₦airaland Forum

NEW NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF PDP, THEN THERE COMES SEN. ANYIM PIUS ANYIM WITH HIS SO CALLED INTEREST AND THE BURDEN OF CENTENARY CITY SCAM, ECOLOGICAL FUND, CONTRACTS BY HIS 18 COMPANIES, THE STELLA ODUA CONTRACT COMPLICITY AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES INDICTMENT ON ANYIM.


THEN MAKE A MEANING OUT OF THESE WORDS OF PROF. PLO LUMUMBA:

'In Japan,a corrupt person kills himself; in China,they will kill him;In Europe, they jail him; in Africa he will present himself for election'.

Where is the future of this Country if corrupt past is over looked in future aspirations


Guess where this is published?

Former Senator of the Federal Republic, Iyorchia Ayu has explained why he collected N345m from the controversial arms deal funds through former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki.

Ayu, a native of Benue State said he collected the money as consultation fee on difficult issues.

He said, “When I served on the National Security Council as Minister of Internal Affairs, I got educated that various aspects of security work could be pushed under different classifications.

“Any funds remitted to the company were for consultancies on security related and electoral matters.

“When Colonel Sambo Dasuki assumed duty in June 2012, he approached me to assist based on my background as a social scientist and my previous involvement in government.

“Understandably, I provided the requisite advice whenever consulted on difficult issues. It is also public knowledge that I have considerable knowledge of Nigerian politics and skills for competitive political organisation.

“This is why in 1999, General Olusegun Obasanjo appointed me as Director-General of his campaign,” he told DailyTrust.

PDP'S CEASELESS SOCIAL MEDIA ATTACK ON EBONYI STATE GOVERNMENT: IRREBUTTABLE EVIDENCE OF IRREVERSIBLE FRUSTRATION.

RE: THE IGNOBLE TREND OF SHADOW CHASING AND SHOW OF ABYSMAL INTELLIGENCE QUOTIENT BY JOSEPH SILAS ONU, EBONYI STATE PDP PUBLICITY SECRETARY.
.
1. We have tracked the social media post by a busy body who presents himself as Joseph Silas Onu, State PDP Publicity Secretary, and we have noted the content of his lifeless publication dated ,21st September,2021 and the mischief sought to ochestrate.

2 We state in clear terms that the reasoning canvassed in his publication, in all ramifications, depicts a man of shallow mental comprehension of the workings of government and a political extremist who glories in dishonourable idiosyncracy and unwholesome political mood pattern.

3 We are not surprised about the motive for the incoherent argument of Joseph Silas Onu for we are aware that he has got no idea to offer to save his highly fractionalized Party in the State, but thinks his mandate is to feed the gullible with unfounded alarm

4. It is only a feeble minded personality or a half-baked character that can misunderstand the clear word 'concession' as used in the soundly and unambiguously couched State Government's letter being cited by Joseph Silas Onu.

5 It is a common knowledge that by the creation of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development for Concession, Government's Policy direction on the concession of critical Infrastructure is a concept which governs economical benefits derived from a concession arrangement.Concession here contemplates an arrangement for someone or organisation to run a business belonging to another and nothing pretentious.


6 The state government's decision to seek financial assistance and her intention to have Federal government supervise the concession of the State International Airport is one of the strategic policy initiatives of Government aimed at enhancing greater capacities in the development and sustenability of the various life transforming economic facilities created by Ebonyi State government in order to enhance job opportunities and engender economic stability in the state.

7. The various economic facilities created by this administration, including the Shopping Mall, the State Christian Ecumenical Centre, the International Airport, the Margaret Umahi International Market, the University of Medical Sciences, the various Industrial Clusters among others are viable ecomomic stimulation ventures that are by their nature amazing money- spinners that require Public Private Partnership in funding and management.

8. It is therefore not out of place that the State Government has the intention to have Federal Government supervise the concession of one of her critical infrastructure. This is moreso as Federal Government has regulatory and supervisory powers over Airport construction and management structure in Nigeria.

9. It has become obvious therefore that the officials running the affairs of PDP especially the likes of Joseph Silas Onu are fragile adminstrative toddlers who are unfit to earn the people's mandate at any level of Government because of the level of their intelligence quotient.

10. We therefore urge members of the public to distance themselves from the dark and clueless argumentations of these political jobbers and their league of fake alarmists who think that party politics is run in dead conscience.


Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji
(Commissioner for Information and State Orientation Ebonyi State)

FORMER MEDIA AIDE TO UMAHI, MONICA, DESCRIBES FANI-KAYODE CLAIMS THAT HE LURED EBONYI STATE GOVERNOR TO APC AS SELF-ASSERTING, FRIVOLOUS, AND INCONSEQUENTIA ... GIVES REASONS BEHIND UMAHI’S ENTRANCE INTO THE APC.

Former Technical Assistant to Gov. Umahi of Ebonyi State on Media, Lady Monica Chidinma Ada Eze, has urged the leadership of the Progressives Congress APC, to apply caution in her engagements with the newest entrant into the party, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode.

Lady Monica the President and Founder of DUNAETA an NGO promoting democracy in the old Eastern Nigeria said the counsel became necessary after the former Aviation Minister credited the entrance of Govs. Umahi, Ayade and others, into the ruling All Progressives Congress, to himself.

“After watching the interview granted by former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, at the State House, Abuja shortly after his formal defection to the APC, where he claimed that he lured my uncle, the Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Engr. Dave Umahi, into the All Progressives Congress, the need for the party to deploy an appreciable degree of caution in her dealings with the new entrant becomes exigent.”

In a statement made Available to media houses in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital, Monica said although she holds no grudge against Chief Kayode’s defection into the APC, even though he was at the forefront of the fight against President Buhari/APC administration, but taking credit for the exit of Umahi from the People’s Democratic Party in the way and manner he did is totally unacceptable and his bogus claim ridicules the integrity of the Governor.

Lady Monica AKA Ada Ebonyi maintained that the rationale behind the exit of Umahi from PDP and his subsequent entrance into the APC, is a public knowledge and thus it is mockery for Chief Kayode to scamp for relevance through non-existent facts and a tale of fanciful fantasy.

For avoidance of doubt, Monica said as a PDP Governor, while others take pleasure publicly insulting and ridiculing President Muhammadu Buhari and his administration, Governor Umahi warned us (his Aides) against joining the clique of non-patriots who demonize Buhari for no just cause.

It is on record that Governor Umahi looks on President Buhari as his political father and has done everything to conduct himself within that realm so how can Kayode claim that he is instrumental to a son joining his father at the centre based on relationship between Buhari and Umahi.

To show his firm relationship with Umahi, Monica said that during President Buhari's State visit to Ebonyi in 2020, President Buhari, slept and spent two days in Abakaliki the State Capital of Ebonyi, commissioning and inaugurating projects after projects, a feat no other State in Nigeria has achieved apart from Kastina, where President Buhari has stayed more than two days.

Furthermore, the former Aide to the Governor said Governor Umahi joined the APC to relink the South East to the Federal Government and mainstream of the politics of Nigeria and to expose PDP as a party that cannot offer any meaningful development to Ndi-Igbo.

Notwithstanding the unalloyed support that the South East has offered to the party for over 20 years, Lady Monica said denying the Zone the party’s 2019 presidential ticket in the midst of eminently qualified persons is atrocious and pricks the conscience.

For Chief Kayode, a newbie in the APC to claim after all these facts that he was instrumental to Umahi entrance into the Party, is self-serving, unfortunate, unbecoming and insulting to the person and personality of Governor Umahi.

Monica therefore urged Chief Kayode, to as a matter of urgency, withdraw his frivolous statement in order to revalidate his claims that Gov. Umahi is his friend.

ENDS

Signed

Monica Ada Chidinma Eze Aka Ada Ebonyi,

President DUNAETA & Ex TA on Media to Gov Umahi

18th September, 2021

Email: dunaebonyitransformation001@gmail.com, quintrelking@gmail.com

Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information, Uchenna Orji, in this interview, speaks on governance in the state, issues of security and how Governor Dave Umahi’s programmes would be sustained. FELIX NWANERI reportS



The politics of 2023 is gathering momentum across the country. Some groups are of the view that there should be zoning, while others are opposed to it. What is Governor Dave Umahi’s position on this?



We have a charter of equity, even if it is not justiciablle. But it is morally justifiable that in Ebonyi State, the first governor came from the North Senatorial District and had his eight years.
The second governor came from the Central Senatorial District and had his eight years. By divine intervention and God’s providence, the third governor came from the South Senatorial District.



Therefore, it is only equitable that it goes back to those that have been there before. But whether it is going to the North or Central, it is left between God and the governor, but he is actually looking beyond this to get the best hands.
Governor Umahi is looking at the best hands that will get the support of God and the capacity to deliver because succession is very critical in ensuring sustainability in his programmes.



He is looking at ensuring that equity is made permanent in the polity of Ebonyi State. That is why whatever appointment he is making, he is looking at equity and equality.. Even at the local government level, he makes sure that it is zoned equitably. So, he believes in zoning.



*Many believe that the governor has so far done well, especially in terms of infrastructure. What is he doing to reduce unemployment among youths of the state?*



The governor is conscious of the fact that youths constitute the majority of the population and their issues must be addressed for us to have peace and development in the state.

So, currently he rolled out recruitment opportunity for 5,000 civil servants; 2,000 at the local government level and 3,000 at the state level. A committee was set up on August 13, to really fine-tune the modalities for equitable distribution of the job opportunities to the various local government areas. It is an opportunity for young Ebonyians from the ages of 18 to 35 years to be employed in the civil service.



That is going to help a lot in injecting more young blood into the civil service. But beyond this, the governor thinks that white collar jobs is not all there is for our young youths really needs to develop themselves.



It is really empowerment that they need; there is mental financial, moral and emotional empowerment. Mental empowerment in the sense that the youths needs quite a lot of capacity through formal education, from primary to university and non-formal education like vocational training.



That is why our governor privatised some schools, by giving it to missionaries to handle. This is in line with our policy of partnering with the private sector for quality education and participation. Through this means, we have quite a lot of vocational colleges handed over to the Catholic mission for them to handle. Of course, we know the importance of that.



We will ensure quality education, discipline and teachers that are separated from this problem of incessant strikes here and there. We are pretty sure that this measure will add value to the education system in Ebonyi State.



But beyond this, the governor thinks that those that could not have opportunity of going to school but have got some vocational activities, like craftsmen, artisans and technicians, they should have the opportunity of formalising their trainings through certifications after a training of between two to four years.



That is why the vocational college is established. It is now running and training artisans, craftsmen and even those in entrepreneurship programmes, so that they can have the certificate to go for financial empowerment that will come from state government, development partners like the Bank of Industry, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other donor agencies.



*The issue of security is a major one to almost every state in Nigeria; how has Ebonyi State been able to manage the situation?*



Honestly, it is because of the proactive engagement processes of the governor through his engagement with critical stakeholders across the various local government areas. When #EndSARS came and issues of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) agitation came, leading to serious violence across the state, the governor felt he has to do something differently.



One is to pray because everything depends on God. So, he declared some weeks of fasting and prayers to seek the face of God in the situation of violence we found ourselves and secondly, he now had to go to the various rural communities to engage the stakeholders, town union leaders, the traditional rulers, the religious leaders and all former and present office holders, no matter their political affiliations, and that is really beginning to yield veritable results.



But more importantly, the governor is holding office holders in various communities accountable. If anything happens in your community and there is no pr o a c t ive measure or action taken by the office holders, then they have to answer for it.



That is why you will hear that we are having some discipline issues. We have in recent times suspended some office holders and others disciplined in one way or the other for refusing or neglecting to tame the issues of insecurity, violence and agitations in their various communities. As I speak with you, there is no community that we have any communal disturbances.



All the communities are very calm and they have come to realise that never again will they shed blood on issue of land ownership. But don’t forget that we are an agrarian state and as the governor continued to develop the nooks and cranny of the state, the people had to show consciousness on land ownership and that would from time to time result to clash.



However, orientation and sensitisation are massively going on and that has really brought down the scourge of clashes and violence in some parts of the state.



*Less than two years to go, what is the Umahi administration doing to ensure that it completes the various projects that are ongoing?*



The governor is going to complete all the projects that he initiated. Do not forget that so many have already been completed but the governor does not believe that it is all about commissioning of projects but ensuring that dividends of democracy are made available to people.



The governor has done over 1,500 kilometres of state road and over 500 kilometres of federal road. He has done the light tunnel, the biggest in Africa; he has done the shopping mall that is the biggest in Africa; he has done the international market that is the biggest in South-East.



The Ebonyi International Airport is almost completed and the governor believes that an aircraft will land at the airport before the end of next year.



The governor has also promised that the stadium would be completed before he bows out in 2023. We have 13 flyovers and out of the number, eight have been completed. The remaining ones that are under construction will also be completed.



We need to appreciate the importance of flyovers in any town. In the next 50 years, we will not have the problem of traffic, where investors will go to because the environment has been properly designated. We see a situation that Ebonyi State will be the economic hub of the South-East.



There is also financial empowerment that would be given to our teaming women and youths in the area of agriculture and entrepreneurship. In the area of employment, the College of Medicine that I failed to mention earlier is going to trigger more than 10,000 jobs.



The shopping mall is also going to provide more than 10,000 direct and direct jobs. These are things that will bring economic development. And what is the difference between economic development and economic growth? It is when individuals in the state have something to do to fend for themselves and be self-reliant and self-sufficient.



When there is less emphasis on white-collar jobs and emphasis on green-collar jobs is the time you can you can say that a state or society has attained a high level of economic development.

That is the attainment the governor wants to have for Ebonyi State before he bows out in 2023. And I think that the efforts of the governor have started yielding positive results as we can see from the recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the state-by-state assessment of economic impact by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which say that Ebonyi State has the lowest debt profile among the states of the South-East and the highest prudence level in the area of management of resources.

In the area of job creation and empowerment, the same NBS said that Ebonyi State empowerment and job creation initiative is the second best in the South-East.



A World Bank report on state-by-state health index or what they call maternal mortality index shows that Ebonyi State has above average in terms of performance in the area of primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare. It will also interest you to know that the Federal Ministry of Finance has equally given us a clean bill on the issue of debt.



That is why for any grant that is to be assessed by the states; we will be among the first to do that. One of the governor’s secrets is the spirit of prudence; fiscal responsibility is his watch word and he has zero tolerance for waste of taxpayers’ money.



Again, the governor takes advantage of every opportunity provided by the Federal Government, donor agencies and development partners, whether national or international. Above all, the governor believes that after election, comes governance that is all inclusive.



That was why even though he was in PDP during his first term; he was able to take advantage of every opportunity provided by the Federal Government, including the Central Bank of Nigeria Anchor Borrowers Funding Programme, Commercial Agriculture Funding Programme, NPower programme as well as World Bank’s agricultural programmes like FADAMA III.



The governor took advantage of these programmes to recreate the economy of Ebonyi State as well as to create the enabling environment for the growth of the economy of the state.

....Describes Umahi as a principled leader Who will not go against the Stand of Ndi Igbo.

Lady Monica Chidinma Ada Eze erstwhile Technical Assistant on Media to His Excellency Dr. David Nweze Umahi, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State has described as fictitious, the news in circulation, credited to some faceless individuals alleging that the State Government collected N6 billion from Federal Government for the execution of ranching project in the state.

In a statement made available to media houses in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi state Capital, Lady Monica said the unsubstantiated report is but the handiwork of propagators of falsehood, whose stock in trade is to pull down others for no just cause.

“those alleging that Ebonyi State is among the States that have collected the sum of six Billion Naira to execute Ranching project in the State are rumor mongers; those who are doing everything humanly possible to tarnish the public image and reputation of the Governor which he has built over the years”.

Lady Monica Eze who is also the President and Founder of DUNAETA, an NGO formulated to aid the development and enhancement of democracy in Ebonyi State described Governor Umahi as a principled leader whose opinion on any matter of public concern reflects the position of his people and thus, will not go contrary to the collective decision and stand of the South East Governors Forum, and the entire South/Easterners on open grazing.

Recall the the South/East Governors Forum, under Gov. Umahi, had made public and severally emphasized that Open Grazing is a no-no for the region, given the danger the nomadic system poses on the peace and security of theNigerian nation.

Monica, Aka Ada Ebonyi further highlighted that Ebonyi State is among the States that have enacted laws abolishing Open Grazing of cows and therefore wondered how possible it is for the State to turn around and collect funds for ranching. “People should disregard such falsehood notwithstanding the reputation of source” Monica said.

She aligned with the position of the Ebonyi State Government to the effect that the state has no land for such project, noting that the little available land is reserved for farming, other agricultural and development purposes for the growth and development of the state.

Monica said the administration of Gov. Umahi is very much preoccupied with concerns of development and should be allowed to concentrate on the drive to liberate the state and her people from the shackles of poverty and stunted growth.

She commended the Governor and his team and urged the public to continue to support the state government in the ongoing efforts to build a multi-sectoral economically viable state that offers a future for the Nigerian people in all spheres and cadres.

ENDS

Signed

Monica Ada Chidinma Eze Aka Ada Ebonyi,

President DUNAETA & Ex TA on Media to Gov Umahi

30th August, 2021

Email: dunaebonyitransformation001@gmail.com, quintrelking@gmail.com

......That was Recently Destroyed During a Communal Clash.


Lady Monica Chidinma Ada Eze, erstwhile Technical Assistant on Media to the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Dr David Nweze Umahi, has hailed the wonder working Chief-Servant of the state for demonstrating service and once more proving his status as the best Governor in Nigeria.

Reacting to the Governor’s approval of the sum of N100M (One Hundred Million Naira) for the rebuilding of Effium market which was destroyed during a recent communal clash, the erstwhile Aide said the importance of the busy market to the livelihoods and the economy of the State cannot be overemphasized.

In a statement made available to media houses in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital, Monica highlighted that the approval was given after a thorough perusal of the report of a fact-finding committee inaugurated by the Governor to unravel the cause/s of the crisis which claimed many lives and led to the destruction of properties worth millions of Naira.

“Governor Umahi made this known while addressing stakeholders of the state and members of his Executive Council while receiving a report from a committee he set up to investigate the remote causes of Effium war which had led to the wanton destruction of properties and massacre of hundreds of innocent farmers and pledged that he will rebuild the market before he bows out of office in 2023.”

Lady Monica said with the approval of the rebuilding project, Umahi has shown the level of love and commitment he has for every section of the State.

She however appealed to all Ebonyians to reciprocate the Governor's efforts in transforming and making Ebonyi the best state in Nigeria, by ensuring peace in their domain in line with the spirit of brotherhood.

The former Technical Assistant to Umahi, who also is the Founder and President of DUNAETA, an NGO aimed at promoting democracy and good governance at the grassroots, maintained that with peace and coupled with the level of wisdom God has bestowed on the Governor, the sky is sure to be the starting point of the realisation of the potentials of the State under the watch of Governor Umahi.

Lady Monica Aka Ada Ebonyi commended the the Chief-Servant for once again demonstrating the traits that distinguishes him as the leader that can turn the fortunes of our country come 2023 and assured that more dividends awaits Ebonyians under Umahi.

