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Tag: Umahi

  • Ebonyi to rehabilitate former IPOB members

    Ebonyi to rehabilitate former IPOB members

    Ebonyi State Governor, Dave Umahi, said on Tuesday the state government would rehabilitate members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who are from the state.

    Umahi, stated this during the second edition of Ebonyi Peace Summit held at Ezilo, headquarters of Ishielu local government area of the state.

    He said many IPOB members were brainwashed and deceived into joining the group because they were jobless and idle.

    He said governors in the South East are concerned about their (IPOB members) welfare and decided to empower them so that they can become useful to themselves and the society.

    He, however, added that the empowerment would be given to those who are ready to denounce the activities of the group and become law abiding citizens.

    “Therefore, I hereby directed the Commissioner for Economic Empowerment and Job Creation to immediately open a register for them to enable us plan on how to empower them to become gainfully employed,” the governor said.

    Umahi also said governors in the region have no regret proscribing the group.

    He argued that the group’s activities had endangered the lives of over 12 million Igbos leaving in the north and other parts of the country.

    “Their activities were also threatening the lives of people from other parts of the country leaving in the South East. So we had to take the action we took and I have no regret about it,” Umahi added.

  • I am not afraid of Umahi’s probe -Ex- Governor Elechi

    I am not afraid of Umahi’s probe -Ex- Governor Elechi

    Former governor of Ebonyi, Chief Martin Elechi has said he was ready for probe by his successor, Governor David Umahi, alleging that he had been under investigation since 2015.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Umahi had on Saturday in Abakaliki, threatened to probe the Elechi’s administration of 2007 – 2015, for “massive financial malpractices”.

    Umahi had stated that he had covered his predecessors ‘sins’ enough and would publish the details of the probe in newspapers and other media channels.

    He accused his former boss, who he served as deputy governor, for failing to pay past leaders, including the Minster of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, their pensions and severance allowances.

    The governor  faulted Elechi for ‘crying’ over non-payment of his pensions “when he failed to pay pensioners in the state since 2009.

    But Elechi told newsmen in Abakaliki on Thursday that the governor had been probing him and his two sons since 2015.

    “I handed over to Umahi on May.29, 2015, participated in his thanksgiving service on June 7, 2015, but received a letter of summon from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on June 9, 2015.

    “The petitions, which EFCC sources said were more than 50, were written by the present Ebonyi government through the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice.

    “We visited the anti-graft agency regularly since and the last time I visited there in May 2016, I was shown a later from the Attorney- General where I was accused of several financial malpractices,” he said.

    Elechi said that the petitioners’ allegations against him included his government’s involvement in the establishment of the state cement, oil and gas, rice production companies, among others.

    “I gave my own side of the story and presented copies of the same petition which the attorney-general issued me in November, 2015 over the same alleged offences.

    “It is then clear that Umahi must not be saying that he will probe me but say that he will continue from where he stopped with the probe since 2015.

    “When I rejected the car offer Umahi made to me over these issues, he denied that his government had hands in the probe and I consider this statement as a lie.

    “There is no way Umahi will not be aware of a probe instituted by the Attorney-General of his government.

    “One of my sons is currently facing a court trial instituted by Umahi’s government.

    “I am not running away from Umahi’s probe. I have survived five different probes when Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s administration was toppled, having served in the East-Central state administration.

    “I faced two judicial and three administrative boards of inquiry, was arrested three times by the police and had two suits filed against me at the Enugu High Court, all within that period.

    “All these fizzled because I was not found culpable and there was no way I would be afraid of probe presently, especially when it was ongoing,” he said.

    The former governor noted that his government earmarked N10 million monthly to offset pensions all through his administration and the public could verify from the office of the state Accountant-General.

    “The circular over the payment entitlement of past leaders was issued by the Federal Government and Onu’s own payment was supposed to be made by the Abia government, as the governor of the old Abia.

