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Tag: Elechi’

  • Deputy Speaker, eight others disown impeachment notice against Elechi

    Deputy Speaker, eight others disown impeachment notice against Elechi

    The Deputy Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and eight other lawmakers at the weekend disowned the impeachment notice served on Governor Martin Elechi by 15 legislators, including the Speaker.

    The nine lawmakers include the Deputy Speaker, Chief Blaise Orji (Afikpo  Southeast); the Majority Leader, Sam Nwali (Ikwo North); Oliver Nwachukwu (Abakaliki North); Eloy Ogbonna (Afikpo North East) and Mrs Helen Nwaobshi (Abakaliki South).

    Others are: Mrs Mabel Aleke (Ohaukwu South ); Eni Uduma Chima (Afikpo South West); Princess Lilian Igwe (Ivo) and Michael Ikechukwu Nwankwo (Ebonyi North West).

    In a statement by the legislators read on their behalf by Eni Uduma Chima before reporters in Abakaliki, they said: ‘’The House of Assembly has degenerated into a political party platform for the realisation of the ambition of the Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi Nweze, who is the Peoples  Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate, and who wants to rule Ebonyi State at all cost and by all means, fair or foul.’’

    Eni said members of the Assembly were beaten up, dispossessed of their belongings, intimidated and disallowed from participating in the proceedings by thugs, who said they were enjoying police protection.

    Eni, who said the declaration of six seats of members of the House vacant by the leadership was illegal, added that those affected were challenging it in the Federal High Court, Abakaliki. He decried the impeachment notice served on the governor.

    Said he: “The resolution of the 15 members of the Assembly, led by Speaker Chukwuma Nwazunku, contravened Section 188(4) of the 1999 Constitution as amended. Fifteen members cannot be the ‘two-third’ majority of the members’ of a 24-member House. Desperate attempts and overtures are being made to induce and intimidate us into yielding, against the demand of justice and good conscience, to the plot for the impeachment of our dear governor, a founding father of Ebonyi State.

    “We have resolved that none of us shall attempt to go to the  Assembly complex to forestall a breakdown of law and order and to ensure the security of the lives of our people.”

    We cannot in this life and forever sign or attempt to sign any document seeking to remove from office Governor Martin Elechi .

  • Impeachment plot against Elechi thickens

    Impeachment plot against Elechi thickens

    There was tension in Ebonyi State yesterday, following moves by prominent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders to instigate the House of Assembly to impeach Governor Martin Elechi.

    The leaders accused the governor of anti-party activities, adding that he has encouraged his supporters to defect from the PDP to the Labour Party (LP).

    The PDP chieftains, led by Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator Pius Ayim, on Wednesday secured the approval of the national PDP caucus to sanction the governor for the decimation of the Ebonyi chapter.

    A party source said the former Senate President complained to President Goodluck Jonathan that Elechi will be an obstacle to the PDP’s victory at the general elections because he has turned his back against the party.

    The SGF has been having sleepless nights, following the mass defection to the LP, a move that is believed may jeopardise the chance of the party at the polls.

    There has been a running battle between Elechi and Ayim over the control of the chapter. On January 16, the governor was booed at the Abakaliki Township Stadium during the presidential campaign, to the embarrassment of the President and other dignitaries.

    According to the source, the disgrace was orchestrated to give the impression that the governor is not popular in the state.

    He added: “PDP leaders, who are against Governor Elechi, are pushing for his impeachment because they see it as the ultimate guarantor of the PDP victory in the elections. The Abuja-based anti-Elechi forces are working on the members of the House of Assembly to ensure the non-passage of the 2015 Appropriation Bill. Other actions against the governor are in the pipeline. They want to cut the governor’s influence, especially the incumbency power.”

    The governor was not present at the Abuja caucus meeting where Ayim pressed for sanctions against him.

    However, mixed reactions trailed the SGF’s proposals. The impeachment slot was opposed by the President, who noted that the time was not auspicious.

    A source said despite the President’s objection, Ayim has intensified his lobby to remove Elechi in the belief that by the time the plan is executed close to the elections, the President would be too engrossed in his re-election battle.

    The source added: “The SGF’s confidence may have been buoyed by what happened on November 27, last year during which the President took a decision with some high ranking officials of the government and the party to postpone primaries in Ebonyi, Taraba, Adamawa and Ondo states, pending the resolution of the problems in those states. Some vested interests flouted the order and conducted the primaries in Ebonyi State and the outcome was accepted and the President did nothing. Ayim is apprehensive that it will be difficult for PDP to win the election in Ebonyi while Elechi remains the governor”.

    Party sources said the declaration of the seats of four members of the Assembly loyal to Elechi vacant on the same day the caucus meeting was holding in Abuja was to set the stage for the impeachment.