ENDS

Signed

Monica Ada Chidinma Eze Aka Ada Ebonyi,

President DUNAETA & Ex TA on Media to Gov Umahi

16th August, 2021

Email: dunaebonyitransformation001@gmail.com, quintrelking@gmail.com

IMMORTALIZING THE VIRTUES OF AN ACHIEVER PER EXCELLENCE AS WE CELEBRATE THE BIRTHDAY OF GOVERNOR UMAHI @ 58

There comes a moment in the lifetime of a people when a charismatic leader is born, richly endowed with divine leadership gifts and driven by a commitment for service to provide transformational leadership that will change the narrative of his people.

This is the case with the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, FNSE, FNATE (Akubaraoha). Born on the 25th day of July, 1963 at Nigeria’s most populous salt community, Uburu, Governor Umahi has attained enviable track records and accomplishments that are worthy of celebration. He has been a divine instrument for the actualization of the dreams of the Founding Fathers of Ebonyi State as exemplified in the virtues of his leadership principles and the core values of his Divine Mandate administration, including his hallmarks in human and infrastructural development which have made Ebonyi State to be truly the 'Salt of the Nation, his unwavering commitment to positive change in the psyches and lives of the good people of Ebonyi State and his exceptional devotion to the ideals of the Founding Fathers, and for which we give God all the glory.

We therefore owe humanity a duty to celebrate the virtues of this colossus, rare statesman and pillar of national unity, His Excellency, Engr. Umahi as he marks glorious accomplishments at the age of 58 years. While congratulating our God-sent leader in grand style, we request men and women of goodwill to roll out their drums and celebrate the new narrative witnessed by all and sundry in the state and to offer our best wishes, warm felicitations and fervent prayers to the Chief Servant of Ebonyi State and Governor with a clear difference as he marks 58th birthday on 25th of July, 2021.

Thank you and God bless you.

Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji
(Honourable Commissioner for Information and State Orientation Ebonyi State)

.... MEDICAL WOMEN ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA.

The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Uchenna Orji has said that the noble roles of Medical Women Association of Nigeria will be given adequate publicity to ensure that the grassroots were adequately informed of their activities.
Barr. Orji stated this when he received members of the Medical women Association of Nigeria who paid him a courtesy visit in Abakaliki.

According to the Information boss, government had noted very keenly the achievements of the Association and noted the fact that it has Contributed immensely in the development of humanity in Ebonyi State.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxWmQBSOvoU

He disclosed that the Association has partnered with Ebonyi State Government in propagating its programmes especially in the area of gender violence against women and noted that this goes to show the roles the nongovernmental organization plays in working with the Governor and his wife in ensuring the protection of women and the vulnerable in the state.

He disclosed that since the assumption of the Engr David Umahi led Administration in 2015, he has distinguished himself by aggressively developing the entire state by building a reliable human capital base especially in revamping the state primary and secondary Healthcare system.

Barr Orji expressed satisfaction that the coming on board of Medical Women Association of Nigeria will in no small measure engender the progress of the programme of the Engr David Umahi led Administration and assured that the assistance of the Association in tackling the scourge of Covid-19 pandemic through proper awareness, effort geared towards the prevention and control of Covid-19 pandemic can never go unrecognized.

The Information boss appreciated the medical women for identifying with the state government after the recent herders massacre of Ebonyi indigenes in parts of Benue and the state which according to him brought about the gifting of palliatives to the victims as assistance from the National body of the NGO.

He emphasized that the Ebonyi State government was pleased with their roles and promised to recommend their activities to the State Chief Executive as well as portraying their effort to see ways of assisting the association as a non- governmental organization, as well switching the Ministry to partner with the organization towards giving its activities commensurate media attention to ensure that their programme receive grassroots awareness.

He told the medical women that the State Governor had adequately paid his dues by transforming the entire state through human capital development and Infrastructural exploits which now stand the state ahead of its contemporaries.

Earlier, the President of Medical women Association, Ebonyi state Chapter, Dr Onyinye Anyanwu applauded the State Governor, Chief Engr David Umahi for his giant strides in especially in the areas of Infrastructure, Primary Healthcare and human empowerment.

Dr Anyanwu said the Medical Women Organization is a Non Governmental Organisation of female medical doctors and medical students in Nigeria and outside the country that sees to the welfare of it's members and provides succor to general public.

She stated that the Membership strength of the organization is 134 and had executed several health and humanitarian projects, which among others include;
The Rehabilitation and stocking of school clinic at Opefia Izzi, Organising of extensive health talk to the blind students and staff, examined them and administered medication like surgery, and sponsorship of Radio programmers for public Enlightenment on
on school evangelism on the need to secure the environment through tree planting, create awareness on deforestation and the need to plant more trees, as well as the
Rehabilitation of school toilet in one of the secondary at Ishieke and installation of overhead tank to improve hygiene and sanitary care.

Dr Anyanwu further stated that apart from the procurement of 2 Doppler ultrasound machines to Ikwo General Hospital for monitoring of pregnant women, treatment of pregnancy related conditions and early referral where necessary
the Association has conducted Transcranial Doppler screening for children with sicikle cell disease in partnership with AEFUTHA.

She solicited the partnership of the Ebonyi State Government and that of the State Ministry of Information and State Orientation in driving the NGO's mission to fruition.

...ISSUES RED CARD TO THE FORCES OF DESTABILIZATION IN EBONYI STATE.

The Divine Mandate media made up of over 500 accredited social media influencers, seasoned media columnists, social media operators, bloggers, system analysts, legal and media intelligentsia and online publishers drawn from the various Local Government Areas of the State has risen from its strategic meeting with the Honourable Commissioner for Information and State Orientation at the State Government House this 17th day of June 2021 and resolved as follows:

1. That the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Engr Chief David Nweze Umahi FNSE FNATE (Akubaraoha) deserves a pat on the back for his efforts in resolving the unfortunate incidents of communal clashes that afflicted some communities, some of which have been resolved amicably by our dear Governor.

2. That we stand with the Governor in all the steps taken by his administration to fight against banditry and all forms of insecurity in Ebonyi State, including the offer of olive branch to violent agitators, creation of 5,000 employment opportunities and different engagement processes adopted to end hostilities in the State.

3. That we beckon on all the youths to please heed the call by the government to halt all forms of hostilities, embrace peace and take advantage of the State government's empowerment opportunities to enhance their livelihood.

4. That the Divine Mandate Media has issued a red card to the forces of destabilization in the state, including those who are making false, irritable, incisive and seditious publications to cause unrest in the State and therefore warn them to desist forthwith or receive tit for tat from the Divine Mandate Media operators.

5. That the Divine Mandate Media shall stop at nothing in exposing all the opposition forces who have deployed their energy and resources in fanning embers of hate and division in the State for their selfish aggrandizement.

6. That all stakeholders are enjoined to rally round the workaholic and God-given Governor of Ebonyi State His Excellency Engr Chief David Nweze Umahi FNSE FNATE (Akubaraoha) as he is taking Ebonyi State to the next level in the development map of the nation.


MOI&SO... Building A CITY OF DAVID.

The Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency, Engr Chief David Nweze Umahi has congratulated the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Faruk Yahaya on his appointment as the 22nd COAS in the annals of the Nigerian Army (NA) history. He described him as a detribalized Nigerian and called for support for the NA. He made the remarks when he paid a courtesy call on the COAS at Army Headquarters Abuja, today 15 June 2021.

The governor stated that the nation is passing through a challenging moment that requires stakeholders to maximally support the security agencies. He warned that Nigerians must desist from playing politics with the security of the Nation. He applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for appointing Major General Faruk Yahaya to lead the NA to greatness. He further stated that with the pedigree of the COAS whom he said is a detribalized Nigerian, a professional and an intelligent officer whose services are needed to secure the country at a time sponsors of hate speeches are unmindful of our collective national interest. He reassured the COAS of Ebonyi State Government's support in the task of securing the Nation.

Governor Umahi further reiterated that constant cooperation and assistance of the NA and other security agencies will consolidate on the relative peace enjoyed in Ebonyi state and the nation at large. "We must stand United and support the NA in all their activities", he said while paying tributes to the late COAS, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru and other fallen heroes.

In his remarks, the COAS thanked the Governor for the kind gesture displayed in condoling with the NA over the demise of the late COAS. He further stated that the NA and Ebonyi State have a long standing relationship that must be sustained for mutual benefits. He observed that Ebonyi State under Governor Umahi has provided the much needed enabling environment for the NA to discharge its constitutional roles.

The COAS reassured the Governor that the NA will not relent in its efforts in maintaining peace in Ebonyi and other states in the region. He urged the governor to use his position as Chairman South East Governors forum to promote peace in the region.

MOHAMMED YERIMA
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
15 June 2021

By Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,

PREAMBLE

In my drive to judiciously evaluate and incontrovertibly unriddle the giant strides compendiously and steadily recorded in all critical sectors of the economy in the Southeast State of Ebonyi, the need for this second and concluding expository piece on one of the emerging and fast-growing economies of Nigeria becomes expedient.

Upon an invitation extended to me by the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Information, Barr. Uchenna Orji, who probably, may have kept an eye on my activities and media engagements spanning over a period of thirty years and counting, to do an independent assessment and explore the infrastructural development crisscrossing the nooks and crannies of Ebonyi State, under the administration of Engr. Dave Umahi, and inform Nigerians accordingly, I cannot but categorically state that aside Rivers State, under Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as Governor, the gale of legacy projects scattered in Ebonyi State and the speed with which industrialization is cropping up, is such that has never happened elsewhere.

In the first phase of this series, published a few weeks ago, I shared the bewildering experience I had upon arrival to Ebonyi. The litany of projects, beautiful city landscape, smooth roads, magnificent buildings, beautiful lightings etc, which stared me in the face forced me into utter consternation so much so that I was tight-lipped, the intervention of some government officials however saved the day.

Aware of my predicament, Hon. Okoro Enakwaechi a young but sound mind of Ebonyi extraction living in Lagos in reacting to my pitiable situation stated, “Iron sharpens iron. To many who understand your command of the pen, your invitation by the enigmatic information Commissioner of Ebonyi State, Barr. Orji, can never come as any surprise. As for your first hand assessment of the projects on ground, I can only add that your audience should endeavor to go and see things by themselves because no journalist on earth can completely capture the scope, quality and sophistication in infrastructural renaissance of Engr David Umahi in Ebonyi State on either print or electronic media.”

As if the counsel of Hon. Enakwachi” was not enough, my good friend and brother, Dr. Omenazu Jackson cautioned and stated, “Eze well done for on the spot assessment of Umahi’s projects, but how I wish International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights was involved in this Projects monitoring.”



In my contemplation of abandoning this assiduously task and running back to Rivers State where billions of taxpayers monies are wasted on Television adverts of bogus and nonexistent projects concentrated within two Local Government Areas to the determinant of the others, High Chief, Uhuo Ken Jegede, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information motivated me to stay, when he sent me the text below “Chief Eze, You have proved that you are a doyen and veteran in this field. More people like you are needed for stability and orderliness of the society therefore I’m not surprised at the superlative quality of the piece… it’s your vintage self. It’s worthy of publication in our national tabloids.
I doff my cap Chief, in salute, for your literary prowess.”

If a great fellow like Chief Jegede whom I have not met before until my arrival to the State could say this much for just one treatise, then I have no reason to abandon this task.

CONCLUSION ON THE MAGIC WAND OF GOVERNOR UMAHI IN THE HEALTH SECTOR

The first treatise on this project was titled, “Umahi Set to End Foreign Health Tourism, Redoubles Efforts to Unveil World Class Medical Centre as Eze Embarks On Seven Days Projects Tour of Gale of Projects in Ebonyi State (PART ONE).

In this treatise, I exposed the vision of Governor Umahi to end foreign Health Tourism by initiating a world class Medical Centre when operational, power supply will be 24hours as it would have power from solar, generator and national grid. “the Medical College after completion, will have centres of excellence in cancer management, kidney transplant with dialysis centre, liver transplant, and other diseases. It will have the latest diagnostic equipment that can be rated amongst the best anywhere in the world. The technology to be employed is equally second to none.

The centre will be manned by the best hands anywhere in the world and the structures are classical”. The diagnostic equipment are coming directly from the manufacturers and almost all of them are ready. It’s going to be a centre of medical tourism, he emphasised.

With the appointment of an erudite, outstanding Scholar and seasoned Administrator, Professor Chigozie Jesse Uneke, as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, to ensure the smooth take off and effective management of King David Medical Science University, Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, by His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, FNSE, FNATE, it can be concluded that Nigerians will soon have the best Medical Centre in Nigeria.

The new Acting Vice Chancellor is expected to deploy his wealth of experiences to manage the new institution to achieve the vision of establishing the University by Ebonyi State Government.

THE BASICS AND FOUNDATION OF LAYING SOLID HEALTH SECTOR IN EBONYI STATE

The administration started by sending the following Executive bills to the Ebonyi State House of Assembly and assenting to them thereafter:

a. Bill for the establishment of the Ebonyi State School of Health Technology, Ngbo

b. Bill for the establishment of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency

c. Bill for the establishment of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Scheme, among others.

Throwing more light on the bills, Dr Umezurike stated: “To make sure our health foundation is very strong, and that is what we are doing, by strengthening the primary health care in Ebonyi. Ebonyi State, prior to this administration, was one of the few States that had not passed this law on primary healthcare.

The target of Ebonyi State Government under the administration of Governor Umahi is to have one standard healthcare in each of the 431 polling Wards. Five primary healthcare facilities are targeted at each council that give services 24/7, coupled with welfare and facilities and full complement of staff, including midwives and nurses. With these we will achieve the universal coverage.

Remarkable Feats:

THE VISION BEHIND THE SETTING UP OF THE VIROLOGY CENTRE IN EBONYI STATE

This treatise will attempt to conclude the revolutionary and magic wand that Governor Umahi has employed to ensure that Ebonyians are well catered for in the area of health especially, with the setting up of the only virology centre in the SouthEast and the second in the whole of Southern Nigeria. This centre is used to test and treat various dreadful diseases including COVID-19 pandemic, Lassa Fever and similar deadly diseases.

The vision to set up the Virology Centre situated within Dr. Alex Ekweme Hospital Abakaliki started when the report of how Lassa fever has been a health challenge to the people of Ebonyi State.

Records have it that in 2005, Lassa fever killed five health workers while in 2008, it killed three health workers and affected many others and sadly, two of these three health workers were Medical Doctors. In 2012, it affected about 12 health workers with one person dead. In 2013, there was also isolated case where one person died. These affected numbers exclude other citizens we do not have their records.

This menace was a real terror and caused a lot of havoc in Ebonyi State and the major challenges in curtailing it was the fact that the treatment of this disease is very costly. The Virology Laboratory in the State, a Federal health Institution qualified to treat this ailment have just three rooms and no isolation ward. In this case, if we have more than three victims at a time, others are kept in the general ward thereby endangering both patients and health workers.

To worsen the situation, the State cannot also confirm the diagnosis of victims until samples are sent to Irrua Special Hospital in Edo State for confirmation of the diagnosis. It takes about five days to get the confirmation report from Edo which means treatment of the victim will be delayed and if proven positive the symptoms becomes very bad. If you commence early treatment the patient has chances of survival as the disease is curable and preventable provided the needful are done at the appropriate time

Umahi and his magic wand/ Construction/Equipping of Virology Centre

When the above ugly scenario and challenges was presented to Governor Umahi, he immediately charged the Ministry of Health to commence the building of a Virology Centre in Ebonyi State within a month and to equip it accordingly. Based on the Governor’s charge, the ministry has completed the construction and equipping of a multi-million naira modern virology centre in FETHA II, Abakaliki, where suspected cases of Lassa Fever and other acute hemorrhagic fevers will be diagnosed and managed.

This is the first of its kind in the entire South-east and the second in Southern part of Nigeria. This project started because of the Governor’s love for his people, who before this period has lost so many lives due to delays in sending and receiving sample results from Irrua Specialist Hospital in Edo State.

The ex-Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole commissioned the facility, stating that the establishment of tcentre will definitely enhance a great partnership between Nigerian Government and the government of Ebonyi State, and will among other benefits, lead to the provision of more equipment and grants to the Centre.

Adewole expressed hope that the centre would help curb the menace of lassa fever ravaging the zone, assuring that the purpose of the centre would never be defeated.

To the glory of God, this Virology Centre was Upgraded for the treatment of Covid 19 and Lassa fever. This made it possible for the State to be amongst few other States where the menace of COVID-19 was reduced to the barest.

OTHER KEY INTERVENTIONS IN THE HEALTH SECTOR BY GOVERNOR UMAHI

1. Checking Epidemic Outbreaks

The Ebonyi State Ministry of Health since May 29, 2015, has put in professional competence in management of outbreak of epidemics in the state. It has strengthened the epidemiology unit and its emergency response unit to ensure that all cases of outbreaks are brought under control. This is evident in the way the ministry managed and controlled the cholera outbreak in the state. This deadly disease haw been successfully controlled till date. The state government, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, have also approved that the treatment and diagnosis of malaria, in all government-owned hospitals, is free of charge. This has drastically reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with malaria.

OTHER FEATS

Apart from setting up of the Ebonyi State University Teaching Hospital & Faculty of Medicine, Uburu, aimed at ending foreign health tourism in Nigeria and the visionary setting up a Virology centre to tackle dreadful and deadly diseases, Governor Umahi went ahead to accomplish the following:

1. Reconstructed, equipped and modernized the 13 General Hospitals in various LGAs in the State with Doctors and Nurses quarters.

2. Built and equipped World Standard school of nursing & Midwifery in Uburu.

3. Establishment of Ebonyi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

4. Effective tricycle ambulance service system for emergencies.

5. Construction of Standard Accident and Emergency Ward / ICU at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki.

6. Ebonyi State University Community General Hospital Uburu.

7. Development of Blue Print on Health

8. Completion of 3 buildings at School of Health Technology Ngbo

9. Fencing of college of Nursing and Midwifery

8. Construction of School Block at EBSUTH Uburu

9. Construction of Hospital Block

10. Construction of Utility Block

11. Construction of 2 Senior Staff quarters

12. Construction of 2 Junior Staff quarters

13. Construction of 4 Hostel Blocks

14. Renovation of Elunwovu Health Centre to serve as a holding and treatment centre for Covid 19

15. Provision of new cold chain in MOH

16. Fencing of MOH premises

17. Elimination of Malaria through Distribution of 1.7 million Bed Net

The Ministry of Health, in partnership with United States Agency for International Development (USAID), distributed 1.7 million insecticide-treated bed-nets, as part of measures towards preventing and eliminating the scourge of malaria. Malaria is still a major public health problem in Nigeria, and the Tropics, affecting about 5 million people across the globe annually, especially women and children

In the same vein, the ministry also attracted medical equipment worth N47 million from USAID in February 2016. EU-SIGN also donated N121 million worth of direct-drive solar freezers (38 in number) to the state, to support and strengthen immunisation activities. It is worthy to note also that Ebonyi State took first position as the ‘Best-Performing State’ in malaria elimination in the whole country and our governor was decorated as USAID Ambassador.