    “Umahi has the right to feel bad that I failed to support him to succeed me, but I don’t regret my actions and he should not see me as problem of his administration,” he said. (NAN)

  • Ebonyi residents back Umahi to borrow $150m for ring road

    Ebonyi residents back Umahi to borrow $150m for ring road

    Thousands of people in the 13 local government areas of Ebonyi State have held solidarity rallies for Governor David Umahi to take a $150 million loan from African Development Bank (AfDB) and Islamic Bank for the construction of ring roads to link the councils.

    The roads will connect about eight local government areas in the state.

    The solidarity rallies followed a suit filed by some unnamed petitioners, stopping the release of the free interest loan, which would be repaid in 30 years.

    All the 13 local government areas’ chairmen and other stakeholders supported the loan to enable the government start work immediately on the roads.

    At Ezillo, headquarters of Ishielu Local Government Area, stakeholders and traditional rulers came out en mass to condemn the petitioners.

    They said the legal action would frustrate the “laudable initiative of Umahi’s administration in intervening on the age-long abandoned roads”.

    The chairman of Ishielu Local Government Area, Sunday Eze, assured the state government that his council supported the governor’s moves to secure the loan, which he said would boost economic activities and the lives of the residents.

    The council chief cautioned his people not to play politics with the future of the state.

    He noted that the governor had displayed enough commitment to transform the state.

    But as Umahi’s administration expressed its preparedness to repair the deplorable ring road, some stakeholders reportedly felt slighted and sued the state government from proceeding with the loan negotiation.

    Addressing reporters in Abakaliki, the state capital, Deputy Governor Kelechi Igwe said the petitioners would soon be unmasked.

    The deputy governor said the rally was for solidarity to the governor on his giant strides in the development of the state and to support him for the construction of the ring roads.

    He said: “We will like to know the petitioners in full. I have told you to approach the court. But very soon, we shall, for the purpose of publication, give you the processes that were served on the Ebonyi State government, where you will see the names of the plaintiffs who took the Ebonyi State government to court because of the ring roads.

    “The rally evolves from the people of the state to show solidarity to Governor Umahi for the good works he is doing and to support the construction of that ring road. The road is very important for an Ebonyi man, whether you are from the Central, North or South because that ring road is a key to unlocking the economic potentials of the state.

    “People have been clamouring and calling on the governor. We learnt that some people went to court to challenge the effort of the government to reconstruct that road. But people of Ebonyi are saying: ‘Governor, please, make yourself available; we want to show you solidarity, we want to show you support.’

    “The people are saying they want to converge on the local government areas to demonstrate their support for the construction of the ring road, and we cannot stop them.

    “What we can do as government officials is that if we have the time, we will go to various local governments areas and see what the people are saying, to see whether they are speaking from their mouths or they are speaking from somewhere else.”

  • Umahi: fraudsters using my name, pictures to defraud people on Facebook

    Umahi: fraudsters using my name, pictures to defraud people on Facebook

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has warned fraudsters using his name and image to defraud the public on Facebook.

    The governor, in a statement yesterday on his behalf by his Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Uzor, in Abakaliki, said: “It has come to the notice of the Governor of Ebonyi State, David Nweze Umahi that a group of online fraudsters have opened Facebook accounts, using his name and photographs with the intention to defraud the public.”

    According to Uzor, “these fraudsters pride themselves as agents of the government, using the governor’s name and photographs to perfect their crime. They are sabotaging the empowerment schemes of the government by pretending to be acting on behalf of the governor.

    “The public is warned to disregard any Facebook account bearing the governor’s name and photographs or any other social media account thereto, especially the one created by a fraudster, who gave his name as Dr. Philip, with phone number 09028955296, as these accounts have been found to be willing tools in the hands of these online fraudsters to fleece the public.

    “In the face of the foregoing, the public is urged, especially Ajah Felicia from Ukawu in Onicha Local Government, to disregard the directive of the so-called Dr. Philip, who was operating as the director of Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) in the state, who has been calling people to pay one per cent of N2 million empowerment scheme as counterpart funds before accessing the N2 million empowerment funds,” the statement said.

    Uzor warned the public to desist from patronising operators of social media accounts bearing the name, photographs and phone number of the governor, especially the one being operated by the so-called Dr. Philip, the purported director of SME fund with phone number 09028955296, “so as not to be victims of these bad elements operating in the social media, using improved information and communication technology as tools.”