    Another chieftain, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said: “The whole essence of the action is to whittle the number of pro- Elechi and to get the constitutionally-stipulated number of anti-Elechi members to successfully initiate impeachment proceedings”

    The Speaker, Mr. Chukwuma Nwazunku, on Wednesday declared the seats of the four members vacant, following their defection to the LP.

    Nwazunku said in a statement that he has the constitutional right to declare their seats vacant. The affected legislators are Eni Uduma Chima, (Afikpo South West); Helen Nwaobashi (Abakaliki South); Sam Nwali (Ikwo North) and Mabel Aleke (Ohaukwu South).

    However, many stakeholders have risen in defence of the governor, saying he was being blackmailed and witch-hunted by the SGF. A group, the Ebonyi Patriotic Coalition (EPC) alleged that Ayim was instigating the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Ebonyi State government.

    At a news conference in Abuja on Monday, Ebonyi government officials complained about the freezing of the accounts of the local governments by the anti-graft body on the grounds that its funds are used to fund the LP.

    The Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Dr. Ben Igwenyi, and the Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Ifeanyi Ikeh, said: “There is a spate of frivolous petitions against state government officials in charge of finance. In the last three weeks, the Accountant-General, Mr. Edwin Igbele; the Commissioner for Finance, Timothy Odaah and the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Celestine Nwali; have been guests of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    “The allegations against them being that some local government funds, which were legitimately spent in 2012 and 2013, were unlawfully spent. These are all lies because the documents are there to speak for themselves. Even without hearing from the above three officers, the joint accounts of the 13 local governments were frozen by EFCC, contrary to Section 34(1) of EFCC Act 2004.

    “The joint accounts of local governments were frozen when there was no evidence of the money being proceeds of corruption. We have it from grapevine that the Chairman of EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Lamorde, was instructed to do what he did by the Secretary to Government of the Federation who is from Ebonyi State.

    “As we address you now, there is another petition from the same group pending at the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offence Commission (ICPC) over the same frivolous allegations. We will not be surprised if there is another one pending at the IGP’s office against state officials, all aimed at destabilising the state government”.

    The political crisis in Ebonyi State stemmed from the conflicts, which followed the PDP primaries in November last year between those loyal to Elechi, who backed the former Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu and those loyal to the Deputy Governor, Dave Umahi, who is being supported by the SGF. This led to the defection of the majority of Elechi’s supporters from the PDP to the Labour Party. Since then, Elechi has been campaigning for President Jonathan’s re-election without extending similar support to other candidates of the PDP in the state.

    The move to remove Elechi has polarised the state along ethnic lines. Those from Abakaliki bloc where Elechi hails from and, who are in the majority, are spoiling for war against party chieftains from a section of Afikpo zone, the birth place of Umahi. Many are of the view that the governor deserves respect because of his age and popularity among the people.

  • I have not stolen government’s fund – Elechi

    I have not stolen government’s fund – Elechi

    … Assembly declares four seats vacant

    Ebonyi State Governor, Martin Elechi, has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to examine the state’s financial expenditure closely and tell him if he has stolen government fund.

    Elechi made the call on Wednesday while inaugurating the Oferekpe mega water scheme which became operational following the completion of the project.

    He said, ‘’ I am calling on Ebonyi people to put pressure on the House of Assembly members who have vowed not to allow us get necessary funding to do the projects we need to do for our people. Our expenditure profile is under scrutiny and we invite all anti-graft agencies wherever they may be to examine our books closely and tell us where we have stolen government funds.

    ‘’ I believe we have discharged our responsibility creditably, we have acquitted ourselves creditably as well, the rest is left to God to decide. But we believe we have the capacity, the zeal and the vision to transmit water to every community in Ebonyi State.”

    The EFCC and ICPC have quizzed some of the state government officials including the governor’s son, Prince Nnanna Elechi, over alleged financial fraud.

    The anti-graft agencies are also investigating local government accounts and Sure-P funds.

    But the state government has described the arrests as politically motivated.

    Meanwhile, the state House of Assembly has declared the seats of four of its members vacant for defecting to another political party.

    The Speaker of the House, Chukwuma Nwazunku, while reading the resolutions, said the affected members violated section 109; sub section 1G of the 1999 Constitution as amended by defecting to another political party without stipulated party guidelines.

    The affected members are – Chief Eni Uduma-Chima (PDP-Afikpo South West), Mr. Sam Nwali (PDP-Ikwo North) Mrs. Helen-Nwaobashi (PDP—Abakaliki South) and Mrs. Mabel Aleke (PDP—Ohaukwu South).

    “They defected to another party without adhering to the laid down rules stipulated by the Peoples Democratic Party under which platform they were elected as members of the House.