18. Medical Outreach

One of the most recent achievements of this administration is the medical outreach, called Akubara-oha Free Medical Outreach, conducted at Ezzeama in Ezza South LGA and Agugwu-Uburu in Ohaozara LGA. The results of the exercises are quite successful. Over 2000 medical cases were seen: 98 surgeries, 26 tooth extractions, and 262 eye glasses issued to eye patients. Most of our people who because of economic situation could not access medical care were treated free of charge. The joy of these people knew no bounds as they prayed for God’s guidance and long live for the governor. His Excellency, having seen the success of these exercises and its attendant benefits, gave the ministry the mandate to conduct such free medical outreach in all the 24 constituencies of Ebonyi. The ministry is already concluding arrangements to kick-start the exercise. The whole essence is to ensure that the poorest of the poor get medical care of all ailments, and to reduce their disease burden and, ultimately, prevent untimely deaths to the rural people

19. Construction of Chest Clinic at Mile 4 Hospital

The ministry also, through our informal connection with Chevron and Agbami partners, attracted an ultra-modern Chest Clinic, for the treatment of drug resistant tuberculosis and other related chest pathologies. The construction, which is ongoing in the Mile 4 Hospital, Abakaliki, will be completed in the next three months

Though it is not possible to put in one or two treatises what the adminstration of Governor Umahi has achieved in the Health Sector, let me reiterate that to ensure qualitative and affordable health services in Ebonyi State; a School of Health which is in the forefront of teaching people the fundamentals of total health management was established thereby raising health officials that will help to manage health facilities in the state.

GOVERNOR UMAHI REACTS TO ONE OF THE MOST SIGNIFICANT FEATS OF HIS ADMINISTRATION:

In his State broadcast commemorating his six years as the Governor of Ebonyi State on 29th May, 2021, Engr. David Nweze Umahi highlighted, “Significant among the things that we have done is the new University of Medical Sciences in Ohaozara which has been signed into law, passed by the House of Assembly, and by this, we are highly grateful to God, this University is not going to be cheap, it is going to be a very high profile University that can compete favorably with any University in the world, and we are projecting that the total income from this University at the end of the first two years will be about the average of 30 billion per annum, and so, this University will be able to sustain itself and sustain other higher Institutions in the State.

Finishing touches are going on now at the University and we are also trudging very highly at the International Airport. Some of our brothers in the South East have argued why Ebonyi State should have an international airport and that is the mind of those who don’t love us, they want us to go into second slavery but this has become the Nazareth not just of the South East but of the entire Country. Who is he that speaketh when God has not spoken and God has spoken that this is the Nazareth of this Nation and no man can stop it, and funny enough we are going to have the longest and widest tarmac in this Country, we are pushing ahead.

Conclusion

Let me conclude this treatise by quoting one of the greatest leaders of all time, Mohandas K. Gandhi of India, who asserted that: “It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.” And, in agreement, Robert Alan Silverstein, stated: “Good health is one of the most important ingredients for a happy and productive life. And, yet, many people do not have access to health care, but live in conditions that spread disease.”

Based on the above Governor Umahi’s love for humanity and his people need not be overemphasized.

I will, in the coming days, present my report on the Airport Project said to be one of the best in Nigeria alongside other projects that qualifies Umahi as not only a visionary leader, but also an exceptional and proud icon of the APC led Government.

Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and can be reached thru ezemediaconcept2020@gmail.com

By Polycarp Sola - Abakaliki

Former Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Party [APC] in Ebonyi State, Pastor Eze Nwachukwu Eze has called on the National Assembly members of the People's Democratic Party, PDP in the state led by Sen. Dr Sam Egwu to stop all forms of false and political attacks and unfounded allegations against Governor David Umahi or have their political histories being exposed to the public.


Nwachukwu, in a press conference held in his office at the old government house cabinet office in Abakaliki, attributed the unwarranted political untterances against Umahi by the national Assembly members led by Sam Egwu to envy and jealousy and noted that the agrieved PDP leaders in the state are furious and angry because Umahi was smarter than them by joining the ruling APC before them.

"the reason for this unwarranted attacks on the leader of the party in the state, the father of the party in the state, His Excellency, Engr Dr David Umahi, is because the Sam Egwu and his people are so angry, so furious because of the smartness of the governor, which he has brought a lot of relevance to their political fortune,


"the truth remains that these people were making frantic effort underground, while i was the chairman, to come to the party before the governor, before they knew it, the governor in his smartness, ran ahead of them and joined the party, because they had concluded plans in thier own party to frustrate him, and then come back to APC, also to hinder him from coming," he said.


He warns that any political attack on the governor is a direct attack on him as the building block of the party in the state and would be vehemently resisted by him, to eventually silence them politically.


"and I want to use this opportunity to warn them, that every insult and political attack on the governor is an attack on me, because this is a house I spent fortune, staked my life to build, therefore anybody that comes now to make any kind of movement or utterances that will amount to dismantling this house, I promise to vehemently resist them, and I am using this opportunity to sound a note of warning to all of them, because we have their political history and data,

"Any further derogatory comment on the governor, I will open their can of worms, this shall be the last warning, the same strength I used to fight them when we were in opposition, is the same strength, even more that I will use now to ensure that we silence them to speak no more politically," he added.

The APC chairman, also debunked Allegations by Sam Egwu and his team that the state government is arming thugs to chase after the opposition members, adding that security challenge is a sensitive matter that requires leaders at all levels to join hands towards ensuring safety of the people, rather than frustrating the effort of the current administration.


"I never commented on security issues, I always supported the government to ensure that the system is cleared off of all forms of criminality because it has no boundary, irrespective of your party, criminals has no respect for anybody's political inclination but to the extent of alleging that the government is empowering thugs, giving them arms to pursue them, who is pursuing who, what have they done to warrant them being chased,


"we know them, political feather weight, who do they have to burst of, pursuing such people will amount to wasting time, the governor and the government is so focused on the development of the state that they wouldn't have the time to think of who to go After, they have made thier choices, they attempted to join APC but the governor joined before them, and they became annoyed, instead of finding a way to join or coming boldly as men", he explained.


He, however said that constructive criticism of governance is a welcome development and urged the opposition leaders in the state to play politics as it's meant to be in a democratic and peaceful atmosphere.

By
Abbas Jimoh
Tue Jun 08 2021

Ebonyi State Commissioner of Information Hon. Uchenna Francis Orji, in this interview, explained why some state governors in the South East and others are joining the APC from PDP. He also spoke on attacks on police formations and other places in the region saying Nigerians have not learnt from the country’s civil war.


The Southern governors’ forum recently met in Asaba, Delta State and banned open grazing. Some said it was too hasty and generalised, what is your take on it?

Those concerns are inevitable in a time like this when there are rising security challenges. The stance of the southern governors on open grazing is not out of place, but my take is that the reaction we are getting is not unexpected.
What is important is not to continue the blame game but to have a meeting point or a dialogue for a consensus on the issue. And it should be admitted that the farmers/herders clashes have been contributory to insecurity and the lack of confidence we are having amongst ourselves.


What do you make of the attacks on police formations and other places in Ebonyi and other South East states?

Every man and woman of good will who believes in one united, peaceful and egalitarian Nigeria is not happy with these developments; it is extremism and not needed in these agitations. Stakeholders must rise and speak against the destruction of public and private facilities and even lives; we need to speak up. But we must appreciate what the National Assembly is doing by going to the zones to see what can be done to avert the crisis.

We don’t believe in name-calling – like calling IPOB or Fulani – but identifying the criminal elements and ensuring that they face the law. But what is most fundamental is to ensure that those agitations, fear and worries of the people are addressed. Federal Government needs to open up conversations that will address all issues of marginalizations so that everybody will see everything in the basket.

We have to appeal to all persons to lay down arms because war is nobody’s friend. Let’s lay our arms because Nigeria belongs to all of us. We need to engage our leaders constructively. We need to come to the round table with love. The civil war would have taught us a hard lesson; unfortunately, even those that were there during the war are not telling their children the effects of the war.

We are not telling the children what happened then and its effects. Look at what is happening in Syria, look at what is happening in other war-torn countries. We need to know that; we need to be wise by not going into violence or banditry.

The National Assembly has commenced zonal public hearing on the amendment of the 1999 Constitution. What areas should be amended to end the agitations in the country?

The government of Ebonyi State has inaugurated a 19-man committee to speak on the review of the 1999 Constitution. Fortunately, I am part of the committee headed by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly. When they are done, they will send it to the National Assembly. It will soon start and I know that it will be the position of all Ebonyi people.

Despite the importance of opposition, is the country not heading towards a one-party state with the defection of your boss, the Cross River State governor; and there plans by the Zamfara State governor to join APC?

As a progressive who is also democratic, we should look at the need for us to mainstream with the party at the centre for us to have equal opportunities in the Southeast to make known our agitations and tap into the opportunities at the federal level. This is very good for my tribe, Igbo. The fact is that every governor is taking this decision based on conviction.

I believe that the governor of Cross River State has his reason. For us in Ebonyi State, we did this to mainstream with the party at the centre. If you look at the 1960 political development, Ndigbo had always mainstreamed with the party at the centre and that was the ideology Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe bequeathed to the South East.

In an exclusive chat with TUNDE OGUNTOLA in Abuja, commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ebonyi State, Barr. Uchenna Orji, lamented the spate of violence in South East, especially the destruction of government and private facilities, urging stakeholders to rise up against the menace that is fast becoming the order of the day in the region.
By Tunde Oguntola 6 hours Ago


What is your opinion on the stance of the southern governors on the ban on open grazing?

The stance of the southern governors on open grazing is not out of place, but my take is that the reaction we are getting is not unexpected. We should not continue on blame game but to have a meeting point or a dialogue to have a consensus on the issue. And it should be admitted that the farmers’ herders/clashes have been contributory to insecurity and the lack of confidence we are having amongst ourselves. This will of course trigger conversations across various zones. We must do this bearing in mind that the unity of our nation is non-negotiable amidst efforts to continue to build a nation where there is love, peace, and equity.

The issue of open grazing is no longer tenable in advanced countries of the world. But what is important is that we must appreciate the fact that we have lived with traditional herdsmen for a long time and we have no issues with them, but it is becoming glaring that the coming of foreign herdsmen aggravated the situation.



Amidst the increasing cases of arson on public facilities in the southeast what can be done to salvage the situation?

Every man and woman of goodwill who believes in one Nigeria is not happy with these developments – that is extremism and it is not needed. In these agitations, stakeholders must rise and speak against the destruction of public and private facilities and even lives, we need to speak up. Like every other zone, if you look fundamentally at the remote causes in the southeast, you will see that there is the agitation of marginalization, bad leadership over the years, so all these issues have led to distrust in the nation over the years between government, the people and different tribes.

The issue of marginalization must be addressed to restore confidence. It must be known that the crisis in the southeast has been hijacked by hoodlums and those fanning the embers of hate and division from different parts of the world via sending fake news through inciting publications against the government.

As stakeholders that have Nigeria’s project at heart, we must rise and speak to our people. We must call a spade a spade, no matter whose ox is gored.


We don’t believe in name-calling like IPOB or Fulani but identifying the criminal elements and ensuring that they face the full wrath of law.



What is the stance of the Ebonyi State government on constitution review?

The government of Ebonyi State has inaugurated a 19-man committee to speak on the review of the 1999 Constitution. Fortunately, I am part of the committee headed by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly. When they are done, they will send it to the National Assembly. It will soon start and I know that it will be the position of all Ebonyians.

Ebonyi State seems to be doing well in agriculture. Tell us about it.

The administration of Engr David Umahi places premium and attaches importance to agriculture. The governor inherited peasant farming, but when he came on board, he introduced mechanised agricultural practices and a commercialization programme. He introduced the One Man One Hectare Programme, he introduced Civil Servant Agricultural Programme called Second Address, he also procured more rice milling plants. Prior to now, Ebonyi State had a history of being a state with the highest milling cluster and it is the Guinness Book of Record, but the governor understands that the state has advantages in rice production and reactivated the over 1500 milling clusters and procured more rice milling and parboiling plants. Today we have 32 metric tonnes capacity per hour for the rice milling plant while parboiling plant 38 metric tonnes capacity per hour all government-owned milling plant.The government procured 40 tractors and gave the farmers for free. The state government also procured 13 bulldozers which was donated one per local government to flatten the landscape for agriculture mechanization.




Why did Governor Umahi defect to the APC?



As a progressive who is also democratic, we should look at the need for us to the mainstream with the party at the centre. In order for us to have equal opportunity in the southeast to make known our agitation and tap into the opportunities at the federal level. The fact is every governor is taking this decision based on conviction. I believe that the Governor of Cross River State has his reason. For us in Ebonyi State,we did this to mainstream with the party at the centre. If you look at the 1960 post political development, Ndigbo had always mainstreamed with the party at the centre and that is the ideology Sir (Dr) Nnamdi Azikwe bequeathed to the southeast.



Tell us about other projects carried out by the State government?

Before the governor came on board, we had an infrastructure deficit in Ebonyi State and human capital was very low. But today we celebrate a state with a wonderful road network with a 50 years guarantee. The state is now a global village. We have completed over 1,500 state roads, over 500 kilometres of federal road built by the Ebonyi state governor. We have completed 13 flyovers, he has also built wonderful roundabout to beautify the capital city and we are building long-lasting economic facilities, today the state has one of Africa’s biggest shopping mall, it will house 5,000 shops, we have Southeast biggest International market built by our governor, it will house 3,000 to 5000 shops. We are also building an international airport. This airport will be like that of Abuja and Lagos. It is now 60% completed, we also have Africa’s Biggest School of Medicine, a very beautiful edifice, for the treatment of cancer, heart surgery. This will avert medical tourism abroad and the governor feels the money taken to India and UK will go back to the state. It will create 10,000 jobs, the governor is also ensuring that insecurity is a thing of the past by construction of street lights in each local government.

HON. LINUS OKORIE'S UNINFORMED REMARKS
ON ABAKALIKI RING ROAD AND THE PUBLIC OVATION ON GOVERNOR UMAHI'S SUCCESS IN TURNING ABAKALIKI RING ROAD DREAM TO A REALITY.


1. While the public views are commendable, the success recorded by the Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Engr Chief David Nweze Umahi FNSE FNATE (Akubaraoha) in actualizing the execution of the long awaited old Abakaliki ring road which was dreamt of but never realized by successive governments before him, Hon. Linus Okorie who represented Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Local Government Areas in the Federal House of Representatives was raising politically induced alarms over how the loans ought or ought not to be spent.

2. We have noted his comments and the sensations sought to achieve, but would like to put on record that Ebonyi State Government is known for best practices of international standards in governmental transactions.

3. While we commend him for the confession he made on the success of our dear Governor in getting the all-important ring road projects, and his allusions on its socio- economic importance to the State and particularly the 8 local government areas where the road will pass through, we invite him to note that his reservation about the contract details and cost differentials is most mischievous as the contract documents and implementation plan captured the necessary detailed information about the dimensions of the project implementation processes and same will as a matter of policy be in Ebonyi State Website and that of other agencies.

4. The contract was awarded through a competitive bidding process which followed international best practices, and the road map to its success was a tedious long journey diligently followed by relevant banks, the Federal Ministry of Finance and the State Government .

5. Ebonyi State Government is so far executing 199 kilometers with the loan and over 39- kilometer additional roads for the communities within the corridors, and the concrete road with stone base is about 230m per km together with the drainages and culverts.

6. It is to be noted that securing loan does not confer the beneficiary unconditional exhaustion of loan facility and that the contract funds accessed will be paid directly to the contractors and not through the State Government.

7. It is to be further noted that Ebonyi State has severally received accolades from transparency institutions over its diligence in due process, fiscal responsibility and public procurement processes. The World bank has appreciated the State Government's openness in procurement processes and diligence in citizens' participation in budget making. The Debt Management Office has given our State a clean bill of health in facility management, and the World Bank States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustenabilty has recognized Ebonyi State as one of the best 4 States in National Disbursement. We therefore urge Hon. Linus Okorie spare us his limited knowledge of accounting and cost differentials of concrete pavement per km.


8. We urge him to deploy his little accounting knowledge towards explaining to the people of Ohanivo Federal Constituency their several unanswered questions on how the Federal Constituency Projects meant for Ohaozara, Onicha and Ivo Local Government Areas disappeared.

9. Our people need explanations on the contracts he handled which were meant for the provision of farming and land preparation equipment for extension support to farmers in old Ohaozara and for social fertility management training for rural farmers in Old Ohaozara
He needs to give account of the contract he handled which was meant for capacity building for youths and women in old Ohaozara and the contract for the rehabilitation of rural roads and culverts in Onicha LGA among others.

10. We demand that he makes his explanations available to the people soonest and copy the town unions that make up old Ohaozara as soon as possible.

Hon. Barr Orji Uchenna Orji (Commissioner for Information and State Orientation)

As commendations continue to trail Champion Newspaper’s award investiture on the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman, South/East Governors Forum, Engr. Dave Umahi, as the Best Governor in Nigeria of the year 2020, erstwhile Technical Assistant TA to the Governor on Media, Lady Monica Chidinma Ada Eze, has described the conferment as a special confirmation of Umahi’s rare leadership model which she said is intensely rooted in service delivery anchored on infrastructural and human capital development which are the critical elements of governance.

In a statement made available to the media in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State Capital, the former Media Aide to the Governor commended the Champion Newspaper for beaming their searchlight to ensure that the honor is conferred on merit, noting that it remains the duty of the national media and other independent assessors to do their assessments transparently and inform Nigerians accordingly on all subjects.

Lauding the Media House for staying true to the cause of truth and dispelling every monetary influence in determining who deserves what honor, Monica who is President and Founder of DUNAETA, a non-governmental, non-profit organization with operational base in Ebonyi, said Champion Newspaper remains an embodiment of all that a transparent media organization represents.

Recall that the executive management and editorial board of Champion Newsmedia Limited, publishers of Champion Newspaper, voted Gov. Dave Umahi as the best Governor of the year 2020 in infrastructural development, an award which was presented to him alongside other serving and former Governors, Business moguls, captains of industry etc, who emerged in other categories, on Friday, May 28, 2021 at a high profile event held at Sheraton Hotels and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos State.

Lady Monica highlighted that, the Group Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Champion Newspapers, Dr. Mrs. Nwadiuto Iheakanwa while welcoming the Awardees and dignitaries stated that "the selected awardees have not only identified the needs and challenges of the citizens but proffered holistic solutions, thereby uplifting the standard of living of the people and contributing their best to the country’s socio-economic and political development."

Commending the Governor for always bringing honor to the state, Monica Aka Ada Ebonyi called on Nigerians to be conscious and always ensure that the right people in the right frame of mind, perception, mentality and most importantly, with the fear of God, like Umahi, are voted into power, to allow for democratic dividends to trickle down to those at the grassroots.

Other award recipients include-Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola who bagged the man of the year award; National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who emerged in the category of Democracy Icon of the fourth republic 1990 till date; Chief Executive Officer of Innoson Motors, Chief Innocent Chukwuma.

Dangote Foundation, African Alliance, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Access Bank Plc were among institutions and corporate organizations that received different categories of awards at the event.

Governor Dave Umahi is one among the 36 State Governors, whose giant strides especially, in infrastructural development, human capital development, health and education, job creation and security, has endeared him to Nigerians across tribes and political divides.