    He stressed that Umahi does not own or run any social media account, especially on Facebook and has never directed anybody through these online platforms to access any government empowerment scheme.

    “Security operatives have been briefed about the unfortunate impersonation by these fraudsters. Anybody caught in this crime will be prosecuted.”

  • Police honour Umahi

    Police honour Umahi

    The police have descri-bed Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi as the best police-friendly governor in the country.

    The force, through its Deputy Inspector-General, Valentine Ntomchukwu, presented Umahi with a special plaque at the state Executive Council Chambers, Government House in Abakaliki.

    Ntomchukwu said, “The Inspector-General Ibrahim  Idris  has asked me to tell you that you are the most police-

    friendly governor in Nigeria and I am not saying it because I am in Ebonyi State. It is because of what I have seen which you have done for the state police command.

    “Honestly, on arrival to the police command, I saw streetlights and other things I have never seen in other police command and when I asked they said the governor did those things for the command. I can see houses for policemen of rank and file and I can see a storey building also built by the governor for the command.

    “I am going to relay what I have seen to the IGP and maybe he will come one day and see for himself the wonders you are doing in terms of infrastructural development.”

    Ntomchukwu also lauded Umahi for the communication equipment he “provided for the command and the ongoing renovation of the perimeter fencing and security post of the command headquarters which have lifted the status of the command.”

    Presenting the plaque, Ntomchukwu said to  the governor: “Sir, find anywhere in your office and place this plaque so that any time you turn around, you will look at it as a mark of honour and appreciation of your support to the police.”

    The DIG told the governor that prior to the outcome of the findings in respect of the communal clashes between Ebonyi and Cross River states, a new police squadron would be established as a buffer to forestall further loss of lives and property in the area.

    He said, “We have been able to identify some peculiar security challenges you are having in the area of communal clash between some borderline communities between Ebonyi and Cross River. We have noted some of the reasons why historically it happened. There are practical steps we can take to curtail loss of lives and property. We are already thinking of establishing buffer police station in that area in form of a new mobile squadron.”

    Responding, Governor Umahi announced that plans were underway to empower police officers’ wives as well as the wives of other security personnel in the state to motivate their husbands to work more efficiently.

    The governor appealed for the deployment of 10 mobile policemen to man the exit points of the state day and night with the aid of CCTV, adding, “We’re trying to man all our exit points and we need your manpower support. We want to have a small base by each of the exit junctions and then we use CCTV to see what happens 300 metres along the road. Every base will be powered by solar light. So, we’re starting the pilot scheme but we have shortage of manpower.”

  • Abia charms Umahi, Navy

    Abia charms Umahi, Navy

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi and the Navy are the latest visitors to Abia State, the former to gain new technological insights, the other to buy Aba products. SUNNY NWANKWO reports.

    Aba is proving hard to resist. When Vice President Yemi Osinbajo visited the commercial hub early in the year, he found the garments and footwear made in the city amazing, just as we was astonished by the artisans’ industry. Investors have also been pouring in, including a prominent Chinese tycoon who owns a chain of shoemaking factories in China. The visiting businessman had investment on his mind, seeking to team up with Aba shoemakers.

    The Nigerian Naval Headquarters has also dispatched its officers led by Commodore Chris Obinta to Abia State to determine the state’s readiness to supply them with Aba-made footwear and uniforms. The state has also hosted Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi who came with a large team. Governor Umahi said he came to learn from his Abia counterpart Okezie Ikpeazu.

    Umahi’s visit is coming at a time the when the federal government is calling for diversification of the economy and shoring up its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in the face of economic challenges.

    Speaking to newsmen at the Government House Lodge in Aba, Umahi said, “There are so many things to talk about. We are on a working visit and I came with over 25 members of State Executive Council. On arrival, the first thing that we noticed was the neatness of the town. We also noticed tremendous streetlights and while we approached the state capital, we saw a lot of roads.

    “Today we saw the amazing mushroom technology which is the first of its kind in Nigeria. I immediately told my people that it is either we acquire the technology or we steal it. So, we had to video what we saw there. It was quite amazing, I must confess to you.

