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Tag: Umahi

  • Umahi: ‘No amount of petitions to EFCC, ICPC will distract us’

    Ebonyi State Governor has said that no amount of petitions writing to the anti- graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crime Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Commission, from members of the opposition would distract his administration.

    The governor who stated this during a solidarity rally held in his honour by the people of Afikpo South (Edda) local government lambasted his predecessor, Martin Elechi and Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, for allegedly championing the ‘frivolous petitions’ against the state government.

    Umahi noted that he came into governance prepared and would ensure that no amount of intimidation from any quarters would derail his administration.

    Gov Umahi warned those planning to rig the 2019 general elections in the state to have a rethink as they would face strict opposition from the people of the state, adding that time had gone when politicians could pull the wool over the eyes of the people.

    Umahi explained that even as he could canvass for re-election of others, “the Ebonyi South senatorial seat is vacant”.

    Read Also: Ebonyi tackles genital mutilation

    He applauded the chairman of Afikpo South council, Dr. Eni Uduma Chima, saying that it was because of his spirit of sharing with others that he has remained most relevant in the polity of the state.

    The council chairman, Eni and Chief Abia Onyike, former Deputy National President of NUJ, currently, a senatorial aspirant from the zone assured the governor of continued support by people of the area, saying that the good works of the governor has made their task of campaigning for him easier.

    They said that they were watchful of the antics of those who have failed to appreciate the need to give support to the good governance of Umahi and assured that they were in charge of the area.

    Eni, explained that all through the life of his people no government had so demonstrated love to them through provision of infrastructure and human empowerment, hence he was deep sure of victory for Umahi come , 2019.

    Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Odii, in his opening remarks said that Umahi has recorded unprecedented achievement, urged him to remain committed to his vision and be ready to do more from 2019.

  • NEC stops movement of herdsmen in Benue, Taraba, three others

    The National Economic Council (NEC) on Thursday agreed to stop movement of herdsmen in the country, starting with the five mostly affected states of Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna and Plateau.

    The Council also supported the immediate creation of ranches across the country.

    Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, disclosed this to State House correspondents at the end of the NEC meeting chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    According to him, the five mostly affected states which had witnessed herdsmen killings will be expected to make land available for the ranches.

    He said through ranching, the nomadic herdsmen and their families would be able to access good medical facilities and good schools for their children if they stay in one place.

    Staying in a ranch, he said, would also improve the well-being of the cattle.

    The governor added that the Federal Government and the affected states would still iron out the interventions expected from the two parties.

    He said foreign herdsmen should be able to show some travel documents, even though visa is not allowed for movement in West African.

    The Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh said the federal government would no longer allow the killings to continue.

    He said Nigeria may no longer keep to the ECOWAS protocol on free movement of persons.

     

  • Umahi orders arrest of policeman over killing of Okada rider

    Gov. David Umahi of Ebonyi has ordered the immediate arrest of the policeman attached to the Anti Kidnap Squad (AK) of the Police Command in the state, who allegedly killed a commercial motorcycle operator, popularly known as Okada in Abakaliki.

    Umahi, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Uzor on Thursday in Abakaliki, also condemned the killing.

    He described the incident as “barbaric and callous” and said that justice would be done in the matter.

    He said that the incident had further called for more dedication, commitment and professional training for the nation’s security personnel to stop further killings of innocent Nigerians in the line of duty.

    The governor assured that he would take up the matter with the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that the policeman who allegedly killed the motorcyclist was punished in line with the rules of engagement.

    He warned that his administration would not tolerate any form of mindless killing of innocent citizens or extra judicial killing by security agencies in the state.

    He, therefore, ordered the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Titus Lamorde, to arrest the suspected killer-cop and other members of the squad in order to face the full weight of the law.

    Umahi expressed his sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and promised to visit the family when full information concerning his family was made available.

    He called on the public to remain calm and not to take the laws into their hands as the situation was under control.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the victim who was in his early 20s and whose identity was unknown, was allegedly shot dead at about 9.30 p.m. on Wednesday by a policeman attached to the AK Unit of the command on Water Works road, Abakaliki.

    Meanwhile, the command’s Spokesperson, Mrs Lovett Odah, confirmed the incident but maintained that details were still sketchy.

    “We will brief the press as soon we get full and accurate information on the incident, our men are still carrying out preliminary investigations into the alleged killing, “Odah said.

    Policemen have condoned off some parts of Water Works Road, scene of the incident, firing teargas to disperse angry protesters to restore order.

  • Umahi vows to prosecute Odoh

    • Swears in SSG

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi yesterday swore in Dr Hyginus Nwokwu as secretary to the state government (SSG).

    Odoh tendered his resignation letter to Umahi on Monday, citing alleged inconsistent policies.

    But the governor rejected the letter and sacked Odoh.