With over thirteen (13) overhead bridges to his credit, Lady Monica said Umahi has redefined governance in Ebonyi as the state now prides herself as host to the biggest shopping mall in West Africa, beautifully designed road networks adorned with street lights, a world class medical college, and a stable economy with IGR steadily on the rise.

Aside raising billionaires from his various youth empowerment schemes, Gov. Umahi is improving the livelihood of families through agriculture, job creation, entrepreneurial development amongst others. It is he who built the biggest ecumenical centre in Africa. His intelligent political carriage has earned Ebonyi an international airport which is currently under construction.

“What more could be said of a silent achiever and a man of many firsts, indeed the Champion Newspaper Award conferment on him is well deserved”. Monica stated.

Receiving the Award on behalf the Governor, the workaholic Commissioner of Information and State Orientation, Barr Uche Orji who represented the Governor during the event stated that "the award shows what was going in the state in terms of massive infrastructural development are been recognized and appreciated by the outside world. This award will trigger his aspiration to want to do more,”

ENDS

Signed

Monica Ada Chidinma Eze Aka Ada Ebonyi,

President DUNAETA & former TA on Media to Gov Umahi

1st June, 2021

Email: dunaebonyitransformation001@gmail.com, quintrelking@gmail.com

AND THE AVALANCHE OF FALSEHOOD BY ONE AMOS OGBONNAYA, UNGRATEFUL WRETCH OF THE MILLENNIUM

... By Maryann Anoke, ex- wife of Amos Ogbonnaya who saw the stinking character of Amos Ogbonnaya and left the regrettable marriage
...rolls out reasons why Okposi Community must be ware of Amos Ogbonnaya

Excerpts:

His Excellency Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, has achieved a lot in six (6) years as governor of Ebonyi State, with his mission statement to “enhance the welfare of our people and empower all Ebonyians to be self-reliant through the compassionate delivery of transformation and God-fearing government based on integrity and dignity”. .

His Excellency made clear the core values of Ebonyi State as he covenanted that in his administration everything he does must reflect his covenant with God which He gave him by himself.

These core values include.
To serve Ebonyi State with the fear of God
To prosper Ebonyi State with the word of God
To make Ebonyi State the number one economy in the whole country
To passionately help the widows and the oppressed
To build a befitting place of worship like Solomon did.

The best Governor in Nigeria by all standard and in all ramifications that good governance is measured. Apostle of Infrastructure, youth and women friendly governor who has greatly displayed an enviable leading roles in ensuring that youths and women are uninterruptedly incorporated into his all- inclusive government against all odds to the glory of Almighty God.

Ebonyi State has never had it so historic, wonderful and glorious since its creation in 1996 because Engr. David Nweze Umahi through his adoption of more inclusive strategies and broader vision, has blew minds just in six years of active service to Ebonyians. Working day and night to ensure that he achieves his mission. Little wonder the award winning and A-list Governor keeps getting awards locally and internationally.

The administration of Akubaraoha global in six years outweighs both military and civilian achievements of his predecessors. These gestures have positioned Ebonyi State on high pedestal and its historic ripple effect is from generation to generation. His goal getter attitude has endeared our dear state to both local and foreign investors. He has turned Ebonyi State into a massive construction site of Religion, Education, Sports, Health, Commercial, Transportation etc. facilities are going on simultaneously.

Engr. David Nweze Umahi is a tested and trusted divine mandate catalyst for change and agent of developmental and democratic dividends. He is the best candidate for 2023 presidential race because Nigeria will not only be advanced in all ramifications but ne positioned rightly in the world’s affairs.

The construction of World Class Ecumenical Center, Ultra modern Shopping Mall, a master piece Presidential lodge, Ebonyi State College of Medicine, Ebonyi State School of Nursing, completion of seven standard overheard bridges in the three political zones of the State and many more under construction was only possible by God’s help through a man who truly said yes to God. International airport, Olympic size stadium actively under construction are initiative of our workaholic governor who is daily supervising the projects to ensure strict compliance to construction specifications.

The introduction of concrete road that span all the communities and local government in Ebonyi State has remain a marvel to foreign, local visitors and friends of the state.

The construction activities had turned Ebonyi State into a tourist site and Ohaozara Local Government Area is not left out at all as massive and heavy construction presence in the three communities (Uburu, Ugwulangwu and Okposi) are intimidating, turning the local government into an urban area.
.
The internal road networks are also eight inches concrete pavement done by both the State and Local Government administration under the leadership of Hon. Princess Nkechinyere Iyioku (JP) who is passionately replicating her boss, Engr. David Nweze Umahi’s kind gestures. She is a great example of a loyal follower and virtuous women in politics. Her proactiveness is second to none as she was the first chairman to set up COVID-19 vigilantee that intercepted and arrested a carrier of the disease who trickishly sneaked during the lockdown in Ohaozara Local Government Area...

This wonderful action saved the local government and the entire state from COVID-19 mess tremendously. Hence, the reason our dear Ebonyi State was the only state with no or negligible percentage of COVID1-19 case.

His Excellency Engr. David Nweze Umahi and Princess Nkechinyere Iyioku teamwork compelled me to organize a one week village to village, community to community campaign in the three communities of Ohaozara Local Government Area during the 2019 general elections. The campaign was sponsored by the late Barr. Ogbonnaya Joseph Akuma (Man Power) and its sole aim was to inscribe the name “David Umahi” in the heart of every soul that had attained franchise in Ohaozara. Thank God our efforts were crowned with huge success.

Hon. Princess Nkechinyere Iyioku (JP) projects includes: construction of modern Chairman’s lodge, renovation of council hall, construction of concrete roads and bridges in different locations in the Local Government Area. The indigents and oppressed are not left out as she constantly assists anyone that approaches her for help irrespective of party difference.

More than fifty boreholes sunk in different areas and many roads graded in all the wards of the local government area. She has more than twenty special assistants and was the first to inaugurate 100 man local government vigilante group in Ebonyi Sate to tackle the herdsmen menace, open glazing, and unknown gunmen activities. I excitedly supported our programmatic Governor and Chairman because of their great leadership prowess and how to write their achievements in sand of time (history) and inscribe their names in the hearts of man.

Okposi community is a huge beneficially of His Excellency’s infrastructural agenda, appointments and empowerment as he appointed many illustrious sons and daughters of Okposi into key positions in the State, notably are:
Barr. Samuel Okoronkwo
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs

Barr. Chioma Omoke Nweze
Senior Special Assistant on Investment

Barr. Jonathan Okoronkwo
Permanent Secretary
Onyibe Bassey Chima
Senior Special Assistant on Petroleum

Mr. Agwu Nweze
Senior Special Assistant on Finance

Mr. Mark Onu
Special Assistant on Youth Mobilization

EAs, STAs, TAs too numerous to mention now.

His Excellency is leaving no stone unturned in extending his developmental projects to nooks and crannies of Okposi community. The already completed projects in Okposi include;
Modern Police Station
Amasiri-Okpisi road with drainage and bridges
Ugwulangwu-Okposi road with drainage and bridges
Uburu-Okposi road with drainage and bridges
Uburu-Opkosi road through colony with drainage and bridge
Engr. David Nweze Street with drainage and bridge at Obodoma-Odege
Court Area-Oduogo-Ivuezio road with drainage and bridges

Projects under construction
A bridge beside Mmahi Salt lake
Ata Mabiowa bridge
Ezuku Azoke – Ugwulangwu road with bridges and drainage
Uburu-Okposi dual carriageway with bridges and drainage.
Projects promised by His Excellency but yet to commence are
Odugo-Onuaviankwo road
Overhead bridge at court area, etc.

SCHOOL PROJECTS:
A block of 3 class rooms at Government Secondary School, Okposi
A block of 2 flats teachers quarters at Isi Okposi girls High School
A block of 3 classrooms at Ikwuano Primary School.
A block of 3 classrooms at Umuka Central School.
A block of 3 classrooms at Mgbom Machara Primary school
A block of 3 classrooms at special school, Umuka
Civic Center at Umuakumaetc.
The above details are necessary to counter the negative notions by perpetrators of hate speeches that is capable of inciting verbal war between Uburu and Okposi communities or on our amiable governor Engr. David Nweze Umahi for their selfish gains.

His Excellency Engr. David Nweze Umahi deemed it necessary and prudent to appoint illustrious sons and daughters of Okposi community to serve in Ebonyi State government and in his administration. Completed the above projects and some above 50% completion presently.



It is on this basis that I am baffled why a former Coordinator of Anuagata Development Centre, one Barr. Amos Ogbonnaya whose first ever political appointment in his near hopeless life as a Coordinator of DC in 2016 was made possible by our amiable governor His Excellency, Engr. David Nweze Umahi could summon his extreme irritating and disgusting courage to blackmail our governor of great repute on AIT and Dream FM. Is it not obvious that Amos Ogbonnaya is a weakling seeking cheap political popularity and sympathy? Otherwise, why will Amos wait to be sacked for incompetence before he suddenly remembered and realized that he was used and his entitlements denied?

Isn’t it glaring that his criminal tendencies has beclouded his sense of reasoning and his disloyalty exposed to the world?

I mean in strong terms that Amos Ogbonnaya is supposed to be arrested and prosecuted for the following:
defamation of our governor’s esteemed character ,
embezzlement of N20,000,000 (Twenty Million Naira) community projected fund given to Anuagata Development Centre though him by the Ebonyi State government in two consecutive times,
embezzlement of the allowance meant for Anuagata COVID-19 vigilantee team during lock down.
hoarding and diverting COVID-19 palliatives donated to Anuagata Development Centre populace by the Ebonyi State government
embezzlement of above N500,000 (Five Hundred Naira) Okposi Okwu Development Union (OODU) fund that was realised and given to him as the Town Union President General to purchase motorcycles for the security arm’s smooth and prompt operations.
Using a dagger on One Mr. Uchenna (Udu) but his prey narrowly escaped his purported attack by the effort of some youths present during the EndSars Protest. The main reason he was sacked as Coordinator. And many offences.


Amos Ogbonnaya relocated to Okposi from Lagos State where he was practicing begging in the streets of Legos as frustrated law practitioner to serve his community as the Town Union President General as against his claim that he was called home by His Excellency Engr. David Nweze Umahi on AIT and Dream FM.

To Okposi community which I belong, Amos Ogbonnaya is an opportunistic criminal that lies through his teeth and his deceitfulness is chronic and is capable of compelling anyone, association and government fall to his prey only to live in abject regret. Therefore, his dubious disposition should not be allowed to incite hatred or violence against our innocent governor His Excellency, Engr. David Nweze Umahi nor our sister Barr. Mrs. Chioma Omoke Nweze whom Amos Ogbonnaya falsely claimed that her official Hilux was used by his abductors. Barr. Chioma Omoke is of a highly recommendable noble character and a goal achiever who had attracted many commendable projects to Okposi from the state government. Amos claims is just a plea of clemency and should not only be disregarded but spit out without hesitations because drowning man makes strong efforts to grab any available substance and a man who has no reputation or integrity to protect will ensure you lose yours at all cheap cost.

Good sense of judgment is required to handle the challenges Amos Ogbonnaya had created in Okposi presently. We must be conscious of the fact that Amos sponsors are bitter and shameless political enemies of the state and Okposi who feel that we are enjoying dividends of good governance more than them. They are political opponents whose selfish quest and desire to occupy an elected or appointed position till death are terribly irredeemable.

The sole aim of Ebonyi political enemies is to distract our dear governor that is being driven by divine purpose and mandate from above, and he that is above, is above always.

The selfish and blind wailing individuals and groups are pitiably decaying in their self created state of agony and sorrowful bitterness. And our governor His Excellency Engr. David Nweze Umahi will keep recking their inhumane souls by out-performing his past which Okposi will not be left behind. So I encourage Okposians and Ebonyians to unit and fight our common enemy of progress (opposition) and support our amazing and dogged governor because his balanced, blissful and blessed administration had placed Ebonyi State on high pedestal and we now fly our flags so high anywhere in the world as Ebonyians.


Maryan Anoke
Quantity Surveyor
07038348056, 08189915232
Amoja Okposi Okwu
Ohaozara Local Government Area

Redoubles Efforts to Unveil World Class
Medical Centre as Eze Embarks On Seven Days Projects Tour of Gale of Projects in Ebonyi State (PART ONE)

By Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,

PREAMBLE

It was a pleasant surprise when I got a call from Barr Uchenna Orji, the workaholic Ebonyi State Commissioner of Information, through whom I and the entire world have read much about the magic being ignited by the incumbent Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Nweze Umahi in the State. The call was for me to join him on a project/facility tour of most of the key projects this energetic and visionary leader of this dispensation has achieved in less than six years.

Having heard so much about the gale of projects permeating the nooks and crannies of the once backward state, I quickly took the next available flight to Ebonyi through Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, with a conspicuous enthusiasm to get a first hand information or better still, see things for myself.

On arrival to the State capital, I was spontaneously buzzed with excitement and palpable glee, and on a first thought, I had a covert argument about my whereabouts, but my intuitive awareness of the State's geography calmed my apprehension to some extent. I told my Chief Host that given the skepticism that has captured my mastery of the terrain, commencing the tour from projects sited in the outskirts of the state capital would douse my sudden muddle and help me regain a conscious grasp of the milieu.

My host quickly understood my predicament and after exchanging pleasantries with some officials of the state government, we went into business.

FIRST DAY OF MY SEVEN DAYS INSPECTION OF THE WONDERS/FEATS BY GOV UMAHI:

We started-off with a visit to Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government area of the State, about 65 km away from Abakaliki, to a project assumed to be the biggest College of Medicine in Africa under construction. The project is the brainchild of the Ebonyi State government under Gov. Umahi. It is being equipped with sophisticated and latest technology and is billed to attract mass medical tourism to Nigeria.

Indeed, change has settled in Ebonyi. Prior to this time, visitors to the state used to refer Abakaliki as a mere glorified Local Council Area headquarters with a Government House that ranked as the worst countrywide but today Governor Umahi has turned Abakaliki to Dubai of Nigeria. I am not here to talk about Abakaliki as I am yet to have full glimpse of how a glorified Local Government Area could be turned to one of the best State Capitals in Nigeria.

While in Uburu a small but blessed town and only town in entire Africa to produce a sitting State Governor (Engr. Dr. David Nweze Umahi) and a Minister of the Federal Republic, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu of the Federal Ministry of Technology and Sciences. I asked my Chief Host if the town is an annex of the State Capital as the town is full of constructed roads with 8' concrete pavement all over lighted with Street Lights and a gigantic Fly over. Seeing my confused state, workaholic Barr. Orji whom I wonder if he sleeps atal told me that what I am seeing here is replicated in all the major towns of Ebonyi State and I shouted wondering how some Governors do concentrate all the developments of their State in one or two Local Government Areas and even ready to construct eight Flyovers in one single Road!!

At the site of our main visit, this was not only amazing, again, I was forced to ask myself whether I was I was in a trans, or if my friend the Honourable commissioner had cast a spell on me or age was catching up with me; and many more.

Even the serious sick coming in contact with the array of infrastructure on display there is bound to get better without further medical examination.

From the records presented to me by the Governor's Senior Special Assistant SSA on Medical Services. Dr Richard Chukwuka Nnabu, "the Medical College after completion, will have centres of excellence in cancer management, kidney transplant with dialysis centre, liver transplant, and other diseases. It will have the latest diagnostic equipment that can be rated amongst the best anywhere in the world. The technology to be employed is equally second to none.

The centre will be manned by the best hands anywhere in the world and the structures are classical". He said the diagnostic equipment are coming directly from the manufacturers and almost all of them are ready. It's going to be a centre of medical tourism, he emphasised.

The SSA further highlighted that when the hospital becomes functional, power supply will be 24hours as it would have power from solar, generator and national grid.

The SSA on Medical Services further briefed me; "We also have School of Health which is in the forefront of teaching people the fundamentals of total health management thereby raising health officials that will help to manage our health facilities. These are part of what the governor has done."

From this out of the world edifice and State of the art complex, I was escorted to the School of Nursing also reconstructed by the administration of Governor Umahi situated few kilometers to the wonder health centre where Governor Umahi’s signature is well written. This edifice is another structure in her own class if it doesn't stand out as the best in Nigeria.

In the course of my inspection, I ran into a son of the soil, Hon. Emmanuel Obasi the Deputy Principal Secretary DPS to Governor Umahi and an influential member of the Ebonyi State Government highest ranking body the State Executive Council who further highlighted, "The vision behind the establishment of David Nweze Umahi University of Medical Sciences is to halt and reverse medical tourism abroad; halt and reverse capital flight due to medical treatment and management of high calibre diseases; provision of access to ultramodern medical equipment and personnel and to expose our medical students to the best training facilities available in the world.

The Medical University is to house the best Medical College comprising of Faculties and Departments in all Medical and Allied Medical disciplines and best Teaching cum Specialist Hospital comprising of about 5-6 Centres of Excellence in Medicare.

When fully completed and deployed, the University will be the best Medical University and Centre of Excellence in Medicare in Africa, best in West Africa, best in Nigeria, best in Alaigbo and best in Ebonyi State. Huge kudos to His Excellency, Engr. Dr. David Nweze Umahi, Governor of Ebonyi who initiated, started and about to complete and inaugurate the project in less than three years. To God be the glory."

After the first phase of my tour, I contacted Dr. Daniel Umezurike, the amazing Commissioner for Health in Ebonyi State, to give me more insight about the magical Medical University. In response, Dr. Umezurike stated thus, "The King David Medical University which will be a state-owned higher institution will, apart from becoming a centre of excellence, also create employment while generating income for the state government.

He further stated that the Medical University, instead of becoming a burden to the state, would add to the entrepreneurial policy agenda of the state government. This is because it will be self sustaining. He clarified that the Medical University will not be a private university but would work in collaboration with other universities in the state to meet up with the health care needs of the people. It will cater got visiting medical tourists.

More so, the King David Medical University will be a state of the art medical tourist centre with modern but scientific cancer screening and dialysis centre. Most of the medical trips done abroad in Indian, London and American hospitals would now be done in Ebonyi State. The economic gains will be highly enormous because apart from giving affordable and quality health care services, the menace of capital flight would be arrested and the money hitherto spent abroad would now be channelled to the education and health care sectors of the economy.

The world-class developmental agenda on health and education have in recent years received priority attention. This is owing to the rising cases of healthcare needs occasioned by discoveries of new sicknesses and diseases hitherto unknown in human medical history. Rising cases of brain drain and poor school enrolment arising from poor teaching and learning methods vis a vis dilapidated education facilities have become a bane of development.

I was made to understand that since assuming office on 29th May, 2015, Governor Umahi has made education and health one of the priority areas in budget and project delivery system. And the two have always had the highest vote in yearly budget appropriations.

In the 2021 state budget appropriation for instance, education has the highest vote followed by the health sector.

I am glad that my eyes have seen Africa's biggest and most trusted Medical destination and Centre of Excellence for the treatment of of Heart diseases, Liver problems, Cancer etc.

After eight hours spent, I retired to my hotel after being escorted to inspect the Virology Centre situated within the Dr. Alex Ekweme Hospital Abakaliki. I learnt that is the State where such facility is situated within the entire South East used to test and treat various dreadedful diseases including COVID-19 pandemic, Lazza Fever and similar deadly diseases.