    “We also saw something that was so amazing to us; the poultry farm. That technology is simple but very effective and I think that is the way to go. These two put together, including other programmes, were all aimed at empowerment of the youths. Any governor that is securing the future of their citizens is the governor for today and tomorrow because if we had this kind of opportunity from our past leaders, by today we should be somewhere. But you can see the state of our nation and I commend Ikpeazu very well because he came on time.

    “We came into Aba, the commercial nerve of Africa where the governor is doing well. At the flag-off of Port Harcourt Road, I told a story of how we used to float on that road back in the 90s during my stay in Aba between 1990 and 1992 as the project engineer of Ndiegoro flood control measures where I came in contact with most of the dilapidated roads within the area then. Today, I’m so excited and shocked with the number of roads that the governor has completed within the two years of his administration. What he is doing at Ariaria sector of this city is quite tremendous and honestly I have been wondering how the problem of erosion and flooding in Aba can be solved. But today, I saw works of ingenuity. For me, the problem of Ariaria, Ndiegoro, Ohanku and Port Harcourt roads are all solved.

    “Amazing also is a number of street roads that he is doing. I have a couple of properties here in Aba, so he is also my governor. I want to commend him very highly. The mighty work he is doing on Faulks Road joining Aba-Owerri Road to Ariaria is tremendous. Time will fail us to talk about the number of roads that he is doing, but I think he is being too quiet about what he is doing. We also went to the PPP Centre (Abia Investment House). My people are coming; we have investment companies, so that they will understudy that. Another area we are also understudying is IGR. We have about 14-man committee that will interface and study Abia IGR system. I am personally going to understudy the mushroom technology because I don’t want to toy with that.

    “I am so amazed with the quality of dresses that are made in Aba; of course 90 per cent of my dresses are made in Aba. I want to commend the governor for the shoes, the bags and facilities for the law enforcement agents. This is wonderful. The governor told me that he is going to partner with private industries and to make sure that those that have gone moribund will be revitalised. So, your guess of what will be the impact of this to the economy of the state when this happens is as good as mine.”

    Governor Ikpeazu said his government was ready to partner the Nigerian Navy in its efforts to bolster the made-in-Aba products which the administration has championed for nearly two years. Ikpeazu said this when the naval delegation paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Lodge in Aba, adding that he was happy with the Navy’s swift response to his appeal to look inwards for its kits.

    “Since the past one year, the state has been engaged in promoting made-in-Aba and made in Nigeria products,” Ikpeazu said, adding that as far as he was concerned, made-in-Aba is bigger than this geographical entity called Aba. ”It is a philosophy and a key paradigm to drive the desire of Nigerians to the buy Nigeria, enjoy Nigeria and live Nigeria.”

    Speaking further, he said, “We believe strongly that patronage and demand drive perfection. Incidentally, the leather and shoe industry as well as garment industry have existed for so many years and even the World Bank acknowledges that at least one million pairs of shoes leave the shores of Nigeria through the Abia window on a weekly basis, it’s a no mean feat”.

    Ikpeazu told the Navy delegation: “We don’t want to shortchange ourselves again, and to the glory of God, we have it in our minds that to compliment the efforts of Mr. President, we proudly label our products made-in-Nigeria.”

    He said he sees the navy as a strategic partner not only in the protection of lives and property but also in economic development of the country, adding that if the navy patronises made-in-Aba and made-in-Nigeria, it will go a long way to enhance the confidence of artisans in the trade.

    He assured the delegation that his administration was very serious about making Abia and Aba a hub for leather and garment manufacturing not only in Nigeria, but in Africa.

    “While we were in China, we were able to reach an understanding that automated production lines will be established worth $1.5b in our environment. As I speak, I’m happy to announce that I will be in Lagos to welcome a foreign partner that will sharpen our skills in shoemaking. I know that they will learn a lot of things from our shoemakers in Aba because the creativity and craftsmanship of our shoemakers here is about the best all over the world.

