Iloke also urged the international community to beam its light on the activities of the military in the Southeast, especially in its Operation Python Dance II.

    According to him, the activities of solders in the zone do not conform to the rules of engagement anywhere in the world.

    Police spokesman Loveth Oda, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said she was not aware of the incident.

    “I am not even aware that they have an office in Ebonyi,” she said.

    The spokesman of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu, Col. Sagir Musa, could not be reached for comment yesterday.