From what I have observed, Dr. David Nweze Umahi can be said to be the best Governor in Nigeria so far health sector is concerned. By the time the Umahi University College is ready, it will be flamboyantly scandalous for any of our leaders to travel outside Nigeria to seek any medical help as such will amount to encouraging corruption and promoting capital flight.

I can now understand why the legendary, sage, great and respected world leader, late Nelson Mandela of South Africa, once stated with Governor David Nweze Umahi in mind: “There is nothing I fear more than waking up without a programme that will help me bring a little happiness to those with no resources: those who are poor, illiterate, and ridden with terminal disease.”

I can now understand why it seems that Governor Umahi must have been a great student of Mohandas K. Gandhi of India, who stated through his famous quote: “It is health that is real wealth, and not pieces of gold and silver.” to influence his vision to provide the best in the Health Sector for his people. In agreement, Robert Alan Silverstein, stated: “Good health is one of the most important ingredients for a happy and productive life. And, yet, many people do not have access to health care, but live in conditions that spread disease.” The fact remains that the administration of Governor from what I have seen so far wants to ensure good health for the entire Ebonyians.

With what I have seen so far, Gov. Umahi is one of our few Leaders who wakes up everyday just thinking on what to do to impact and effect his environment. What is confusing about what I have seen so far is that Ebonyi State is rated amongst the poorest State in the country of one is to consider the amount that comes into the State through the Federal Allocation and how Governor Umahi could embark upon such gigantic projects while most Oil influenced and rich States are busy constructing makeshift flyovers and few kilometers roads and disturbing the world wasting funds in media to commission such projects while Governor is not making any noise about the great feats and revolution he has ignited in Ebonyi State.

I will in the next few days present my conclusion report on health facilities in Ebonyi, maybe take on the Airport Project said to be among the best in Nigeria with other projects that qualifies Umahi as not only a visionary but an exceptional and proud icon of the APC led Government.

Ends

Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt, Rivers State and can be reached thru either ezemediaconcept2020@gmail.com

MONICA COMMENDS UMAHI FOR SUSTAINING PEACE AND SECURITY IN EBONYI STATE... PLEADS WITH BANDITS TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OLIVE BRANCH AND EMBRACE THE AMNESTY OFFERED THEM BY THE EBONYI STATE GOVERNMENT SO THAT COLLECTIVELY WE CAN BUILD EBONYI STATE OF OUR DREAM.

The President and Founder of DUNAETA, Lady Monica Chidinma Ada Eze, has stated that the bountiful harvest of development that Ebonyi state has continued to reap since the inception of the current administration of Engr. David Nweze Umahi, as Governor, is enough reason for everyone with a sense of humanity to partner and contribute in every possible way to ensure that the atmosphere remains conducive to allow the State Government complement on the achievements so far recorded in turning the fortunes of the state and her people.

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Speaking on the backdrop of the amnesty scheme designed by the state government, to untangle the minds of the youth from crime and criminality and engage them in meaningful ventures, Monica who doubles as Technical Assistant to Gov. Umahi on Media, appealed to young people to lay down arms and support a regime of development stressing that no meaningful achievements can be recorded by government and development partners in a society engulfed in manifest insecurity.

In a statement made available to media houses in Abakaliki the Ebonyi State Capital, TA Monica commended her boss; the Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman, South-East Governors Forum, Dr David Nweze Umahi, for demonstrating commitment towards human capital development, describing the venture as a holistic approach towards sustainable peace and development.

Appealing to young people to shun banditry, kidnapping, bloodletting and other anti-human engagements capable of instigating crisis, threatening peace and frustrating the serenity of a human environment, Monica reminded perpetrators of crime that their activities leave a blend of bitter and unsavory memory in the hearts of victims, that society looks at every criminal with disdain.

Announcing the state government’s plan to offer amnesty to youths engaged in crime, the workaholic Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Barr Uchenna Orji, over the weekend, stated that the Governor is committed to deploying every legitimate means to ensure that lives and property of citizens and those doing legitimate businesses in the state are protected.

“So far, if they can surrender and lay down their arms, government is ready to get them profiled, rehabilitated and engaged in life transforming empowerment programmes”, Orji noted.

“The engagement is also aimed at enhancing effective policing of our communities in order to ensure timely alert about security threats and breaches to relevant agencies”. Commissioner Orji added.

Lady Monica Chidinam Ada Eze Aka Ada Ebonyi also Congratulated Governor Umahi and the Ebonyi State Government for initiating and conducting a seven day fasting and prayer to pray to God who is the ultimate and embodiment of peace to sustain the peace in Ebonyi State.

Considering the failure of the military in tackling the menace of insecurity in Nigeria the idea of prayer and fasting becomes inevitable and imperative as I wished that the entire country emulates Ebonyi State and embarks upon on such a spiritual excerise in order to exorcist insecurity and the ongoing evil and mindless kidnapping, banditry and wickedness that have engulfed our dear nation. The powers and benefits of prayers and fasting need not be overemphasized, Monica highlighted.

Finally, Lady Monica Ada Eze pleads with all Nigerians and mostly our youths to critically consider what late elder statesman,Chief John Pepper Clark in his statement titled, 'ALL ARE CASUALTIES OF WAR - ATTACK TO ONE IS ATTACK TO ALL.' "Say no to destruction of lives and properties. It is ungodly to kill and destroy. It is the greatest sin against humanity. Let's remember the effect of the Nigerian Civil War and the Rwandan regrets and please hold that Never Again shall we allow smokes of war"

Lady Monica called on Ebonyians to continue to support Umahi for greater achievements for the state and the people.

ENDS

Signed

Monica Ada Chidinma Eze Aka Ada Ebonyi,

President DUNAETA & TA on Media to Gov Umahi

10th May, 2021

Email: dunaebonyitransformation001@gmail.com, quintrelking@gmail.com

THE SINISTER COMMUNIQUÉ OF SOUTH EAST PDP ZONAL WORKING COMMITTEE AND THE PLETHORA OF MISLEADING FALSEHOOD

1. Ebonyi State Ministry of Information and State Orientation has tracked a communiqué credited to South East Zonal Working Committee of PDP dated Saturday 01 May 2021 and authored by One Elochukwu Okereke who purports to be the Zonal Publicity Secretary of PDP.

2. We consider this attention seeking communiqué as one of their sinister publications concocted with demeaning and misleading falsehood and calculated to distract the peace loving people of Ebonyi State and reap the gracious attention of the people-oriented administration of the performing Governor of Ebonyi State, His Excellency Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi FNSE, FNATE (Akubaraoha).

3. The content of the publication and the context of their argument unfortunately exposes the inadequacies of the reasoning faculties of their political think-tank and the incompetencies of the present crop of the leadership of South East Zonal Working Committee.

4. The arguments canvassed in their substantive paragraphs denote a body of political operators who have little or no information about precedents and practice of governance structure and systems in a federal system of government.

5. We are deeply disappointed but not surprised on the failure and inability of the PDP South East Zonal Working Committee to understand and dissect the clear and unambiguous resolutions reached by the South East Governors and stakeholders during their Security Summit of 11th April, 2021 in Owerri, Imo State.

6. The 15- point Communiqué of the South East leaders is clear on their resolution for states to maintain a joint security vigilante to be called Ebubeagu Joint Security Network whose coordination and intelligence would be headquartered in Enugu.

7. This resolution cannot in any way waive or vitiate the legislative powers of the federating states and the inherent powers of states to recruit or provide the membership of Ebubeagu from among the youths of their respective states, which they are already exercising in different tempo and stages especially the necessary legislations, the recruitment and the funding processes for Ebubeagu.

8. We have also noted the cowardly and untoward accusations by the PDP elements who are branding the peace loving youths of Ebonyi State as the “militia” just because they enrolled as members of South East Security outfit, Ebubeagu.

9. We want to assure the PDP elements in Ebonyi State who are hiding under the cloak of PDP South East Working Committee to blackmail the State Government that their rejection by the good people of Ebonyi State is unwavering as the current PDP in the State parades a group of people who do not mean well for the State.


¹0.. We therefore urge all the stakeholders in our security engagements and indeed all the members of the public to discountenance the PDP's Communiqué of 1st May, 2021 as a worthless distraction, but remain focused in our collective resolve to secure a peaceful, safe and prosperous state

Signed

Hon Barr Orji Uchenna Orji
(Honourable Commissioner for Information and state Orientation, Ebonyi State)

EMERGENCY STATE SECURITY EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON THE 28TH DAY OF APRIL, 2021 AT THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OCHOUDO CENTENARY CITY ABAKALIKI, EBONYI STATE

SYNOPSIS OF THE DECISIONS REACHED:

1. All Native Doctors and Traditional Medicine Dealers in the state shall register with the Commissioner of Police, Commissioner for Health and Commissioner for Internal Security and Border Peace, within 7 days as part of security measures in the state.

2. On recent Killings in the state, it was directed that Security agencies must do everything possible to bring perpetrators to justice, and must deepen collaborations and professionalism to fight the ravages of insecurity in the state.

3. Fake news peddlers must be tracked and cracked down and those spreading it must be prosecuted, as it is a gross conveyor of insecurity.

4 All wake keep activities in the state must end by 6pm. Ebubeagu and Security Agencies are to enforce the wake keep restrictions. Defaulters must pay a fine of One Million Naira (N1,000,000.00).

5. Appeal is further made to our people to stop the killing of innocent people and the security agents, and to stop destroying public facilities for any guise whatsoever as they are inexcusably acts of banditry

6. Okada unions must form their taskforce to fish out those bandits operating under the guise of Okada riders in the state, failing which government shall ban the use of Okada especially within the capital city of the state.
7. Security investigations have revealed that the killings and destruction of properties meted against the people of Umuogodoakpu Mgbo in Ohaukwu Local Government Area on the 12th day of April 2021 was by Agila community through the conduit of the herdsmen.

8. Night clubs must not operate beyond 6pm as our laws on Covid-19 and other relevant laws shall be invoked to bring perpetrators to justice.

9. Curfew is hereby placed in all the border points bounding other states from 8pm to 6 am with effect from wednesday, 28th April, 2021.

10. Joint Youth Vigilante Committee is to be formed in the communities affected by communal clash.

11. Ring road project is about to commence and therefore all the communities within the eight Local Government Areas where the roads will pass through are to form a joint youth committee to police the area to avoid violent disturbances by hoodlums.

12. The two communities attacked by herdsmen and the conduits of Agila community respectively received a cheque of Twenty Million Naira (N20,000,000.00) to be given to the families of the victims and Twenty Million Naira (N20,000,000.00) to be given for the procurement of security outfits for their local Vigilante, making a total sum of Forty Million Naira (N40,000,000.00) donation from the State government.

13. Fasting and prayer has been declared from 1st to 8th May 2021 for our people to seek God’s intervention on the insecurity in the state.

Signed
Hon Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji
(Honourable Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Ebonyi State)

.........Editorial Team Visits, Says

"EBONYI NOW EXUDES IRRESISTIBLE FRESH AIR WITH UNEQUALED CLEAN ATMOSPHERE"

The Management of Champions Newspaper Limited led by its Group Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Dr (Mrs) Nwadiuto Iheakanwa (nee Iwuanyanwu), has expressed satisfaction over what it described as rapid and total transformation of Ebonyi state, following Infrastructural signatures of the present Administration ably led by a God fearing visionary leader, His Excellency,Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi FNSE FNATE (Akubaraoha).

Dr Iheakanwa arrived Abakaliki, the State capital on Monday in company of the General Manager, Publications, Mr Thomas Imonikhe, as well as Mr Ugo Amadi, the Newspaper's Editor.

The Editorial team of the Newspaper company who came to Ebonyi on a special project assessment visit preceding the Award ceremony maintained that the once most backward state in the country has now become the cynosure of the zone, and will soon become the investment hub of the country.

The Award which the Editorial team says is an outcome of a discreet and painstaking methodological assessment is according to it, a way of appreciating selfless and unblemished service by patriotic leaders.

The team maintained that in confirmation of results from independent assessors, Ebonyi State Government under the stewardship of His Excellency, Engr David Umahi has become a model state.

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The potent leadership model adopted by the Governor of Ebonyi State and Chairman, Southeast Governors Forum, Engr. Dave Umahi, in administering the state has continued to feature him especially, his giant strides on the pages of newspapers and other media platforms across the country.

Commending Umahi for giving a thought to the lives of inhabitants of Umuogudu, Akpu, Ngbo and Egedege in Ohaukwu and Egedege local government areas of Ebonyi State, whose communities were plundered by bandits from neighbouring villages of Benue State, who invaded their towns in what appears to be an inter-communal crisis, Technical Assistant to the Governor on Media and Convener of DUNAETA - a political pressure group based in Ebonyi, Lady Monica Chidinma Ada Eze (aka Ada Ebonyi), has described the Governor as 'numero uno' in good governance.

Recall that Governor, Dave Umahi, approved the sum of N40 million to the people of Umuogudu Akpu Ngbo in Ohaukwu and Egedegede Ishielu local government areas of the state to ameliorate the suffering of those who suffered varying degree of losses owing to the devastating invasion and attacks on them.

The Governor who visited the communities to assess the level of damages orchestrated by the invading attackers, sympathized and commiserated with the people and assured that government will not rest on its oars in bringing perpetrators to book; “I feel so sad. When I heard of this my spirit went down so low how life no longer means much in our country again. It is so sad that people will be sleeping in their houses and others will come and kill them for what they know nothing about.

“Our Security outfit is already in place. I directed a lot of them to be posted to this place, all that is remaining is for Ebubeagu to be launched at the Zonal level and to have our security gadgets there.

“Everybody will be protected when we make up our minds to protect ourselves. I have done everything possible for Agila people to live peacefully with us even when I was the Deputy Governor, every time they will be the one to attack us,” he said.

Lady Monica said the Governor also directed the formation of a vigilante group in Egedegede in Ishielu Local Government Area which recently recorded a bloody attack perpetrated by herdsmen and also approved the sum of N20m to the community as a consolation to families of victims of the dastardly attack. He charged Council Chairmen to enforce the ban on open grazing, noting that the practice is no longer allowed in the whole of the South East region.

He also announced the donation of the sum of 20million naira to the Community to assist families of those who lost their lives in the incident and maintained that the Government would not fold its hands and watch the citizens being killed wantonly by bandits.

“We have a law in South-East and in Ebonyi State in particular that there will not be movement of cattle from one point to the other. I am going to support you to immediately form a formidable vigilante and I want it to be people-oriented.

“If anybody is trying to destroy our crops, you must stop him with a proportionate means upon which he is trying to destroy the crops. If somebody is killing cows of herdsmen you must stop him with a proportionate means upon which he is killing the cows and no herdsmen with AK-47 is allowed in the land of Ebonyi.

“Mr. President has said it and I am saying it also, such people must be demobilized by all means, you can't carry AK-47 to our land, it is an affront. If is an insult and it is not allowed, we must stop them, enough is enough,” the Governor reiterated.

In a statement made available to media houses in Abakaliki the state capital, TA Monica said the Governor's approach to the affected communities was sympathetic and a sheer display of compassion and sensitivity to the plights of citizens.

She called on the good people of Effium and Ezza Effium to heed the Governor's call for a truce and embrace peace in order to attract the necessary assistance from government to enable them resettle on their communities.

The Governor had informed the natives when he visited the communities that their leaders have resolved to reach a truce and appealed to them to recall their warriors from the bushes.

Excerpts from the Governor's statement reads, “we came to inform our fathers and mothers that we have discussed with your leaders in Abakaliki and they have agreed that there will be peace in Effium and they have agreed to recall your warriors from the bushes.

“So we appeal to you to embrace peace, we have relief materials for you but we can not give you if the war persists, if you embrace peace, we will come and assist you and the Federal Government will also come and assist you.”

Monica reminded the people that no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of crisis, stressing that the administration of Gov. Umahi, is willing and committed to spreading development evenly across all the local government areas of the state.

furthermore, she called on the people to continue to support the administration of Gov. Umahi, assuring that the APC-led state government will continue to place the interest of the people of Ebonyi first in all policies and programs.

ENDS

Signed

Monica Ada Chidinma Eze Aka Ada Ebonyi,

President DUNAETA & TA on Media to Gov Umahi

25th April, 2021

Email: dunaebonyitransformation001@gmail.com, quintrelking@gmail.com

The attention of Ebonyi State Ministry of Information and State Orientation has been drawn to a vicious, mendacious and faceless post captioned "I will not vote my husband in APC" falsely credited to Her Excellency, wife of the Governor of Ebonyi State and made to trend in social media by political jobbers deployed by the remnants of the drowned People's Democratic Party, PDP in the State and who have also resorted to writing helplessly and derogatorily about the quentessential mother of the State and doyen of gender mainstreaming, Her Excellency, Chief (Mrs) Rachel Ogonna Umahi (Ogoo Nwanyi) Wife of the wonder working Governor of Ebonyi State.

While we take exception to this cheap and disrespectful blackmail, we make bold to state that the wife of our dear Governor is a proud card carrying member of All Progressives Congress, *APC* with registration number, EB/BZR/11/04202; she is a great pillar of support to our Divine Mandate Adminstration and champion of mobilization to the cause of APC in the State. Let it be further reiterated that the elegant and superlative amazon of our dear State joined APC with her husband as a response to the clarion call for South East to reintegrate into a party of national spread.

We therefore want to use this medium to admonish the remnants of PDP in the State that no amount of lies and fake news shall mitigate the tsunami that has brazenly befallen them since the glorious defection of the government and people of Ebonyi State to All Progressives Congress, APC . We also invite the members of the public to discountenance all the social media posts against the First Family of Ebonyi State as a worthless political strategy of PDP to misinform the gullible and elicit public sympathy to their unpleasant political fate .

Ebonyi State is irreplaceably APC and our dear Governor is indomitably delivering in his social contract with the people .

Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji
(Commissioner for Information and State Orientation)

Barrister Uchenna Orji, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, in this interview with NNAMDI AKPA, declares that Governor Dave Umahi’s achievements in the state have positively impacted socio-political developments of the state.

Some say the movement of Governor David Umahi to APC is fuelling political instability in the state. Because he cannot take everybody in his former party along, they say Umahi is using subtle coercion and intimidation. Could that be correct?
We have long left PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) for a progressive party of national unity and the governor of Ebonyi State; Engineer David Nweze Umahi has proved that he is a man of vision. He sees the future even though he came on board 2015 on the platform of PDP.

Coincidentally, at a time PDP had a colossal collapse at the center, he was able to weather the storm, recorded unprecedented performance in the history of our state.

When the governor was to move to APC, he held wide consultations and some really appreciated his position in the circumstance, but out of sheer greed and desire to be king in PDP, some stayed back. We are really satisfied with the defection and with the level of support and solidarity for the governor.



I can tell you, when the governor was state chairman of PDP, there was no party office here; he built the biggest party secretariat in Africa. Those remnants in PDP are people looking for automatic tickets, having been rejected by their people due to nonperformance as National Assembly members.

When the time comes, the masses of our people would demand for what they have done. Our governor prefers to be loyal to the people rather than to a cabal, who thinks the money should be shared among them. So, I can tell you, there is no instability whatsoever in Ebonyi State. Is it instability in terms of development, in terms of good governance, or in terms of how the programmes are going on? What you call instability exist in the mouths of people who are frustrated and politicians lacking in vision.