    “This is our opportunity to put our skills side by side with the best of the world and tell them that indeed we are the best.”

    Commodore Obinta, leader of the delegation, said they came to discuss with the governor on how Abia State will partner the navy in terms of trade especially the made-in-Aba shoes and other products. He said they would go round the state to see things for themselves and look at the goods the Navy would be able to purchase for its personnel.

  • 2019: Ebonyi will vote according to conscience, says Umahi

    2019: Ebonyi will vote according to conscience, says Umahi

    •Bans carbonated drinks at govt functions

    Ebonyi State Governor Dave Umahi has said the state will not vote along party lines in 2019 but vote for a presidential candidate who will help develop the state, irrespective of political affiliation.
    The state will not play politics of sentiments in the 2019 presidential election, he added.
    Umahi spoke at the Government House in Abakaliki when he met with traditional rulers and town union presidents.
    He said: “When it comes to presidency, we no dey do party. It is the man who will help develop this state that we will support. But for governorship, national and state assemblies don’t go there; nobody will touch it. For presidency, we will negotiate; we will like the person to discuss with our traditional rulers as stakeholders.”
    Umahi called on the monarchs to mobilise people for Saturday’s local government and councillorship elections, noting that the state was targeting one million voters.
    “As traditional rulers, we cannot tell you who to vote for, but you have the responsibility to knack the gong and make it compulsory that nobody goes to the market or farm that day.
    “You have to knack the gong; you have the powers and authority to do that. In the north, it is the traditional rulers who determine the course of politics and I will give you people that role. So, don’t shy away from politics for the peace of Ebonyi State.
    “On Friday, there will be a public holiday so that people can come out enmass to vote on Saturday. I want the country to know that Ebonyi can give one million vote,” Umahi said.
    Chairman of the Traditional Rulers Council Eze Charles Mkpuma hailed Umahi for his achievements, saying he had been adopted as their sole candidate for the 2019 governorship election.
    Apparently worried about reports alleging that carbonated drinks are dangerous to health, Umahi has banned the serving and consumption of Coca Cola, Sprite and Fanta at government functions.
    At the meeting yesterday, Umahi ordered the ushers to remove the bottles of Coke, Sprite and Fanta from the hall.
    “I don’t want these brands of drinks to be served in any government function again,” he warned.
    A Lagos State High Court, in a suit between Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited and Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo, against the Nigerian Bottling Company Ltd and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), alleged that Fanta Orange and Sprite may be hazardous if consumed with Vitamin C.

  • Umahi seeks U.S. assistance to develop agriculture

    Umahi seeks U.S. assistance to develop agriculture

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has appealed to the U.S. government to assist the state in developing its agriculture and solid minerals sectors.
    He spoke in Abakaliki when he received the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington.
    Umahi said Ebonyi had huge agricultural potential and mineral resources, such as limestone, salt and lead, which were yet to be developed.
    “We are reputed for rice production in West Africa and our salt and limestone deposits are among the best in the world.
    “We seek U. S. assistance in technological enhancement to develop these sectors, as we are using our three technical colleges to develop indigenous technology,” the governor said.
    He thanked the U.S. government for its interventions in Nigeria, which had benefitted Ebonyi.
    “We solicit your cooperation to attract investment, as we have provided an enabling environment for economic investments to thrive.
    “Security provision in Ebonyi is one of the best in the country, as we have invested in infrastructural development to attract investment opportunities.
    “Our allocation from the Federation Account is meagre and this makes us insist on quality in our construction, such as roads due to our soil texture.
    “We place this emphasis on infrastructural development to solve our under-development challenges occasioned by years of neglect by the states we hitherto belonged,” Umahi said.
    Symington said he was in the state to deepen the relationship between the U.S. and Ebonyi.
    He added: “We are determined to ensure a more robust relationship built on trust, which will assist the state in the development of its economic and social sectors.”
    The envoy hailed the governor for his achievements in agriculture, infrastructure and social sector and promised that the U.S. would assist the state in realising its development objectives.
    “We will ensure effective integration of your economic potential and enhance opportunities to attract economic investment.”