    Umahi vowed that after reviewing Odoh’s resignation, he would prosecute him to probe allegations he made in the letter.

    He said: “I will find out if he breached his oath of office through the contents of the letter, and challenge him in court to prove allegations he made.

    “I know that no civil servant is owed, and we rank among the states in the Southeast that prioritise worker’s welfare.

    “People act most times without knowledge, as David said in the Bible that the most painful thing about Absalom’s betrayal is that it came from a person he loved most.”

    The governor said he would not be distracted by Odoh’s action, adding that those who wanted to toe the line of betrayal are free to do so.

    “When I received the heaviest dose of betrayal in 2015, I had no Executive Council, House of Assembly and even SSG, let alone now that these organs are in place.

    “I am sure to have at least five faithful followers in an EXCO of 60, and would therefore not retreat or surrender,” he added.

    The governor congratulated Nwokwu, saying it was a decision that made a lot of people happy.

    “Nwokwu is the deputy director of our divine mandate platform, and though he was denied choice appointments and elevations in the past, he never complained.

    “I did not know that he is popular as this and this is an opportunity for all of us to work together,” he said.

    Nwokwu accepted the appointment and pledged to discharge his duties with dedication.

    He said: “A man who does not belong to a set-up is a weed, no matter how genuine he might appear. When the weed is cleared, the soil would receive more nutrients. We should therefore not allow saboteurs be part of our generals.”

    Umahi inaugurated a 28-man committee on farmers/herdsmen crisis, with the charge to permanently check clashes between them.

    The committee comprises representatives of the government, security agencies, traditional rulers, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, among others.

     

  • UPDATED: Umahi sacks SSG, rejects resignation

    Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, on Tuesday rejected the resignation of the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Bernard Odoh, and announced his sack instead.

    The governor, who disclosed this when he received over 20,000 Ezza indigenes at the Government House in Abakaliki, said Odoh’s resignation was rejected because it was done on a public holiday.

    Umahi’s reaction followed the submission of the ex-SSG’s letter where he claimed he was not given the freedom to perform his duties effectively.

    However, the state Commissioner for Information, Emmanuel Onwe, had on Monday confirmed the acceptance of Odoh’s resignation and announced the appointment of Mr. Hyginus Nwokwu as the SSG.

    But Umahi said the resignation of Odoh and the appointment of Nwokpu were null and void as they were done on a public holiday.

    He said the state government was investigating the former SSG for meddling in the investigation of a murder case in his area before his resignation.

    “When the resignation happened, senior members of my cabinet came together and said let’s accept the resignation and wish him well. But I knelt down and said Lord, my heart is clean before this young man and if I be called of God let us leave the matter before God.

    “I had called him on Saturday and said my son, murder case is very bad and we are doing investigation. I want you to come and see me so I can speak with you and advise you as a father and he agreed.

    “Initially he was denying that there was no problem but towards the end of our discussion he said to me that he would like to make one or two comments. But I said when you come you can make them. So, he switched off his phone till Monday.

    “On Monday, he sent me a text that his health was failing him and that he was going to resign and he will let me know. Before you know, I started hearing and seeing that he has resigned on social media. So I am nullifying the acceptance that was done by government officials including the appointment of his replacement because they were all done on public holiday.

    “But by the powers conferred on me as the governor of the state, I hereby announce the sack of Prof. Odoh as SSG and the investigation for meddling in murder case must be carried out thoroughly.”

    Umahi later announced the appointment of Nwokpu as SSG and ordered his swearing in later on Tuesday.

     

     

  • Benue, Nasarawa herdsmen embrace anti-open grazing law, says Umahi

    Benue, Nasarawa herdsmen embrace anti-open grazing law, says Umahi

    Leader of the sub technical committee of the National Economic Council mediating between farmers and herdsmen, Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi, said yesterday Fulani herdsmen  in Benue and Nasarawa states have agreed  to  adhere to the anti- open grazing law but pleaded for more time.

    Umahi, who gave reporters the outcome of the panel’s visit to Benue and Nasarawa states, said the herdsmen pleaded to be given enough time to  commence ranching and or move to states with grazing reserves.

    “The cheering news is that the herdsmen in Benue and Nasarawa states are ready to abide by the law but that they would need more time for ranching and support from the Federal Government,” he said.

    He said: “We as a committee noted that there are over two million hectares of land across 19 northern Nigeria and over one million of them have been already gazetted as grazing reserve and this one million is already developed.

    “There is a place in Gombe State that about 375 hectares are developed as grazing reserve. We have 74,000 hactare in Kaduna and there is another location that has over 150,000 hectares of land that have already been developed.”

    Umahi said there was need for the Federal Government to help in the development of grazing reserves and  to start  seeing  animal husbandry as economic venture by giving soft loans to owners.