Let them show us what they did when they had opportunity at the national level or even at the state level. We are waiting for them. The truth of the matter is that PDP has died a natural death in Ebonyi State, symbol of the state; the outstanding performer of our time has abandoned PDP. So, it has died naturally.

Can you draw a parallel between what is happening in Ebonyi State with what happened in Edo State, when the governor defected from APC to PDP?
Yes. Where a governor performs, you can’t rule out the influence of the Chief Executive in the political development of their state. The case of Edo with Governor Obaseki is an eye-opener. Ebonyi State is not going to be an exception, we have long abandoned PDP and now the entire apparatus of the party at the Local Government, state and the federal level belongs to APC. So, where will they get to campaign, where will they say they have done this before? We have had people at the National Assembly, who had opportunities for nine years, but couldn’t attract one-kilometer road. The people are taking note. There are also those, who during their time unleashed terror in the state. There were political killings and we saw it.

We we are going to deliver APC 100 percent in Ebonyi State. Do you know that today, APC in the Southeast is in the majority. We have APC in Ebonyi, Imo and of course, Anambra is going to be taken over by APC.

Already, we have a lot of bigwigs in APC in Abia and Enugu States. So, who is remaining? You can see, PDP is already in the minority. So, it is important that the governor did what he did so that all our people can be seen to have launched into the mainstream of national Politics.



In any given nation or state or society, we have leaders that give inspiration. Chief David Nweze Umahi is a man of inspiration. If you know the history of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, he was also a man full of inspiration. He never for any reason allowed Southeast to be in the opposition.

The general perception is that Abakaliki has transformed from a rural setting to a modern urban centre. How did that change come about and at what cost?
The transformation in Ebonyi State is unprecedented. And this did not go without some level of leadership thought, high level of creative ability and ingenuity by the governor. Chief Umahi was a party chairman, a deputy governor and as such, he knows the state well, especially where the shoe pinches. In virtually every locality, he knows their problems and what critical infrastructure that must be fixed.

What is the essence, to attract investment, trade and increase economic activities. He resolved to build critical structures, including the shopping mall comprising over 5000 number modern shops, the biggest in Africa. Also, there is the international market with over 3000 number shops, the biggest in Southeast.

The Ecumenical Centre he put up is not only for spiritual enrichment, but also for social activities. That Ecumenical Centre has a sitting capacity of about 20,000 and attracts conferences, thereby triggering social-economic development of Ebonyi State.

Of course, it might interest you to know that in each local government, the governor ensured the construction of not less than twenty- five kilometer of roads. In addition, the governor ensured that every federal road connecting Ebonyi State was rehabilitated, some of which are concrete pavement. So, we now have about 1500 km state roads, including the satellite town, metropolis and across the rural communities.



In the area of Agriculture, we have the One hectare programme, mechanization and commercialization programme and the issue of empowerment of people through agriculture, whether at the primary, secondary or tertiary level of agriculture. The governor believes that through Agriculture, we can create jobs, be self-sufficient and self-reliant, thereby positively engaging the teaming youths and graduates, who are roaming the streets.

What did he do apart from the commercialization and mechanization of agriculture? He procured 13 number bulldozers, one each per Local Government Council. He procured tractors not less than 30 and gave to Co-operatives and procured Seeders, Trans planters, Harvesters. In addition to these, he had to revamp the rice milling plants. We have the Youth Empowerment programme, where the governor deployed 750 million naira for the empowerment of youths and women. The grant is free of charge and 250,000 per 3000 beneficiaries.

The governor also went to the Clergy (the Religious) and said there could be temptation if they don’t have a second address. So, he introduced this second address system for religious bodies and gave them half a billion naira (500,000.000); 5008 of them got hundred thousand and they were trained only in agriculture.

The governor also looked at the lot of the widows, those in businesses and those in agriculture and gave them #100,000 each (a total of 4,300 widows). They deployed this money into agriculture. This has really increased their living standards.

Ebonyi rice used to be rated as one of the best locally produced species in the country. What is the state’s vision for the entire rice value chain?
Our state has the highest number of private rice milling clusters. About 1500 number clusters of privately-owned rice milling plants, but when the governor came, he felt we should take advantage of this comparative advantage in processing, not only in cultivation or in planting. So he increased the capacity of the rice milling plants.

As at today, we have 32 metric tonnes capacity-per-hour rice mill and parboiling, that is a plant that cooks the rice and now fits the rice mill for it to be processed into head rice and other value chain rice, including the by-products, like the rice pram used in doing indomie.



So, the governor thinks that with this new initiative of rice milling process, a lot of value chain businesses could be attracted around the milling plant. Ebonyi State is one of the three largest producers of rice.

In the rice processing value chain, we are the leading state, with the highest number of rice milling plants. Today, we are supplying the rice need of Southeast, South-South and even North-Central. Of course, we have a lot of partnerships in the sense that we can procure rice-paddy from the North, from Nasarawa, Jigawa and we come here to mill it. When we mill, we sell to every part of the country and it is paying off. It is also adding impetus to the economic development initiative of our government.

Ebonyi used to be a peaceful, agrarian setting, but now urban crimes are being reported frequently, including some that look like politically induced crimes. What went wrong?
Today, criminality has reduced, apart from the communal crisis, which is understandable. We know why and that’s because of herder-farmer or because of ownership disputation of land arising from the need to deploy it for economic development, everybody is now guiding his land jealously, because the governor has really opened up everywhere.

Ebonyi State still remains one of the most peaceful states in the federation. Go to the IGP’s crime record, there is no record that has that, it’s a perception, which is instigated and insinuated by enemies of the current administration. They have seen, they cannot say the governor is not working and so they will rely on ‘Ebonyi is Biafra’, they will rely on false news from social media, but let them go to the actual record, Ebonyi is one of the most crime-free states up till now.

Based on the lime, salt and other mineral deposits in Ebonyi, what is your investment drive for exploration and production?
I can tell you, apart from agriculture, we have comparative advantage in solid mineral. But, solid mineral is under the exclusive list of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and under the policy direction of our governor, we feel that solid mineral is better exploited through the private sector investment process. That is why the governor feels that it is more critical to make the environment conductive through opening up of rural roads.



Our 20kilometer street lights in every Local Government gives security and synergy, coupled with creating enabling legislature that will trigger investment. So, what we did was to ensure we attracted investors through mining.

Today, we are known to be a state with the best rock, best chippings in Africa. So, all of these things, even our salt deposit, we feel that Federal Government and Donor Agencies should help us, because we are not going to be good managers if we go into the solid mineral development process.

Being among states with very low Federation Account earnings, what is the state’s asset holding stature and monthly IGR value?
When the governor came on board, he inherited a state with the lowest IGR, lowest federal allocation profile, where the whole of the workforce is more of Civil Servants. Everybody just believed that it’s only through white-collar job that we can make ends meet or earn our living.

So, the governor started creating some long lasting facilities. One of them is the International Airport; this international airport is sitting on a 4kilometer by 4kilometer land, including a 3.5kilometer runway. It is fashioned after the Abuja International Airport and the business idea is modeled after Ethiopia Airlines, that is, we are looking at the value chain in the Ethiopian Airline.

The jostle by the geo-political zones over which zone would produce the next President in 2023 is underway. In this encounter with Ugo Aliogo, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Uchenna Orji insists that the South-east geo-political zone must be united and rally behind a consensus candidate to produce the next president

In the past, politicians from the South-east have been blamed for putting their personal ambitions far and above the interest of the zone when it came to jostling for the presidency. This was documented in the number of aspirants who usually indicated interest from the zone. Although Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information, Barr. Uchenna Orji says nothing is wrong in that he acknowledged that in a democratic setting especially in a republic such as Nigeria, you don’t rule out the possibility of multi-interests for any particular position.

He explained that “It is not an aberration that in the South-east there are many people contesting for one position, that is the presidency. What is important is that, at this point in our history as a people, we need to look back and see what we have suffered and be sincere to ourselves that the next president of this country should be someone who will unite the country.”
Calling on the ruling class to insist on choosing someone with established pedigree to lead the country in the next dispensation, Orji stated that “We need someone who has the capacity and competence to lead us to the desired destination. We need someone who will look at our ethnic comparative advantage and see how to build on it to enable our nation to move on in prosperity, as an egalitarian society. We want a situation whereby whoever is going to emerge should be able to tackle the issue of security and know fundamentally what the problem .”

He called on stakeholders to settle for someone who will be able to solve economic problems such as unemployment, adding that it is only when that is done, that we can be sure that the future as a people will be bright. Orji pointed out that during the process of looking for the right one, many people may come and boast, making it diificult to know the best candidate. He profeered that stakeholders need to look at the antecedent and track record of people before they contest for this much-sort after position of the presidency. “I think without fear or favour, we should look at those persons that have made a mark as leaders in their own time. It is the only way to go,” he insisted.

Speaking on the groundswell of support that followed Governor Dave Umahi’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Orji said in Ebonyi State, the people speak only one language that is to support the governor. He insisted that wherever he goes “we shall go and his people shall be our people.”
He explained that the groundswell of support is underpinned by the realization that the governor is doing justifiably well. He added that “the APC, the stakeholders in the 13 Local Government Areas (LGA) are with the governor. APC in Ebonyi State is very strong and viral, the party will make it 100% in 2023, and APC in Ebonyi state has no rival.”

He dismissed the pockets of protest and opposition to the governor as mere rantings of flies. According to him “The only rivals that we have are a few people some of whom are already expiring as politicians; some of these politicians have no track record of performance, those are the people that decided to single themselves out and stay like Lords of the manor in their own kingdoms.”
He said those seemingly opposing the governor nurse the idea that now that they are lords of their own kingdoms, they will have opportunities of having automatic tickets in the PDP. Orji however remarked that these same politicians have a a day of reckoning ahead of them because the people of Ebonyi have resolved that after getting their automatic ticket in PDP, that they are coming home to face them and “they will chase them away with their votes, which is the mandate of the people of Ebonyi State.”

He predicted doom for PDP in Ebonyi State, stressing that “from what they are doing, they have signalled that there is no vacancy. So all the supporters of the so-called National Assembly members are going to be disillusioned, they are going to pull out because these people are going for the automatic tickets.
“There is no vacancy for PDP in the governorship, Senate and House of Representatives positions because they already have automatic tickets. All these people following the PDP sheepishly will soon turn around and say now, we know that you are in PDP for your own aggrandizement. Those people you’re seeing in PDP are a gathering of strange bedfellows who will clash, because when they remember the issue of 2001 and 2003, that will lead to the history of 2021 and 2023, it is history repeating itself,” he recalled.

Commending the governor for his selfless work for his people, Orji said,, “today, we have the biggest light tunnel that has not been built by any government in Africa, not yet commissioned. We also have 13 flyovers that will soon be completed yet to be commissioned. We have the Ecumenical Centre that looks like heaven on earth, we have 1,500 kilometre state-owned roads, (he did some of these roads in concrete pavement), yet to be commissioned. His thinking is that the cost of commissioning should be deployed to doing the project, in such ways, we will have more projects and the state will be developed.”

Lamenting the destruction of lives and property by unknown gunmen in the state recently, Orji stated that “In the history of Ebonyi State, especially under the current democratic dispensation, there have been cases of violent clashes between communities especially intra and interstate boundary disputes.”
He explained that the governor swung into action when he came on board in 2015, “there was the perennial Eziulu- Ezza crisis that was going to be a national concern. The governor with his skills in negotiation had to take the bull by the horn by determining the issue and ensuring permanent resolution.”

He disclosed that the governor went further to create permanent boundary demarcation and the area has been in peace now. “Since the governor came on board, he has been opening up rural communities; the nooks and crannies have opened up and that has raised the consciousness of rural dwellers on issues of boundary and ownership of land.
“You will recall that even before now, we have had unsolved boundary disputes between communities within and outside the state especially within Ebonyi and Enugu, Ebonyi and Abia, Ebonyi and Cross-River, Ebonyi and Benue States. The governor has been handling the situation in a way that lives will not be lost. Recently, we have had some pockets of violence despite how monumental these pockets of violence may be, we feel that the governor’s efforts so far have been very commendable,” he stated.

Asked to comment on whether the recent spate of security challenges could be from within provoked by the governor’s decampment to the APC? Orji said “This is an issue that security agency need to unravel and that is where intelligence comes into play. As a responsible and responsive government, we don’t want to go into alleging what we are not sure of. But the truth of the matter is that when we were in PDP the situation was very quiet. But by the mention that we are defecting to the party of national colouration, then we are beginning to experience this.

“So it appears somebody out there will allude it to the fact we joined APC that is to say the fact that some people are behind it. We have gotten no evidence, but what is important is that we need to look at the menace of social media. Security and intelligence group should be able to know the people behind it or persons who are peddling those social media lies and see how to get them to a round table to stop this because there are a lot to it and it is aimed at provoking and inciting the people. We don’t know where all these are coming from, but I think that with time all these will be unraveled,” he stated.

The Commissioner acknowledged that although there was a recent security challenge, the governor remains highly focused and cannot be distracted. “I say this without any fear of equivocation. All our projects are going on, if you enter the streets of Ebonyi State, you will realise that everywhere is quiet, except these isolated places that are being handled in such a way that very soon normalcy will return in those places otherwise, Ebonyi state is fine. But it is only the flashpoints that are boiling, but very soon, given the efforts of government in bringing security especially by engaging the stakeholders, all these will be a thing of the past. But if you go into Ebonyi state, you will not see much negative impact of the situation as it were,” Orji pointed out.

Orji praised the governor for deploying the issue of engagement with stakeholders and security agencies alongside sensitisation processes to ensure that the people understood the need to live together, despite what may be their differences. He expressed the optimism that in no distant time, the governor’s efforts in all of these will resolve the problem.
He named the Effiong-Ezza crisis, Abomege crisis, and Enyibuchiri which at the moment are about land demarcation as among the crises areas that have been settled and peace is gradually returning. On the issue of herdsmen carnage in communities within the South-east which is a source of concern, Orji maintained that the government is doing a lot to ensure that there is no reoccurrence of violent attacks on the people of Ebonyi state and it is to be done through investigation, tracking, and cracking down of criminal cartels. He disclosed that plans are underway to engage with the leadership of Myetti-Allah to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book.

On insinuations in the social media that the President endorsed the recent attacks on some communities in Ebonyi by fulani militia, Orji said Umahi will be the last person to promote anything against the unity of the country. He stressed that the governor has been very emphatic and continuously spoke on the need for people to live together, regardless of where they are coming from. He clarified that despite what is shared on social media, every stranger including herdsmen’ have the confidence to stay in the state.

“We have a cordial relationship with every stranger living in our state, even the herdsmen. Even in the case of herdsmen, we have a committee at the local government level, set up by the state government and aimed at ensuring peaceful coexistence and resolving matters and problems when they come. We have also integrated some of the herders into the governance structure. Some of them are technical assistance on herdsmen matters, others have been given vehicles to see how they can be helping us coordinating and monitoring farmers’ and activities of herdsmen within the state.

“We feel strongly that the people who are doing these things are not good citizens, therefore the herdsmen who are good citizens are in Ebonyi state and doing their legitimate business without any hindrance or embarrassment from the people of the state. We do know also that our people are in the North and West, so we must preach peaceful co-existence, and let me say that the people that are doing all of these things are criminals. I want to say that intelligence gathering is ongoing to unravel the masterminds of these criminal elements, some of whom are natives and non-natives,” he affirmed.

Speaking on the newly formed security outfit – Ebube Agu by the South-east governors to secure the geo-political zone, Orji endorsed it as a smart move in the right direction. He explained that “the parlance Ebube-Agu in my view is seeking to go back to the glorious days of the South-east. Ebubu ­means glory, while Agu means Tiger, and it is a symbol of strength which we all know in the South-east. In dynastic parlance, Ebube-Agu, means the majesty of an empire is the safety of its protection, without the glory and majesty there will be nothing like an empire.

“Therefore we need to look back at our glorious days socially and economically. This entails that we need to have a kind of renaissance in our economic and social abilities as a people. This means that at all times, we should crack down on criminalities and criminals in parts of the South-east. An injury to one in any part of the South-east is an injury to another, we should have collaboration to ensure that we flush out criminal elements in parts of the South-east.

“We must also encourage that each State should make some legislations to make it possible for civilian security officials from the state to have the ability to go to another state to crack down on criminals without being hindered by the laws of any state. Thus, this is essentially the coloration of that time Ebube-Agu.
“I want to say that the governors of the South-east have been doing well. They may be silent, but they are working very well. No matter these pockets of banditry and herdsmen issue, I can say that in terms of normal social vices, the South-east is still the least among them the six-geopolitical zones. We are safest among them,” he assured.

Heaping encomiums on the governor for blazing an uncharted transformational path that has placed the state on the global developmental map, Orji said “I want the governor to be remembered by the next generation as a man of extraordinary ability, world-class leader, and performer per excellence. In a time we had economic recession, he came onboard. He became the first deputy governor in Nigeria history to become Governor, when the master was not supporting him and he conquered.
“Today, he is making history as the best performing governor in Ebonyi state. We want to remember him as a man with a special moral character in leadership. He is a man of humility, resilience and tenacity of purpose. He is someone who knows what is good for the people. He has the three Es of leadership. The governor is well educated and exposed; he is more learned than a professor of Engineering. Sometimes, he bares his mind on issues; we call him an associate counsel.

“The governor is very detailed and pays attention to every bit of information. He is a man that whenever he travels out of the country, comes back to replicate what he has seen overseas in Ebonyi state. This is a rare virtue; some of our leaders will travel overseas and will not be able to replicate what they have seen back here in Nigeria. There was a time we went to China, and the Governor saw the transformation efforts in some parts of China, he prayed and asked God to give him the wisdom to replicate what he saw in China. It is what I describe as exposure at work,” he noted.

Orji said the governor has transformed Ebonyi to become the new Dubai and London using his wealth of experience; adding that due to his experience, he was able to deal with some of these former leaders, he had to use his spirit of accommodation to stoop low to conquer and manage them until when they betrayed themselves thinking that they betrayed him.
He described Umahi as a man that doesn’t go to war, but a man of valour and the David of old, stating that if he fights back he will conquer. According to him, “I think that these kinds of persons should be celebrated while they are alive. We should have a monument of this man to show his extraordinary virtues. The state is now a flagship of excellence, and a reference point in good governance. No matter who you are, when you visit Ebonyi, you will praise the giant strides of the governor.”

Regarding the pockets of violence that erupted recently, he assured that intelligence will unravel it; adding that “To the man in the street, he may think that something is behind the recent attacks in Ebonyi that is it is artificially created to distract this man that performs, but they don’t know that he cannot be distracted and many know his personality and the way he feels about Nigeria.” According to him, “Umahi believes Nigeria should be one indivisible country where there is love for one another. The governor is a bridge-builder between Ebonyi and the outside world. He is a man that can give the country the needed freedom, love, and prosperity for one another. Nigerians are very hardworking, and they are not indolent, they are very independent.