  • Umahi seeks U.S. assistance to develop agriculture

    Umahi seeks U.S. assistance to develop agriculture

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has appealed to the U.S. government to assist the state in developing its agriculture and solid minerals sectors.

    He spoke in Abakaliki when he received the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington.

    Umahi said Ebonyi had huge agricultural potential and mineral resources, such as limestone, salt and lead, which were yet to be developed.

    “We are reputed for rice production in West Africa and our salt and limestone deposits are among the best in the world.

    “We seek U. S. assistance in technological enhancement to develop these sectors, as we are using our three technical colleges to develop indigenous technology,” the governor said.

    He thanked the U.S. government for its interventions in Nigeria, which had benefitted Ebonyi.

    “We solicit your cooperation to attract investment, as we have provided an enabling environment for economic investments to thrive.

    “Security provision in Ebonyi is one of the best in the country, as we have invested in infrastructural development to attract investment opportunities.

    “Our allocation from the Federation Account is meagre and this makes us insist on quality in our construction, such as roads due to our soil texture.

    “We place this emphasis on infrastructural development to solve our under-development challenges occasioned by years of neglect by the states we hitherto belonged,” Umahi said.

    Symington said he was in the state to deepen the relationship between the U.S. and Ebonyi.

    He added: “We are determined to ensure a more robust relationship built on trust, which will assist the state in the development of its economic and social sectors.”

    The envoy hailed the governor for his achievements in agriculture, infrastructure and social sector and promised that the U.S. would assist the state in realising its development objectives.

    “We will ensure effective integration of your economic potential and enhance opportunities to attract economic investment.”

  • Umahi assures Buhari of Ebonyi votes in 2019

    Umahi assures Buhari of Ebonyi votes in 2019

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has said the state will vote overwhelmingly for President Muhammadu Buhari if he contests any election in the future.
    The governor, who was elected on the platform of the People Democratic Party (PDP), hailed President Buhari for his fatherly disposition to the nation.
    He said the President remained the only recognisable All Progressives Congress (APC) member in Ebonyi State.
    President Buhari, the governor said, held Ebonyi State with deep affection, unlike some APC members from the state who he said did not care about the welfare of the people.
    Pledging the loyalty of Ebonyi residents to the Buhari administration, Umahi said the only vote APC would get in the state would be for the President.
    He said: “I have always said that APC is one man, and that’s the President. The President is a man with good character; that’s why we are supporting him and he is supporting Ebonyi State.
    “Ebonyi State is very dear to the heart of the President, but not to the hearts of the masqueraders who have not given anybody a piece of chalk.
    “If APC will get a vote in Ebonyi State, it will get the vote for the President alone, and nobody else.”
    The governor spoke when a delegation from Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Federal Constituency as well as leaders of Onicha-East Constituency visited him for the New Year homage in Ohaozara Local Government.
    Umahi said his efforts to transform the state had made it impossible for the APC to become relevant.
    Referring to the APC and its symbol, the broom, the governor jocularly said: “Our people doing handiwork have refused to produce brooms again.”
    The governor, according a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, said: “When you have a broom in Ebonyi State, where will you sweep? Is there any place to be swept? Is Ebonyi not clean? Is Ebonyi not neat?
    “There is nothing to sweep. They (APC members) have to take the broom to places that are dirty and continue their sweeping. But in Ebonyi State and because of the kind of people in APC, our people doing handiwork have refused to produce brooms again. So, there are no brooms in Ebonyi State because we have made everywhere to be very clean.
    “When you walk on our roads, you will see yourself because the light will be on. You will see your shadow on the road. So, there is nothing to sweep.”
    Umahi advised the people not to be deceived by those he said had opportunity to help others but used it to care for themselves.
    He said: “We have seen the need for unity in Ebonyi State. We’ve seen the need for equity and fair play in the land of Ebonyi. God is helping us so much in this direction. That’s why we have absolute peace in Ebonyi State and that’s why there is no other party.
    “People have been deceiving our people for years. Every time they deceive our people. They have had the opportunity to buy houses in Abuja. Who have they sent to school? Who have they paid their school fees? The time of deceit is gone.”