    “Their action brings the integrity of the House into disrepute, as the declaration of vacancy to their seats takes effect from February 11.

    “We therefore inform the state’s Commissioner of Police, State Security Service, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant agencies, on the matter for appropriate actions to be taken.

     

     

  • The Elechi legacy in Ebonyi

    IT is fitting to take stock of the performance of political leaders as they approach the end of their tenure. Everything that has a beginning must necessarily have an end.

    Political office holders, political leaders have had the rare opportunity to contribute to the improvement of their life of the people. In the case of Ebonyi State, the state governor, Chief Martin Nwancho Elechi, will wind up an eight-year proactive and profound administration in the next couple of months.

    Elechi was not new to politics before he took over the mantle of leadership in Ebonyi State. An elder statesman, nationalist, ebullient and consummate administrator, he served as a commissioner in the defunct East Central State immediately after the Nigerian civil war.

    As one of the founding fathers of Ebonyi State, it was not a surprise when the task of steering the ship of the young state fell on him.

    Today, Elechi is being celebrated across Ebonyi State and beyond as a leader of repute and immense substance, an achiever, an astute politician and a worthy governor.

    The lean resources available to Ebonyi State Government were never a deterrent to a determined Elechi who set out from the onset to give his people great leadership. A man of peace and concord, it can be said that the greatest quality of Governor Elechi is his love for peace and unity.

    No wonder then that Ebonyi State has continued to enjoy enduring peace under his watch. This created the enabling environment for the Elechi Administration to unleash democratic dividend across the length and breadth of the state. Because Ebonyians are in a hurry to grow and place her where it ought to belong, Governor Elechi united and welded together all the various facets of the state.

    As Ebonyians celebrate the Elechi Government for its wonderful and profound achievements, they also celebrate peace, unity and security as instituted by the administration.

    There is no denying the fact that Ebonyi State remains the most peaceful, united and secured state east of the River Niger today. All the impediments which dogged the peace, progress, unity and transformation of the sister states in the East such as kidnapping, murder and division are alien to Ebonyi State, thanks to the ingenuity and sense of mission of Governor Elechi.

    The Elechi administration took the education of the youths in Ebonyi State seriously. It tackled illiteracy and ignorance head-on, education was made free and compulsory up to the Junior Secondary School   level.

  • Fresh plot to impeach Elechi thickens

    Fresh plot to impeach Elechi thickens

    There is a fresh plot to impeach Ebonyi State Governor Martin Elechi, it was learnt yesterday.

    An unnamed Anambra State businessman is said to have released N50million to finance the plot.

    Ten out of the 24-member House of Assembly were alleged to have collected N10 million each through a colleague of theirs to prosecute the plot.

    It was learnt that a balance of N40 million would be given to them next week during which the impeachment notice will be served on the governor. These claims, however, could not be verified as at press time.

    It was also learnt that efforts were being made to bring at least six other legislators on board to meet the constitutional number needed to remove the governor.

    The move was necessitated by the belief in certain quarters that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) may have a hard time in the forthcoming governorship election if Elechi is allowed to remain in office.

    It was alleged that the impeachment move may not be unconnected with the governor’s alleged “closeness” to the Labour Party (LP).

  • Elechi’s wife provides jobs tools for women

    Elechi’s wife provides jobs tools for women

    Wife of Ebonyi State governor, Mrs. Josephine Elechi has stepped up her passion for women with the provision of jobs tools for them. Her skill acquisition programmes often organised in conjunction with the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development have helped several women in the state. The youth and physically challenged drawn from the 13 local government areas of the state also benefit from the schemes.

    Mrs. Elechi’s pet project, Mother and Childcare Initiative (MCCI) set up the National Obstetric Fistula Centre in Abakaliki, which has been taken over by the federal government and run by the Federal Ministry of Health.

    The centre under the administration of the Medical Director, Prof. Sunday Oduoye and supervised by Mrs. Elechi has provided free surgical intervention for about 1,785 VVF clients from over 20 states of the federation and 473 women with uterine disorders.

    On cancer eradication, over 764 clients have been screened for prostate cancer while about 12,718 have been checked for breast and cervical cancer free of charge at the screening centre established by Mrs. Elechi at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki.

    Speaking at the Abakaliki Township Stadium during the 2014 Ebonyi Women’s Day Celebration with the theme: “Women as vanguard for adequate Security in Ebonyi State, the wife of the governor stressed the need for the discouragement of obnoxious practices against women such as forbidding women/girls to inherit, domestic violence, sexual abuse and rape, violence at workplace, forced prostitution and widowhood practices, among others.

    At the event, she provided work items such as sewing machines and hair-dressing kits to women.