“When you visit overseas and see how the citizens attack the government, here in Nigeria we don’t do similar thing. What Nigerians want is the enabling environment to do their businesses. For instance, in the United States of American, it is only few family members that are into government, others are into business because government created the enabling environment for them to thrive. In Nigeria, if the federal government should create the enabling environment, I’m sure many people will leave government and go into their private businesses,’he stated.

QUOTE
There is no vacancy for PDP in the governorship, Senate and House of Representatives positions because they already have automatic tickets. All these people following the PDP sheepishly will soon turn around and say now, we know that you are in PDP for your own aggrandizement. Those people you’re seeing in PDP are a gathering of strange bedfellows who will clash, because when they remember the issue of 2001 and 2003, that will lead to the history of 2021 and 2023, it is history repeating itself,” he recalled

... DESCRIBES HIM AS A SEASONED AND EXCEPTIONAL DON... PRAYS GOV. UMAHI TO SUPPORT A GREAT NDI-IGBO SON.


Winner of the Partnership for Innovative Research in Africa (PIRA) Grant, offered by the Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), Prof. Agwu Ekwe Agwu, of the Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has received a hearty commendation from erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New Peoples Democratic Party (nPDP) and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze.

Reacting to his emergence, Chief Eze, a foundation member of the ruling party described Prof. Agwu, as a seasoned academic whose scholarly works, especially in the broad area of agriculture and allied subjects represent a rallying point and undisputed fulcrum of security for research projects and other lettered works by professionals and aspiring scholars in the field of husbandary and related subjects.

In a statement made available to media houses in Port Harcourt, the party Chief said Agwu's display of rare intelligence in profering solutions to very complex and complicated knots in his field shut him to the peak of his career and has earned him a pride of place in the academic world.

In addition to his membership of several Professional bodies where he has served in different capacities, Chief Eze said the University Don, a pride of Ebonyi State and the Igbo nation and Nigeria in general, currently serves as President of the Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria (AESON), where he deploys his expertise and competence to making AESON a renowned academic body of international reckoning.

Announcing the $200,000 grant award, Co-Director of Alliance for African Partnership (AAP), Jose Jackson-Malete, said Prof. Agwu benefited from one of the four tier grants awarded by the AAP, a consortium of ten (10) African Universities and the Michigan Sate University.

According to Jose, Agwu would collaborate with other researchers from Michigan State University, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Indira Gandhi National Open University in the grant research project titled "Strengthening Agricultural Extension Training in the MSU-Alliance for African Partnership (AAP) Consortium.

In a concise account of the sterling records of Prof. Agwu, Eze said he graduated in 1994 from the University of Nigeria Nsukka, with a Bachelor of Agriculture Degree in Agricultural Extension and in 1997 and 2000 respectively, he obtained his Masters and Doctorate Degrees.

He said since 1995, Agwu has been involved in teaching and research works spanning across agricultural communication, rural development, extension policies and institutional reforms, agricultural innovation systems etc.

The University Don, has consulted extensively on issues of information communication technology, natural resources management; rural development, extension reforms, value chain analysis and climate change adaptation and food security (using the innovation system framework).

Having published widely in national, regional and international scholarly journals, Agwu has over One Hundred (100) publications to his credit.

Prof. Agwu was the Head, Department of Agricultural Extension, University of Nigeria, Nsukka; Assistant Director, External Studies, Office of the Vice Chancellor, UNN as well as a Development Officer to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka between 2009 and 2014. Currently, he coordinates the dissemination of proven technologies using the Adopted Village Concept in communities around the University of Nigeria, for the West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAPP), a World Bank assisted Programme for the countries of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), under the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN).

Eze further highlighted that Prof Agwu was also the President of Agricultural Extension Society of Nigeria for two tenures...2014 ～ 2016 and 2016 ～2018.

By 2018 ～2020 he was the Dean Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nigeria Nsukka and .in terms of WAAPP ....he coordinated the Program till 2016 or so when world bank funding ended.

However, the exceptional Don't is currently the Director, University of Nigeria Water Resources Management Laboratory Ltd since August 2020.

Eze quoted this great son of Nigeria as saying, " that the outcome of the research project would be applied in the review of curriculum for teaching agricultural extension courses among AAP member universities. He thanked the AAP for the grant awarded to his team, stating that the project would last for 18 months, effective from July, 2021.

Congratulating the the UNN Don, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Admin.), University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Pat Okpoko said the award is not only for Prof. Agwu, but for the University of Nigeria. He added that "the award will bring more visibility to the University globally".

On his part, Chief Barr. Roy Umahi, described the award as gratifying and prayed for more of God's blessings on Agwu and the emergence of more of Uburu sons and daughters on the global scene.

Prof. Agwu hails from Umuobuna Etiti-Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, and is happily married with children.

Commending Agwu for bringing the glory to Nigeria, Chief Eze appealed to Gov. Dave Umahi, to give all necessary supports to the University Don, to succeed in the task ahead, stressing that the likes of Agwu deserve to be celebrated to spur aspiring scholars to strive for greater glory, noting that education remains the bedrock of any society.

Ends

Signed

Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,

APC Chieftain & former National Publicity Secretary, nPDP

20 – 04 – 21

By Tony Udemba


Hon. Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji is the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation in Ebonyi State. In an exclusive interview in Lagos recently he spoke glowingly on the uncommon developments and transformations taking place in his state under the administration of Gov. Dave Umahi.  He stated that the Umahi’s administration has opened up the economy of the state, recorded landmark achievements beyond previous governments in the state, even as he noted that the Governor has transformed Ebonyi State into the Dubai of Africa. Orji spoke on other topical issues concerning the state, Ndigbo and the nation.

 

How would you describe the level of development in Ebonyi State before the coming of the government of Engr. Dave Umahi as the Governor of the state?
 

I would say that it is a providence of creation that with one man a nation can be transformed. Before 2015,  we had successive governments in the state, both military and civilian, that did their best for the development of Ebonyi State.  But their best was not good enough. Then, the state had no voice, no human capital, infrastructure was in a shambles. Then, the state was like a glorified village. In 2015, talking about almost 20 years after the creation of  Ebonyi State, a man came from the most populous salt community in Nigeria, Uburu community. His coming was at the point of economic recession in Nigeria, the time his party was not at the centre. He contested for the governorship of the state and won overwhelmingly, and became the first Deputy Governor in the history of the entire world, to become a Governor without the support of the establishment. He rolled out development programmes, indentifying and prioritizing the critical needs of the state, including infrastructure and facilities for socio-economic development, human capital development to give a sense of self worth and esteem, and of course, ethical orientation and revolution.  In doing all of these, Gov. Dave Umahi connected the entire Local Government Areas through solid roads construction, with each LGA having not less than 25 KM roads.  He connected various cities and towns through federal roads which he constructed; and which is about  800KM roads, including dualization of not less than 23 spans, connecting every major junction of the highways.    In addition to these he embarked on the construction of 13 fly-overs, majority of which are already completed and in use, while work on others are almost completed. Today, we celebrate about 13 water-fountains, one of which is the biggest in Africa. Today, we celebrate the biggest light tunnel in Africa, which links to the biggest shopping mall, which also links to the biggest ecumenical center ever built by any government in Africa, and which also links to the biggest international market, located along the trans- Sahara highway  ever built by any government, in Nigeria. Today, under the able leadership of Gov. Dave Umahi, we now have an international airport, whose construction is progressively on-going. It is modeled after the international airports in Lagos, and Abujam Today, work is on-going in a modern stadium being constructed by our dear governor, and which when completed is going to be one of the 3 best stadia in the country. The governor also rehabilitated the State’s stadium into a glass stadium. Other infrastructural projects put in place by our amiable governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, include the installations of street lights across the state; every LGA got about 20Km street lights. In the capital of the state, Abakaliki, almost 100% of all the streets benefited from the street light programme. This no doubt has significantly improved economic activities and night life in the metropolis, and adjoining LGAs. Also, the roads network and  other sectors in the state, have been witnessing wonderful attention from the state governor, including the construction of a ring of a road linking 8 LGAs across the state.

 
What is the government’s plan towards the development of the solid minerals and agricultural sectors in the state, including the industrialization of Ebonyi?


Our dear governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, believes that the industrial development of the state is quite critical to the overall socio-economic development of the state, that is why he has always given his attention in that direction. Apart from the construction of access roads and the development of other critical sectors, he ensured that all the legislations were put in place in order to attract both foreign and local investors to the state. In order to boost food production in the state, the governor introduced commercialization and mechanization of agriculture in the state, thereby making it compulsory for public office holders, civil servants and others, to access at least a hectare of Land for farming. And to encourage and stimulate them to go into farming, he supported them wih  modern farming tools such as tractors, bulldozers, planters and harvesters, as well as seedlings, fertilizers, best farming practices, technologies and others. Our dear governor also created programmes and provided funding for agro businesses, aimed at encouraging young people and school leavers to venture into agro businesses. Today, agro business is the way to go, and very popular among the old and the young in Ebonyi State.         The governor ensured that adequate funding are made available for primary production, secondary production and tertiary production in agriculture. Every year the governor turns out about  50,000 farmers in the state that are funded with not less than N250,000 per person to go into farming.
The multiplier effect is that jobs will be created and wealth will also be created. It is expected that in every year each farmer will be earning not less than half a million naira as the outcome of the farming season. In addition to this, our hard working governor is carrying out a lot of empowerment programmes most of which are related to youths and women empowerment. To this end, he released N750 million for the empowerment of 3000 youths and women, and another N500.8 million for the empowerment of the clergies in the state, to enable them to participate in any agro business of their choice. Governor Dave Umahi, further provided N4 billion loan facility to civil servants to enable anyone of them to access loan facilities of between N250,000 and N1million,to embark on agricultural project of their choice. These funds are to be repaid by them either during their service years or retirement. This has gone a long way in re-establishing our wonderful civil servants, who ordinarily would have relied  on white collar jobs, but today they have  a second address through “green collar jobs”. Our governor strongly believes that the poorest of the poor widows should also be proud beneficiaries of the empowerment programmes of the government, so he rolled out the sum of N400.3 million grant to empower 4,300 widows selected across the wards in the state. Again, the governor also procured 400 units of tricycles and distributed them to 400 youths and women, citizens of Ebonyi State ; 260 within the state, and 140 to Ebonyi State indigenes at Onitsha, Anambra State. He felt that Ebonyi State citizens, consisting of indigenes and non-indigenes, as well as the indigenes of the state living outside the shores of the state, were also empowered by the government.  Under the Street- to- Skill Empowerment Programme, our able governor went to Lagos and empowered a total of 520 youths and women who were hawking in the streets of Lagos. They were made to undertake a thorough skills acquisition training, after which they were empowered with the sum of N130 million; with each of them going home with the sum of N250,000 to start up a new business of their choice. This the governor did  in order to ensure that our youths and women were properly developed.  It would be recalled that after the End- Sars protests, Governor Umahi rolled out N3Billion for the empowerment  of all persons who are interested in starting new businesses, especially agric related businesses, as long as they develop and package wonderful business plans, in respect of the businesses they want to go into. The targeted persons for this programme include, the End-Sars protesters, victims of the End-Sars protests, civil servants and other persons.

Again, it will be interested to know that our able governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, has created a robust programme for the quarry and mining industries to boost rapid development in the sector, through the opening up of access roads and giving proper orientations to rural communities where these industries are located.  The aim is to attract and create enabling environment  to encourage companies to set up their businesses in any part of Ebonyi State without any hiccups, with the over all aim of making every part of the state an industrial hub and industrial free zone. With these industries springing up at different parts of Ebonyi State, the state will no doubt become a major investment destination in Nigeria, and in Africa. By so doing, jobs will be created in the rural communities for both skilled labour, semi skilled labour and unskilled labour. And given the special seriousness our governor has for this sector, he has facilitated the state into three zones or industrial clusters.  For example in Uburu, we have the industrial cluster where all forms of trades, both vocational, agric based, etc, are thriving. It is one of the biggest in the South East and South South,Nigeria.  We also have the rice milling plant, which has the capacity of feeding the entire South East and South South. The rice milling plant, owned by the State Government, has a total of over 24 metric tons capacity per hour. Similarly the government- owned parboiling plant  has a total capacity of 32 MT per hour. This is in addition to numerous rice milling clusters owned by individuals, organisations  and co-operatives. In the whole, with over 1,500 rice milling clusters, Ebonyi State no doubt has the highest number of rice clusters in Nigeria, just as we have a 200 MT  capacity per day pulverization plant, which aids farmers in the state to sell agric wastes to them and earn income under the waste-to-wealth programme.
 

Again, our dear governor is doing a lot to make civil servants and public servants very comfortable through the establishment estates in the state.  Today, there is on-going construction of Federal Housing  Estate for civil servants in Uburu, as well as the King David Estate, designed  to be the best in Africa. These are some of the developments and transformations taking place in Ebonyi State because the state is opportune to have a man with the 3Es of leadership; quality education, sound exposure, and vast experience, as the governor of the state
 

What incentives does the government have in order to attract local and foreign investments to the state?    

In Ebonyi State, we have well packaged investors-friendly incentives and policies, aimed at easy-of-doing business in the state, and some of them include; tax holidays, good roads network, improved security, attractive opportunities, friendly host communities and others. The governor has made the entire Ebonyi State to be a global village, and even sensitized the entire communities on how best to host investors who would want to establish in their various communities, especially in the quarry and mining sector. That is why the state is playing host to so many mining organisations who have come to mine our lead ore, zinc ore and other solid minerals. This has further created so much empowerment opportunities for our citizens, as well as continue to generate revenues to the government. Again, in the mining sector the government has created a mining artisan scheme, which is aimed at assisting our local artisan miners to have access to CBN/ Bank of Industry funding facilities, necessary to boost their mining businesses.  Most importantly, our able governor has put in place legislations on investment promotions, which will protect investments in the state, and assist investors to carry on with their lawful businesses, even during successive governments.  The investment laws are essentially for the protection of corporate investors and their businesses in the state, taking into consideration issues of conflict resolutions and related issues. To further open up the economy of the state, the government is constructing a world class international airport, aimed at making Ebonyi State a major destination and hub in Nigeria. By this project, our hardworking governor, is determined on raising about 60,000 millionaires amongst our citizens, who would be involved in importation and exportation businesses. Again, it is pertinent to mention that our dear governor, through his ingenuity  has put in place critical infrastructures necessary to stimulate and promote tourism and global businesses in Ebonyi State. Today, courtesy of the efforts of Gov. Dave Umahi, the state is blessed with quality roads network, flyovers, beautiful water-fountains dotted  roundabouts, illuminating street lights, modern markets, international shopping malls, light tunnels, stadia and others too numerous to be contained here. Sincerely speaking, Gov. Dave Umahi has been a source of unimaginable blessings to the State since he came into office in 2015, as he has clearly transformed Ebonyi State into the Dubai of Nigeria, and indeed Africa. The light tunnel, named after President Mohammadu Buhari, is the face of Ebonyi State, and when you get there, you will begin to wonder whether you are in Dubai or somewhere in the western world.

As a leading member of PDP, why did Gov. Dave Umahi switch over to APC, the ruling party in the country?

The very reason behind his movement to APC is to enable Ndigbo to mainstream, to have a merger with the party at the centre, as that has always been the political culture of Ndigbo.  We cannot afford to be in double jeopardy of being a hated tribe, and as well as in opposition party. God forbid.  Gov.Dave Umahi believes that there is the need for Ndigbo to re-establish our merger, our mainstreaming disposition with the party at the centre, with all the advantages, including giving us the propensity, the leverage and the latitude to ask for the presidency come 2023. He said that it was not about him, rather it is about the opportunity for the presidency to come to Ndigbo in 2023.

Our governor want Ndigbo to be part of the ruling government in order to have a voice on issues affecting Ndigbo. Looking at the numerous transformational achievements Gov. Dave Umahi was able to make, even as a PDP governor then, since his party, PDP, does not have a say at the centre, you could imagine what he will achieve now as a member of the ruling party, APC.   

This is a man who became governor when his party then, PDP, was not at the centre, but he was determined in promise and commitment to transform the state to glorious heights. Looking at what he has accomplished since that time, you would wonder how he was able to achieve that..

It would be recalled that pre-1960, Ndigbo through NCNC,  mainstreamed with the party at the centre then, NPC, and became relevant at the centre, and were able to accomplish so much in the Eastern Region.  In 1999, same was applied as both the federal government and most of the state governors were under the control of PDP.

.

What is your take on the security situation in your state?

 
Firstly, the issues of insecurity and cult wars in the state is most likely an artificial creation by desperate politicians who want to give the impression that there is crime and insecurity in the state, so as to drive their cheap and wicked political objectives. In doing this, they have gotten different cult fraternities to be at war with one another, but the governor in his political will to ensure that the culture and tradition of peace and security, which our state is well known for under his administration, has taken the bull by the horns by declaring those concerned wanted.  Ebonyi State is the safest haven for investors, and has the lowest security profile in Nigeria, according to the Inspector General of Police’s crime records. Apart from that the security architecture in the state is well fortified, in addition to a robust social security mechanism put in place by the governor. That is the reason why the governor, apart from  providing mobility gadgets, social amenities to motivate the conventional federal government security outfits, has also made Ebonyi State a huge construction site, whereby both the youths and women are gainfully engaged to fend for a living for themselves. Likewise, every Local Government Area has clusters where construction works are going on, thereby offering opportunities for unskilled labour, semi-skilled labour and skilled labour to be gainfully employed. That has really helped the state in jobs creation, and with many people being empowered, everyone is busy, thereby ensuring that peace reigns in Ebonyi State. Again, as the chairman of the South East Governors Forum, Gov. Dave Umahi, is interfacing with other governors in the zone, to ensure that the entire South East is well secured

By Ugo

Hon Barr Uchenna Orji is the Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation. In this  interview with Editor Daily Champion, UGO AMADI, he x-rays how the Governor David Umahi’s administration is tackling security challenges and his strategies to ensure adequate protection of lives and property to further drive investment in the state. Excerpts:
 
Sir, before now Ebonyi was one of the most peaceful states in South East and in the country. But recently there has being some killings including three policemen. How is the state government responding and containing the security challenges being experienced in the state?
 