    He said: “The Federal Government should begin development of grazing reserves. The CBN anchor borrower scheme that has succeeded  in agricultural sector should  be extended to animal husbandry, the animal husbandry should be  seen as economic venture for government  to invest in by giving soft loan”.

    He noted that the Federal Government through NEMA  needed  to come to the aid of both states , saying, ‘because there is no amount of the states’ resources that can assist the people in the camps.’

    While stating that there were over 110,000  displaced persons in the seven designated camps in Benue State, the governor  said: “Children between the ages of four and eight constitute 70%  of the population and the conditions we saw them is not palatable.”

    “We owe it a duty to give better lives to these people.”

    Umahi said the committee observed that  governors of Nasarawa and Benue states were committed to peace as identified by the security agencies.

    “It was observed that both governors shared information, opinions and there is no crisis between them”, Governor Umahi said.

    He added that all parties (both herdsmen and farmers) talked   about invasion by undocumented herdsmen that come from other countries and demanded that they should follow international ECOWAS  rules and that all their cattle  must be quarantined.

    Umahi said that the Fulani denied the claim of conquest of Benue valley shifting the blame on the social media The committee members arrived in Makurdi, Benue State capital on Saturday on fact-finding mission to look for ways to proffer lasting solution to the incessant crises between farmers and herdsmen across the country.

    Umahi said the sub technical committee met with all the stakeholders both in Benue and Masarawa states.

    According to him, ‘the committee met with leaders  and farmers  in Benue State as well as  Benue herdsmen already relocated to Nasarawa and the herdsmen resident in Nasarawa so also the Tiv indigenes of Nasarwa state.’

    “We have agreed by all parties to these unfortunate incidents that we will pursue peace and that all those with illegal weapons must be arrested

    He also applauded the security operatives in both states but called on more deployment of troops to assist in early decongestion of the camps

  • Umahi orders monarchs to compile data on herdsmen

    Umahi orders monarchs to compile data on herdsmen

    EBONYI State governor, David Umahi, has directed traditional rulers to collate data on herdsmen operating in the state for easy identification and maintenance of peace. This is as the Ohanaeze Youth Council Worldwide has called on South East governors to ban consumption of beef in the region as security measure to stop “the armed militias masquerading as Fulani herdsman, from getting access to South East. We want them to encourage alternatives to motivate igbo farmers to produce local cattle breeds for consumption. This measure will discourage the Fulani herdsmen from entering South east.” The OYC President, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a statement, said: “We will not allow some igbo leaders to cause problem in Igboland using 2019 election. There will be Great Igbo Youth Declaration at Enugu very soon.

    This will offer a fresh pathway for Igbo youths to emancipate themselves economically and politically. We will openly canvass support for youth participations in 2019 elections, and economic roadmap. The Oyc will continue to support Gov Ikpeazu, Gov Ugwuanyi and Gov Umahi for their giant strides in Abia, Enugu and Ebonyi, They deserve to be re elected in 2019. We applaud their Unity to move South East forward.” Umahi, who gave the order on Friday in Abakaiki at a meeting with traditional rulers and miners in the state, noted that the data should include herdsmen’s names, location and contact phone numbers of their leaders.

    The governor remarked that the decision was reached after series of meetings with security agencies, various committees and representatives of herdsmen in the state. “Traditional rulers should hold constant meetings with the herdsmen so that they can identify those from Niger Republic and other areas that foment trouble. “We have been living in peace with the herdsmen for several years but still maintain that there would not be movement of cattle from one area to another in the state.” He urged the traditional rulers and other concerned authorities to agree on grazing locations with the herdsmen where they would be restricted for their grazing activities. “I will provide amenities such as water in such locations because the state government does not have the resources for ranching. “When the grasses in such areas finish, you should arrange for another location for grazing because we would not tolerate cattle eating or destroying crops on our farmlands. “Trouble is inevitable but we can handle them maturely through the various committees on herdsmen in the villages, communities and state levels,” he said.

  • Umahi threatens to stop monarchs’ salaries

    Umahi threatens to stop monarchs’ salaries

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has threatened to stop the salaries of any traditional ruler who fails to furnish the government with the location and records of mining sites in the state.

    The governor spoke at the Akanu Ibiam International Conference Centre, Abakaliki, at the handing over of staff of offices to some monarchs.

    Umahi, who lamented that miners do not pay their aces and levies to the government, stressed that his administration would not allow the future of Ebonyi children to be sacrificed on the platform of greed and selfishness.

    He warned that his administration would sanction any monarch and union leaders who allow robbery and kidnap to prevail in their communities.

    He said: “Let me start by congratulating the traditional rulers that just received their staff of office. I have been receiving text messages against the three traditional rulers, but I must discharge my constitutional right, if you don’t like it you can go to court and seek redress.

    “Any community where  kidnapping or robbery is recorded, the monarchs and the community union leaders will be queried.”