    She lamented, however, that despite the increasing participation of women in governance, the rate of violence against them and their persistent deaths due to pregnancy complications and childbirth remain a major problem.

    “On my part, I have through my pet project, MCCI remained steadfast in my commitment to the promotion of healthcare delivery services, welfare programmes for the physically challenged, widows, educational support for orphans and vulnerable children and provision of relief packages for people living with HIV/AIDS among other welfare programmes.

    “It is with great pleasure that I use this opportunity to inform you that this event, like previous years will feature the empowerment of youths/women and indigent widows with equipment in various vocational skills to enable them to be self-reliant and employers of labour, thereby harnessing their socio-economic conditions”.

    In their separate goodwill messages to Ebonyi women, the Head of Service, Mrs. Ugo Nnachi and the State focal person of Millennium Development Goals, MDGs, Mrs. Ngozi Obichukwu, extolled the laudable contributions, tenacity and achievements of the Ebonyi woman in different strata of society.

    They added that no amount of challenge and opposition would deter the Ebonyi woman from climbing the ladder of success for the betterment of the state at large.

    In his remarks, the former Minister of Health, Prof. Chukwu praised Mrs. Elechi for her contributions towards the establishment of the National Obstetric Fistula Centre which has benefited women from different parts of the country.

    The occasion witnessed a march past from different women groups and organisations, cultural display and presentation of Award to the Wife of Ebonyi State Governor.

  • Elechi sues for tolerance

    Elechi sues for tolerance

    Ebonyi State Governor Martin Elechi yesterday sued for tolerance and accommodation to engender growth and development.

      Elechi spoke at the Abakaliki Township Stadium at the 54th Independence anniversary and the 18th anniversary of the state’s creation.

      The governor said the country is at the threshold of another transition, which is coming in the midst of social, economic and security challenges.

      His words: “It is in consideration of this reality and in appreciation of the need to water the tree of our unity that I frequently dwell on the imperative of tolerance and accommodation for our growth and development.”

  • Elechi assures corps members of safety

    Ebonyi State Governor  Martin Elechi has assured the over 1,889 Batch ‘B’ members of the National Youth Service Corps, (NYSC) deployed to the state of adequate security, despite the challenges facing the country.

    The governor spoke during the terminal parade of 2014 Batch ‘B’ corps members at the NYSC permanent orientation camp, old Macgregor College, Afikpo.

    Elechi, who was represented by the  Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Sam Mgbada, called on the corps members to explore the peace in the state to impact positively on the well-being of the people.

    “I want to assure you that Ebonyi people are hospitable, warm, peaceful, friendly and accommodating. I therefore urge you to promote the objective of national unity and integration which the NYSC scheme has championed in its over 41 years of existence.

    “I re-echo my earlier directive that rejection of corps members by employers on flimsy reasons will not be tolerated by government. Corps employers are hereby advised to accept these youths and make judicious use of their knowledge in the interest of the state and the country.”

    The state Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. Ngozi Dorothy Nwatarali urged the Corps members to utilise all the orientation programmes and empowerment schemes which they had gone through to better their lives and the society.

    Nwatarali, who appreciated the corps for their comportment, discipline and commitment during their stay at the camp, expressed her optimism that they (corps members) would perform creditably in their places of primary assignment.

     

  • Elechi sacks permanent secretary

    EBONYI State Governor, Martin Elechi, has sacked the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youths and Sports, Mrs Esther Ukpai Aja, with immediate effect. The sack was communicated to the permanent secretary by the Deputy Director (Admin) in the State Civil Service Commission, Nweduru B. N., in a letter titled ” compulsory retirement as director, grade level 16″. The letter reads:” I am directed to inform you that your appointment as Permanent Secretary in Ebonyi State Civil Service has ceased to enjoy the pleasure of his Excellency, Chief Martin Elechi, the Executive Governor, with effect from 4th August 2014.

  • Elechi alleges plot to cause rift between executive, legislature

    Governor Martin Elechi of Ebonyi State on Wednesday alleged plans by some individuals and groups in the state to put the executive and legislature on war path.

    The governor stated this in Abakaliki in his first reaction to the crisis rocking the state House of Assembly.

    The crisis started when 18 out of the 24 members of the House impeached the Speaker, Chukwuma Nwazunku and elected Rt. Hon Helen Nwaobasi as the new speaker.

    But the former speaker and his supporters rejected the action, forcing the police to take over the assembly complex to prevent breakdown of law and order.

    Elechi described as evil a recent publication in a national newspaper, (not The Nation) titled: “Our stand on Ebonyi State House of Assembly crisis and the hidden threat to impeach Governor Martin Elechi.”

    He said the publication is a calculated attempt to cause rift between him and the lawmakers.