Surely the public will have the same view with you because since 2015, the administration of His Excellency Engr. Chief Dave Umahi has been working round the clock in a peaceful environment.  And he has been making efforts to resolve pockets of communal clashes that were there before the government came on board.
He has also been doing some good work even when we joined the APC in the second tenure and towards late last year. I can really say that the sudden eruption of violent attacks and communal crises  is becoming very surprising. However, the administration of our governor is not taking the situations with kid gloves.  So far, the government has deployed more security personnel to help in curbing the challenges and in policing the affected areas. Of  course this  banditry and cases of  snatching  guns of security personnel especially the police  is actually another strange behaviour and challenge that the government  is seriously working to get to the root  of it. I would say that so far , the various communities have been mobilised through the security architecture we have so they can assist the conventional police to police the areas. Out of the  140 communities,  we  are raising five neighborhood watch personnel  each  (civilian security )to work with them in supervising the security neighborhood watch we have. And all of this will be integrated into the recently launched ‘Ebubeagu ‘security outfit of the South East Governors. The state government is  also procuring about 140 patrol vehicles for the security at various communities . We are looking at intelligence and information gathering and proactive measures to curtail the high level of criminalities we are witnessing in the state. I sincerely assure you that the violent attack is a temporary challenge and it will soon be nipped in the bud.  Very soon the perpetrators, masterminds and sponsors will be exposed, and that will definitely give us a close solution to the problems of insecurity in the state.
I want to say that as heinous as it is, it cannot be unconnected with deliberate attempt to destabilize and distract the governor, but I assure you that our governor is undistracted and highly focused. As we speak, he is mobilizing all the apparatus of the government to ensure that the recent insecurity spikes are nibbed in the bud. I know we cannot have a perfect society, as you can't see where there is perfect security. But where there is some level of insecurity it is the duty of the government to checkmate it, crack the criminals and bring them to justice. That is the will of the government. In the case of Egedege community, where herdsmen where fingered to have caused the gruesome murder of about fifteen persons and destruction of properties, government has directed security agencies to wade in, and of course, information has been given to the Presidency and other security agencies at the federal level, that they will use to really unravel the perpetrators and know the reason behind their actions.  That is why when Mr. Vice President came to Ebonyi State, the people of that community presented a kind of protest paper showing evidence that seems to be contact that can be used to tracing and cracking down on the suspected herdsmen, some of them the community saw their phone numbers.Again, in the case of  Ohaukwu , where all of a sudden on the 12th of April, 2021, about four people from  Mgbo community where left dead and properties destroyed, preliminary investigation revealed that they might not be unconnected with the age long communal clashes they have been having over land dispute, between Igilla in Benue State and Mgbo in Ebonyi. As a matter of fact , we have other boundary issues , which government has taken some steps to address by creating permanent demarcations and delineation; where we have inter state boundary issues the federal agency in charge of it has helped in dealing with it.
 
When do you think the recently formed Ebubeagu will take off? Are there going to be a legislative processes before that? When are we expecting the patrol vehicles the governor promised to beef up the security?


I can only speak for Ebonyi state. The government is already in the verge of procuring them and very soon they will be ready and distributed to the people that will use the vehicles. I think about 100 motorcycles were distributed a couple of days ago  to security personnel to enable them go to the hinterland, where vehicles cannot ply through.  This is part of the arrangement. The other vehicles will soon be available and government will distribute them. I would not be telling you issues the commissioner of finance should handle. For, South East, I don’t have the mandate to speak for them. I am not commissioner for South East. But I am aware that the commissioner for justice and state house of assembly has been detailed; I think other states have the same level of action on the matter. The South East Governors Forum has a security committee and I am sure their recommendations are being handled by the various Houses of Assembly in the zone. Also, I know they will be looking at the issues of collaboration, cooperation and coordination. I think, that is the way to go. I can tell you that in all this things, what is important is the substance and not just the name and what are the efforts the various states are making in funding the outfit. You may be surprised that the Ebubeagu will be stronger than any other security outfit in the country.

The governor talked about people committing crime in the name of IPOB and ESN what is the reason for this ?

The governor is very correct.  He has been consistent in his comment on all of this. No organization commits violence, like banditry. It is the individuals that commit crimes; even if you use the name of the organization to commit crime, the law will hold the individual and not the organization. An organization will not be held responsible for crime committed by individuals.  That is why the governor has asked us to leave organization and hold people responsible for their actions. If you are committing a crime in the name of herdsmen, ESN, or any other body if we arrest the individual we will treat him according to the law. That is the jurisprudence and philosophy of the explanation the governor gave . Hold people accountable for their actions. Also, the various state governments are not having parallel security outfits with any group Ebubeagu is  a security outfit of the South East  and it is geared towards helping the conventional security agencies of the federal government. Also, who are the members of this Ebubeagu? They are the individual youths  who are able bodied, qualified by their character and integrity. They are the ones being recruited to be part of it. It doesn’t matter the association they belong to. They may be members of Owerri association or Anambra youth council, what is important is that individuals with credibility are recruited  to be part of Ebubeagu.  So, every bonafide son and daughter of South East is qualified to be part of it.

What is the Governor doing to ensure lasting peace and drive more investment in the state?

Ebonyi State is one of the safest states in the country. The eruption of violence is surprising. What we are seeing today is still surprising. However, we  are investigating to know what is the cause and we are going to nip it in the bud. In the last five years, we have been rolling in peace and with all the dividends of democracy we have garnered, the people are very happy but all of a sudden, we saw activities of bandits. The government is laying lasting legacies. He took the bull by the horn and created enabling environment, road network that will last for fifty years before maintenance will take place. Fly overs  and other development that will attract investors to the state to create jobs for the people. We have about 13 flyovers and they are inter connected to various zones in the state. In the next fifty years you will not be talking of traffic jam, you are sure of good roads and convenient road network and system. Also, the governor has put in place something concrete for creative industry that can ensure job creation for the teeming youths in the state. Ebonyi State Government is the first in the country to secure approval of the Federal Government to build International Airport. The airport is fashioned after Lagos and Abuja . The projects embarked upon by the government are gigantic, people-oriented and massive in nature. The projects are coming on board because we are coming from a very bad history. We were criminally marginalized. We inherited a deficit of infrastructure and human capital development. The government pursued aggressive road construction with a concept that is a novel in Nigeria. That concept is road construction with 8 inches concrete pavement. The roads are scattered across the nooks and crannies of the state. A minimum of 25 kilometers have been constructed in each local government with bridges where necessary.
Virtually all federal roads linking the state have been done. The idea is that the users of these roads are Ebonyians. The government is equally constructing an ultra-modern stadium in Abakaliki to help in getting investors to relax with all the necessary sporting facilities.
The government’s motive of having an airport is to see how we can take advantage of a business airport, even in agricultural and commercial facilities. Our  Solid Mineral products can be exported as the case may be. This would increase revenue for the a state. There is a concerted effort to ensure the completion of the airport in good time.

We have been following Barr. Mudi Erhenede's unwarranted vituperations and social media attacks on our dear Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Dr. David Nweze Umahi, Fnse, Fnate and time has come for us to let the good people of Afikpo North LGA and indeed the entire Ebonyi State know whom he actually is.

Mudi is a serial betrayer and his greed know no boundaries; he can even swindle a beggar. He is also highly opportunistic as he catches on any slighest opportunity to feather his selfish nest. Whoever is doing anything with Mudi whether professionally or politically should be extremely careful; he is not a true reflection of the pictures he paints about himself.

Mudi betrayed former Governor Elechi in Labour party even after making huge sums of money from the former Governor, running into several millions of naira. When Labour Party lost the 2015 election, the first thing Mudi did was to run to us secretly in the then PDP to pledge his loyalty without the consent of the former Governor and Hon.Tony Ekoh jr, the former Executive Chairman of Afikpo North LGA whom he also siphoned. We were all shocked when Mudi told us he was not truly committed to former Governor Elechi's Labour Party; he was "merely gathering information and sabotaging the Labour Party", he said. That was how we accommodated Mudi and even appointed one of his boys, Ibiam Junior who is popularly known as Terror as a Technical Assistant at the early stages of our administration. He was the first among his boys to benefit as a TA before Mudi came up with the idea of DUFSET which he interpreted as Dave Umahi For Second Tenure. Then, he floated the group with a former Ebonyi State House of Assembly member, Maria Ude Nwachi. How he betrayed Ude Nwachi and pushed her out of DUFSET so that he alone will supretend over what was coming to the group is a story for another day. What a greedy fellow!

We knew he was a betrayer and very greedy but we kept playing along. Mudi requested for an operational vehicle for DUFSET and we gave him a brand new air-condition computer bus worth over N15m and money anytime there was a request for fund, but Mudi kept telling his members that we were not releasing funds to the group and that he was the sole sponsor of the group. We want his members to know that Mudi was collecting several millions of naira from us in the name of DUFSET; he never ran the group with his personal money. If he was running the group with his personal money why didn't he also buy a bus for the group instead of requesting for one from us? He also tells alot of lies. He is not a man to be trusted for anything.

Aside the funds being released to him for the running of DUFSET, we also gave Christmas bonuses to Mudi and his group. For instance, in December, 2018, we gave out several 100kg bags of rice and several other 25k bags with cash of N10million which we latter understood that Mudi kept the bags of rice for himself and shared out a paltry sum, ranging between 10k, 20k to 50k to his gullible members and pocketed the rest of the millions. In fact, the people of Afikpo South LGA(Edda) kept complaining to us that even the paltry 1m Mudi promised to give them, he is doing so by instalment. Imagine the entire Edda which was part of DUFSET getting an infinitesimal N1m out of N10m. Mudi's greed is inexplicable.

In January, 2019; before the general election we released about five Siena vehicles to Mudi for the empowerment of the most hardworking members of the group. But we understand he gave out the vehicles to his domestic loyalists with the intent of retrieving it from them latter. None was given to members from Afikpo South. Today, whatever had happened to the Siena vehicles and the brand new computer bus we gave to him, only Mudi can give account. We are not talking of contracts he collected from us and made several millions of naira. Instead of empowering Afikpo youths/women whom he uses to make his moneys with the profits from the contract jobs he handled, he took the moneys to his hometown of Ughelli and invested them in his hotel business. We were all pained the day Mudi told us that Afikpo youths and women, including married women don't cost much as "they are happy and satisfied, drinking alcohol even hot beer". This is the type of person Afikpo people are following and singing his praises on social media for alcohol and peanuts. It is unfortunate.

With all these big moneys and huge gifts which Mudi cornered for himself, he could not still win his PU at Ukpa village square. The worse part of it all is that Mudi wasn't defeated by APC which was a top contender in the election; Mudi was defeated by Ude Nwachi's ANN, an unknown political party which was newly registered at the time. This same Ude Nwachi that defeated him is the one he always boasted to us that she was a political ant to him anytime he came to collect money from us. If not for Amasiri, Akpoha and some parts of Edda, Hon. Idu Igariwey who is now following Mudi sheepishly would have lost his second term bid either to Ude Nwachi or to Tony Ekoh because the entire Afikpo urban, including Ozizza were in the hands of the opposition political parties at the time. Idu who today has the effrontery to fight our dear Governor would have lost that election due to Mudi's betrayal and money mongering. It is laughable too that the same Idu who was broke to his pants that he could not even afford to buy his nomination form in 2015 and we had to buy it for him and ensured he won the election and his second tenure is now forming tiger for Akubaraoha. Wonders shall never cease to happen. However, we still advise him to be wary of Mudi as the greedy man is only after the money he is making as a reps member. When he is done with him, he will turn his attention elsewhere like a vampire.

Look at Ngozi Eziuloh, a woman the Governor made a house of assemby member to please Mudi even when Amauche was a better candidate, she represents only the interest of Mudi instead of the interest of Afikpo North East State Constituency she occupies its seat in the Ebonyi State House of Assembly. It's a shame. The funny aspect of it is that after misleading and ruining the political career of this grandmother, Mudi will be the first person to call her fool.

When will we understand that Mudi has nothing at stake in Ebonyi State and Southeast geopolitical zone and avoid him like a plague? The truth is that Mudi can do anything without batting an eyelid so long as money comes out of it. After all, he has nothing to lose when you lose election as he will always shift his loyalty to the winner for money sake. Mudi is from Delta State which is in Southsouth geopolitical zone that has produced a President for 6 years in the person of Jonathan. The Southeast hasn't produced a President since 1999 even for 24hours, yet Mudi from Southsouth lives in Ebonyi State and champions an evil plot to scuttle efforts at making the southeast produce a President of Nigeria, come 2023.

Mudi and Idu's roles in the Pius Anyim vs Sam Egwu political supremacist clash when the duo were President of the Senate and Executive Governor respectively which led to the avoidable deaths of several innocent Ebonyi youths and other deaths the duo of Mudi and Idu are being fingered when Idu was Afikpo North Council Chairman are still green in our memories. Very soon case files of these unresolved murders that occurred under their watch would be reopened and there will be no place for them to hide.



WHY MUDI MUST HANDOVER ALL DUFSET PROPERTIES TO AFIKPO AND EDDA YOUTHS, AND RETURN TO DELTA STATE SINCE HE HAS BECOME AN AGENT OF DESTABILIZATION IN EBONYI STATE

Mudi has acquired so much wealth and riches on the head of Afikpo youths in the past 23 years and time has come for him to go back to Delta State and enjoy his opulence gotten through Afikpo youths' gullibility some of whome have died.

From 1999 till date Mudi has not deemed it fit to empower any of his so-called Afikpo boys. All he does is sending them to attack their fellow brothers and destroy even family relationships. In December, 2019 during a Unity Road Walk in Afikpo, Mudi slapped one Flexible for no just cause. The same Mudi has destroyed the family of Ibiam Junior(Terror) because of his hate towards Terror's older brother, Uche who is now facing murder charges. Why would you use a brother against his own brother and become simply because of your selfish ambition to become the oga kpatakpata of Afikpo politics, Mudi? You made Terror hate his own blood brother to the point that the duo could pull guns at each other. What type of human being are you, Mudi? If you had not instigated hate of Uche in Terror, Enyinnia, their cousin would have still been alive today and Uche wouldn't have been languishing in detention, leaving his wife and family to suffer.

Mudi you did DUFSET and enriched only yourself, leaving your members who toiled in the rain and in the sun, promoting the group more impoverished than you met them and you are happy, Mudi? Where are DUFSET properties because they are meant for Afikpo and Edda youths? The brand new computer 18 seater bus alone Governor Umahi donated to DUFSET for mobility worths over N15m. Even if it the bus was sold today, the money could be used to empower Afikpo and Edda youths. Where is the bus, Mudi? We are also demanding that you produce the five Siena vehicles which none was given to Edda youths that worked for us more than you did. We are not talking about millions of naira and bags of rice and contracts you executed and channelled all the money to Ughelli and bought only beer and Indian hemp for Afikpo and Edda youths.

Now, that you are through with milking the Ebonyi State Government with DUFSET, we strongly demand that you handover all DUFSET properties to Afikpo and Edda youths because the properties were not given in your name; you are only the custodian, having signed the properties as Initiator of DUFSET. You cannot be in possession of government properties which rightfully belong to the youths of Afikpo North and Afikpo South and be fighting the same government that gave them these properties. Note that these properties were not given to you by the PDP; they were given to you by the Ebonyi State Government and that Government is still in power.

Mudi, you are inviting curses upon yourself by fighting the same government you made so much money from and by impoverishing the same Afikpo and Edda youths who suffer for you to make this money by telling them that Governor Umahi never gave you any money for DUFSET whereas you collected several millions of naira in their name. The state government is currently making a compilation of all moneys, contracts and vehicles you, Anyim, Egwu and others collected and by the time it is published for Ebonyians to see, the youths of Afikpo and Edda will understand how much you have used them for your selfish gains as DUFSET Initiator.

Meanwhile, we reiterate that you handover the DUFSET computer bus and Siena vehicles to the youths because these properties are not your own and we are giving you 48hours to comply with this directive, failing which we use state apparatuses to recover the properties.

You have the right to be in PDP. We don't even want you in APC because you are a big political liability. But at the same time we won't allow you destabilize the government with your many lies and reckless utterances against us for your own usual selfish interests.

Just handover those properties and go back to your state let's see how you destabilize Delta State where you have a governor who is not doing better than Governor Umahi. It is glaring.

Afikpo and Edda youths we want it on record that Mudi used all the moneys meant for you in DUFSET to further enrich himself. Let him release those vehicles to you while we go farther from there.

Enough is enough.

AN OPEN RESPONSE TO SENATOR ANYIM PIUS ANYIM OVER HIS LETTER TO THE WONDER WORKING GOVERNOR OF EBONYI STATE (ENGR. CHIEF DAVID N. UMAHI)

CC;

1. The President, Federal Republic of Nigeria

2. Inspector General of Police

3. Director General, State Security Services

4. Chief of Defence Staff

MY RESPONSE

WHY ANYIM? MUST YOU ALWAYS FIGHT EVERY EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF EBONYI STATE....?

I ought not to have responded to the open insult/assault on our dear wonder working Governor by no other person than you "Sen. Anyim "A known serial fighter and distractor of every Government since the creation of Ebonyi State but for posterity sake.

It is rather funny and I'm surprised you can allow your Name on that ill fated letter/document which falls standard of any form of letter from a man who has once held the office of the President of the Senate and Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

It is more ridiculous that you can allow yourself to be used to concote stories of Rev. Ononye, Prof. Odoh and Charles Otu just to score a cheap political goal and undermine a Godsent Man, anointed for the BLESSING AND LIBERATION of Ebonyi State.

Let me tell you Sir, that I live here in Abakaliki and Edda, thus Ebonyians know the truth as we know who did what.

I want you to note as follows;

1. That your antics of fighting every elected Governor of our state is known to us and cannot work this time as Ebonyians are wiser. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.

2. That the BLOOD of innocent Ebonyians you and Senator Sam Egwu wasted in 2002/2003 is still crying for justice and we will not allow such again.

3. That for your information, Engr. David Nweze Umahi was already a complete and successful Man prior to 2015 election as he had excelled in the business world, was a one time State Chairman of the then ruling party and Incumbent Deputy Governor of dear State before 2014/2015.

4. That it beats my imagination that after you held our common patrimony hostage for years as you collected FUNDS made for the people's project, collected assorted brand new cars from the state government, you suddenly realised that all is not well.
WHO IS FOOLING WHO?

5. That I challenge you to make public your developmental contribution to our dear State having held many highly placed offices in this nation.

6. That instead of coming to unleash terrorism/violence on Ebonyians, it is better for you to go and answer for how you looted FUNDS meant for the Centenary City in Abuja.

It is on this note that I wish you to as a matter of urgency;

A. Stop forthwith, any form of insult/assault on the Executive Governor of our dear State.

B. Allow us enjoy the peace and tranquility we have here in Ebonyi State.

C. Display your scorecard for Ebonyians to see.

Senator Anyim it may interest you as well to know as follows;

I. That in the history of Ebonyi State, we have never seen a Workaholic Governor as Dave who as a Governor has transformed the State Capital "Abakaliki" to one of the best in Nigeria.
We're no longer been used as a jest point.

II. That the Flyover Bridges across the State was conceived and constructed by Akubaraoha/ FGN led by our dear President.

III. That Engr. Apostle DNU has made it possible through CEMENT TECHNOLOGY that nearly all the major villages in Ebonyi State are now motorable.

IV. That the transformation and relocation of the International Market was made possible by Engr. David Umahi.

V. That a visit to the new Government House constructed by the people's Apostle will help teach you some sense.

VI. That the Street Lights we are enjoying in parts of Ebonyi State was made available by Governor Umahi.

And so many other GIANT STRIDES.

As a young Ebonyian, I want you to understand clearly that never again shall we allow you use the BLOOD of Eboyians to satisfy you political urge.

I know that the same way you deceived most of us in 2002/2003 and abandoned us when it mattered most in the name of Abuja Group is the same FRAUD you have come to perpetuate again but unfortunately we know it thus you have FAILED even before you started.

You're resident in Abuja and hardly visits home, so allow us some peace here.

Thanks and God Bless My Governor...Our Governor...The Father of the State!

God Bless Ebonyi State and Nigeria.

It Is Well, To God Be The Glory.

Yours,

Comrade Okenwa Nnachi Uka JP.
Nguzu Edda
Afikpo South LGA
Ebonyi State