     

  • I expect Buhari to run in 2019, says Umahi

    I expect Buhari to run in 2019, says Umahi

    Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi said in Abuja yesterday that it won’t be out of place for President Muhammadu Buhari to seek a second term in 2019.

    Speaking to reporters at the State House after a visit, he said all is set to receive the President on a working visit to the state next week.

    Asked if the President told him he was going to re-contest, he said: “Well, any first term governor would want to go for second term and if that is what you wish yourself, you should be  honest enough to wish another person the same. Since Mr President is doing his first term and I am doing my first term, it’s my wish to re-contest and I will as well wish the president the same, to re-contest.”

    During his visit which will be his first to the South East since assumption of office, the President is expected to inaugurate a stadium, a factory and many road projects.

    “We are fully prepared for the visit. We pleaded with Mr President for the visit and before then we have been preparing. We are fully prepared.

    “We have quite a lot of projects that we have executed within this  past  two and the half  years . We have three twin flyovers built across the African Trans Sahara Road running from Enugu to Cameroon passing through  Ebonyi State, so we have to build  three twin flyover to decongest traffic on that  road, each of the twin flyover is of 700 metre length.

    “We have completed two and the third one is 80 per cent done. Mr President will commission the two. We also have a mall what we call Ebonyi Mall that is modelled after the famous Dubai mall, a kind of microcosm of that.

    “And we intend for the President to lay a foundation stone of that mall which we will like Mr President to commission within the next 12 months.

    “Also we are building a tunnel that dovetails into a flyover that is parallel to the existing flyover, that particular junction that is called Akanibium junction , we want Mr President to lay the foundation stone and that flyover bridge will be named after Mr President and we are sure to  finish that project in the next 12 months. Mr President will also come back, he will be commissioning it when he comes back during his campaigns.

    “So we will like to make them ready. So there is also a federal Road that is 14.5km that we got the consent of Mr President to build and the road is fully done. We have 18.5km that is leading to the Federal University, we did that road with concrete and overlaid it with Asphalt, it’s fully ready.

    “We have 15.5km of Nigercem road that passes through the first cement factory in the country which is in Ebonyi State and it passes to Benue. We will build the 15.5 km in the axis of Ebonyi with concrete ready for Mr President to commission. 23.5km of state road we built with concrete is ready for Mr President to commission.” he said

    Governor added: “We have 500 km of internal roads which we completed in Ebonyi, ready for Mr President to commission. We have the stadium we remodelled, we have the best VIP stands in the country in our stadium that is fully air conditioned and all the stands are fully covered.  Mr President will also commission this.  We can go on and on.

    “We have a minimum of 30km of concrete Road in each of our local government, most of them completed some have attained  80 per cent completion. We have quite a lot for Mr President to commission. We have mushroom factories, Agriculture projects that I want the president to commission. We have a launch of one man one hectare programme in Ebonyi, we want Mr President to launch it for us.”

  • Umahi to PDP members: don’t insult Fed Govt

    Umahi to PDP members: don’t insult Fed Govt

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has advised opposition politicians to stop insulting those in government but to criticise them constructively to enhance development.

    Umahi spoke on Sunday in Abakaliki, the state capital, at a gala night on the celebration of 21 years of the creation of Ebonyi and the 57th Independence anniversary of Nigeria.

    He advised members of his ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state to refrain from insulting the Federal Government under President Muhammadu Buhari-led All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The governor also urged members of APC in Ebonyi State to refrain from insulting him and his PDP-led state government.

    He added: “I always tell my people (PDP) that opposition at the centre is not about insults. I also advise the opposition in our state to tow the same line.

    “Opposition is about constructive criticism, putting the leader in check and reminding him that he has not fulfilled the promises he made. It should not involve lying to the people, deceiving them and practising politics with bitterness and anger.

    “I will ask our grandfathers, who are tackling us, to do so with wisdom and love because it is a shame that a grandfather would tackle his children.”

    Umahi said the opposition would not succeed in the state because the state was neat and did not need to be “swept”.

    He said: “We have been holding the umbrella for an old man who was under the umbrella for eight years and we will take him to the boundaries of Ebonyi State to sweep. We are standing on God’s mandate and not shaking because over 10,000 people are praying for us day and night to succeed and take the state to another level.”

    Umahi hailed the President for agreeing that the country needed to be restructured, saying such stance had established a platform for Nigerians to discuss their agitations.

    “We will now talk, disagree, agree and arrive at decisions that will take the nation to greater heights and achieve the desired unity and development,” he said.

    The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Augustine Nwankwagu said the party was to celebrate God’s mercies since the state’s creation and the successes of the governor.

    The governor has been heavily criticised for his actions by the opposition, with his predecessor, Chief Martin Elechi, who defected from PDP to APC, leading the critics.